#Leighton Moss

[richs-pics]

Misty sunset

They say the best camera is the one you have with you so these, unedited pics, were made on my phone. It was a very special moment to watch the mist rise up as the sun went down.

[skittle-is-little]

16/12/23

[heathersnaps]

Trip to Leighton Moss.

[lizzygrantisaliveandbreathing]

leighton meester in 2000s.

[fawnsite]

[silverseam]

Ellie Saab Summer/Spring 2003

[girlbloggerlei]

me on set when im famous

[archivenabumah]

Me wanting glasses in 6th grade cause I thought I was going to look like this…

[cokedupblonde]

can’t wait to get my nails done for summer

[daseinphoto]

My first otter in the wild.

[richs-pics]

Little egret

[antifainternational]

January 13 - Global Day of Action for Palestine

Here is a list of protests in solidarity with Palestine for January 13th. If there's no protest on saturday near you, take a look at this site (where we got this list from) to see if there is one near you on another day.

It's a looong list so it's under the cut here:

AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Parliament House. Info: http://www.afopa.com.au/afopa-events/2024/1/13/global-day-of-action-for-palestine

ALTONA BEACH, VIC, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Altona Beach (Kites for Palestine). Info: https://bukjeh.org/etn/fly-a-kite-for-gaza/

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Garema Place. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Tmi9jyT6x/

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm Nightcliff Foreshore. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13PZfQyx6P/

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Surfers Paradise Esplanade. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vvY_kpjkM/

HOBART/NIPALUNA, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Davey Street in front of Grand Chancellor. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/877061687400715/

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Civic Square. Info: https://friendsofpalestinetasmania.org/

MOSS VALE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13 (Weekly), 1 pm, Leighton Gardens, 127 Argyle St. Info: https://apan.org.au/event/weekly-moss-vale-vigil-for-peace-justice-in-palestine/

MPARTNWE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 9 am, Cars meet at Telegraph Station, 9:30 am Bikes meet at Snow Kenna Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10iKLbSjU-/

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Newcastle Museum. Info: https://facebook.com/events/s/protest-end-the-genocide-in-ga/351713430807807/

PORT MACQUARIE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 10 am, Oxley Beach (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://apan.org.au/event/port-macquarie-fly-a-kite-for-gaza/

AUSTRIA

GRAZ, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Grazer Hauptbahnhof. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xAHAstgtj/

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Alter Markt

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, 1070 Platz der Menschenrechte. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12dm9itpPv/

WIENER NEUSTADT, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Herzog Leopoldstr. 32 beim BORG.

BELGIUM

BRUGGE, BELGIUM – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Burg. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1413973119327402/

GHENT, BELGIUM – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Stadshal. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xNF3Drkr4/

BRAZIL

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, MASP. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uPIywL3Ch/

CANADA AND QUEBEC

COBOURG, ON (CANADA) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Victoria Hall (every Saturday). Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1050719572872023/

WINNIPEG, MB (CANADA) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Winnipeg City Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12TvRUgZr5/

DENMARK

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Sundbyoster Plads to Amagerbro Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C141sIFsEyb/

ENGLAND

HALIFAX, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Savile Park (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1rcDm1M-bN/

HALIFAX, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1 pm, Wilkos on Southgate. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14Vb4wMgI_/

HEBDEN BRIDGE, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 3 pm, Roadside Rally, Holme St; 4 pm, Vigil, St. George’s Square. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14Vb4wMgI_/

LEEDS, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12:30 pm, Leeds Becket University to City Square. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1zmlUvMtUE/

LONDON, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Bank Junction. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uiCejM9U7/

NELSON, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1:30 pm, Nelson Bazaars. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1745872575916888/

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, St Peter’s Church. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/895516721895213/

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 10:30 am, Ellesmere Green. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C131K5OqywW/

FINLAND

HELSINKI, FINLAND – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Central Railway Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1zWU7JtCWt/

FRANCE

LYON, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Place des Terreaux. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12BHiDoyBT/

PARIS, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Republique. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12Kx3hIFnC/

TOULOUSE, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Jean Jaures to Arnaud Bertrand. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wtkVPiTaC/

GERMANY

AACHEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Hauptbahnhof

AUGSBURG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Moritzplatz

BERLIN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Neptunbrunnen. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uWAoUMYgr/

BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Schlossplatz 1

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Hauptbahnhof

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 1:30 pm, Hauptwache. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xJbX7tDbH/

FREIBURG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Konzerthaus. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wmG5TKy0H/

JENA, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Holzmarkt. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15Gvxyse7n/

KIEL, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Bootshafen

MAINZ, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Hauptbahnhof

MUNICH, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Odeonsplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vDFzfsviF/

SAARBRUCKEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Landwehrplatz

STUTTGART, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Schlossplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uhwaBs1OB/

TUBINGEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Holzmarkt. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uiIwVooMj/

ULM, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Marktplatz

IRELAND

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, The Bridge. Info: https://www.ipsc.ie/protest/emergency-protests-for-palestine-around-ireland

CORK, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Grand Parade

DERRY, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Derry Waterside Train Station. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/379355981136459/

DUBLIN, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Garden of Remembrance. Info: https://www.ipsc.ie/protest/emergency-protests-for-palestine-around-ireland

SKIBBEREEN, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 12:30 pm, Aldi Carpark. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/884577173028746/

ITALY

FIRENZE, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Corteo da Piazza dei Ciompi.

NAPOLI, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Piazza Garibaldi. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11jF13IMfk/

ROME, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Via dei Fori Imperiali to Largo Corrado Ricci. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12TtZUNVDn/

KOREA

SEOUL, KOREA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Zionist embassy. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wWJ2WJvMn/

MEXICO

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Rambla Cataluna to Plaza de la Liberacion. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13FY23uHH_/

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Angel to US Embassy to Zocalo. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C126FgtOh2y/

NEW ZEALAND

TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Face of Peace, Caroline Bay. (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/351982744232340/

WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND – Sat Jan 13, 10 am, Town Basin. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1062868608192188/

NETHERLANDS

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Museumplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14bgz6skSe/

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Dam Square to Museumplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15I-anI-lc/

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Leeuwarden Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1rgX_OoVe4/

ZWOLLE, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Starbucks station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11cUhjsyFd/

NORWAY

OSLO, NORWAY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Youngstorget to Zionist Embassy. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/876776784142252/

PERU

LIMA, PERU – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Plaza 27 de noviembre, San Isidro – Parque Kennedy. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1r3BHZrSSM/

PORTUGAL

PORTO, PORTUGAL – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Praca da Batalha. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14UrYhs-hB/

PORTO, PORTUGAL – Sat Jan 13 (every night), 10 pm, Camara Municipal (Vigil). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1mWoJ0srwr/

ROMANIA

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Universitate to Victoriei. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11qxxuIlKe/

CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, details TBA. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tsmB2ojCq/

TIMISOARA, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, details TBA. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tsmB2ojCq/

SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Foot of the Mound. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1od7QsNlCM/

INVERNESS, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, The Spectrum Centre. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15ggmFtNyg/

ORKNEY, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1 pm, St Magnus Cathedral Steps. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/899757958430523/

SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Mandela Glasses, Sea Point Promenade. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14N2xlqjyK/

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, US Consulate, Sandton. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13qpzSNbYt/

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 9 am, N2 C/O Main Service Rd and Wagtail St, Sedgefield, Western Cape. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/910931826901335/

SPANISH STATE

A CORUNA, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Praza de Lugo. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

BETERA, VALENCIA – Sat, Jan 13, 5 pm, Ayuntamiento de Betera. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ISqjUN2ir/

COMPOSTELA, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Praterias. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

MOLINA DE SEGURA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Info: https://twitter.com/LibreRegion/status/1743912944612540608

VIGO, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Porta do Sol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

SWEDEN

KARLSKRONA, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Klaipedaplatsen. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/7004450806289059/

KRISTIANSTAD, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Stora Torget. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15GIWbNI_K/

MALMO, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, St Knuts Torg. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1348ATC6Uq/

VARBERG, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Varbergs Torg. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1piXtgLGYj/

SWITZERLAND

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Theaterplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1m6lOxLDI-/

UNITED STATES

EUGENE, OR (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Federal Courthouse, 405 E 8th Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1jOAiXiUJ0/

FORT COLLINS, CO (US) – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 3 pm, Old Town Square Stage. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1n9pmNOGFd/

FORT WAYNE, IN (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, MLK Bridge.

KALISPELL, MT (US) – Sat Jan 13, 12, Main and Center by Depot Park (Every Saturday). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1puNa1ucrm/

KANSAS CITY, KS (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Granada Park, Roeland Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10Y27LJ1EO/

LANGLEY, WA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Bayview Rd and Hwy 525. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/373235975254744/

MIAMI, FL (US) – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, University Metrorail Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15V1BXLyc-/

NEW YORK, NY (US) – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, NE Corner 5th Ave and 44th St, Brooklyn. (Vigil, every Saturday). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0KsY8PvCwp/

NEW YORK, NY (US) – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Bryant Park Library Steps. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C145mA_Jido/

OAKLAND, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 5 am, West Oakland BART, Port Shutdown for Palestine. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1qpwPaLsLY/

OLYMPIA, WA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Heritage Park, 5th Ave SW. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xUYlRPtRc/

PETALUMA, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 12:30 pm, Petaluma Blvd and East Washington. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/362661229552435/

PORTLAND, OR (US) – Sat Jan 13, 6 pm, Protest Michael Rapoport, Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1nDhO7vNM4

SACRAMENTO, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1pm, State Capital, West Steps. Info: https://sac4palestine.org/january-3-2024-solidary-rally-with-national-march-on-washington/

SAN DIEGO, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13b08grRj2/

ST PAUL, MN (US) – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Western District Police Dept to MN State Capitol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12sMuQJHeh/

VIROQUA, WI (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Main St and Decker St, Weekly Vigil by Driftless Solidarity. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1fWWvKNJlI/

WASHINGTON, DC (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Freedom Plaza, 1325 Pennsylvania Ave NW Info: https://march4gaza.org

BUSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY to this national march from CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA and WI – get at the website

PRE-RALLY – WASHINGTON, DC – Sat Jan 13, 7 am, National Mall. Info: https://twitter.com/_FRFP_/status/1742706175114661946

HEALTH CARE WORKERS MARCH – Sat Jan 13, 10 am ,Dept of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave SW. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10DXDiADMK/

[aimeedaisies]

Court Circular | 8th May 2024

Buckingham Palace

The King and Queen gave an Afternoon Party in the garden of Buckingham Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were present.

His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard were on duty.

The British Army Band Tidworth and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment played selections of music during the afternoon.

The King was represented by The Duke of Kent at the Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Sir Stirling Moss (former Formula One racing driver), which was held in Westminster Abbey, London SW1, this morning.

The Princess Royal was represented by Sir John Stewart.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal, Patron, Woolf Institute, this evening attended a Reception, followed by a Dinner, to launch the Randeree End of Life Programme, Leighton House, 12 Holland Park Road, London W14.

[artisticlegshake]

RADIX NATIONALS RESULTS 2023

JUNIOR SOLOS (TOP 3 RE-COMPETING):

Avery Maycunich - THE DIFFERENCE OTE!

Leighton Curry - SUMMIT OTE!

Victoria Martinez - EVOKE OTE!

4th Scarlett Paguia - THE DIFFERENCE OTE!

4th Tayah Kilmuck - EVOKE OTE!

4th Greta Wagner - SUMMIT OTE!

5th Roxie Onellion - THE BASE OTE!

6th Spencer Moss - THE COLONY OTE!

7th Helena Olaerts - MATHER OTE!

8th Devyn Scherff - STUDIO 19 OTE!

9th Carrigan Paylor - SUMMIT OTE!

9th Sophia Schiano - DANCEPLEX OTE!

10th Vanessa Soto - DANCE DELUXE OTE!

[persephones-journey]

#5, #10, #12 and #17 for the cozy prompt, pretty please :3 with Finan and OC of your choice! thank you 🥰😘

Happy Finan Friday! Enjoy!

5 Doing a Jigsaw puzzle

Finan held Ripley in his arms as she sat between his legs. His arms were reaching around her as she leaned back in his chest sipping her wine as he made the jigsaw puzzle.

“I can't believe we are actually doing this,” she muttered as she sipped her wine before placing it back on the coffee table.

Finan shrugged. “Why not? It's not like there is anything else for us to do.”

He looked at Ripley when she turned and looked at him. She poked him in the chest. “You are just saying that because Uhtred commented on how you can never sit in the quiet. That you always have to be on the move.”

He sighed. “All right, so it got to me,” he muttered. He looked at Ripley's moss green eyes. “I just wish to sit in the quiet with ya for a bit. I miss being around ya, Annie.”

He saw her blush and knew that she wouldn't push him anymore. He knew that she wanted to spend time with him as well. He had been gone off taking pictures of war zones and he just needed the quiet with his best friend for a bit.

“Okay,” she answered. She turned and looked at the puzzle. “But for the love of God, Fin, you know you need to find the corners first,” she added.

Finan snorted. “No, ya do the middle and work ya way out.”

Ripley eyed him. “Wow,” she said as she turned to the puzzle and began moving the pieces around to find the corners, “Ireland's education system leaves a lot to be desired.”

He pinched her side and she laughed. He moved his arms around her putting the pieces together. She found the corners and began putting together the sides.

They fell silent as they worked. Finan would never admit out loud how much he loved the feeling of having Ripley so close to him. He had been away from her for close to a year. He hadn't been able to talk to her much over that time and had mailed her some letters but it was not the same.

There was nothing compared to having her close to him, her back pressed against his chest. He would lean in and he could smell her shampoo and her body wash. He rested his chin on her shoulder and rested his arms around her waist as she began connecting the smaller parts he had put together with the sides she had done. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax.

He hadn't truly relaxed or let himself breathe. In the war zone, he could never sleep soundly, waking every couple of hours worrying he heard gunshots and screams. And then there were the nightmares. They echoed in his mind and always got worse when he was in the middle of a war zone taking pictures.

With Ripley was the only time they were quiet and left him alone.

There in her living room, with her in his arms, he healed from his experience. He was able to push it away into the dark parts of his mind and not think of it again. She was his lighthouse. She was the one who always guided him home.

He ached to tell her all that but he feared losing her.

So, he stayed silent.

“There,” she said softly. “Finished.”

Finan opened his eyes and looked at the puzzle. It was one he had picked up because he had thought of Ripley as he looked at. It was a painting, The Accolade by Edmund Blair Leighton. It was one of Ripley's favourite paintings. She had a replica hanging in that very room, above the television.

“I like it because it reminds me of history. Ladies and knights, courtly love. Things my father taught me a bit about,” she had told him when he had helped her hang it.

“Ya were right,” he whispered to her. “I should have did the corners first.”

She laughed. She leaned back into him and he held her. “I missed having you here,” she answered.

He kissed her temple. “I missed being here.”

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close. She didn't pull away or push him away. He glanced at her and saw that she had closed her eyes, relaxing into him. He leaned back against the couch and let himself relax as well.

He promised himself not to leave her for that long ever again.

10 Listening to Podcasts

Aisling walked into the loft and slammed the door. She leaned against it and closed her eyes. She took slow, deep breaths. Her students that day had definitely tried her patience more than ever before. She opened her eyes when she heard Finan in the kitchen.

“Okay, listen,” he said speaking to their large orange tabby cat, Duke, “Mom is going to be home soon. Can ya please not cry bloody murder at her like I haven't fed ya? Cause we both know that I have fed ya. I fed ya twice.”

She smiled. She pulled off her toque and pulled off her messenger bag. She dropped it on the floor smiling as she heard Duke immediately meow the moment he had heard it and Finan curse.

“We talked about this,” Finan groaned.

Aisling placed her toque on the shelf by the door and reached down to pull off her boots. She dropped those on the rack and smiled as Duke walked towards her, his tail up in the air meowing the whole way. She pulled off her jacket and hung it beside Finan's on the hook.

“Hi baby boy,” she said as she picked Duke up and held him in her arms as a baby. She kissed his little head. “How was your day?” she asked.

“He got fed twice and still refused to listen to me,” Finan answered as he walked out of the kitchen with a glass of wine for her.

Aisling smiled as Finan stepped closer to her. She accepted the kiss he pressed to her lips as she took the glass of wine. She pulled away and walked over to the couch.

“You know Duke is a Momma's Boy,” she answered smirking.

Finan snorted. “Of course he is,” he eyed her. “Bad day?”

She sat on the couch and let go of Duke, smiling when he climbed up and laid down on her chest and stomach. She nodded.

“Yes. Too many students bought into the Ricardian propaganda,” she said. She sighed and closed her eyes. “One even suggested, with a straight face, that maybe Perkin and Lambert were actually Edward and Richard.”

Finan snorted. “Are they still alive?” he asked.

She looked at him. “Sadly, yes,” she muttered as she sipped her wine.

He laughed. “I'm going to go and make dinner and-.”

“Babe,” she said softly. “Can we order in?” she asked as she looked at him.

His brown eyes looked at her. He smiled. “Order in and listen to your favourite true crime podcast?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, I'd like that.”

Finan nodded. “I'll go order us some Chinese right now.”

Aisling smiled. “I love you.”

He smiled back. “I love ya as well.”

She patted Duke, scratching his chin and cheeks as she heard Finan walk back into the kitchen and order the food. She sipped her wine and listened to Duke's purring. It soothed her and she began to relax. She looked up when Finan walked into the living room again, carrying the bottle of wine and another glass. He set both on the coffee table before walking over and dimming the lights. She watched as he walked over to the bookshelves and grabbed the wireless speaker that was there. He set that on the corner of the coffee table as well.

“Ya want to go change into your pjs?” he asked her.

She smiled. “You are perfect,” she whispered as he walked over and leaned over her.

He smirked. “Oh aye, I know,” he answered as he winked.

She laughed and Duke jumped down off her chest. Finan leaned in and kissed her lips. She kissed him back. She sighed when he took her wine glass.

“Have a nice hot shower as well,” he answered softly. “The food should be here when ya are done.”

She smiled against his lips. “That sounds perfect.”

He took her wineglass and she let him. He pulled away and set it on the coffee table and she got up. She hugged him and he hugged her close as well. She felt him kiss her temple and he slapped her ass playfully.

“Go,” he said.

She pulled away and nodded. She left Finan in the living room as she walked down the short hall, ready to wash the day off of her.

Close to an hour and a half later, she walked back down the short hall, wearing one of Finan's old t-shirts her damp hair curling around her shoulders. She smiled as she found Finan setting out the take out containers while eyeing Duke, who was sniffing around the coffee table.

“Ya are not getting any,” he told Duke. Duke meowed at him. “I don't think so. I did not order any shrimp.”

“Jokes on you,” Aisling said. “You know that Julia adores him and would have given a container with shrimp and chicken for him anyway,” she added speaking of the daughter of the Chinese restaurant owners. Duke was fond of going for walks and since the Chinese restaurant was only a street over, they had walked him over there often. Since meeting him, Julia, whenever she was working and they ordered, made sure Duke got his own little container with shrimp and chicken in it for him. Sometimes even pork belly.

She sat beside Finan on the couch. She watched as he tapped a contained with his finger. She looked at it and laughed. Written on the side was 'Duke' with a little heart beside it.

“I swear, that cat gets more love than I do,” Finan muttered.

Aisling leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I love you,” she whispered.

He huffed but said nothing.

She took the container and got up. She walked towards the kitchen. Duke followed her, his little feet thumping softly on the old wood floors. She took his dish and grabbed a fork. She put about half of the container in the dish. She smiled when she saw shrimp and pork belly, all cooked without seasonings.

“Here you go, baby,” she said as she set his dish down. “You can have the rest tomorrow night.”

“She gave him enough for two meals?” Finan called.

Aisling didn't say anything. She closed the container and put it in the fridge right away. She walked back to the living room and sat down beside Finan again. She saw that he had her phone, the podcast ready to go. He looked at her as he handed her chop sticks. She nodded and he pressed play. She smiled as the soothing voice filled the room.

And so they ate dinner listening to the Aussie voice talk about an Australia murder that Aisling hardly knew anything about. Truthfully, she didn't care much about it. It was the voice, the accent that she liked. His soothing Aussie accent helped her relax.

She finished eating and sat back into the couch as Finan picked up the left over and some empty containers. She refilled her glass of wine, noticing the bottle was almost empty. She sipped her wine and closed her eyes.

Several moments later, she heard another bottle being placed on the coffee table. She opened her eyes and smiled as Finan sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. She snuggled close to him. He took her wine glass and had a sip. She smiled as he sighed and placed the glass on the coffee table. He kissed her head.

“How are ya feeling now?” he asked softly.

She snuggled closer to him. “Happy and relaxed,” she answered. She pressed her hand on his chest. “Kinda wishing you had an Australian accent though.”

Finan pinched her and she laughed. She reached out for her wine glass and sipped some more. She heard Duke walk back into the room. A moment later, he had jumped on the couch and was laying across Finan and her legs. She placed the wine glass on the coffee table again and looked at Finan. He smiled and stroked her cheek.

“Just a cozy night with ya two favourite boys was all ya needed,” he answered.

She smirked. “Duke and Ryan, podcast guy?” she asked.

He growled and pinched her ass cheek. “Not funny.”

She leaned in and placed a soft peck against his lips to soften the blow. He held her close and she snuggled down, her face pressed into his neck.

Yes, all she needed was a cozy night with her favourite boys to recharge.

12 Going Ice Skating

“I cannot believe ya talking me into this,” Finan muttered as he sat on the bench.

“Oh hush,” Carwyn said from her place kneeling on the ground in front of him. She was tying his skates. “You will do fine,” she told him.

“Have ya ever seen an Irishman on ice?” he demanded. “No, ya haven't. There is a reason we don't skate.”

“Too busy river dancing?” she asked glancing up at him.

He scoffed and met her hazel eyes. He saw the laughter in them. He found himself smiling. “Aye, too busy river dancing.”

She finished tying his skates and stood. He looked at the skates on her feet. She held out her hands. “Come on, Finan,” she said smiling. “I've got you.”

He sighed but he stood, holding her hands tightly in his. She smiled and took a step back. He took a step forward. And another. He found that it wasn't that hard to walk. He looked up and saw the ice rink come up behind Carwyn. She stopped at the side, at the door and stood beside him. She held his hand tightly.

“You can do this,” she told him as she turned and looked at him. “I mean, you are a big bad Irishman.”

He snorted. “Who had the stupid idea to come to Canada to have a real white Christmas,” he said.

Carwyn laughed and she leaned in and kissed him on the corner of the mouth. “I'll make a Canadian out of you yet,” she said.

Finan doubted that was possible but didn't say anything. Instead, he held Carwyn's hand and arm and stepped onto the ice after she had. He was grateful when she reached out with her other hand and grabbed his as he slipped. She skated close to him and smiled at him.

“There is nothing to this,” she said softly.

He raised an eyebrow. “This is a lot to this,” he said as he moved both of feet at once. She pressed a hand to his chest. “A lot going on that if I don't do right, I end up on my ass.”

Carwyn laughed and, to prove she was a show off, skated backwards as she tugged him along. “I fell a lot when I first started skating.”

Finan eyed her. “Why did ya keep getting back up?”

“Determination,” she answered. She pulled him closer and he wrapped his arms around her. She smiled up at him. “And the hot chocolate I was promised after if I finally managed to skate a straight line.”

Finan smirked. “Ya were bribed.”

She continued to skate backwards pulling him along. “Oh, I was,” she leaned in closer. “Would you like me to bribe you?”

Finan nodded. “I would. I am hurt ya didn't even try first.”

She sighed. “If you stay upright and can skate a straight line, I'll get you a hot chocolate.”

Finan gripped her waist tight and pulled her closer. “I want more than just a hot chocolate.”

Carwyn blushed and shook her head. “Hot chocolate is what you get, buster,” she went to skate backwards more, “now all you have to-.”

Her skate hit a bump and she fell backwards. And since Finan was holding her so close and so tight, he went down as well. He landed on top of her on the ice. He quickly pressed his hands, in mittens, to the ice and leaned over Carwyn.

“Ya didn't hit your head, did ya?” he asked concerned.

She laughed and shook her head. “No, the only thing that took a hit here was my ego.”

Finan laughed. He leaned in and kissed her deeply. “No hot chocolate for you,” he told her in between kisses.

She laughed again and punched his side. He laughed more.

Maybe ice skating was a good idea after all.

17 Taking a Long Nap

Tate sighed and groaned when she felt Finan's arms pull away from her. She opened her eyes and watched as he got up. She reached for him.

“Where are you going?” she asked softly.

He turned back and took her hand. “To put another log on the fire. It's getting a tad chilly in here,” he answered.

She sighed. She squeezed his hand. “Bring back chips,” she said.

“Ya are not eating chips in bed,” he answered.

She groaned and pulled her hand away. She sat up and cursed. “Then we will continue this in the living room,” she muttered as she climbed out of bed.

She grabbed the two thickest blankets from the bed and wrapped them around herself before she walked out of the bedroom. She heard Finan chuckle behind her but he followed her. She walked into the open front room of the tiny wood cabin and plopped herself down on the couch. She cocooned herself in the blankets and watched as Finan walked over to the large fireplace. She looked out the window and saw the snow still falling.

Finan had rented them a cabin for the week as a nice staycation. It was up in the mountains about a three hour drive from the city but the view was spectacular.

When it wasn't snowing all day.

They had gotten there the day before and about two hours after they had arrived, it had started snowing and hadn't stopped.

“All right, do ya have a preference for chips?” Finan asked as he placed a couple more logs on the fire and looked at her.

She shook her head. She stopped. “Actually, those Doritos we brought,” she said.

He nodded. “All right,” he turned and walked towards the kitchen.

She eyed his shirtless torso with his grey sweatpants worn low on his hips. She leaned back on the couch and smirked. She hugged the blankets around her and watched as Finan grabbed the bag of Doritos and went to walk back into the living room. He stopped and turned around. She leaned towards the side, pressing her face against the back of the couch. She smiled as she heard him open the cupboard and it close a moment later.

“Red, all right?” he asked.

“Did I drink all the pink moscato?” she asked.

She heard bottles moving around the counter. And after the door of the fridge opening. “Looks like it, love,” he answered.

She sighed. “I knew I should have bought a whole case.”

Finan chuckled. “There is the white moscato left.”

Tate sighed dramatically. “Fine, I will drink my second favourite wine then,” she muttered.

Finan laughed more but didn't say anything else. She kept watch and saw him walk back out of the kitchen, Doritos, bottle of wine, and one glass. She moved towards the middle of the couch. She pulled the blankets from around her. She smiled as Finan handed her the bag of Doritos and sat behind her on the couch. She opened the bag and began munching as he poured a generous glass of wine for her.

She leaned back against him smiling as he wrapped an arm around her waist. She took the glass of wine from him and he pulled the blankets around the both of them. She took a sip and sighed.

“Not as good as the pink,” she sighed, “but good enough.”

Finan chuckled. He took the bag then and grabbed a couple of Doritos. “So, what should we do until the snow stops?”

Tate sipped her wine some more before handing the glass to Finan. He took another large sip before he set it aside on the coffee table. She nibbled more on the Doritos before handing him the bag. He took another handful and set the bag beside the glass.

“Probably what we have been doing since we got here,” she answered as she turned and looked at him. “Napping.”

She opened her mouth and Finan placed a small chip in it. He finished his chips and she snuggled close to him, her back against his chest. She felt him kiss her neck and his hands running up the racer back tank top she had worn to bed that matched her cute bootie shorts.

“Sounds like a plan,” he answered, nuzzling his nose in her neck. “We can shovel tomorrow.”

Tate snorted and closed her eyes as she rested her cheek on Finan's bare shoulder. “You can shovel. I'll sit here by the fire keeping it burning until you come in.”

Finan pinched her sides and she squirmed in his arms until he wrapped them around her again and held her close. She sighed and felt his hands rubbing her back arms and stomach. She felt herself already beginning to drift off to sleep.

“Sounds like a plan,” he whispered as his fingers traced symbols in her skin. “I love napping with ya,” he added with a soft kiss to her temple.

She smiled. She turned and pressed a kiss to his bare skin. She let her fingers dance along his skin. “I love napping with you too,” she whispered.

She felt Finan rest his chin on her head as he held her closer. She pulled the blankets around them more and snuggled more into him. His warmth surrounded her along with that of the blankets.

She drifted off to sleep again in the arms of the man she loved, feeling loved and warm.

[obsessedwithlarkin]

underrated damcers from popular studios!

• Club Dance: Rory Hanson, Taeya Stosich, Kimber Keffler, Avery Palacios, Harper Scates, Libby Jhonson, Olivia Serna, Jolene Serna, Payton De La Cerda, Bella Limnan, Kyle Young, Maddie Downs, Mariah Bland, Sailor Moyers, Emma Scott, Maysen Bosterer, Peyton Marble

• Studio X: Juliana Markba, Alani Elseinstain, Abby Weber, Kambria Keegan, Taylor Luckman, Emma Santos, Braxy Montana, Cecily Renae, Kate Matthews, Hannah Martinez, Amarie Llanas, Kinsley Flores, Aurora Andreski, Brielle Arias, Karter Strong, Adrianna Villaegas, Lana Horton

• Dance Deluxe: Livian Bailey, Brielle Bailey, Ariella Cousimano, Leighton Lyell, Adeline Louderback, Brooklyn Mueller, Harper Heinze, Adelina Quintanilla, Charlotte Hepting, Allie Aston, Emerson Mullan, Aria Bongiorno, Stella Roberts, Gavin Davis, Azury Romero, Mia Mateo, Sunday Smith ( just switched to elektro), Eva Gonzales

•Larkin: Maisy Anderson, Audrey Allen, Brooklyn Williams, Bella Harris, Sailor Stormoen, Neala Murphy, Ruby Kramer, Chloe Adams, Lennon Larkin, Truett Ziemke, Jemma Einsembrai, Emilia Padeski, Scarlett Manzel, Evelyn Ringsiel, Claire Hansen, Chase Lang, Matissa Conrad, Maddie Khuliamp, Ginny Hickembotam-Western, Ginny Salinas, Lexie Charnstrom

OCPAA: Jolee Omaha, Avery Sison, Liana Sison, Miyoshi Solis, Mila Malone, Cerys Cogswell, Brinley Lowe, Hadley Berokoff, Reese Arkin, Sofia Valdez, Makenzie Rowland, Brady Reuss, Sophia Santamaria, Reagan Gold, Amelia Fazi, Mia Gonzalez, Holland Cooper, Aaliyah Ortiz, Kimiko Evans, Taylor Jhonson, Noelle Khoury, June Khoury, Mila Garg, Zoe Vicencia, Lennox Silva, Imani Moss-Byas