#I paint and I knit and I write plays and poems and stories. I even have a tv pilot script in my back pocket

[prettyfemmeprincess]

What does it take to get the love you put out back?

[benoitsletterandart]

One Hundred Ways to Say “I Love You” #1

by: Tegar Dewantara

“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known — and even that is an understatement.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

For someone who destined to be my beloved in the future, let me tell you that I may not always utter ‘I love you’ to express my love for you, but instead…

I will write a poem about you.

I will write down everything you like in my notes.

I will try to understand you instead of arguing with you.

I will knit you a scarf myself.

I will share my future plans with you.

I will create a playlist that reminds me of you.

I will tell you how proud I am of you.

I will buy you random bouquets of flowers.

I will cover your favorite songs on the electric guitar.

I will gaze into your eyes deeply when we talk.

I will watch Ghibli movies with you.

I will give you my cologne so you can remember me.

I will create a painting that describes my feelings for you.

I will apologize with a handwritten letter on vintage paper.

I will introduce you to my mom.

I will discuss my interest in philosophy with you all night.

I will build Lego sets with you.

I will take you to a classical bookstore on the street to find old poetry books.

I will go grocery shopping with you.

I will take you on night drives while we listen to our playlist.

I will teach you boxing and self-defense.

I will engage in discussions about the history of human civilization and the future of technology with you.

I will make matching bracelets for us.

I will hug you when we haven't met for a long time.

I will help you with your homework.

I will text you good night and good morning every day.

I will give you my last fry.

I will grow your favorite flowers in my garden and name them after you.

I will apologize and admit my mistakes when I'm wrong.

I will remind you that you're loved and deserving of all the love in the world.

I will buy you things that remind me of you.

I will let you show your scars, and I will be there to heal you.

I will hold the door for you.

I will take you to Disneylands and enjoy all the fun together.

I will help you peel shrimp and remove fish bones.

I will lend you my hoodie so it smells like you.

I will read classic literature to you as a soothing lullaby.

I will wear matching outfits with you.

I will do skincare routines with you.

I will help you tie your shoes.

I will learn to make flower bouquets as birthday gifts for you.

I will teach you how to play basketball.

I will learn table manners so I don't embarrass you on our fancy dates.

I will give you random flowers and leaves I find along the way.

I will come to your house and cook your favorite meal when you're not feeling well.

I will go kite flying with you.

I will watch the new films you always talk about in the cinema with you.

I will go ice skating with you.

I will take you to the gym and teach you about fitness.

I will love your pets.

I will express all five love languages to you.

I will buy you self-defense tools to protect you when I'm not around.

I will bring you to my personal library and show you my book collection.

I will go camping with you.

I will share the skin from my fried chicken with you.

I will ask about your day and your health condition.

I will take you to a photobooth and take many photos of us.

I will capture candid photos of you.

I will write journals about our love story and turn them into a book.

I will write love letters by hand.

I will make a crown of flowers for you.

I will dance with you in my room to songs on vinyl.

I will use your birthday date as my basketball jersey number.

I will rest my head on your lap.

I will take you to my garden and show you my favorite flowers.

I will hold your hand in public.

I will memorize your favorite coffee order at your favorite coffee shop.

I will send you love quotes I find on Pinterest.

I will bake heart-shaped cakes for you.

I will play hide and seek in the grocery store with you.

I will dance with you in the rain.

I will be your number one fan and support you always.

I will place Polaroid photos of you on the back of my phone.

I will go Hot Wheels hunting with you.

I will sit by your bedside when you're sick.

I will buy you a big teddy bear doll.

I will include you in my goals.

I will send you random funny pictures I take.

I will run with you on the grass at the park.

I will go to the beach with you and watch the sunset.

I will gently pat your head randomly.

I will prioritize playing games with you playing games with friends.

I will let you sit on my lap and hug me while I play games.

I will playfully annoy you most of the time.

I will make custom couple keychains for us.

I will post you on my social media.

I will take you where the moon and Milky Way shine brightly.

I will always carry your favorite candy.

I will kiss every part of you.

I will write a song for you.

I will teach you how to ride a horse.

I will make pinky promises with you.

I will cosplay as your favorite anime character.

I will be protective of you.

I will go to the opera house with you.

I will text you when I get home, to campus, or to our vacation destination.

I will attend our favorite band's concerts with you.

I will help you paint and braid your hair.

I will let you lean on me and hold my hand while I drive.

I will do many silly things with you.

At the end of the day, from all the things I have done to show my love for you, it is my way of to show that real love still exists. Love may have different meanings for every person, and for me, it means to become a home for those whom I love.

[toi-monogatari]

Hej pagan side of tumblr

I got a question

I am wondering if Apollo hasn't been trying to contact me for years on end now. I have only found of deities and such some time ago and was wondering if one wasn't calling to me.

I had seen some videos about how a god would call (more precisely Apollo) but i think the things happening have been happening since I was a child (when I was around 8 or so and I am nearing my 20's now). I'll note the things I'm talking about and I hope someone can help me clear it up.

So since I can remember i been doing these things:

- had a big interest in arts. I have been drawing since I was little and never really took a long break in it. I used to do stone work, I am currently trying to learn to knit. I paint too.

- I always had an interest in instruments. I played the piano since I was 7. Chose to do some flute as a child (I had lessons in it cus I chose to). I played on xylophone and other percussion instruments in a percussion group. I play the achordeon in my summer holidays (cus that's the only time I can access it as it's in another country and belongs to my uncle). And currently I started to learn to play the guitar.

- I love to sing

- I listen to music constantly. Whenever I can I play some songs. They make me feel safe.

- I love singing, even if I don't have a proper voice. And i often dance to the songs in my room.

- for the past 4 years I have held a journal where I keep in my poem. I do write poem and I write stories. Writing is something that was a hobby of mine since I was 13.

- I often think of Apollo.

- for some reason suddenly Apollo messages posts piped up on my tiktok without me ever searching it up.

- when we first moved into our new house 6years ago (mom chose the house and I am sure it had nothing to do with the flowers that suddenly popped up), the first spring-summer, a batch of hyacinths sprung up in the garden. Not a small batch either. For the record, I am sure we did not plant them, but we did keep them and planted them again.

But there are some parts i am unsure about. It's because I didn't have some signs of him wanting my attention.

-He didn't appear in my dreams (I did have dreams with boys with blond hair, but i am sure it was not about him. Those dreams never had any of his symbols)

- his sacred animals or flowers (except hyacinths) have not appeared anywhere. I did see a flock of birds several times fly above the road, but they never had explicetyky followed me.

So.... Is he reaching out to me or are these just some random things in my life that have nothing to do with it?

I don't own any tarrot cards, so I can not check it with seeing if the chariot or sun pop up often. I don't have runes either.

[knitting-with-norbert]

Getting Through THOSE Nights

(taken from my blog, link in bio!)

I’ve been having a lot of THOSE nights (capital let’s and italics very much needed)

It’s taken me years of getting through nights where I can’t sleep because I feel like I can’t breathe and I can’t be alone with my thoughts because holy shit that just not at all remotely what I need before I’ve gotten to this point where I have at least a small list of resources that consistently help me get through them

And just in case anyone out there reading this is having one of those nights themselves, here is that list. Please add on your own through comments or messaging me to add one – any suggestions are so, so appreciated if you think that they will help others in getting through those times

As far as I’m aware at the time of posting all of these resources are completely free to use and all the links work, if not let me know

Creativity

Free knitting patterns – Easy knitting patterns for beginners. Even if you’re experienced with knitting on those nights sometimes all you want is something easy that you can complete quickly. Lovecrafts also has a lot of more advanced free knitting patterns if you want more of a challenge

Word Sprints – They start every half an hour, just write as much as you can. Be it a short story, poem, novel chapter or anything. Write to get your thoughts out and don’t stop writing. You get a star for every 100 words and it’s very satisfying (Here’s a link to my room – Nifty-Frogs-153 if you want some company there’s a chance me or someone else might be in there, otherwise it’s very easy to join the global sprint or create your own room)

This is Sand – Create some art online using different coloured sand

Weave Silk – Creates beautiful patterns that are really satisfying to watch and look at

Write a Letter – This isn’t an online resource, just something that I do to alleviate a little of my anxiety, which is to write a letter to myself. It works in a similar way to the word sprints, but a bit different in that I am directly trying to talk to myself and make sense of my thoughts

Listening

Spotalike – Put in a song that you like and it’ll create you a playlist based off of that song

Chill music – There’s a load of these on YouTube that you can check out but this is the one that I tend to come back to

Rain for Me – Listening to the rain to relax

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse Audio – Tim Uffindell reading the audiobook

Websites

Press this button – to make everything okay!

Neal.fun – This website is full of fun little mini-games and sites that serve as good distractions, I’ve linked a couple of my favourites below! Macaroni Draw – Paint with pasta Progress – Watch the progression of time Your Empire – Conquer the world based on the places you’ve visited

Picrew – I like to find fun-looking picrews to make either myself or just to mess around in!

Videos

Hermitcraft Season 7 – The playlist of all of Grian’s Hermitcraft videos from season 7. Even if you don’t typically watch Minecraft videos, Hermitcraft is the most relaxing thing to watch and season 7 Grian especially brought me a lot of comfort

Kitten Livestream – 24 hour livestream to watch kittens playing

Otter Livestream – 24 hour livestream to watch otters playing (there’s a load of other aquarium-based livestreams on here too: sharks, jellyfish, etc. it’s just that I love otters)

Twitch – You’ll always be able to find someone to watch as background noise on Twitch as a distraction, I’ve linked a couple of my favourites below

Organisations

The Butterfly Project – For when you feel the urge to self harm

Samaritans – I believe this is just a UK based project (other than the email service, though please don’t use this for emergencies) Call 116 123

The Trevor Project – A US-based project set up to help struggling LGBTQ+ teens Call 1-866-488-7386

7 Cups – Online support for those that need it

Please do add suggest some of your own coping tools to get through those nights, I hope that you’re all staying safe and keeping well

Freddie 🐸

[welcometothenightcourt]

100 Coping Skills

———————————————————

1. Exercise (run, walk, etc.)

2. Put on fake tattoos

3. Write (poetry, journal, story, etc.)

4. Scribble/Doodle on paper

5. Be with other people

6. Watch favorite TV Show

7. Post on social media; respond to others’ posts

8. Go see a movie

9. Do a wordsearch or crossword

10. Do schoolwork

11. Play an instrument

12. Paint your nails; do your hair or makeup

13. Sing

14. Study the sky

15. Punch a punching bag/pillow

16. Cover yourself with band aids where you want to self-harm

17. Let yourself cry

18. Take a nap

19. Take a hot-cold shower or bath

20. Play with a pet

21. Go shopping

22. Knit or sew

23. Clean something

24. Read a good book

25. Listen to music

26. Try some aromatherapy (candles, incense, essential oils)

27. Meditate

28. Go somewhere very public

29. Bake cookies or other treats

30. Alphabetize your CD’s/Movies/ Playlist/Books/etc

31. Paint or draw

32. Rip paper into itty bitty pieces

33. Shoot hoops; kick/throw a ball

34. Write a letter or send a message/email

35. Plan your dream room (furniture, colors, layout, etc)

36. Hug a pillow or stuffed animal

37. Hyperfocus on something like a rock or your hand

38. Dance

39. Make hot chocolate, a milkshake, smoothie, tea, etc

40. Play with modeling clay or play dough

41. Build a pillow fort

42. Go for a nice, long car ride

43. Complete something you’ve been putting off

44. Draw on yourself with marker

45. Take up a new hobby

46. Look up recipes and cook a meal

47. Look and examine pretty things like flowers or art

48. Create or build something

49. Pray

50. Make a list of blessings in your life

51. Read the Bible (even just for the lols)

52. Go to a friend’s house

53. Jump on a trampoline

54. Watch an old, happy movie

55. Contact a hotline/therapist

56. Talk to someone close to you

57. Ride a bicycle

58. Feed the birds, ducks, etc

59. Color with crayons

60. Memorize a poem, song, or play

61. Stretch

62. Search for ridiculous things on the internet (ex: *your name* the hedgehog)

63. “Shop” online (without actually buying anything)

64. Color coordinate your clothes/closet

65. Watch fish

66. Make a playlist of your favorite songs

67. Play the “15 minute” game (avoid something for 15 minutes and then come back to it)

68. Plan your wedding/prom/other event

69. Plant some seeds/Garden

70. Hunt for your perfect home/car online

71. Try to make as many words as possible with your first/middle/last/nick name

72. Sort through your photos

73. Play with a balloon

74. Do laundry

75. Find some toys and play with them

76. Play video/computer/phone/board/card games

77. Start collecting something

78. Clean up trash from your local park

79. Perform a random act of kindness for someone

80. Text or call a friend

81. Write yourself an “I love you because...” letter

82. Look up new words and use them

83. Rearrange furniture

84. Write a letter to someone you may never send

85. Smile at at least 5 people

86. Play with little kids (siblings, cousins, nephews, etc)

87. Go for a walk to find a cool place to hang out (with or without friends)

88. Put a puzzle together

89. Clean your room

90. Try to do handstands, cartwheels, etc

91. Yoga

92. Teach your pet a new trick

93. Learn a new language

94. Move EVERYTHING in your room to a new spot

95. Get together with friends and play sports or music

96. Hug a friend/family member

97. Search for new songs/artists

98. Make a list of goals for the next day/week/month/year/next 5 years/etc

99. Face paint/Body paint

100. Watch cute/funny animal videos

[writingforfunsies]

The Demon Brothers: Creative Outlets Headcanons

they are all immortals and when you've lived longer than you can remember, you're bound to find a creative outlet to destress, alleviate boredom, or you know, to just have fun!

Lucifer

He’s a busy demon. If he’s not working, he's sleeping, or cleaning up one of his brother’s messes, so he doesn't have that much time to just relax and explore his creative sides. 

That said though, it doesn’t mean he has no hobbies at all.

He plays the piano. He used to play it every morning, back when he’s still in the Celestial Realm, when he’d taught Lilith how to play the piano every morning and she’d sat besides him as his fingers moved across the keys slower so she could copy him. 

Nowadays, playing the piano feels very nostalgic and bittersweet, but you’ll hear soft, bittersweet melodies drift from the music room once in a while.

He also composes his own music, but that's an even rarer occurrence. The last time he created a new music piece was centuries ago. 

(Ever since MC came to Devildom though, he's been itching to write music for them.)

Practices calligraphy for fun. He has a whole set of brushes and ink and lettering pens. His handwriting is already beautiful but his calligraphy is even more amazing.

Another thing he does is gardening. He's got a great eye for landscape architecture, he's the reason why the house's backyard is pretty. 

He plants decorative plants and likes to cross breed flowers so the House of Lamentation's backyard is full of pretty shrubs and unfamiliar flowers. 

He is usually joined by Beel as he is the other brother that finds gardening very relaxing.

Mammon

He definitely shows his creativity by coming up with the most absurdly brilliant, out-of-the-box, original schemes to make money.

Mammon can draw, like really good. His drawings are very realistic. He prefers to use traditional media: charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, blenders, erasers, drawing pens, brushes, and maybe some watercolors.

He usually does architecture sketches.

But if you check his drawers, you’ll find several sketchbooks of his brothers in different candid poses. MC alone has taken up three whole sketchbooks. Mammon makes sure MC doesn’t see those sketches though.

Crashes Asmo’s Art Day regularly, claiming that if Levi’s invited then the Great Mammon should be too. Asmo and Levi always complains but they let him stay anyway.

Mammon also has a natural talent on jewelry making and metalwork. He makes jewelry from buttons, beads, pearls, diamonds, and crystals. From small pendants to elaborate neckpieces, simple anklets to ornate hairpins. 

Mammon has made metal bookmarks for Satan because the book lover always misplaces his bookmarks or destroys them in fits of rage when he doesn't like a book's ending.

He sculpts wood. It takes him months to finish one small piece because he only does it when he's really, really bored, he prefers to make his much more profitable jewelry. 

He keeps all of his sculptures in his room, small and detailed pieces of wood engraving of Devildom native animals lining up on one of the shelves.

Leviathan

This is canon but he draws! He doesn't think he's very good at it, but he really enjoys it. 

Unlike Mammon who likes to draw with his charcoal pencils and drawing pens, Levi prefers to draw digitally. He still switch to traditional media now and then though.

Has a monthly scheduled “Art Day” where he and Asmo hang out together, Levi draws with his sketchbook or his drawing tablet and Asmo paints. They basically just gossip and hype each other’s art.

Dabbles in making short animations but feels like it’s just not something for him. He makes short comics though.

He wants to be able to make his own video game someday though. Maybe after he learns programming.

He makes the most detailed cosplay outfits for his own cosplays. He sews really good and patches his brothers clothes when they ask. Where do you think Asmo learns how to sew his own clothes from?

Really good at dancing and he really likes it too. He's a natural at it. From the most intricate traditional Devildom dances to freestyle dancing. He can make new moves on the spot and can copy any moves from one look.

He’s a shy baby though, you’ll rarely see him dance when he’s sober.

Except when he’s playing DDR (Demons Dance Revolution). Then, it’s like he’s the most confident demon in Devildom.

Satan

Satan writes poetry when inspiration strikes him. He has also written short stories but he always comes back to creating beautiful poems. He’s got a way with words.

Photography is something he has only recently taken interest in but he has a great eye for taking breathtaking shots. 

Has become the family’s go-to photographer.

“Satan, take a picture of me and Mammon!” “Satan, take our picture, quick!” “Satan, help me get a picture for my Devilgram!”

He’s the reason Asmo’s Devilgram pictures always look like they’re taken professionally in a photo studio or something.

Satan loves art, likes to stroll through museums and stare at paintings for hours, but has little talent in creating them. Even so, he still likes to paint even if he's not good at it. 

Sometimes he just wants to slap paint on a canvas and make a colorful mess. It's fun. 

He joins Art Day every other month.

Another thing he does is knitting! It relaxes him. It gives him something to focus at when he's angry (um, angrier than usual), just to give his hands something to do that doesn't involve breaking anything. The simple patterns he makes are easy enough that they don't frustrate him. 

Rarely ever finishes his knitting though, you'll just find this 5 meters long knitted fabric in one corner of his room with the ends coming undone because he calms himself down enough to stop knitting.

Asmodeus

Regularly designs, cut, and sew his own clothes. 

Has a lot of sketchbooks full of drawings of flowy dresses and stylish coats and many aesthetically pleasing shirts. 

He has started his own clothing line and sometimes collaborate with Majolish. 

But for the most part, he designs clothes for himself and himself only, he doesn't want anyone else to wear clothes as fabolous as his.

Nail art? Nail art. 

Asmo paints all of the brothers nails and sometimes he'll persuade one of them to let him do a complete manicure, with glitter polish and shiny studs and all. 

Yes, even Lucifer. You just never see the results because Lucifer wears his gloves almost all the time.

Asmo creates beautiful makeup art. He doesn't really like a lot of makeup on his own face though, so his brothers' faces are his canvases.

He also has a great eye for interior decorating and flower arranging. He restyles his room every month.

Not many people know it but he paints. And he's very good at it. He has done a painting of each brother, the paintings can be seen on the walls of the House of Lamentation's hallways. 

Art Day with Levi (and sometimes Satan or Belphie) is spent with him in front of canvases, chatting with his brothers, paint splatters on his hands. It's the only day that he doesn't mind looking a little messy.

Beelzebub

He cooks, of course!  And bakes too!

It's one of the times he’s willing to wait to eat because cooking the ingredients first rather than just straight up eating them will make the foods taste better. 

Half of the food in the kitchen are his creations. Anything he can make on his own from scratch, he will; jams, ice cream, sauces, juices, bread, chips, etc. 

Likes to experiment and always do something different than the original recipes. 

He garnishes his cooking like it’s something you order from a five star restaurant.

Beel is another demon who has a green thumb. He likes taking care of plants and doesn't mind getting a bit dirty doing it so gardening is another hobby of his. 

If Lucifer plants ornamental plants, Beel grows useful plants like herbs and vegetables and small fruits. He's also good at topiary.

Always has an idea for a DIY project. 

His creations is scattered all over the House of Lamentation. Belphie's drawer divider is made out of yogurt cups. Broken drawer knobs recycled into Asmo's jewelry organizer. The coat rack. The bathroom towel holder. 

Even Lucifer's hanging Demonus rack is handmade by Beel when he's bored one weekend, with Mammon's help for the engraving decorations along the sides of the rack. Beel's got a bit of Bob the Builder in him.

He is very good at singing. His voice is clear and he has a broad vocal range. Has been caught unconsciously humming in class many times.

Has definitely sang Belphie to sleep.

Belphegor

Does his pranks counts as a creative outlet though?😂 Between him and Satan, Belphie's ideas are the most creative and out of the box, resulting on some of the best pranks they did.

Belphie does origami. It's relaxing, easy enough to learn, and doesn't take much effort and energy to do it. 

Has stacks of origami papers in his room: standard origami paper, foil paper, traditional Washi ones, the leather-like Momigami paper, all kinds of paper. 

He especially loves to make little origami stars and keeps them in glass jars in his room.

Belphie also has adult coloring books. 

And kids coloring books.

Coloring is relaxing to him. It's very calming to just lay down and fills a page with pretty colors for a while. It's not a tiring way to destress, he can color without moving from his bed, and it feels satisfying when he finishes a whole page. 

He sometimes joins Art Day if he's not too lazy to move. Still prefers to color alone where it's quiet though.

He also journals. It's another thing he can do that is inexpensive and not energy consuming. He writes about anything that comes to his mind, his thoughts, his ideas, memories. 

Definitely keeps a dream journal.

Also I headcanon that as the Avatar of Sloth, sleep and dreams are some of the things he can manipulate. He enjoys creating dreams; the worldbuilding, the story, the details. He can be really creative when it comes to making them, spinning the most vivid and imaginative dreams. 

They’re not necessarily good dreams though. After all, he is still a demon, his dreams will most likely mess up your mind than make you smile in your sleep.

[violetrose-art]

Corpse Bride Headcannons, Theories, and Ideas

This is just a list of the theories, headcannons, and ideas I came up with for Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. I might add more later on, so watch out

-Victor and Victoria were born and raised in a small English village close to the Atlantic Ocean called Burtonsville

-Victor’s full name is Victor Ichabod Van Dort

-When he was about four years old, Victor found Scraps as a mixed-breed puppy in an alleyway. Nell and William refused at first, but William saw how his son quickly became attached to the dog, so he let him stay. Sadly, when Victor turned eight, Scraps was brutally mauled and tragically killed while trying to defend his beloved owner from a bigger, nastier dog

-Victor’s favorite toy as a child was a stuffed horse he called Usher. He begged his mother to let him keep Usher until he was fourteen

-Victor learned to play the piano when he was about five years old. He was a fast learner and he picked up on it very quickly, and his tutor was greatly impressed by his skill. His favorite musicians are Mozart and Beethoven

-Victor works as an artist to draw many types of butterflies for the Lepidoptera Community, as well as a professional pianist. Originally, his father wanted him to work as a fish merchant and take over the family business, but Victor politely told him “no thanks” because he wanted to follow his own dreams. William was disappointed, but deep down he wanted his son to be happy. So he usually encouraged him, especially when Nell wasn’t around

-Outside from his butterfly works, Victor does paintings during his free time at home. The color theory that he studied was written by Eugene De La Croix·         Victor has been drawing since he was a child. His favorite things to draw are animals, butterflies, and other insects. He also does landscapes and people sometimes. He also likes to write sometimes, mostly a few poems and a couple musical compositions. Nothing he took too seriously, though. He also likes to sing when he thinks he’s alone

-In his childhood, Victor used to have a somewhat regular playmate named Humphrey. They were almost friends, but when William’s business became very successful and Victor’s family became rich when Victor was about eleven, Humphrey stopped coming over and the two boys haven’t seen each other since

-When he was a boy, he learned how to speak French because his mother thought it was “high-class” to be bilingual. Victor was diligent in his studies and thus has a good knowledge of spoken and written French. He may not be perfectly fluent, but he can carry on a decent conversation

-Victor is severely allergic to walnuts and poison oak

-Victor had a cousin named Mary whom he was very fond of, but she passed away when she was seventeen and he was six. She got lost in the woods and was attacked and devoured by a pack of wolves

-Victor doesn’t drink anything more than the occasional glass of champagne or wine. The reason? Mayhew once got him drunk and it turns out Victor is a CHATTY drunk. As in, he’ll tell you his life story at the slightest provocation. Victor was so embarrassed when he sobered up that he nearly swore off all alcohol forever. It’s very unlikely he’ll ever knowingly get wasted again·         After he and Victoria were finally married, Victor gained confidence and he stood up against Victoria's parents earning him some respect

-Victor HATES smoking. He was secretly offered a cigarette from Mayhew when he was fourteen and after the first inhale, he was coughing and gagging so much that he nearly threw up

-Victor is the tallest member of the Van Dort family, making him stand out quite a bit during family reunions

-He may not be a sporty person, but Victor enjoys cycling. He also loves a good game of chess

-Victor adores reading. His favorite writers are William Blake, Charles Baudelaire, Lewis Carroll, Edgar Allan Poe, and William Shakespeare

His favorite books are “Les Miserables”, “Dracula”, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, “The Fall of the House of Usher” and other works by E.A. Poe. The play/book that he hates the most is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” because he strongly dislikes this style of a love triangle in the plot line. He also has a fascination with penny dreadful. Yes, he knows the serial stories are really nothing but lowest common denominator trash, but he loves them anyway. He got hooked on them as a teenager thanks to Mayhew’s nephew, and he used to keep a secret stash under his mattress

-When she still rather young, Victor noticed that his daughter, Emily, became very interested in music, so he taught her how to play the piano as well as the violin

-Victoria was the one who taught her son, Edward, how to read and they bond over books and stories they both enjoy

-The worst day of Victor’s life happened about three weeks after Scraps died. Victor’s parents had some business friends over for tea, and forced a still-grieving Victor to come down and be social. Poor Victor made a bad impression, being quieter and clumsier than normal, culminating in knocking over one man, tripping his wife, and insulting said wife’s coat in apologizing. Nell, humiliated and enraged, turned on her son once the guests were off, screaming at him about what an embarrassment he was while they were still standing on the front steps. Victor was so horrified, embarrassed, and depressed that he came too close to taking his own life. He got his hands on his father’s straight-razor, snuck into the bathroom, and actually had it to his neck when a noise from outside the bathroom spooked him and he dropped the razor and ran back to his room as fast as he could. Fortunately, the distraction gave him time to realize suicide wouldn’t fix anything, and he made a promise to himself never to stoop that low again. His parents also apologized the next day, which helped a lot. Victor avoids telling anyone about it unless he feels he has to, certain they’ll think less of him for it

-Victor was born June 9th, 1867

-Victoria’s full name is Victoria Elizabeth Everglot

-When she was very little, Victoria had always wanted a pet (like a cat or a small dog) but her mother said that having a pet in the house was uncivilized and improper and that all animals were filthy and uncouth creatures

-Victoria’s favorite hobby is sewing and knitting. She often designs most of her husband’s clothes and others in her spare time

-As a child, Victoria tried to be closer to her parents, but often found the family maid Hildegarde as more of a mother figure

-Victoria loves to read in her spare time… even though most people call it scandalous for a woman to do such a thing. Her mother even said reading was too passionate for a young lady. At a young age, Hildegarde, taught Victoria how to read (something her parents never found out about)

-Her favorite books are “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, “A Christmas Carol”, and any classic fairy tale. And her favorite writers are Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm

-Victoria’s favorite toy as a child was a china doll she called Miss Liddie. By the time she was about eleven, she had grown out of it. Even though she knows she’s too old for toys now, she still misses Miss Liddie

-Victoria isn’t allergic to anything, but she does tend to sneeze if dust is in the air

-When she was a little girl, Victoria was nearly trampled by a horse-drawn carriage, which made her develop a slight fear of horses

-Victoria likes to sing whenever she thinks she’s alone. She doesn’t believe it, but she has a surprisingly lovely singing voice

-When she was a little girl, Victoria was entranced by the piano in her house and she immediately wanted to learn how to play but her mother had told her daughter many times that music was improper and too passionate for a young lady. But Victor always tells his wife that music is a wonderful way to express oneself and that he would be more than happy to teach her how to play

-Victoria used to have a regular playmate named Gwyneth in her girlhood. They were good friends, but when Victoria reached her pre-teen years, Gwyneth stopped coming over to play for some reason and she never heard from her since

-Victoria is the most beautiful member of the Everglot family

-When she was in her early teens, Victoria secretly dreamed of becoming a writer someday

-Victoria was born February 3rd, 1868

-Victor and Victoria had two children. Their names are Emily Alice Van Dort (age 15) and Edward Daniel Van Dort (age 10)

-When Victor and Victoria were married, they moved out of their parents houses and bought a beautiful two story house that sat at the edge of a large meadow that was right next to the forest… plus, the house was a good mile or so away from Burtonsville

-The Corpse Bride’s full name is Emily Charlotte Cartwell

-Emily was born into a wealthy family. Her parents, Lord and Lady Cartwell, couldn’t say ‘no’ to their daughter and they practically gave her everything she asked for, so she became incredibly spoiled, selfish, and incredibly naïve·         Emily was a hopeless romantic, often spending time reading romance novels and daydreaming about her wedding when she was alive

-When she was alive, Emily was blonde

-When she made it to Heaven, Emily was finally reunited with her mother and father

-When their daughter disappeared, Lord and Lady Cartwell were so sad and depressed that they wasted away and passed away in their sleep

-Before ascending, Emily considered Bonejangles to be one of her best friends. They used to sing and dance together all the time. He even taught her how to play the piano

-When she was alive, Emily knew how to ride horses. She even had a pet white mare she called Aphrodite

-Emily Cartwell died at age eighteen

-Lord Barkis’s full name is Barkis Finbar Campbell Bittern

-Emily met Lord Barkis while she was on an outing with her parents. Her parents had their backs turned while Emily was talking with Barkis. After only a few minutes of talking, she was instantly smitten with him and she accepted his immediate proposal of marriage… and her mother and father were not happy about it at all. Emily and her father had a huge fight and she decided to elope with Barkis… but for her, it didn’t go as planned

-Barkis told her that if they were going to be together, they would need money. Emily wasn’t sure, but in the end, she agreed

-On the night she was running away, Emily stole not only her mother’s wedding dress, veil, gloves, and best shoes, but she also stole the jewels from her mother’s jewelry box and a large bag of gold from her father’s office

-As Emily was waiting for her fiancé that night, Barkis snuck up behind her, stabbed her, knocked her out cold, took all of her money and jewels, and buried her alive. She woke up in a shallow grave and tried to claw her way out before suffocating to death. That's why her hand was sticking out of the ground

-Barkis was married six times in his life. He and his first wife were married out of love until he found her cheating on him and killed her. The second was an elderly widow for her money. The third one got away before he could even hurt her, but she drowned herself in a deep, rushing river. The fourth was a drunken lonely woman who “accidentally” fell out of a two story window. The fifth being Emily and the sixth being Victoria

-In the Land of The Dead, Barkis was brutally beaten and ripped apart before he was imprisoned in an iron coffin chained seven feet underground with other criminals like him for all eternity

-After he ran away, Barkis studied linguistics in French, Latin, German, and Russian in order to impress others… or use different fake accents to fool them with

-Barkis’s original first name was Bradford and he had a rough upbringing. His father was a violent alcoholic and his mother was a reckless prostitute and they both abused Bradford as a child until he ran away from home at age sixteen and changed his name to Lord Barkis

-Barkis has a twin sister who had a son named Hector. Hector greatly looked up to his uncle and when he heard about what happened to Barkis, he was taken aback, but he also felt he could use that to his advantage. When he turned 30, Hector came to Burtonsville to exact revenge on the Van Dort family… but he also developed a vile infatuation with Emily. Whenever he tries to woo the young girl (which always fails since Emily finds him repulsive and cruel), Victor gladly steps in the way every time and he always sternly tells Hector to stay away from his daughter

-Mrs. Van Dort’s full name is Eleanor Minerva Fitzackley Van Dort

-Nell came from a lower class family. She lived with her father, mother, and three sisters. However, Nell wasn’t happy with her place in society and she wanted to became something more

-Nell and William first met when she was caught in the rain one stormy day and he offered her a ride home in his fish merchant carriage. She declined at first, but quickly gave in when it started to bucket down. As they rode together, they started chatting and soon became very interested in one another

-Nell and William made their way back to the village just in time to witness Emily's soul disappear into the night as a swarm of blue butterflies

-When she learned about Mayhew’s death, Nell quietly wept in her room about it. She might be overbearing, but deep down, she truly does care for the ones closest to her. She also adores her husband and son, even if she does find them a bit irritating. She just has a hard time showing her emotions

-Mr. Van Dort’s full name is William Oscar Van Dort

-William loves talk about fish and his business, he always tries to weasel in the topic whenever possible to his wife and son's annoyance

-William used to take Victor on fishing trips when he was younger, which practically bored Victor to death

-While he tends to be the more passive one in their relationship, William does put his foot down when the situation calls for it

-It may not seem like it, but William adores Victor and he tries to do whatever he can to be there for his son

-When Victor turned sixteen, William gave him a silver pocket watch with a design of a fish on the front and his initials

-Lady Everglot’s full name is Maudeline Hortense Glottberg Everglot

-Maudeline and Finis didn’t plan on having a child in the first place and Victoria came as more of a surprise

-Maudeline had a sister named Marie who loved playing the piano. They didn’t get along in their youth and they drifted apart as they grew up. Maudeline wasn’t even invited to Marie’s wedding to Lord Frederick Cartwell

-When Marie died, she left her piano to her sister, but Maudeline never touched it. She felt it brought back too many memories and forbade Victoria from going near it was well

-Lord Eveglot’s full name is Finis Augustus Everglot

-While he was disappointed in not having a son, Finis deeply cares for his daughter. He just doesn’t know how to show it

-Even though they’re not good at sharing their feelings, Maudeline and Finis do care for each other to some extent

-Hildegarde has lots of grandchildren and she visited their home in the countryside as often as she could before she passed away

-When he was alive, Bonejangles was a freelance jazz musician from America and his original name was Dexter. He was finishing a gig in England when he died in a horrible carriage accident (he was run over), which also caused him to lose his eyeball

-General Bonesapart and General Wellington were actually General Napoleon Bonaparte and English General Wellington, two real historical figures. However, even though they hated each other at first, they became real pals eventually

-Although they don't say it out loud, people in Burtonsville make fun of Maudeline's hair cut, calling her names like "Rump Head" or "Hairmungus"

-Elder Gutknecht is one of the many Afterlife Lords, responsible for managing the dead after they pass. Among them include God, the Devil, King Vince, Hades, Hel, Osiris, Odin, Freya, and, the Hindu God Yama

-The Underworld is actually thousands of miles underground and due to the magic surrounding it. Mortals can't access it unless they die themselves

-After his death, Mayhew kicked the habit of smoking altogether and is very glad he did

-Elder Gutknecht has a fearsome Hellhound by the name of Infernius, his fierce and ever loyal pet. He guards the entrance to the Land of the Dead and can breathe fire that heats up to 900 degrees

-The fellow who was cut cleanly in half was an English gentleman by the name of Herman, who lived in Burtonsville years before. He ended up meeting his death due to an accident involving a rather large guillotine

-Generals Bonesapart and Wellington are the leaders of army of the Land of the Dead, but are only called into combat in times of great peril

-The people of Burtonsville sometimes call Lord Everglot “Everglut” behind his back

-Victoria has a cousin by the name of Dolores. Dolores is something of a freeloading con artist who moved to America when she left home. She considers herself a very attractive woman, but she just wears too much makeup and rather revealing clothes and is actually rather sleazy in reality. She also smokes, which Victoria and the rest of the Everglots are strongly against

-When he was alive, Elder Gutknecht used to be a wise sage that helped people in their time of need. He passed away when he reached the age of 102

-The Everglots were a family of nobles with a significant amount of money, but due to a bit of excessive gambling (by Dolores), they lost almost everything

-Almost every member of the Everglot family is rather ugly due to bad genetics. Victoria considers herself very, VERY lucky to have not inherited such genes (she unknowingly received her natural beauty from her late Aunt Marie)

-Pastor Galswells was raised in a strict environment. He was taught that kindness was weakness and to be stern and firm with everyone. He passed away shortly after the official wedding of Victor and Victoria and a new pastor took his place. His name is Pastor Ivan Blackthorp and he’s much kinder and friendlier than Galswells ever was

-The reason Victor named his dog Scraps was because he only ate table scraps

-The people of Burtonsville have a secret inside joke about the squatty walk Finis Everglot does where they assume that he would jump like a toad and snatch up a fly at any moment

-Burtonsville is well known for its raven population and there's an old legend saying they're messengers to the Land of the Dead

-For some weird reason, William Van Dort is known to mutter the words "Fishy, fishy, fish" in his sleep and it honestly creeps Nell out

-Paul, the decapitated head waiter, was actually a French man who served Marie Antoinette during her reign. Unfortunately, he was unjustly executed by association with the queen when the French Revolution broke out and he was never able to find his body after he died

-Several people have assumed Maudeline's hair is an actual wig and she's bald under it… only to be mistaken, resulting in a whooping

-Lord Barkis was a master of disguise in life and was never caught by the police as a result

-The Underworld has a prison known as the Iron Tomb and it holds some pretty infamous inmates who include Bluebeard, Caligula, Henry VIII, Mary I of England, and many more

-The Town of Burtonsville was actually built on an ancient burial ground, which is possibly why the Land of the Dead is connected to it

-After her death, Emily was made the official guardian angel of the Van Dort family

This is all I've got so far, but feel free to tell me what you think and tell me which one is your favorite

[symphonicmetal101]

Wishlist For Someone Special

Ok, so I'm feeling really sappy and just a little lonely. All my friends are boring and my family members are too young for me to take to do some stuff.

This is kind of a wishlist of things I wish I had someone to do with or look forward to doing eventually...not necessarily romantic, but I wouldn't mind if it was. (broskis, I ain't never been on a date, not even, like, a platonic one, so bear with me if it seems ridiculous)

Stargazing- lying on a blanket in an open field or in the bed of a truck, just watching the stars, pointing out constellations, and making up stories

Watching the Northern Lights- bundling up in our warmest winter clothing, grabbing a couple campchairs and hot chocolate as we watch them dance and flicker.

Laser Tag- sneaking around, just trying to one up each other, or being on the same team and still- try to one up each other😂

Paintball- a little more painful than laser tag, but still fun. Checking up on each other afterwards to make sure there aren't any really bad bruises

Graffiti- I've always liked the way it looks. I would love for someone to teach me, or for us to learn together in one of those public graffiti houses

A Willow Tree- I would love to find a weeping willow tree and climb it's branches, only to sit and read there with my loved one enjoying their company.

Just Drive- just take a roadtrip with someone I love, blasting music, laughing, singing, and snacking as we blaze down the roads. It doesn't have to be long.

Visit an Animal Sanctuary/Reserve- I find animals fascinating, but also find that sanctuaries and reserves are more educational and often more humane than zoos.

Volunteer at the Food Bank or SPCA- just general acts of service. They make me happy.

Pillow Fortress- I didn't really get to make blanket forts when I was younger, so I want to try doing something even bigger! I want to convert the couch into a cuddle palace.

Spontaneous Dancing- idk man, it just makes me really happy. My dad used to twirl and dip me when I was little, so that's probably where it started.

Cooking/Baking Together- so what if we make a bit of a mess? So what if we screw up the recipe? It doesn't matter, it was time well spent.

Cleaning Together- Growing up as an only child for ten years and then becoming the oldest means I've done chores alone for a long time. I want someone's company, maybe we'll talk, maybe we'll work in comfortable silence, or maybe we'll blast music. I don't care. I would be happy just to know I wasn't alone.

Learning One of Their Hobbies- I want to learn something they know!! Please, let me understand a little better, I just need them to be patient with me.

Forest Walks- especially in Fall. I want to walk down an old trail, listen to leaves crunch under our feet as more fall from above I want the blustery weather to give us rosy cheeks and noses by the time our walk is over.

Horseback Riding- I've done it before, but I would love to bring someone with me. You have more experience? Great! I love to see that confidence in you. You've done it a couple times? Yay, we're in the same boat! Never done it at all? That's ok! I'll do what I can to help you!

Outdoor Movie Night- we don't have drive- in theaters anywhere nearby, but give me a sheet, campchairs, and a projector? I've got us.

Indoor Movie Night- let's bundle up and cuddle together while we watch a new movie. Or maybe it's a classic. Idc.

Try New Food- let's go somewhere for lunch and pick something completely foreign...(I am not eating guinea pig again though, thanks.)

The Wharf- if one of us happens to live by the ocean, we'll be frequent visitors. Not necessarily the beach, bit on wooden planks where the salty sea air still reaches you. We can watch the boats come and go. (Fisherman's Wharf in B.C Canada is fun. There's a really good Mexican food place😂 There's a blind seal named Sammy that lives there, and you can buy a bucket of fish to feed him. Be careful though, seagulls are vicious, being pecked by one sucks...yes, I needed a bandaid and my finger was sore for a long time. Idk if it's still like that, it's been a while. Sorry, just reminiscing a bit.)

Painting- let's buy a couple canvases and paint and see what we can do! It doesn't have to resemble anything, just do what feels like you.

Splatter Painting- dear god I've wanted to try this for so long. Just full on globs of paint and flicking it towards the canvas. (I was never allowed to do it because it was seen as a waste of paint. I couldn't even do it with an old toothbrush on a small canvas😑)

Video Games!- Please teach me how to play! Video games are banned in my family. I mean, I've done Just Dance, but that's about it. Mobile games have been kept a secret...basically just teach me to play and don't make me feel bad about playing, and I'll love you forever, mkay?

Ice Cream Date- again, idk. The idea just makes me really happy, whether we're sitting in a small shop, eating and talking. Or maybe we're walking, maybe holding hands, trying to point things out to each other, but our hands are full, but there's no way we're letting go. Or maybe we're sharing a cup of ice cream on a park bench, just people watching.

Thrift Store Outfits- I want to go to a thrift store and pick out the most ridiculous outfits for each other. We don't have to go anywhere, but just humour me when we're alone by wearing whatever I found for you, and vice versa.

Writing- writing a poem, a atory, a quote, or learning calligraphy and just writing their name- I want to write something to you

Books- let's go to the library and choose a book for each other, one that neither of us have read so we can talk and ask questions, come up with theories as we continue to read.

Books pt.2- if you write me a note and give me a book telling me why it's one of your favourites, I'll melt. I'll do the same for you, and soon we'll have a few more things to talk about and enjoy together

Music!- you bet your bottom dollar I'm going to send you music that reminds me of you, and I would be overjoyed to recieve the same.

Music! Pt.2- if you happen to play, sing, or dance, let's make something beautiful together! If not, I'll teach you!

Improv/rp- just making stuff up as we go, not caring if other people hear our conversations.

Trampoline Park/Something Similar- I just want to try it. Don't care if I break my leg, I want to try it. I'll care if you break your leg though.

Plant Shopping- again, idk. Just the idea of choosing a succulent or two to take care of together sounds nice.

Dance Classes- maybe you're already an amazing dancer, I'll let you take the lead. Maybe you just know the basics like me, we can learn together. (I know how to do the basics for, like, salsa, cumbia, bachata, swing, and waltz, that's it. Please teach me more🤩)

Sewing/Knitting/Crocheting/Fabric Work- useful skill! And maybe we can make something for each other. (Spoiler alert: you're getting a pillow case, mask, or a scarf, I can't do much yet😂)

Rage House- let's just let loose! Make a mess! Yell! Doesn't matter, all of it's legit. I just want to destroy stuff.

Weird Cuddles- again, just the idea makes me happy. If you're lying down, I may as well just flop on you, right? Or maybe somehow we end up upside down. Cuddling while we read books or listen to music. Ok so maybe just cuddling but it feels weird because I'm touch-starved👌

Late Night Calls- I've never done this with anyone under happy circumstances. Could you help me change that? It would be nice to have the last thing before I go to sleep be reassurance and happiness.

Calendar/Planning- let's make a calendar together with pictures of the places we want to go one day. Let's talk to each other so we know what we both want and make sure we put it down.

Scuba Diving- this is something I've wanted to do since I was little- actually it was the first job I said I wanted. I don't want to do it as a career anymore, but I would love to try it with you.

Finding Random Things- little things that remind me of you. Maybe I was out and found a heart shaped rock. Or I heard a bird sing and managed to record it. Or maybe there was a cute keychain at the store that reminded me of you. And that would be enough to make me smile.

Ride a Double-Decker Bus- I've done it before, but the excitement that comes with the thought of riding one again makes me giddy. Just being able to see the city and people from a mobile throne😂

Bike Riding- let's explore nearby, just riding together. Maybe you have trails you want to show me. You can lead, I'll follow. Or vice versa. If we get lost at least we can laugh about it later.

Camping- lets share a tent and a campfire together, roasting smores as we laugh and tell each other stories. Maybe we'll try and sing a few songs too.

Punch Buggy- just playing the game properly will make me happy tbh. It's been 8 years of bending the rules😂

Board/Card Games- yes. I will get competitive. But that's half the fun. Also, I would like to play these properly as well lol

Museum Date- maybe somewhere local, or maybe we were driving by and decided to stop, or maybe we actually planned to go. Let's learn something new together, take some pictures.

Comfy- I didn't know what else to call it. Basically, take out, sweat pants, (messy buns), snacks, drinks, and a good show. Bonus if it's storming outside.

Rain- watching it rain, listening tonit rain, going outside and dancing or running in the rain, jumping in puddles- I want to do it all with you.

Little Gestures- little things we develop as we get to know each other, faces that we come to understand, hand movements we start to copy. Idk, I find it really cute.

Ok guys, sorry this isn't what, well, any of us were expecting. I guess this is my Valentine's Day post?? Idk. If you read it, I hope you liked it.

Feel free to put who you thought of in tags or comments, real or fiction. Or add to the list if you want. I would love to know😊 I know there's a lot of "I wants" but that's because for the first time, in a long time, I feel comfortable admitting that.

51. Mutual comfort characters

[youngwriterfromearth09]

Poetry: Hiding with the help of language

Poetry - a beautiful type of literature. Exaggerating words. Using metaphors and create imagery. It gives us the freedom to write our feelings and expressions. Poetry sometimes gives me a hard time understanding but once you try and interpret the poem you can digest what the poet is trying to convey. Like the poem “Hope” is the thing with feathers - (314)” by Emily Dickinson. As I read the poem, It took me a long time to understand what was she talking about but as I kept repeating it, I understood what it was. Based on my understanding, her masterpiece tells us that a bird is inside a soul which will always sing amidst the storm - and it will never ever stop. I understood that the bird symbolizes hope and will never leave a human soul even if something bad happens. Emily didn’t tell us that it was a bird that symbolizes hope but she gave us a hint - for it has feathers and can sing without the words -- saying that it was an animal that can chirp! What is the most common animal that can chirp and has feathers? A bird of course! Isn’t the poem brilliant? That’s why poetry is amazing! You can tell everyone what’s in your head with the help of language. Emily Dickinson explained how hope will never leave us with the use of perfectly constructed knitted words of metaphors and deep language. It’s so beautiful how we can use language to tell people what we want to say without even telling them. Poetry requires a big vocabulary so we can play and exaggerate with the words. Like me who loves to write and express, poems can paint a picture in our minds. Because while readers are reading the poem you wrote, they can also picture what you are trying to say. Based on my experience poems gave me a hard time understanding but it was okay, not everyone can understand poems. But if you are interested in learning how to understand poems I can give you two tips that I taught me to understand them! Number one is to constantly read the piece until you understand it. This strategy helped a lot in my life because you can even use it in stories you can’t understand. The second is to try and read it aloud. The strategy helped me in school because whenever I can’t understand a sentence or can pronounce a word. I just read it aloud to understand it! Up to this day I still use this even to understand this poem! But if you are really good at understanding poetry, you are very lucky. It’s a sign that you have talent at language. So, do you like poetry?

[the-cashewpeia]

In Search for Inspiration (Tsuzuru Minagi x Reader)

Additional Character(s): Izumi; mentioning Masumi, Misumi, and Homare

Genre: Fluff

Words count: 2404

Note: -

🌸

"I don't know what to do anymore. My head hurts and the deadline is nearing."

You gave your boyfriend the eye at his slumped form on the low table in his shared room with Masumi. Currently he was trying to work on a new script for Autumn Troupe's upcoming play, but nothing came up to his mind. You, on the other hand, showed yourself up before the young playwright after receiving no reply from him. The only information you got was that he cooped himself up for days to write a script, which would lead to sleepless nights. And you were there to assure that he took care of himself and finished his work at the same time.

"What should I do?" Finally lifted his head up, his tired eyes met yours. You took the seat beside him and enveloped his form in your arms.

"Take a rest." Your words were short and he could hear the command in them, but just like the usual, he would shake his head in refusal.

"Tsuzuru...."

He shook his head once again, "I know why you said that. But... I won't make it to the deadline with finished script if I--"

"Tsuzuru." You cut his statement, "And I know why you stubbornly trying to find an idea." The emphasis on a certain word made the brunet snorted, but he knew you did not mean to offend him.

"But you need to rest at the moment. If you keep your brain to work too hard, you'll just hurt yourself and no one wants that." You paused just to cup his cheeks and hoping that he would be aware that you were worried about him, "Whether it's me or everyone else in Mankai. Because you are precious to me, to them."

He did not say anything, but you could swear that his cheeks painted in faint crimson. To affirm your guess, he slipped from your hands to nuzzle your stomach and his arms wrapped around your torso to prevent you from looking at him. His legs now were sprawled all over the floor, while you tried to hold yourself from falling backwards.

"Hey!" You giggled, feeling ticklish when you felt him mumbling something on your belly.

"Why are you saying embarrassing things?" Despite his words, you knew well enough what he actually meant. That was why you could not hold your laugh even longer, and he pouted as a result.

"And why are you laughing at me?" Tsuzuru faked an annoyed expression.

For a while, you forgot that your boyfriend could be clingy and cuter than usual when he was tired and missing your presence. You petted his brown lock, made him drifted off to sleep.

"Hey." You poked his cheek, "let's just go to sleep first, okay?"

The brunet hummed in approval, "as long as you keep me company."

You let out a chuckle, "deal. But... after that, you must go somewhere with me, okay?"

It was hard to make him move to his bed, but it was worth it when you could see his peaceful face and heard the soft snore that slipped past his lips.

"Have a nice dream, Tsuzuru." You smile, as you pressed a kiss on his nose and embrace him with your warmth.

*

You woke up to the blazing glare of the sun. A groan left your lips and you tried to cover your face with a blanket, when you realized something.

Where was Tsuzuru?

Just then, the door to his room opened with a loud clack, revealing your brunet boyfriend with a tray in his hands. On the platter was a plate of his signature fried rice with the right portion for two people. He was about to wake you up when he caught a glimpse of your sleepy figure on his bed.

He let out a chuckle, as he placed the tray on the table, and helped you to go down like a gentleman.

"How is your sleep, My Lady?"

It was your turn to giggle, "great! It would be better if a certain someone didn't leave the bed before me."

"Well, that certain someone wanted to thank you, though." A smile plastered on Tsuzuru's face and it was enough to bloom another beam on yours.

"If you feel better, it was enough 'thank you' for me."

He grinned as he ruffled your hair, a gesture you knew by heart that signaling if he was overjoyed with something.

"Well, let's just dig it in, okay? I don't want my special fried rice to end up in another stomach."

*

"Hey, wait, wait!" He almost tripped on his own foot when you pulled him with you, saying that he needed to fulfil his promise, "do we need to be in a rush?"

"Well, no actually. But I remember that you want to finish the script soon."

Tsuzuru scrunched his eyebrows, somehow confused with your puzzling words, "and... what does it have to do with accompanying you?"

"It will help you to find inspiration... I guess?" You were not too sure, but you thought that a change of an atmosphere would help him even for a little bit.

He seemed delighted as his eyes gleamed in amusement. The idea of spending a day with you had already put him in a good mood, even though he insisted that he should finish his work first before enjoying his past time, and searching for ideas together made it sound better. He knew you would come up with interesting ideas, which helped him so much during his script writing time for the previous plays.

"Oh?" A shocked voice made you both stopped in your tracks, "are you going on a date?"

It was Izumi, the director of Mankai where Tsuzuru played a part as actor and playwright. She beamed, seeming pleased to see you dragged your boyfriend out of his room.

"Ah, no. We're--"

You cut his words, "Yep, kinda! But actually I want to help Tsuzuru to find inspiration."

"Oh, that's good! It's okay to have fun, though. He was cooped up in his room for days and didn't touch his meal at all. Good thing you came!"

Tsuzuru averted his gaze when you glared at him. You know that he would neglect his own body when carrying out his role as a scriptwriter and only God knew how much you had scolded him because of that.

"Okay, I believe it's time for you two lovebirds to go out for your date." She literally pushed you two to the front door, almost making you bump into Misumi who was about to come in while bouncing all of his way, "have a nice day!" She waved her hands, while whispering to Tsuzuru to walk you home afterwards.

"Well, I guess I got an okay from Izumi-san?" You grinned.

He hummed in agreement, as he silently linked his hand with yours. A giggle left your lips when he softly pulled you close and your shoulder brushed his arm.

"Hm, where do we go first?" The brunet asked. He only went with your plan as he had not had any thought of where you should visit.

You thought for a moment, "how about the shopping center? It has many options and I bet you want to check the latest collection in the bookstore."

His eyes lit up at the mention of the bookstore. You could hear a quick 'let's go' before he took his turn to pull you along to the bus stop.

Before you realized it, you already arrived at the shopping center you frequently visited when you had the chance. Both you and Tsuzuru liked to window shop there, as there were many interesting things and for your boyfriend, he enjoyed checking the bookstore's most recent collection.

"Oh, look. Isn't that Homare-san's poem book?" You eyed a banner of the said book with the photo of one of Tsuzuru's colleagues in the company.

"Yeah, it's his newest project. And you know, he recited his poem all day long that it stuck in my head." He practically groaned and the image of him mumbling the poetic lines made you need to stifle your laugh.

"Let's go!"

The two of you went on your own way, but you knew by heart that he must have gone to the Literature Section. You, on the other hand, went to the Fiction Section to find a book that your friend recommended you to read.

The similar shelves made it harder to find the book you want, moreover when you only knew the title. And when the idea of using the store's computer popped up in your mind, your eyes caught a glimpse of a book that was placed on the row you had missed to check.

With the book you long to have in hands, you went to search for Tsuzuru. He seemed focused on a script book that he failed to notice your presence. His knitted brows somehow made him look more adorable, so you secretly took his photo and read a random book so he would not catch your act.

It took longer than what you imagined for him to become aware of your company, "uh, since when you were here?"

A grin was the answer you gave him, "maybe since the time I could see you pouting over a book?" You teased.

His eyes widened. He did not realize at all as he made the same expression you told him before, "I wasn't!"

You giggled, "well, you were so cute, though." And before he sulked even more, you showed the book you chose to him, "and look! I found the book my friend recommended to me. I heard that the story was about a rich and a poor man fighting over the most beautiful girl in the town."

"Ah, the one that you told me a week ago?" His expression softened.

"Yep." You nodded, "and... have you chosen a book to buy?"

The two ended up going to the cashier with your chosen book and the script book he read earlier. He said that he got to know more about how to tell the story through that book, so that was why he chose it.

After paying for the books, you almost dragged the poor brunet towards the arcade that was on the same floor with the bookstore. Just as you predicted, he attempted to refuse your suggestion.

"You know that I'm not Itaru-san!" He tried to escape from your hold, but to no avail.

"Of course I know that." A sigh escapes your lips, "I thought that maybe we could just play there."

Hearing your reason, he did nothing but became the follower of your recommendation. At first, he reluctantly came along with you. But the second he saw the basketball game, his eyes gleaming with joy just like a child eyeing a toy.

"I thought that the arcade only had game machines with tricky buttons. If they have games like this, I would like to try." His eyes practically burn with passion, as you let out a chuckle.

"Well, who didn't want to go at first?" You elbowed his side, "but before we play, let's buy some coins first."

After buying the coins you mentioned before, you stood before two basketball game machines, as you proposed a match between the two of you. Of course you knew that Tsuzuru had the advantage with his taller figure and his competitiveness, but it did not mean that you had zero possibility to win.

"Ready... Go!" The sound from the machine was the cue to start the competition. You both threw the dark orange ball into the basket, some missed and just hit the rim of the hoops.

Tsuzuru was so immersed in the game that he failed to notice that he was the only one playing. When the timer went off, he cheered for having higher points than you, before taking a quick glance to where you were supposed to stand.

"Seriously, I thought you went missing!"

You turned your head to a worried Tsuzuru, while he almost scolded you for leaving him behind. An apology muttered under your breath, as you showed him the game machine that was installed not too far away from the basketball game.

"Look!" You enthusiastically ran your finger over the side of the machine while reading the instruction written there, "It's a Greek Mythology-based game!"

It was not a surprise for him to see you gushing over it, as you were into mythologies and basically the stories about it. He could even remember the time when you blabbering about a book, which Gods and Goddesses were the main characters, all night long.

"It seemed fun though!" Your eyes glimmering just like the stars in the night sky, "it's about a human who wants to protect the world from the Mythology Gods. They wanted to destroy it because they thought that humans only made mistakes and ruined their own world."

Tsuzuru closed his eyes while sighing softly, "that sounds too impossible though." He grumbled.

"Yeah, I know. But don't you feel it sounds cool too? Humans are weaker than Gods and even had their fate set from the start--" You paused.

Your boyfriend eyed you concernedly, while at the same time his face painted in puzzlement.

"Tsuzuru! I have an idea!" A smile plastered on your lips, "how about using mythology as the theme for the play? So there will be two men fighting each other for a girl. Both are being helped by the Gods, but there is one God who also liked the girl." You paused for a while to see his reaction. He just nodded, giving you the chance to continue with your explanation.

"Okay, this one God is toying with the two men, like... maybe setting something up to make them in quarrel. Since it's for Autumn Troupe, we could focus on the fighting scene rather than the romantic relationship."

The young playwright seemed fascinated with your idea, "oh, I like it. And I can imagine it already!"

Your date might have finished the second Tsuzuru pulled you to go back to his dorm. But you could not say that you were crestfallen, as his bright expression that accompanied you through the way back was enough to make happiness bubbling inside your heart.

It was enough for you, as long as you could help him and saw his delighted smile.

[sexhunal]

DEPRESSION WHILE QUARANTINING

It's easy to relapse when being isolated in your home during these tough times. You may feel like not getting out of bed and sleeping all day. I decided to compile a list of things to do to help combat depression daily.

Plan your day (actually write it down)

Take your medication

Watch a funny movie/TV show

Play a board game/cards

Clean

Catch up on laundry

Take a hot/cold shower

Put a jigsaw puzzle together

Paint/draw

Play your favorite videogame

Listen to happy music

Play with your kids/pets

Read a book (try the Wattpad app if you don't have a physical book

Write poems/short stories

Start a blog/YouTube channel

Add things to your Amazon Wish list

Exercise/do yoga

Dance

Sing

Get some fresh air (be mindful- feel the breeze/heat, smell the air, hear the sounds of nature)

Rearrange your furniture

Color

Do crossword puzzles/Sudoku/word searches

Call/FaceTime a friend or family member

Soak in the tub

Take photos

Sew/crochet/knit

Cook/bake

Play an instrument

Daydream

Start a diary/journal

Meditate

Paint your nails

Do your makeup

Play indoor hide and seek/sardines

Film something (short film, mockumentary)

Look at old photos

Make a scrapbook/collage

Stargaze (think about the universe)

Garden/do yard work

Make a dream board

Light a candle or burn incense

Change your bedsheets

Give/receive a massage

Write a letter to a loved one (deceased or living)

Make a fort out of pillows and blankets

Practice DBT/CBT skills

Think about happy moments in your life (you're capable of feeling good)

Learn a new language on the Duolingo app

Get rid of things you don't need/want

Watch YouTube videos

Try new hairstyles

Take surveys for extra cash (InboxDollars, Swagbucks,...)

Wash your car

Eat something yummy

Tips:

Try being mindful- fully immerse yourself in an activity, use your 5 senses to describe the situation you are in, focus solely on the task at hand (if you're baking, then just focus on baking- maybe notice the smell of the vanilla or how the dough feels in between your fingers- if your mind wanders to things unrelated to baking acknowledge it and let it pass) To practice acknowledging your thoughts and letting them pass try "Leaves on a Stream" or "Conveyor Belt of Thought"

Feeling motivated isn't easy. Remember: Motivation follows action. Getting up and moving is the first step to feeling motivated.

Don't overdo it! If you're feeling depressed it's not likely that you'll be able to clean the entire house in a day. Maybe try doing the dishes or even just washing three dishes. Try not to beat yourself up about "not getting much done." You're making progress and that's what matters.

Be careful if you're isolating or quarantining by yourself. Social isolation can be detrimental to mental health. We can get caught up in our thoughts and potentially put ourselves in danger. Try to call or FaceTime someone you trust when you start to get caught up in those thoughts. Avoid texting because it's easy to hide your true feelings behind text messages and also easy to misconstrue the meaning of text. Hearing and seeing the face of a loved one can comfort and boost mood.

Please stay safe and happy! 💜

[yayee-prsp]

I was talking with a friend about this idea I have been having for a while, so i ended writing and drawing about them.

(It is a rough draft and i have no beta so all the mistakes are mine ,,)

The background is blurred from this

That time when Grantaire writes on cups.

Courfeyrac and Jehan have a café.

It is a small thing. Two stories building in a small space, cosy and warm, filled with different flowers every day at the request of Jehan himself. Various paintings and dried flowers are put up almost everywhere. Everything is environment-friendly, Jehan has made sure of it. No straws unless requested, uses paper cups and only a few plastic ones, with recycle bin near. Located in a quieter part of town, only a few people know of this place, but those who discover it will surely come around again for more.

The atmosphere is always warm, no matter how cold the weather is. It might be from the smell of coffee and tea lingering around and in the air at all time when you enter, or because of how welcoming Courfeyrac and Jehan are - or maybe both. Courfeyrac will always greet you with a smile and ask you about your day, while Jehan will always leave a small poem for you on your cup - a cheery little thing for your day.

One of the patrons is, of course, the friends of the owners'. A group of students who called themselves 'Les Amis de L'ABC', or the friends of the abase. They are a group of students who wish to change the world, and the small café is one of their bases.

At first, the idea of writing on cups was only reserved for customers, in which Jehan would write their names in beautiful cursives and end with a few couplets or tercets. However, some customers wanted to request something to write for their friends, namely Eliza, a cheerful sweet girl who stumbles into their café one day and wish to add a few things on the cup for her boyfriend.

Enter Grantaire, who sees this and thinks of an idea.

Grantaire, a man who believes in nothing but still a romantic at heart, wishes to spread his positiveness into the public world by requesting quotes for Jehan to write on the cups. Which, well, mostly consists of cheesy pick-up lines which never fail to at least put a small smile and a headshake from the poor readers' face.

The first customer who gets the cup mumbles to herself: “You look cold. Would you like to use me as your blanket?” A scoff leaves her throat, and she leaves with a small smile.

After that, the victims range from Jehan himself, to Courfeyrac, and some poor random customers - sometimes the friends. He wrote for Bahorel once: ‘You must be a broom, ‘cuz you just swept me off my feet.’ To which Bahorel laughed in an obnoxious volume, and jumped up to literally pick Grantaire up from where he was working on his art. And another time to Joly: ‘Can you help me, Doc? ‘Cuz I just broke my leg falling for you :(’ Which was fun, considering the face Joly made.

The point is, many people had to read his lines, except one. It has, and will never, been Enjolras, Grantaire has made sure of that.

Courfeyrac, however, will not have any of that. So he takes it upon himself to deliberately pick a certain cup for the leader of their little group.

"Do you have a sunburn, or... are you always this," Enjolras reads, "hot?"

Courfeyrac just grins and says nothing, while Jehan laughs and shakes his head.

"An admirer requested it," he replies, “Just for you!”

A small smile plays on Enjolras' face though, so Courfeyrac counts it as a win.

———

Grantaire, however, freaks out.

"Why would you give him that, you traitor!" He whines one day, a cup of hot latté held between his hands, and his face buried into the cold table top. Jehan laughs softly and pats him on the back, while Courfeyrac, too, is laughing. Hard. Apparently Grantaire sulking and embarrassment is kind of funny to him.

"It's alright, R," Jehan tells him, patting him a few times on his head, "Enjolras seems to like it. Plus, he doesn't know who wrote or requested that anyway."

Grantaire sniffles, but he looks up at the poet and considers it. Jehan seems genuine, and Courfeyrac seems to agree.

"Can I write it this time?" Grantaire asks and receives a brilliant smile of Jehan's in return.

——

"Roses are red, my face is too," Enjolras reads, "that only happens when I'm around you?" He raises his brow after finishes. Jehan, a sweetheart that he is, remains silent and replies with only a smile.

"This is not your handwriting," the leader observes his cup of black coffee, holding the weight firmly in his hand while careful not to spill it.

"From your admirer," the poet answers.

Enjolras frowns, but shrugs and turns away. Not fast enough that Jehan misses his smile and a small shake of his head.

If only Grantaire could see.

——

For the next two weeks, Enjolras has a collection of take-out cups with pick up lines on them. Some have 2 or 3 on them since he decides to reuse some of the cups. (He also notes that when he reuses the cups, Jehan would be the one who writes the lines. So whoever it is is not in the café when he is, or they do not wish to be found.) He hates to admit it, but those lines do make his days.

He wonders who comes up with all these cheesy lines, and can't help but think about it. When it comes to, he has narrowed it down to only a few people who could possibly do this. And he thinks he is pretty sure who it is, but he needs more proof.

One day he decides to pay back the kindness and walks up to Courfeyrac. He asks the man for a marker and a cup, and makes quick scribbles of words on it, before returning it to Courfeyrac.

"For my 'secret admirer'," he instructs, earning a raise of eyebrows from the cheery man behind the counter.

Then he waits a while, sitting in the café and pretends to do some work while trying to see if Courfeyrac will slip in the cup for someone. Apparently, the man is loyal because all the day he has been sitting, the cup is not given to anyone. So Enjolras just resigns and packs his stuff. He'll find out, one way or another.

As soon as Enjolras walks out, Courfeyrac springs himself into action. The sound of the coffee machine echoes out all over the room, emitting a pleasant smell of coffee everyone loves.

A few moments later, a cup of iced latté with extra whipped-cream is placed in front of Grantaire, startling him out of his trance. He jumps and glares at Courfeyrac who simply grins at him like nothing has happened.

Grantaire puts his sketchbook and art supplies down on an empty chair beside him. His hands, which are half-covered by his green knitted sweater reach out to grasp the cold drink, all the while saying, "I thought I would never get my drink in this life."

Courfeyrac just keeps smiling, then points to him his cup. Grantaire frowns and looks down before his eyes go wide.

"Apparently you also have an admirer," the barista states happily, before making his way out and throwing a wink over his shoulder, leaving Grantaire to his shock.

He would recognise that handwriting anywhere, and that makes it even worse. Because Enjolras, of all people, wrote, in his quick but neat handwriting, "I would say God bless you, but it seems he already did."

That bastard. Grantaire has lost the ability to focus on his work after that.

——

It goes like that for another two weeks, with Grantaire writing pick-up lines for several people every day, and one reserved coffee cup or a line for Enjolras, with additional doodle of small things on all the cup: flowers, cats, dogs, or whatever it is that inspires Grantaire. Jehan seems to like his addition though, and so Grantaire has become one of the professional coffee cup artists of the café after two or three days or so.

Customers seem to appreciate it since Jehan notices they would smile wider when they receive their cups. However, their little game has to stop when the reputation of their heart-warming café has spread for some reason, and there are more customers than ever. Courfeyrac loves it, and Jehan is more than happy, but it exhausts them every day. So, Grantaire takes the matter in his own hands and volunteers to be a barista.

"And don't you pay me with cash, I just want some free coffee every day and that's that. No argument," he says, dismissing any further complaints from the couple.

Now Grantaire has full-control of everything behind the counter. He spends some times learning how to make basic coffee and how to do it quick. But Courfeyrac prefers to let him station at the cashier, and Grantaire is more than happy to oblige. He loves talking to new people, and being at the cashier gives him the opportunity to write on the cups as much as he wishes. Jehan still comes in and writes beautiful poems at times though. He loves it after all, but making coffee at all time makes it hard for him. So, unfortunately, he can only do that when the customers are not so overwhelming. That gives Grantaire no time to write for Enjolras.

Grantaire wonders if Enjolras notices or misses the small exchange of random cheesy lines. But considering Enjolras, it would be indifferent to him, Grantaire thinks with a twinge of disappointment. Still, he is happy doing this - working and meeting people.

A month and a half after the first time Grantaire asked to write, or a few weeks after getting behind the counter, however, Courfeyrac hands him a latte cup with another line written on it, catching him by surprise.

"Apollo sent for you," he states. And on it, written in Enjolras' usual handwriting: 'No wonder the sky is grey today, all its blue is in your eyes.'

And that just leaves him with a racing heart and a face that can be used as a stove to fry some eggs. And the temperature of the countertop is just so perfect to cool his fave temperature down because damn this is so unexpected. It's been too long since their last exchange and Enjolras has to attack him with this-

He is so caught up trying to calm his racing heart and burning face down that he doesn't question why Enjolras knows his admirer's eyes are blue - or to see a smile of a certain someone just through the window outside the shop.

After a while, Grantaire moves to work at the coffee machine since he has mastered it. Jehan and Courfeyrac are more than delighted to know that he can also make latte art! It is amazing, and everyone loves it.

Grantaire practically works at their little café full-time by now, and Courfeyrac would not let him work for free any longer, so he guesses he's an official employee of this café. It's not that bad after all.

(He tried to refuse for a while but it didn't work anymore. Jehan can be terrifying when he chooses to.)

Even then, Grantaire still tries his best to write some messages on the cups, but since the new shop policy which tries to reduce even more plastic, he has to adapt. Hence, he chooses to write on the napkin or the receipt instead. Jehan seems to adore this idea also.

Enjolras comes to the counter one day, tapping absent-mindedly on the countertop. Grantaire, who takes on cashier duty, raises his eyebrow, holding up Enjolras' stainless tumbler.

"Human to the God of sun, Apollo?" Grantaire calls and smiles with delight when Enjolras snaps his head to frown at him. "Iced coffee like usual?"

Enjolras blinks at him then slowly nods his head. The artist smiles back, before turning away to the coffee machines behind him. Jehan and Courfeyrac are on a break since there are only a few customers and Grantaire declares they deserve a break. So it's a one-man job that Grantaire is more than happy to do.

The machine whirs into action, filling the cosy shop with a constant sound. The smell of coffee slowly swirls all over the shop once again. Grantaire smiles, watching as the liquid pours down and into Enjolras' tumbler.

"Well, there we go, Enj. We don't have straws to preserve the environment - you know the drill. And here's no poem from Prouvaire because he's not here. And since you've paid, you're free to go!" He rambles on with a big smile, handing Enjolras his stainless bottle. He frowns, however. When Enjolras takes it but doesn't move away, "Is there anything I can help you?"

Enjolras bites his lips, looking down at the countertop where he is still drumming his fingers. And - is that blush on the leader's face?

"Since you don't use as much cups anymore," Enjolras begins, looks up to meet Grantaire's eyes. "Would you now say those cheesy pick-up lines to me in person now?"

[byronmuyimbwa]

20 Ideas To Help You Keep Your Livelihood During Quarantine

 So you’re in quarantine. You do not know what day of the week it is anymore, because you wake up only to sleep again. You just want to take a nap, after a long day of sitting around.

Come on fam, don’t be that guy.

You’re tired of watching the news, you’ve exhausted your play list and you have completed your Netflix list. There are still plenty of things to do. I’ve got you covered.

20 fun ideas/ways to maintain your livelihood.

1.       Do a Challenge

There are fun challenges going around on social media every other day, pick one you like (make sure you’re good at it). Scratch that; just have fun with it. What have you to lose?

Don’t mind the embarrassment. I mean it’s only going to be on the Internet forever. Here are some fun challenges to try.

2.       Stay Fit

It’s important to stay fit and healthy; you do not want to leave this quarantine with diabetes or some fitness related disease. One you could have avoided by just doing a few exercises. Find an online instructor, download a fitness video, stick to it, and be true to yourself.

For the first timers, be sure to warm up thoroughly before any routine and don’t push yourself too hard.

3.       Try something new

There are plenty of things to do outside your usual routine. Write a blog, create an app, write a book, do some art, learn how to play an instrument, try an on-line business, write a poem, try to rap.

Trust me you’ll have a new respect for the professionals in these different fields. And of course you’ll have fun, plus you may just be a Steve Jobs, Eric Worre, Mark Zuckerberg in the making.

4.       Plan life after

Well I hate to be the bearer of the good news, but the quarantine is ending soon, I mean it will end eventually. And when it does, you need to have planned your kickoff journey step for step. You do not want to be the snail in the race. You want to hit the ground running.

Also for recreational purposes; plan that family vacation, be intentional.

5.       Network

Connect with people. Your friends, your family, people you rarely talk to, your future workmates or business partners, people you look up to, celebrities, everyone. This is the time they’re not too occupied. You may learn something or just simply build your network.

6.       Grow Deeper in Knowledge

Read that blog, read a novel, read a magazine, read a Bible, read the TV remote manual, read the instructions on the sanitizer bottle, just read or watch a documentary.

Knowledge is power and it is satisfactory to know that you’re smarter than you were just a moment ago. No need to thank me.

7.       Know the back-story

Don’t you ever get curious about the most weird topics; like why is shoe polish black or how a TV came to be or why dinosaurs no longer exist or why that is your favourite movie of all time. What is the back-story? This is good a time as any to find out.

8.       Your own version

Make your own version of the harry potter novel series, try the moon walk or the nae nae and add your own spin on it, cover your favourite song, re-create the Monalisa, your favourite scene from the Avengers movie. Have fun, but be careful.

9.       In door games

Luddo, playing cards, chess, checkers, monopoly, snakes and ladders, indoor hide and seek, charades. The possibilities are end-less, you can even invent your own game. And if you’re home alone, try online games.

10.   Volunteer

Apply to organisations like VSO and be of good service to your community. Of course while following the safety measures provided by W.H.O and not breaking curfew. You can even be recruited as an E-volunteer. You can offer your skills and help the global community without leaving home.

Donating, sharing food and supplies to people in need is also one effective and important way you could volunteer. Big shout out to everyone doing this.

11.   Get Creative

Try a new recipe, do some DIY life hacks, do some art, make a dance routine, write code, knit a face mask, learn how to make a sanitizers or just soap, try new things, you may be surprised that you actually were or can get really good at something  you had just never tried.

This could also be one way to channel your emotions, and it’s definitely therapeutic.

 12.   Pray

Get down on your knees and pray. Be thankful that you’re still alive, but do not take it for granted. This is a wakeup call. PRAY!

13.   Solve a problem

Fathers, mothers, siblings, you have been successfully dodging the responsibility of helping your child, kid sister, or nephew with math home-work. There’s nowhere to run now, you might as well just dive in. Good luck!

14.   Do some chores

Husband, brother, uncle, working mother, step mother, student in boarding school; you’ve been dodging chores for quite a while now. The jig is up mate, just get to work. There’s so much to do; sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, slashing, washing dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning bathrooms, dusting, cooking . Wait on second thought; you should leave cooking to the pro’s ok.

15.   Deep clean your home

You know that kind of cleaning mother always makes you do when her in-laws are visiting the next day or right before Christmas, or right when you get your holidays. If you don’t, this is the time to find out.

Do some general cleaning; (de-clutter, re-organise, scrub, re-paint, and remove that cob-web). It should be fun.

16.   Talk to a loved one

This is the time to constantly check on the people closest to you. Make sure they’re safe and carrying on good. Send them a word of encouragement (SPEAK LIFE).  Help them out if you can.

If you’re in need, reach out to your loved ones, there’s no shame in survival. This is a life or death situation.

17.   Shoot your shot

Gents, you know that lady, the one that drives you crazy, the one you’ve never worked up the courage to go talk to. This is it, don’t wait. Ladies, there’s that one brother that is always allegedly too busy for you, well thank heavens he has no excuse now. Go for it. I mean, what have you to lose?  “If you die you die”.

18.   Throw-back

This is the best time to set up a slide-show (pictures, videos, recordings) and some good music; sit together as a family and journey through all those memories. The fun times, embarrassing times, triumphant times, emotional times, celebrations, losses. These are all important because they lead up to who you are now.

19.   Leave a mark

Write a book, an article, a blog, a song, invent a new sewing technique, create a master piece (art), play the guitar like no one ever has. Let this period be an inspiration to you. Let the world, your descendants or even just your grand children remember you for something you created during the lockdown (Covid 19). I mean all great innovators start somewhere right.

20.   What’s your take

I mean I know I promised y’all 20 ideas, but we all know there’s a lot more. And I do not want to make this blog one long boring grandma story, so I’ll just pass y’all the ball. For any ideas, tips and additions visit my comment section.

If I’ve been of any help to someone you’re welcome.

Shout outs!

To all the Health workers fighting at the fore-front of this pandemic, I salute you. The scientists working everyday towards getting a cure, the generous people donating and sharing something in their different capacities and capabilities, the governments making the crucial decisions to guide every sector accordingly, the volunteers reaching out to the communities globally at the local level, the security force making sure we maintain order where there should be panic and fear, the local food delivery guy and every single person helping out in any and every way they can; we’re thankful and grateful. You’re the real heroes. May God Bless You.

#STAY POSITIVE #STAY SAFE

by  ByronMuyimbwa on 24rd April 2020

[asking-jude]

Urgent! Hey, the time of my sister death is very close and usually my parents and my family distract themselves with doing out, working etc. but we can't do that rn because of the whole Corona thing. Any tips on how to manage it/being it up/anything? Thank you

Hi there, 

Thank you for reaching out to Asking Jude for advice. Firstly, I am so sorry about your sister and that you and your family are going through such a rough time right now. That, on top of the virus, must be very hard to deal with and I assume you are feeling very down at the moment. 

Though it is probably very hard to talk about, I would suggest to try to have an open conversation about the whole situation with your parents, especially now that you are constantly in such close quarters with them. By keeping feelings open and honest, it allows you all to be there for each other during this tough time and have a stable support system, which is super important. 

That being said, I think it is still important to continue “distract” yourself with little activities that can help bring up your mood. You can participate in activities alone, like painting/drawing, writing a story/poem, playing video/computer games, video chatting with friends, taking up sewing/knitting, or reading one of your favorite books. Or, you can do fun activities together, like playing board games, starting a new tv show together, watching a movie, cooking/baking together, or even redecorating a room together. All of these activities can be done in the safety of your own home and can help bring you closer to your family and closer to yourself. 

Please take care of yourself during this time and stay strong! 

Sending hugs to you and your family, 

Jordan 

Asking Jude needs YOUR help! Donate pocket change here and save our safe space.

[pplowden]

PRE FMP Exaggeration and storytelling

Exaggeration and storytelling are inherent in human society. What I really find interesting is the structure of how humans live their lives. People find a comfort in routine and success in repetition. There is a unanimous decision in how we should form our days; at what times we brush our teeth, eat, get dressed, go to bed etc. Not only does this satisfy people, it makes them feel secure and entertained, we even try to recreate this artificially, for example the game ‘Sims’ is all about building your own society, it is like playing with your own life, only with slightly more control.

I decided to take this even further, living by a strict manifesto of only eating orange food in my orange room. While there was a sense of comfort in the limitations this provided, it felt ridiculous and inevitably, made me physically sick. There are many artists who decide to live with such extreme routines - the most famous probably being Gilbert and George. People are infatuated with the mystery around their commitment to structure. Real or not they provoke the idea that structure provides something for humans, even if it is just people's interest in it.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/gilbert-george-day-routine-life-453958

Perhaps this obsession with routine is about allowing us time to search for what is really important; our purpose in life. Often people long to turn the mundane into the interesting, which seems both an act of desperation and a form of existential crisis. The thought that there is something beyond us is scary, exciting and somehow important. The artist David Huggins is a 74 year old man who has spent his life painting the extraterrestrial woman who took his virginity and the hybrid human alien-babies this produced. What interests me about him is that he refuses to sell the works of his (fantasy) wife - his paintings are personal objects which form a part of his life, not mere pieces of work.

https://www.theartblog.org/2011/08/david-huggins-an-uncommon-life/

Furthermore, although he has lived his life in what we assume to be half fantasy, he has embedded these alien figures into an ordinary, human life. He is in a monogamous relationship and fathering a family. As much desperation there is to find something beyond humanity, there is still an urge to bring it  back round to what we have created. This led me to draw a series of imagined scenes of aliens performing the daily acts of humans, such as eating dinner.

This is why I am interested in exaggeration; people want to find something new and exciting, but only so they can share it with what human experience we already have. There is an absurdity in how dramatic humans are often tempted to be, it is humorous.

https://www.siff.net/festival/dj-nicfit-presents-fantastic-planet

Inspired by Roland Topor's ‘La Planète Sauvage’, which explores the relationship between human and alien, and his costumes for a production of the ‘Magic Flute’, I decided to knit alien costumes and perform a ballet, green screening it onto a background of the face on Mars.

I decided performance is a good way to dramatise what I am trying to explore, as it relies on amplification and being extravagant. The use of a green screen allows importance to be placed on the movement of the performer and any connections with setting to be removed. By replacing it with the the face on Mars, it represents perfectly what I am interested in, how humans have grasped a familiar figure and celebrated it, in a place full of the unknown.

It is this balance between truth and fiction which really holds my attention. Ultimately, fact and fiction is merely what people claim them to be. If stories are about perspective, how can we deem one version true and another false?

https://www.henson.com/storyteller.php

Folk tales, fables, and legends are interesting here, as the oldest and most famous forms of stories historically. The kids tv programme ‘The Storyteller’ by Jim Henson tells such tales, emphasising the importance of dramatics in storytelling through voice, setting and humour. The opening lines of each episode being;

“When people told themselves their past with stories, explain their present with stories, foretold the stories with stories, the best place by the fire, was kept with for storyteller”.

The act of a story is presented almost like a ritual which affects everyones everyday life, but also something which has a skill to it. As often seen in literature and art, this programme is a story about stories. It is not simply a retelling, there is importance in its own characters and their narrative.

Inspired by my own experiences and stories about being attacked/attacking birds, I researched the greek myths of Icarus, Prometheus and Leda and the Swan. Once again I found myself interested in the dramatic nature of such myths; the dramatic monologues and inevitable rise and fall of characters, the shifting perspectives and interpretations and mostly, the tendency to fabricate something unimportant to transform it into the important. To reflect on this idea, I wrote an essay;

Reflections on swans (and seagulls)

The swan is often considered to be the most beautiful and powerful creature. As described in Yeats’ poem ‘The Wild Swans at Coole’, they are “mysterious, beautiful” and “unwearied”, traits all humans aspire to have. We are in awe of them; as we are tempted by materialism and infidelity, grow cynical and die, their symbolic beauty doesn’t fade: the swan remains monogamous and elegant, living a simple, pure life.

Swans carry a purity in their graceful paddle and colouring as well as symbolising a sort of British greatness. They are believed to be silent until singing a final “swan song” – the pinnacle of their greatness - at their death. Perhaps this and the fact they are owned by the Queen, gives them a mysterious authority. We are taught to admire them from a respectful distance.

However, no matter how blinded by their beauty we are, we know never to forget their power. They are fierce, quick to feel threatened and will “breaking our legs” to protect their young.

This recognition and portrayal of their danger is not a new one. The myth of Zeus disguising himself as a swan to rape Leda has been a prominent tale explored in art for centuries. Although this story uses the swan to represent a cruel and deceiving character, Michelangelo painted it as an intimate and romantic scene, supposedly causing it to be destroyed in the seventeenth century due to its ‘lasciviousness’.

I find Stephen Pearsons’ ‘Wings of Love’, famously known for illustrating the divide between Laurence and Beverly in Mike Lees ‘Abigail’s Party’, reminiscent of this. While ‘Wings of love’ symbolises the progression and divide between romanticism and realism, exposing people for being over consumed with nature while also applauding nature for holding such power, ‘Leda and the Swan’, symbolises the relationship between cruelty and power.

Yeats has also written a poem on this, emphasising a much cruel explanation: “A sudden blow”, “He holds her helpless breast upon his breast”. Immediately we feel the brute force of Zeus raping Leda. However, what becomes surprising as you read on is the threatening softness in which he continues to describe it; “feathered glory”, “thighs caressed”. This seems to perfectly sum up the character of a swan - silent but deadly.

I find this imbalance of opinions peculiar and recurring with swans - perhaps it is only superficial beauty and the fact that the Queen owns them which makes us feel so proud and protective of them? In reality, they are dangerous and cruel.

I once ate a swan after it died flying into an electrical wire on my grandparents’ farm. Its flesh was dark, forbidding and fishy. It was unpleasant and I felt as if I was being let down, as if it was meant to be something life changing when in fact it was vulgar and sickening. I wonder if the pride of national ownership only added to this feeling? It was meant to be an honour to be eat something usually untouchable, admirable and wild; free but royal; yet it was disgusting.

Do we misunderstand all animals, all birds, all nature? We, like the Queen, assert ownership over animals with our pets. Yet we keep them in cages and on leads. We have a hierarchy – swans above seagulls, seagulls above caged budgies. What does it mean and is it more about ourselves than the animals we portray?

I am interested in this and in our relationship to other birds. I wonder if it is the status of Royal ownership which separates swans from the common bird, which we often fear or diminish. We fear birds trapped in houses. In a recent news story, we fear a seagull that stole a woman’s pet chihuahua. Why underestimate the seagull? It is an enemy because it steals our chips and our chihauhuas. But what has changed since the lesson of Prometheus, which warned humans not to be arrogant or misunderstand the natural order of the world? Why are we now taught to hate and disrespect the common bird?

I think we often use nature in art to try to understand and illustrate power complexes and ourselves - there is a craving to understand our place in the world. The conflicting views on swans is an example. In a way, swans are irrelevant to humans, they are in our art because there is a deeper craving to understand something much larger about ourselves. Thinking about this prompted me to make a film about the neglected and maligned seagull; to draw comparisons between the survivalist impulse which exists in these lonely, maligned birds and in lonely, maligned people.

What writing this essay and the script for my film really taught me is that it is the absurdity in the obsession of trying to understand something bigger than us which interests me, whether its natural order or power complexes, the need to exaggerate human importance until we understand such topics seems unavoidable. David Lynch’s new film ‘WHAT DID JACK DO?’ I find represents what I mean here: the nonsensical, circling script of cliches eventually defeats the storyline. Instead, what becomes entertaining and successful is the humorous journey of the dialogue.

netflix.com

In some ways, it seems a critique of stories as they are meant to be, instead suggesting it is the ludicrous way in which we tell them through exaggeration is what becomes the story.

Since realising this, I think what I am really interested in is not just the stories people are telling, but how they tell them that I am attracted to. For example, at my aunt and uncles house there are three stone sculptures of heads on their mantle piece which my uncle found in a skip. He says that in the medieval times they believed murderers all had the same anatomy, and these heads are in fact death masks of murderers used to figure out the bone structure that would possess every murderer. While sat at a candle lit dinner, the heads glowing and watching over us, I was told the story of the severed head. Our family friend had gone to open day for a boarding school and while playing football had kicked the ball into a nearby bush. Going to retrieve it and continue the game, he kicked it out into the playing field. What landed was not the football, but a severed head. The school sent out a small apology letter, but covered up the story and it was never heard about again, except through word of mouth. Becoming its own kind of myth, I hear and retell this story often, surprisingly regularly receiving a similar story in reaction.

I am interested in how to turn such accounts into their own visual stories or pieces of work. I believe one way to do this is to learn what is so interesting in each individual story and focus on this, whether it as obscure as the fact it is so dramatic and making an installation full of shadows and mystery, or as specific as a particular description of an object and recreating it.

I am interested in interactive works; I believe giving a role to the audience to be immersed is very powerful in its effect, especially when exploring storytelling, where the audience and the memories they are left with is half of the experience. Saying that, I believe it should be a memory they are left with only. Often people are interested in taking a physical object away from an artwork, as well as a memory.

https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/yoko-ono-cut-piece-1964/

For example in Yoko Ono’s ‘Cut Piece’, the audience members were invited to come and cut off a piece of her clothing. What is powerful about this performance is not the fact they walk away with a piece of her cloth -  an artefact of such a famous artwork - but the fact they committed the act. The fabric has become the documentation, the intimate act the work. Therefore, I find it more exciting to leave the room empty handed. If there is nothing to tell except for the story of the experience - we are left with a series of interesting experiences and accounts, becoming a story and artwork in itself.

Another way in which we can dramatise is through physical size and dominance. Working on a large scale excites me. Phyllida Barlows' work at the 2017 Venice Biennale felt almost like a stage design. The construction and emphasis on under cladding became the artwork, it was compromised of monumental structures of various, large heights filling the gallery.

https://www.designboom.com/art/phyllida-barlow-british-pavilion-venice-biennale-05-28-2017/

I hope to continue researching storytelling and exaggeration through an interesting, dramatic aesthetic.

[summerlifeline]

A List of Enjoyable Activities

You should always try to do something you enjoy everyday, it will help you maintain a positive mindset and also help prevent overwhelming emotions. Obviously not all of these will interest you, but it will help you come up with a few ideas of things to try out.

The List: 

Talk to a friend

Go out and visit a friend

Invite a friend to your house

Text your friends

Organise a party

Exercise

Lift weights

Do yoga, tai chi, or Pilates

Stretch your muscles

Go for a long walk in a park or somewhere peaceful

Go outside and watch the clouds

Go for a jog

Ride your bike

Go for a swim

Go hiking

Surfing

Rock climbing

Skiing

Skydiving

Motorcycling

Kayaking

Play a sports game with a friend

Play something by yourself if no one’s around: basketball, bowling, handball, mini golf, billiards, or hit a tennis ball against a wall

Get a massage

Get out your house, even if you just sit outside

Go for a drive in your car, or on public transport

Plan a trip to a place you’ve never been

Sleep or nap

Eat your favourite food

Eat Chocolate

Eat your favourite ice cream 

Cook your favourite meal

Cook a recipe you’ve never tried before

Take a cooking class

Go out for something to eat

Go outside and play with your pet

Borrow a friend’s dog and take it for a walk, or to the park

Give your pet a bath

Go outside and watch the birds and other animals

Find something funny to do: read comics, watch comedy sketches, etc.

Watch a funny movie

Go to the movies and watch whatever’s playing

Watch TV

Listen to the radio

Listen to your music playlist

Go to a sports event

Play a game with a friend

Play solitaire

Play video games

Go online to chat

Visit your favourite websites

Visit crazy websites and make a list of them

Create your own website

Join an Internet dating service

Sell something online

Buy something online

Do a puzzle with lots of pieces

Call a crisis or suicide hotline and talk to someone

Go shopping 

Get a haircut

Go to a spa

Go to a library

Go to a bookstore and read

Go to your favourite cafe

Visit a local museum or art gallery

Go to a shopping centre, or the park; try to imagine what other people are thinking about

Pray or meditate

Go to your local church, synagogue, temple, or other place of worship

Join a local group 

Write a letter to God

Call a family member you haven’t spoken to for a while 

Learn a new language

Sing or learn how to sing

Play a musical intrument

Write a song

Listen to some upbeat, happy music 

Turn on some loud music and dance

Memorise lines from your favourite movie, play, or song

Make a movie or video

Take photos

Join a public-speaking group and write a speech

Join a local theatre group

Sing in a local choir

Join a club

Plant a garden

Work outside

Knit, crochet, or sew

Make a scrapbook

Paint your nails

Change your hair colour

Take a bubble bath or shower

Work on your mechanical vehicles 

Sign up for a class

Read your favourite book, magazine, paper, blog, or poem

Read a trashy celeb magazing or article

Write a letter to a friend or family member

Write things about yourself on a picture of your body or draw them on a photo of yourself

Write a poem, story, movie, or play about someone else’s life

Write in your journal or diary about what happened to you today

Write a loving letter to yourself when you’re feeling good, keep it with you and read it when you feel upset

Make a list of ten things you like about yourself and read it when you feel upset

Draw a picture

Paint a picture with a brush or your fingers

Masturbate

Have sex with someone you care about

Make a list of people you admire and want to be like, they can be historical, people you know, celebs, or fictional characters. Describe what you admire about them

Write a story about the craziest, funniest, or sexiest thing that has happened to you

Make a list of ten things you want to do before you die

Make a list of ten celebs you would like to be friends with, and why

Make a list of ten celebs you would like to have sex with, and why 

Write a letter to someone who has made your life better, and explain why. (You don’t need to send it)

That’s the end of it! Thank you if you got this far, and please let me know if any of these have helped you in anyway! Thank you for supporting me in spreading awareness and self-care tips and idea, I hope you have a lovely night or morning xxx