#I need comfort today and Paterson is helping me with that

[cosmic-ships]

The cutest sweetheart in the entire world~ <3

I love sleepy/just waking up Paterson, he's so cute, hair is tousled around, his eyes are so soft and he's still in his sleepwear~ Fully awake or still half asleep I am completely and utter smitten by him.

Oh to be able to sit across from him or next to him and enjoy a morning coffee together~ <333

[ariel-seagull-wings]

TOP 12 SNOW WHITE PORTRAYALS

@princesssarisa​ @superkingofpriderock​ @sunlit-music​ @mademoiselle-princesse​ @amalthea9​ @theancientvaleofsoulmaking​ @astrangechoiceoffavourites​ 

Lips red as blood. Skin white as snow. Hair black as ebony. The fairest woman of all.

Snow White is one of the most iconic fairy tale characters ever created. And also  one of the hardest to portray. This happens because, the story is less about her as a person, and more about following her exploration of the world and how this world reacts to her. The tale calls her a princess, but really she is more meant to be a common everygirl for a variety of readers and audiences to see themselves in. So the greatest challenge to portray the character becomes how to make at the same time universally relatable, and an individual character, and today, i’d like to share my favorite portrayals, that camed closer in acomplishing this goal.

12º Laura Berlin in Sechs Auf Einen Streich (2009)

Berlin’s Snow White acts as an outgoing, playfull young lady who deep down is trying to deal with the longing for her dead mother. And then, her father marries a new, vain and cruel woman, and sayed woman orders that the portrait of the previous queen be trown out, wich obviously makes the princess verbally snap against her father weak-willed and her tyranical stepmother. And then her father has a stroke and her stepmother orders her death. Here is a young lady in an emotinal turmoil and distress, wich makes her very relatable to audiences.

11º Nicola Stapleton and Sarah Paterson in Canon Movie Tales: Snow White (1987)

One of the first times that we see the fair princess explicitly growing up from child to young adult. Nicola Stapleton is probably more charismatic as child! Snow White, having more time on scene where she gets to sing with her father, explore the room where her stepmother keeps the magic mirror, until finally having to run trough the woods and meeting the dwarfs, but Sarah Paterson also makes adult! Snow White likable, singing about her desire to someday leave the dwarfs house because she is growing and may need her own space, and showing the doubt between fear and curiosity in her interactions with her disguised stepmother. This highlights more the themes of coming of age and confronting ones fears from the tale.

10º Yuri Amano/Donatella Fanfani/Eileen Stevens in The Legend of Snow White (1994)

In this italian-japanese coproduced anime, the twelve year old Snow White is an inquisitive, merry and kind girl, that has to adapt to a more scary reality when she has to run away from the castle to not be killed. At the dwarfs house, where she is so hungry and tired she takes all bread from a basket and sleeps for hours, she decides to give her hazelnuts and try to do shores to compensate for entering the house and eating the bread. Unfortunally, being a princess who lived in comfort all her life, she fails hard when she tries to do domestic shores, burning bread and cutting lettuce that she tought were garden plagues. But she is so sweet and kind, that it doesn’t matter. Conquering the affection of people for who she is, and not for what she can do in exchange, is the greatest strenght of this encarnation.

09º Elizabeth McGovern in Faerie Tale Theatre (1984)

A lonely girl who just wants some atention and love. Those are the characteristics that McGovern’s Snow White extablishes for herself in her first appearance, trying to impress her stepmother with juggling tricks learned with the Court Jester. Later, in the forest, when she is about to be stabbed, she prays to God for the soul of the Huntsman who is about to kill her, and to her surprise this act of kindness is what changes the Huntsman’s heart and convinces him to spare her life. In the woods she finds the dwarfs cottage, and can finally have friends to talk about things like her nostalgia for swiming in the castle moat/pit. She won’t feel alone again. 

08º Kristin Kreuk in Snow White: The Fairest of them All (2001)

In this Hallmark TV Movie, Kreuk gives a 16 year old Snow White who searches friendship in garden gnomes. In a way, she expands the theme of loneliness explored by McGovern, and goes deeper about it, relating sayed loneliness with beauty: she is an awkward and melancholic person, who feels that people only care with her pretty appearance, but don’t actually come close to truly meet her as a person. In a lesser hand, this idea of a person who thinks being considered beautifull is hard could sound absurd and over dramatic, but the screenwriters and Kreuk’s sincere performance make it a compelling dilema.

07º Natalie Minko in Schneewitchen (1992)

An energetic fifteen year old, who likes to run around to play with the Court Jester, and mess up the kitchen while doing pancakes that glue in the ceiling. Minko’s Snow White is one of the few Snow White’s who is allowed to act as a normal teenager: she makes messes, she sometimes verbally fights with people, she constantly questions the adults around her, all the wille still being a genuinelly kind hearted person pursuing the path of truth.

06º Tamara Rojo in Emilio Aragon’s Blancanieves (2005)

I loved watching the DVD of this ballet production over and over as a kid. Trough dance movements, Tamara Rojo gives us a gracious and fun princess. Whetever she goes, a party will always start.

05º Adriana Caselotti in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

My first portrayal of Snow White. The Disney version was raised working as a palace scullery maid, wich her stepmother hoped would make her ugly. But that didn’t work. She grows beautifull in body and soul: her singing voice is so sweet it is enough to make a dashing Prince fall in love with her, the animals are always engaged by her joyfull and sassy conversations, and she has a firm way of talking that assures a position of leadership among both the animals and the dwarfs who later befriend her. Really, she is awesome. What can i say about her that hasn’t been sayed already?

04º Marguerite Clark in Snow White (1916)

The version that inspired Walt Disney to make his version. Based on a 1912 stage play, this is the version that extablished being raised as a palace scullery maid as the reason Snow White is good with domestic tasks despite being a rich princess. Clark’s Snow White is also compassionate, sweet, romantic and dreamy, and she mix those qualities with some energy and spunkiness, being an almost wild girl.

03º Carol Heiss in Snow White and The Three Stooges (1961)

The sass, spunkiness and sweet romanticism are back, but with a new adition: an athletic hobby. Carol Heiss was originally a golden medal winner olimpic ice skater, and this movie was made to capitalize in her popularity at the time (along with reviving the Three Stooges popularity). So, we extablish in this version that the heroine who is linked to the snow loves the winter, and one of the most popular sports in this season. No other version before or after that did this, even tough its the most obvious and most awesome thing to do with the character. Ad to that the (uncredited) singing voice dubbed by Norma Zimmer, and you have one of the most complete portrayals of Snow White: she is beauty, she is grace, she can sing, she can cook and she can ice skate. She is the most interesting woman that ever lived.

02º Sakiko Tamagawa/Julie Maddalena in Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics (1989)

Orphaned from her mother at birth and having a father who is always too busy rulling the kingdom to pay attention to her, this version of Snow White grows up raised by a nurse named Doris, and playing on the garden with a young boy named Klaus. Her favorite pass time is to climb trees to pick apples, her favorite fruit. But one day her stepmother, who for years has been ignoring her, calls the princess to her chamber, and asks if she thinks herself to be most beautifull than the Queen. Annoyed with the absurd of the question, Snow White calls her stepmother out in her vanity. What follows is her running away, having to survive as a fugitive. Getting lost from her Klaus and stumbling in a root, she crawls for her life, until being saved by the seven dwarfs and their wolf friends. Time passes, and she finds a bit of fullfilment while slowly learning to do domestic chores to help the dwarfs, and finding friendship in the wolfs and a giant black bear. But she still craves to reunite with her friend Klaus and to find some love, while the Queen’s menace lures in the air.

And now the moment everyone was expecting... My number one favorite portrayal of Snow White is:

01º Camryn Manhein in The 10th Kingdom (2000)

I know what are you thinking: “Wait, a two episode cameo in a tv minisseries, instead of a protagonist, this is your favorite”? Yes. Yes, she is. In the Hallmark minisseries The 10th Kingdom, a young lady from the real world comes to the magical world to help to disenchant a Prince that has been turned into a dog. This dog prince is Snow White’s grandson. And then the heroes arrive at the Dragon Mountain in the 09th Kingdom, and Virginia has a conversation with the spirit of the late Snow White for counsel. And Snow White counsels Virginia by simply telling her story of once being an afrayed, lonely lost girl in the woods, finding new friends in the dwarfs, suffering three murder attempts from her stepmother, being aesleep for years with the poisoned apple in her troat, until the Prince’s servants stumbled with her casket so she could trow away the apple piece, so she could finally live happily ever after. While she narrates the tale, she says that she knew the danger presented by the ribbons, the comb and the apple, but she also knew that she could hide in the dwarfs cottage, afrayed to be hurt, forever. And her husband was a good man, but she saved herself from death. With that dialogue, Manheim’s sensitive and wise Snow White ressignified the fairy tale for me, making me appreciate better the story and her character. And that is why she my number one portrayal of the fairest princess of all.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Elke Arendt in Schneewitchen (1955), Maresa Hörbiger in Schneewitchen (1971) and Elaine Bilstad as White Snow in Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child (1995).

[linkispink1995]

Better Together (1) Anniversary

Series Masterlist

Chapter warnings:language , fluff and mentions of smut

A/N: this is a sequel to better as friends , feedback is appreciated and please let me know if you'd like to be added to the taglist , thanks-Meg

~~~~~

It had an entire year since life had just starting to just get on track , the sun seemed to be shining brighter , there were more clouds in the sky and not to mention I woke up in the arms of the love of my life. Steve and I started fresh, it was like the past few years hadn't happened, we lived like there wasn't an Alison out there or a Tommy H. and Carol. We just had our perfect life just us and our son. Jackson was doing good he had just started first grade which Steve and I couldn't believe that our baby was growing up, Speaking of Steve, he was still working with his dad but still made time to spend with Jackson and I. He always had the weekends off meaning that sometimes during the week he'd work late and sometimes miss Jackson's bedtime. Those nights were the hardest since Steve felt like he was failing him , I understood the guilt I had felt the same guilt whenever I wasn't with Jackson . I was afraid that I was missing something like there was a part of my heart that I had left behind but I was there for Steve to comfort him and remind him of all the times he was there for Jackson just like when bringing him home from the hospital.

Flashback

It was after sighing Jackson out of the hospital and Steve was driving us to my house , I was slowly dozing off on the car ride home but would quickly jolt awake to check since I had basically spent the entire night awake with Jackson. "So" Steve said turning into my neighborhood before adding "can you believe he's already coming home" I shrugged saying "considering he's not supposed to be here for three more weeks no I can't". He sighed saying "well he's here and he's healthy so let's be grateful for it" I nodded as he pulled into the driveway. Both my parents were working so it'd just be me and Jackson for the afternoon which I really didn't mind since the moment they laid my sweet baby boy on my chest I immediately fell in love with him. He became my love and my world , my one and only after taking his carseat out of Steve's car we walked into the front door before I placed his carseat on the coffee table before carefully removing him before Steve spoke saying. "Do you need help getting him upstairs" I shook my head saying "no I uh moved into the guest bedroom so it's easier" he nodded before adding "well do you have everything" I nodded while cradling Jackson in my arms as he continued with "well if you have everything I guess I can go" I shrugged as he added "or I can stay but only if that's alright with you but your probably tried so-" I cut Steve off saying "I'd love if you stayed" he smiled before Jackson began to fuss in my arms. Steve spoke saying "can I" before gesturing to take him out of my arms , I nodded before carefully handing Jackson to him wondering why he felt he needed permission to hold his own child. As Jackson settled in Steve's arms he immediately calmed down before starting to open his beautiful brown eyes , Steve spoke saying "hi buddy , hi your home now" he continued to hold him before Jackson yawned and closed his eyes and began to fall asleep. Steve spoke again to me saying "hey you should go lay down for a bit I've got him" I shook my head saying "no I'd rather stay and enjoy the view " he silently chuckled before placing a kiss atop my head saying "thank you" I responded saying "for what" he replied "for everything you are and do"

It was currently Steve and I's anniversary , our first one well technically our anniversary is in may and we'd been together for nine years but we decided to have a redo since we didn't really do anything the first time. We actually forgot it was our anniversary yesterday and remembered this morning so technically we were having a double redo. Tonight we planned on having a nice dinner out which was very unlikely since usually the time we had with one another was after after Jackson and it was usually us sitting on the couch in our pajamas watching whatever was on tv. Sometimes if we were brave we'd watch a movie but most times that end in us waking up on the couch and wake up with sore backs. Maybe sometimes if we had more energy (which was extremely rare) we'd play a card game (I'd usually win). I was currently at work putting my jacket on since I was supposed to leave any moment , before I could grab my bag I heard a voice say "Y/n may I speak to you in my office". I looked to see my boss Mr. Paterson standing in the doorway of my office , I nodded before following Mr. Paterson to his office. I took the seat across from him and I couldn't help but gaze at the photos on his desk various ones of when Matt was younger , and a few of Matt's mother and a few of Emma who had just had her first birthday. "Y/n" Mr. Paterson said catching my attention before he added "as you know Nathaniel quit and now I'm looking for a new manager of the development team" I nodded as he added. "I've considered my son but honestly Y/n I gotta a tell you Matthew is just exhausted and I think you'd be the perfect fit for this job". My jaw practically hit the ground before he added "I'm also talking to Phillip about the job but your definitely the number one choice" I nodded before saying "thank you Mr. Paterson , I uh really don't know what to say" he responded saying "your welcome Y/n , I really do see a future for you here at this company" I nodded before exiting his office only to bump into my coworker Phillip. "Woah buy me dinner first Yl/n" I rolled my eyes saying "excuse me Phillip" he responded saying "speaking of dinner when are we going on that second date" I rolled my eyes again remembering that I had once made the stupid decision of going on a date with Phillip , who talked the whole dinner about himself and the cherry on top was he forgot his wallet leaving me to pay and Enzos is pretty expensive. I shook my head saying "not gonna happen Phillip" he frowned saying "why not I'll pay this time" I rolled my eyes saying "no Phillip" he responded saying "why not you and me tonight come on" I shook my head saying "never gonna happen Phillip" he rolled his eyes saying "whatever you'll be singing a different tune when I get that promotion" I shook my head before walking in my office to grab my bag.

After picking Jackson up from Steve's mother who had been watching him since he was a baby I drove home before realizing I didn't get anything for Steve for our anniversary and I knew he had gotten me something since he'd been teeling me he had a few surprises for tonight and I knew those were gonna be good since Steve was practically the king of surprises. I pulled in front of Melvalds causing Jackson to say "are we gonna go see aunt Joyce" I nodded saying "kinda , were just gonna run in and get a card for daddy". Jackson spoke again saying "mama" I responded saying "yeah sweet pea" he then added "daddy's birthday is before Christmas". I chuckled at his confusion saying "I know sweet pea this is for something else" he nodded saying "just making sure you know that" I again nodded before saying "okay let's go" Jackson then spoke again saying "can I get-". I cut himself off saying "no you may not" he sighed before we walked into the store.

I was standing in the card section deciding between two cards before Jackson spoke again saying "mommy' I responded saying "yes Jackson". He then added "can I get just one-" I again cut him off saying "you haven't dinner yet". He sighed saying "well what are we having" I responded saying "I'm not sure I think aunt Helen and Robin are gonna pizza". He sighed saying "why are they coming over" I sighed saying "because they love you and daddy and I are going out to dinner" he sighed before a voice said "Y/n". I turned to see Joyce standing at the end of the isle , Jackson quickly ran into her arms saying "aunt Joyce" she smiled before saying "oh my goodness look how big you are" Jackson held on to her before asking "so hows school been" he responded saying. "Good I know how to read now" she gasped saying "wow you are such a big boy". Jackson nodded before saying "guess what aunt Joyce" she responded saying "what" he then added "I'm six now" she nodded saying. "I know , and you know what I knew your mommy when she was six" he gasped saying "really" Joyce nodded again saying "yeah and she was quite the little troublemaker" Jackson chuckled before she said. "So Y/n hows work" I nodded saying "good , really uh good" she then added "and hows Steve" I nodded saying "fine , are uh anniversary is today so-" Joyce cut my off saying "do you need a sitter". I shook my head saying "no um Robin's going to but thanks for the offer" she responded saying "oh well just remember Jim and I are always available". I nodded before she added "are you ready to check out" I nodded before she said to Jackson "how about a candy bar on the house for my favorite nephew" He giggled before we checked out.

I had just finished helping Jackson with his homework before I heard a set of knocks at the door , "Jackson" I said before adding "aunt Robin and Helen are here". He quickly ran to the door before almost knocking me over before I opened the door , to reveal who was on the other side was Robin and Helen. "Hi" I said before gesturing for them to come in , they entered before I added "hey I'm gonna get changed real quick do you-" Helen cut me off saying."Go were fine" I nodded before walking back to my bedroom , I was almost ready minus the fact that It had been taking me almost ten minutes to zip up my dress. Just as I was about to give up I felt a pair of hands push mine aside and zip my dress for me , I then felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. I immediately knew who it was , I spoke saying "how was your day" Steve responded saying "good , better with you". I turned before placing my lips on Steve are kiss was interrupted by a voice saying "could you do that when were not here" I pulled my lips away before I continued to ready.

"Okay" I said to Helen and Robin before continuing to give them the rundown for Jackson's bedtime "his homework is already done and he's had dinner , bedtime is at seven and it's a school night so know staying up late and he should know better then to ask". They both nodded before Robin spoke saying "he's a good kid Y/n" I nodded before leaning down to kiss Jackson's head saying "you be good and you listen and behave okay" he nodded as I added "I love you sweet pea". Jackson nodded again before saying "I love you too mommy" he pecked my cheek before Steve spoke saying "alright your gonna listen okay" he nodded saying "I know" Steve nodded before saying. "We'll be back uh eventually" Robin made fale vomiting noises causing Jackson to giggle before Steve and I left for dinner.

Steve and I walked into the bustling restaurant , I nuzzled into Steve's side waiting for someone to show us to our table. "Are you excited" he asked I nodded saying "yeah, are you" he nodded , but before he could answer the host had returned. "Yes may I help you" the host asked , to which Steve responded with "yes , hi I have a reservation for Harrington" the host looked at sheet of paper frowning "I'm sorry I don't see a reservation under that name." Which caused Steve to sigh before saying "could you double check" the host looked down again saying "no , I'm sorry sir but would you like to wait" Steve nodded as the host said " I'll put your name on the list it should be a few hours" my jaw dropped when she said that. I then shook my head saying "no that won't work we have a babysitter at home". The host then huffed saying "well , next time you'll remember to make reservations , instead of making poor choices" Steve then sighed saying "you know what , could you take our names off because I think we'll be dinning elsewhere this evening" he said opening the door for me gesturing we should leave.

Fifteen minutes later we were in a both at Benny's waiting for our dinner and both of us staying quiet. Until Steve spoke up saying "I'm sorry" I shook my head saying "no , it's okay-" he then interrupted saying "no I'm sorry this was supposed to be our night and I forgot to make reservations" I shook my head saying."Steve , honey I'm having a great time" he sighed as the waitress came over with our food , he then said. "No Y/n were at Benny's were always at Benny's , we were supposed to go to a nice dinner and a movie and now here". I nodded saying "your right this is where we are , I'm in my favorite place with one of my favorite people and I couldn't be happier" he sighed saying "you are such a sap" I nodded saying "only for you" he sighed before pecking my cheek saying "I have something for you " I nodded knowing this was probably one of the many surprises he said he had for me. He placed a bag on the table before I realized that I left Steve's card on my dresser , he spoke saying "open it" I nodded before pulling out the item that was in the bag. It was two frames , inside one frame was his letter to me and inside the other was the letter I had written to him. I pecked his lips saying "I love it" he responded saying " and I love you" I responded this time saying "and I love you too".

We were about halfway through dinner when Steve spoke saying "do you think I should move in" I shrugged while continuing eating my dinner as he added "I mean the only time that I go home is for a change of clothes". I shrugged again as he continued to vent before he said "Y/N Baby are you listening" I nodded saying "yeah but don't you think it's nice to have your own place" he sighed before saying "or we can all just move into my apartment" I shrugged again saying "but I like having my own place". Steve nodded saying "I know but it's kind of small, I mean there's only two bedrooms" I chuckled at his words saying "and why do we need three bedrooms and why are we even talking about this , Steve sweetie if this is about the counter space in the bathroom I'll make some room". He then pouted saying "no Y/N this is not about the counter space I was just thinking it would be nice I mean think about a room for us, a room for Jackson and a room for a baby". I then put my fork down before saying "what baby" he chuckled saying "well I mean Jackson's in kindergarten now don't you think we should start thinking about baby number two". I sighed before saying "Steve I love you but I think I'm okay with our little family that we have now" he sighed saying "but just imagine Jackson and a cute and pudgy baby , we could have one of each". I huffed saying "oh so now you want this new baby to be a girl" he sighed saying "forget it , I knew you'd over react" I shook my head saying "I'm not overreacting it's just were not even married and we've only been back together for a year" he sighed saying "well then we get married and then we can have another one , then you'd be able to stay home for a little bit and-". I cut Steve off saying "oh I see what this is , you want to go back to being the big strong man and you want me to stay home with babies all day" he sighed saying "Y/N it was just a suggestion , just a dumb idea forget I said anything" I sat there with my arms crossed before he said "I'm sorry" he then placed a kiss on my cheek before I spoke again saying. "it's not a stupid idea but Steve I have to tell you something" he nodded saying "are you okay" I nodded before saying "Mr. Paterson called me into his office and I um I'm uonfor a promotion" Steve smiled saying "sweetie that's great". I sighed before adding "but I'm not gonna get it" he responded saying "why" I sighed saying "there's this guy at work Phillip and I know he's gonna get it and-" Steve cut me off saying. "Y/n your really good at your job and Mr. Paterson knows that , everyone knows that and want you to know that if your happy with what we have that that's okay and-" I cut him off saying "Jackson" he shrugged as I added "Jackson was early and when I was pregnant with him it was really stressful and we weren't really together and-" he then wrapped his arms around me or as much as we could since we were stuffed in a booth at Benny's I practically feel apart saying "hey it's okay" as I sat there and snuggled into Steve's arms and absorbing the comfort he spoke again saying "why didn't you tell me". I sighed saying "you were king Steve I didn't want you worrying about me when you didn't really-" he cut me off again saying "care , sweetie you didn't care" I nodded as he added "Y/N when you called me that morning to tell me he was coming I was so scared , I thought that some how it was my fault it's why I couldn't stay I thought that if I was there I'd only look more guilty , but the moment I walked out that room I knew I blew it , I should've stayed I should've held your hand instead of being a selfish ass" he then kissed my cheek before deciding on dessert.

After arriving home and thanking Robin and Helen for sitting before I walked back to Jackson's room to see he was fast asleep and snuggled to his blanket. I kissed his forehead before walking back to the livingroom to see Robin and Helen were gone and Steve was laying a sheet onto the couch. I then asked "what are you doing sweetie" he sighed before saying "I just thought cause of earlier you might want me out here" I chuckled saying "Steve sweetie I want you to come to bed with me okay I think earlier just made us realize that we need to work on our communication skills". He responded saying "well what do you wanna doing in bed" I shrugged before saying "I don't know I guess you'll have to join me to find out" I then playfully winked before he walked over and lifted me into his arms before putting his lips onto mine as we began our journey to the bedroom he pulled his lips away before saying "i love you" I responded saying" I love you too" he nodded as his lips returned to mine before entering our room and kicking the door closed.

Taglist @disneyprincessbuffyannesummers @queenofthehairharrington @charmed-asylum

[huntertales]

Part Three: When You're Older, You'll Understand. (Episode Mashup 6.13/6.14)

Episode Summary: When the reader falls sick with the flu, Bobby offers to look after her until she recovers, leaving the Winchester brothers to work a case together without her in five years. While she recuperates, the reader spends some quality time with Bobby as the boys find themselves having to face a problem from their past. Sam starts to remember his time being soulless during a case and a familiar face unexpectedly comes back in Dean’s life. Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader  Word Count: 5,719.

Previous Part | Supernatural Rewrite Masterlist

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

The question was meant for the younger Winchester, but for the first time in the past three days, you could answer that you were on the track of getting there. You were sitting up right on the couch with your legs crossed and laptop propped open. In one hand you had a still steaming hot cup of tea to soothe your still aching sore throat and a cell phone in the other. Your fever had reduced late last night when you woke up for the first time after sleeping for seven solid straight hours. One of the good things about being sick was that you were getting more rest than you had since you started hunting. Downside, the past seventy-two hours were a blur. It came with the high fever you had been battling and the cough medicine you had been taking.

The older Winchester updated you on how things were proceeding while you were gone. He had good news, and bad news. You decided to be lead with the good news first. The good news was that the case the boys had taken by an anonymous tip was solved. And they found out who lead them there. That’s when the bad news came in. The entire set up was a trap for Sam. It seemed that you and him had worked a case back in the day while he was soulless and you were still hunting without Dean. But that wasn’t the worst of it. While Sam insisted on working the case to fix what he didn’t while soulless, he got a taste of the past that you had tried to prevent.

Sam’s good deed lead him with terrible consequences. He took a trip down memory lane filled with flashbacks of his time when he was soulless. The more he worked on the case, the more he started to remember. What was the most worrisome part of it all was right before they were about to leave, Sam blacked out for a few minutes before coming back around. In the true Winchester fashion, Sam said that he felt perfectly fine. All though he admitted much as to being exhausted—the equivalent of being hit by a planet. But he thought he was healthy enough to go on hunting like nothing was wrong. You and Dean were a bit more skeptical.

“I said, I’m fine.” Sam lied for the third time since being asked the question about his well being. You rolled your eyes in annoyance from how stubborn he could be. You brought the cup to your lips and take a drink. Not liking he attention on himself, Sam decided to change the conversation back to you. “What about you? I called you last night. But you sounded pretty out of it.”

“You did? Oh, you did.” You mumbled underneath your breath. You moved the phone away from your ear to check the list of recents calls you had gotten. And there was Sam’s name. He called you last night around seven. “Huh. And yeah, I guess I was. Fever and cough medicine sure as hell make a weird combo.”

"So, I'm guessing you don't remember the conversation we had last night?" Sam asked.  

You furrowed your brow from his question. You honestly didn’t remember the conversation you supposedly had with Sam last night. Everything was a blur. The hunt that you took with him while he was still soulless was a bit of a better one in your memory. It was a few months into hunting with the Campbells and Dean was a distant memory you were trying to hide from yourself. You and Sam were finally comfortable in the messy, unhealthy friends with benefits set up you made. The younger Winchester still got plenty around with the ladies. But when you wanted a little fun with him, no matter the time or the place, he was at your beck and call.

You could feel your cheeks beginning to burn as your stomach suddenly felt nauseated. Maybe it was because of the mucus dripping somewhere other than your nose. Maybe it was due to the terrifying thought that you let something slip when you were out of your mind. You knew you became an open book when you got a little too drunk. Having a fever and the strong medicine that you were taking made you feel like the entire time you were awake was like one long trip you didn’t know was a dream or reality. You decided to proceed with caution.

“No, I don’t.” You admitted. “Did I say anything stupid?”

"I don't know. Most of the things that came out of your mouth were mostly gibberish. I only called to see of you could help.” Sam said. You found yourself letting out a sigh of relief from what you heard. All though it posed the question if he was really telling the truth, or if he was being polite. If you had blurted out the truth, Sam didn't seem to let the silence linger into awkward territories. "How are you feeling today? You sound better."

"Wish I could say that I was. My fever is down, thank God. It's been driving me insane. I mean, the dreams I’ve been having over the past few days…” You said. You trailed off for a moment to take another sip of your drink, the warmth soothing your sore throat. Your dreams were filled all sorts of things that almost felt real. Of things that you shuddered at the thought of when your mind replayed them again. Dean asked them what it was about. “It’s nothing serious. They’ll pass. I just don't think I'll be running any marathons for the rest of the week. Since you two barely survived without me, how do you feel about taking another job?"

"Depends." Dean said. "What do you got for us?"

"Your favorite." You said. You moved the cursor over to the article that caught your attention a few minutes right before the boys called you. "Janitor murdered in a college lab last night. Doors were locked. Nobody else got in or out of the building."

“Great.” Sam said, seeming on board with the idea of staying busy. “Where to?”

“Paterson, New Jersey. I’ll send you the link so you can take a look for yourself.” You said. You were about to do just that, but you found yourself starting to chuckle when you began to realize where they were going. “Oh, hey. Maybe you two will get a Snooki sighting.”

You quietly chuckled to yourself about the pop culture phenomenon that had been surrounding the state lately and the group of people who made it famous. Dean got a kick out of it himself when you heard him scoff while they were still on speaker with you. Sam, however, being gone for over a year and a half, still had a lot of catching up to do. "What's a Snooki?"

"That is a good question." You mumbled underneath your breath.

+ + +

The drive from Rhode Island to New Jersey took no time at all. You sent the link to the article to Sam a few minutes after you ended the call. While you continued your hibernation on Bobby's couch in the library, the boys settled themselves into a motel and checked out the crime scene at the college. A simple sweep of the room with the EMF reader blamed a spirit to be at fault for this murder. But that wasn’t the weirdest part of it all. Dean had gotten a phone call from a name he hadn’t seen in what felt like months—Lisa Braden.

The woman he least heard from after he was cursed with a truth spell and she was forced to tell him everything about how she truly felt about him. She wanted her distance from him, and that’s what he gave her. Why she was calling after all this time sent warning flags off in his head as he started to think of the worst possible scenario. Dean had been cautious during their relationship, and the real villain was dead. It was left Dean wondering why—after all this time—she wanted to talk to him.

The woman who told the truth about how hard she tried to understand who he was. How much she tried to do everything to get him to balance both worlds. She was right about stepping away.  Dean thought it was best to ignore her calls. Whatever sort of loneliness she might be having would pass. She would find someone better than him. The both of them would pretend like what happened a year or so go didn’t happen. Sometimes it was better to forget the past then open it up like a wound that healed into a scar. But in order for the past to turn into a scar, you needed to face it head on and resolve the issue.

Dean didn't know how Lisa's life was going without him, he wanted to think that it was flourishing without him in it to screw it up. Lisa was a strong, smart woman. But she couldn't fit into the lifestyle that he lead with. Dean didn't let practically anyone in. And much as he had thought his relationship with you was unhealthy, he would agree...and disagree. He wouldn't admit it to her straight in the face, but he was happier than he had been in a long time. He was happy with Lisa, too. Being with Lisa was like living through a movie. It was fun and exciting, he got to do things that he never could before. But, in the back of his mind, he knew it would eventually end.

And while it did end on a sour note, Dean was content with how things turned out after being hit with that truth spell. It turned out to be a cursing...and a blessing. He finally got the truth out of you about how you really felt about him, and he found out what was wrong with his brother. Things were ever so slightly looking up for him. His life wasn't perfect. His brother was being a stubborn pain in the ass, he had unfinished business that needed solving. He thought his love life from a past relationship wouldn't be one of them. Much as Dean tried to ignore Lisa, after her third attempt at calling him, he bit the bullet and answered the phone.

The voice he heard on the other end when he answered wasn't Lisa's like he suspected. It wasn't even female. Who had been calling him for the past few days was her son, Ben. Dean was a bit taken back at why the kid would be calling him, especially with what he did to the poor kid the last time that he saw him. Ben was persistent on getting Dean back home. Because it seemed his mother had been in a state of depression. She wouldn’t leave her room half the time, she wouldn’t talk to her son about anything. Lisa wasn’t herself lately. Ben thought that Dean could come in and save the day. And much as the older Winchester tried to say no, Sam pushed him to settle his past. They would have to face it eventually.

So, that’s what Dean was doing. He left his little brother to solve the case and headed to Michigan to face a past that he thought would be buried forever, or, at least, for a little bit longer. He spent all day and night driving to the Braden household to see if he could try and knock some sense into the woman. What he didn't understand that why, all of a sudden, she was feeling depressed. Was she missing him? He highly doubted that. She dodged a bullet with him. She was too good for him. Not that she was better than you.

The both of you were perfect in his eyes—smart, beautiful, stubborn and had qualities that he chesheried. You and Lisa were almost the same type of person, but, yet, you were complete polar opposites of one another. And the only real thing that was different from Lisa’s relationship to his with you, he loved you. In Lisa's words, your relationship was messed up, unhealthy, and you were going to do nothing but make him miserable. If that was the case, so be it.

He sustained a lot of rainy and miserable days. At some points it felt like the rain was never going to end, he was going to drown in the sorrows that flooded his mind. But there were times when the raining would stop, sometimes the clouds moved, shining some light. Even if it was only a little bit. And there were days when the rain cleared up and he was blessed with the sun. You were that sun, and when it shined, you made all those rainy days seem like they would never come back. Lisa was like an umbrella. She protected him and sheltered him when the storms were the roughest they had ever been. Lisa did all that she could for him, but when the sun came, she knew it was time to be put away.

Dean knew it was his time to return the favor to Lisa in her time of need. He swallowed down all of his fears and pushed the doorbell several times to the home that he once thought was going to be his forever. He stopped after the fifth time and waited for someone to answer the door. It was a minute until he saw the front door handle twist, revealing a face that wasn’t Ben. It was Lisa, she answered the door with a bright smile on her face and dressed for a night on the town. When she realized who it really was, her smile faded, changing into a look of almost disbelief at who had the audacity to be standing on her front porch after all this time.

“Dean,” She spoke his name like it was poisonous venom. “What are you doing here?”

"Well, you look absolutely fine." Dean said. Lisa furrowed her brow from what he said and began wondering what exactly his motive was for being here. He let out a sigh when he realized what was going on here. Ben sure was a sneaky kid. "We've been Parent Trap'd. Ben sent out a 911.”

“Why would he do that?” Lisa asked.

Dean examined Lisa's black dress and earrings that looked expensive, to how her hair was perfectly styled in an updo that she wasn't spending a night in to watch TV. She was in the middle of getting ready when he interrupted her. "You're going on a date, huh?"

Lisa thought about the question for a moment before it was her turn to sigh, in annoyance from what her son did. She opened up the door wider and invited her unwelcome guest on in. Dean followed his familiar way down the path to the kitchen, gladly taking a cold beer from Lisa before she grabbed a green cardigan to cover up. He took a seat on one of the stools he once sat at with Ben while Lisa cooked them breakfast. It felt like a lifetime ago.

Lisa began to slowly pace around the living room, the same way she did when Ben was nearly on the edge of failing science. It was things that you dealt with as a parent. Now she was nervously pacing because it was her past knocking. And neither one of them wanted to answer it.

“So, who’s the guy?” Dean decided to satisfy his curiosity and attempt to break the silence. Lisa  turned around to face him, wondering if he was going to be a dick about it. She repeated his question with an almost sarcastic tone of voice. Dean raised his brow, wanting to show her that he wanted things to go civil. She decided to answer his question.

“His name’s Matt.” Lisa answered his question. “He’s a doctor.”

"Oh, Dr. Matt." Dean mumbled. He tried not to let his feeling show as he nodded his head slowly before looking down at his beer. His remark wasn't meant to be malicious. But, for some reason, it came off that way. "How respectable."

"How long was it until you and Y/N got back together?" Lisa questioned the man. She wanted it to be a rhetorical question that was said to spite him, but from the look on his face, she knew instantly that the both of you were an item again. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.  "I don't wanna do this with you, Dean. I don't want things to be like this. But it is. I called you six times, Dean."

“And I almost called you back about a hundred.” Dean admitted. Lisa’s lips stretched into a tight smile from hearing his confession. She turned around her spot, her back now to him. “Lis, Ben called me. I dropped everything and ran. If you want to know if I still care—”

“Doesn’t help me.” Lisa said, quickly turning around to face him again.

"You ended things with me. And for good reason. Give me the cold shoulder, tell me I’m a dick. I don’t care. Just don't walk on eggshells around me." Dean said. He knew how she got when she wanted to get something off her chest. All though she let everything out on the phone, there had to be something else from how she was acting. “What do you want from me?”

“I’m not asking for anything.“ Lisa said with a matter-of-fact voice.

“Well, then ask for something,” Dean demanded. “‘cause you’re sure acting like it!”

A tense silence fell between the both of them from how Dean raised his voice. The both of them turned their gaze away from one another when they heard footsteps quietly approaching down the hall. Ben, the culprit who lied just to get them in the same room, wasn't going to stick around for very long. He stopped in his tracks when his mother and Dean caught him.

“Go to your room!”

Ben stopped dead in his tracks when he felt two pairs of eyes on him. His mother gave him a warning look as Dean acted like it was another day, but when he realized he was just a guest, the man gave the kid a smile. Ben didn't say a word. He listened to the command and headed up to his bedroom. Lisa let out a sigh from what her son was trying to do. It was all for the right reasons, but he was still too young to understand there was more to this situation than what she told him.

It had always been just the two of them since he was born. Until that fateful day when Dean knocked on their front door and changed their lives forever. Ben got a taste of having a father figure in his life, Lisa had someone in her life that felt right. The Braden family thought things were perfect, that this feeling would last forever. But nothing good ever does.

Lisa took the empty stool next to Dean's, deciding to finally answer his question with a bit of truth she didn't realize until it was too late. "You know, I can't ask you for something. I know what I want…I wanted it before you knocked on my door. Ever since Y/N left a letter in my mailbox asking me to look out for you, back when all that crazy stuff was happening, I tried not to think much about it. I thought if things were meant to be, it would. When you showed up...I thought it was a sign. I gave it my all. For her. For Ben. And for that year we all were together, I don’t know about you, but it was the happiest time in my life.”

Dean thought that Lisa had admitted all of her buried truth back when he had the cursed spell, but it seemed she was harboring it longer. Time doesn't always heal wounds. Sometimes they make it worse. "When Y/N showed up after all that time, I was upset. I said all those things to you because I was angry. And, I'll be honest, I was jealous. Because she has something I can't, not how you live. My phone rings, someone knocks on my door, tiny chance it's you. I think you want to try again. But I know hell would freeze over before that happens. Big chance, it's Sam or Y/N, calling to tell me you're dead.”

Dean wasn't good with relationships. He never had been. He was more the kind of guy who loved 'em at night and left them in the morning, never to be heard from again. Lisa was one of them who had showed him a weekend he never forgot. It took him to have his head on the chopping block from a demon deal to fetch her name and see if the spark was still there. It also was the same reason why he let his personal feelings for you come up to the surface. Dean had a special connection to you and Lisa. He softly spoke the name of the woman who he had up and left after she gave him everything, Lisa shook her head.

“Don’t apologize, or anything. I know, Dean. I know you love her, she loves you. And I’m sorry for what I said. It was just how I felt at the time. And I’m trying to get better. And I have been. I get to this place where I’m okay...and then you show up at our door. You keep doing that. Every time I think I’m never gonna see you again.” Lisa said. She waited for him to get up and leave, but he sat there, almost like a deer in headlights. “I’m trying to get over you. What are you trying to do? What do you want from us, Dean? Because whatever it is, me and Ben can’t give it.”

Dean, yet again, didn't know what to say. He didn't want to apologize for his feelings for you, but he couldn't say the time that he had with Lisa was a waste. Lisa pushed herself up to her feet and circled around to the kitchen. She opened up a drawer and pulled out an envelope. She outstretched her arm, signaling for Dean to take it. All she said was that she needed this out of her house before she made her way upstairs to finish getting ready. Dean stared at the name written on the front of the envelope, and who’s handwriting it belonged to. He was tempted to read it, but not here. Dean decided to speak to someone else before he left.

Ben was upstairs in his room like Dean suspected, sitting on the edge of his bed playing his video games that consumed most of his life. It was nice to know that some things didn't change. Dean made his way into the room, acting casual for this conversation to go smoothly. He peeked over slightly to see what game Ben was playing.

“Well, that’s ridiculous,” Dean said, trying to start a conversation with him. “Plants could never kill a zombie.”

“You think I’m gonna say I’m sorry?” Ben asked.

“Why would I think that, because you lied to get me here?” Dean wondered. Ben still thought his idea of an emergency was correct. The older Winchester knew the kid was sorely mistaken. “A date’s not an emergency, Ben.”

“It is if it’s the third one.” Ben said. He was just a kid, but he was at the age where he thought he knew everything. “I watch TV, I know what that means.”

Dean let out a sigh from what the poor kid was going through. He really didn't understand what was going on, all he wanted was for things to be the way they were. Dean walked over and sat at the edge of the bed next to him. "Well, your mom's a grownup...she gets to go out."

“Why won’t you come home? Can’t you just say ‘I’m sorry’ and then come back?” Ben asked. He thought that two words were going to fix a situation that was already bad enough as it was. Dean apologized for what he couldn’t do. “Can’t or won’t?”

“Both.” Dean answered.

“So you hate Mom now?” Ben questioned the man, trying to figure out the true motive. Dean looked at the kid with surprise at what he was trying to get at. “So it’s me? Whatever I did, I’m sorry.”

“Listen to me. You didn’t do anything. You understand that?” Dean said. He spoke in a firm tone, wanting to convey the message that everything which was unfolding wasn’t the kid’s fault. He was still a kid. Nothing on TV to explain what was going on. “Look, one day you’ll get this, when you’re older.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m six.” Bean said.

“Okay, fine. It’s like this then. Just because you love someone, doesn’t mean you should stick around and screw up their life.” Dean said. If the poor kid wanted the truth, so be it. Dean would rather leave here with Lisa and Ben hating his guts than wishing for something that was never going to happen again. “So I can’t be here.”

“You think something will follow you home?” Ben asked, wondering if it was all about their wellbeing. Dean felt his jaw tighten at what the real reason was.

“No. No, I don’t. But I think my job turns me into somebody that can’t sit at your dinner table.” Dean said. “And if I stayed, you’d end up just like me.”

Ben shook his head, “Why do you say it like you’re so bad?”

“Trust me. I’m not someone you wanna aim to be.” Dean said. Ben tried to put his opinion in on the matter, but it wouldn’t change the way things had to be. “I’m sorry, Ben. You see, this was you got a shot at living whatever life you want. You know, pick one. Pick five. Because with me, there’s just the one road.”

“You’re a liar, Dean.” Ben suddenly said. Dean furrowed his brow when the kid became hostile towards him. “You say family’s so important. But what do you call people who care for you, who love you even when you’re a dick?”

“You got me. Family is important. But mine gets hurt all the time. If I stick around, I don’t know what will happen.” Dean said. He tried his hardest to try and explain. “And my family’s a little different from yours. They’re all sorts of messed up.”

“Then why are you leaving? Why are you going back to them if they’re so messed up?” Ben was throwing question after question at Dean before he could answer them. He had every right to be upset, but the kid hit a place where he knew nothing about. “I heard Mom when she was on the phone with you. It's that Y/N woman, isn't it? She said that you two love each other. But if she loves you so much, why does she make your life so miserable? Why couldn’t you just let her stay dead?  Hell, it would be better for everyone if she dropped dead now. For good.”

"Hey! Don't you ever speak about someone like that." Dean found himself snapping at Ben. It was mostly because for how he was talking about you, but he reminded himself that Ben was still a kid. "It's disrespectful."

"Why? It’s the truth. I read 'Pet Sematary.' When Louis brought Church and Gage back from the dead, they weren't the same. They were freaks." Ben said, almost hissing out the last word he said. Dean blinked, wondering how a kid like him could suddenly be so...angry. "Sometimes dead is better. And if Y/N was dead, maybe you could stay.”

"Maybe you're right. If Y/N was still gone...I'd be here. But she's alive. So is my brother. And they need me. Just as much as your mom needs you. Because she loves you. She wants to protect you, she wants you to find someone special. And trust me when I say this," Dean let out a sigh. "When you're older, you’ll understand. You’ll find someone special...and before you know it, you’re head over heels. You’ll do anything for them, and you’ll do just about everything to make sure they're safe. And you keep going back to them because they make you happy."

“We didn’t make you happy?” Ben asked.

“You do. But, I can’t make you happy. Not the way you and your mom deserve.” Dean admitted the awful truth nobody his age should hear. He felt like he was doing more harm than good.  “The two of you deserve a life that I can’t give you. I’m sorry.”

+ + +

Dear Lisa,

You might not know me, but I know you. We have a friend in common, his name is Dean Winchester. (And I realize as I write this out about how creepy this sounds. Let me explain myself.) My name is Y/N Y/L/N, I’m his girlfriend. Or…by the time you’re reading this, his ex. I know it’s weird. Why would I be leaving you a letter and telling you this information? Because you and I have something else in common. I think you know Dean is a special man. He doesn’t let many people in, especially not women. Both  of us have made an impact on his life for the better. I’ll be honest, when I first heard about you, I was a bit jealous from the way that he spoke about you. But after getting to know you, I realized what was so great about you. You have something that I could never give him. And that’s a happy life.

When he first met Ben, he was instantly taken back to see how much he could he see himself in  your son. You have a great kid, Lisa. He’s sweet, smart and a lot like Dean. And if I have learned anything in life, it’s that family isn’t about blood. It can be with anyone if you let them into your life. I hope you will do that if Dean knocks on your door.

I wish I could tell you more about myself. But I don’t have much time. I’ve known Dean since I was literally born. (And yes, I’m using the terminology right. He’s been at my side since I was a baby. Him and I have been through thick and thin. All though, I know my time’s up. Hopefully it will be your turn to share the rest of your life with him in blissful happiness with Ben. Maybe even have a child together. I don’t know. Just treat him right.

In the next upcoming days the news will be filled with disastrous things that will scare you, but don’t worry. You and your son are going to be okay. Including Dean. I have a few friends that I am going to make some arrangements with so that, worst case scenario, all of you will be happy. And most importantly, safe. I wish I could have met you again in different circumstances, but this will have to do. I wish you the best for you and your son.

Your friend, Y/N Y/L/N.

P.S. Please take good care of Dean.

It was the letter that started all of this. It was the reason why Lisa opened up her front door to him, why you had ran away all that time ago. Because you thought you were doing what was right. And it might have been at the time. Dean was a broken man after he witness you and his brother vanish from his sight. He didn’t know where to turn. You had lead him down a path that you thought was going to end with happily ever after. But then you came back and changed everything. For better, for worse. The truth was a bitter pill to swallow. This was for the best.

Dean was on his way back to New Jersey when he decided to pull his phone out of his jacket pocket. He dialed a number and waited it to ring a few times before they picked up. His lips stretched into a faint smile when he heard your raspy, groggy voice. "Hello?"

“Hey, sweetheart.” Dean greeted you. He looked down at the time to see that it was getting late. It was probably well into the night when he decided to call. “Did I wake you?”

“It’s fine. I was just dozing. I’ve had enough sleep to last me a lifetime. Frankly, it’s boring.” You said. You moved the phone away for a moment so you could get comfortable. When you put the phone back to your ear, you were still silent for a few seconds longer. He felt his heart skip a beat when he heard your voice come out in a soft, sweet tone that he loved. "I miss you, Dean."

“I miss you, too.” Dean said. He forgot for a moment about the conversation with Lisa, and what Ben said about you. All he wanted to do was focus on the sound of your voice. He suddenly ached to be right next to you. "Sam's a lousy hunter. I need my Nancy Drew back. Now, tell me, how’s crashing at Bobby’s been?”

"Kind of fun, actually. Did you know he has a thing for Tori Spelling? It's so…”

Dean didn't say a single world during the conversation with you. He put the phone on speaker and placed it up on the dashboard. The entire way to the New Jersey state line he listened to you ramble on about your time with Bobby, to all the TV you had been watching over the past week. His entire day had been thunderstorms and constant rain, but just like that, from the sound of your voice, he could see the sun peeking through.

[Next Part]

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[saxllp]

February Sax Spotlight: Jack Tawil and Maria Plucinsky

Jack Tawil

Please join us in shining February’s Sax Spotlight on Jack Tawil, Manager in the firm’s Valuation, Forensic and Litigation group.  Jack recently joined the Sax team in November of 2018 and mentions that he has felt right at home, and he enjoys the sense of community and togetherness the firm exudes.  Jack quickly noticed how advanced and forward-looking Sax is in the industry, and he appreciates the collaboration and advice he receives consistently from other team members of the firm.

With seven years of experience in the Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation industry, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting, and a CVA and CPA license, Jack is working his way to achieving his main career goal of climbing the ladder at Sax and one day becoming Partner. Jack has benefited the firm in many ways since he started, including addressing the needs of the VFL group’s client base, and building strong relationships with everyone that he services.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys a challenge and recently took on training for and participating in Spartan Races, a difficult, high-intensity obstacle course.  When Jack is not training, he spends his time with his family, including his five siblings, 17 nieces and nephews, and his adopted dog and cat.

Read on to learn more about Jack in our Q&A:

What college did you attend? What was your major?

I attended Montclair State University and received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting. Once I graduated with my Bachelors, I knew I wanted to further my education, so I decided to apply to the Master’s program immediately.

Any continued education? Credentials?

Right after I graduated with my Master’s, I immediately started studying for the CPA exam, which I obtained about two years after I started preparing. Years later, I started to focus on the VFL industry, so I attended a one-week course to get my Certified Valuation Analyst certification.

When did you start working at Sax? What is your current title?

I started working at Sax in November of 2018 as a Manager in the Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation group.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?

My day-to-day responsibilities range from preparing business valuations, to the identification of income and assets in family law. In the VFL group, we don’t follow the normal tax season schedule that the other team members have. We have our own schedule based on the number of cases we get, and we can get busy any time of the year, depending on our case load.

What are a few things you have learned here?

I think the most important thing I have learned so far has been the importance of a great client relationship. After being with the firm for only four months, a key takeaway is that building a relationship with your client is extremely important. Something else the firm has opened my eyes to is that the industry is constantly changing, and you can never get too comfortable. You always need to stay on top of the game, and the people at Sax have been great with offering me help and pushing me to exceed my expectations.

Explain some of your biggest achievements in your career.

Two of my biggest career achievements are obtaining my CPA and CVA licenses. I like to consider myself a very hard worker, and extremely thankful that everything paid off.

Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.

When I was in graduate school, I spent a lot of my time studying and working hard to start a successful career. Although I am proud of my hard work and dedication to my studies, my biggest achievement was when I decided to begin training and competing for the Spartan Races. The Spartan Race is a high-intensity obstacle course that ranges from 3 miles to 16 miles. Competing in the Spartan Races has been such an awarding experience and has helped me make a major life change. Since competing, I focus on taking care of myself and my body, which has been a key factor in being successful in other aspects of my life.

Do you have a vision or goal for your career?

My main goal is to focus on advancing my career at Sax and hopefully becoming a Partner one day. I strive to strengthen the relationships I have with my clients and always make them feel secure and taken care of.

What volunteer work do you participate in?

For about 7 years, I have been volunteering for Horizon School of North Jersey in Livingston, which is an elementary school for children with Cerebral Palsy. Some ways I have volunteered my time in the past have been by reading to the kids, helping organize charitable events, donating toys during the holidays, and sometimes I just take a ride there to spend time and play with the kids. Since discovering the school and becoming a part of their community, I have realized the importance of giving back and taking time to help others. I always leave the school with a huge smile on my face knowing I’ve helped make their day better.

Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?

I am the youngest sibling of six children and I have 17 nieces and nephews and spoil every one of them. Coming from such a big, close-knit family is always entertaining and chaotic, but I would not have it any other way. I love to spend my free time on the weekends with them, as well as my adopted dog and cat. My other interests include going out with my friends on the weekends and watching sports, especially football. For the past 15 years, my friends and I put together a Fantasy Football league, which always gets a little too competitive, but is always great to feel like a kid again.

Maria Plucinsky

This February, we would like to shine the Sax Spotlight on Maria Plucinsky, Partner in our Not-for-Profit Practice.  Maria spent most of her career at The Hunter Group which merged with Sax in November of 2017. Since the merger, Maria says she learns something new every day from Sax and that going from a smaller firm to a big, dynamic firm, she appreciates and benefits from the tools and resources that are available.

Maria has over 38 years of experience in public accounting and has accomplished many professional achievements including obtaining her CPA license, making Partner and being a dedicated working mother. Her goal has always been to be her clients #1 advisor and to assist them in all areas of their business life cycle. Her focus has always been superior client service, forming meaningful professional relationships and teaching the next generation of advisors to do the same.

Don’t let that last name fool you, Maria was born in Italy and comes from a big, loving family. Her parents decided to move to the United States when she was 13 months old so Maria and her parents large, extended families could have more opportunities. She has two children of her own whom she still loves to cook for.

Read on to learn more about Maria in our Q&A:

What college did you attend? What was your major?

I attended William Paterson College before it became a University. Originally, I studied Elementary Education, but I quickly had a change of heart and decided to explore the world of Accounting. Four years later I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree.

Do you have any credentials? 

I received my CPA license about 10 years after college. It was definitely the hardest studying I have ever had to do, but so well worth it. I try to encourage our young staff to study for the CPA exam as soon as possible after graduation.

When did you start working at Sax?

Right out of college I began my career with a firm called Schotz, Simon and Miller, which later merged with The Hunter Group in 1987. After being with The Hunter Group for most of my career, we eventually became a part of Sax in November of 2017.

What is your current title?

I’ve been a Partner since 2008. Being a working mom set me back a little bit in my career because I worked part-time for about nine and half years to focus more on my family. Becoming Partner was a huge milestone for me and I will never forget the feeling of that promotion.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?

I am a part of Sax’s Not-for-Profit group, so I focus mainly on nonprofit clients, both on the audit and tax side. As a partner, I like to consider myself the quarterback of our team. My responsibilities include making sure all the services for our clients are perfectly executed and that everybody is doing their part in getting the job done. I mainly focus on the client engagement and relationship, and to always make sure our clients are satisfied with Sax, and that nothing slips through the cracks.

What are a few things you have learned at Sax?

The most important thing I have learned since becoming a part of Sax is that no matter how much you advance in your career, there will always be more to learn and room to grow. Sax offers a great amount of resources that I’ve never had, and the consistent trainings have made it easier to adjust to a bigger firm. Something else I have found valuable in the merger is that our team members are always willing to help and give advice to each other.

Explain some of your biggest achievements in your career.

Obviously, two of my biggest professional achievements were obtaining my CPA and becoming a Partner. Both accomplishments required tons of hard work and dedication, but what I have learned in my career is that you will get what you put in. I would not be where I am today if I did not work as hard as I did.

Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.

Being able to have a successful career and be a working mother at the same time is something I consider a huge achievement. When I first started my career, the Accounting industry was only 10% female and being a part-time, working mom in public accounting was not common in the 80’s and 90’s. Being able to take on that challenge and do what was right for me and my family is something I will always be proud of.

Do you have a vision or goal for your career?

My overall goal would be to continue to be my clients’ #1 advisor and get more involved with Business Development to help Sax grow as much as I can until my retirement. Being able to retire peacefully knowing my clients were and will continue to be taken care of is all I could hope for.

Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?

Not many people know this about me, but I was born in a small village in Italy called Alberobello and moved to the U.S. when I was 13-months old. I come from a big, Italian family and have two children of my own. Outside of my busy work life, I enjoy spending the summer weekends at our beach home in Wildwood Crest. Some other things I like to do in my free time are cooking and entertaining. I enjoy trying new recipes and enjoy the challenge of hosting anywhere from 24-30 guests on Thanksgiving and Easter every year. I’m also always looking for new concerts and Broadway shows to go see.

The post February Sax Spotlight: Jack Tawil and Maria Plucinsky appeared first on SAX.

from SAX https://www.saxllp.com/february-sax-spotlight-jack-tawil-and-maria-plucinsky/

[auswomenwriters]

It’s January round-up time again, and like last year, we’ve had a decent number of reviews posted. All that summer-time reading has done us proud.

As you’re probably aware, the awards season has started. The Indie Book Awards shortlist was announced in January, so look for my comment on those below. So far in February, we’ve had the announcement of the Stella Prize longlist and the winners of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. However, as this is a January round-up, I’ll leave those for February …

January jottings

January is always a good month for reading – at the beach if it’s pleasant, or in air-conditioned comfort if not! The result was a good month with 54 reviews posted for Literary and Classic books – just a couple less than last January, but still making a good start to our year. Here are some statistical highlights:

Our most reviewed author was Holly Throsby, with five reviews for Cedar Valley

Our top reviewer was Brenda (Goodreads), who submitted five reviews

Sixteen, that is, 27% of the month’s reviews, were for Classics! The reason for this will become obvious below…

The Classics

… which is that Bill (The Australian Legend) hosted his second Australian Women Writers week on his blog, this time for Gen 2 writers. Gen 2 focuses on writing that falls roughly between 1890 and 1918. This month’s Classics authors (not all of whom were Gen 2 writers) were Capel Boake; Mary Grant Bruce (2 books); Ada Cambridge; Isobelle Carmody; Miles Franklin (2 books); Mary Gaunt; Louise Mack (3 books); Ruth Park; Katharine Susannah Prichard; PL Travers; and Ethel Turner (2 books).

Since there are too many here for me to describe in one post, I’ll choose just a couple, starting with Louise Mack (1870-1935) who had three books reviewed. Bill (The Australian Legend) reviewed her schoolgirl novel Teens, and I (Whispering Gums), reviewed its sequel, Girls together, while Nancy, over in the Netherlands, reviewed her memoir, A woman’s experiences in the Great War. Mack was a fascinating woman. She was in Belgium when the war started, and worked as, says Nancy, “the first woman war correspondent for the Evening News and the London Daily Mail. This book is her eye-witness account of the German invasion of Antwerp. 28 September – 10 October 1914 (1 week and 5 days).” Nancy described the book as “Good eye-witness reporting…but very outmoded” in approach and style, which is probably not surprising, given its time-frame.

Two participants wrote about Mary Grant Bruce’s Billabong books. Michelle Scott Tucker, author of the biography, Elizabeth Macarthur: A life at the edge of the world, wrote about the whole Billabong series. Like me who read my mother’s old copies of these books, Michelle read her mother’s friend’s copies, and said she “was transported”. While recognising that the books suffer now because they exhibit their time’s attitudes to race, gender and class, Michelle says that at their best they

championed the values of independence, mateship, hard work (for women and children, as well as men), and bush hospitality.

However, she concludes that because their values are disturbing to us,

Their value now is more for their insights into a not-so-distant historical period and mindset, rather than as a book that a modern child might thrill to read by torchlight, under the covers.

Brenda (GoodReads) reviewed Captain Jim, the sixth in the series. It is set in England during World War 1, and tells about a home set up by the series’ heroine, Norah, and her father, to help soldiers newly released from hospital to recover completely before heading back to war. Brenda greatly enjoyed the book, saying that “it’s exceptionally well written (originally published in 1919) and both heartwarming, and heartbreaking”.

Non-fiction (General)

We have two non-fiction categories here at the Challenge: “history, memoir and biography”, and – well – the rest (aka “non fiction, general”)! Most of our non-fiction reviews fall into the former category, and most non-fiction isn’t flagged as literary, but this month we had three. Two have been short and/or longlisted for literary awards – Chloe Hooper’s The arsonist, and Maria Tumarkin’s Axiomatic. Being listed for significant literary awards like the Stella Prize or the Melbourne Prize for Literature automatically qualifies a book as “literary”, but otherwise the decision can be subjective. Our readers seem to have agreed that television journalist Leigh Sales’ book, Any ordinary day, should also be tagged “literary”.

Chloe Hooper’s The arsonist is garnering a lot of attention, partly of course because its subject is so close to Australia’s heart in summer. Kate (booksaremyfavouriteandbest) explains why it is seen as “literary”. It has a “compelling narrative”, the writing is “poetic”, and Hooper “manages to include the necessary factual information without slipping into pure journalistic reporting”. All these point to its being firmly in the “creative non-fiction” genre. Calzean reviewed it briefly on GoodReads, describing it as “scary” and “complex due to the mental state of the arsonist”.

I reviewed Maria Tumarkin’s Axiomatic, a collection of essays which interrogates some of those axioms we tend to accept as given – such as “time heals all wounds” and “you can’t step in the same river twice” – revealing that there’s a lot more to these so-called “truths” than we think. It’s an idiosyncratic, provocative book, written in a style that keeps you on your toes, but it is compelling and, importantly for me, compassionate.

Three participants reviewed Leigh Sales book: Brona (Brona’s Books), Life After Sixty-five, and Kali Napier (GoodReads). Life After Sixty-five liked the way Sales blends her research and investigation with some very personal questions about trauma, tragedy and “why me?” She says that

this book is worthy of a bright highlighter, something I couldn’t use on my borrowed library book. There is not a waffling word in this generous, searching and compassionate quest for answers to some big questions.

Brona was initially sceptical – after all, a big journalist writes a book and gets big publicity – but says she was “very wrong” to have doubted! The book, she says,

is all about reminding us that the big stuff can happen at any time and that we should remember to be grateful for, and savour, the everyday, ordinary moments, for ‘they’re not so ordinary, really. Hindsight makes them quite magical‘.

Kali Napier (GoodReads) was not as enamoured as our other two reviewers, feeling that Sales’ sense of “randomness” is not completely valid. Kali argues that “society is not a level playing field. For many, traumatic events, grief, loss and acts of violence are more LIKELY to happen to them because they don’t live in the bubble of being white, middle-class, beautiful, loved, etc etc.”  I haven’t read the book, but this question has crossed my mind when I’ve heard this book discussed. Anyhow, in the end Kali is concerned:

So much focus on ‘good people’ who aren’t ‘deserving’ of the events that befall them implies the inverse: that there are bad people out there, and they are more deserving of being blindsided.

But, she says, this is her “subjective gut reaction”. Sounds like we need more readers and reviewers! Interested?

Indie Book Awards 2019

The shortlist for the Indie Book Awards – which are voted by Australia’s independent booksellers – was announced on January 16. There are books by women in each of the three main categories of interest to my section. All have been reviewed for the Challenge, which is pleasing to see, though not all in January.

Fiction: (2 of 4, by women)

Jane Harper’s The lost man (Macmillan Australia). (Her Force of nature was shortlisted last year)

Kristina Olsson’s Shell (Scribner Australia)

Non-fiction: (3 of 4, by women)

Chloe Hooper’s The arsonist (Penguin Random House Australia)

Bri Lee’s Eggshell skull (Allen & Unwin)

Leigh Sales’ Any ordinary day (Penguin Random House Australia)

Debut fiction: (1 of 4, by a woman)

Heather Morris’ The tattooist of Auschwitz (Echo Publishing)

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  The winners will be announced on 18 March at the 2019 Leading Edge Books conference in Adelaide.

———————

About Me

I am Whispering Gums and I read, review and blog about (mostly) literary fiction. It was reading Jane Austen when I was 14 years old that turned me on to reading literary fiction/classics, which is why I am here today doing this round-up! Little did Jane know what she started!

My love of Aussie literature started with Banjo Paterson’s ballads and Ethel Turner’s Seven Little Australians in my childhood. But, I didn’t really discover Australian women’s writing until the 1980s when I fell in love with Elizabeth Jolley, Thea Astley, Olga Masters, Helen Garner and Kate Grenville. Ever since then I have been included a good percentage of Australian (and other) women writers in my reading diet.

Classics and Literary Round-up: January 2019 It's January round-up time again, and like last year, we've had a decent number of reviews posted.

[jamieclawhorn]

2 growing dividend stocks I’d buy to top up my state pension

I don’t want to rely on the State Pension in my old age. I live fairly frugally, but even I don’t fancy the idea of trying to stay comfortable on the £8,500 per year or so that I’m set to get.

So I’m building up my SIPP, and I’m mainly looking for progressive dividends. And if I can find strong earning growth prospects too, that’s a bonus.

Hidden growth?

I think I’m seeing exactly that at Macfarlane Group (LSE: MACF), whose shares have lost 25% of their value since the end of June. I don’t see a good reason for the fall, other than general retail malaise afflicting the packaging materials supplier.

There’s net debt on the books, but at the halfway stage at 30 June, it stood at a modest £11.1m, down £3.6m since December 2017 and “well within its existing bank facility.” The firm’s pension scheme deficit was continuing to fall too, down to £9.4m, from £11.8m six months previously. For a company with a first-half pre-tax profit of £3.5m, I’m not unduly concerned by either of those at the moment — but we do need to keep an eye on them.

In an update Tuesday, chairman Stuart Paterson said the firm’s “performance in the second half of 2018 has continued to reflect the good progress demonstrated in the first half,” adding that he’s confident of meeting full-year expectations.

Sales for the year to date have grown by 13%, fuelled to a significant extent by acquisitions. And these days, when sector valuations are low, really make me like a company that can keep its acquisitions going. But even without that, organic sales growth stands at 5%.

Pre-tax profit is “well above the corresponding period in 2017,” which bodes well for forecasts of a 33% EPS rise this year. Add in progressive dividends set to yield around 2.6%, and P/E valuations of 11 to 12, I’ve put Macfarlane on my SIPP shortlist.

Oversold cash cow?

John Menzies (LSE: MNZS) is another that I think the market has mis-priced, with its shares down 25% so far this year.

I see two drivers behind that, one being the predicted EPS fall of 34% this year. But there’s a +14% reversal on the cards for 2019, which would put the shares on an undemanding P/E of 11.5. Add a forecast dividend yield of 4.2% to the mix and I’m seeing a bargain. The dividend has been a bit erratic over the past few years, but a chance to get in when the depressed share price has pushed the yield up looks good to me.

The other issue is net debt, which stood at £231.8m at the interim stage at 30 June, or 2.1 times EBITDA. I see that as too high, though the company is targeting “between 1.5 and 2.0 times EBITDA.” If it can get it down into that range I’ll feel more comfortable. And Tuesday’s trading update said that “debt continues to track to forecast and we expect the year-end position to be in line with our expectations.”

Overall, the firm reckons it’s trading ahead of last year and should meet expectations for the current year. And looking further ahead, Menzies sounds confident that it will meet its annual revenue growth target of 8%.

I have reservations, but the company’s prospects do make me think the shares are oversold.

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Alan Oscroft has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.