#I frigging love this little thingy now

[alicec-666]

"Wormhole in the bed of roses"

"The worants (half worm, half ants) are actually rather peaceful cretures: they feast on leaves, grass, seldom species of fruirries, such as appberry, bluerange or pinegrape. Sometimes they feast on the young too, but those times occur rather rarely in nature... Unless something is threatening them or their babies smell worse than usual. At any rate, only one in ten of those is lucky enough to grow into a complete adult and if they are by chance to find themselves a way to mating with their Queen, which is much rarer than you'd think, then the survival baby cycle starts again..."

(I was really bored so made this... Whatever this is XD Hope that Worants weren't anyone's idea just yet lol)

[theblogtini]

Could we do a tag about royal wedding looks? Like, what we:

(a) Thought Royal X would wear;

(b) Our thoughts on what they ended up wearing;

(c) And, looking back, what we would have advised them to keep or change.

I know you like Meghan’s wedding dress - I *thought* she’d go for a mermaid style with loose wavy hair and a glowy makeup look. I didn’t like the dress she chose and I thought her hair and makeup looked hastily done, and it was a huge misservice to her beauty. I would have at least advised her to better tailor the dress, go for a more glam/less sweated-off-during-a-fun-summer’s-day makeup look, and to let her hair out in long glossy waves.

I thought Eugenie would go for something frilly and ugly (sorry, Eug) but I don’t think I have a single criticism for her wedding do. I think it’s my favourite and she looked every bit the princess. Her tiara was made for her.

I actually don’t like Beatrice’s dress or tiara, I think they looked a bit too big for her :( It might be the added sleeves. But she did look like Ariel (ha ha). I thought she’d wear something more outlandish and wear the York Tiara. I would advise her to do an updo to let the dress shine (and maybe take it in a little bit).

With Kate, I only wish for a bigger tiara but I know that’s not who she is. I think her wedding dress is the most iconic and recognisable out of the lot. She looked breathtaking (though I know looking back the makeup might have been slightly too happy but I didn’t realise wearing my clown orange foundation.)

You know, reading what you THOUGHT Meghan would wear - I agree. I think when I pictured her wedding dress/glam in the lead up to the day I had a similar style to what she wore in mind, but a bit more tailored look that was more mermaid than trumpet -- a bit more "Hollywood Glam" than what we got. And I envisioned a cap-sleeve, similar to Princess Charlene's gown. Now that I think about it, I think Charlene's dress likely played a major inspiration for Meghan's gown but in the end Claire and her team couldn't pull it off. They tried to add sleeves and simplify the gown (no beads, no shimmer) and it ended up falling flat for some people.

For her hair, I think just about anything would have been better than what we got. I think I imagined a sleek chignon or something which if you look at some of the profile shots of her ceremony hair is what I think they might have been going for but it just didn't work out. In the photos of her in church you can see that her hair is coming undone at the front (not "loose tendrils placed here romantically on purpose" - literally it's just falling out) and I wonder if that has to do with the tiara not being "practiced" with before hand so they kind of just plunked it on her head and hoped for the best when pinning it in. Her hair dresser had no idea how to work with a tiara and it shows b/c there's a big gap at the front of the tiara where you can see the base and there's absolutely no "heft" behind it. They just sat it on her head and tipped it back a bit. (But it's still a frigging gorgeous tiara - perhaps my favorite of all British tiaras - so whatever.)

Eugenie's everything was perfection, the end.

I agree about Beatrice. I like the idea behind everything and I think - for her - it looked lovely (meaning no one else could have pulled it off) but I just don't LOVE it. I think you're right that it's the added puffy sleeve thingies that ruin it for me. And that tiara... I know it's The Queen's and all that but I don't like it. There's so much space between the fringes that it looks... unfinished? I was surprised she didn't wear the York tiara though - although perhaps she wanted to avoid comparisons with her mother and father's wedding since a) it ended in divorce and b) there's been so much drama surrounding her father.

I agree that Kate's look is probably the most iconic. I think that look si so engrained in my head that I honestly can't even picture what a larger tiara would have looked like. The dress itself was the show-stopping piece and it's possible that a larger tiara might have made the entire look feel "too much" - but the gown for sure took center stage. As I mentioned recently though, she definitely could have gone for larger flowers lol.

[latenightbotanist]

silo thots (part 2 technically i will try to not just say what i said when i initially listened to it)

and the i immediately repeat myself but decatur street guitar and taz amnesty guitar Have The Same Vibes and i am LIVING for these vibes makes me wanna stomp and dance and also learn to play guitar

new ladybug is.. smooth, but like velvet or satin.. og ladybug is peppy and jaunty and this version is still very lighthearted and happy but also more..resonant? like warm smooth wood and the hint of a smile

brown of gold verse chorus verse transitions are top notch, also that intense end part morphing into the record player ambience very good

follow through should be unbearably cheesy but somehow manages not to be? im impressed. the piano and guitar work together so well i never consciously noticed them separately.. feel like this one shows brians growth most of all songs, hes come so far since the yt version and it makes me emotional to think about so i simply wont (tight now...later though?oh boy)

tug of war kid is one of my favourite songs.  extremely satisfying base.envelops you. the whole song surrounds you and also thrums deep in ur bones (and, dare i say, soul). return of shakey percussion thingy pt.3 i seem to subconsciously love this instrument and really should find out what its called. the contrast of the soft high verses and the strong vocals at the end? sexy. lyrics? evocative. this song is understood with the heart as much as with the brain. just how i like it. also has bugs. im pro bugs.

i firmly expected to not cry, and i didnt cry per se, but i did get a lil misty eyed. i just love bigger sky so so so much. the guitar is beautiful, the vibes are impeccable, the lyrics are very much a big mood (and also what made me cry when i heard it the first time, i was not prepared for this one to hit close to home and listening again so intently made that more apparent again) and they make me feel a range of nuanced emotions; all three of them are singing which is just a straight up blessing, especially fond of the ‘out of the city’ bit. i am officially renewing my promise to learn to play this song. if i cant figure out the tab for uke then damnit i will make my tiny hands learn to play guitar. i love this song.so.much.

10/31 has excellent jonah vocals and great vibes.love the cello especially

this ones mine has simultaneously a very specific vibe and also the feeling of a random very vague childhood memory, something ordinary but just a snippet and you couldn't even say what it is a memory of, not just that you cant describe the details, but you are remembering something, a fragment of a complex emotion. idk. im not sure i understand the lyrics really but i also settled into not needing to understand them, i will simply vibe with this song

if must be a dream had existed in 2016 i wouldve cried over it so much and made even more art journal entries about it (saying this as if i didnt make a journal page based on this when it came out..) it has some really really good lines and again the kinda crescendo/build up of the instruments and also again the cello (contrabass?) its subtle in this one but its very very good

hhhhhhhhhhh see the day. i feel like everything has been said about this song already and yet i cannot shut up about it. its too good. its perplexing. i dont understand how this can possibly still hit so hard. at this point its not even connected to the emotional rollercoaster of dances moving. this song is just so so lovely(both versions in different ways but i will stick to silo version). the baseline in this song? ive actually noticed before bc it is just so frigging cool. and all the lil tinkling and soft backing vocals and idek what? distorted guitars? at the top they all make this version positively ethereal and its so delicate, somehow translucent? has the vibes of a steven universe sky at sunset. and then the drop(???) is like letting out a breath you've been holding for too long, its this simultaneously carefree and slightly melancholy dancing, a weight off ur shoulders but still a slightly heavy heart, eyes closed and not-quite-smiling-yet, but when the song is done you slowly come to a stop out of your last slow twirl and open ur eyes  as the percussion fades out taking most of the sadness with it and there it is a soft little smile

i had half a thought to make a fancy stab at newtons first lyrics and newtons first law but i dont think i can do that right now bc im too many thots head full (of emotions) and also i feel like im not the person to do this, idk i dont vibe as hard with newtons first as other people do, not bc i dont like it but it just doesnt connect to my experiences as much? i guess? anyways i am very in awe of jonahs songwriting for this one especially and also very much appreciate his voice

conclusion: silo !!!! good!! i wanna make art and also dance and sing and cry a little but like a cathartic soft cry, lie in a meadow, hug the moon and also sierra jonah and brian for being beautiful talented humans who shared this incredible gift with the world

[mahou-furbies]

Magical Girl Raising Project Limited - character design ranking

Captain Grace

An alright pirate design with enough little details that keep it from being forgettable (I especially like the anchor buckle on her belt, and the earrings and hooks on her hair). The spikes on the coat are what stands out most to me; makes me think of a Mario enemy or something. However I’m not sure how much of a Magical Girl design it is. Like pirates and frills already go together, so the well tested formula (put a miniskirt and frills on it and it’s a magical girl look!) doesn’t really do much. Maybe it’d be better if she had some cutesy detail in there somewhere? Also is that an tail again or what, or some kind of blunt hook? What is it with these unnecessary tails in Magipro designs. 6/10. 

Funny Trick

I’ve always liked Funny Trick’s look, and it’s probably because of the pleasant colour palette, unique eyes and two-tone hair (I’m easy to please with two-tone hair). The nail polish and colourful glitter on her fur are also good little details. But apart from that I guess this is only barely strange enough to be any kind of “magical” look rather than just an anime stage magician, but at least that’s pretty close to magical girls already. Also is that a frigging tail again?? At least it goes well with the hair I guess... 8/10.

Kuru-Kuru Hime

It’s a cute design, but when I think of a ribbon magical girl I somehow expected more ribbons? Like this feels like an the higher end of an average magical girl amount of ribbons? Or maybe it’s totally over the top and my perspective is just skewed since I love ribbons and want them everywhere. Either way I like her outfit from neck down, but I’m not that into the headgear, the combo of the bonnet thingy and the weird crown just sitting on top if it looks strange to me. Nice hair tho even if it could use more ribbons. 6/10.

Weddin

I absolutely love Weddin’s design. The muted and light colour palette is very appealing to me, and the dark chains break up the mostly monochrome design so it doesn’t look dull and faded and also give the otherwise super frilly appearance quite a lot of edge. There’s repeating elements (braids in her hair and veil, the same kind of flowers everywhere, flower yellow also appearing in her eye makeup) so it doesn’t get too complicated, and all of them go well with the wedding theme too. The flame... is a bit of an odd touch and I’d rather associate it with a birthday party or Christmas than a Wedding but I guess you can have candles at weddings too, and I don’t find it too distracting.

I’m not a huge fan of the lingerie like look though, but at least visible garters go with the wedding theme and she’s so covered in veils and frills that it doesn’t look so bad. Also the back train looks kind of lazy. But overall still one of my favourite Magipro designs. 10/10.

Rain Pow

A tail again! However this time I actually like it, since she has that rainbow hoop behind her it looks good to stick something through it, and at least it somewhat resembles her twintails. 

As for the rest of the design, it has zero frills and ribbons and looks more like some kind of scifi spacesuit than a typical magical girl design, but somehow I still really like it. I think the weird heart hair is just enough to pull it into magical girl territory for me so my impressions are more on the “an unique take on an mg look” rather than “not mg enough” side. Then all the rings keep the look consistent (I absolutely love the rainbow halo) and the suit itself looks alright enough. I also find it interesting how muted the suit colours are for a rainbow magical girl and even the rainbow is pretty pastel, but I figure this is a better choice than all the expected seven colours in all their eye-strainy glory. 9/10.

Postarie

Please put on some pants, that is a shirt and not a dress.

Not too interested in this one, but I find it a commendable effort on making a design on the idea of “postal delivery girl��. Still lots of repeating elements so that’s a plus, especially the back epaulette is such an absurd idea but somehow it works and its wings and the wing hairstyle add the required fantasy touch. Bonus points for the cute birds. 7/10.

Tepsekemei

An inoffensive genie design but I struggle to really have emotions towards it. Butt flower is silly and I have no idea what the things hanging from it are, but at least they’re consistent with her head decoration. Don’t care for the shoulder spikes in an otherwise soft looking design. Huge earrings and multicoloured nails are a nice touch. 6/10.

7753

Also one of my favourite Magipro looks. It feels like the design philosophy here was “gakuran jacket and some frills, and then some hearts. And more hearts! More! Even more!” and I think it’s a great way to go with when designing a magical girl. Using just hearts everywhere makes the outfit cohesive, but since they’re all implemented in different ways it doesn’t get boring. I especially like the little hearts on her hands and under the eye, and the one in her pocket.

Two-tone hair in twintails is also one of the best design elements out there and the hairstyle is quite memorable (and also manages to incorporate the heart motif) and I’m always a fan of caps too. The green eyes and the little bit of green nail polish which you unfortunately can’t see here go well with the otherwise reddish look. Maybe the hair looks a bit too clunky (I only just realised it appears to be tied in a hoop behind her) but I won’t let it bother me. 10/10.

Mana

A solid witch design, I especially love the dimensional cape and hat. I also like the huge collar with the lace detail, but I’m not sure if it works with the hat brim. Not a big fan of the hair, I think it clutters the design. The snake leg accessory feels weird and a bit out of place but I do appreciate the asymmetry and also having something dark to break up the otherwise plain bottom part of the design.. 7/10.

Gekokujou Hana

I tend not to be a huge fan of kimono-based clothes, but this one is an exception I guess. The great colours must play a part in it, and the bottom part is fun. Then the dangly decorations add the correct amount of strangeness so it’s not just a bunny girl in a mini kimono Also, another tail, but this time it’s almost a requirement and I love how ridiculously huge it is (and also repeats elsewhere in her outfit). But really I can’t think of anything to dislike about this, must be the colours and the tail. 10/10.

Archfiend Pam

I believe this is the record on how little clothing you can wear in this franchise... At least she has the personality to pull that off. But that is not a top! At least it’s something new...? The wings fit the description in the story, but I don’t think these blank rectangles look very aesthetically pleasing. I like the tail best, the fur edge makes it a lot more interesting than just the usual demon tail. I don’t know, if the theme is a sexy demon girl this design definitely accomplishes it in a unique way, but also I don’t care for this fanservicey designs. Also not a fan of the hair. 4/10.

Pythie Frederica

Before drawing her for the chibi series I thought she had some kind of a helmet but upon closer inspection of course it’s a veil. But what are the horns? 

Upon closer inspection this one is also very fanservicey, in that her “dress” is actually see-through and the only thing covering the critical areas look like thin belt-thingies. At least she doesn’t look like she’s ten... But a major issue I have is the bottom part of her outfit, like how is it supposed to work? Is it one big piece of cloth, or multiple thin ones? What is the “fire” behind her? Is the dark part her hair, or the clothing, and is it supposed to be black or just shading? I do like the stars; otherwise the design gives a more mature “sexy” air, but the little stars everywhere adds a cute element. The colour palette is pleasing, but as much as I like multicoloured hair it doesn’t grant points this time, because the wiggly stray strands look very out of place here and the colour change makes them even more noticeable. 2/10.

Tot Pop

This one really isn’t my aesthetic, I very much prefer the cutesy style and there isn’t really anything ‘magical girl’ about this design. And it doesn’t really evoke the supposed image of ‘pop star’ to me either, like if you remove the guitar I’d think her theme was a prisoner or halloween. Though I don’t really know what a ‘pop star’ should look like anyway, like can’t they wear anything they want, I know Lady Gaga had a meat dress or something. But as of this design, I don’t think there’s anything specifically wrong with it, the colours are pleasing, the details are consistent and it’s not bland or boring either, but it just doesn’t do much for me because of the theme. I like the blood-stained hair and the spiky hair accessory, the long hanging part makes for a nice silhouette. Meanwhile the skulls on her shoulders feel somewhat tacked on, and in general I don’t care for piercings in anywhere else than ears. 5/10.

Pukin

And it’s a tail again. What is it with the stupid tacked on tails on every other design in this franchise? Sometimes it’s not so badly out of place, like if you have an youthful cutesy design, a fluffy animal tail can still add to the cute effect even if it’s otherwise out of place. But Pukin is supposed to be this dangerous and majestic authority figure and a cutesy tail very much doesn’t fit that image. And while we’re on the topic of animal features, the story describes that she has a feather decoration in her hair, but the way it’s drawn as a tiny feather jutting directly up in the middle of her head gives me more the impression of a character whose theme is a baby bird rather than a fantasy prince.

Now that we’ve dealt with the tail let’s get the biggest issue out of the way: I’m aware that there was a time in history when people used to wear these kind of giant ruffled collars but I really don’t care if there’s some kind of history based reasoning. It looks like your head is on a plate and it’s something I can’t ignore. I don’t feel even clowns can pull that off. There is no way getting around this.

When I first read Limited I thought Pukin’s appearance was an absolute mess and an instant 1/10, but upon closer inspection there is stuff I like about it too. She has a good colour palette, great shoes and gloves, and as a friend of multicoloured hair I welcome the yellow hair tips. The big heavy cape balances the small top and pants, and I really like the fur. Earrings go well with the pants too. The theme is a bit confused, or at least I don’t know of any fairy tales about pumpkin prince, but it’s not like I would complain about pineapple or cauliflower princess so that’s not really a problem. 3/10.

Sonia Bean

And we end Limited with yet another excellent design. I like how this manages to look kind of tattered and messy without actually being gross and dirty with the patchwork dress, dustball-like thingies, newspaper clippings and asymmetry. Even her hair looks disheveled. The headgear gives the design an old-fashioned vibe which suits her well since she’s so old. The light palette, soft design elements and ribbons give the look a cute feel, but at the same time she feels suspiciously pale, and the manic expression screams danger, like you can’t reason with this girl. She’s like a ghost of a Victorian era child who wants to play with you but you know you definitely should not follow her.

The design only works if I don’t think too much about it though, like dust is gross and newspaper paper is crinkly and not soft at all, but since we’re magical girls here I can ignore that and enjoy the image the clothing evokes. 10/10.

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

Limited average: 6,9.

[misha-moose-dean-burger-lover]

Jack misunderstands what Valentine's Day is for and gets gifts for all 3 of his dads

Cas, Sam and Dean wait for Jack in the kitchen, sitting around the kitchen table. He's summoned them here, but now he's nowhere to be seen.

"What do you guys think this is about?" Sam wonders out loud, taking a sip from his beer.

"I only hope this isn't about Billie." Cas answers, gravely. "I don't want her to ask him to do any more than he already is." Sam nods, sympathizing.

"I was thinking more of a forced birds-and-bees talk." Dean muses, and the other two turn to give him a coordinated look of judgement. "What? It's happened before."

"Perfect." Sam glares at him. "Now that's all any of us are going to able to think about, when he comes in."

"S'not my fault," Dean shrugs. Cas just stays frozen, possibly horrified.

And then, Jack does come in. He carries in his arms, three large wrapped bundles. One of them looks like a box, the other two are definitely shapeless under the pink-hearts wrapping paper.

"Hello." He waves, putting the three things on the counter, and turning around to face them.

"Where the hell did you get wrapping paper?" Is Dean's first question, which is a little suspicion-provoking, but Sam and Cas are too occupied right now.

"What's this?" Cas asks, serious.

"Well." Jack beams at them, spreading his arms. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

There's a pause.

"Valentine's -" Sam repeats, incredulously. That's just ridiculous. Why would Jack buy them gifts for Valentine's? In all seriousness, he's like their son.

"Valentine's isn't for us, Jack." Cas blinks.

"Of course it is." Jack sounds like he believes the rest of them are trying to be funny. "I'd like you all to know that I love you!" He adds, as if it's the correct way to go about it.

"We love you too," Dean waves his hand in the air, dismissively. "But that kinda love isn't grounds for Valentine's gifts!"

"It -" Jack falters. "It isn't?"

Sam shakes his head. "Why did you think it was?"

"I'd gone shopping for, uh, Dean - and Megan at the cashcounter told me Valentine's day was when we told the people we loved, that we love them." Jack explains, earnestly. "And that made sense to me, so I thought of -"

"Oh, Jack." Castiel sighs, but it's a happy one, and then he's getting up and walking to his son, and Jack hugs him himself. "That's very sweet of you."

"It is," Dean agrees. "But this day's for the romantic kind of love, okay? It's for couples, and to be fair, highschool couples."

Sam gives him a look.

"What?" Dean snaps at him.

"As if you don't celebrate it every year." Sam rolls his eyes, unaffected by Dean's comment.

"I don't!" Dean recoils, probably over-defensive.

"Yeah, yeah. Tell that to someone who hasn't lived with you all their life." Sam frowns, turning back to Jack. "In fact, you know what, Jack? Let's do this. I'm going to show you how people actually celebrate this day."

"Sam, I don't think I want Jack going on a date -" Cas immediately begins, and Sam cuts him off.

"Of course not. He's hardly three, Cas. But I think he's old enough to witness you two celebrating Valentine's." Sam adds, smug, eyes shifting between Dean and Cas.

Dean instantly starts to blush. "W-what? That's fucking ridiculous. I -"

"I agree." Cas says, slowly, and Dean stops mid-sentence.

"You agree?" He turns to Cas.

As simple as that, Cas nods. "Jack should know, Dean. And obviously, Sam already knows."

"What should I know?" Jack pipes up, but Dean ignores him.

"It wasn't obvious until one frigging minute ago -" He says, starting to get agitated.

"It was always obvious." Sam says quietly, and Dean scoffs at him, for lack of a better response.

"Dean." Cas begins, in a more soft voice. "I'd like to give you your gift here. In front of our family. If you don't want to, it's okay -"

"Like hell I don't want to," Dean swears, scrubbing his face with his hand. Castiel's pleasantly surprised, and Sam does a double take. "I want to get this out with too, Cas. I've been thinking about it a lot."

Sam looks like he's about to choke on air.

"It's just -" Dean goes on, sheepishly. "If I'd had known this gift-giving was going to be - uh, in front of Sammy and the kid this time, I would've gotten you something else."

Cas melts into a smile.

Sam snorts, with the most exaggerated eyeroll yet. "Jerk, I swear if you're still doing those free-foot-massage-coupons thingy, I'm going to -"

"It's not a fucking massage, okay?" Dean throws back, reddening in the face, and then Sam stares at him for a moment, and then he looks at Cas - and the pink in his cheeks, as he smiles, and then it clicks in his head.

"Wow. Shit." He breathes out, inaudible. "I thought I was ready, I really did - but I'm really not. Whoa."

He looks like he might throw up this time, and somehow, that alleviates some of Dean's panic.

"What is it?" Jack enquires, innocently. "I don't think I get it."

"I'm glad you don't." Dean tells him, meaning it. "Cas?" He turns to his angel.

"I get it." Cas informs him, almost smirking.

"I know you do, asshole." It's Dean's turn to roll his eyes. "I just meant. Do you still want to give me your present in front of Jack? And, uh, Sam, if he stops looking like he's about to puke."

Cas smiles serenely at him, taking his hand in his. Jack starts to beam at that, his smile lighting up his face. Even Sam looks up, not wanting to miss it.

"I do."

*

Cas gives Dean his gift only after Jack returns from having excused himself to put the gifts away. (He'd declared that the three of them would only get to open them on Father's day, now. None of them had put up much of an objection.)

Cas's gift is a pendant. It's just a little bit like the amulet - only enough to remind the three of them of it, and it's apparently made of enochian verses alone - all condensed together, intricate poetry, to form a pale blue stone.

Dean doesn't even question it. If Cas can be a wavelength, then poetry can become stone. And Cas's eyes promise Dean that they'll read that poetry later.

Dean loves the sound of that.

And to top it all off, the stone's the shape of a rectangle, and bears a resemblance to the mixtape. Dean holds it in his hand, feeling all the profound meanings of his gift wash through him, while the three of them look on, Cas from right beside.

Once he puts it on, Dean pulls Cas in with a hand cupping his face, and kisses him gently.

This time, both Sam and Jack smile until their faces hurt.

[dragonwarriorgal]

Book corner 2 - The Start

Highlander Fever!

I’m sorry. 

So it begins one night when I was having a “craving” for a certain type of a book and there I stumbled upon Darkfever. The synopsis interested me, mainly because I am SO SICK OF VAMPIRE ROMANCE STORIES, THEY ARE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE I LOOK! I tried The Black Dagger Brotherhood but by god, I could not finish even the third of it

Anyway, back on track: So I found out my preferred “flavor” of such types of books were Fae lore/romance/story, basically anything to do with Fae. I found Darkfever to be interesting concept, though I admit it was hard to keep the interest when Mac was describing the horror or some feeling she felt of some object or person for THREE PARAGRAPHS until finally telling the reader what it ACTUALLY WAS she was seeing, and as I read the next book and the next I found that this was almost exactly like watching a TV show. I mean there is a HUGE story being told there with many beginning, middle and end that was in my opinion cleverly done. With even a good cliffhanger at almost each book to hook you in to reading the next one even though it was 11:30pm and you had work at 6:30am the next morning.

I felt like a drug addict. EVEN MY PARENTS CALLED OUT ON ME FOR NOT DOING ENOUGH CHORES AROUND THE HOUSE!

Anyway, in the end I love love loved it, sure it could be a little rocky at places and when it went into the “stuff” (couldn’t think of a clever innuendo)... I’ll let the gif do the talking

and after the binge read/watch of this amazing series came the emptiness and I did some digging around about the author because I didn’t want to get spoiled and to my surprise there was another series by this blond female author about this mysterious Adam Black and the Super interesting *cough*hot*cough* MacKeltar Druids.

So I jumped right into the first pool everyone warned me about was not that great of a temperature not until you get into the third or fourth pool...

...

Let me just lay this out in the open: I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS THE SAME PERSON WHO WROTE BEYOND THE HIGHLANDER MISTS AND THE FEVER SERIES!!!

BY GOD! I HAVEN’T SEEN THIS MANY CHARACTERS DO A FLIP SINCE THE FRIGGING OLYMPICS! 

It had it’s moments, confusing but nevertheless hot moments, but I knew I was in for a treat when I LAUGHED OUT LOUD FOR 5 MINUTES IN THE FUCKING THIRD PARAGRAPH. It was supposed to be serious, an innuendo for sure, but it was so cheesy I thought I would get a stomach ache or diarrhea at the end. To quote RDJ again

So instead of getting a good book/TV hybrid like her Fever series I got:

Two jealous Fae males dicking around dark and “long” haired, Braveheart Casanova in the 16th century by Outlandering a small, blond, virgin and a “beautiful-men-hating” woman from USA in the 21st century.

So I went to the next books synopsis and reviews and decided to skip 2&3, because IDGAF about 2 and I MIGHT go into 3rd, but we’ll see. 

But then the 4th is:

A small, blond and a virgin scientist from USA in the 21st century LITERALLY FALLS on a dark and “long” haired Highlander Druid from the 16th century in a coma and wakes him up. After realizing he really IS in the future, he must find a way to trust this wee lass he is falling hard for, to save the MacKeltar line in the 16th century by sending her back in time where he will lose his memories, and it is up to her to help him regain his memories by seducing the crap out of him. 

And the 5th:

A small, blond and a virgin antique expert from USA in the 21st century is trapped by the dark and “Long” haired twin brother of the previous book, because he is being possessed by 13 evil wizards for saving his brother’s life once using the time travel thingy from the Outlander series and together they must find a way through time travel paradoxes and the frigging Illuminati, but is saved by this mysterious (again might go into 3rd) Adam Black.

then the 6th(which I just finished):

Adam Black is being punished by the Faery Queen for his act in book 5 by being invisible in his favored glamour, a dark and “Long” haired Highlander blacksmith. A small, blond and a virgin, sidhe seer and a law student from USA in the 21st century happens to be the only one to see him and together they must find a way with the help of the MacKeltar Four to roll the events that lead into the Fever series.

....

Now there is a pattern here somewhere from this blond author, but I just can’t keep my finger on...

Now despite the fact that I am going to read the 7th book tomorrow, because it’s 11:30pm and I have work at 7am tomorrow. And despite the fact that I am starting to get sick and tired of the small blond American virgin falling in love with yet another dark and long haired Highlander and because English is my second language and I have a fucking hard time reading those accents and burrs and doona’s and whatnots. I freaking love reading about the MacKeltars! They were so interesting minor characters in the Fever series and there was CLEARLY a story about them that I was aching to read about. And when I found out that there actually is a whole series about them...

Despite the ABYSMAL rocky start, it has been a journey to see Karen’s writing bloom from an ugly, not well kept seed, into a heartwrenching flower. I look forward to reading Spell of the Highlander tomorrow after work and finish this series

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Runaan vs Viren’s Smoke Wolves: Damage Report

I’m so mean, I freely admit it. I love the rawness of physical conflict in stories, when characters must physically struggle against an enemy. It’s so relatable! I mean, we’ve all wrestled really hard with a sealed pickle jar lid before. it’s brutal.

So since I just headcanoned Runaan having to fight off Viren’s smoke wolves, and since I just so happen to have screencaps of every one of Runaan’s injuries (it’s reference for my fic, but still--aah, my poor baby), let’s unpack this, shall we?

Apparent injuries:

First, we see Runaan holding his abdomen. he’s lost his hoodie and his tunic somehow, and whatever protection they offered. He’s also breathing really heavily, like lots of things really hurt. Maybe like he can’t catch his breath. He could have torn muscles, internal bleeding, or a broken rib or two.

He limps, badly, and has to lean on the door frame for support to catch his breath. 

I’m guessing the leg injury is his left hip, since we see torn fabric there later on.

Ow. No wonder he only kneels in his cell, even though his chains would allow him to stand up if he wanted.

And there are two cuts there. That really looks like the work of claws or fangs to me.

A cut just below his shirt’s neckline. Could be from Soren’s sword. Or a fang or claw. Big swipey paw of doom, going for the neck?

Okay, this picture down here. I love this picture. So badass. And I, too, have bad hair days. Again with the relatability!

Runaan’s taken a beating here, poor guy. He’s got a sock to the jaw that’s left a hefty mark. It might even be swelling so much that it interferes with his speaking, but that might just be my interpretation of the animation.

He also has a black eye. Well, a blue eye. A right-handed human could have given that to him. Soren, I’m looking at you. Well, glaring.

And his hair. God, these goddamn elves and their long locks. I want to do all the brushing. Ahem. 

The animators took the time to show a loose, short lock across his forehead (more on that in the horn section below), and his side tails are disheveled. Possibly from violently jostling around with enemies. Possibly from getting grabbed or bitten. Eew, do smoke wolves have undead saliva? Gross.

And if you look closely, you can see that his braid has loosened and slid down his back.

It usually rides high against the nape of his neck, starting at a point even with the bottom of his ears, like so:

Here’s a rare rear view of it. I really like his hairstyle. I also like the idea that we so rarely get to see his braid because Runaan, being Runaan, doesn’t like to turn his back on anyone, including us. So thanks, animators and character designers, for having Runaan’s back. finger guns

Anyone with long, heavy hair can tell you that if you swing a braid around long enough, its own weight will start to work against it. Alternately, something could have gotten a hold of the back of his hair--while attempting to seize him by the neck, perhaps--and shaken him like a lion killing a gazelle.

Yeesh. Sorry. But look, he lived. It’s okay. You know, ish.

So, on that left horn, which you can see is clearly broken off:

It’s broken just above his horn cuff thingy. His are pretty and decorative, but I bet they’re made specifically to protect his horns from breaking too near his skull. That kind of injury could probably kill an elf. A smoke wolf could have gotten its jaws around the horn, with its front fangs nipping into Runaan’s hair, and just twisted. The uneven break seems to indicate torque was applied.

The length of that short lock of hair across his forehead would put its severing point pretty close to the area where his horn broke off. Could theoretically have happened in the same action.

I read this lovely meta on elf horns, and it made me sad, because it’s pretty clear that Runaan’s broken horn hurts a lot. Have you ever broken a bone? It frigging hurts. There’s this hot, deep ache that just screams that something is wrong. And it keeps on screaming.  Your first instinct is to protect it. Runaan would have fought against that instinct in order to successfully loose his arrow.

On top of that (as it were), his head would feel unbalanced from the loss of the horn’s weight. Maybe a bit like how you feel off-balance when one ear is plugged, like you want to shake your head to fix it, but you know that won’t help, and it might hurt like the dickens.

Hoo boy. I want to wrap this guy in bubble wrap for the rest of the show.

But I’m not quite done yet. 

Once Runaan’s ensconced in Viren’s cell, and inexplicably (coughClaudiacough) divested of his shirt and vest (bahaha, divested? okay, nvm), we can see that he’s got a hefty bruise on the front of his right shoulder. Which must have made pulling back his bow to fire the shadowhawk pretty painful.

Then there are the white scars across his chest. I’m mostly sure those are old injuries from previous battles, because fresh injuries seem to come only in blue. They look pretty badass. Will we get a flashback to the story of how he got these? I have three guesses who did it. Janai, in battle. Rayla, in practice. Or a dragon, playing with this tiny elf who got in its way.

Okay, whew. That was intense, even for me. You know when you think about something bad for a long time, even if it didn’t happen to you (or at all), your stomach gets upset? Yeah. Time for some chocolate ice cream. I’d give Runaan some, but he’s busy being shiny. 

My head loves this post. My stomach, not so much. I am so weird.

So, now that I have this damage report for reference, I might write up a scene where Runaan gets dogpiled by smoke wolves.

Haha, who am I kidding? I’m definitely writing that up. adds to the list

I was all set to kill whoever broke Runaan’s horn off and chopped his hair loose. But I’m a little daunted at how to kill already-dead magic wolves. I guess I’ll delegate that to Callum. He knows what he’s doing.

[gosecretscribbles]

Stanuary 2019 Week 3 Dreams

Smoll Stan gets an ear infection. Smoll Ford tries to help him out, but a much more sinister danger is coming for them from the very depths of the ocean...

“Did you hear that?”

“What?”

“That noise!  It's like...a flute, or something?”

Stanley opened an eye.  Ford was hanging over the top bunk, the rims of his glasses silvered with moonlight.  Normally Stan would love literally any excuse to get out of bed and check out weird noises that might possibly lead to finding buried treasure on the beach.  But he'd had an ear infection for the last few days, they didn't sell medicine for that in the drugstore, and sleep was the only time it didn't hurt.

“Well?” Ford prompted.

Stan closed his eye.  His head hurt all over and it felt like he was sleeping on a rock, not a semi-fluffy pillow.  “Dude, I can barely hear you through this ear stuff.  Just pretend I don't exist until morning, alright?”

“But I can hear it!”

“If you don't let me sleep I will Q-tip my ear and stick it in yours the first chance I get.”

Ford groaned and flopped back into bed.  Stan was pretty sure he was mumbling under his breath, although he couldn't hear it.  So he kicked the bottom of Ford's bed for good measure, heard a faint yelp, and rolled over, burying his face in his rock-pillow.

He was in the ocean.

The water was warm.  Not pee-in-the-water warm, but warm like a balm, like the summer sun on his face.  

His shoulders were cold.  He moved deeper into the water.  The sand was soft under his bare feet, and the sky was a soft blue, so it didn't hurt his eyes.  The water was wide and rippled like a million silver coins.  Except for that one part, a shadow under the waves.  It broke the surface –

“OW!”

He jerked awake when something sharp and painful jabbed him in the gut.  He heard a shout and a thump.  He rolled over and threw off the covers.  Ford was sprawled on the floor.  

“Did you just jump on my guts?” Stan demanded.

“No I didn't!” Ford protested, sitting up.  “I just – what – where are my glasses?”

“KIDS!” their mom bellowed.  “GET YOUR BUTTS DOWN HERE AND EAT!  IF YOU'RE STILL HERE WHEN I START WORK I'LL MAKE YOU BE THE SPIRITS AGAIN!”

Ford leaped to his feet.  “No-no-no, I am not participating in a mockery of science!”  

His brother rushed around the room.  Stan tried to join him, struggling to sit up, but for some reason his head was magnetically drawn to the sharp corner of the nightstand next to his bed.  The impact sent a sharp pain ricocheting through his skull and he fell with a shout, face-planting in the carpet.  

“Ow, ow, ow, lots of ows...”

A hand pressed on his back.  “Stan?  Are you okay?  It looks like the ear infection is causing either inflammation of or pressure on the inner ear –”

“Foooord...”

“Lost your balance.”

His brother propped him up against the bottom bunk.  His whole head felt like it was spinning.  

“Ford, do something science-y to make it stop.”

“I can't, I don't know how.  I can look it up at the library and go to the drugstore for ingredients, but it's gotta wait until after school.”  He felt Ford's fingertips barely brush his hair.  “Oh, man, it looks really red.”

“FIVE SECONDS UNTIL CHILD LABOR LAWS ARE BROKEN!” Ma shouted.

“Don't wanna go to school,” Stan mumbled, his eyes closed.

“I – I've gotta go, or I can't research how to cure you.  You sure you want to stay? I can just –”

“THREE SECONDS! I'M EATING YOUR BREAKFAST!”

Stan waved Ford off without opening his eyes.  He felt a gentle pressure on his forehead – Ford was pressing his forehead to his – and then the pressure went away and he nearly fell right over.  His brother threw a blanket at him and then he heard their bedroom door open and shut.  He'd barely pulled the blanket over himself before the door opened again and high-heeled footsteps clicked in.  

“Ah-HA!  Sleeping on the job, eh?  Got me a good little ghostie for creepy sound effects!”

Stan let out a groan.

“Perfect!”

She took him to the living room and sat him on the couch, still wrapped in a blanket, then got him his pillow from upstairs.  She kept him at a 10-foot distance (for contagion reasons) and basically told him to moan as much as he wanted.  So he moaned whenever it hurt, which was a lot.  Ma was practically beside herself with glee – all her customers stayed on the phone twice as long as usual, and she racked up over fifty dollars in the first three hours.

After that, though, Stan fell asleep.  

The ocean was so warm.  It was so warm and every part of him that was in the water didn't hurt at all. He bent his knees and plunged into it.  It shlooped over his head and he nearly cried with relief, his ears didn't hurt at all anymore. They felt good.  Better than good.  In fact, even though he was underwater, he could hear everything.  The cry of the gulls, the squeak-chirp of dolphins somewhere on his left, and someone singing.

Wait, someone singing?

He swam out deeper into the water, holding his breath.  (It was a dream, but still, he didn't want it to turn into one of those drowning nightmares.)  There really was someone singing, and it sounded so beautiful, like eating toffee peanuts but for his ears.  He swam harder.  There was a shape up ahead in the water.  He was close – if he could just hear the words –

“Stan.”

Something was poking his face.

“Stan, wake up.”

“Mmmmf.”  Maybe if he ignored them, they'd go away.

Then something grabbed his head, turned it sideways and poured ice in his ear.

“OW!  OW OW OW FORD STOP IT OW!”

“Hold STILL!”

“KEEP IT DOWN,” roared their father.  

Instantly both boys fell silent, but Stan kicked out and nailed his brother in the gut. He sat up, grabbing at his left ear.  Liquid slid out from between his fingers and he pressed around his ear, sure his brain was coming out.  

“What the heck, Sixer?!  That hurt so bad!”

“This hurt worse,” Ford groaned, grabbing the coffee table with one hand to help him stand and holding his stomach with the other.  “Geez, just take up kickboxing already.  Look, I'm sorry, but I've been trying to wake you up for half an hour.”  He took a pitcher off the coffee table and held it up.  “Apple cider and warm water.  For your ears.”

“Apple what now?!”

“It's perfectly safe!  It's got acetic acid in it!”

“Acid is bad, Sixer!  And it's frigging ice water!”

“I promise it's not.”  Ford took a step closer, looking wary but worried.  “I heated it and checked it on my wrist like Ma showed me and everything.  I even put a drop on my own ear with the baby syringe, just to triple-check.  I gotta clean it off before I do your other ear, though.”

Stan tried to wipe his face off on his sleeve, but tilting his head made the whole world slant.  Ford took a towel off the coffee table and handed it to him.

“Just rest, okay? I'll be back as soon as I clean this off.”

Ford scooped something off the carpet and hustled to the bathroom.

Stan leaned back and stared at the ceiling.  Now both ears hurt and his left ear was waterlogged.  It was like getting swimmer's ear, but with pain.  Hey, maybe that's why he'd been dreaming about the ocean lately.  'Cuz with the swimmer's ear and the infection...they both...a-sock-ated?  Assur...assim...whatever.  One of Ford's words. It a-sucked either way, though.  

“Stan.”

He jolted awake, one hand automatically clapped to his left ear.

Ford immediately jumped back with both hands over his stomach.  “Easy!  You just fell asleep again.”

Stan smirked.  “You may approach, minion.”

“Ha, ha.  Look, I have something to take your mind off it while I do the other ear.” Ford grinned, reached into Stan's pillowcase, and pulled out –

“DUDE!  Where did you find –”

“I SAID KEEP IT DOWN!”

He dropped to a whisper.  “Where did you find a message in a bottle?!  What's it say, is it a treasure map?!”

Ford grinned and handed it over.  The glass was all clouded and smooth, probably from being thrown around for a long time in a bunch of sand.  There was a cork jammed in the top and sealed with something black and shiny, like hardened tree sap.  

“Cool, right?” Ford whispered.  “I don't know what's in it – I found it the day before your ear infection started hurting, and kind of forgot about it.  I was going to show you, though!  I even put it under your pillow.  But I haven't opened it yet.  The glass is really tough, I tried banging bricks on it and it didn't even crack, and the stopper's sealed up tight.”

“Pfft. Your arms are like cooked spaghetti.  Betcha I can get this open.”

“Definitely! Also –”

He squirted stuff straight into Stan's right ear.  Stan yelped and nearly dropped the bottle.  

“Dude!” Stan hissed, without any real heat in it.  Except that he couldn't hear his own voice; it was like everything was underwater.  (Well, his ears were, anyway.)  Ford grinned, shrugged, and said something, tapping the bottle.  “IIIII caaaannn't heeeeaarrrr yyooouuu,” Stan said slowly.  

Ford rolled his eyes.  He tapped both ears and then did a thumbs-up with his eyebrows raised.

Stan huffed but did a thumbs-up back.  Then he settled down again while Ford went to the kitchen, probably to eat dinner with Ma and Pa. Stan wasn't really hungry.  Thirsty, though.  But he didn't want to get up to get some water.  The way his head was feeling, he'd practically have to crawl to the kitchen, which was only fun to do when you were trying to be annoying.  It felt a little different when you had to do it.  And in front of Pa, too.  

Instead he went to work on the bottle, working his fingers around the cork, trying to bite the hardened sap off.  (Ow – biting sent more pain straight through his ears like hot pokers.  Maybe not the biting.) Maybe he could melt it off?  Or get a crowbar!  One of those little prong thingies would fit, right?  But that would also involve getting up.  Okay, maybe if he just tried twisting it.  Or wiggling it.  What if he tried to jam the cork in? Like so far in that it popped down into the body of the bottle? That would work.  Or maybe...

Stan was definitely close to the shape now, but the singing was still hard to hear.  How did that work?  Did his dream count the apple vinegar or something?  That was so not fair.  And it was really pretty.

Closer.  The shape was getting clearer all the time.  Wait – he'd thought it was in front of him, but now it was a little below.  An optical illusion?  He kicked and dove down, stroking hard.  It was like the shape was always several yards in front of him.  But he was gaining on it now.  He could make out a wavy thing on top, like hair, and a pair of arms.  But instead of legs –

A mermaid!  It was totally a mermaid!

The sea babe drifted up to meet him, smiling, as if she knew that he'd finally figured it out.  He grinned and waved at her.  He opened his mouth to toss out a killer pick-up line, but cold water rushed in – shockingly cold, even though all the water around him was warm.

She laughed.  At least he thought she did.  It was muffled and hard to hear, even though they were only a few feet apart.  Aw, c'mooon, why do ear infections count even in dreams?!

She took his hand and drew him down, her fin flicking gently against his own legs.  Her mouth was moving. He could sort of hear her singing.  He moved a little closer, like he was trying to wrap himself up in the song.  He'd never heard anything that sounded like that, anything that made him feel so good.  It was like being wrapped up in love.

Except for the ear part. The farther down they went, the more his ears were really hurting.  He tugged at his hand.  He wanted to stop for a second, maybe go back up, but he couldn't stand it if she stopped singing.

She pouted, then gestured with her free hand at the darkness below.  Stan's eyes went wide.  It wasn't darkness!  There was a whole kingdom of glittering gold down there, full of sunken pirate ships and gold coins and towers of coral and gold coins and little darty fish and gold coins!

He grinned and she seemed to laugh again, but her laughter was part of the song.  It was making him sleepy and he had to remember to hold his breath, to keep his eyes open.

She led him down, down, into the underwater El Dorado.  Stan's head was really hurting now and he could barely hear her song, but no way was he going to miss this!

They swam past a column of coral, loaded with treasures that had drifted down from the pirate ships. He passed a polished golden plate and turned to grin at his reflection.  But instead of himself, he saw –

“Sixer, NO!”

He fell out of bed, fingers scrabbling at the carpet.  Bed?  Bedroom?! What – no wait – what...?

It took him a second to orient himself.  The room was dark, the moon was out, and the house was quiet - had to be midnight, maybe even the next morning.  His heart was still pounding. It was probably just a dream, but he had to check. He did he scrambled up the ladder to the top bunk.

Ford was gone.

Stan jumped from the top of the ladder, hit the floor with a thud and took off at a run.  He slid down the banister and dashed to the kitchen.  The back door was open and he sprinted through it, heading straight for the beach.  The dream was real, somehow it was horribly real and he had to get there before –

“Sixer!  SIXER, COME BACK!”

He reached the shore and scanned to his right, then left.  Clouds covered the sky. Too dark to see, but the sand was unbroken.  No, no, he knew Ford had come out here, even if the tide washed the footprints away. Had to be out in the water.  Had to look for a dark shape.  He'd find him, he'd find him in time, he just had to –

The clouds parted and a sliver of moonlight shown through, right onto a dark shape flickering through the water.  

THERE!

He plunged into the ocean.  

It was freezing cold and seemed to cut at his skin like razors, drilling into his ears like serrated ice.  He ignored it and stroked as hard as he could.  When he thought he reached where the dark shape had been he plunged down.  

For some reason he could see better down here than he could above the water.  Then he realized why.  Ford's glow-in-the-dark star pajamas were lighting up the water around him, and there was something with him, lurking at the edge of the circle of light, slowly dragging him down.  

Stan dove, spreading his fingers like fins and pumping his legs.  The merjerk must've seen him coming because suddenly Ford dove down – she was dragging him down!  Stan tried to follow but the pressure was screaming in his head, he was running out of air, and the water was forcing him back up!  

He bellowed with rage, stuffed his hand into his pocket and reared back, taking aim. The slingshot zinged right passed the siren's head, missing her by inches.  She shrieked, baring a mouth loaded with sharp teeth – he didn't remember those in the dream – and grabbed Ford's stupid grinning face.  It looked like she was going to kiss him, suck out his soul and drown him, or both.  

Stan kicked down and fired again, and again.  The second time he nailed her in the cheek, then the eye.  He snarled with satisfaction as inky blood filled the water.  

She clapped a hand to her face, shrieking with rage.  Stan cried out.  Her scream was like knives in his head, in his lungs, all the pain he'd ever felt at boxing all rolled into one.  Water rushed into his lungs and he convulsed.

Agh!  Sixer!  Get Sixer, get Sixer!

He forced himself to look around in time to see the siren kick Ford with her fin as she fled into the depths.  Ford was already writhing and choking, disoriented.  Stan coughed – couldn't help it – but Ford was slowly floating up and Stan grabbed his wrist before swimming as hard as he could to the surface.  

It seemed to take forever.  A forever of his lungs full of ice and death.  But they broke through into the sweet night air and coughed and coughed until it felt like their throats had been raked with nails.  

“You – you idiot,” Stan finally said, when he could talk.  His voice came out all hoarse like an old man's.  “That bottle – was curse – was cursed – I'm gonna kill you.”

Ford was coughing so hard his eyes were watering.  “Wouldn't that – defeat the – purpose of saving –”

“Fine but I'ma dunk you if you don't shut up!”

They made it back to the shore and crawled out of the water, shivering.  The currents had carried them a solid mile to the south, so they had some walking to do.  In the cold.  While wet.  And barefoot.  

“If y-you catch a c-c-cold from this I'm going to s-sit there on your b-bed and laugh at you,” Stan grumbled.  “F-for an hour.  Straight.  W-without pausing.”

“Y-y-your-r e-e-ears,” Ford chattered.  His teeth were clicking together so hard Stan could hear them.  “Are-are y-you ok-k-k –”

Stan winced.  “Well they weren't hurting until you said something.  Thanks a lot.”  They did actually feel better, though. Maybe the acid really did do the trick.  At the moment pouring water into his head didn't sound so bad.  

“It t-t-tricked m-me,” Ford said.  Stan glanced over.  Ford looked equal parts fascinated and betrayed.  “I d-don't unders-s-stand.  Is it b-b-because I f-found the b-b-b-bottle?  B-but you had it, t-too. W-why was I th-the only –”

“Ear inf-fection,” Stan said.  “I c-couldn't h-hear it as w-well, even in my s-sleep.”

“You d-d-dreamed it?!” Ford's whole face lit up.  “Wh-wh-wh-what ex-ex-actly d-d-d-d–”

“Nuh-uh.” Stan bumped his brother with his hip.  “I j-just saved your sorry b-butt.  Your sorry, very soggy butt.  No weirdness interviews unt-until tomorrow.  And if you p-put anything in my head to experiment with my ear infection I will wield Q-tips in a most nefarious way.”

This is definitely my favorite Stanuary piece so far! ^,^

wkh erwwoh frqwdlqv d qrwh zlwk wkh vluhq'v fxuvh zulwwhq rq lw.  dqbrqh zkr frphv lqwr frqwdfw zlwk wkh erwwoh uhfhlyhv wkh fxuvh dqg ehfrphv vxvfhswleoh wr wkh vluhq'v hhulh vrqj.  xqohvv, dssduhqwob, brx kdyh dq hdu lqihfwlrq lq erwk hduv.

[etudaire]

A big bang of “how to” stuff

There I was again tonight forcing laughter faking smiles so I made up this long ass post for y'all!

So you a potato. Me a potato. World conquered by we potatoes. But potato need survival tips. So your brotato (get it? Bro potato?) help you out. Yay potato. Go go potato.

Study related stuff :

1. Get good grades

Catch concepts, not chapters. Your portion is most likely gonna be super vast, so it’s helpful to know a little something from every chapter rather than knowing just 50% of your syllabus.

Figure out which concepts are important and master them.

Keep all assignments completed at least 1 day before submission date. This isn’t always possible but trust me if you do this you’re guaranteeing marks for proper submission. Job done early? Proof check and add touches to enhance that essay!

Let the teachers know that you’re working hard. I actually passed math because my math teacher knew I was working super hard on my math skills. Participate in the class, gather a bunch of doubts and then dump them on your teacher when the chapter ends.

Try not to miss lectures because chances are you’ll remember that silly mnemonic your friend made up in class and get the answer correct.

Analysis of your exam type is super important. Want me to make a long ass post about it?

2. Be more productive

Having a stuydjo/bujo by your side helps hella lot.

Plan plan plan. Lists, organise lists and colour code them. Basically become Monica Geller Bing and you’re set for life.

Motivational quotes from pinterest almost make me guilty for not being productive and force me to do something.

Before starting your study session, dance around to upbeat music for like 5 minutes. You’ll see the difference I promise.

Seek out inspiration from your smart friends /tumblr friends /people you look up to by constantly reminding yourself about them. I always think of hermione granger because even randomly picturing her with books in my mind ignites that badass boss feeling complying me to study tf up.

3. Manage your time

Studyjo/bujo saves your life.

Wear a watch all the damn time, it will remind you of how much time you’re spending doing nothing. You’ll end up saving several extra minutes!

List out what you’re gonna do every hour of the day on a sticky note and refer to it when you feel lazy.

Get a super nice friend /parent /sibling who will constantly remind you to utilise your time.

Think of time as currency and pretend that it’s all a game where you need to save up as much money as you can to become a billionaire. Save up your time and become rich af.

4. Avoid procrastinating

Stduyjo/bujo again. You know the drill now.

A little bit of exercise before starting work generally works you up and sets the correct mood.

Knowing how ahead your friends are from you often makes you wanna catch up so try getting that motivation.

Set goals + rewards that actually matter to you. Maybe a face care spa day isn’t your thing but munching on a snickers bar is. Treat yo self.

Tell someone a detailed plan of what you are going to accomplish the next day. Now whenever you see that person you’ll want to prove to them that you’re doing what you promised. Or the guilt may drive you too.

Appearance related stuff :

1. Look more put together

Try the lipstick trick. There are days when you do not have the time /want to put on makeup, so just put on a lipstick that matches your outfit and you’ll automatically create an illusion of being more put together, boss af and fabulous.

Try out cheap (potato can’t afford sorry) but elegant accessories. If it’s a necklace try tucking it under the collar of your shirt and see the magic. Stick to one staple accessory that’s gonna be your trademark.

Tame that mane potato. Your hair isn’t gonna detangle itself. You gotta do it. I mean, don’t you love your hair?

Minimalistic colours rock. Some outfits never go old like flannels or white shirts or black dresses.

2. Feel beautiful

The lipstick does the trick for me.

Putting my hair in a sky high ponytail makes me feel like I’m a queen or something.

Save little compliments for yourself as reminders and when you get them you’ll feel 10x more beautiful than before.

Mind related stuff :

1. Deal with burnout/slump

Try to accomplish super tiny stuff. Break down every task into micromolecular basics.

Give yourself a ted talk. It works.

Sometimes the best way of dealing with burnout is by detoxing from the thing that caused burnout. Stay away form books and after some time you’ll actually want to study.

2. Study with slumps/mental illness

Step one is to finish homework /assignments. If you can concentrate on them, you’re good to go.

Do not take up a lot of load, just skimming through textbooks, reviewing notes, going over flashcards should do the trick.

If you desperately need to get shit done, just ignore the fact that you do not want to do it. It’s harsh on your mind but desperate times require desperate measures.

Avoid forcing yourself to study because you’ll not retain info like that.

Take it easy. But consistently. Maybe just one topic a day. But do not miss a day. A steady everyday practice goes long way in the future.

3. Strengthen self control

There are several apps that can help you with this, like forest. My top pick is the Tide app which has a gorgeous interface and super aesthetic timers with new pictures everyday. I shit you not every time I quit my pomodoro I feel the guilt of having killed 1000 puppies its worse and I avoid doing that at all costs.

If you study in your room, keep your phone in the kitchen for some time. Your lazy ass is less likely to get up and use the phone.

Switching the phone off before starting a study session works because I care for my phone like a baby and it feels horrible to switch it on and off and on and off.

Practice 30 minutes of digital detox everyday. You don’t have to study at that time, just stay away from everything that is technology. Read and book, eat a fruit, make a sandwich, paint, sing, dance, exercise. Study if you want. Just no gadgets.

4. Deal with stress

Yoga works. Potato body ain’t that flexible so just breathing exercises for a start is also enough.

Highly recommended : brain dump every night before sleeping can ensure that you’ll not stay up too late pondering over the meaning of your existence and world politics.

Having a hearty talk with someone you trust will also lift weight off your chest.

Pin point the cause of your stress and annihilate the problem. Slay it.

Life related stuff :

1. Drink more water

Carry a cool ass bottle of water with you every frigging where.

Make it a rule to have a drink everytime you go to the loo or you take a bath /shower.

Replace one of your daily caffeines /sugars with water. You don’t have to get rid of coffee because that’s just non potato ish, but maybe that third cup could be replaced with water.

Try a game thingy. Maybe everytime the word ‘procrastination’ pops in your mind take a drink. Wow, I’m so creative *sighs for eternities*.

2. Be more healthy

5 minute stretches right after getting up works you up.

Try one of those YouTube videos of 15 minute workouts. You can have 3 such workouts through the day and call yourself a fit potato.

Replacing one packet of junk food with nuts/fruits also works.

Everytime you hear someone say something related to money, have a banana. Random much? Nope, bananas are known to increase hormones that make you happy in your body, meaning you’ll feel full and happy. Maybe offer the person a banana too.

3. Be more happy

Eat bananas!

Take pictures of things you love, not things your followers love.

Puppies are a source of eternal joy.

Reading goofy/cheesy/romance books make you giggle and feel good in general.

Watching cheesy films or good ass romcoms works just well.

Friends was created for a reason.

Writing down what you accomplished today gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. Take that shit.

Tumblr has shitposts made basically to make you happy.

4. Find your true calling /figuring tf out what you wanna do with your life

Lists lists lists. Subjects you love, you hate, you’re good at, you suck at.

Consulting your teachers, family etc and find out what they think you’re good at. Sometimes other people can see traits of yours better than you.

Career tests rock.

You’ll figure it out in the end somehow.

And that’s about it for now folks, hope this helps. See y'all laterz~

Etudaire ♥

[amidalascouture]

Five things Obi-Wan Kenobi

I decided to do a little headcannon thingy :) ( @darthcuddles )

1. Padawan Kenobi was much worse than Skywalker. It was so bad that every trace of his padawan years had been deleted from the archieves. No one talks about it and Anakin now thinks that his Master had always been the most proper jedi.

2. Obi-Wan loves the gardens, sadly he has quite the opposite of a green thumb. He even was able to kill off a cactus from frigging Tatooine, a plant that you theoretically cant overwater or dehydrate. 

3. Until his late twenties all attempts to grow a beard resulted in a patchy disaster to his frustations

4. As a youngling in an act of rebellion he got a fake accent. Because he used it so much, it got stuck. Nowadays it is known as his posh Coruscanti accent.

5. He is Anakins biggest enabler sometimes. The Tooka the boy saved? Obi-Wan saw it first, but as a proper jedi master he could not smuggle it into the temple. So he made sure that his apprentice saw it and orchestrated the successful smuggling action later from behind the scenes. Anakin was none the wiser.

[blackcuttingmoon]

((Cuties, just a little /lies/ PSA. If u wanna skip explications, go back to the asterisk~*

I know that lately I’m being more online and I’m glad that I can do it, but I warn you that it will highly depend on the days in the next future.  I’m doing too many things right now: mainly working and studying, together with going out and work in other thingies like cosplay. Some of my closer friends know that I’m not fine at my place of work. To be honest, since I started a year ago, it has been a torture, even more when all the coworkers at my section left because they were sick of this frigging place. I work seven hours 6 days a week, non-stop, in constant stress, having to do as if I was the boss when I am not paid for it. It has been quite awful, to be honest. I’ve never felt more alone in my life, since I was left in charge of everything when I was only 3 months old in this place.

I’ve been having troubles for breathing since two/three weeks ago and tonight (a couple of hours ago) it was so awful that I had to go to the doc, thinking it was asthma or something like that. Dun worry because everything was fine.

So, the doc told me that it’s because of work and because I seem to remain active even when I leave because of the stress and tension. XD Also, since I’m studying, I’m not really having time for resting for real, beyond a couple of naps. So my body has finally said: NOPE. Not anymore.

*Resuming everything, I’m gonna try and take care of myself more and if that means taking time off tumblr and away from studying, I will do so... And work, already counting the remaining days (like three months) until I leave it. So don’t fret if I go back to be less active. However, I will try to not do so since tumblr really is one of my happiest moments of the day and I think that it’s very positive for me. I just won’t get nervous when I see tons of asks or threads. I will go slow and nicely. I will take my time for answering ims, etc.

Thanks for reading. Love you all. And thank you for your constant support.

Cris~))

[ahumanfemale]

Snipe Hunting

Snipe Hunting

Summary:  Donna goes on a hunt with Dean.  Dean has ulterior motives.

Author:  (A)HumanFemale

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Donna Hanscum

Warnings:  None

Chapter One:  Cursed Objects

“So, explain to me again what I'm doing here?” Donna asked as he parked Baby off the side of the road, hoping to get as close to his previous tire tracks as possible so Donna didn’t notice them.  

“Cursed object,” Dean answered, killing the engine and pocketing his keys.  “We’re going to hunt for it.”

“And Sam didn't want to come?”

“Sam wouldn't be able to do anything,” he replied as he reached for the door handle, “It's got a certain set of requirements.”

She swallowed and followed him out of the car.  “I don't like the sound of that one bit.  It sounds like you’re going to throw me into a volcano.”

“No volcanos, I promise.  It just has a thing for hot blondes.”

She balked, leaning against the side of the car. “What?  That’s it?”

“Yup.  I wouldn’t be able to see it - that’s why I need you.”

“I thought you needed me because you had a thing for hot blondes,” she teased, stepping close.  Dean grabbed the hem of the sweatshirt he’d loaned her for the hunt and pulled her close, stealing a quick kiss.  Her wavy hair was loose and his fingers itched to run through it.

“I have a thing for one hot blonde.  Especially in those tight jeans and my shirt,” he answered and Donna’s skin flushed, from the tips of her ears to her toes.  He had long since memorized everywhere that blush would have shown up but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to rediscover it at the earliest opportunity.  Maybe once this was over, if everything went like he wanted it to.

Winding up with Donna had been hard going - it turned out the two of them never did anything easily.  It was a lot of wasted time, agonizing over who didn’t deserve who and who deserved a normal life without the other one in it.  Dean was an emotional trainwreck and Donna was a burned divorcee not really looking to repeat the experience.  But God, when he touched her.  When he touched her none of that mattered because she was so goddamn gorgeous and happy and she made him feel like all the nasty shit that’s happened to him the last few years didn’t matter as much as he thought it did.

In the end, Donna drew her line in the sand.  She was going to love him whether he liked it or not, was going to want him no matter what he thought of himself, and he could either get on board or learn to keep his hands to himself. 

Getting on board was the smartest decision he’d ever made.

“Aren’t you going to open the trunk?” Donna asked him once he stepped away and headed to the mouth of the forest a few feet away.  

“No, why?”

“We’re not taking a weapon?”

“We don’t need one,” he answered and saw the reluctance on her face.  He sighed, turning back to her.  “Donna, would you feel better with a weapon?”

She nodded enthusiastically.  “Yes.”

“Alright,” he said, opening Baby’s trunk.  He didn’t want to argue or she’d figure it out.  He watched her eyes glance over her options, lingering just a little too long on the grenade launcher.  Barely suppressing a grin, he nodded in approval when she picked an old wooden baseball bat.  

“Good choice,” he told her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.  “Don’t hit me with it.”

She winked up at him.  “Don’t sass me and I won’t have to.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

They took off at a leisurely pace as they worked their way into the forest, following the path for the moment.  The sun was setting behind them, throwing golden light over everything around them.  Fall was in full swing, letting a chill loose in the air that had him pulling his coat a little tighter around his shoulders.  He was suddenly happy he’d insisted on Donna bundling up before they’d left.  And If she happened to be warmer in one of his sweatshirts, so be it.  He had a possessive streak that reveled in the visual reminder that she was his.  

After a few minutes, they veered from the path.  Dean had mapped their course out almost exactly, telling her that he had an idea where the object was hidden but needed her help finding it once they got there.

Donna swung her leg over a fallen tree.  “Is there some reason we have to do this now?  It’s getting dark.”

“Witching hour,” Dean said by way of explanation.

“Isn’t that the middle of the night?”

“Not for this witch.”

She shot him a skeptical glance.  “If you say so.”

Donna was too trusting of him, Dean decided with a half smile.  If they ever had to tangle with a shifter again she was toast.  He trudged through the woods, ever so slightly behind her.  The leaves had finally turned colors and hit the ground, making a carpet on the forest floor in varying shades of red and gold.  Perfectly as planned, if a bit late.  Fall had taken for-frigging-ever to get there, meaning he’d had to put off this hunt way longer than he’d originally planned.  

“So, how’s work?” he asked as they walked.  “That new deputy still giving you hell?”

“Nah, I’ve just about got him under control,” she answered, swinging the baseball bat distractedly at her side.  “He’s just gotta make peace with the fact that I’m the head ‘B’ in charge.”

Dean laughed.  “I feel like a head ‘B’ in charge would actually say the word.”

“Not this one.”  She bumped his shoulder with her own.  “Don’t make fun of me.  It’s not my fault I never had a rebellious stage.”

“Says the woman trouncing through the woods with a felon and a baseball bat.”

She stepped out in front of him, swinging the bat up to rest on her shoulder.  “You worried, handsome?”

“Of you with a weapon?  Every damn day.  I’ve seen the way you look at my grenade launcher.”

“It’s the exactly same way I look at you,” she told him, standing on the tips of her toes to press a kiss to his chin.  “Like I can’t wait to get my hands on it.”

She was making it very difficult to stay on task.

“Come on,” he said, turning her shoulders back around setting her walking again.  “I’ll be happy to discuss that further once we’ve taken care of this.”

“Funsucker,” she teased but let herself be guided.

His spot came up earlier than he was expecting.  He'd barely gotten the nerve to go through with it, but now Donna was looking straight ahead and gripping the bat a little harder, until her knuckles turned white.  

“Dean?” she asked over her shoulder.  “Are you seeing what I'm seeing?”

“What?” he replied, playing dumb.  

“The tree.”

“What about it?”

“It's glowing.”

“Huh,” he deadpanned. “I told you only a hot blonde could see it.”

Donna stepped forward, bringing the bat up.  The hole in the wide oak tree was lit up from the inside, resulting in the glow Donna noticed. Dean had accomplished it by lining the space with little LED candles he found at the dollar store but she didn't know that.  She thought it was magic and treated it like a hunter would - a potential threat.  It made him proud to see her suspicion.  Only an idiot with a death wish would go rooting around in a tree for a cursed object without a second thought.  But his Donna was smart and tough, so she might end up smashing it to bits before she ever realized what it was.

“Is it going to give me boils if I touch it?” she asked, doing her best to get an eye on it from afar.

“Not that I know of,” he answered, shoving his hands in his pockets.  “See if you can grab it.”

Dean rocked back on his heels, nerves getting the best of him while he watched her approach the object.  The sun continued to lower itself toward the horizon as she picked up a scrap of lacy white fabric - part of a tablecloth he’d liberated from storage in the bunker.  Her fingers brushed the object under the cloth and his blood pressure hit the roof.  God, what had given him this stupid idea?  Why hadn’t Sam and Jody stopped him?  They sucked.  They were getting a piece of his mind when he got back.

“It’s some kind of box,” she said and he could hear the confusion in her voice.  Her grip on the bat tightened again.  He suspected that she’d knock the box into space if it so much as rattled at her.  “Should I open it?”

Jesus.  Fear clawed at him until he felt like he was going to collapse on the forest floor.

“Yeah,” he answered.  “Go for it.”

Some part of him receded to the back corner of his mind while she took the box out of the tree and opened it, the silver ring glinting in what was left of the sunlight.  Ever the hunter, she noticed the runes engraved into the outside first.  Trying to place them as something nasty she’d tangled with already.  She took the ring out, turning it around in the light.

“Is this the cursed thingy?” she asked, holding it out for him to examine it.  Finally, her eyes caught the engraving on the inside.

Always.  Dean.

“That’s it,” he confirmed as her jaw fell open, eyes the color of hot coffee darting to meet his.  

“This is…”  She swallowed hard, still holding the ring between her fingers.  “This is a fake hunt, isn’t it?”

Dean balked.  “What?”

“You took me snipe hunting!” she cried indignantly marching over to demand an explanation.  

“I-I’m sorry,” he stammered.  God, this was going down in flames right in front of his eyes.  This was his punishment for trying to be romantic.  He should have known not to venture from his comfort zone.

“And I fell for it!” she marveled.  “Like an idiot teenager with a crush, I just let you drag me out here.”

He could see her starting to panic, her eyes giving him a window straight into her rioting mind.  Clearly it wasn’t the fake hunt that was bothering her.

“Donna,” he started, reaching for her hand to pull her closer.  He was running on instinct now, trying to salvage what he’d done.  She went to him willingly but her eyes darted to her shoes and stayed there.  He hadn’t seen her do that in years.  She was self-conscious, and if his instincts were right she may have even been downright afraid.

“I, uh.  I know how you feel about this kind of thing,” he told her honestly, having heard her thoughts about marriage long before tonight.  She felt like she'd failed at marriage years ago and a repeat attempt would only serve to make sure she failed Dean, too.  She could never fail him but that wasn't something she realized yet.

“That’s because I’ve told you.  Near a million times now, I bet.”

“I know that, but I'm not trying to put shackles on you.  I don't want a circus or a party or anything.  Hell, it won't even be legal since I've been declared dead for a few years now.”

Her head cocked to the side and she scowled.  “You have?”

“Long story.”

Donna giggled.  Maybe he was getting somewhere after all.  

“I just wanted to give you something to show you that you're it for me.  I'm taken,” he explained, straining to communicate everything he wanted to without knowing how.  “So are you, if you want to be.  I want you to be taken too.”

“Are you proposing to me, Winchester?” she asked coyly, making him think that maybe she'd managed to push her fear to the wayside.  At least for the moment.

“Yes.  That's what I'm trying to do, anyway.”

“I hate to break this to you, but I've been taken for a long time now.”  She gave him a bright smile.  “I ain't so much as looked at another man in years.  Why bother when I've got the best of them in my bed already?”

“Damn right,” he grinned, ignoring the impulse to deny her praise.  He'd long ago stopped trying to convince her that he didn't deserve it.  “Does this mean you'll wear it?”

She beamed.  “Only if you put it on.”

Dean huffed out a laugh and took the ring from her, frowning when she offered her right hand.

“The other one.”

“Whoops, sorry.”

He slid it onto her dainty little finger, satisfied at all get out that it fit.  He'd made it himself, from melting the silver down to the engraving.  He'd sat down with a dremel in the garage and spent the better part of a weekend practicing before he committed anything to the real thing.  Some of the lines weren't quite even and the words on the inside weren't exactly pretty but the way Donna looked at it on her hand told him it didn't matter.  

“What are the designs on it?” she asked, voice breaking.

“Runes,” he answered.  “For protection, so you're safe and I feel better.  That one is for bravery so we don't get scared and try to run from each other.”  He pointed at the last, holding her hand in his.  “This one is for love.  Because I do, Donna.  I love you so much more than I thought I could love anything.  And I want you to remember that, even when I'm an ass and I can't say it.”

“That’s not much of a curse,” she teased him, flattening her hands over his chest.  Her eyes shone with tears.  

“Sure it is,” he replied.  “Whoever wears it is cursed to be stuck with me forever.”

“Then sign me up.”

He ducked his head down and rested it against hers, closing his eyes as she came up the rest of the way to kiss him.  It was sweet and simple, no longer tinged with the fear he’d seen in her eyes a few minutes earlier.  She moved her hand up to cup his jaw and the cool metal against his skin from her ring made him shiver.  The possessive streak in him widened a little and his blood heated to a simmer.

“I love you too,” she whispered against his lips with a smile.  “More than I thought I could love anything.”

He grinned.  “I’m sorry it can’t be official or anything.  I mean, if you want to take my name you can.  You just wouldn’t have a marriage certificate or anything to back you up if someone questioned you.”

“Is that what you want?” she asked.  “For me to take your name?”

“I would love that.  But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“If I did would that make me a widow?” she asked and he chuckled.  “You know, since you’re dead and all.”

“I guess so.”

“Oh gosh.  That means I’m also a necrophiliac.”

He smirked.  “Yeah, but you’re terrific at it if that makes you feel any better.”

Donna grinned.  “Ya know? It kinda does.”

The sun finished setting and he kissed her again, delighting in the feel of her arms wrapping around his waist.  The fake magic tree glowed behind her and she tasted like the lemon cookie he’d seen her eating earlier.  Blood rushed in his ears and his heart thumped heavily in his chest.  Some part of his brain tried to riot and run because it wasn’t often he felt like his life was perfect, or that he was exactly where he needed to be.  It wasn’t until Donna shivered in his arms that he realized night had fallen and the temperature had dropped.  

“Come on, grave robber.  Let’s get you warm.”

Donna snorted.

“You gonna talk to your widow that way, Winchester?”

“Yeah.  Every damn day for the foreseeable future.”

She squeezed his hand as they walked back to the path that brought them there.

“Good.”

[rissalanaetumbling-blog]

Cookers Hooker

Traci I have a recipe for the new Hookers Cookers Cookbook.... You are gonna love this....

If these cookies turn out as good as they sound, I will be making a lot of them over the holidays!

Christmas Cookie Ingredients 1 cup of water 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup of sugar 1 tsp salt 1 cup of brown sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 4 large eggs 1 cup nuts 2 cups of dried fruit 1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequilla Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar..Beat again. At this point i! t's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup ... just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off floor... Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it lloose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.

Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl out, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

Just a little holiday humor.....

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.

Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

[tbhstudying1]

from for the dreams i want to catch http://ift.tt/2obkWXQ via See More

etudaire: A big bang of “how to” stuff There I was again tonight forcing laughter faking smiles so I...

A big bang of “how to” stuff

There I was again tonight forcing laughter faking smiles so I made up this long ass post for y'all!

So you a potato. Me a potato. World conquered by we potatoes. But potato need survival tips. So your bro potato help you out. Yay potato. Go go potato.

Study related stuff :

1. Get good grades

Catch concepts, not chapters. Your portion is most likely gonna be super vast, so it’s helpful to know a little something from every chapter rather than knowing just 50% of your syllabus.

Figure out which concepts are important and master them.

Keep all assignments completed at least 1 day before submission date. This isn’t always possible but trust me if you do this you’re guaranteeing marks for proper submission. Job done early? Proof check and add touches to enhance that essay!

Let the teachers know that you’re working hard. I actually passed math because my math teacher knew I was working super hard on my math skills. Participate in the class, gather a bunch of doubts and then dump them on your teacher when the chapter ends.

Try not to miss lectures because chances are you’ll remember that silly mnemonic your friend made up in class and get the answer correct.

Analysis of your exam type is super important. Want me to make a long ass post about it?

2. Be more productive

Having a stuydjo/bujo by your side helps hella lot.

Plan plan plan. Lists, organise lists and colour code them. Basically become Monica Geller Bing and you’re set for life.

Motivational quotes from pinterest almost make me guilty for not being productive and force me to do something.

Before starting your study session, dance around to upbeat music for like 5 minutes. You’ll see the difference I promise.

Seek out inspiration from your smart friends /tumblr friends /people you look up to by constantly reminding yourself about them. I always think of hermione granger because even randomly picturing her with books in my mind ignites that badass boss feeling complying me to study tf up.

3. Manage your time

Studyjo/bujo saves your life.

Wear a watch all the damn time, it will remind you of how much time you’re spending doing nothing. You’ll end up saving several extra minutes!

List out what you’re gonna do every hour of the day on a sticky note and refer to it when you feel lazy.

Get a super nice friend /parent /sibling who will constantly remind you to utilise your time.

Think of time as currency and pretend that it’s all a game where you need to save up as much money as you can to become a billionaire. Save up your time and become rich af.

4. Avoid procrastinating

Stduyjo/bujo again. You know the drill now.

A little bit of exercise before starting work generally works you up and sets the correct mood.

Knowing how ahead your friends are from you often makes you wanna catch up so try getting that motivation.

Set goals + rewards that actually matter to you. Maybe a face care spa day isn’t your thing but munching on a snickers bar is. Treat yo self.

Tell someone a detailed plan of what you are going to accomplish the next day. Now whenever you see that person you’ll want to prove to them that you’re doing what you promised. Or the guilt may drive you too.

Appearance related stuff :

1. Look more put together

Try the lipstick trick. There are days when you do not have the time /want to put on makeup, so just put on a lipstick that matches your outfit and you’ll automatically create an illusion of being more put together, boss af and fabulous.

Try out cheap (potato can’t afford sorry) but elegant accessories. If it’s a necklace try tucking it under the collar of your shirt and see the magic. Stick to one staple accessory that’s gonna be your trademark.

Tame that mane potato. Your hair isn’t gonna detangle itself. You gotta do it. I mean, don’t you love your hair?

Minimalistic colours rock. Some outfits never go old like flannels or white shirts or black dresses.

2. Feel beautiful

The lipstick does the trick for me.

Putting my hair in a sky high ponytail makes me feel like I’m a queen or something.

Save little compliments for yourself as reminders and when you get them you’ll feel 10x more beautiful than before.

Mind related stuff :

1. Deal with burnout/slump

Try to accomplish super tiny stuff. Break down every task into micromolecular basics.

Give yourself a ted talk. It works.

Sometimes the best way of dealing with burnout is by detoxing from the thing that caused burnout. Stay away form books and after some time you’ll actually want to study.

2. Study with slumps/mental illness

Step one is to finish homework /assignments. If you can concentrate on them, you’re good to go.

Do not take up a lot of load, just skimming through textbooks, reviewing notes, going over flashcards should do the trick.

If you desperately need to get shit done, just ignore the fact that you do not want to do it. It’s harsh on your mind but desperate times require desperate measures.

Avoid forcing yourself to study because you’ll not retain info like that.

Take it easy. But consistently. Maybe just one topic a day. But do not miss a day. A steady everyday practice goes long way in the future.

3. Strengthen self control

There are several apps that can help you with this, like forest. My top pick is the Tide app which has a gorgeous interface and super aesthetic timers with new pictures everyday. I shit you not every time I quit my pomodoro I feel the guilt of having killed 1000 puppies its worse and I avoid doing that at all costs.

If you study in your room, keep your phone in the kitchen for some time. Your lazy ass is less likely to get up and use the phone.

Switching the phone off before starting a study session works because I care for my phone like a baby and it feels horrible to switch it on and off and on and off.

Practice 30 minutes of digital detox everyday. You don’t have to study at that time, just stay away from everything that is technology. Read and book, eat a fruit, make a sandwich, paint, sing, dance, exercise. Study if you want. Just no gadgets.

4. Deal with stress

Yoga works. Potato body ain’t that flexible so just breathing exercises for a start is also enough.

Highly recommended : brain dump every night before sleeping can ensure that you’ll not stay up too late pondering over the meaning of your existence and world politics.

Having a hearty talk with someone you trust will also lift weight off your chest.

Pin point the cause of your stress and annihilate the problem. Slay it.

Life related stuff :

1. Drink more water

Carry a cool ass bottle of water with you every frigging where.

Make it a rule to have a drink everytime you go to the loo or you take a bath /shower.

Replace one of your daily caffeines /sugars with water. You don’t have to get rid of coffee because that’s just non potato ish, but maybe that third cup could be replaced with water.

Try a game thingy. Maybe everytime the word ‘procrastination’ pops in your mind take a drink. Wow, I’m so creative *sighs for eternities*.

2. Be more healthy

5 minute stretches right after getting up works you up.

Try one of those YouTube videos of 15 minute workouts. You can have 3 such workouts through the day and call yourself a fit potato.

Replacing one packet of junk food with nuts/fruits also works.

Everytime you hear someone say something related to money, have a banana. Random much? Nope, bananas are known to increase hormones that make you happy in your body, meaning you’ll feel full and happy. Maybe offer the person a banana too.

3. Be more happy

Eat bananas!

Take pictures of things you love, not things your followers love.

Puppies are a source of eternal joy.

Reading goofy/cheesy/romance books make you giggle and feel good in general.

Watching cheesy films or good ass romcoms works just well.

Friends was created for a reason.

Writing down what you accomplished today gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. Take that shit.

Tumblr has shitposts made basically to make you happy.

4. Find your true calling /figuring tf out what you wanna do with your life

Lists lists lists. Subjects you love, you hate, you’re good at, you suck at.

Consulting your teachers, family etc and find out what they think you’re good at. Sometimes other people can see traits of yours better than you.

Career tests rock.

You’ll figure it out in the end somehow.

And that’s about it for now folks, hope this helps. See y'all laterz~

Etudaire ♥

[tbhstudying1]

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etudaire: A big bang of “how to” stuff There I was again tonight forcing laughter faking smiles so I...

A big bang of “how to” stuff

There I was again tonight forcing laughter faking smiles so I made up this long ass post for y'all!

So you a potato. Me a potato. World conquered by we potatoes. But potato need survival tips. So your bro potato help you out. Yay potato. Go go potato.

Study related stuff :

1. Get good grades

Catch concepts, not chapters. Your portion is most likely gonna be super vast, so it’s helpful to know a little something from every chapter rather than knowing just 50% of your syllabus.

Figure out which concepts are important and master them.

Keep all assignments completed at least 1 day before submission date. This isn’t always possible but trust me if you do this you’re guaranteeing marks for proper submission. Job done early? Proof check and add touches to enhance that essay!

Let the teachers know that you’re working hard. I actually passed math because my math teacher knew I was working super hard on my math skills. Participate in the class, gather a bunch of doubts and then dump them on your teacher when the chapter ends.

Try not to miss lectures because chances are you’ll remember that silly mnemonic your friend made up in class and get the answer correct.

Analysis of your exam type is super important. Want me to make a long ass post about it?

2. Be more productive

Having a stuydjo/bujo by your side helps hella lot.

Plan plan plan. Lists, organise lists and colour code them. Basically become Monica Geller Bing and you’re set for life.

Motivational quotes from pinterest almost make me guilty for not being productive and force me to do something.

Before starting your study session, dance around to upbeat music for like 5 minutes. You’ll see the difference I promise.

Seek out inspiration from your smart friends /tumblr friends /people you look up to by constantly reminding yourself about them. I always think of hermione granger because even randomly picturing her with books in my mind ignites that badass boss feeling complying me to study tf up.

3. Manage your time

Studyjo/bujo saves your life.

Wear a watch all the damn time, it will remind you of how much time you’re spending doing nothing. You’ll end up saving several extra minutes!

List out what you’re gonna do every hour of the day on a sticky note and refer to it when you feel lazy.

Get a super nice friend /parent /sibling who will constantly remind you to utilise your time.

Think of time as currency and pretend that it’s all a game where you need to save up as much money as you can to become a billionaire. Save up your time and become rich af.

4. Avoid procrastinating

Stduyjo/bujo again. You know the drill now.

A little bit of exercise before starting work generally works you up and sets the correct mood.

Knowing how ahead your friends are from you often makes you wanna catch up so try getting that motivation.

Set goals + rewards that actually matter to you. Maybe a face care spa day isn’t your thing but munching on a snickers bar is. Treat yo self.

Tell someone a detailed plan of what you are going to accomplish the next day. Now whenever you see that person you’ll want to prove to them that you’re doing what you promised. Or the guilt may drive you too.

Appearance related stuff :

1. Look more put together

Try the lipstick trick. There are days when you do not have the time /want to put on makeup, so just put on a lipstick that matches your outfit and you’ll automatically create an illusion of being more put together, boss af and fabulous.

Try out cheap (potato can’t afford sorry) but elegant accessories. If it’s a necklace try tucking it under the collar of your shirt and see the magic. Stick to one staple accessory that’s gonna be your trademark.

Tame that mane potato. Your hair isn’t gonna detangle itself. You gotta do it. I mean, don’t you love your hair?

Minimalistic colours rock. Some outfits never go old like flannels or white shirts or black dresses.

2. Feel beautiful

The lipstick does the trick for me.

Putting my hair in a sky high ponytail makes me feel like I’m a queen or something.

Save little compliments for yourself as reminders and when you get them you’ll feel 10x more beautiful than before.

Mind related stuff :

1. Deal with burnout/slump

Try to accomplish super tiny stuff. Break down every task into micromolecular basics.

Give yourself a ted talk. It works.

Sometimes the best way of dealing with burnout is by detoxing from the thing that caused burnout. Stay away form books and after some time you’ll actually want to study.

2. Study with slumps/mental illness

Step one is to finish homework /assignments. If you can concentrate on them, you’re good to go.

Do not take up a lot of load, just skimming through textbooks, reviewing notes, going over flashcards should do the trick.

If you desperately need to get shit done, just ignore the fact that you do not want to do it. It’s harsh on your mind but desperate times require desperate measures.

Avoid forcing yourself to study because you’ll not retain info like that.

Take it easy. But consistently. Maybe just one topic a day. But do not miss a day. A steady everyday practice goes long way in the future.

3. Strengthen self control

There are several apps that can help you with this, like forest. My top pick is the Tide app which has a gorgeous interface and super aesthetic timers with new pictures everyday. I shit you not every time I quit my pomodoro I feel the guilt of having killed 1000 puppies its worse and I avoid doing that at all costs.

If you study in your room, keep your phone in the kitchen for some time. Your lazy ass is less likely to get up and use the phone.

Switching the phone off before starting a study session works because I care for my phone like a baby and it feels horrible to switch it on and off and on and off.

Practice 30 minutes of digital detox everyday. You don’t have to study at that time, just stay away from everything that is technology. Read and book, eat a fruit, make a sandwich, paint, sing, dance, exercise. Study if you want. Just no gadgets.

4. Deal with stress

Yoga works. Potato body ain’t that flexible so just breathing exercises for a start is also enough.

Highly recommended : brain dump every night before sleeping can ensure that you’ll not stay up too late pondering over the meaning of your existence and world politics.

Having a hearty talk with someone you trust will also lift weight off your chest.

Pin point the cause of your stress and annihilate the problem. Slay it.

Life related stuff :

1. Drink more water

Carry a cool ass bottle of water with you every frigging where.

Make it a rule to have a drink everytime you go to the loo or you take a bath /shower.

Replace one of your daily caffeines /sugars with water. You don’t have to get rid of coffee because that’s just non potato ish, but maybe that third cup could be replaced with water.

Try a game thingy. Maybe everytime the word ‘procrastination’ pops in your mind take a drink. Wow, I’m so creative *sighs for eternities*.

2. Be more healthy

5 minute stretches right after getting up works you up.

Try one of those YouTube videos of 15 minute workouts. You can have 3 such workouts through the day and call yourself a fit potato.

Replacing one packet of junk food with nuts/fruits also works.

Everytime you hear someone say something related to money, have a banana. Random much? Nope, bananas are known to increase hormones that make you happy in your body, meaning you’ll feel full and happy. Maybe offer the person a banana too.

3. Be more happy

Eat bananas!

Take pictures of things you love, not things your followers love.

Puppies are a source of eternal joy.

Reading goofy/cheesy/romance books make you giggle and feel good in general.

Watching cheesy films or good ass romcoms works just well.

Friends was created for a reason.

Writing down what you accomplished today gives a sense of pride and satisfaction. Take that shit.

Tumblr has shitposts made basically to make you happy.

4. Find your true calling /figuring tf out what you wanna do with your life

Lists lists lists. Subjects you love, you hate, you’re good at, you suck at.

Consulting your teachers, family etc and find out what they think you’re good at. Sometimes other people can see traits of yours better than you.

Career tests rock.

You’ll figure it out in the end somehow.

And that’s about it for now folks, hope this helps. See y'all laterz~

Etudaire ♥