#I’m on Spring Break and the creative juices aren’t flowing much for them

[quibbs126]

So I’ve been wanting to make this character ever since I saw @ennywashere Choco Cream Cookie and thought “Dark Choco having a dad arc would honestly be really interesting for his character”, so I decided to take my own stab at it and made Hazelnut Cookie, Dark Choco’s recently adopted daughter

I made her hazelnut because I heard hazelnuts go well with chocolate. But also because I remembered Nutella, and hearing back all those years to when I first saw those ads that they were made with hazelnuts, and I remembered it tasting a lot like chocolate, so I thought hazelnuts could be a chocolate substitute. Granted that wasn’t really true, it seems Nutella is made from both hazelnuts and chocolate, but after finding out hazelnuts and chocolate work well together, I decided to just stick with Hazelnut

Also side note, I was double checking whether or not there was already a Hazelnut Cookie, and while there wasn’t, I did find some ocs and one of them was supposed to be a love interest for Dark Choco. If the name has the same reasoning as here, that’s very clever, that

So I’ve been flip flopping about her age while making her. Originally, she was just going to be like a baby—my notes said she was no older than 2–but then later on, I realized that made Hazelnut less of a character and more like just a living prop, as she would have no real character. So I decided to age her up a bit, but she was still supposed to be very young, my top limit being “younger than Custard III”. When designing her here, I think I stayed closer to that upper limit, but I hadn’t really thought about how old she is, because I also want her to be a really little kid, that was kind of the point of her. It’s only now as of writing this that I think I’ve come up with a definitive age range for her, that being ~4 ish. I’m not entirely sure she looks that age here, as I feel like she looks too old, but if I draw her in the future, I’ll keep that in mind

Speaking of her design, I’m not too sure I’m happy with it. I wanted to design her after a hazelnut, since that’s what she’s made of, but did I go too far? And I’m not sure about her hair. Again, I was trying to design it like a hazelnut, specifically the inner cream colored part, but I couldn’t get it to look right. I think my current 2 is probably the one I’m most satisfied with (it’s actually my 3rd, but I didn’t have room for all 3, so I deleted my original 2nd in place of it. I dunno, maybe I’ll work on it. Should I lose the hood? I put it there to reference the shell of a hazelnut, but I’m not sure about it

So anyways, talking about her, so basically her story is that Dark Choco finds her in the forest one day all alone and scared (I haven’t actually worked out why or how she was there. It’s kind of a holdover from when she was a baby, where that didn’t need much explanation. A possible idea I had is that she was just baked in the Witch’s Oven and escaped, ending up there in the forest). After helping her out (maybe she was being attacked by beasts), he tries to help her find someone she knows who would be looking for her, like a family member or something. When he finds out she doesn’t really have anyone, he decides he can’t just leave her all alone out here and decides to take her with him, at least until they can find somewhere good for her to stay; they aren’t father and daughter yet. During their travels, Dark Choco starts teaching her things about the world she doesn’t understand yet, helping her with whatever’s confusing, and just generally being a caring figure towards her, as he can’t help but become emotionally attached to the little girl. And Hazelnut becomes very attached to Dark Choco. One day, when they’re passing through a town, they see a kid and their dad, and Hazelnut later asks Dark Choco what exactly a dad is. He gives what explanation he can: someone who takes care of you and protects you, teaches you about the world and how to live in it, someone who’s always there for you and loves you no matter what (during this explanation I feel like he might reflect on his own father and what his father was trying to do for him or what might have gone wrong, as he does explain to Hazelnut that not every dad is like this, but it’s what they’re supposed to do). After his explanation, Hazelnut thinks on it, and asks if she can call Dark Choco “dad” (or some form of that), since he basically already does all of that for her. He’s shocked by the question, but he says yes, she can call him that if she wants, and so then they (unofficially) become father and daughter

I’m not sure Hazelnut would be a “playable” character, in this hypothetical scenario where she or an adjacent character is somehow canon, but if she was, I’d probably put her in the Healing class, since from what I’ve been able to gather, hazelnuts have quite a few health benefits, and I wanted to incorporate that in some way

I think that’s all about Hazelnut, I hope you like her!

[youcouldmakealife]

LBTE: Jared (1-3)

It is time for another round of Liveblogging the End. Jared is not quite ready to be finished, but it is in the final arc, and do you know how many parts this thing has?!?!?! Do you know how many LBTEs this will take?!?!?!? 

I always enjoy doing these, it gets me all nostalgic and keeps the creative juices flowing even when I’m technically taking a break from work (I consider these a bit of a weird work/recreation hybrid, the way I consider reading or watching hockey -- no guilt, it’s making me better at writing and writing about hockey)

Plus pointing and laughing at characters and myself is fun.

So here we go, everyone, back to the time that Jared was seventeen and salty and had no fucking clue what he was about to get into. Series page, if you want to follow along.

Note: if you aren’t up to date on whatever the latest IJ(aoe) was at the time of writing, you may potentially spoil yourself. There’s a lot of looking back and reflecting on what the series was versus where it is now.

1. Starstruck

They spring the news at the end of the first day of Western Hope or whatever dumb name they’re calling this hockey camp. It’s been kind of a waste of a day. They haven’t touched the ice or the gym at all, apparently just wearing the t-shirts and shorts provided for branding reasons, or maybe to make them look more like a team than a collection of dudes that have nothing in common but not sucking at hockey.

They focused on that team crap all day, making them do dumb exercises that feel more elementary school than hockey camp. The most Jared’s sweat in his brand new gear was worrying that after all the bonding shit they’ve been doing, trust falls would be coming next. Jared is not a trust fall kind of guy.

Jared: what the fuck is this team bonding bullshit, let me play hockey. 

We open with Jared Matheson: judgmental hobgoblin. This is someone I had in character from the get-go. And ‘not a trust fall kind of guy’ is a very apt descriptor of him.

“I won’t keep you in suspense,” Evanson says, after he spends a good ten seconds doing exactly that.

Such a salty little bean. A lot of early Jared is very — teenaged, appropriately, but a lot of it is just Jared in general.

He’s good, but he’s kind of a loose cannon, and that’s possibly understating the case.

Still, Jared’s excited despite himself. So Marcus is a mess, whatever, he’s still awesome at hockey, and if he can pass on even a little of that, that’d be awesome.

Jared the hobgoblin is fighting Jared the Flames fan and losing!

Jared’s excitement lasts maybe twenty minutes into their first skate, tops.

Nope never mind.

Jared kind of thought the media was making too much of him — not the criminal stuff, that was obviously worth kicking up a stink — but rumours of him dragging the mood down in the locker room, rumours that none of the Flames were super enthused to have him there, game-winner or no. He thought it was just bitter gossip. He’s starting to believe it now, though. Guy broods more than Angel, and doesn’t have the looks to pull it off, either. Not that he’s —

Annnnd you think he’s hot.

Probably more than half the dudes here are going to be making the draft in the next couple years, since they’re Western Hopes or whatever, but Jared has a feeling that unlike the rest of them Raf’s going to be going first round. Has a feeling Raf Sanchez is a name that commentators are going to be mentioning a lot in the next few years. That’s a good friend to have, though Jared’s pretty sure he’d be sticking by him even if he was the worst guy there, just because he’s not an idiot like most guys their age are. And obviously that idiocy doesn’t wear off any time soon, judging by Marcus. Maybe it’s a hockey player in general thing.

Jared half choosing to stick with Raf because he’s nice and half choosing to stick with Raf because he’s the best player there is prime Jared. Hey Jared, who’re you befriending/boyfriending over the years? Top prospect Raf Sanchez, top Flames scorer Bryce Marcus, Hitmen captain Chaz Rossi, Future Hall of Famer Julius Halla? (Gabe doesn’t quite fit, but Gabe is also Older Queer Mentor, and comes with a bonus Hobgoblin Mentor, which makes him extra helpful).

Marcus is sulking by the boards again. It’s less and less endearing each time he does it, and it wasn’t endearing to start with.

One day you are going to find it endearing, and that is the day it’s all over for you, Jared.

“You are too nice for your own good, Sanchez,” Jared says.

Raf smiles a little, like he’s got a private joke with himself. “Not really,” he says.

Sometimes Raf thinks he’s a bad person because he isn’t the most complimentary of other people in his own head. It stays in his head though. And usually off his face, unlike some people (David Chapman I am looking at you.)

“You’re going to pull something if you keep doing that,” Marcus says.

The first words Bryce says to Jared, and Jared will eventually realise it was good advice, and yet will never ever tell him that. That he loves him? Yes. That he’ll marry him and stay with him for the rest of their lives? Yes. That Bryce was right about this? Absolutely not.

“Weirdly, I’m going to take the advice of every coach I’ve ever had over some asshole who blew 0.15 then yelled at the cop,” Jared says. “No offence.”

Annnnnd the first thing Jared ever says to Bryce. I’m thinking of those AUs where you have the first sentence your soulmate ever says to you appear on your body and it would be so fucking funny with these two.

It’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a douche.

The series description, which remains hilarious in how wrong it was. Like, I did pick it for irony, but did I know at the time HOW ironic it would be? I did not.

“You get what I’m saying here?” Evanson asks.

“Don’t diss the dude who punches Oilers fans and yells at cops?” Jared says.

Evanson smiles faintly. Jared thinks it’s the first time he’s seen him smile. “Just maybe keep your distance,” he says.

“That’s not going to be a problem,” Jared says. “At all.”

Hahahahahahahahahahaha.

2. Hubris and Bad Advice

The thing is, it isn’t Jared’s fault. He’s sure Evanson wouldn’t accept that as an excuse, but it’s true. Jared absolutely meant it when he said he’d keep his distance, but the problem is that Marcus isn’t keeping his.

Bryce is following around the pretty mean boy like he is magnetized, because, well, he is.

“I can spot you,” Marcus says, like they’re all cool and Jared didn’t basically call him out yesterday. Even if he hadn’t, Raf’s right there, obviously capable of spotting Jared. Also Jared isn’t insane, so that’s a hard, hard pass.

Please let Bryce stand over you and watch your pretty red face while you sweat and grunt Jared he needs to be there for reasons.

“Don’t make Raf collateral damage, man,” Jared says. “Not cool.”

“Who?” Marcus says, because of course he doesn’t know Raf’s name. Of course he doesn’t.

“Hi,” Raf says shyly. Jared would think he was a little starstruck, except he’s starting to learn that’s just Raf.

“He’s too cute to die,” Jared says. “Look at that adorable face. You can’t kill that face.”

And here begins the completely irrational grudge against Raf Sanchez Bryce nurses for WAY TOO LONG.

Raf is the ideal mom material. Like, platonically. Jared’s not getting those vibes from him, and even if he did, Raf is way too nice a guy for him.

You’re going to be utterly appalled at how nice a guy your future husband is Jared.

“He punched an Oilers fan in public,” Jared says.

“Who hasn’t wanted to do that,” Raf mumbles, so low that Jared’s not even sure he’s heard him right.

“Not an Oilers fan, Sanchez?” Jared asks.

“Canucks,” Raf says, and laughs again when Jared wrinkles his nose. “But at least I’m not an Oilers fan?”

Yes I already knew where Jared was going to be drafted at this point. Yes I enjoy every single anti-Oilers comment Jared makes on the way to donning that jersey. (Bonus Jared wrinkling his nose at the Nucks — didn’t know that part at that point, so it’s a fun accident)

The next day is even worse. Marcus seems resolute in his apparent plan to drive Jared nuts. He constantly ends up wherever Jared is, dispensing awful advice until Jared can’t keep himself from saying something that’d be inexcusably rude if Bryce was an actual coach and not some douchebag playing at it. Whenever Jared lands a blow, Marcus goes off to sulk some more and lick his wounds before returning for another round of being annoying and wrong. It’s practically routine already.

It’s practically a game, except Jared isn’t enjoying it, and it feels like the more Jared brushes him off the faster he comes back, armed with that punchable face, sometimes with the addition of an even more punchable smirk, and always equipped with a never ending supply of terrible advice. Jared wonders if he’s giving bad advice on purpose to bug Jared or he’s just stupid enough to think it’s good advice. Stupid enough to think Jared wants his advice and is, what, playing hard to teach? Honestly he can’t even tell.

Hey Jared ‘my husband has a hockey IQ through the roof’ Matheson, are you being objective here? Is the advice bad advice? Is it?

Jared gives him a thumbs up. “New best friend,” he says.

“Do you have an old best friend?” Raf asks.

“Ouch,” Jared says, because no. No he does not.

Jared Matheson, picking up his first best friend of the series and also in his entire life.

“Right?” Jared asks. “And what is with his advice? I don’t think he’s said one useful thing in the last two days.”

“I mean—” Raf says. “His advice about your backhand—”

Jared — it was good advice.

Apparently Evanson thinks they’re all little kids, because the first week of camp ends with a pizza party.

Jared eat your fucking pizza, you little kid.

Marcus sits down across from him while Jared’s got a mouthful of cheese. Jared glares but he can’t tell him to go fuck off. He was raised better than to speak with his mouth full.

Tell a dude to fuck off, sure, but god forbid it’s with your mouth full. The Mathesons are hobgoblins, not heathens.

“Whoa, big man. So, like, you don’t need this then, right?” Jared asks, reaching over and grabbing one of Marcus’ slices. “Since you’re a millionaire, and we’re just poor schmucks still getting allowances.”

“Jared,” Raf hisses, and Jared ignores him and takes a bite of Marcus’ slice. It’s Canadian, and Jared hates mushrooms, but he suffers through it to make his point, waiting for the legendary Bryce Marcus temper to blow right up at him. He hasn’t got punched yet, but he figures it’s just a matter of time. Maybe he’ll make the local papers.

You’re so fucking petty, Jared, suffering through food you actively dislike just to pull Bryce’s pigtails. I love you.

“Enjoying my pizza?” Marcus asks.

“It’s delicious,” Jared says, grimacing his way through another bite.

“I’m glad,” Marcus says, as sweet as ‘fuck you’.

Bryce: remember what they taught you in anger management, remember what they taught you in—

“Anger management classes going good, then?” Jared asks after he swallows, grinning right back at that forced smile, and that time — that time he gets exactly what he was expecting.

“You trying to get thrown out of here?” Raf asks, when Marcus’ chair grinds with the speed he shoves out of it, stomping right out of the room.

ANNNND Bryce forgot what they taught him in anger management.

“Still,” Raf says. “He might leave us alone if you quit baiting him.”

“I’m not baiting him,” Jared protests. “I’m telling him where he’s not wanted.”

Raf with the reality, Jared with the stunning display of self-delusion.

Raf shrugs. “If your preferred tactics don’t work against an opponent, adjust them,” he says, which is annoyingly good advice. Not annoying that it’s good advice, just annoying because Jared has a feeling ignoring Marcus until he goes away is going to be a lot more difficult than snapping at him. Snapping at him’s effortless. Ignoring him…that’s a taller order. Jared’s not very good at ignoring the things that annoy him, though he is usually better about keeping his mouth shut about being annoyed. Marcus has hit a level of annoying that makes that basically impossible, though. Jared’s almost impressed at how irritating Marcus has made himself in such a short period of time.

You just got annoyed by the suggestion that you ignore Bryce instead of continually poking at him. Baby you liiiiike him.

3. Tactical Surveillance

I should note with this title that there was, early in the series, a battle/war time theme going on in titling, and this is the first instance of it. Because teenage Jared’s a drama queen.

Jared pulls open Chrome’s incognito window. He basically uses it only for porn and googling himself

Jared cannot decide which one he feels more self-conscious about. Probably the self-google.

Rumours about a hostile environment in the Flames locker room that he’s the source of. Talk that Marcus got pissed they passed him over for an A when they traded Gaugin even though it was only his sophomore season and he’d probably be the worst dude on the Flames to deal with the refs outside of maybe Morris. Murmurs that his bigshot agent wants to dump him.

Oof.

Also apparently he’s a bad lay, according to one girl on a forum it took him way too long to find. Didn’t even bother with foreplay, just stuck it in.

…big oof.

Jared doesn’t know if he believes the last one. Not him being a bad or selfish lay, Jared can totally believe that,

You are going to be so grateful for just how wrong you are, Jared.

Whatever. Marcus didn’t even get Jared’s name right the first time. He’s probably already forgotten Jared exists. Marcus is going to go back to his sullen shit, and Jared’s going to feel like a total idiot for wasting his entire morning on him, but also relieved to have things go back to normal, or whatever this camp’s normal is. He’s calling it.

*.

Jared is getting tired of being wrong.

I really enjoyed the device of Jared confidently stating something completely incorrect and then going ‘well fuck’ immediately after.

“What’s up, Jared?” Marcus says, like the second he saw Jared was busy he came to interrupt him. But that’s normal from what Jared knows about Marcus, not from the internet but from last week. He has an uncanny knack of showing up at the most annoying times. The weird thing is —

“Why do you know my name,” Jared says, flat.

Because he is literally obsessed with you, Jared, come on.

“What’s his name?”

“Uh,” Marcus says. “John?”

“Did you just go with the most common name possible and hope you were right?” Jared asks disbelievingly.

Marcus seems to perk up. “I got it right?” he asks.

“Uh, no,” Jared says. “Not even close.”

“Oh,” Marcus says. “I’m sure I know it.”

“I’m positive you don’t,” Jared says. “Because it’s Jared too, so it’s kind of easy to remember if you know my name.”

“Your name is Jared,” Marcus says, like somehow Jared was unaware of that.

“Yes,” Jared says. “Gold star. Are you aware that more than one person can have the same name?”

“Shut up,” Marcus mutters, then calls out, “Hey Jared!”, shooting a wave at Debono, who looks around before frowning.

“My name’s Anthony,” he says. “Jared’s the dude you’re standing beside.”

You are the PETTIEST BITCH and I love you.

“Hey Raf,” Marcus says, then gives Jared a pointed look, like, ‘see, I know names!’

“His name’s Rafael,” Jared says.

“You call him Raf,” Marcus says.

“Uh, yeah,” Jared says. “But I waited until he told me I could instead of just assuming I had the right to call him by his nickname. You know, because I’m not an asshole.”

“You can call me Raf if you want,” Raf mumbles, looking miserable.

And the beginning of Bryce calling Raf Rafael long past the time Raf tells him it’s okay to call him Raf.

“You need to loosen your grip like—” Raf says, then does adjust it, a minor unflexing of his fingers. It feels weird, the twist of the stick in his hand as he tries a few shots, but his movement’s smoother.

“Thanks,” Jared says, after, because he’s not an ingrate. “Maybe you should be the one coaching.”

Raf shrugs. “Marcus is the one who noticed it,” he says.

Jared pretends he didn’t hear that.

Just. The pettiest.

“Not dissing cats,” Jared says. “I like cats. I’m just saying, I feel like Marcus knows I don’t like him—”

“I can’t imagine how he figured that out,” Raf says.

Raf is Tired.

“Well, I’m not hiding it,” Jared shrugs. “Anyway, I’m liking my cat theory. This is an intimidation tactic or some shit.”

“You’re giving him too much credit,” Raf says. “Or blame. One of those.”

Let Raf Rest.

“Disgustingly cute,” Jared repeats. “The cutest. How are you so cute?”

“Maybe spend less time flirting and more time working,” Marcus snaps, and Jared startles. He didn’t even realise Marcus was there. He’s either getting sneakier, or Jared’s getting used to him. Neither of those options are good. Or — the cat theory is getting disturbing.

“Maybe don’t immediately mistake friendliness for flirting,” Jared snaps back.

Why Is Raf Here. Raf Does Not Want to Be Here.

“I’m gay,” Jared says. “But yeah, you’re not my type.”

“Okay,” Raf says.

“You’re great and all,” Jared says, even though Raf didn’t seem offended. “But you’re a hockey player, so.”

Raf frowns. Now he looks kind of offended. “What’s wrong with being a hockey player?” he asks.

Raf will have you know his girlfriend is a hockey player, jerk.

“Hey,” Jared says. He has an idea. “How do you make cats go away?”

“Um,” Raf says. “Water? Loud noises?”

“No,” Jared says, though he’s technically right. “Affection.”

“Oh no,” Raf says.

“Oh yes,” Jared says.

“This is a very bad idea,” Raf says.

He’s probably right.

Jared’s going to try it anyway.

Raf is Afraid.

[indomitablemegnolia]

Cold, empty, hollow feeling echoes along my nerves as I replay a memory in a continuous loop; over and over again. I never had any idea, I always disdained the ingénues in romance tales, the ones that would run panting after some said hero, I never wanted to be one, yet here I am. My mind conjures life, himself, his pitying face, and yes every time I thought of that creased brow and the laughing smile I wanted to hit it, words echoed, I wished I had just left it with the dead thudding “oh.” Yes, oh, as in my mind is screaming and all my lips can utter is oh, but never knowing exactly when to speak and when to keep my peace I smile, as they say, smile even if your soul and heart are being shredded after being ripped from your body clawed and spit on, split and slashed, yes, always smile, but that didn’t keep my lips closed.

“Oh, darling Life, of all the lies you ever told me, I love you was my favourite, was it ever true?” I surprised myself my voice was light with only a small tremor no catch or watery undertone.

His eyes remained smiling his pity losing its edge, “No”

“So, all of those promised moments, those oaths of fealty, the times you said… forever… they were what?”

“Well I have heard that sometimes forever is just a second.”

“Kiss me, please.” I had to know the truth, no matter how cold it was.

“Just one last time, then I will go.”

“You have to mean it; can you mean it?” I closed my eyes, knowing what he was going to say.

“I never have before.”

“I loved you.” I whisper, I turn my back stopping him before his lips could touch mine, and walk away, I walked away from him before he would walk away from me. The overlapping voices inside me making such a ruckus that I thought the entire world could hear it. The Pleas ‘don’t leave me’, ‘not like this’, ‘I need you’, ‘I love you and I always will’, then they all quieted as Goodbye ricocheted through me. I didn’t look back, not until I knew he had turned to leave, it was a mistake, but I watched the last of his shoulders turn as he slowly faded.

In this world of wit and worry in this universe. In this one there are few things so beautiful they arch eons after ever being seen or felt…swimming in the ocean while it rains; reading alone in an empty library; a child’s smile; the sea of stars that appear when you are miles away from neon lights of the city; the dull ache of a bar after two am with the flavour of bourbon on the tongue; lost in the wilderness on purpose or by accident; all phases of the moon; the things we do not know, nor ever will about the universe… and You… yes you Life, watching your face while you let all the pleasure flow through your body is a glorious sight. I know that you’re sometimes conscious of me observing you. It can made you hold back maybe a little, I try not to let that happen. It inhibits you from fully letting your mind follow your body, but when I was able, when all was wanting and desire and need to prolong the ecstasy washing over us, my god, you’re a sight like no other in this world. This one in the innumerable possible worlds, those other worlds in the other universes. Though as magnificent as I knew this world to be, I also knew there would be one world where we, almost, just ever so might have been lovers’ soulmates friends. In this one it simply just wasn’t meant to be, Life, himself just couldn’t come to love me.

I can’t have you, Life. You are not here, and will never visit again, this is something I know. I long for arms that aren’t there and never will be. It’s a bad habit I’m getting used to.

I kept walking mindless, finally stopping when I was in my room sorting through my closet. Life, he finally told me, he never loved me, and this was goodbye. I ran through my stages of grief, at the end; slowly coming to the conclusion that unlike a usual break up, this one is a final resounding call. Logically, what happens when Life, himself, says goodbye, time is really running out. I pulled out the dress I never had the occasion to wear, black satin empire waist beaded and beautiful. I slide it on, smoothing my hair and smearing on my best lipstick.

I deal in concrete vagaries, delicious ambiguity, my mind scattered to the four winds. I am not exactly sure why, but my thoughts and emotions were now haywire, bubbling up through the broken cracks in my soul, dampening my creativity, confusing my words and sending me on a spiral. I am collecting my thoughts, my mind and the fly away flurries of my soul to have peace for just this moment. I tamp it all deep down into my soul and keep it held tight, this new agitating pain. I know this is perhaps faulty thinking and temporary. Perhaps one day it won’t just be temporary, perhaps someday someone is going to hug me so tight all the broken pieces of my soul will fit back together. Damn you, Life, why couldn’t you love me back.

Since I was young, I have always known this: Life damages us, everyone and I’ve fallen in love with him. No one can escape that damage. But now, I am also learning this: I did by my actions amplify it. Perhaps it can be mended. Oh, if only, I had the time.

As I walked on this beautiful night, I looked at the sky and wondered how many people feel the way I do at this moment. The icy chill had left as well as that empty echo, I was not resigned but in an odd way… Content but not pleased; happy but distant nostalgic; blessed but also very cursed; found but so goddamned lost; I was alive and just breathing.

As I walked near a lacquered black door the tinkling of soul pulled at me. I walk into the sedate bar, soft tune playing from a piano from the corner, the smoky smell of centuries hanging on the aged wood and leather, the lighting low with a blue/aqua tinge to it. Sliding onto the stool I realize that I am still smiling. Oh that programming was so ingrained. I ran my hands over the warm mahogany of the bar, feeling centuries play under my fingers. I breathed in the atmosphere deep. If there were a heaven it might have one of these in it.

The bartender, in a white shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows and a black velvet waist coat, his head shaved smooth, his skin held a healthy shine. His eyes the colour of onyx shined with an air of grace, “What’ll it be?” his voice was like honey. Thick and rich.

I thought for a single beat, “Cocktail du aviation.”

“It’s been an age since I have had a call for that one.” I watched as he built the cocktail. A chilled metal shaker filled with ice, two jiggers of gin frosty clear, a jigger of Maraschino liqueur a lightly pink colour, a dram of Lemon juice and two Jiggers of Crème de violette a vivid dark purple. He affixed the top and began to shake it to the staggering waltz of the music in the background. While shaking it for the last two bars he pulled a chilled martini glass out, tossing three cherries with stems into the glass, uncapping the shaker he slowly poured the concoction into the glass that instantly frosts over, the dark purple turning a frosty delicious spring scented nirvana. He floated three flowers on the top, setting a napkin in front of m resting the glass in the center resting a longer stemmed bloom on the outer edge.

I lifted the glass, holding it under my nose, breathing in something beautiful and fresh. “J’ai plus de souvenirs que si j’avais mille ans.” I took a drink of the memory-soaked libation; not my memories but those possible memories, the coulda-been, shoulda-beens, the possible and the improbables. I rolled the flowers around my tongue, the flavour exploding in my mind, in my mouth, opening my eyes I lick my lips taking in the quizzical look, a laugh escapes me as I let memories creep into my mind, I translated, “I carry more memories, souvenirs…”

“Than I should after a thousand years lived…” his honeyed voice finished with me. “Madam, I know what it meant, just not why you would gladly carry such much weight?”

I shrug, “I dunno, I suppose I had just kind of figured that it was just the way it is. If anyone knew the lifetimes, I lived in my days…” I sighed and took another drink, feeling alive even for a short moment it was lovely. The piano softly tinkling along in a happy dancing tune bringing yet another aspect of acceptance that I had no idea I had found. The memories played in the back of my mind, childhood and laughter; I felt the cool clay soil on my fingers and the smell of soft evergreen; I felt growth and frustration, victory, failure and triumph; I remembered the short days I had tried all aspects of life, not just learning, but acting and cooking and singing bad old cowboy songs as I mended fences alone, having to set in posts that weighed more than I did; I remembered chickens and goats and for a moment such joy. Soft tears collected in the corners of my eyes, I looked at my glass and it was frosty purple and full to the brim; I looked up and mad eye contact with the shiny onyx eyes of the bartender, he smiled in a sweet knowing way; alas apparently the bartender is getting a good tip; I took a long memory-soaked drink, the colour and flavour reminding me of soft kisses, ones I am not sure if I ever was able to collect but I felt them nonetheless; soft warmth of hands caressing; apple pie. Now that Life, himself has left me flat I know it was never him; if I ever did catch his fancy, it was maybe morbid curiosity, I suppose that even Life himself has to suffer from curiosity, but I think now, I never tried to understand; perhaps it was always Terminus; with my soul grief-blinded perhaps I wouldn’t see the edge gone from the twins face; oh, I suppose I will know soon enough, it is just a game of waiting now; I took another drink remembering sitting at a bar almost as beautiful in San Francisco, the history written on the mahogany vibrated with soul, the meal and the mediocre opera made a circuit of my mind.

Softly the piano started a deeper, soulful tinkling; instantly my soul matched, falling into an abyss, sadness eating at the edges of me; I wanted to shake my head at my own mercurial emotional state, up, down; up, down; I peered at the tiny purple flowers floating in the amethyst liquid. A low baritone began to sing, “Birds flying high,” my breathing stopped, fear froze me, blinking into the purple frosty void of my glass, I know that baritone; well, the time to hesitate is through, death smiles at us all, all a one can do is smile back; “you know how I feel,” Baritone saxophone joins in the duo of deep velvety tones is absolutely delicious, “sun in the sky, you know how I feel;” I have been evading and resisting him for so long, perhaps it is time I just smiled back; fear melting like warm butter on toast, I rocked softly to the melody, taking a long drink, tipping my head back, reveling in the flavour; “breeze drifting on by, you know how I feel.” A deliciously familiar warmth came up behind me, his soft breath caressing my ear: sighing I lean back toward him, how we fit confirming my suspicions; it had always been him, I am such a fool, a damn fool.

Oh, I love sparring with him; god, I also love when he is there to hold my wounded heart; I know now that it was never Life that came to dress my wounds, collect my casualty soul when Fate would pummeled; I know now it was always Terminus that would hold my soul tight, blaming my hurt. There was a time I counted him as my arch enemy, I discovered that there were so many things in this life worse than simply leaving it; even now as his warmth calmed that chill from my bones; warming me to the idea of this moment; I felt him sit on the stool next to me, I could smell the sweet bourbon on his breath and in his glass. I open my eyes and look up into his in the beveled mirror. His heavy-lidded green eyes spoke of past and future and promises that from him, never rang empty. He smiled the most exquisite smile, delicious enticing, wrapped in a memory, veiled by reality and tinged by my dreams.

How does one explain an unknowable without sounding unsound? That euphonious nonsound, not an abeyance of noise but nothing audibly distinguishable. That click that is felt and heard through the whole universe, that moment when our eyes met, like the switch of a train track, transporting both if us for one miraculous moment, to what might have been or is it what will be? Oh, but it was there. And then his voice, lilting, plush, tempting tintinnabulation; the result, sweet butterflies rioting through the veins; producing goose bumps, it felt as if the sound has come from just behind the ear, a warm breath caressing just behind the ear, cascading down the neck. It was the exotic feeling of an audible dark chocolate thrills the body, every collected nerve inundated with sweet richness, trailed with a dark bite. In contrast all listening feel the dangerous, opulent, decadence, something almost endemically naughty about the tone that the depth of the words as lush as they felt, were belied with their defined ordinary nature, turning to a sweet erotic rapture.

I wished I could have just to sat next to him on a bus bench, dipping our toes in the tide of time, listening to everything he could possibly say about anything; there was always something about him that drew me, as Life, as Terminus, both drew at me, perhaps the fact they were the beginning and end of my existence; although that feels like such a cop out now, but there was something about him; oh, Terminus, there was always something about you, about the tilt of your head, the softness of your touch; when I saw the sharp judging edge I now doubt that it was you; that horrible piteous look Life gave me as he snidely told me that I was never enough. Oh, Terminus, now I can luxuriate in the tone of your breath passing over that lush tongue; it was just the beautiful happening of existence that there you always were.

He chuckled, "Now, I need to know," his earnest face so endearing; "are you okay?"

I shrugged, trying to look unaffected, the low blue lighting shifted to a dark purple; "Oh, yeah, I'm fine," keeping my voice light, the piano shifted from the hopeful 'feeling good to a darker foreboding tone; I was looking anywhere, but his fantastic face, trying to understand my own mood.

He sighed, "What a load of crap," I heard him moving, I refused to look. "Come on," I jumped, startled, his voice just behind my ear, "you know it's a good thing you never really try to lie; you are really so terrible at it; how are you?" I shrug, still looking away; "you can't give me that, honey, look at me;" I complied with a roll of my eyes, "are you okay?"

I nodded and shrugged, "Yep."

"Honesty, please." I shrugged, he doubled down, "I know you were crying; the tears are still on your cheeks," he reached around to swipe my tears away, "so, I ask again, are you okay?"

I turned to stand in front of him, shoulders straight, arms crossed, plastic smile in place, "I am fine." He gave me that demanding galled look that screamed liar, "okay, yes, okay, I cried, that's done, I am good now." Feeling a little defensive.

He slowly pulling my hands into his, the piano lightened again, he pulled me into his arms leading me in a dance. His face nuzzled my cheek, he began singing again, kissing my skin lightly; he worked his way to my lips and softly kissed me, oh, so, deep; I collapsed into his arms, surrendering totally, when breath was coming in pants he pulled away for air; "I know I usually let time pass and warm you up first, but that felt right," he kissed me again deeper, it could have lasted hours or even days, it was a kiss that left my soul wanting more. "You are so delicious," his deep voice reverberated along my lips; "you are a flavour I had never tasted, now with the hint of glorious spring, oh, I have always craved this, with you so alive in my arms."

"Ironic, isn't it?" I chuckled.

"How?" He asked genuinely curious.

"This being what it is.”

"A dance?" He put his arms around me in a loose hug, keeping the dance going; Lord, I hadn't realized before how deliciously large and tall he is, especially in comparison to me; how protected, how cherished, how enveloped I felt as he held me; "Kissing you, it had been so tempting for so long, you tantalize me just by breathing, it felt so perfect, so natural..." his arms tightened, "I need to ask, I have to know, why were you crying? Please, trust me enough to tell me."

I sucked a breath in through my nose, slowly letting it out, burying my face in the pile of robe covering his chest. "Honestly, for very stupid reasons;" come on, girl, don't chicken out now... just let it flow, "mostly out of frustration, as with most of my tears; once upon a time I was a stupid girl;" I felt his exasperated sigh down my neck; "sadly its true, I realize now possibly even too late that it was always you, not Life who loved me. I had thought that it was life who came to balm my soul, dress my wounds, kiss me once or twice, pat me on the head and send me back out." I placed a chaste kiss on his lips; "I was a fool thinking you were the enemy, not my release."

He kissed the top of my head, "You are a fool, but I was even more foolish, I was the one who wanted so much to be close to you I let you believe I was what I wasn't." He kissed my forehead his apology was beautiful, "Why would you ever think that it wasn’t life, as long as I made you believe. I did mean forever, on this side sometimes forever is just a moment, but I will someday show you forever."

I sucked in a quick breath, "Well, if you spend long enough dying, enough people step away because it is too painful for them to watch, enough people caring at a distance," I ran my hand over my face, growling, "it's like they shake hands with me using salad tongs," he laughed, that rumble against my cheek was heavenly "I began believing that, they are right, that I was this depressing weight, that it is all I would ever deserve." I held him tighter, hiding my face as he

was trying to pull back and look at me. "I always knew that I wanted more; I shook it off because I thought myself greedy." I sighed, looking up at him, "Your kiss, your delicious, beautiful, your sweet kiss caused my heart to beat, your kind words, caused me to feel, and now I feel unworthy, reaching for way too much; I have been dying almost as long I have been alive, it is hard for me to believe your sincerity, as so many have feigned caring, said one right thing, pretended for a minute longer than expected, then dropped me flat, leaving me as that waste, that drain; as significant as lint or a bottle cap." I shook myself, no dummy let it flow, taking a deep breath, "I have internally hashed a few things out; I am now resolved.”

"You are resolved?"

"Yes, resolved, death smiles at us all, I am just lucky enough to be able to smile back at that big bad wolf smile." I reached up on my tip toes, barely reaching his lips; I gripped his neck loosely kissing him, just chaste brushing of lips;

“Oh, my sweet, you think that since life no longer wants you, you have to come with me.”

“Not have to, I want to go with you,

“I would love nothing more, doll, but no, now is not that time, there are still things for you to do; though, I would love to spend some hours with you. Of all the souls that I have crossed yours seems the most intriguing. I feel a sort of kinship with you that I have not felt in so long.”

"I am recalcitrant in going back to that life, but If you are sincere, I resolved to take this chance, making a different choice; I will do whatever is needed of me, but I long to live while I am alive, I long to be experienced," I sighed. “Wow, I just realized I am to the bargaining portion of grief, making a deal with a devil.”

He pulled away, not letting me hide away any longer, he looked so earnest. He pulled me to sit on his lap as he slid onto a table, he ran his hands through my honest attempt at betty boop curls that turned to gentle waves in my hair, pushing it away to reveal my face. He kissed my forehead, thrilling me to my core. "I am sincere, I had wanted that kiss since I sauntered on that dance floor and you were wearing this dress; well, no, actually I really wanted to kiss you after you bit your lip, raking that gaze of yours over me across the room, your eyes lingering; I wanted to stand right up and kiss you soundly. Honestly I want to do it again right this moment." He kissed me softly, tracing his last kiss, "Talking with you, laughing; cleaning the bruises on your face, drying your tears, it was magic." He kissed me a little deeper, just lingering lips and a tacit tongue. "So, you like my kiss?"

I shivered, rolling my eyes and giggled "How can you possibly ask such a question; Rhett Butler told Scarlet 'you should be kissed and often, by someone who knows how.' Your kisses were the ones Rhett was speaking of, though I doubted, maybe even still doubt my deserving; I loved your kisses, I want them, sweet Jesus you sure as hell know how. Yours were the sweetest honeyed nectar I have ever tasted;" I ran my hands up his chest to his shoulders, I smiled letting a single finger play with the soft curls of hair on his neck; "there are so many things I have accepted in half measures; basically my motto has been work with what you got, not what you hoped for; I never wanted a secret lover; I have had either; violent, invasive; or mediocre, half-assed, tepid kisses; You gave me a sample of what I hunger for, what I truly need, and I want more. I want true, real, full-throated, head banging, mind-blowing, unmistakable moments, no matter how long or short it lasts."

I kissed the skin at the opening of his dress shirt, making little circles with my tongue. "This affair has been unforced, organic, and amazing, like the tide; your kisses raged in me like a torrential rain; great crocodile tears of rain, wind blowing gales;" I etched my words into his skin with kisses as I spoke, "all emotion and gorgeous feeling; I felt it seethe into my heart, as if it were life itself; without knowing you, I know I have dreamt of you, your tongue dancing in my mouth; your hands pulling at my hair; hot breath on my neck."

"Oh, I like that, this 'affair'." He hummed a sweet tone, "It has been organic and natural; affair, I have been wondering what to call this if ever I have the chance to tell of it to anyone. Any new slang would cheapen this miracle; in my mind I bounced 'encounter' too alien, 'incident' sounds like a car wreck, 'happening' works, 'rendezvous' a little too suggestive; how does one describe something so transformative, so serendipitous as this. I feel as though I have discovered an elicit, delectable," he kissed me soft, "oh, so, delicious being; but affair, it's almost intimate enough, without being too revealing; oh, and yes, we will make it one to remember."

I breathed looking into his eyes, I giggled, "Oh, I didn't realize you were a romantic."

We danced and talked for a while, time never seemed to pass, our drinks were always deliciously filled, oddest of all I never became tired. I don’t even know what we talked about, I just listened to the sound of his voice and to his deep sweet laugh and the sound of him softly listening to me. His beautifully calloused hand carefully caressed mine. “I remember how seeing the shape of your mouth that first time, I kept staring until my blood turned to rain. Some things take root in the brain and just don’t let go.” He kissed me soft; “Oh, Time passes, and she smiles, and it may as well have just stopped. Come, closer now and listen my love, I warned you, Life only cares for beauty, and health and dancing and happiness. You and I will always be.”

Lamenting at a loss of something I had never known, “How do you move on?” I whispered surrounded in that moment by memory.

“You move on when your heart finally understands that there is no turning back.” he looked into my eyes and I finally saw that love I had always craved. “Do you know the most beautiful part to loving a guarded girl? When she lets you in, it’s not because she needs you. She stopped needing people a long time ago. It’s because she wants you. And that - that is the purest love of all.”

The bartender appeared topping off our drinks. The cocktail was still gloriously frosty, and his bourbon smelled heavenly on his breath “Anything else you’ll be needing Set?”

“Not at all Charon, I think we are about done here.”

I nodded, “Of course, I… Set,” I looked at the beautiful bartender nodding, “Charon, you are beautiful, and mix a hell of a drink”

“Was a pleasure Miss, this was the sweetest tour I have taken. It’s not often the boss comes on the trip.”

I laughed, “Now feel foolish calling you Terminus.”

“Oh, you used to fight me, now look you see. We were meant to be.” He took my hand pulling me from my perch on the stool. Handing me my lovely purple concoction. Wrapping his arm tightly around my shoulders, god, he was tall. “Tomorrow you will wake up in your bed, but you will feel a purpose;” I twirled me under his arm tucking me close; “but tonight is ours.”

He walked comfortably to the door I entered through, but instead of the street, it was a magnificent arte nouveau bedroom. Wooden four post bed, intricately carved, rich red velvet comforter. Dark wood floors with thick rugs.

“Magnificent,” I breathed.

“You see, all of those colours you have in your mind, I want to show them to you, watching your eyes shine.” He pulled me to him, framing my face with his hands. Smoothing my hair, his thumb resting on my lower lip. I pull it into my mouth sucking lightly. I watched feelings play across his face, each new look was my new favourite. He pulled his thumb from my lips then softly caressed my bottom lip. My hands reached for him, but he seemed a million miles away.

“Say, lady, say that you will stay.” He kissed me deeply. We slowly sank onto that deep red velvet. “Say you will stay with me, oh, I will make you smile. Lay with me.”

I rolled him to his back kissing him, “There is no place else that I want to be.”

“No more longing for the one you love; I am right in front of you.”

The next morning, I woke feeling delicious.

“Once upon a time, I was a stupid girl.”

He kissed me pulling my dress away, I felt decadent velvet kissing my back as my lover feasted on my lips.

[camleecomics]

My Coming Out Story (Five Year Review)

It’s Pride Month 2017, I’m 26 years old and it just occurred to me recently that this year marks five years of being out of the closet for me. For five years now, I’ve lived my life identifying as a gay man. Though, if I’m being honest with myself, I haven’t done a great job of being open about it most of the time. That’s something I want to work on.

Initially, I wanted to draw a comic about this. A coming out comic that depicts my story through a cartoony and humorous filter. But for some reason, the creative juices necessary to make that comic just aren’t flowing. Maybe I’ll make that comic someday, but for now, I’m just writing this.

When I was in the seventh grade and developed my first crush, I was so clueless about what was going on that I actually thought I might be a mutant like the X-Men because I got “strange vibes” whenever my crush was around. I was fourteen and in the eighth grade the first time I actually realized I was gay. At that point in my life, I had never heard gay people spoken of in a positive light and everything I was learning in health class was informing me that I should’ve been losing my mind over girls, but instead I was losing it over boys. This really shook me and I did not know how to cope.

Eventually, I started failing a class, so the school had to notify my parents, which lead to a very dramatic day. There was a weekend when my parents and I planned to visit my older brother in New York City but, before we could leave, my dad had to come into school and sign some kind of form acknowledging that he was aware that I wasn’t doing well in school. Naturally, he was upset and began grilling me and eventually asked something along the lines of “what’s wrong with you?” and that’s when I broke down and told him I was gay.

We went home told my mom and then they both proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t gay because the Bible says this, that, and so on. They said it was ok to think that boys look good, but that men are supposed to be with women and that was that. After that, we got in the car and headed to NYC. They decided we wouldn’t tell my brother about anything I said and then we did not speak of that day again for about seven years.

I went through all high school and most of college, extremely closeted. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely enjoyed my time in high school. I had good friends and I fell in love with the amazing sport of track and field. But like all teenagers, and human beings in general, I had my own personal struggles that I was dealing with. Many nights were spent praying for God to purge me of the thoughts I had about other men and replace them with thoughts of women.

Things changed my junior year of college when I was 21 years old. There was one night I was sitting alone in my apartment, watching video clips from a British soap opera on Youtube, when things just clicked in one random, glorious epiphany. I realized I was gay, that I had been gay this whole time and that being in the closet was making me miserable.

I began coming out to my friends on my college track and field team and they were all super cool about it. Words cannot do justice to the amount of gratitude I feel towards my teammates for all the love and laughter they gave me during my coming out process. On top of that coming out comic, I should also make a comic someday about some of the responses and reactions my teammates gave to my coming out.

Then came an evening when my brother called me up and, somehow sensing that something was on my mind, asked me rather directly if anything new was going on in my life. So I came out to him and also told him what happened in middle school. It was very emotional for him but he was very supportive, and loving, and expressed that he wanted to be there with me when I came out to mom and dad (again).

When the school year came to an end that spring, my brother and I sat my parents down and told them (again) that I was gay. They weren’t exactly thrilled about it. While a part of them saw this coming I think they were also holding out hope that this would never come up again. Despite their obvious discomfort, we all expressed our love for each other and our resolve to not let this break us as a family.

Since then, there have been some bad days. Arguments have been had. Hurtful words have been exchanged. Tension has boiled between us as both sides struggle to acknowledge the giant, rainbow-colored elephant in the room. But still, our love for each other and our desire be a part of each other’s lives remains, and thus there is hope and for that I am grateful.

Looking back on the past five years I can say, with a great deal of confidence, that I’ve been a much happier person since coming out. Before coming out I don’t think I ever imagined being as comfortable in my own skin as I feel now. I feel much less compelled to hide parts of myself and I don’t go to bed feeling ashamed of my own feelings anymore. Progress has been made in what so far have been the five gayest years of my life, but there is still more to be made.

Lately, I’ve been feeling kind of lost or stuck creatively, and writing this out has felt like a nice step in the right direction. It is my hope that by sharing my story I can live my life with a little bit more authenticity. Like I mentioned before, in the past five years I haven’t always done a great job of being open and confident about my sexuality, and that’s something I want to work on. This is me working on it.

Happy Pride.

[susantregre]

60 Super Fun Family Time Activities

All this #familytime fun is sponsored by Juicy Juice

There’s no time like family time and these 60 Super Fun Family Time Activities will keep your family busy all summer long!

With summer right around the corner, my family has been brainstorming ideas we can do together. From outdoor family time to family crafts and games we’ve covered it all.  We were inspired by Juicy Juice’s 100% Family Time Campaign which is a yearlong celebration of family moments.

Pssst…Look below for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid family vacation to Beaches Resort!

Fun Family Time Activities

Use these ideas to make a family time list of must-do things!  Juicy Juice has partnered with Meredith Sinclair (one of our favorite people in the world!) who is the author of Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit (affiliate link).  This book has a ton of ideas, inspiration and techniques to get your family playing together including…

Appoint a Chief Family Time Captain

A Chief Family Time Captain (CFTC) can make sure that family time HAPPENS.  This massive list, the Well Played book plus your family’s own ideas can make the CFTC’s job a cinch.  Check out the printable 100% Family Time Playlist for easy playtime organization.

Win a Family Vacation…and More

Juicy Juice has launched a Nationwide search for moms, dads and other grown-ups who help find the fun amid busy schedules.  To enter, adults can share a photo with a caption describing a favorite family time moment or tip (easy!).  Nine finalists will receive a month’s supply of Juicy Juice and a copy of Well Played.  One grand prize “Chief Family Time Officer” winner (determined by fan vote) will receive a month’s supply of Juicy Juice and the ultimate family time getaway — an all-expenses-paid vacation together to Beaches Resort!

ENTER HERE

Fantastic Outside Family Games for Spring and Summer

One of the best things about spring and summer is that going outside together is fun!  Let these ideas start your family enjoying the great outdoors.

Plan a park or playground crawl!  Take a few hours of an afternoon to park hop. -via Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

Kids like to mix things up sometimes, who wouldn’t love a Summer Day Camp! -via Kids Activities Blog

Throw Paint Filled Eggs at a canvas for a fun activity! -via Growing A Jeweled Rose

Keep the kids busy with this cool Fourth of July Printable Scavenger Hunt! -via Kids Activities Blog

Don’t Get Caught with the Cookie is a great outdoors game kids and adults alike will love!

It’s a fun family adventure where you follow clues to Find A Letterbox. -via Kids Activities Blog

DIY Sidewalk Foam Paint is super fun DIY your kids are going to love, and it’s easy clean up! -via The TipToe Fairy

Make the easiest popsicles in the world with Juicy Juice for the best backyard treat.  -via Kids Activities Blog

Fruit and Smores Cones– One of my favorite things about camping is the food. -via Kids Activities Blog

This fun and cool Bubble Science Experament would be a great summer or spring activity! -via Babble Dabble Do

In honor of Earth Day, I encourage you and your little one(s) to get outside and explore, the best way is to play I-Spy! -via Kids Activities Blog

This Color Spray Science/Art Experiment was so simple that my preschoolers were able to replicate it at home easily. -via Kids Activities Blog

Beach in the Backyard is a great idea for hot day! -via Wray Sist3rs

There’s nothing quite like Painting in the Great Outdoors to get those creative juices flowing! -via Kids Activities Blog

This Bubble Recipe is so super easy to make and so frugal! -via La-La’s Home Daycare

Dirt Soup Photos: Wordless Wednesday. via Kids Activities Blog

Pool Noodles are great for outdoor summer fun games and activities, like this Pool Noodle Sprinkler! -via Ziggity Zoom

One of the fun activities that the kids wanted to try was making Bubble Snakes! -via Housing A Forest

A Tinker Toy Catapult is pretty simple construction and soon marbles were zinging across the house. -via Kids Activities Blog

Turn the backyard into your very own bowling alley with our Recycled Bottle Bowling Craft! -via Moonfrye

Great spring & summer weather takes us all outdoors, especially with this fun Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt! -via Kids Activities Blog

Getting there can be fun!  Check out these ideas for making car rides a fun family experience.  -Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

It’s time for summer fun & games your kids will love this DIY Ring Toss Game! -via Mom Endeavors

Worm Homes can be fun to make and create. -via Kids Activities Blog

Pack a lunch together as a family and head to a favorite picnic spot…even if that is your living room floor!  Check out these easy kid lunch ideas with Juicy Juice. -via Kids Activities Blog

Shadow Art outdoor science is a hands-on STEAM activity for kids. -via Rhymes of Play

This Slime Recipe is super simple and not to mention kids love slime!-via Kids Activities Blog

I’m sharing an easy DIY Yard Yahtzee game today for my summer fun idea.-via Life Sew Savory

This creative game uses simple Drawing Prompts to spark imaginations -via Kids Activities Blog

This summer a Water Blaster Sprinkler seemed like it would be great for some fun water play! -via Mom Endeavors

Make a Splash with Family Water Activities

If you want family fun…just add water!  These are some of our favorite water-based activities that don’t need a backyard pool.

Sponge Water Bombs are a favorite summer must have. -via House of the Hepworths

Can I just say this Mud Painting activity for kids was absolutely fun–even for me! -via Kids Activities Blog

DIY PVC Backyard Water Park is so fun and inexpensive! -via Classy Clutter

All you need to re-make Pool Noodles into Light Sabers is silver duct tape and black tape. -via Kids Activities Blog

Have fun with this Recycled Water Wall all summer! -via Things to Share and Remember

Always looking for something new & fun to do outdoors, we decided to try to come up with some fun water games that involved Riding Our Bikes. -via Kids Activities Blog

Water Blobs is a great way for cool summer fun! -via hello, Wonderful

This Water Cup Race is a fun game to play outside with water guns! -via All For The Boys

Learn How to Create a Fun NERF Battlefield for hours of family fun! -via Kids Activities Blog

Kids Activities for Family Time

Making and playing together is the best combination of family time ideas. Sometimes making it is more than half the fun!

Create a “Creativity Cupboard” filled with open-ended supplies to help with spontaneous family crafting moments. -via Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

Simple Machines: Pulley– Six different type of machines that we can “build” at home to lessen our “work” load! -via Kids Activities Blog

Balloon Target Practice is a great way to have summer fun with out a swimsuit! -via Tip Junkie

Solar Ovens are so cool and s much cooler when your kid can make their own! -via Kids Activities Blog

Make a “100% Family Time” Capsule!  Decorate an empty Juicy Juice bottle transforming it into this cool idea.  -Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

I’m sure I’m not the only mom who hears “I’m bored” on breaks from school so here is a cool Spray Chalk Recipe you and your kids will love! -via Clever Pink Pirate

This Fizzing Sidewalk Paint is by far one of our kids’ most favorite play recipes. -via Kids Activities Blog

Make a refreshing drink together using Juicy Juice Splashers. -via Kids Activities Blog

I want to show you how to make the DIY Color Powder that could cause a world of fun for you and your family! -via dukes & duchesses

This simple Animal Hunt Outdoor Adventure is sure to have your little ones happily running around and searching through your garden. -via Kids Activities Blog

This Balloon Dart Board is so fast, easy, and has a big pay off! -via This is Do-Able

Our Magnetic Mud was fun and terrific outdoor science project! -via Kids Activities Blog

Make meal prep time a family time.  I love, love, love these ideas.  -Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

Memorial Day Games: some serious outside family fun! -via Journey with Johnsons

Grab a couple of ropes and string up a Backyard Tight-rope! -via Kids Activities Blog

Here are some of my Favorite Yard Games to play outside before club starts, especially during spring-time weather. -via Young Life Leaders

With this super fun activity you kids will be Enjoying Art Outdoors! -via Kids Activities Blog

The Wink Game is a fun and calm game to play in circle. -via Jouzy

Part art project, part gross motor activity Ping Pong Ball Painting is so much fun! -via Kids Activities Blog

I know we said that making it is more than half the fun, but in this case…maybe not!  This is the easiest popsicle in the world and eating it is kinda magnificent! -via Kids Activities Blog

It is time for more Paint and Play, we took our playtime to nighttime and made some fun Glowing Bubble Art. -via Growing A Jeweled Rose

It is a Tetrahedral Kite that is surprisingly easy to make. -via Kids Activities Blog

Glow sticks are the secret behind this Glow in the Dark Bowling that the kids will love! -via Kix Cereal

We had a blast — literally — with this Exploding Paint Bombs activity! -via Kids Activities Blog

Popped Bubble Art is a fun summer activity that your kids will love and find fascinating! -via Broogly

When your kids aren’t quite ready for bed yet, and you want to let them have some super fun, try these Flashlight Games! -via Kids Activities Blog

The activity that will last all summer- Summer Twister. -via Eucharisteo

Spell It Out– This game puts a super-size spin on an old classic and boosts basic literacy skills. -via Parents

Spot it! It’s a fun family game that is simple but unbelievably addictive that ages 4 to adult will love! -via Kids Activities Blog

This Balloon Dart Board is so fast, easy, and has a big pay off! -via This is Do-Able

Family game night is a staple in our house, and one game we are obsessed with lately is Wobbly Worm! -via Kids Activities Blog

Let’s Talk About Family Time

Wheel of Topics tackled Family Time in a recent episode over at Quirky Momma.  Tune in below for all the family time chatter…

Don’t forget to save time for spontaneity!  Everything doesn’t have to be planned out…just letting family time happen can be the best moments of all.  -via Juicy Juice Family Time Tips

For even more family time activities and ideas check out our 50 Activities for Autumn.

Remember!  Don’t forget to enter to win the title of “Chief Family Time Officer” which includes an amazing family vacation!  This opportunity ends soon, so go enter here!

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