#Long Beach Event Highlights

[theadventurebuddies]

CRAZY Drone #Lightshow in Long Beach!! - #Coastalcountry

Our exclusive footage captures the awe-inspiring aerial display that lit up the night sky. #DroneLightShow #CoastalCountryJam #LongBeachSpectacle #AerialDisplay #CRAZYDroneShow #NightSkySpectacular #CoastalCountryJamExperience #DroneMagic #ElectrifyingMoments #SpectacleUnveiled

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/-pHLaT_uZDg

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #28

July 19-26 2024

The EPA announced the award of $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The grants support community-driven solutions to fight climate change, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The grants will go to 25 projects across 30 states, and one tribal community. When combined the projects will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of CO2, roughly the output of 5 million American homes over 25 years. Major projects include $396 million for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection as it tries to curb greenhouse gas emissions from industrial production, and $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced a plan to phase out the federal government's use of single use plastics. The plan calls for the federal government to stop using single use plastics in food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. The US government is the single largest employer in the country and the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services. Its move away from plastics will redefine the global market.

The White House hosted a summit on super pollutants with the goals of better measuring them and dramatically reducing them. Roughly half of today's climate change is caused by so called super pollutants, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Public-private partnerships between NOAA and United Airlines, The State Department and NASA, and the non-profit Carbon Mapper Coalition will all help collect important data on these pollutants. While private firms announced with the White House plans that by early next year will reduce overall U.S. industrial emissions of nitrous oxide by over 50% from 2020 numbers. The summit also highlighted the EPA's new rule to reduce methane from oil and gas by 80%.

The EPA announced $325 million in grants for climate justice. The Community Change Grants Program, powered by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will ultimately bring $2 billion dollars to disadvantaged communities and help them combat climate change. Some of the projects funded in this first round of grant were: $20 million for Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, which will help weatherize and energy efficiency upgrade homes for 35 tribes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, $14 million to install onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout 17 Black Belt counties in Alabama, and $14 million to urban forestry, expanding tree canopy in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The Department of Interior approved 3 new solar projects on public land. The 3 projects, two in Nevada and one in Arizona, once finished could generate enough to power 2 million homes. This comes on top of DoI already having beaten its goal of 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects by the end of 2025, in April 2024. This is all part of President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035. 

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pledged $667 million to global Pandemic Fund. The fund set up in 2022 seeks to support Pandemic prevention, and readiness in low income nations who can't do it on their own. At the G20 meeting Yellen pushed other nations of the 20 largest economies to double their pledges to the $2 billion dollar fund. Yellen highlighted the importance of the fund by saying "President Biden and I believe that a fully-resourced Pandemic Fund will enable us to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics – protecting Americans and people around the world from the devastating human and economic costs of infectious disease threats,"

The Departments of the Interior and Commerce today announced a $240 million investment in tribal fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. This is in line with an Executive Order President Biden signed in 2023 during the White House Tribal Nations Summit to mpower Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An initial $54 million for hatchery maintenance and modernization will be made available for 27 tribes in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The rest will be invested in longer term fishery projects in the coming years.

The IRS announced that thanks to funding from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, it'll be able to digitize much of its operations. This means tax payers will be able to retrieve all their tax related information from one source, including Wage & Income, Account, Record of Account, and Return transcripts, using on-line Individual Online Account.

The IRS also announced that New Jersey will be joining the direct file program in 2025. The direct file program ran as a pilot in 12 states in 2024, allowing tax-payers in those states to file simple tax returns using a free online filing tool directly with the IRS. In 2024 140,000 Americans were able to file this way, they collectively saved $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, claiming $90 million in returns. The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. More than a million people in New Jersey alone will qualify for direct file next year. Oregon opted to join last month. Republicans in Congress lead by Congressmen Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Chuck Edwards of North Carolina have put forward legislation to do away with direct file.

Bonus: American law enforcement arrested co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo co-founded the cartel in the 1980s along side Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Since El Chapo's incarceration in the United States in 2019, El Mayo has been sole head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities also arrested El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. The Sinaloa Cartel has been a major player in the cross border drug trade, and has often used extreme violence to further their aims.

[willownwisp]

ree's leon valentine's day advent <3

hi everyone. <3 as the leon kennedy fluff truther, i'm making an advent for valentine's day because pookie deserves so much love! everyday, i'll be posting a fic ranging from nsfw/sfw fluff for babu leon, i'll be putting out the scenarios and snippets below if y'all are interested. author's note: i've been meaning to put this out like a week ago when i finally figured out the problem w my account as to why tumblr wasn't letting me reply to comments :( but sadly, college got me so head empty. anyway, i've already got 2 days worth of fics already finished so i hope y'all can give me a read. <3

FEBRUARY 8 𖹭 nice legs, daisy dukes. (vendetta!leon x fem!reader) Leon feels like a creep, fuck that. He definitely looks like a creep. Thirty-six year old in all of his 5'11 glory standing outside his girlfriend's college leant against his Ducati like a dick, carrying a box of those, instagrammable pastries you always like to look at. It doesn't hurt to be sweet. Not when you walk — run, at the sight of him in your preppy mini dress, highlighting those long, long legs. Nothing is sweeter, especially when it's wrapped around him.

FEBRUARY 9 𖹭 starry skies, blue eyes. (re4r!leon x fem!reader) Stars dot stygian skies, the night is young, the moon is high. Leon's heart soars with your every laughter. The way your eyes close and your nose scrunches. God he was so in love with you, he could forgive the fact that the tent should have been up hours ago before night. You swear you remember your knots from your wide-eyed Girl Scout days, and he swears these silly moments with you are what makes life bearable.

FEBRUARY 10 𖹭 cold woes. (re4r!leon x fem!reader) Leon S. Kennedy. The apple of his instructors' eyes (and yours), he's a top graduate in the Police Academy for fuck's sake. He's decimated hordes of zombies in his first day as a rookie cop. Endured military training in the middle of nowhere, he's saved the President's daughter. He doesn't get sick. Only that he does catch a cold at the expense of prioritizing you, his clumsy girlfriend, who forgot to wear a jacket on a camping trip, offering his warm clothes to you. He doesn't regret it, he likes taking care of you, but there's something adorable about your sheepish apologies as you wait on him. He could get used to being babied. FEBRUARY 11 𖹭 love on me. (di!leon x fem!reader) As much as Leon loves the sun, the beaches, the tropics. Oh what he would give to become a beach bum in his next life instead of being smacked by bioweapons day in, night out, and being a good bitch to good ol' U.S of A. Unfortunately, after the events of Alcatraz, maybe he's had enough of the sea for now. He gives himself a pat on the back, takes out a chunk of his savings to go to Japan because you've been eyeing it. You said you were interested in the food, culture, and sights. So why in the world were you dragging him to a love hotel? FEBRUARY 12 𖹭 fill up your cup. (re6!leon x fem!reader) He feels himself spiraling recently, turning to the bottle because a glass is never troubled by his woes. He breaks them of course, can't help it, seems like his life is doomed to him breaking in the end. Fragments of glass scatters on the floor, vodka spills on the floor splashes it around like his grief because his body can only take so much. You arrive as he tries to pick them up, attempts to pick himself up. You whisper assurance, he doesn't deserve it. The way you look at him ardently, the gentleness that is your existence. You empty out his pain, and fill it with love. FEBRUARY 13 𖹭 the thrill, the love. (damnation!leon x fem!reader) He wills his old Yamaha to go faster. Your dainty arms clinging to him, the softness of your touch as his speed breaks the sound barrier. What started as mere curiosity turns into rituals. Secrets that only the both of you know. He knocks on your door at midnight, drives you around town. He scolds you every time your arm breaks free, throwing them to the wind. You don't care, you love the thrill, you love him. Leon admits that there is something alluring to the thrill of the chase. Perhaps that's why he's spent his years chasing Ada, but with you it was different. FEBRUARY 14 𖹭 kiss it better. (di!leon x fem!reader) Leon is a man full of stories, his pain, his peace, his fears, his needs. There is more to him than just being a formidable weapon against bioterrorism. He never was a weapon, just a flesh and blood human, and in his mortality there are scars. Deep within him, and littered in his skin. You kiss the faded slash on his hand, he tells you how he'd got it from when Ashley Graham had tried to stab him under the influence of the plaga. You kiss it again, and what he doesn't tell you is the wave of warmth that washes his entire being, it tugs on his very soul. You kiss the scars because it's there, because it's him, and in his reverie, he thinks you truly are his person.

[da-birb-writes-sometimes]

HI HI DOVE :DD im so excited for the event!! your writings always make me kick my feet and giggle c:

so yk my undying live for the one and only jade leech ^^ (even if the bitey bastard refuses to show his face in gacha >:0) and i see [fairytale scene] fits his love for nature C:

jade and cottagecore hmmmmm 👀 well there goes my brain and my spine—

REMEMBER TO HYDRATE AND UNSHRIMP YOUR SPINE TOO DOVE :DD

Fairytale Scene; Jade Leech

Content; Fluff, gender-neutral reader, mutual pining, yearning

Content Warning; Some swearing

Word Count; 700+

Author's Note; I don't even know how I ended up with this, but it's cute! Hopefully, this makes up for the bitey bastard refusing to come home!

As a reminder, do not put my work — or others for that matter — into AI as it steals. Link to Masterlist

You felt like you were living in a dream, a picture-perfect dream that only existed in fairytales. How else could you have ended up alone in a quaint cottage on the edge of the sea with Jade Leech; the man that had captured your heart since day one? And despite Floyd and Azul basically making the two of you pack up your bags for a week-long vacation with the crush that you swore was secret — as you hadn’t uttered a word to anybody — you found yourself and Jade alone with just each other for an entire seven days. One hundred and sixty-eight hours, ten thousand and eighty minutes, alone. Scratch that, maybe not a dream, this seemed more like a plot of some cheesy rom-com where both of the characters confessed their love to each other on the beach. But there was no chance that Jade, the Jade Leech would do that… right?

“You seem distracted, Prefect.”

You jumped and hit your head against the hanging flower bed since the two of you were doing some sprucing up in the garden. You were fine, but your clumsiness sent a pot crashing to the ground, leaving you more embarrassed than anything. “Nope! Perfectly fine!” But the rise in octave betrayed you.

If it were anyone else, Jade would have found it amusing, which he still did, but instead of just chuckling at your misfortune, he helped you get out from under the flower bed, and made sure that you weren’t hurt. “Hmm, are you alright, my dear,” he hummed, looking you over for any cuts.

I’m not okay, no, especially with you looking at me like that and calling me dear. I think I’m going to have a stroke here. “Yeah! Just my own clumsiness is all—” you stopped mid-sentence, and stared at Jade. 

The mid-afternoon sun cast him in a warm light, turning his eyes into a glowing gold, and highlighting the olive of his right eye. The ocean glittered behind him. He had a few leaves stuck in his hair, and some dirt on his face, so unlike his clean and refined state that you usually saw him in. And the look he was giving you… it was so soft, so full of worry, concern, and love. 

Perhaps you had hit your head hard enough to give yourself a concussion, with your luck it was more likely than your feelings being reciprocated. 

And Jade’s staring at you was not helping the manner, he was looking you straight in the eye, and you couldn’t look away for some reason. You two hadn’t even been here for a full day yet! How could you expect to survive an entire week of this?!

You weren’t, that was the entire reason the both of you were here. Azul had grown tired of seeing Jade get distracted on the job, and Floyd was getting bored of seeing the two of you do nothing. But you and Jade didn’t need to know that, even if the mer-eel knew what Azul was plotting with this ‘vacation’. This was all a set-up for the two of you to confess, and what a fine set-up it was.

“You need to be more careful,” Jade breathed out, finally putting his concern at ease when he couldn’t find anything wrong. 

There he was, giving you that look again. “Uhhhh, okay,” you said eloquently. Who could blame you really? 

Jade chuckled softly as he helped you up, brushing some dirt off your shoulders. And before you knew it, you were rubbing off the smudge of dirt that was on his cheek, and he froze, looking at you with a curious look.

Shit, did I cross his boundaries? SHIT-

“You are full of surprises,” he murmured, taking the hand you used to smudge the dirt off his face into his, before placing a kiss on your earth-stained knuckles. A week alone, that’s rather unfair of you Azul, but no need to worry, I shall use it to my advantage. And he then placed a kiss to where you had bumped your head. “Hopefully that speeds up the healing process, my dear.”This is a dream, a fairytale scene. This can’t be actually happening… right? But the lingering sensation of his lips on your cheeks was very much, not a dream.

~~~~~~~

Tags; @aqua-beam @azulashengrottospiano @eynnwwyjth @hisui-dreamer @hydra-sea @identity-theft-101 @krenenbaker @officialdaydreamer00 @savanaclaw1996 @silvers-numberonefan @twistwonderlanddevotee @xxoomiii

[vote-democrat-president-congress]

Trump tells Christians ‘you won’t have to vote anymore’ if he’s elected.

2024/07/27: Former President Donald J. Trump at the Turning Point USA Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Fla., in the closing minutes of his speech to a gathering of religious conservatives on Friday night, former President Donald J. Trump told Christians that if they voted him into office in November, they would never need to vote again.

“Christians, get out and vote. Just this time,” he said at The Believers’ Summit, an event hosted by the conservative advocacy group Turning Point Action, in West Palm Beach, Fla. “You won’t have to do it anymore, you know what? Four more years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.”

Mr. Trump, who never made a particular display of religious observance before entering politics, continued: “I love you, Christians. I’m a Christian. I love you, you got to get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not going to have to vote.”

Mr. Trump’s comments came at the end of a nearly hourlong speech in which he appealed to religious conservatives by promising to defend them from perceived threats from the left. Earlier in his remarks, he lamented that conservative Christians do not vote in large numbers, a complaint he had made repeatedly on the trail.

“They don’t vote like they should,” Mr. Trump said of Christians. “They’re not big voters.”

Mr. Trump’s suggestion that Christians would not have to vote again if he is elected quickly spread across social media. Some argued that it was a threat that the 2024 election could be the nation’s last if he were to win and claimed it was further evidence of an authoritarian, anti-democratic bent he has displayed throughout his political candidacy.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment to clarify Mr. Trump’s intent.

The former president — who continues to falsely insist the 2020 election was rigged, a claim that inspired some of his supporters to storm the Capitol in a bid to keep him in power in 2021 — has raised alarm from Democrats and some Republicans. He has compared his political opponents to “vermin,” said he would have a prosecutor investigate President Biden and his family and framed his campaign as one of retribution.

James Singer, a Harris campaign spokesman, criticized Mr. Trump in a statement for lying about the 2020 election, among other things, during his Friday remarks. Mr. Trump “went on and on and on, and generally sounded like someone you wouldn’t want to sit near at a restaurant — let alone be president of the United States,” Mr. Singer said.

Since his 2020 loss, Mr. Trump, who often praises strongmen leaders on the trail, has further embraced a brand of conservatism that experts on autocracy have said veers toward totalitarian.

Mr. Trump provoked further outcry when, in an interview with Sean Hannity, he said he would not categorically dismiss concerns that he might abuse presidential power but instead said he would not be a dictator “other than Day 1.”

Mr. Trump added: “We’re closing the border. And we’re drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, I’m not a dictator.”

Mr. Trump and his allies have long dismissed the criticism as alarmist political attacks from liberals. They argue that Democrats have been anti-democratic, labeling the criminal cases brought against Mr. Trump as an effort to weaponize the justice system.

The Harris campaign — and the Biden campaign before that — have consistently attacked Mr. Trump as a threat to democracy. More recently, Democrats and their allies have highlighted Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals developed by a group that includes former Trump advisers and that would bring about a radical shift to the federal government.

Mr. Trump himself was not behind Project 2025, and he has repeatedly tried to distance himself from it. But The New York Times has reported on his plans for a second term, which would include casting aside the norm that gives the Justice Department independence from the White House, appointing ideologically aligned lawyers who would be less resistant to Mr. Trump’s policies and a vastly expanded crackdown on immigration that would involve scouring the country for undocumented immigrants and deporting millions of people annually.

by Michael Gold, NYTimes. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/27/us/harris-trump-biden-election

[look-at-the-soul]

Hello, Mar!

I saw your requests and may I request one for Robert plus the song "daydreamer"?

I adore Robert 😭❤️. And he deserves more love 🥺❤️.

Gracias! 🥰

My dear Flor 💐 I can’t thank you enough for requesting this song! It’s absolutely beautiful and Rob deserves all the love of the world.

Let me start by saying I listened it over 15 times and as I read the inspiration behind the lyrics, I learned Adele wrote for her former boyfriend, who was bi, so she always was daydreaming about him being the perfect man, but this was just her heart and mind longing for it… so I decided to make reader, a daydreamer. 🪐✨

Word count: Around 2,000

Summary: Y/N daydreams about Robert being the perfect man for her, she sees bits of their relationship or what she wants it to be in other’s people… She is daydreaming because there’s no way she could have that to herself. Or so she thought.

Song: Daydreamer

Daydreamer

Robert Fischer x reader

“Good morning Mrs. Fischer.”

“Morning Mr. Saunders.” You greeted him while waiting for the elevator after the Pilates class.

“Would you like me to have the driver for later?”

“Please, nine o’clock.” You gave him a smile, he was always so polite.

Stepping into the elevator mere seconds after, you greeted the young couple that was already on their way up. They were probably newlyweds judging by the secret glances and touches they had towards each other. Just like you and Robert had been all over each other back then, it seemed like a lifetime ago though.

Daydreamer

As they got out on floor ten, you kept going to the penthouse.

The loneliness of the spacious and familiar place welcomed you, pressing a button on the remote, the curtains started to open by themselves allowing the sunlight to illuminate every corner. Walking into the open kitchen you prepared your traditional post workout drink taking a moment to check the planner of the day.

You’d stop by the jewelry to check the new pieces you designed for the upcoming season, then you had lunch scheduled with a clothing line director to choose the ideal pieces for a magazine cover.

Rinsing the tumbler you headed to the family room and started the piano, Robert gifted it to you on your second anniversary after forgetting about the special date. Luckily you didn’t need someone to play it, it had several pieces already set up. The sound filled the emptiness of the property and you headed to your master bedroom to take a shower.

Picking a mint sleeveless dress matching with nude pumps you styled your hair in a French twist, you kept your accessories minimalist from your own brand. Taking your bag from the closet and your sunglasses you were ready to go out, but then you took a moment to make sure you had everything you needed in your bag, opening your wallet, memories assaulted you hard as you found the picture you snapped of your husband sitting by the beach during your honeymoon. You could only see his back since he wasn’t aware you shot that but the flashback of Robert contemplating the sunset made you want to go back in time… for a few days he had been so focused on your time together, kissing you, hands longing for your body, freckles all over his chest highlighted by the sun.

Sitting on the sea

Soaking up the sun

Now, you spent most of the day apart, working or at social events, trying to match your agendas seemed like the hardest thing in the world. Everything was pretty much part of your daily routine, you even learned a few things from Robert like taking your breakfast on the way, he was always running from point A to B, and lately so did you, just like now your driver was taking you across the city.

He is a real lover

Touching your wedding band, you couldn’t stop the memories from the day you and Robert got married, he had always been handsome, but that day to you he was something else. You’d choose him over and over.

A jaw dropper

Looks good when he walks

As you were wondering if he thought the same about you, your phone ringing pulled you out of your daydreaming.

“Mrs. Fischer this is Mr. Fischer assistant, just wanted to confirm tonight’s reservation at 7:30.”

“Hello darling, thank you for the reminder.” Greeting the employees of your shop you went straight to your office. “Can you make sure Mr. Fischer leaves his office on time?”

“I’ll try my best ma’am.”

Thanking Robert’s assistant, you started sketching a new bracelet in the corner of your napkin.

“Y/N, I’ve Vogue on the phone, they’re making an article about your jewelry line and want to have an interview.” Your PR poked her head from the door.

“Oh! Sounds like it’s going to be a long phone call.”

She nodded. “Line two.” She added before disappearing.

It was as a matter of fact, a long call. You even managed to end up with a few designs to make a special collection. By the time you finished, you had to hurry to make it on time for lunch, but on your way out you came across a man who was looking at the engagement rings.

“Looking for something special?” You winked at the saleswoman, wanting to attend him by yourself.

“I’m going to propose and I want a design that’s unique.”

“All the pieces are, we only have one of each.” You assured him. “But we’ve exclusive designs made only on sketch if you want to take a look.”

“Her favorite color is yellow… perhaps we can get something?” His eyes sparked and it didn’t go unnoticed by you, your heart melting immediately by the love he was oozing.

“Definitely, your bride will be over the moon, Mr…?”

“Owen.” He extended his hand towards you.

“Lisa could you please show Mr. Owen our yellow diamonds collection?” You smiled at him, pleased with the interaction. “Hope to see you back for the wedding bands.”

Walking to your car you smiled, thinking of that time when Robert proposed. The only time when you’ve seen him nervous, lost for words. He had asked you to see your upcoming collection, picked a ring under an anonymous name and asked it to be shipped to a property you didn’t know he had back then so you wouldn’t find out. Despite his name and his family’s business, he made it very simple; laying in bed together he asked you to marry him.

He would be hard to chase

But good to catch

And it had been one of the happiest days of your life. Three years of loving him with everything you got.

You just wished he could be like that again, he had been working so late the last few months you could hardly wait for him awake. He seemed to be busier.

And he could change the world

With his hands behind his back, oh

***

Waving the designer goodbye after a successful meeting, you took a moment to greet the owner of the place, a Robert’s friend from long ago.

“It’s so good to see you, Y/N!” He motioned you to follow him to one of the private areas of the restaurant. “How’s Robert?”

“Good thank you, he sends you his bests wishes for the new restaurant in Chicago.”

“I hope to see you both in the big opening.”

You nodded, of course you’d be there. “How’s Flor?”

“Planning our upcoming trip, she likes to call it a second honeymoon.”

“Oh, I’ll need to get a coffee date with her to get the tips and convince Robert to go on a trip.” You joked.

“As a matter of fact, I’ve been working on a new special dessert for this place in her honor… would mind telling me your honest opinion?”

Your heart did a weird thing inside your chest as Alfred went to get the desserts, he was the best chef you knew around, but the fact that a man with a well established restaurants took the time to prepare a special dessert in honor of his wife made you swoon. They’ve been through all kinds of ups and downs and you knew they were one of the best examples that love conquered all.

After trying all, you couldn’t take one more bite. “Why can’t you mix them all?”

“I was hoping you’d help me.” He ran his hand through his prominent beard.

“Look, I’d use a coin to choose, or make people who come vote for one secretly and then… even better, make Flor choose one!” You offered with a smile.

“That’s actually a good idea. Thank you.”

Leaving him to think about it, you then started moving to the nail salon. It was kind of empty compared to other times so a girl quickly asked you about what design you wanted for your nails. As you watched several options, a woman sitting next to you was chatting about her marriage, it wasn’t your intention to listen but she wasn’t exactly whispering.

“So Gorge came home one day and said he was naming his associate VP to cut off on working hours, leaving some departments and decisions to other people, since then we get to have dinner together every single day.” She explained with enthusiasm. “We’re spending the weekend at the country house and my daughters want to come…”

“This is the color you always choose.” Pointed the girl who always did your nails.

“Do you think I should change Anne?” You asked unsure.

“Do you’ve something special coming up?”

You shook your head.

“Red.” Told you the chatty woman.

You looked at her confused. “Excuse me?”

“Men love red nails.” She repeated. The other manicurist nodded. “I’m Sharon.”

“I never used red before, probably once or twice.” You stammered.

“You’re young and beautiful, get the red tone.” She encouraged again.

It was inevitable to blush. “Thanks, I hope you’ve a fabulous time at the country house.”

Unsure if you could regret it, you nodded towards the red. Wondering if Rob would like it, damn would he even notice it? You decided to get a blowout last minute, it added volume to your usual tight ponytail, giving you a bouncy and glossy hairstyle.

Looking at the clock you still had plenty of time, so you asked your driver to stop at a boutique that was on your way to the restaurant. The assistant did a wonderful job finding a beautiful and elegant piece in white, you said yes without even trying it first so you asked her to remove the tags to wear it immediately. Shopping time was shorter than the drive, you still had time until your reservation but after giving your last name you were immediately guided to the table that was usually reserved for your husband.

Taking a sip of water you looked around, noticing a couple a few tables from yours, with a slice of cake and a single candle, a present next to the girl and the boy couldn’t stop the grin from his face. That was love definitely.

When was the last time Rob looked at you that way? When was his last compliment?

Daydreamer

With eyes that make you melt

He lends his coat for shelter

Plus he's there for you

Turning to the opposite side of them, you found a man playing the saxophone, the soft music making you smile, making you remember the first dance you shared with your husband. That was the last time you danced, a little bit over three years ago.

A waiter approached to ask if you’d like to order something, but you decline politely. Robert should be here any minute now.

By 8:15 the waiter appeared again, offering an entrée. Still Robert was nowhere to be seen so you accepted it in an attempt to distract yourself with some food and the glass of Chardonnay you ordered. But the little voice inside your head can’t stop asking if he would remember or show up.

You’re fighting the disappointment as your glass is almost empty now, so after paying for the bill you decided to head back home. All your efforts went to the trash can because Robert couldn’t take the time to have dinner with his wife, you know he works so hard, always ahead of the market and the competition, but one diner wouldn’t make him lose a millionaire business. Truth is he had been growing distant and cold towards you lately.

There's no way I

Could describe him

What I've said is

Just what I'm hoping for

Standing up you fight hard against the tears threatening to come out.

“I’m sorry for being late.” His hand wrapped on your elbow.

“Doesn’t matter, I’m going home.” You couldn’t even dare to look him in the eyes.

“But-” he started to say but cut himself as you shook your head.

Thanking the staff, you headed out quietly, knowing he was following your steps, his bodyguard not afar.

“Thought you wanted to have dinner.” He mumbled waiting for the valet parking.

“Over an hour ago, yes.”

“Y/N.”

Shivering you looked away, not noticing he took off the jacket of his suit until he wrapped it around your shoulders.

“I’m not discussing a private matter in a public place Robert.”

His eyes studied your features, noticing the new hairstyle but deciding to remain quiet. Instead, he instructed your driver to head home by himself while he waited for his vehicle.

He knew you wouldn’t say a word on the drive home when his driver and bodyguard were in the car. But subtly he would shot you a side glance from time to time. Mentally kicking himself for taking longer than he expected.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting at the restaurant.” He apologized once in the privacy of your place.

“The message was clear, don’t worry. I know you got caught up with work.” You explained his now tradicional excuse. God those damn shoes were killing you now.

“I know what you’re thinking, Y/N… if you only let me explain.”

Throwing him a knowing look, you walked over the closet to leave your shoes and start undressing.

Leaning on the doorframe, Robert looked down, deciding to share what made him late.

“Today I had my last therapy session.” He could feel your eyes on him, exhaling all the air he was holding he looked up, in your direction. “When you suggested it a while back I wasn’t sure it was what I needed, but after we got married I knew I didn’t want to take out my frustrations on you, so I started afterwork once a week a year ago.”

He looked down again while you gave him the opportunity to explain.

“I’ve talked a lot about you with my therapist, he wants to have a few sessions with the two of us whenever you can… you were right, it helped me a lot.”

“Why did you keep this from me?” You asked shocked after siting on the bench in the middle of the huge walk in closet. “I’m your wife.”

“I had a lot of shit to work on first, I wanted to do it for you and for me.” He dragged his feet to sit next to you.

“Oh, Rob!” You couldn’t stop the tears now. “I’m sorry for assuming you didn’t care.” You sobbed wrapping your arms around his neck.

Slowly his hands came to rest your back. How long had he been longing for an honest embrace like this?

“I’m sorry for not showing a lot of interest, I still need to work on that.” He whispered against your hair.

Feeling his tears on your shoulder, you finally pulled back after several minutes locked in each other’s arms. Holding his face between your hands you looked at this man with the sad eyes starting to show a glimpse of happiness.

“I love you Robert Fischer with everything I have, and I’m coming to therapy with you.” You pulled him in for a kiss.

And he answered with the same devotion. Feeling like a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders.

Your stomach growling made him chuckle against your lips.

“You owe me dinner.”

“My therapist suggested a cooking lesson but I’m not so sure about that, but we can order from the restaurant downstairs.”

“You don’t want to go over there?”

He shook his head. “Here in bed, you and me… I need to step out of my comfort zone.”

“Does it means we can take a two weeks holiday?”

Robert groaned. “Don’t push me, Y/N.”

You rolled your eyes but kissed him anyways. “Fine… let’s start with a weekend getaway.”

You hugged him once more and noticed something else, something that didn’t happen on a daily basis.

“I love to see you smiling.” That took him by surprise and an adorable blush joined the previous smile. “Can I see another one?”

In a fluid and unexpected move, Robert made you straddle him showing a third new feature; the fire in his eyes.

“That’s one of the many changes you can expect from now on.” He explained mere inches from your face as his hands ran up and down your back. “Loved the new look by the way.”

You gasped and held onto his neck as he started walking towards the bed with you hooked around his waist.

“Robert Fischer who’s this man? And I don’t ever want him to go away.” You bit your lower lip as his jaw clenched by the effort of carrying you.

“Oh you’re about to find out.” He winked playfully as another smile started to play around his lips.

You closed your eyes as he started kissing your neck, thinking how it wasn’t a total surprise to see all these new attitudes, the enormous change, because deep down you fell in love with this man knowing exactly what he was capable of.

And he was able finally to give everyone the best version of himself because he had been working on the issues that had kept him in the dark for so long.

Looking at the woman underneath him, Robert knew he couldn’t thank you enough for helping him change his life around, for insisting so many times of going to an specialist to ask for help when you’re carrying burdens that doesn’t belong to you, for opening his eyes to the potential he had been missing, for showing him to ask for help when you feel like you’ve had enough. But most importantly, for showing that you genuinely cared about him.

From now on, you wouldn’t have to daydream about others people showing love and affection because it would be your reality from now on.

***

Thank you sm for reading! I’ve been wanting to write something like this for a long long time ✨🥰♥️

More Robert Fischer content here

Tag list: @ttzamara @gretelshelby @lyarr24 @camilahpg03 @acillianproblem @chishiyasan @allyly @fastfan @thomashelbyswife @lespendy @onlydeadcells @prettylittlehoneyeyesxoxo @cloudofdisney @heidimoreton @esposadomd @stevie75 @raincoffeeandfandoms @elenavampire21 @thenattitude @adaydreamaway08 @darleneslane @sloanexx @shaddixlife @forbidden-forest-witch @forgottenpeakywriter @shelbydelrey @ange-thoughts @babaohhhriley @kmc1989 @allie131313 @everythingelseisextra @nela-cutie

[bowdownperv]

How do #first time!Billy and Y/N become boyfriend/girlfriend?

It's no surprise following the 'events' of the last day of school that you spent nearly every day of your summer so far with Billy. But, the two of you never established an official label for what you were. Dating? Fuck buddies? Both of you were too scared to slap a status on your relationship and potentially fuck everything up. There was already enough fucking going on between you two.

About two weeks after grand slamming you into his mattress, Billy took you on your first unofficial date. He was very diligent in not using the word 'date' when asking you to go out for dinner with him— in fear of scaring you off—but everything about that night was a date.

You got to see him in a suit for the first time, and holy fuck was it a beautiful sight. The black linen vest hugged his torso so well highlighting his popping pecs and broad shoulders. And—oh fuck—if you dared looking down at the way his pants clung to his thighs and protruding bulge, you'd have to change into dry panties. He was dressed just about as slutty as a man could be.

That night he bought you a quite expensive dinner and called you 'baby' for the first time in a non-bedroom setting. The name slipped out of his mouth without thought but you didn't mind whatsoever. You sucked his dick extra good that night and he's called you baby ever since.

Since then, your relationship remained quite static. You didn't mind particularly. You had a hot man in your back pocket every second to kiss and touch. But, was he your man?

While the question only dwindled in your head occasionally, it was the primary thought in Billy's head all the time. He wanted you to be his girl and no one else's. Hell, he had to resist the urge to punch any guy that even looked at you. The yearning for you kept building up until finally one day he couldn't take it anymore.

❊ ❊ ❊

The two of you arrived at the beach and stationed yourselves in the sand a few yards away from the waves. Billy had been off all day. He was much shyer than usual and was gripping your hand abnormally hard as you were walking down the boardwalk. It took your fingers five minutes for the color to return to them when he let go.

You laid out two towels with your cooler in between and looked at the handsome man across from you with a sour look on his face.

"You okay Bub?" you asked resting your still cramping hand on top of his.

"Yea," he sighed. "I'm gonna go use the bathroom, be right back."

Billy walked away mumbling something under his breath. You shrugged and reached into the cooler to grab a seltzer and lean back.

Billy didn't actually go to use the bathroom. What he did do was slip some random toddler with a bucket on his head $5 to do him a favor.

The little boy came trotting over to you with a puzzled face and chocolate ice cream stuck to the corners of his mouth.

"Oh. Hi there, are you los-" before you could even finish you were interrupted by his squeaky voice.

"Is that your boyfriend?" he pointed to Billy lurking behind him.

You almost spit out your drink.

You looked at Billy hoping to see some answer in his eyes but his face was blank as a statue.

“I don’t know what to say to that,” you let out a chuckle.

Billy’s face stayed completely straight and it made you think he was seriously opposed to the thought. Damn, maybe you were just fuck buddies.

The kid quickly lost interest and ran off to chase a seagull with his little plastic shovel.

Billy groaned. He didn't get his answer and lost $5 along with his dignity.

❊ ❊ ❊

When the two of you got back to his place, you plopped on his bed and kissed him on the cheek.

"Well, that was fun," you smiled running a hand through his hair.

"Yea, it was. I had a lot of fun with you, thanks for coming baby." He smiled but you knew his facial expressions long enough to tell it was fake.

"I know somethings bothering you bub. Just tell me what's going on," you caressed his sunburned cheeks.

He sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

"Y/N, we've been spending so much time together and it's been the best four weeks of my life having you right by my side. And I just don't know what's going on in your head and what you think this is between us because for me it's something bigger and"—he paused—"fuck it, are you my girlfriend?"

Your brain got whiplash. You honestly thought he was going to break things off with you for a second. You were certainly flustered.

"Do you want me to be?"

“More than anything. I’m so fucking in love with you Y/N, and I don’t think I can stand to go another day not being able to tell you that or call you my girl. You’re the only person I want to be around and the reason I smile each night and every morning. All I want now and forever is you."

"I'm all yours then."

[aevumisles]

╰┈➤ AEVUM ISLES :: JUNE FESTIVAL ❂

Throughout the beginning of the summer season, Isle residents gather in multitudes during the day and the night to celebrate the natural world and the communities that share in it. Many traditions find the Aercon and Echoes alike visiting the sandy shores of the Lunar Coast, cleaning up the environment, and showing goodwill to their neighbors with plenty of gifts. Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.

OVERVIEW.

The Sunflower Festival

The Sunflower Festival is a month long event taking place from the beginning to the end of June. While the festivities do not last for the entirety of the summer season, residents of Arcanus Isle take great care to enjoy the warmer weather.

Festivities take place during the night and the day. In the daytime, events like the Sunflower Parade or the Lunar Tournament can be enjoyed in the Lunar Coast and Downtown Arcanus Districts.

During the early evening, the celebrations continue with bright fireworks that light up the night sky. 

The Solstice Ball

Takes place during the 16th - 30th of June.

The festival concludes with The Solstice Ball, a spectacular event where everyone dresses in their best to dance under the glorious Golden Moon. (see: Notable Legends down below.)

This year, residents will also partake in the grand reveal of a new location: the Viderenox Observatory.

ACTIVITIES:

NOTE: Other activities such as sea shell collecting, beach parties, garden parties and so on are all celebrated during the Sunflower Festival. While you may create member-run mini parties and events during the festival, only interactions with the listed activities/areas will be considered valid forms of festival participation.

For a limited time, a number of Sunflower Festival wares can be purchased (for free!) from the Aevum Marketplace using the Sunflower Festival Voucher.

Some of these wares include:

Shimmer and Glows Sprinkler - (available only with participation in Nighttime Shimmers and Glows.) An endless sprinkler that sparks and changes color! They are also non-flammable. Lunar Rod - (available only with participation in the Lunar Tournament.) A gold-flaked fishing rod with a special tackle that is highly attractive to the local aevum fish. Fish Charm - (available only with participation in Fish Spy) a small charm in the shape of any fish, made from stones, shells, or wood. Olympic Flag - (available only with participation in the Aevum Olympics) A one-of-a-kind flag with the icon of the sport participated in. Garden Bracelet (available only with participation in Charms of the Garden Activity) A custom bracelet made with several unique charms and beads of flowers. Keepers of the Land, Sky, and Sea Shirt (available only with participation in the KLSS) A cool, breathable t-shirt displaying the logo of the volunteer organization. Homeworld Wares (available only with participation in the Gateway Flea Market) These items are custom to each Echo, and are subject to the rules detailed in the event below.

Requests will be processed from June 22nd - May 3rd. All requests should include a link to the thread or drabble that shows the participation in said event, in addition to the stats, and thread pages.

Downtown Arcanus.

Sunflower Parade

One of the many highlights of the Sunflower Festival is the Sunflower Parade! It is a warm welcome to the summer sun and the influx of Ivurie Aether that comes with it. Downtown Arcanus will be decorated with balloons, sunflower petals, and more. Music will be heard during the day throughout the streets. Especially along the Arcanus University campus.

During the cooler hours of the late afternoon and early evening, a float parade is conducted by residents who choose to participate. These floats range from large and small, elaborate and simple.

Notably, the East Tower Company and the West Tower Society are known to be highly competitive during the parade. Each year, they create more and more elaborate floats each year. The not-so-rumour has it that they may even be trying to outdo each other.... While the other rumour has it that they've even gone so far as to try and sabotage each other's floats!

While many floats are crafted by the various notable figures and local businesses of Arcanus Isle (Echoes will find a representation of almost every Aercon-owned business!), the Echoes are equally encouraged to create floats of their own for the parade. Or join in other floats to assist their performances (or sabotage other performances) in an effort to join in the celebration!

Announcing the event on her very own float is is Arcanus’ own Opal Luminous, where you can watch the parade from your home.

Charms of the Garden

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

A favorite activity amongst festival-goers is to create unique garden bracelet for their friends and family members. There are dozens of different ornaments to choose from, each with their own meaning. All ornaments for Charms of the Garden are created by students at Arcanus University, and the proceeds return to the school's funding.

The charms provided are as follows:

Echo Tree Nut ( peace in change ) 

Field Fish Feather ( brings good people into your life ) 

Sapeng Wool ( aid with memories ) 

Moonview Spring Stones ( rejuvenation )

Lunar Coast Shells ( wealth in the summer ) 

Heavens Mirror Bead ( mourning lost loved ones ) 

May Flower Bead ( protection ) 

Zephyr Lilly Bead ( guidance in dark times ) 

Orb Flower Bead ( good wishes ) 

Sunflower Bead ( happiness ) 

Aether Rose Bead ( balance ) 

There are multiple locations for bracelets to be created along campus grounds.

THE LUNAR COAST.

The Lunar Tournament

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

The Trawler Docks are open and bustling with activity! During this time of year, the ocean is flourishing with many forms of sea life.

Some locals offer scuba diving tours of Arcus Cove's coral reefs, while others will gladly rent out boats for other residents to enjoy the clear blue waters.

Of course, the docks are also host to the largest fishing competition of the year: The Lunar Tournament.

There are three main categories that one could enter into: Biggest Fish (measured by weight and length), Most Fish (measured by total weight), and Rarest Fish (judged by leading Marine Biologists of Arcanus Isle). The competition also has a catch-and-release policy, which dictates that all fish caught should be released upon completion of the final scoring.

The winners of each category will receive a cash prize of 1,000 keys, a trophy representing their category, and a brand-new fishing rod!

Fish Spy

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

Primarily marketed towards families with younger children, Fish Spy is an event taking place in Arcus Cove. Participants are given a bingo card and taken out the coral reefs. There, they can snorkel in the waters while looking for many breeds of fish on their cards. (The cards are water proof!)

Some fish to find that are native to the Arcanus Isle include:

Comet Fish

Gem Fish

Illumenoctopi

Ripple Kelpies

Successfully filled-out cards can be exchanged for a variety of fish charms.

Nighttime Shimmers and Glows

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

In brilliant displays of wonder and light, a fireworks show is held every Sunday evening along Halycon Beach. Many gather all across the Lunar Coast just to watch the astonishing display. The firework shows change almost every night, with each display being more even grand than the last.

The show is hosted by Vander Bard of the Comet Promenade. Many enjoy watching the show on the Comets Ferris Wheel, especially with friends and loved ones.

Along the Comet Piers and Comet Promenade many shops offer great selections of fireworks, sprinklers, poppers, and plenty of fantastically sweet and savory treats the likes of fair foods.

The Clearview District.

Aevum Olympics 

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

Attention all sports fans! Coming to the Clearview Stadium is one of the most highly anticipated events of the Isle! The Aevum Olympics is the time when Aercon from all over Aevum come to compete in various sporting events. These include but are not limited to:

Track and Field (split between marathon and half-marathon sprints)

Swimming

Wrestling and Boxing

Various sports (e.g., soccer, football, baseball, tennis, etc.)

Pole Vaulting

Gymnastics

Ice Skating

Ping Pong

and many others!

Note: The Olympics can also include sports from an Echoes' homeworld.

All are welcome to come and spectate or participate! There’s just one rule:

No Cheating.

Cheaters will be forced to repeat their event against an Olympian Android. (Specifically, one designed by the event's biggest sponsor, the East Tower Company)

It never loses.

Of course, Aevum’s Tossup is one of the most popular sports. Over the spring, the four teams have been preparing near-endlessly for the playoffs that occur during this event. Now, it is finally time for the four biggest teams to compete for the championship title.

See here for information on the local sport.

Make sure to follow Aevum Daily for updates!

Fanalea District.

The Golden Harvests

No people are more excited about the Sunflower Festival than the residents of the Fanalean Farmlands, and Echoes are encouraged to join in! Beneath the Golden Moon, the Fanalean community ensures that their fields are fully revitalized for the coming crops to grow.

Plenty of help is wanted in the fields to help cultivate and care for the land. Fanalean farmers employ any volunteers to pick up a trowel to clear the fields of Whisper Thistles, care for livestock, harvest the last spring produce, sow summer seeds, and prepare some fields to lie fallow for the season.

Up to 500 keys per day will be offered to participating echoes.

At night, the workers watch in awe as fields of sunflowers begin to glow brightly across the fields, matching the Zephyr Lillies around them. The sunflowers absorb sunlight in their petals, and then under the golden moon, they glow a bright golden color.

Sunflower Feast

During Sunflower Festival, the locals will often spend time experimenting with new dishes and flavors. When new recipes have been concocted, the chefs gather around the bonfire at the center of Fanalea to share them. In fact, the whole community comes together to create new traditions and delights!

Sunflower is a key ingredient in many of the foods found. A glowing, golden tea - called Golden Cortania - is made from the petals of the sunflower. It is especially a fan-favorite. Tins can of Golden Cortania be bought from select shops in the Vesper Town Trading Post.

Some of the foods that can be enjoyed include:

Sunflower Seed Muffins

Pumpkin Sauce Pizza

Eben Root Stew, and many others!

Honeyglow Meadery is also offering Sunflower Wine, which is only available during this festival.

The Aether Reserve.

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

Keepers of the Lands, Skies, and Seas

As nature is the focal point of the Sunflower Festival, the Padedue Temple, Whisperwind Hacienda, and West Tower Society have combined efforts to create volunteer programs to help clean up and protect the natural world of Arcanus Isle. As this is a joint effort, the Hacienda is focused on education, the Padedue Temple is focused on volunteer work, and the WTS is responsible for funding and advertisements.

Information booths with petitions written by the West Tower Society will be posted all throughout Arcanus. Signers will pledge to protect the environment and spread awareness about ways residents can keep Arcanus Isle spick and span.

Those who sign on to the petition pledge will be made automatic volunteers, where they will be assigned a location to clear up any trash and resident-made debris. These trips involve waking up early, and are often an all-day event. Supplies are provided to the volunteers by the West Tower Society, and Willow Westson has designer a cool shirt with “Keepers of the Lands, Skies, and Seas” written on it. —They're tie-dye!

Most volunteer work will be found along the Lunar Coast. Primarily: Halycon Beach, Arcus Cove and Arcus Reef. But Downtown Arcanus' Quill Pillar Shores, the Aether Reserve's Moonview Springs, and any of the parks across Arcanus are all available volunteer locations.

Merchant Town.

Gateway Flea Market 

This activity is eligible for festival redemption.

In the center plaza of Merchant Town, a giant, mysterious tent has appeared seemingly overnight! Instead of the various food stalls and market shops, there now sits a wondrous pavilion called the Gateway Flea Market.

This tent houses brand new stalls full of Aercon selling or trading their random assortment of goods to anyone who may find a home for them. 

While many of of the prices come cheap, many other items may only be acquired through trading specific items that may take hours to find. An Echo dead set on a ware may find themselves embarking on a long and arduous Exchange Quest.

Curiously, in some of these stalls Echoes may come upon strange wares. Instead of the usual bits and bobbles however, what makes these wares so strange is that they may be familiar to the Echoes themselves.

These items range from books and journals, to trinkets, toys, jewelry and clothes, tools, decorations, and other such similar items. As with any item, these come at a price, and some merchants drive a harder bargain than others.

The rule of the game? One man's trash is another man's treasure. 

Be warned if you see one of the Pyrite Pawners triplets! They are all ruthless in their pursuit of unique items to sell in their shop.

Note: The following restrictions apply: The Items can: - Be items that exist in an Echo's native world - Be pulled from any point in time in the Echo's world, regardless of an Echo's current or potential canon points. - Be minor canon items, background items, and major canon items. The items cannot: - Be any belongings found on an Echo's application, current or future. - be weapons or magical in any way. - be eligible for the Tier Four Homeworld Redemption item. - Be larger than a two-foot cube. - Be items that canonically belong to another character or from a world separate to their own. All items redeemed must not serve a largely important purpose. e.g., Bilbo Baggins could not find one of the Ten Rings. These items must be found in either thread or drabble form in order to keep them. In which, a brief description of what the item is, and may be used is required. The thread or drabble must be submitted to the Aevum Marketplace as proof for approval to put on one's Stats page inventory. Requests will be processed from June 22rd - May 3rd.

Notable Legends.

The Golden Moon

The two moons of the Aevum Isles have always held a certain air of mystery to them. Most scholars agree that the moons are a symbol of Ebenos, while the sun represents Ivurie's qualities. As the understanding of the Aether grows, studies have shown that during select periods of time, one Aether may influx so greatly that it reflects upon the other.

One of these select periods is the beginning of summer, in which the Ivurie Aether burgeons so greatly, it reflects in the largest of the two moons, turning it bright golden color. As the light of the golden moon bathes Arcanus in its glow, it can be noted that plants grow much faster than usual, and the wildlife become more active and present in day-to-day lives.

Many speculate that this phenomena is the Aether replenishing itself in all forms of life. There is, after all, no other time of year where Aevum sunflowers glow as they do during the summer nights. Now, residents of Aevum Isles look to the glowing, golden moon and her many stars for glad tidings, good luck, and rejuvenation.

Stay tuned for more information on the Viderenox Observatory.

[theadventurebuddies]

You HAVE to go to #Shaqtoberfest 2023! #longbeach #halloween

Long Beach is the place to be for this incredible Halloween extravaganza adventure at Shaqtoberfest 2023! 🎃

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/FyPi7HdLl4Y

[disneytva]

Disney Parks Experiences And Products Announces Disney Channel Nite As Part Of Disneyland After Dark 2024 Slate

Disneyland Resort guests love attending Disneyland After Dark events. If you’re not familiar, Disneyland After Dark events are separately-ticketed, themed evenings that include after-hours theme park and ride access (often with less wait times!), unique entertainment, beloved and sometimes rare character appearances, specialty food, beverage, and merchandise offerings, and so much more!

Disney Parks Experiences and Products have revealed that the 2024 slate of the event will include some popular themes returning, plus an all-new one…Disney Channel Nite! based on the beloved legacy of the Disney owned network, the event will be held from March. 5 & 7, 2024, at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite Mar. 5 & 7, 2024, at Disneyland Park Get ready for this all-new, nostalgic celebration as Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite comes to life, highlighting themed offerings from favorite Disney Channel shows across various eras of programming with fantastic music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities, and more! Join in the fun with fellow Disney Channel fans with great offerings including: 

The “High School Musical” pep rally will take place through the streets of Disneyland park celebrating the songs from the beloved “High School Musical” franchise. 

The “Phineas and Ferb” dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland will be a high-energy dance party, complete with a DJ and appearances by your favorite “Phineas and Ferb” characters! 

“Camp Rock” karaoke will allow you to sing favorite songs, and The Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge will test true Disney Channel fans, all in the cozy atmosphere of The Golden Horseshoe.

“Descendants” at the Rivers of America will invite you to take a cruise on the Sailing Ship Columbia and enjoy music from the “Descendants” trilogy.  

Opportunities to step into imaginative photo backdrops representing favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, including “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie” and more, will make you the star!

Enjoy specially themed foods and snacks all evening long. A few items to expect are the mini banana burritos and tropical banana punch at Red Rose Taverne, plus chili cheese loaded nachos, and s’mores donut skewer from Café Daisy. Additionally, specialty dining packages will be available, too – more details coming to Disneyland.com, soon. 

[feelyxstuff]

Fan Fiction Recommendation #2

Hey everyone! 🌟

I hope you’re all having a fantastic Sunday!

I’m excited to share my second recommendation with you all today. 😊 I’m still thinking about setting a regular day for these posts—what do you think? I’d love your input!

Happy Sunday, and enjoy the recommendation! 💫

Name: Stick With You

Author: lettersinpetals

Fandom: Haikyuu!

Summary: The MSBY Black Jackals were vacationing on an island when lockdown measures were put in place due to a pandemic. While the rest of their teammates managed to get on the last flight back to Japan, Kiyoomi and Atsumu didn't make it. To be stuck in close quarters with your enemy-slash-teammate in a foreign country for an indefinite period of time…it shouldn’t be too bad, right? (Or: Due to an unfortunate series of events, Kiyoomi and Atsumu get stuck on an island together. For seven months.)

Rating: Explicit

Warning: No Arquive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandom: Haikyuu!!

Relationship: Miya Atsumu/Sakusa Kiyoomi

Characters: Miya Atsumu; Sakusa Kiyoomi; MSBY Black Jackals

Additional Tags: #Enemies to Friends to Lovers #Slow Burn #Getting Together #Getting to Know Each Other #Falling In Love #Fluff #Travel #island adventures and stuff #lord give them patience #someone save omi #There Is Only One Bed #pray for atsumu #Panic Attacks #hypermobility #Chronic Pain #Masturbation #Atsumu has freckles #Atsumu is canonically beefy #leave me alone #Eventual Smut #general anxiety disorder #Skinny Dipping #Sexual Tension #Light Angst #Jealousy #Arguing #Alcohol #Beach Volleyball #Explicit Sexual Content #Oral Sex #Semi-Public Sex #Anal Fingering #Rimming #Anal Sex #they have sex everywhere #Edging #Overstimulation #Barebacking #Happy Ending

Language: English

Stats: Completed 2020-12-31

Link for the fan fiction: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27206239/chapters/66454693

✦✧✦✧

My thoughts:

I can’t quite remember when or why I fell for SakuAtsu, but here’s the story: I was rewatching Haikyuu in anticipation of the new movie (2024) and decided to dive into some fanfics to find new ones. That’s when I stumbled upon this intriguing character, Miya Atsumu, who I hadn’t noticed in any of the tags or stories before, and now he was in every one of them. My curiosity was piqued, and after watching the last season, I totally got why everyone was interested in Atsumu so much—and that’s when I got to know Sakusa better, too.

The fanfiction I’m sharing is actually the first long read I’ve had for this ship, and it was such a delight! The author really captures the characters’ true selves and even highlights Sakusa’s hypermobility—something I was pleasantly surprised to see. Plus, it’s written by someone from the Philippines, so you get a taste of the language, culture, and beautiful places through the story.

It’s a wonderfully complete work that explores their adventures during Covid, locked away together, and getting to know each other in the most beautiful and chaotic way, just like only them know how to do. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend giving it a read!

Happy reading! 💫

My tags: sakuatsu; haikyuu

[hemmohaze]

The One With The Camera.

Warnings: Cursing

August 2019

"Hey Mom!” Gabriella answered her phone, setting her camera down and leaning against a mural she was photographing. She always had the brightest smile on her face whenever one of her parents called.

"Hey baby.” Her mom said with a smile on her face sitting on the patio of her childhood home in Laguna Beach.

Gabriella currently works as UCLA's photographer for the campus, ranging from highlighting the art that students have made and displayed around school to creating posters for upcoming events on campus.

Her and her mom continued talking until her roommate, Ashlyn sent her a text urging her to come back to their shared apartment.

Gabriella got to their apartment as Ashlyn basically dragged her in and sat her on the couch.

"Ouch could you pull my damn arm any harder!" Gabriella exclaimed once she sat down.

Ashlyn disregarded her statement as she was pacing back and forth around the apartment while having the biggest Cheshire cat smile.

Ashlyn ran a podcast on campus called The Ashlyn Show almost a direct hit to her favorite show as a kid 'The Amanda Show’ even if the creator of the show was a complete creep.

She talks about topics ranging from the Sephora kids she's been seeing on TikTok to environmental issues. Gabriella also films and edits every video she does.

"Okay so you know how I've been sending countless emails and messages to the radio staff to have musical guests on my podcast right every week, just to bring in more viewers?" She started.

Gabriella shook her head yes as she picked at the skin around her grown out acrylic nails.

"So obviously I've been getting some pretty shitty soundcloud producers and rappers." Gabriella’s lips pursed into a thin line as she raised an eyebrow. "Don't look at me like that."

"Well look no further than here, 5 Seconds of Summer are coming on the podcast in less than 15 minutes!" Ashlyn exclaimed, shaking Gabriella’s hands and jumping up and down with her.

"Oh my god shut up! I love their newest single 'Teeth' so much. Not to mention I've had the biggest celebrity crush on their lead singer ever since I was 12 and saw him doing covers on Youtube."

"I'm telling you this would be a great opportunity for both of us, you can plug your video and editing skills and I could woo Ashton with my impressive conversion skills." Ashlyn suggested while dramatically flipping her long red hair over her left shoulder.

"Hey, you guys have matching hair colors. I guess it's a sign." Gabriella joked with her.

"Oh my goodness you're right!!" Ashlyn said, taking the joke seriously. Gabriella just chuckled at her friend.

Gabriella's eyes soon widened as she racked over her appearance. An old graphic tee, some biker shorts and her beat up black converse. "I didn't even straighten my hair today. I look disgusting." She pointed to the messy strands of blonde hair falling out of her bun that she spent too much time this morning that she'd rather not mention.

Ashlyn scoffed as she grabbed her studio keys and clutch wallet from the bowl at the door. “Oh please you look gorgeous as always."

She sighed and collected her video camera, lenses, and tripod before following Ashlyn across campus and into her studio that she rents in the radio station.

"They should be here within the next 5 minutes. I'm gonna go pee before I piss myself mid interview. You can set up your camera and video stuff over there." Ashlyn pointed in the middle of the room

"Well if you did that Ashton would be surprised! I don't think it would be a good surprise nonetheless a surprise." Gabriella yelled as Ashlyn flipped her off from behind.

Gabriella laughed as she set up her video camera and tripod and scrolled on her phone on instagram stories to wait for Ashlyn to return from the bathroom.

She stopped at the @5SOS instagram story as it was a picture of Luke walking across their campus with the caption of 'Tune into our interview on 'The Ashlyn Show' podcast 2pm EST/ 11am PST'

Ashlyn returned less than 2 minutes later and started turning on her LED lights around the small space and turned on all the mics to make sure they worked correctly. She turned on their song 'Teeth' as the boys came in. Gabriella got up and turned her livestream onto the waiting room page and set the timer for 3 minutes.

They all shook her hand and sat down while introducing themselves. Gabriella looked everywhere except in Luke's direction. He looked so good in his yellow satin shirt and black jeans, his signature boots on his feet. Such a simple outfit but on his tall frame it had her weak in the knees.

"Hi guys! It's me, Ashlyn and welcome back to The Ashlyn Show. Obviously you guys know Gabby," Ashlyn dramatically held her left hand out towards the girl who peeped her head in the camera frame and waved. "Hey guys."

"Andddd that was Teeth by 5 Seconds of Summer, their latest single! Thank you guys so much for taking the time out of your busy day to come chat!" Ashlyn spoke to the video camera Gabriella had set up to livestream.

"Thank you so much for having us, we hope people enjoy us fucking around for about 2 hours." Micheal joked after 2 minutes of awkward silence. Gabriella made a mental note to herself bleep most of the cuss words they use when she goes to edit.

The interview was going great. They had amazing chemistry with Ashlyn as she kept up with their jokes and chaotic energy, Gabriella even joined in on some of the jokes with them.

Ashton made a joke about the two having matching hair as Ashlyn blushed redder than a tomato. Gabriella even started laughing along with them which she felt Luke’s eyes on her whenever she did.

Within 10 minutes of the interview starting, they already had close to 100,000 people watching them, the most viewers they've seen all year. Close to the end of the interview, Luke subtly found Gabriella’s Instagram account through the podcast account.

After the interview they guys had to leave to go do more press interviews. Luke was bummed out because he really wanted to talk to Gabriella.

Back in the car Luke finally had the guts to follow Bianca's instagram thanks to Calum basically grabbing his phone and doing it for him. It took everything in him to not follow her professional one as well, he thought that'd be a little stalker vibes, he did scroll through it though.

—————

Gabriella stood in the kitchen as she watched her instant microwave noodles spin when she felt her phone buzz in the waistband of her Victoria's Secret pink pajama shorts. She pulled it out and saw an Instagram notification she never thought it a million years would she see.

@lukehemmings started following @gabriellaaacampbell

"Ash! Ashlyn! Oh my god you have to see this." Gabriella turned to the girl laying across the couch watching The First 48.

"What?" She said with a mouth full of hot cheeto’s.

She flipped the phone to as her eyes widened in shock. "No way!! He followed you? How'd he get your instagram??"

"Im pretty sure it's on the bio of the podcast instagram." She quickly replied. "Do I follow him back??"

"What kind of question is that! Yes of course!”Ashlyn said while lightly smacking her arm.

"Okay you really need to not do that." Bianca said rubbing her arm slightly.

@gabriellaaacampbell followed @lukehemmings

She put her phone face down on the kitchen counter and stirred her noodles and added pepper until 10 minutes later her phone buzzed twice. Gabriella’s eyes widened in suprise and shock.

@lukehemmings sent you a DM.

" Did you just get a message from THE Luke Hemmings?" Ashlyn said looking over her shoulder.

"I guess so yeah." She said unsurely.

Gabriella’s hand shook in excitement and nerves as she opened the message.

'I know your probably wondering how I got your instagram aren't you😂' The message read

'Well I mean I'm not not wondering. I'm yet flattered and scared at the same time' She replied back.

'Well I got it from the podcast account. I didn't expect you to follow back so fast.'

'How could I not?! A really famous guy from my favorite band followed me, the 12 year old in me is screaming'

They stayed texting back and forth for another 4 hours until she stopped responding at close to midnight because she passed out from exhaustion from editing.

——————

Gabriella was currently at their upstairs neighbor's apartment babysitting their 7 year old, Ethan. She was on her 3rd energy drink of the day, babysitting a 7 year old can be a lot of work especially when she was up late editing their interview and doing some lab report essay for her Physics class that was due two days ago but her teacher is still accepting it.

She kept checking her phone to see if Luke responded to her messages but nothing. She assumed he was busy, I mean he was a rockstar.

Until then she got a DM while Ethan was napping.

'I know this is gonna sound so crazy but I'm in Southern California for another week, wanna possibly get a coffee together?' The message read. She had to read it five times until she came up with a response.

'Yeah that sounds awesome! I know this place about 10 minutes from me.'

'Pick you up around 3 tomorrow?'

'Absolutely!'

'Sounds like a plan then:)'

[blainesebastian]

last two people on earth

words: 1,506 ship: austin butler x reader summary: (anon request): Could you write a little blurb with Austin and reader on the beach? Maybe on holiday or just a day off after a long time, whatever you want notes: while I tend to lean towards snow myself, this was fun :)  warnings: none tag list: @killerqueenfan, @karamelcoveredolicity, @elizabethrosecresswell, @gigisworldsstuff, @stylesmendeshearted

One of the best things you and Austin decided to do was rent a beach house for a month after the filming of Elvis. He still had multiple obligations of course, interviews, events, the busyness that comes after shooting a film. Considering all of that, it spoke to an even greater reason about why a small break was well deserved. You weren’t able to completely disappear, or anything, but the sensation of your toes curling into the sand that first morning when you woke up with the ocean spread out before you? An unmatched feeling.

You have to admit you’ve always been an East Coast girl—you enjoy escape that involve winter scenes. Your ideal kind of vacation consists of a chic cabin in the middle of the woods or mountains, lots of snow, curling up in an oversized sweater in front of the fire with a giant cup of coffee. Admittedly though, this isn’t terrible in comparison. The beach house sits right along the water, a handful of tall windows to spread out the view to you, even from inside. There’s a large deck with a heated pool and your favorite spot is this nook with a swing bench right outside the kitchen doorway where you can stick your feet in the sand and smell the water. It’s especially beautiful when the sun starts to go down, the sky kissed pink, the water a slight hue of purple, the breeze warm and incredibly inviting.

Dangerous, almost, to feel so comfortable within a place—you’re not going to want to leave and go back to reality.

The beautiful view wouldn’t be complete of course without Austin, who’s been wearing a variety of shorts since he got here and practically open button-down short-sleeve shirts. His hair is back to its natural shade, dirty blonde curls that sit wildly near his forehead, perfect to run your fingers through, which you often do. His skin is slightly sun kissed already, rosy along his cheekbones and shoulders, highlighting the freckles there that are definitely kissable.

A week in and you’re constructing wild ideas in your head about how you can extend your stay…even though you’ve got a decent amount of time left to enjoy. You have to admit it’s selfish, wanting to stay here, have Austin to yourself, not having to worry yourself with obligations, distance, the pressure of everything expected. You try to remember that’s part of the reason you’re able to do something like this with your boyfriend—the gift that both of your careers have given you. Not many other people are so lucky.

Smiling a little as you lay on your beach towel, watching Austin come out of the water and make his way towards you, you set a book down that you’re attempting to read but your attention is waning.

Lucky is definitely a good word to use.

“You gonna get in the water or am I gonna have to carry you?” Austin asks, running his hand through his hair to get it out of his face.

You smile a little, shaking your head, “Don’t you dare.”

A soft, amused eyeroll before he adjusts the towel next to you and sits down. Letting out a soft hum, you sit up as well and let your sheer cover up slip from your shoulders, moving to pull your hair up into a higher bun. You can’t quite keep your eyes off of Austin next to you, the way the sun shimmers against his wet skin, water droplets cascading down over muscle. He picks up another towel and dries his face, reaching for the sunglasses sticking out of your beach bag to put on,

“You’re starin’.” He teases.

You grin, not ashamed in the slightest, “I like what I see.”

There’s an amused eyeroll from him, you notice it even though he’s got shades on, shaking his head as he takes a look out at the water. The beach isn’t private, exactly, but this is a typical place for other celebrities to rent out beach houses with friends, family and significant others when they don’t want to be bothered. It’s got a feeling of being remote that you like, almost as if—

“Sometimes it kinda feels like we’re the last people on earth here.” You say, reaching for your bottle of water to take a sip. Maybe that sounds a bit ridiculous or corny—you’ve definitely seen a lot of movies that lean towards science fiction. But it almost seems like that, being here with him, sometimes uninterrupted for days at a time without seeing anyone else on the stretch of beach of the houses to rent around them.

“I feel like this is not where you’d want to go if that were the case,” Austin reaches into the beach bag to tug out a bottle of sunscreen. “You and your remote cabins surrounded by snow.”

You laugh, scrunching your nose at him, “Hey, don’t knock it.”

Austin licks his lips, leaning in to steal a kiss from you. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” Then pecks your lips a few more times, mostly to make you giggle.

When he pulls back, you think he’s going to offer to put sunscreen on you but then he kinda gets this look on his face in which you…know he’s suddenly up to no good.

“What are you—” You barely get the words out before Austin is standing and in one swoop he’s scooping you up into his arms, “Austin!” There’s some squirming as he moves quickly towards the ocean—both of you know that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

A sharp laugh tumbles out of your throat as you hold onto your boyfriend tightly, nearly burying your facing in his shoulder as the cold water envelopes you both.

Definitely nowhere else you’d rather be.

--

Letting out a slightly dramatic sigh, you lean against the arm of the couch that’s placed on the deck near the pool. The sun is dipping low, the humidity winding down with the heat of the day, dissipating. It’s pleasant outside, perfect for a tall glass of mint iced tea and—

“Ow,” You frown, looking over your shoulder as Austin settles down behind you.

“I haven’t even touched you yet,” He smiles a little, amusement pulling at the corners of his mouth.

And apparently sunburn.

“Well it already hurts,” You pout and Austin shakes his head, leaning forward to press a kiss to your lips.

He rolls the aloe bottle between his hands to warm it up before squeezing some of it out onto his palms. Moving your hair to the side, he gently puts his hands on your back and begins to massage it in circles into your skin. A soft sigh leaves your lips and you close your eyes, wincing every so often as Austin’s thumbs brush over a sensitive spot.

“Told you that you needed more sunscreen.” Austin says but his voice is slightly teasing.

“Oh right—that was a big concern of yours as you were dragging me into the ocean.”

“I was applying sunscreen all day—you were pouting about it.” He smiles, working his hands down your arms, “I didn’t get burnt.”

Rolling your eyes, you slowly pull the straps of your tank top back up over your shoulders. Definitely hurts but…you suppose it could always be worse. Turning a little to look at your boyfriend, you stick your tongue out at him,

“It’s unsurprising that the universe just works out in your favor.”

Austin snorts, putting the cap back on the aloe and sets it aside, leaning against the other end of the couch. You do your best to get comfortable on the cushions without aggravating your skin, shifting until Austin has spread his legs out on the couch and you settle between them. You lie on your stomach, your back a lot worse than your front, and press your nose and lips into the soft fabric of his shirt near his collarbone.

He leans down and presses a kiss into your hair, his hands gentle as he rubs your back, an absent motion as he looks out into the ocean.

“Kinda crazy to think how much we’ll be swept back up the minute we leave here.”

You hum lightly, understanding what he’s saying. Not that your lives aren’t chaotic in a good way given your work but…this peaceful relaxation is easy to get used to and it’s going to be effortless to miss.

“We can always come back, right?” You ask and it sounds more like a promise—that when things start to get too hectic, when they feel themselves slipping away into that very same chaos…they’ll figure out how to make time for this. For eachother.

Austin smiles a little and nods, leaning down to brush your noses together in a bunny kiss. “Last two people on earth.” He coins, curling your hair behind your ear.

You smirk, pushing yourself up a little to capture his lips in a kiss.

Not a quite terrible thought.

[suzie-shooter]

Finally caught up with the Screaming Meals Indy GP commentary, so have some highlights:

The fact that they spent the morning with James taking sexy shots of Clem emerging from a pool is just - asaljdgkfdk.

C: Yeah, it's my backbone, well stiff. Yeah, nah, I've been walking around with a little bit of a kink. J: Hardly unlike you on any normal day mate, walking around with a bit of a kink.

C: Obviously Marcus starting off P11. What's new? J: Prince of P11. Fuck me, if I had a dollar for every time he's started P11. P11 or P13, he only deals in odd numbers.

J: I can sort of lubricate the process for you. The learning process, take you through that sort of, we're going to go in pretty hard.

C: Marcus, the biggest dur-brain on the football front, if you could say. J: Not just on the football front. C: Well, no, on plenty of fronts.

J: I tuned into the SidePod earlier this week - the bastard's wearing my shoes.

J: We were all a little bit - let's say distracted by the events of the afternoon. C: Bamboozled. J: Yeah. Shitfaced.

J: He's quite a fit looking young man.

C: Have we got a lot of content to talk about? J: No not particularly mate which is somewhat intimidating for sort of junior commentators like ourselves, but veterans in the sport of talking complete shit  so I'm not feeling too nervous about it.

J: Has [Sting Ray Robb] noticed that the front of his car doesn't look the same as when he got in it? C: Hey, I've made that mistake a couple of times there. (his little giggle kills me)

J: I thought I'd throw that information in there to sound intelligent, but if it turns out to be false then I'll look like a real dick.

C: I think he's been dadooshed from behind. J: It's always difficult when you're not expecting to be dadooshed from behind.

C: Marcus has picked up 2 spots, he's now back to P11, and it's same old same old for Marcus Armstrong.

J: The McLarens all stacked up in reverse order of the team favouritism.

J: [Harvey's] going to feel like an OnlyFans model at the moment, that car's going to be doing all sorts of vibrating.

C: Sometimes it do be like that. J: I forget that you're three years younger than me.

J: We're officially out of tequila now. C: Shit. That's no good....jeez you poured a lot in there!

J:  I thought you looked fabulous (about Clem in the swimming pool)

I love how they switch between ripping the absolute shit out of Marcus to being utterly ride or die for him in the race.

C: A chunderous amount of understeer there. J: A chunderous amount? What's a chunderous amount? Is that a word? C: Yeah. Chundersteer.

J: I've been referred to as motorsport's premier social climber. C: Probably yeah, you could be called a motorsport socialite.

Did Clem genuinely manage to miss the fact there was a live shooter incident next to them in Long Beach omfg. C: Thanks for not telling me about it, 'cause I would have freaked out.

J: He's not learned from his mistake, which is on brand for Marcus Armstrong.

C: We're unlapping! J: Have we unlapped ourselves? (I love that it's a team effort 😂)

No you took a screenshot of Clem's crotch.

C: We got friendship bracelets. J: Yeah, they both snapped within a week. C: Which obviously is not really good omen to our relationship. J: I've still got the beads.

C: Tell you what, I won't be walking straight tomorrow. J: What have you got planned??

C: Palou was like well in front, he's already won this fucking race, I don't know why we're still watching. J: Oh, we've got a few ponies in this race mate.

J: The indycar graphicing system sucks balls.

C (trying on James' glasses): I look quite French. J: You are French.

J: I'm going to sell [Herta] into the Parisian sex trade.

J: You know that meme? C: About? J: ...yeah, a bit broad, wasn't it.

J: I've ordered two brand spanking new pairs of white chinos for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. I figured I'd keep one pair in my bag at all times. In case I shit myself.

C: That's what Marcus is going to end up with. A willy. J: Huh? C: A willy trim. (Prince William's haircut)

C: Ibiza, great place, I'm going Ibiza. J: Course you are. Scumbag.

C: Sechs, my favourite number.

C: Show us Marcus! I want to see a bit more of Marcus.

J: Careful mate. You're not allowed to not know who people were any more. (ouch 😆. also that went completely over Clem's head 😭😆😂)

J: Mr Double-Fister with the celebration.

[wordwarriors]

Pacing and Scene Transitions

Thanks to everyone who attended today. It was another great discussion. There was a lot of things covered today, I hope this hits the highlights.

Scene: The basic building block of a story. A story is comprised of many scenes strung together.

Chapter and story length: A very common question in writer’s groups is how long should my book be?

How long should a chapter be? The truth is that no one can answer that for you. Each book, short story, chapter and scene should be as long as it needs to be to accomplish what you need it to accomplish.

Chapter and scene length should vary. Chapters do not need to be uniform, nor should they be. Sometimes a short chapter can be an excellent set up for what comes next.

Pacing: every word should push your plot forward.

Slowing the pace can be used to give readers a break, to give your character and readers time to process previous events. This is the place to explore character motivations, backstory, etc.

Create slower pacing with detailed descriptions, longer phrases/sentences, and paragraphs.

Use heightened detail when you want to slow things down. Think of a slow-motion movie shot. This kind of shot amps up the focus on each visual aspect, allowing the viewer to experience a single moment in exquisite detail. You can utilize a similar technique and achieve a similar effect in your writing. (See example under the cut)

Create faster pacing with sharp, short sentences. Shorter paragraphs. Show don’t tell. (He wasn't nervous...his heart pounded). Limited amount of exposition. Action words. Keep the action going.

Use shorter words. Ex: Try not endeavor. Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly. Ex: The sharp sword pierced his delicate skin. VS The sword pierced his skin.

If you were looking for slow, say his perception slowed down at that moment. Then: The world stood still as the gleaming blade sliced toward him, the sharpness biting into his soft, delicate flesh as a blossom of red appeared across his chest.

So the fast one if mid-scene, but if you now want to slow the narrative and transition scenes the slow would be better.

When you want fast pacing, that is not the time to give the character backstory or explain why she has a fear of heights.

Some genres lend to faster or slower pacing overall, but your story should have both slow and fast-paced scenes generally.

Scene Shifting: When to scene shift and how; Scenes shift when there’s a change in place, time, or POV. Can also show a change in heart or frame of mind.

Ending a chapter, adding a break (the little stars in the middle or an extra blank line)

A cliffhanger is when a chapter ends in the middle of a scene, at a crucial moment.

The last line of the previous scene should set up the first line of the next.

Don’t teleport, don’t time hop, don’t have characters suddenly appear. Rather, show these things. It could be with a header.

At the Royal Palace Cordonian Royal Hospital Six months ago…

I use scene headers when jumping between multiple locations/POV in one chapter, but generally, you would use the narrative to show shifts.

Examples:

In the days and months that followed, Clarissa and Sarah became closer as they bonded over their shared enthusiasm for horses. One morning in late April, Clarissa stepped out into the cool morning air to find Sarah was missing.

Thirty minutes later, they were in the car speeding toward the beach. The next day, they met in front of the fountain.

The posh hotel she found herself in…. As she stepped out of the limo….. Three days later…

That night,

We will talk about setting scenes/establishing scenes next month, but for now, remember to make it clear who is in the room when you set the scene or have a character enter later, but be sure to include it so the reader isn’t surprised when someone speaks when the narrative never showed that they were present.

Example of Slow vs. Fast Pacing:

A great example of using heightened detail to slow pacing courtesy of @karahalloway. This slows the action down and gets inside the character’s head, exposing backstory, personality, and motivation, immersing you in the sensory feel of the scene.

Arriving at the side of the pool, I peel my sweat-soaked clothes off, leaving only my boxers on for the sake of modesty in case someone happens to walk in.

Taking a breath, I step out over the edge and plunge straight in.

The sting of salt hits my nose — not the same flavour as the Med, but then no pool's ever gonna compete with that — as the water envelopes me and I let myself sink below the surface.

I hit the bottom and the echoey silence settles like a blanket around me, soothing my senses, taming my pulse.

Feeling my lungs start to itch from the lack of oxygen, I reluctantly open my eyes and kick back up to the surface.

But I don't feel like returning to dry land just yet.

So, drawing a quick breath, I stretch myself out and dip into an easy freestyle. Half-a-dozen strokes and I reach the edge of the pool. Diving down, I flip myself around to kick off the wall, resurfacing into a backstroke.

I repeat the pattern for about ten laps, enjoying the rare sense of peace that came with gliding weightlessly through the water, strokes moving effortlessly in time with my breath.

Eventually, though, I'm forced to call it quits as my body finally runs out of steam and my rhythm starts to falter.

Grabbing onto the edge of the pool, I pause to catch my breath, arms and shoulders tingling from the exertion..

Now contrast this to a fast-paced scene where we strip away all those details. You don’t need to know what the halls look like or what he’s feeling in this moment, the focus is on the action:

Men scrambled to their feet, grabbing weapons and scurrying down the hallway. The second the last man was through the door, Drake hauled ass across the room and swiped the keycard.

He sprinted up the stairs, making the first floor as he heard guards giving chase behind him. Footsteps pounded behind him and orders to halt rang through the hallways. He stayed far enough ahead of them that no one could get a clear shot off. Barely.

He knew where he was going and they didn’t.

He flew down the corridors and skidded around corners, weaving and twisting his way through the familiar halls until he found the door he was looking for.

He ignored the shouting as he hurtled around one last corner and dove into a small unused office, slamming the door shut behind him. He locked it and slid the desk in front of it.

By the time the guards got through the door, the room was empty.

“Where the fuck did he go?”

Drake was running through the secret passageways, on his way to freedom.

Please, if I've missed anything, feel free to mention it in the comments and I'll add it!

Also, check out these articles on Pacing and Scene Writing:

Pacing

Writing Scenes

November Event:

Live Discussion on World Building and Establishing Scenes on Friday, November 17th, 2023 12:00 p.m. CST

Please note November and December discussions will be on the third Friday of the month instead of the fourth

Word Warriors:

@karahalloway @aussiegurl1234 @harleybeaumont @alj4890 @peonierose @petiteboheme @twinkleallnight @lizzybeth1986 @noesapphic @thedistantshoresproject

@ryns-ramblings @tate-lin @nestledonthaveone

@aallotarenunelma @kristinamae093 @coffeeheartaddict2 @memorias-depresivas

@jerzwriter

[lantur]

I got home from Greece late on Monday night. Highlights of the rest of my trip,

Hiking 10 km along the caldera in Santorini, from Fira to Oia, enjoying views along the way. Eating an enormous waffle covered with Nutella, pralines, and almonds for brunch, along with a scoop of coffee-flavored ice cream, at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the ocean.

Seeing the ruins of the Cycladic Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini, as well as the accompanying museum with artifacts and wall art taken from Akrotiri. I love history.

Visiting the ruins on the sacred island of Delos.

Hiking to the top of an active volcano, Nea Kameni, near Santorini, and then visiting the thermal hot springs in the ocean nearby, sinking my feet into the soft volcanic mud.

Swimming, swimming, swimming, in cold, crystal-clear waters in Mykonos and Santorini. I had never swum in the ocean before and now it is one of my greatest joys.

GYROS! Fresh seafood! Fresh fruits eaten on the beach! The strawberries I ate there are the best strawberries I have ever had. I also ate a lot of gelato. So many good meals with so many amazing views of the ocean.

The trip was wonderful and it really helped with the healing process after all that I've been through in the last several months, especially in April and May. It helped a lot to - not replace the bad memories, because those will always be there, but to add new, beautiful and good memories, to layer on top of the bad memories, keeping them less fresh in my mind.

Lowlights,

Horrible long travel day from Athens back to Minneapolis, featuring getting detained by immigration upon my arrival in DC. Two (white) immigration officials claimed that "I did not look like my passport photo" or driver's license photo. These two individuals openly said that they were not allowing me to pass immigration "because I looked different, because my nose looked bigger, than it did in the passport and driver's license photos." This was the most bizarre and upsetting thing. I was shocked. I've flown out of the country numerous times and never had any issue re-entering until Monday. I was taken to a room and made to wait with no explanation. I texted as many people as I could to let them know what was going on, until I was stopped from using my phone. I was so distraught and almost cried in the room. Finally, a sympathetic (Black) immigration official let me go. It was so scary and upsetting, especially because I was alone, and coming off a 10-hour flight. It really rattled me and now I feel nervous and hesitant to fly internationally again.

I've been stressed af since I got back home. Catching up on work, lack of good quality sleep thanks to jet lag, feeling tired and achy from all the walking and hiking I did on my trip, and anxious because of traveling for work again today. I'm writing this from my hotel room in Iowa, where I am for a work event. I'm traveling again to Denver next Friday/Saturday for work.

I haven't slept through the night through all of May and all of June so far due to stress/grief/trauma/anxiety - only on the few nights I've taken a sleeping aid pill. I'm really hoping I can stabilize my sleep and settle my life down a bit in July.