#Lilac Preservation Project

[travsd]

All Aboard the Good Ship "Lillac"

Originally by the New York Community Media family of papers in August, 2016. New Yorkers pride themselves on their cosmopolitanism. There are a finite number of museums in this town; the notion of having “done them all” can be a tempting one. But I’ll lay dollars to donuts you’ve not been to the Lilac, where the exhibition “Adam Payne: Full Steam Ahead” is hanging through the end of…

[centuryberry]

@peachshadows / @terrible-leviathan May I present you the Tea Party chapter!

It all started with an invitation.

It had been MK’s idea. He knew his little sister well and caught onto her sadness whenever Wukong had to leave to perform his duties as the Emperor. Yes, she was thoroughly entertained every day by her Uncles who, as Macaque loathed to admit it, were nothing but good and doting to her. Even Peng, as impossible as it sounded. But what A-Dan wanted the most was her Baba to sit down and play with her without being distracted by his duties.

MK, with a stroke of genius inspired by what he learned under Peng’s tutelage, decided to make her wish come true. An “official” tea party hosted by the Princess herself would be a legitimate reason to draw Wukong away from his duties for a good amount of time. It would be more “real” than the usual games that A-Dan played, but that was more of a win for the little monkey, who was over the moon at the thought of a party just for her.

Macaque watched as his daughter poured her little heart and soul into the project in front of her. Armed with crayons, A-Dan decorated the paper in front of her with peaches, clouds, smiley faces, and all the other bright, sweet things she associated with her Baba. With her Gege’s help, she wrote out her message in shaky characters in ink and stamped the end of the message with an ink-stained paw.

“Baba. You are invited to A-Dan’s Tea Party. Location: Flower Fruit Mountain. Time: Next week. Pretty dresses are a must!”

The text was near-illegible, but it was the thought and effort that counted. Macaque would be delivering the message himself so nothing would be lost in translation.

“Of course I’ll come, Moonlight!” Wukong enthused. He looked at the handmade invitation with no little awe. “A-Dan already knows how to write?”

“MK helped,” Macaque admitted. “But she knew how to write her own name by herself. And look at how she took the initiative to personalize the message by adding her own paw print!”

“She’s so talented.”

“I know, right?”

Macaque settled against Wukong’s side on the throne and listened indulgently as his husband continued to gush over A-Dan’s “masterpiece.” There’s no doubt that Wukong would be layering it with high-class protection and preservation spells usually reserved for priceless artwork and important documents when he had the chance.

There were other invitations to deliver, of course. A-Dan had wanted all of her family and friends to be there, after all. For DBK and Princess Iron Fan, he sent a clone to deliver the message. For the rest of the Brotherhood, Macaque sent the palace servants to deliver their invitations. His relationship with Peng and Yellow Tusk may have changed into something more civil, but he still wouldn’t go the extra mile for them.

For Azure, reviving an invitation period was more generous than he deserved. But A-Dan wanted the “Kitty” to be there, so Macaque would be the bigger demon and temporarily allow the mangy feline into his home.

The week went by quickly. On the day of the party, Flower Fruit Mountain’s palace was aglow with lights and decorations. Fruits, teas, and snacks were prepared aplenty.

A-Dan waited with excitement for her guests for most of the day, unable to keep still. Her little hanfu was a delightful mix of light pinks and lilac. Replacing the usual embroidered flowers, her dress was decorated with clouds to add to the whimsical feel of her hanfu. To make up for the lack of flowers in her dress, A-Dan had a single apple blossom tucked behind her ear.

Macaque himself was dressed in a less-formal hanfu. Instead of keeping his regal colors, he decided that a softer purple was more suitable for the occasion. Instead of golden jewelry, plum blossoms adorned his head, spelled to not wither or fall off for the entire day as also done to the flower adorning his daughter.

To Macaque’s amusement, everyone came to the party in dresses. The whole lot of them must’ve bled the Spider Clan dry with their last-minute requests just so they could be suitably dressed for the party. As loathed as he was to admit it, all of his husband’s sworn brothers chose good colors and designs. A-Dan jumped and clapped at the sight of them while Macaque cheekily took out a camera and snapped pictures.

“Was that necessary, Macaque?” Peng hissed as he blinked rapidly and rubbed the flash from his eyes. Macaque had to admit that the blues and the greens of his hanfu suited him.

Well. Suited him the way gaudy feathers suited peacocks.

“Awww, but how else was I supposed to immortalize your beauty?” Macaque mockingly cooed before snapping another picture. It was of A-Dan hanging off of Yellow-Tusk’s black and white sleeves. “C’mon, don’t be shy now. Give me your best smiles!”

Peng flustered at his words. “Well- you- I- At least get me at my good angle if you must!”

Macaque chuckled and snapped a few more pictures. Reluctantly, he snapped one of Azure too since A-Dan jumped onto his shoulder to play with his mane.

Dark blue, silver, and white. The colors that actively opposed Macaque’s preference to red, gold, and black. He wasn’t stupid nor was he blind. Even now, Azure was making digs at Macaque’s position as Wukong’s Empress and Wife. As noble and well-meaning as Azure liked to make himself appear, Macaque knew better.

No one “noble” would actively pursue an already taken and married person, especially not one who was very happily married and the father of two.

But for today, Macaque wouldn’t give into his urges to bare his teeth and lash out at Azure’s petty baiting. Unlike him, Macaque could set aside his personal feelings tonight for A-Dan.

“Make way, you oafs. I want to hold my niece.”

Princess Iron Fan not-so-subtly elbowed Azure as she plucked A-Dan from her perch. Macaque hid a smile at his sworn sister’s blatant retaliation for the quiet insult the Celestial Beast had given him. She had grown up in the same court as he had, so she knew of Azure’s games.

“Auntie Fan!” A-Dan cheered at the sight of Macaque’s sworn sister. She settled into her regal aunt's arms and greeted her with happy chirps. The steel in her gaze softened into something more indulgent as she allowed A-Dan to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the colors and embroidery of her hanfu.

While his sister was by no means a weak person, Macaque knew that the Samadhi Fire left many lasting scars to the Bull Family - one of them being the fact that there would never be another child born from the union between Demon Bull King and Princess Iron Fan. Macaque knew that his sworn sister didn’t yearn for children as desperately as he did, but he knew that she gave A-Dan all the warmth and softness she couldn’t spare for her only heir and the children who could never be.

Behind her, DBK watched his wife and niece with a soft look in his eyes. He looked awkward in his dress, but did not raise a voice of complaint. He didn’t even bother to look the slightest bit apologetic at his wife’s actions towards Azure. Once, he may have risen to the other’s defense as he had admired the Celestial Beast during their younger years, but meeting and marrying Iron Fan had reforged his alliances and loyalties. Macaque was grateful for the silent yet steady support his Brother Ox gave him now as A-Dan’s uncle and MK’s soon-to-be father-in-law.

Macaque’s six ears flicked as he heard his husband and son finish changing into their dresses. Macaque had prepared them by his own hand before the invitation was sent out. He turned towards the doorway they would come out of and readied his camera. He didn’t want to miss a moment of this.

Wukong stepped into the room and all eyes fell on him. Even as he snapped away, Macaque beheld his husband through the camera and thought, not for the first time, that he was beautiful.

Instead of dressing Wukong in regal blues, reds, and golds, Macaque decided to dress him in soft pinks - like the peaches he adored and the blush of a new dawn. Peach flowers adorned his hair to compliment the plum blossoms in Macaque’s. With an impish smirk, the Emperor of the Three Realms twirled around and posed.

“How do I look?”

Beautiful. Breathtaking. Wonderous. More light and free than he’s ever been since he took the Jade Throne. It was as if Macaque had been the one sent back into time to the days when it was just them frolicking in the mountain with Wukong leading and Macaque always following.

“Absolutely ravishing, my king,” Azure’s suggestive purr cut through Macaque’s love-dazed thoughts. It soured the mood immediately.

This shameless beast! Panting and drooling after Wukong while Macaque and A-Dan were right there!

Macaque was all but ready to throw himself at Azure and rip off his mouth with his claws for his utter gall. But then, as if summoned by his mother’s murderous thoughts, MK stepped out in his dress.

Macaque’s eldest kept his usual yellows and oranges. While the colors would usually be eye-catching and sharp, his son managed to make the colors look warm and inviting. The hanfu softened his features and complimented the orange blossoms in his hair. MK’s tail swayed from side to side shyly but he kept his back straight and proud under the many eyes on him.

“Goodness,” Macaque heard his sworn sister murmuring with delight to her husband, “our son will be absolutely beside himself when he realizes that he missed this.”

“He will blame us,” DBK rumbled back with amusement heavy in his tone.

“Oh, most certainly.”

Red Son had, regrettably, been left behind to oversee his parent’s domain. Macaque generously took a few photos of MK standing alone, noting to himself to print out some copies for Red Son the next time the Bull King’s heir came to visit.

A-Dan eagerly came up to the both of them with stars shining in her eyes.

“Baba! Gege! Pretty! Prettyprettypretty!”

Wukong let out a joyful laugh as he swept his daughter up into his arms. “Says the prettiest princess in the party!” He kissed her little cheek and began to spin her around. Her giggles and his laughter filled the entire space. It was pure happiness in physical form. It was a dance without song.

Wukong made a wonderful father. Macaque had always known it and he was happy that his husband realized it too. Even though he acknowledged with a hint of sadness that this was only temporary, he comforted himself with the knowledge that this was their future.

Now, if only a certain shameless lion would stop ogling his husband, everything would be perfect -

“Heeeeeey, Uncle Lion. Dancing sure looks fun! Why don’t we take a crack at it? I’ll lead!” MK once again came in between Macaque and Azure. His eldest’s appearance snapped the beast out of his blatant staring, changing his look of desire to pure confusion to amusement.

Unbeknownst to Azure, MK glanced back at Macaque. The moment their eyes met, Macaque realized that MK knew. He saw and recognized what was in Azure’s heart and took it upon himself to shepherd him away from the center of the party before he spoiled the mood.

For the rest of the tea party, Macaque relaxed and enjoyed himself. He watched his husband and daughter dance. He laughed as his clumsy son stepped on his dancing partner’s toes. He gossiped with Iron Fan. He poured tea. He passed plates filled with food and snacks down the table. He ate fruit. He had fun.

When was the last time he had fun like this?

Macaque looked around himself and, for a moment, thought back of the past where he was surrounded by his brothers, who all feasted and laughed at a similar table. He hasn’t been as happy then but now…with MK and A-Dan…

Macaque felt Wukong take his hand and squeeze it. “What are you thinking about, Moonlight?”

“Just that I’m lucky and happy and that I love you.”

Wukong purred at that and pulled him forward for a quick kiss. “Me too. Today wouldn’t have happened without you. I don’t think all of us came together like this in a long time. Thank you.”

Even as their attention eventually wandered to different conversations, Wukong and Macaque didn’t let go of each other for the rest of the party. Not for a moment.

[zenasflower]

Flowers in Liverpool

In February, NWTC launched a new floral-themed restaurant concept called The Florist. Located in what was the old Goldbrick House, this venue features a grand central staircase and plenty of flower decoration.

Madeleine Pires has completed eight out of the nine gable end murals for the Flower Streets project in Kirkdale. These beautiful artworks adorn the houses on Crocus Street, Pansy Street, Daisy Street, Woodbine Street and Harebell Street.

Proteas

Proteas, also known as sugar bush flowers or rose spoon Flowers in Liverpool, are dense and dramatic collections of rose-pink to multi-coloured florets which look a bit like artichokes. They are the national flower of South Africa and are even featured on their passports and 5 Rand coin!

The species Protea cynaroides (common protea) is often used as an indoor house plant in the UK. It is a member of the family Proteaceae, of which there are 80 genera with over 1,600 species. Proteaceae are a group of plants with cluster roots and solitary ovules, and they are divided into four tribes.

Exotic-looking proteas are native to sunny South Africa and belong to one of the earliest groups of flowering plants. They have long been a popular symbol of the country and, along with the springbok, have been a feature on their flag. The king protea is the national flower and gives its name to the country’s cricket team, who are nicknamed the Proteas.

Bird of Paradise

The genus Strelitzia (sometimes called bird of paradise) is one of the most spectacular tropical plants. It can be grown indoors or out as a houseplant throughout the year. Its beautiful, eye-catching flowers are an added bonus, especially when the plant is mature and producing a lot of flower spikes – up to 36 per season in the right conditions.

Bird of Paradise plants grow well as garden plants in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, where they can be sheltered from frost. They also thrive as container plants in greenhouses and conservatories, where they can be brought in for winter.

The large paddle shaped leaves of the plant develop natural splits along the edges as they grow, which is normal and helps them withstand wind. Repotting a bird of paradise every three to four years is also a good idea, although it is best not to give them a much larger pot than they previously had as this can lead to wilting and reduced flowering.

Anthuriums

A popular houseplant, anthuriums produce stunning tropical blooms above glossy dark green leaves. Their flower-like'spathes' are a vivid mix of red, pink and white with a central spike known as the spadix (also known as the nose or tail).

The anthurium is a tropical plant so will require a warm, humid environment. They will adapt well to average home temperatures but are sensitive to temperature fluctuation and prefer to be kept in a warm room where they can 'breathe'. Place them close to a window but be careful not to burn the foliage.

Anthuriums should be repotted every 3 years or so when the roots begin to come out of the bottom of the pot. A good time to do this is in the spring. Feed the anthurium regularly with a high-potassium organic liquid plant feed. It is also a good idea to dip the ends of the stem and aerial root cuttings in hormone rooting powder as this will help increase their proportion that successfully root.

Spring Flowers

In spring, a tapestry of floral hues unfurl across Preserved flowers gardens and parks. Pastel pink roses, white hyacinths, and burgundy ranunculus adorn bouquets, while lilac blossoms bud on trees and foxglove bloom along walkways. Meanwhile, Common hawthorn buds in robust tones adorn garden beds and community spaces, embodying the city’s resilience.

Daffodils abound in woodland areas throughout spring. They are thought to symbolize new beginnings and rebirth. Daffodils are available in a variety of shades including a soft yellow, buttercream, and bright gold.

Lilies are a classic spring flower favourite. Their elegant petals and symbolic meanings make them an enduring choice for celebratory occasions. They’re also a great addition to wedding bouquets and can be purchased in a range of colours from apricot, peach, and lemon to white and fuchsia. These flowers are usually in season from February-September. They last longer if you trim the stems diagonally and change the water every few days. You can also add flower food to your lilies for an added boost of longevity.

[kibokosafari]

Tanzania Safari Packages for Birdwatching Enthusiasts: Discovering Avian Wonders

Tanzania, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife, isn't just a haven for the Big Five. It's also a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. With over 1,100 bird species, this East African gem offers a spectacular avian spectacle. Tailored Tanzania safari packages cater specifically to those passionate about birdwatching, providing an immersive and unforgettable experience amidst the country's astonishing birdlife.

Unveiling Tanzania's Avian Diversity

From the vibrant colors of the Lilac-breasted Roller to the majestic African Fish Eagle, Tanzania boasts an astonishing array of bird species spread across its national parks, wetlands, and forests. The diverse habitats – from savannas to mountains, lakeshores to woodlands – create a perfect ecosystem supporting a myriad of bird species.

Specialized Birdwatching Safari Packages

Tanzania safari packages designed for birdwatching enthusiasts are meticulously crafted to optimize bird sighting opportunities. These tours often include visits to prime birding locations such as Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos and numerous waterfowl species, and the Serengeti, where raptors soar overhead and ostriches roam the plains.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a blend of birdwatching and wildlife experiences. The highlands of this area attract species like the Schalow's Wheatear and the colorful Malachite Sunbird.

Additionally, for avid birders, exploring the remote and lesser-known parks like Rubondo Island National Park or the Usambara Mountains can unveil endemic and rare bird species, providing an exclusive birdwatching adventure.

Expert Guides and Interpretation

Safari packages catering to birdwatchers often feature expert guides well-versed in ornithology. These guides not only help in spotting and identifying birds but also share fascinating insights into bird behavior, habitats, and the intricate interconnections between avian life and the Tanzanian ecosystems.

Conservation and Birding Tourism

Participating in birdwatching safaris contributes directly to bird conservation efforts in Tanzania. The revenue generated from these tours aids in funding conservation projects, habitat preservation, and initiatives aimed at protecting endangered bird species.

The Joy of Birdwatching in Tanzania

Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds as the sunrise paints the African sky. The thrill of spotting the elusive Shoebill Stork or the vibrant Southern Ground Hornbill in their natural habitats is an experience that transcends the ordinary.

With comfortable accommodations nestled in nature, birdwatching safaris offer serene moments to observe and appreciate Tanzania's avian wonders. Whether cruising along the shores of Lake Victoria or hiking through lush forests, every moment is an opportunity to encounter the mesmerizing diversity of birds.

Choosing Your Birdwatching Safari Package

For those eager to embark on a birdwatching adventure in Tanzania, consider exploring specialized safari packages offered by Kiboko Safaris. With their expertise in crafting tailor-made experiences and a commitment to conservation, Kiboko Safaris ensures an enriching and responsible journey for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Contact Kiboko Safaris today at +1 (317) 438-4412 or via email at kibokosafari1@gmail.com to begin your expedition into the captivating world of Tanzanian birds. Visit us at  Africa Wildlife Safari-1075 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis IN 46220 USA for more information and to start planning your birdwatching safari in Tanzania.

[thxnews]

Halloween Creepy Crawlies Love the MOD

  Beyond Military Training

As Halloween approaches, it's not just ghouls and goblins that haunt the training grounds; some of the UK's spookiest, yet crucial, species call these areas home. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), responsible for enabling military training, also works diligently to sustainably manage habitats for the nation's most vital wildlife.   A Unique Responsibility The Ministry of Defence (MOD) oversees 169 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) across the UK, with nearly 20,000 hectares alone on Salisbury Plain. The MOD's unique ownership of more SSSIs than any other landowner, including renowned organizations like the National Trust, RSPB, and The Wildlife Trusts, results from the fact that most MOD sites have preserved themselves from agricultural intensification and the use of herbicides and pesticides since the end of World War 2.  

Sustaining Biodiversity in Military Grounds

DIO's ecology and environmental engagement teams strive to ensure that wildlife and military needs coexist harmoniously on the Defence Training Estate. Among the eerie yet fascinating species that inhabit the Salisbury Plain Training Area are:   The Bloody-Nosed Beetle A peculiar insect, known for its defense mechanism of secreting a blood-red liquid when threatened, roams the grasslands and hedgerows across the training area.  

Salisbury Plain wasp spider waiting to catch its victims. Photo by OliBac. Flickr.   The Wasp Spider A creepy hybrid of a wasp and a spider, the wasp spider has been known to spook even the bravest soldiers during training exercises. It's typically found in the south, but it is steadily moving northwards.   The Viper's Bugloss This plant is common across Salisbury Plain, providing ample nectar for pollinators. Its spotted stem resembles a snake's markings, and it plays a surprising role in seed dispersion.   The Elusive Nightjar A bird with excellent camouflage that's hard to spot in woodlands, the Nightjar has been monitored through bird ringing on Salisbury Plain.   The Ferocious Devil's Coach Horse Beetle Known for its predatory nature and its ability to deliver a painful bite if provoked, the Devil's Coach Horse Beetle curls its abdomen like a scorpion when threatened.   The Devil's Bit Scabious A pretty plant with lilac-blue flowers, the Devil's Bit Scabious earns its name from the way its roots appear, as if the devil has bitten them off.   The Mother Shipton Moth Named after a 16th-century witch, this moth features creamy-colored markings resembling the witch's face, and it resides in the ancient grasslands of Salisbury Plain.  

Bare-shanked Screech-Owl. Photo by Chris Jimenez. Flickr.   The Screech Owl Commonly known as Barn Owls, Screech Owls nest in the training area thanks to the MOD Raptor and Owl Nest Box Project, initiated in 1983 to conserve these birds in areas lacking suitable nesting sites.   Witches' Butter and Dog's Vomit Slime Mould Both peculiar fungi found across the Salisbury Plain Training Area, these organisms derive their names from their eerie appearances and folklore.  

Conservation and Military Coexistence

As the MOD and DIO focus on military training, they also embrace the importance of preserving these unique species. With initiatives like the Raptor and Owl Nest Box Project, the military contributes to wildlife conservation.   Balancing Spooky and Vital This Halloween, the Salisbury Plain Training Area is home to not only military exercises but also a remarkable array of wildlife. The spooky yet vital inhabitants of this region serve as a reminder of the importance of coexistence between human activities and nature.   Sources: THX News & Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Read the full article

[universalcristinasancheznaranjo]

CVL

Experiments with boxes

For my first experiments, I wanted to start experimenting with the size of the boxes, since I have to take into account the size of the product, so based on that I can have a little idea about how my box could be. By printing them in different colors you can easily identify them. Of all the experiments I did with the packaging box, the lilac box caught my attention the most because it is something that draws my attention due to the openings, but I am really not very sure if I am going to use this box, instead for I like the following photo, which are the yellow boxes, more visually for the simple reason that it is more common to see the teas in that type of box. I have also seen the red box a lot in the visual search in the packaging section since it may be another of my options.

In general, the rest of the images with the other boxes are not ideas that I will use during the project but they count as part of my journey since the shapes are less commonly seen in the market. Therefore, I have seen the green box for sale with the different teas in Asia and I think that this goes better with the leaf tea since it can fit more quantity and it can be better preserved.

[deckbuildersoverlandpark]

Ways to Design Your Outdoor Living Space Around a Tree

Homeowners with an established landscape may be hesitant about building their dream deck because they don’t want to cut down or damage the beautiful trees and plants they’ve grown to love. This fear is completely understandable. After all, it’s heartbreaking to cut down the gorgeous Japanese tree lilac you planted to commemorate your new home, or the magnificent oak your children climbed when they were young.

Furthermore, you don’t want to disturb the wildlife that calls your backyard ‘home’ by getting rid of trees and plants that birds and pollinators nest in and feed upon.

Another reason for incorporating a tree within the specs of the Kansas City deck building is because its shade will provide relief from the heat throughout the summer months.

Unite Your Deck and Landscape to Create a True Outdoor Living Space  The ultimate Kansas City outdoor living experience is achieved when the creature comforts of home are combined with nature. This is the reason why the experts at All Weather Decks want to help Kansas City homeowners keep their cherished trees by including them in a uniquely designed outdoor living space.  

Kansas City deck building is our specialty, and we enjoy helping families make their dream decks a reality. The following ideas offer ideal solutions for building a deck that includes a beloved tree.  

A Strategically Designed Deck Will Allow a Tree to Flourish

If you think a beautiful, healthy tree must be cut down to make room for your Kansas City outdoor living plans, think again! AWD’s designers and builders will come together to make sure you can have both.

It doesn’t matter if the tree is fully grown or has years to go until it’s mature, our experts take all factors into consideration, so the tree and deck can coexist without the need for expensive deck modifications in the future. If questions about the tree arise during the design process or construction, you can depend on AWD to consult with an arborist before moving forward to ensure the project is completed successfully.

A Meandering Deck Design with Different Levels Will Flow with the Landscaping

Imagine the aesthetic possibilities of Kansas City outdoor living when you have a curved deck embracing the trees and plants you love as they tower over your outdoor living space and peek out between the railing posts.

Not only will this type of Kansas City deck building allow you to have the outdoor retreat you’ve been fantasizing about, but you will be preserving the trees, flowers, and foliage that help the wildlife in your yard thrive.

You can also incorporate different levels to this deck design to add spatial depth and secluded space for gatherings such as a fire pit.

Give the Tree a Hug with Unique Kansas City Deck Building

Show your favorite tree some love by encircling its trunk with built-in bench seating, or even a pub table!

The Finest Kansas City Outdoor Living Can’t Happen Without Nature      

When your Kansas City deck building design involves your favorite tree, you have a unique outdoor living space that is naturally aesthetic and eco-friendly. Your deck will also be cooler in the summer because the tree returns the favor of letting it live by providing much-needed shade.

We at All Weather Decks want to help you accomplish this and keep your Kansas City outdoor living space looking beautiful. This is why we want you to know that building a deck around a tree means that you must perform regular maintenance to make sure your outdoor living space stays in good condition.

If your deck is made of natural wood, be sure to keep it stained or painted. This treatment will keep the decking boards from developing moisture damage, especially since the tree’s shade will cause the water to evaporate much more slowly. You’ll also need to sweep the tree’s leaves off the deck in the fall and clean the deck twice a year to prevent algal growth, which will be an issue as rainstorms will wash algae from the tree’s leaves onto the decking boards.

If you want to have the ultimate dream deck that includes your beloved tree, All Weather Decks is ready to apply expert care to create an outdoor living design that’s naturally beautiful. Our expert designers will help you make an informed decision about the best way to go about building a quality deck around the tree you can’t bear to be without.  

Reference Link: https://www.allweatherdecks.net/press-releases/ways-to-design-your-outdoor-living-space-around-a-tree/

[how-queerious]

I decided today was a great day to finally start doing embroidery for realisies and uh-

I'm now 208 stitches in (I did a little more after the photo) and I have Pain but am having fun anyways! God knows why I decided to go all in with a project of this size (I'm about halfway across the face now for reference), but since the goal was to eat up some amount of time, I think this project will suffice. In total it'll include 12 colours; light blue, dark blue, red, light yellow, light pink, dark pink, red-orange, white, tan, brown, lilac, and black. In order to preserve my fingers and sanity, with an added bonus of making the character pop a little more, I'll be satin stitching the background.

This is my reference and a little warm up project I did prior to starting the Big Boy. A size reference: the little patch is around the length of the end chunk of my thumb, and in comparison to the Professor it takes up about the area of his right eye (in our view) and his nose. I'm terrified.

((Also others who might have seen this and one of my other posts about The Him, this is the project I was referencing in the tags!))

[timeforelfnonsense]

His Hero

Criella x Wyll (ft. a little Dafni x Astarion) || M || Ao3 ||  Ko-fi ||  Let me write you a story? || Want to know what Dafni & Astarion got up to?

Criella looked absolutely radiant. Her long straight lilac hair hung loose and lovely down the long line of her back. Her spiraling, rosewood colored horns dressed in chains of silver and charms of luminous crystal. Her slender arms were free of their normal leather coverings revealing a tattoo of elegantly scrawled infernal that pulsed with arcane iridescence. 

Innovate 

A fitting descriptor.

As striking as she was it wasn’t her beauty alone that drew him to her. Rather it was the cocktail of boldness and brilliance she had exhibited in their short acquaintance. Her mind was sharp and quick to collaborate. In the heat of battle, her voice never wavered. He had watched in awe as she conjured roaring thunder and icy lighting. Weaving each spell together in a fearsome tempest. Raining down elegant destruction on Ragzlin’s perverse throne room. Ending the leader’s tyrannical grip on the coast with one precise strike of crackling electricity. 

“Enjoying your evening?” She asked, handing him a tankard of honeyed ale.

“There she is- the woman herself.” Let us raise a glass! Wyll chuckled, clicking the edge of his cup with her own goblet of red wine, “To freedom from tyranny! May we hew a path for the downtrodden to travel. To you a legend in the making! And of course to us. May our bond only grow stronger.” 

“Quite the toast.” She stated, casually bringing the silver goblet to her soft, quirked lips, “Are you coming on to me, Wyll?”

Wyll shivered at the feeling of the heart-shaped tip of her tail training up his spine. The curing white lines of her facial tattoos crinkling as she arched an expectant, manicured brow. 

“I hadn’t imagined myself so subtle?” He said, glancing up at her over the foam of his ale. A subtle grin curling across his lips, eyebrows ever so slightly raised, “Or to put it another way: yes.” Criella’s tail wrapped itself loosely around his waist a coy smile of her own working its way across her stunning features. Her silver eyes were nearly opalescent in the warm, gingery fire’s glow. Wyll pressed his lips to the slightly angled shell of her ear, speaking in a voice smooth as silk, “Your heart beats strong, friend. The Blade rarely seeks partnership.”

Criella’s hold on his midsection tightened as the warmth of his breath sent a shiver down her spine. The timbre of his voice felt like a hot beverage on a cool morning. Warming her from the tips of her fingers to the depths of her belly. It had been ages since she’d felt that sort of pull towards another being. Her heart dropped a bit as the memory of standing beside Zoria in a Neverwinter temple entered her mind. She had looked so beautiful, dressed in her gown of chiffon and net. The Ivory fabric standing in perfect contrast with her violet skin. 

Criella had been profoundly hurt when her best friend announced she was not only to be wed to her latest sweetheart but that she’d be leaving Waterdeep with her. It had felt like a betrayal. They had built something special together. Something so unique that Criella had sacrificed her own desires to pursue something deeper to preserve it. And Zoria was going to throw it all away. Yes, she had been mad but that all fell away when she saw the love Zoria had for her bride. She loved Zoria and loving her meant wanting to see her happy even if it was with someone else. The passage of time had softened the sting of losing her. It became easier and easier to write to her in the past few years. She even had begun to enjoy hearing about her wife and the sweet life they had made for themselves in Neverwinter.  

The experience had stung but it had taught her that hiding her feelings away was not necessarily the best course of action. Who could say if things would have worked out differently had she voiced her feelings? Regardless, it was not a mistake she’d be making twice. Wyll was a good man. She admired his tactical mind. His plan to take on the goblins had been clean and clever. He had fought for people whom he had no loyalties or connection to . Not because they had offered him gold or glory, but because they needed help. A fond smile played at her lips as she pictured Wyll with his tiefling charges, so gentle and patient. She’d practically melted on sight when she found him sparing amongst the children. 

Wyll was the sort of man she’d imagined into fairy stories as a brave king or gallant knight. An uncharacteristically wistful sight fell from her lips, causing her baby pink cheeks to grow a deep strawberry. Gods he was handsome! With a strong, noble countenance. Yet, there was a bit of ruggedness to his stubbled jaw that added a certain something to his charms. 

“Are you propositioning me, Blade?” She purred careful not to bump him with her horns as she placed her head on his broad shoulder. 

“If I were?” Wyll asked. 

“I would be incredibly flattered.” she assured, tilting her gaze up at him, “And happily accept.” 

“In that case, I reckon our union might continue to your bunk tonight.” Wyll beamed placing a feather-light kiss on her temple. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he added, “ Or I suppose we could just start out here like those two.” Wyll nudged her hip with his own, pointing a discreet finger towards their elven compatriots. 

“Now that is an idea!” Criella laughed. However, her amusement curdled as she watched Dafni’s hand travel ever closer to the front of Astarion’s breeches, “But, I think we’d best spare these poor people another...display.”

“You’re probably right.” He agreed, his hand reaching up to stroke the delicate line of her cheek, “But, I’d like to kiss you. Something to tide me over until the party winds down.” 

Criella lifted her head from his shoulder with an eager look. Wyll took her chin between his sword-calloused fingers, tilting her rosy face toward his lips. The moment their mouths brushed the world spun to a halt. She tasted of cherry wine and rosewater. The tip of her tongue sliding across the inner edge of his lip coaxing a soft gasp forward. Wyll wrapped one hand around her waist, his fingers gently pressing into her hip. The other laced through the waterfall of lavender hair, soft as satin as in his grasp. His heart thumped loudly in his own ears at the feeling of her warm palms sliding against his chest. A dull ache began behind his eye. A flash of bronze hair and moonlight skin tearing through his mind. 

Wyll stumbled back ending the heart-stopping embrace, “Pardon, just a bit woozy…”

“That’s alright. Do you still want to meet later?”

“Definitely.” Wyll nodded twirling a stray lock of hair around his index finger, “I’ll meet you at your bunk when you’re ready. I trust I won’t have to wait long.”

As soon as the party dwindled to its embers, Criella practically skipped back to her tent, a smile fixed on her face. As she pushed the heavy lavender canvas back she took a quick stock of her surroundings. She kept her quarters tidy enough but spick and span did not necessarily correlate with romantic. Perhaps she could light some candles? Criella’s lower lip caught in her sharp teeth. It wasn’t like her to feel like a giddy green lass! She was a woman of confidence and ambition. Her affections had always manifested as quite longings rather than whimsical, girlish fancies. Then again, she’d never been kissed in such a breathtaking manner before.

Criella brushed the tips of her index and middle fingers across the plush flesh of her lips shivering as she felt the ghost of Wyll’s astounding kiss. He tasted of ale and smelled of campfire and sweet earth. Criella had been a firm believer that first kisses were more often than not dreadfully awkward but he had proven her dead wrong. She could have even been coaxed to reconsider her stance on public displays of desire, were it not for the strange sharpness that pried them apart.

She felt a phantom throb behind her eyes. Who was that? She’d caught the glimpse of a face in Wyll’s mind as their thoughts slipped together. Bronze hair glowing in a fiery halo, flawless skin the color of the moonlight, her lips impossibly pink but the finer details of her appearance remained obscured by a fog of uncertainty. After a moment of concentration, she came to the conclusion that It didn’t matter who she was. Criella had never been the jealous sort and she had no intention of starting now. Wyll was a charming, attractive gentleman; she hadn’t deluded herself into thinking his affections had never belonged to another, nor did she mind that they had. What mattered was the here and now. And in the here and now Wyll wanted her. 

With that sorted, she shifted her focus to the matter at hand. She kicked off her boots before peeled away the soft leather of her leggings carefully folding and tucking them away. She loosened the laces of her green blouse allowing it to hand loose and casual from her narrow shoulders. With a stylish flick of her hand, she projected her mirror image. She shifted her weight to her right foot, her hip popping out slightly as her hand came to rest on its peak. 

“You are still glowing from battle. On my honor, you’ve never looked more beautiful.” Wyll’s warm voice filled the tent wrapping around her half-dressed body like a lover’s embrace. He approached her with slow, sure steps but his eyes flickered with a gentle want that set a fire between her thighs. 

Once more, Wyll pulled her close, their lips meeting in a deep sensual kiss. Criella’s palms pressed against his firm chest taking up a handful of his dark cotton shirt as she pulled him closer. His fingers found their way to her hair, his nails skimming lightly across her scalp. Criella cupped his cheek, thumb running along his scarred cheek. 

Wyll winced, pulling back from her kiss once more. Before she could ask what was wrong the needling pain behind her eye retired once more along with the mysterious woman. Her dazzling smile turned razor-sharp. Horns pushed their way through her ginger hair. Her creamy complexion shifting to a steely blue as two great, leather wings spreading out from her proud shoulders. 

A Cambion.

There was no mistaking it. This woman was Wyll’s patron, she was certain. Criella tried to hold her image in her mind, searching for any defining features or giveaways of her nature but Mizora’s wicked grin cut through her thoughts like a knife forcing her to look away. 

“Damnit. Must she ruin everything?” Wyll muttered bringing his palm to his stone eye to rub away the discomfort. “I’m sorry it's not supposed to be this way.”

“That was her, wasn’t it? Mizora.” 

Wyll’s shoulders slumped, hand still guarding his eye, “Yes. Wherever she’s gone she still haunts me. A ghost in all but name. Sometimes I swear I can smell her- sulfur and orchids. Stops my heart just to think of it. I thought I could forget Mizora. Just for one night. Gods, how wrong I was. “

Criella’s lips turned up into a soft smile as she pulled Wyll’s guardian palm from his face. Her voice was warm and sure as she spoke, “I understand Wyll, as well as I am able at least. Why don’t you spend the night beside me? No sex just sharing each other's company, hm?”

“I’d like that.”

Criella guided him down to her woolen bedroll by the arm. Wyll’s head came to read against her chest as she gently rubbed the tension from his strong, reliable shoulders. He let out a sigh as her nimble fingers worked at a perpetually tight spot near his collarbone. 

“I’d forgotten what it’s like to feel safe.” He confessed, warm whisky brown eyes meeting her’s. “I’m used to being the hero. Not so used to needing one.”

“It must be hard,” She mused in a musical tone, hands still working the stubborn muscle, Looking out for everyone else all the time. Devoting yourself to helping others. That’s a heavy burden for one man to carry. You are allowed to have a few moments for yourself. Besides, you’ll always be a hero to me, Wyll.”

“It means so much to hear those words from you.” He sighed, warping his hand gently around her wrist, I wish I could give you something more in return. My flesh at least. Something deeper were you to ask it. But only a free man can give himself fully. Until my pact is broken... I’m never free.”

“You will be rid of her one day. Sooner than you might think too.” She winked, tossing her loose hair with a flick of her tail, “You have my aid now after all! I’m somewhat of an expert on the Hells, Cania in particular, but I have a fair knowledge of the other eight as well. I’m no stranger to the politics and schemes of devils and there is nothing I can’t do once my mind is set to it. “

Wyll pressed his lips in a soft kiss to the sensitive skin on her inner wrist before pressing her palm to his steadily beating heart. “You are a blessing, Wit.” 

[queenjunoking]

Wolf Taming Pt 33

CW: Noncon - Shock Collar - Pain - Petplay - Drugs - Kidnapping  - Manipulation - Abuse - Spiders

Z

Rayne’s home couldn’t be more stereotypical. It was a huge gothic eyesore. I knew that Rayne and Flora were one of the more powerful, and rich, couples in the region. I couldn’t imagine they used most of the space inside. It was a flex. Only by the Society’s influence could a place like this remain hidden.

It took a minute to finish the trip up their driveway and park by their front door. It took a lot to unsettle me. This house was one of the things that did. I knew all about the things that happened here. I was under no illusion about what I was to Rayne. She looked at new members that she saw as having some kind of potential and tried to push them. I was vaguely aware of some of the other people she attempted to take under her wing.

Mercy, an ironic name if I had ever heard one. I had seen her work, she worked mostly as a private breaker that just pushed her victims little by little until they broke. I had seen some videos, the childish glee she had as she told her victims they could “take just a little more” over and over. A few more inches. A few more hits. One more notch up on the shock collar. Of course if they could take that Mercy was sure they could take one more. She was to take the phrase “it’s too big” as a challenge. She wanted her victim to say something wasn’t possible.

Melinoë was one of the few people who climbed the ranks from the bottom. She broke people using their phobias. She kept rooms of snakes, spiders, rats and other common phobias and introduced them to people she had rendered immobile. I had seen one of her victims covered head to toe in webs from a swarm of spiders she let into the cell. The light in their eyes had died quickly. Unfortunately not everyone's phobias are so easy to manifest. She was more than happy to keep people in cycles of suffocation or waterboard those that had those fears. She had a technique for almost everything.

Her newest was some newly inducted girl. Apparently she was some serial killer that had killed dozens of low ranked members over the last year. Rayne’s intervention probably saved her a long torturous life at the bottom of one of the Society’s special prisons. I remember Eos making a fuss that the girl had left Rayne’s mansion gone underground a few weeks ago and no one had tracked her down yet. Eos had been on the council deciding the girls fate and had been very vocal about having her imprisoned for life.

I hated them all, none of them had the respect that I had for the people I worked on. I avoided being on that list of people taken under Rayne’s wing by virtue of Eos interacting with me as often as she did. She still left her mark on me though, something I was unable to get rid of, her epithet.

I composed myself as the doors to the limo opened. The driver bowed and helped the both of us out of the car. Once she shut the doors behind us the went up to the front door and rang the doorbell. She waited to the side, her head bowed lest she incur Rayne’s wrath when the door opened.

Rayne

Everything was going… well perfect was a lie. Things never went perfectly. But with a minimum amount of punishments. I only had three other maids taken away while I waited for Z’s arrival. They’d make passable canvases.

I was growing irritated as the minutes slowly passed by. She was supposed to be here at four. It was now ten after four. Good driver’s were hard to come by, but I’d have to find a new one regardless. Perhaps she would make a good lawn ornament. If she wanted to go slow on the roads she may as well be stationary. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about winter for quite awhile.

Finally the doorbell rang, followed by some scattered screams throughout the mansion. The doorbell was wired to some random slaves. It gave them quite the nasty shock when it was pressed, it made sure we would always hear it ring. Our guests were here. Only fifteen minutes late. The two slaves I had left stationed by the front door saw me walk towards them and slowly opened the door.

The sight was… as to be expected. Z was dressed in what I was sure was the most expensive thing she owned. I was a bit upset to see Briar there. I hadn’t given Z a plus one. I’d have to figure out something for her to do, she was just going to make all my plans harder. I wanted Z, alone, without anyone to consult. Having Briar to talk to just made my goal harder.

"Good afternoon Z. I'm glad you could make it to this celebration." I gave her a smile. I tried to play the good host.

"Unfortunately, due to the last minute invitation, I was unable to bring Lady Flora a gift." She looked bored and it pissed me off. Its like she didn't care she didn't bring my darling Flora anything.

"That's alright Z, you're the gift. I'm sure Flora will enjoy meeting you. Follow me." We made our way through the mansion, heading towards the art room I knew my lovely lilac was busy in.

Maids stop and curtsied as we passed by. Flora and I would really have to converge on a design for them. She was in the midst of designing new outfits for them and had them wearing different prototypes. Some were clad in latex, others were dressed in what could only be generously called an outfit. Still others were in floor length outfits that only left their hands and faces uncovered. Different styles from English to French to Japanese. I didn't care much about which style she ultimately chose, I just wanted them to match.

We passed by many of Flora's projects on out walk. All stunningly beautiful. All works of genius. Yet Z looked bored and Briar looked away.

It pissed me off.

I stopped at the top of a staircase in front of a special wall Flora had installed. The renovations had cost a fortune but nothing was too expensive for my beloved buttercup.

"Perhaps you recognize this one, Z?"

Z

The walk through the mansion was what I expected. Battered maids, tortured slaves, and all kinds of horrible art created by Flora.

I looked up at the newest exhibit. It was a resin block that was placed into the wall. There was a woman inside, immobile. Naked and on display. It took a bit for me to see the tubes connected to her inside. Most likely to give her air, water and Ambrosia to keep her alive. She stared out blankly at the room, I doubt she was mentally there anymore.

"I'm afraid I don't." I didn't really care about whatever Rayne was trying to show me. I respected the situation in a certain way. I'm sure the inability to move with no space to take anything more than shallow breaths would break anyone fairly quickly.

It was the same principle I took with Bridget.

"Flora was devastated when you closed up shop. She bought up many of those you broke for her own projects. They're quite magnificent for many purposes. Sometimes its fun to listen to them scream while you work, but you created slaves that simply don't react anymore." She smiled at me as she talked. I hated every word coming out of her mouth. I did this to stop their suffering, not make it worse.

"And the significance of this piece?" I tried pushing the annoyance out of my voice.

"This was the last person you broke. She was sold as a sex slave and was used like that for awhile. But Flora wanted to preserve your last piece. It's been injected with a concoction that should help preserve its beauty. The side effects are quite painful and debilitating, but its encased in resin so it doesn't matter if its debilitating. We believe she'll live another decade in the-"

"I believe you wanted us to meet with Lady Flora?" Briar cut Rayne off. I wasn't sure if it was for my benefit or hers, but I'm glad she did.

Rayne’s fave slipped for just a moment. From a warm and welcoming one to one of sheer annoyance. It only took a moment for her to slip back though. "Yes, we're almost there." She turned and began walking down the hall. I had long lost track of where we were. The house seemed alive with activity no matter where we went. Slaves where everywhere, I couldn't begin to fathom how many she must have.

Rayne opened a door and we could hear someone inside talking. She motioned for us to wait as she slipped inside.

Rayne

"If I heard one more sob out of you I'll give you something to actually be sad about." I heard my gorgeous gardenia tell her canvas as she worked.

Flora's back was to me so I could see her canvas facing me. It was some small thing. It had short black hair, surprising as Flora preferred to claim slaves with long hair.

The canvas was covered in tattoos, new ones. Surprising designs. Flora loved to cover a few maids in tattoos, having some walking art around the mansions. Usually she didn't design tattoos so demonic though.

"What are you working on?" I asked her, giving her a bit of a start as I broke her concentration.

"Oh, raindrop. How many times do I have to tell you not to startle me when I'm working on a piece! I could have gotten a line out of place." She chided me playfully. If she had messed up she'd probably just dispose of it and get a new canvas, it was no big deal.

"My apologies, my sweet… saguaro." I stumbled, my mind was in other places.

She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks, looking a bit cross. "A cactus?"

I walked over to her and tip her head up, giving her a kiss. "I apologize, I was taken in by your art."

She smiled, her pout already forgotten. "This canvas was some poor church girl that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I bought her with the intent of reselling her to The Pandemonium Club."

"Don't they give full body recoloring to all their imps? Won't that cover up your lovely art?" Servers at the club were modified to resemble imps. Horn mods were what their servers were known for. The size of their horns indicated their purpose. But they also underwent full body recoloring. Many were purple, blue, red or pink.

"Not at all. That guttersnipe that you brought in gave me one nice thing, a chemical added to this ink will make it glow under the body repainting. So she'll be purple with nice gold tattoos showing." She gave me a toothy grin.

I gave her another kiss. Longer. More passion. "You know I don't like you talking about her like that, she'll be giving us tons of fun to watch. But I'm glad she's helped you."

"Whatever you say. So, may I ask why you've come in? Just wanted to see my art?" Flora was beginning to catch on.

"Your birthday present finally arrived, Love." I smiled, knowing this would make her day.

"Oh?" She feigned an innocent look. "I had completely forgot. What did you get me?"

"I didn't find you a something to give you this year unfortunately." Her look turned sour and she stuck out her bottom lip. "But, I brought in someone you might enjoy meeting."

Nothing happened for a few seconds. I figured that had been an obvious enough of a clue.

"I brought in someone you might enjoy meeting!" I called a bit louder. This time Z and Briar entered the room.

"Z!" Her face lit up and she practically glided over the floor to her. She ignored Briar much as I had. "Its so lovely to have you visit. I am such a fan of your methods. Perhaps we can talk over dinner." I watched her look Z up and down. "And let's get you some nice clothes. Consider it my treat."

Z didn't get a moment to say anything before Flora pulled her out of the room. My present had gone over well so far. If things went my way I'd get rid of Z and make this the best birthday Flora's ever had.

[florbelles]

🌸 🎀 💗 🌺 🌷for queen Lyra if you have the time!

thank you lovely!! sorry this took so long.

(disclaimer that a few of these were similar to questions i’ve answered previously, and i’ve more or less duplicated those responses where applicable xx)

🌸 what does your oc’s voice sound like? their laugh? are they good at singing? do they have an accent?

lyra’s voice is breathy, light, and airy; it’s either soothing or agitating depending on who you are and, to some extent, what she wishes to convey. she consciously pitches it lower when she wishes for her words to carry more gravity, but her natural pitch is fairly high — her voice is quietest and lowest at its most menacing.

she laughs ready and easily. loudly with her head thrown back when she’s delighted and genuine; humorlessly and with curling lips when she’s patronizing or dismissive; with bared bloody teeth in combat; soundlessly with her lips pressed against her husband’s shoulder, throat, mouth; short and gasping when she’s upset; harsh and barking when she’s angry. melodic and haunting when she hunts her prey, echoing through the woods or the judge chambers.

lyra’s singing voice is pleasant enough, but it’s rarely heard outside of her murmuring along to her records.

she has a slight affected accent, the result of life in and out of boarding schools in new england, london, and paris ( the resulting cadence and tendency to drop hard r sounds — her “darlilng” is never DAR-ling — is vaguely transatlantic, but smoother & softer ). she speaks to beguile or agitate, she has no in-between.

🎀 do they wear a specific accessory with a special meaning behind it? what is their usual fashion sense like? what do they wear when they want to be comfortable and what do they wear when they’re going to a fancy party? or do they just not care?

she wears project cross earrings, the only gift she ever allowed john to give her ( ostensibly they are her wedding gift/a welcoming gift to the family; they weren’t bought, and they carried significance beyond ornamentation, so she permitted it despite her aversion to gifts of jewelry ).

she wears dresses & heels exclusively; she only dresses in shades of white/ivory/dusty rose/pale lilac or other muted colors — she never wears black, red, anything too dark or too vibrant. her style is ethereal and soft and romantic. she likes to wear clothes that show off her tattoos, so her arms are bare, her slits are high, and her necklines plunge. she doesn’t like anything too restrictive, so her fabrics are usually draped, light, and airy. it’s been said before, but if it doesn’t evoke aphrodite or persephone in spring, she doesn’t want it.

lyra doesn’t really alter the way she dresses terms of styling choices, so the main shifts that occur are in fabrics; during the day she’ll favor airy and unornamented dresses, for formal occasions she opts for tulles, detailing, and lace-up or faux corset tops. if she’s at home with nowhere to be she’ll walk around naked or in her boudoir gowns/lingerie. she does not own pants, long sleeves, or anything that restricts her or clings to her limbs, structurally.

💗 what would your oc say is their best feature? why? what do their friends / family / lover(s) think is their best feature and why?

her tits. lyra’s hair is the pride of her life, but she considers her eyes her best ( and most useful ) attribute. john is partial to her neck, where she has his tattoos initialed; wes is appreciative of the snake tattoo running from her left thigh to her ribcage for personal reasons.

🌺 does your oc have any tattoos or other body art? does their body art have any specific meaning behind it? do they have any scars? how did they get those scars? any birthmarks?

her first tattoos were stick and pokes she gave herself in boarding school in one of her various schemes to get expelled ( most notably scrawling “harlot” across her arm; they were poorly done, so even without coverups they would be faded and warped, but you can still see edges of some of them under the lilies of her left arm if you know where to look ).

her arms are entirely covered with lilies & vines ( all black lineart ), intertwined from the backs of her hands up to her shoulders & chest; on the left side they go up her neck. they were done when she was sixteen, after she was officially disinherited by her parents ( for rebirth, yes, but also purity; a sly nod to how she was perceived — she had already been conning men on the road for a year — as well as a reclamation ).

a serpent twined with carnations spans from her upper left thigh to her ribcage ( also thin black lineart ). it was done when she was 19 years old and working in biker bars ( the serpent in the garden imagery needs no elaboration; perhaps a bit ironically, she was using the tattoo artist — her girlfriend at the time — to get close to a target ).

roses and thorns cover her right shoulder and the right side of her upper chest & neck ( thin black lineart, minimally designed ). she got them when she was 22 and wildly successful in what she did. ( what she did was blackmail, con and murder, but still, wildly successfully ).

her wrath tattoo covers her upper breasts ( as her per request; not crossed out because i. she believes she’ll have reached atonement when she sees her family successfully through the gates of eden and not before but ii. she’s spying on the resistance and can’t very well have a crossed out sin when they know what it means ). she was 26, recently arrived in hope county, and joining the project.

she has john’s initials on the left side of her neck, just below her jaw and near the top of the highest lily; she was 26, and she has the tattoo in place of a wedding ring. in fairbrooksverse she adds wes’s at the base ( meaning of both the lily and her neck ) when he joins their marriage.

she has the eden’s gate cross on the back of her right hand; she was 26 and got it when she assumed the role of the judge, sealing herself as the right hand of the heralds and her position as a seed ( coinciding with her marriage ).

virtually all of them tie into the theme of how she's perceived/her presentation vs. the reality of who she is/considers herself to be; the lilies have a degree of toxicity and are strangled by vines, the roses & thorns ( beautiful, associated with desire & passion ) will bleed you. the seen vs. the unseen and the physical vs. the intangible are heavily prevalent to her, and her body art reflects that; she has them in defiance, in a way, to balance out the duplicity that she privately loathes ( which is why she only ever lies by omission or redirection and allows everyone to make their incorrect assumptions ). i've shown you what i am, she’s saying. i warned you, i wear it on my skin, it isn't my fault you didn't interpret it correctly. it’s why the marking concept immediately resonates with her; it’s also why she always has them on display.

she’s scarred everywhere, the result of her complete lack of self-preservation instincts, but three scars of note. one on the inside of her right palm/knuckles from where she grabbed a blade ( from her first kill; she was 18 ); on her right side, slashing deep across her rib cage towards her naval ( from the first night of the reaping; she fell on broken glass in a shattered truck window with her full body weight. this one never heals properly and gets reopened multiple times during the holy war — it’s a weak spot/hypersensitive area for the rest of her life ). post-collapse she has a jagged facial scar that runs diagonally from her forehead to her jaw. ( tw self harm/mutilation: she cut it herself in the bunker; a horrified joseph stitched it up as best he could, but it never quite healed properly, which was, of course, the point ).

she has freckles across her nose and shoulders and a small birthmark near her left eyebrow, but none of any significance.

🌷 in what ways would your oc alter their body if they could? how would they do it using mundane means (hair dye, surgery, make-up)? what is their ideal look for themself?

she wouldn’t. lyra is not quite as vain as she projects, but her appearance is one thing she has never wished to alter; she puts on no airs of humility, she is very aware that she’s generally considered to be exceptionally beautiful, and she has never had qualms about exploiting that and using it to her advantage; she was exploited for it early in life, after all, why should she not use it for her own means?

she’s shockingly low-maintenance in her beauty routine, all told. she’ll curl the ends of her hair, but john holds down the hair product use quota of the fairbanks-seed household ( which is, perhaps, partly because of the sheer mass and quantity of her hair; if she styled it obsessively she would do nothing else ). she’ll use serums and moisturizers and toners, but she applies makeup sparsely; she doesn’t like anything too heavy, nothing she can feel on her skin; as with her clothing, breathability is her priority. she never wears lipstick.

her eyes are the exception, she never uses makeup for concealment, but for impact, and she styles her eyes dark and heavy; she wears black shadow in her crease, thick winged liner, and mascara.

[zenasflower]

Preserved Flowers in Liverpool

Preserved flowers are a beautiful and practical alternative to fresh-cut flowers. They can last for months or even years without needing regular maintenance. They are also safe for people with allergies, as they don’t contain pollen.

This florist specializes in dried and preserved flowers in Liverpool florals and greenery from Holland. Their contemporary selection would pair well with this aesthetically modern Lyngby Vase.

They last for months or years

Dried flowers are a wonderful way to bring natural beauty into your home. Whether they’re a simple finishing touch to your dining table or a statement piece on the mantelpiece, they add warmth and a splash of colour. Dried flower arrangements can also be a great gift for someone special. These flowers will last for months or even years if they’re taken care of properly.

The dried floral trend is still going strong two years after its comeback, and it’s not hard to see why. These maintenance-free blooms look gorgeous in any vase, and they’re a greener option than plastic stems. They also have no need for light or water, making them perfect for second homes, rentals, and workplaces.

Whether you choose a colourful bouquet or a minimalist arrangement, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste and budget. You can also choose to mix and match flowers with seed heads such as poppies or tanacetum daisies, which can give your bouquet an eclectic feel.

They are available in a variety of colors

When it comes to preserved flowers, there is a lot of choice available. Whether you’re buying them for yourself or as gifts, there are many different colors and styles to choose from. Dried and preserved flowers are a timeless addition to any home.

The process of making these flowers involves removing them at their peak, placing them in dehydrating fluids and alcohol, and then coloring them to make them appear more vibrant. Once they’re finished, they’re connected to wooden sticks and wires to form a false stem.

Dried flower flowers are often paired with other fresh and silk flowers to create a full floral arrangement, or they can be used alone for a minimalist style centerpiece. Adding dried flowers to your floral bouquet can also add texture and depth to the design. Some popular choices include lavender, yellow gypsophila, and silvery blue globe thistle. To complete your floral arrangement, you can also purchase a selection of seed heads from your local Tasker.

They are easy to store

There are several ways to preserve flowers, including air drying and flower pressing.

The method you choose depends on the type of flower and your desired outcome.

For example, air drying can be used for plants with long stems such as hellebores and peonies while pressing is best for delicate blossoms like lilacs and roses.

Dried and Preserved flowers are easy to store and make an excellent addition to any room decor. They can also be used in craft projects and as gifts. They are a great alternative to fresh flowers, which require more energy for transportation and refrigeration.

To keep your flowers in good condition, place them in a dark and cool place away from sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause them to fade and wilt, while heat can cause them to become brittle. If possible, encase your flowers in silica gel or store them in a plastic container filled with the gel. Silica gel is expensive but can be re-used.

They are safe for people with allergies

People with allergies are often unable to bring fresh flowers into their homes because of the risk of allergic reactions. These allergies can cause swollen and watery eyes, a sore throat, rashes, or even asthma. However, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature by getting preserved flowers. These flowers have undergone a high-tech preservation process, which removes allergenic pollen and substances. This means that they are safe for people with hay fever.

Some of the most popular preserved flower varieties are roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. These flowers are hayfever-safe, and they can be mixed with other types of dried flowers to create unique bouquets. You can also book a Tasker to deliver preserved flowers creatively crafted into jars or other sealed casings. They make great gifts for friends and loved ones. They are also ideal for decorating a

wedding table. In addition, these flowers are easy to store and maintain. They can be placed in vases or other decorative items around the home.

[moon-elves-cult]

In Melven society there are not figures of power, but items of power, and whoever is currently in possession of the item is responsible for the tasks and jobs that come with the item. Each item relates to an unmapped star and the properties of that star’s quintessence.

Candesian Scepter

Owned by: the Admissionary

Currently: Aydan [they/them]

Responsible for the integration of new Melves to society and ensuring the transition is as seamless as possible. The Scepter is used to channel a small amount of direct Candesia quintessence into the jewelry of the new melf to transform it into the melven version of a registry pendant--commonly referred to as an ident--as the presence of the quintessence can be tracked. When the new melf wears the ident, the quintessence will slowly seep under their skin throughout the next few months in order to better help the body process the moonlight they are now being exposed to.

Description: A roughly carved black staff. The top has a large silver crescent moon attached to the staff with layers looking similar to scales. In the center of the crescent is a small oval shaped crystal, lilac in color. It is suspended in place by multiple small strings attached to the crystal and wrapping around the crescent evenly in each direction. At the base of the staff is a spherical crystal of the same color, and below that is a small metal adornment to prevent the base crystal from scratching the ground.

Elementinal Falchion

Owned by: the Tactician

Currently: Unknown

Responsible for the physical protection of all melves, whether that is through direct combat or maintaining the atmospheric bubbles around the cities. The falchion is used to direct quintessence from Elementine and infuse it with the force fields around the cities for extra protection. The Tactician is always a psionipath, as they work with force fields. In the case that the melves had to engage in physical combat, the Tactician would lead in battle strategy and ensure order was maintained and victory achieved. The falchion is the deadliest weapon on the moon, as it is charged by Elementine, the most unstable of the stars. Most would think this would make it an untrustworthy source of protection, especially in regards to the force fields, but in reality the pure power can be controlled.

Description: A wide, flat, single-edged blade similar in design to a machete.The blade itself is pale grey with marbled threads of white spread throughout. A raw crimson crystal is embedded in the metal just above the hilt. The hilt is braided and ends with a small spider web of red

Phosforien Stellarscopes

Owned by: The Physicians Center

The Physicians Center is the healing center and research laboratory in the capital of the moon, responsible for developing treatments for most ailments. The majority of their work involves the quintessence of Phosforien, which is known to work well with DNA. It is also where patients who require longer treatments are transferred to ensure they are closer to their caretakers and remedies. It was found that the most efficient way to channel this quintessence was through the traditional style, stellarscopes. There are around three dozen designed specifically to absorb and bottle the quintessence from Phosforien so it can be used in elixirs and other treatments.

Description: Similar in physical appearance to a golden engraved spyglass, though the lenses are a crystal milky grey. Two dozen are permanently set up on stands in the centers observatory, a constant feed running to keep bottling quintessence without assistance. If more is even needed for any reason, there are more in storage that can be brought out.

Marqueseire Forge

Owned by: the Mechanic Guild

Unlike the others, this is a place located in the farther reaches of Melven society. The forge is where the blacksmiths in the guild combine the quintessence from Marqueseire into the basic materials used in building and technology. This mainly includes basic metals and crystals, breaking down their basic cellular structure and making it more effective based on what it’s needed for.

Description: The majority of this building is underground in the base of a crater, the building made of a matte golden-brown color. The interior is kept matte to prevent the intense light of the forge from reflecting off every available surface. The actual forge takes up an entire wall, with various openings of different sizes for various sized projects. While it cannot be seen from inside, a tunnel dug straight down from the top of the forge to the surface is lined with dark crystal, allowing the quintessence from marqueseire to reflect into the flames and be worked into the various materials.

Lucillantien Cryoglass

Owned by: the Lych

Currently: Unknown

The cryoglass is used during melven plantings, which are always officiated by the Lych. As on Earth, death is a rare occurrence, but in the event someone does die, their idents (if it can be recovered) will be buried in the ground along with a small seed. Idents have a symbiotic relationship with the wearer, and as the quintessence placed in the ident by the Candesian Scepter assimilates into their body, the ident becomes in tune to their minds frequency. When the seed and ident are buried the cryoglass is used to direct a beam of Lucillant’s light onto the ground where they were buried. After a few moments, the seed sprouts, and a curling vine emerges. Instead of being modeled after a melf’s physical and biological appearance, the ident and lucillant quintessence combine to preserve the mental essence of the melf. The vine may be sharp and jagged due to an intense personality, or perhaps when the wind blows a quiet melody may be heard as the leaves rustle. No vine is ever the same, and it is referred to as a cyr (pronounced kai-err). Cyrs are planted in the home of the lost melf, to ensure they aren’t kept apart from the society, sequestered away in a corner of the world no one ever sees. Melves value community, so they keep the memories and cyrs close.

Description: The cryoglass is circular, about the size circle a person could make with their hands, and is strung on a delicate white chain worn around the Lych’s neck. Various colored crystals cut into different facets for a stained-glass-like effect on the inside, the pattern might be described as similar to a dreamcatcher. The center of the cryoglass is rose gold and is the focal point of the quintessence when it’s being cast on the ground.

(Sorry this is so long and also for the formatting I’m on mobile rn!!) hope u liked!!

[tipsycad147]

Lilac in Magic and Medicine

Spring tends to be a favorite time of year for a lot of people. You walk out the front door and the birds are chirping, the weather is nice and there are flowers everywhere! As a Garden/Green Witch, I love plants and finding out ways to use them. One of my favorite plants, even though they are only around for a short amount of time, are the Lilacs. We have several Lilacs on our property that were planted by my great grandparents that still bloom every year. Lilacs are edible, have some medicinal uses and of course, contain magical properties as well. Keep reading to learn more!

Lilacs in the Garden

Lilacs, or Syringa Vulgaris, are a short term blooming shrub. It’s most commonly found in Planting Zones 3-9 here in the U.S. Most lilacs only bloom for about 2-3 weeks; but early and late blooming varieties can be staggered to increase your bloom time to a total of 6 weeks. Lilacs are available in 5 colors ranging from white, to magenta, to the traditional lilac purple.

Lilacs grow on old wood, so pruning after the spring is vital. A hardy specimen, lilacs can be transplanted by cuttings very easily to add more to your garden. Our lilacs draw bees, birds and butterflies with it’s tantalizing scent so we always try to keep them blooming.

Did you know Lilacs are actually part of the olive family? Native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe; people emigrating from Europe brought the shrub with them to grow and preserve a piece of home. Western pioneers brought lilacs with them during the 1800’s. Now you can find lilacs that grow nearly wild in abandoned lots or parks. Lilacs prefer full sun and a slightly alkaline soil to grow and bloom. The wood is a sturdy type that can be hollowed out to make a variety of tools.

These shrubs are a beautiful plant and even though they have a very short season; their vibrant green grey leaves(which are heart shaped) and the clusters of fragrant flowers make it worth having. But a commonly asked question every Spring is; “What can I do with my lilacs in that short amount of time?” Turns out there are a couple of medical, edible and magical uses for lilacs. I’m going to touch on the edible and medical real quick. Then give you some ideas of how to use lilacs in your magic as well!

Lilacs as Food and Medicine.

One thing I’ve started to learn as a witch, herbalist and homesteader is that there’s a use for practically every plant! We harvest at least a dozen or more plants from our yard every Spring and Summer; not counting what we add to the gardens, harvest from the forest or buy online!

Starting out, I was surprised how many other uses most flowers can have, besides just being pretty to look at. Given the short bloom time for Lilacs, I never really thought about using them until this year. But it turns out that 2 weeks is plenty of time to gather and dry flowers for all sorts of projects!

Lilacs in the Apothecary Cabinet

Lilacs are astringent, aromatic and a bit bitter. While most of the medicinal uses stem(see what I did there, ha) from the leaves and fruit, the flowers still have their own uses. Ingesting raw flowers leaves a dry feeling on the tongue but are bursting with flavor.

The most common use of Lilacs is as an astringent. Many common weeds and plants are astringent, including but not limited to: sunflowers, black walnut, black raspberry and stag-horn sumac. Many people are already familiar with the commercially produced astringent known as witch hazel.

Lilac flowers can infused with witch hazel or a carrier oil. That can then be used for acne, fine lines and wrinkles and other anti-aging properties

Using lilacs as an aromatic is completely different. An aromatic works by causing irritation to the place where it is applied. (Think about how sensitive the GI tract is.) Which in turn brings more blood flow and thus promotes faster healing! Gastric issues such as excessive flatulence or constipation are normally remedied very quickly by eating just a few small flowers.

Infuse lilacs in your favourite carrier oils to make salves, soaps and lotions. Lilacs are good for sunburn relief or soothing scratches, light burns and itches. As well as the previously mentioned astringent properties.

Other Uses for Lilacs

As beautiful and lovely as lilacs are, the fragrance is a fleeting memory once spring is over. Unfortunately, there’s no way to preserve the fragrance in an essential oil. Like many florals, it would take a lot of flowers and would be very expensive. There are some ways to preserve the flavor and aroma through absolutes, enfleurage and infused oils. The Experimental Homesteader has a great tutorial and more info about making your own lilac essences.Find that Here

Most commonly, lilacs are used for garnishes and flavoring for foods and drink. From sugared flowers on cake to lilac ice-cream and lemonade; there’s a number of sweet treats you can make with these cute purple flowers.

Some of my Favourite Uses for Lilac include:

Tea

Lemonade

Infused Honey

Wine

Jelly

Ice cream

Syrup

There’s a ton of tutorials for each of these on Pinterest!

If you would like to try the lilac jelly recipe its super easy! Head over to our Forsythia Jelly Recipe but switch out the flowers for lilacs instead!( Find that here)

Lilac honey is super easy, just add the flowers to honey and let sit for 2-6 weeks.

Make a simple lilac syrup by simmering the flowers in a sugar water mix on the stove. Use that syrup to flavor your lemonade or top your favorite dessert(or pancakes!) Plus it’s a gorgeous light purple color so it makes for a great gift.

Lilacs in Magic: Green Witchcraft

Using Lilacs in magic has a slew of myths and stories behind it; as well as a few ways to use it in your own personal spells.

What’s in a Name?

Lilacs have a few names depending on the area and connections. In Arabic, “Lilak” means purple. In Greece, Lebanon and Cyrus, lilacs are referred to as “paschalia” due to the fact that they bloom around Easter. (Or as they call it “Pascha”.)

Actually, the scientific name for Lilacs(syringas vulgaris) is thought to be derived from the Greek word “Syrinx” which means pipes. This is due to the wood’s hollow nature. Which brings me to the next section of Lilacs in magic: the Greek origin story.

The Legend of Syrinx

According to Greek Legend, Syrinx was a dryad (also known as tree nymph) who was a follower of Artemis, goddess of nature and chastity. Pan, as god of the forest and ruled by an bestial nature and lust, sought after her beauty. As a follower of Artemis, Syrinx was sworn to chastity and denied him. He chased her to the nearby river where Syrinx sought help from her cousins, the naiads, or river nymphs. With their help, she transformed into a Lilac bush, also commonly called a pipe tree or reed tree. Pan, frustrated that Syrinx had slipped from his grasp; cut 7 branches from the gorgeous lilac tree and tied them together into what we know as pan pipes today.

The Pipes, combined with Pan’s mournful music over his lost pursuit, holds merit in the language of flowers.These purple petaled flowers symbolize lust, love, and the fleetingness of life in general.

Lilacs Magical Properties

Blooming Lilacs show up for a short period during the Spring, typically between Beltane and Litha. (May-June). Much like honeysuckle, dandelions and forsythia, lilac contains spring energy and helps to jump start your life. Use it to give yourself a motivational boost, a mental or physical spring cleaning. Or use as an energy charge for your job or a new business venture.

Lilacs are commonly used for spells involving: exorcisms, banishing negative energy, love and lust spells. As well as protection spells and spells symbolizing the balance between life and death.

Lilac for Protection

Plant lilacs around your property to protect those inside its boundaries. Planting lilacs by your front door keeps negative energy from entering your home.

Bringing cuttings into your home is supposed to help banish negative energy and spirits. Except for some superstitions in certain parts of the UK. It was felt that white lilacs were too close to death and were very unlucky.(Unless it was a 5 petaled white flower which were considered extra lucky.) Lilacs were commonly placed inside coffins to cover the smell of death, much like gladiolas and other “funeral flowers”.

Hanging lilac branches over a newborn’s crib was said to encourage them in growth of knowledge and wisdom.(Especially in Russia)

Lilacs for Love and Beauty

When used in love and lust spells, lilacs are best for short fleeting summer romances or flings. Adding lilac oil to your wrists and behind the ears helps to draw love your way. You can also use lilacs for a spell to bring the fun and light back into a relationship.

To combine the medicinal uses mentioned earlier as well as the magical uses; Lilacs infused in witch hazel for a facial toner can be used to promote beauty, glamour and attracting love.

Celebrate Beltane by making a flower crown for yourself or your love.

Lilac Wood and Flowers

Wrap and dry lilac bundles to make your own incense smoke bundles. Combine with rose, lavender and sage for a love incense. Find out more info on wrapping and drying at Proflowers.

Use the wood from the Lilac to make wands, staves or runes. Lilac wands are good for banishing evil or negativity, raising psychic energy and vibrations, and attracting love.

Lilac Trivia

Lilacs are part of the Olive family. The Oleaceae or Olive family also includes olives(obviously), jasmine, forsythias and ash trees.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson enjoyed the scent of Lilacs and planted them in their Gardens.

Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet were inspired by the colors and appearance of lilacs. They included the flowers in several paintings such as “Lilac Bush” (1889 Van Gogh), “Lilacs, Grey Weather”(1872 Monet) and “Lilacs in Sun”(1872 Monet).

In the Victorian Era, widows wore lilac blossoms on their lapel. This served as a reminder of their love and the shortness of life.

Lilac is considered the traditional flower for the 8th Anniversary. This means it is a suitable gift as well.

The Celtics regarded the lilac as “magical” due to their incredibly intoxicating fragrance.

In the United States, the lilac is the official state flower of New Hampshire. It represents the ‘hardy’ nature of its people

Lilac Magic Correspondences

Latin Name: Syringa Vulgaris Other Names: Pipe Tree, Reed Tree, Common Lilac Element: Water Planets: Venus Gender: Feminine Deities: Artemis, Pan, Gaea, Hades, Persephone, Hera* and Hestia* (*white flowers only) Powers: Expansion, Growth, Protection, Life and Death, Spirit World, Love, Psychic Ability Use for: Love spells, Protection Spells, Exorcisms, Aromatherapy, Beauty Magic, Body care(magical or not) Crafts/Recipes: Toner, Tea, Honey, Ice cream, Syrup, Wands, Runes, Staves, Garden/Home Boundary, Incense, Dessert Garnish

Are you in love with Lilac yet?

Even though Lilac only visits for a short amount of time; it leaves us impatient for it to come around again. Even if you missed this year’s harvest, save this info for next year so you can fill your home with yummy flowers and magic next spring. Feel free to save this info for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire pages. Also, make sure you visit our other Magical and Medicinal Plant Pages.

Will you add Lilac to your magic workings?

If you want the smell of lilacs even after the season is done; we offer a Lilac goat’s milk soap in the Store that smells exactly like this luscious plant! Made with nourishing oils and skin safe fragrance oils; its safe for sensitive skin and makes for a great Mother’s Day, Best Friend or Self Care Gift.

If you are new here make sure to check out all of our other blog posts over on the Blog Page. And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for farm photos, trivia, shop updates and more!

By  Ariana

https://greenmanmeadows.com/using-lilac-for-magic-and-medicine/

[romanov-ramblings]

Currently, the architectural firm of Studio 44, Stavros, Artcorpus_Interiors, and others are hard at work on the finishing touches (furniture, and objects) of the first eight rooms to be unveiled in Summer of this year. A grand unveiling of the finished project of the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the Alexander Palace will be had no earlier than 2022.  One of the rooms to be showcased will be the Lilac Cabinet (Mauve Boudoir) of Her Majesty, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Stavros, the firm that has been responsible for all the reconstructed woodwork and paneling has brought this room back to life and in vibrant colour, of which many aren’t used to seeing. The silk on the walls and the upholstered furniture (of which other pieces are being recreated currently) were replicated by the master Janusz Matusiak (a Polish textile restorer) from surviving remnants of the original textiles used for the room when it was first constructed in the early years of the reign of Their Majesties. GMZ Pavlovsk, via the State Catalog of the Museum Fund of Russia (Gosfond), has in its repositories a great deal of textiles (even whole bolts) from the Alexander Palace. Recognizable by its colour and the motif of stripes, as well as, the floral motif (raised with striped ground) are these remnants of the original textiles used for the room. The vertical-striped silk with broad bands was used for the walls and curtains. The lighter silk with a raised floral motif of garlands and flowers was used for the furniture. The staff at GMZ Tsarskoe Selo had the replicated textiles made according to these remnants.  Some have complained that the new silk is far too dark, or that it isn’t the right shade. These remarks and complaints are un-founded. Most of all the photographs of the Empress’s Cabinet were made in black and white. Re-printed on postcards during the museum period. Autochrome plates from 1917-1918 showing the room in two views show how it looked but are washed out. Yet, these autochromes, the museum era photographs, photographs from the private albums of the Imperial Family and the remnants of surviving fabric were used to recreate this lost space.  In Summer, this year it shall be seen nearly the same as it was. It may not be filled to the brim with everything it once had. It may not have the exact window placements, or may not even have the Louis XV style mural painted when it was first executed in the mid 1890′s. But it will be there. For all to see. That is what matters. Not little details to nit-pick over. Remember that.  Be grateful. Be understanding. Do not expect everything to be exactly the same. It won’t be, and that is okay. Truly. Thank-you.  Photograph Credits: GMZ Tsarskoe Selo (Tsarskoe Selo State Museum Preserve) - Photographs of the reconstructed Lilac Cabinet (Mauve Boudoir), and close-ups of the two silk textiles recreated for the room. Gosfond (State Museum Catalog) - Remnants of silk textiles from the original room, which were used to make new silks for the reconstructed room (all currently residing at GMZ Pavlovsk).

[the-ethereal-serpent]

Incense Correspondences - Part 2

JASMINE

Burned to attract love and money, and also to induce dreams of a prophectic nature, purification, wisdom and astral projection

JUNIPER

Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and also to break curses, exorcism and hexes cast by evil sorcerers. It is also burned for calming, protection and healing

LAVENDER

Burned to induce rest and sleep, and to attract love-especially of a man. Also burned for cleansing, healing, happiness and relaxation

LEMON

Burn for healing, love and purification

LEMONGRASS

Burn for mental clarity

LILAC

Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and to attract harmony into ones life

LOTUS

Burn to elevate mood, protection, spirituality, healing and meditation

MACE

Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers

MASTIC

Burned to conjure beneficial spirits, stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and intensify sexual desires. The magickal powers of other incenses are greatly increased when a bit of mastic is added

MESQUITE

The magickal powers of all healing incenses are greatly increased when mesquite is added

MINT

Burned to increase sexual desire, exorcise evil supernatural entities, conjure beneficial spirits, and attract money. Mint incense also possesses strong healing vibrations and protective powers

MUSK

Burn for aphrodisiac, prosperity, courage

MYRRH

Burned (often with frankincense) for purification, consecration, healing, exorcism, and banishing evil. Myrrh is also aids meditation rituals, and was commonly burned on alters in ancient Egypt as an offering to deities Isis and Ra

NUTMEG

Burned to aid meditation, stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and to attract prosperity

OAKMOSS

Burned for money and attraction

ORANGE

Burned for divination, love, luck and money

PATCHOULI

Burned to attract money, love, growth, mastery, sensuality and also to promote fertility

PEPPERMINT

Burned for energy, mental stimulant, exorcism and healing

PINE

Burned for purification, and to banish negative energies, exorcise evil supernatural entities, and attract money, as well as to break hexes and return them to their senders. Also burned for grounding, strength, cleansing and healing

POPPY SEEDS

Burned to promote female fertility, and to attract love, good luck, and money

ROSE

Burned to increase courage, induce prophetic dreams, house blessing, fertility, healing and attract love. Rose incense is used in all forms of love enchantment and possesses the strongest love vibration of any magickal incense

ROSE GERANIUM

Burned for courage and protection

ROSEMARY

Burned to purify, aid in healing, prevent nightmares, preserve youthfulness, dispel depression, attract fairy folk, and promote restful sleep and pleasant dreams

RUE

Burned to help restore health

SAGE

Burned for protection against all forms of evil. It is also burned to purify sacred spaces and ritual tools. Plus it is great for promoting wisdom, clarity, attract money, and aid in the healing the body, mind, and soul.

SAGEBRUSH

Burned to aid healing, and to banish negative energies and evil supernatural entities

SANDALWOOD

Burned to exorcise demons and evil ghosts, conjure beneficial spirits, and promote spiritual awareness. Sandalwood incense is also used by many Witches for protection, astral projection, healing rituals and in wish-magick

SOLOMONS SEAL

Burned mainly as an offertory incense to ancient Pagan deities.

STAR ANISE SEEDS

Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers.

STRAWBERRY

Burned to attract love and for luck.

SWEETGRASS

Burned to conjure beneficial spirits prior to spell casting

SWEET PEA

Burned for friendship, love and courage

THYME

Burned for the purification of magickal spaces prior to rituals, to aid in healing, and to attract good health

VANILLA

Burned to attract love, increase sexual desire, and improve the powers of the mind.

VERVAIN

Burned to exorcise evil supernatural entities

VETIVERT

Burned to break curses, exorcism, for protection against black magick and thieves, money, peace and love

VIOLET

Burn for wisdom, luck, love, protection and healing

WILLOW

Burned to avert evil, attract love, and promote healing. It is also used by many Witches as an offertory incense for Pagan lunar deities

WISTERIA

Burned for protection against all forms of evil

WORMWOOD

Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers. When mixed with sandalwood and burned at night in a cemetery, wormwood is said to be able to conjure spirits from their graves

YARROW

Burned to arrow courage, exorcism

YLANG-YLANG

Burned for love, harmony and euphoria

Source : https://www.ravenandcrone.com/catalog/a72/magickal-properties-of-incense/article_info.html