#Mantis (delectation)

[this-is-a-name-dont-worry]

Making up Miraculous: :D

Having to find a name for the kwami: D:

[heretyc]

Hi! I’m the anon with the maneater wife for Franco and I just wanted to say thank you so much! You met and exceeded my expectations ten fold with my request I really liked what you did and if you ever wanted to write more for it I’d absolutely love to read more! ♥️

(Also you were right on the money with the naming scheme I personally envisioned the mantis myself but you can absolutely leave this up to everyone else’s own interpretation)

I 100% plan on writing more! It's addictive I s2g. [NSFW ahead. Not kidding, I got real dirty with this lol]

Franco meeting you was totally unexpected; he was roaming the streets of Havana, trying to locate a buyer who pussied out on him to no avail. He stole Franco's money, and as a result, his trust. Nobody fucked with a Barbi. This shit was next to impossible, with how many dark alleyways there were in this place. However, he didn't expect to see such a gorgeous woman standing over the man who fucked him over. Your face bloodied and your throat seemingly purring with delight like a cat with fresh cream. Franco wasn't disturbed, no. He's seen much weirder shit. He just raised a brow, "Good, is he?" "Very." You licked your lips free of blood to no avail, your face coated in the substance, "However he tastes a little...bitter." "Considering he ingested my fuckin' goods..." Barbi smirked, growing amused at how you described your fresh kill, "I wouldn't be too surprised." It took you no time at all to connect the dots. Havana was known for its drug rings, so you merely raised a brow, ready to rise. "Did I take a loyal customer from you? My mistake." "Loyal ain't the word I'd use to describe him, doll," Barbi sucked his teeth, growing a little irritated at the reminder, "Fucker stole my shit." "...Ah." You nodded, moving to rip a lung from the corpse's midsection. "May I continue?" "By all means." He didn't understand why he had a hard-on, but he's not one to question the body's desires.

He couldn't let you go. Absolutely fuckin' not. That'd be a crime against his carnal desires. For some odd reason, he found himself captivated. You were a woman who knew what you wanted, and you wanted to steal hearts. Literally. So he got to know you a little bit. This is what he learned; A runaway from your home country due to your strange craving, you abandoned your life after a series of murders. You've always found yourself enamoured with the delectable nature of human flesh, and after your father cheated on your mother and left you two with nothing, you had even more of an urge. So on your 17th birthday, you were found eating him. His body cut into sections, his new, young wife - whom he cheated on your mother with - found her step-daughter with hands full of intestines. She didn't live long, either. Your 17th birthday was satisfactory indeed. The government, however, did not agree. You were messy and you left fingerprints after his wife's family called in for a wellness check. A little hard to call her family when her head's in the toilet and her cunt is stuffed full of knives. So you hid on a cruise ship to Havana, and have lived there ever since, surviving off of your cannibalistic urges and theft. So you were the infamous maneater, he questioned. You certainly had a reputation here...albeit quite niche. You ate only men. Sure, you tried to eat evil men, but all men were good enough to your palate. He was obsessed already. Was he a little intimidated? Absolutely. But that's even better. You grew to enjoy his company. And for the first time in your life, you didn't immediately think of ways to devour him. He wasn't edible...to your mouth, anyway. But your heart? Definitely. You wanted more.

Your first date was held at a restaurant that he co-owned. Well...co-owned meaning he tied the owner up in the back and threatened him if he had plans on ruining your date. His men held guns at the staff, and threatened them to continue on with their duties. He even went as far as to hire a chef known for working with human meat. Nicknamed "Havanabal" [Hannibal and Havana], it was fate. Franco was more than enchanted, leaning his head onto his gloved hand as you spoke of random topics, occasionally sipping on wine. You were, however, rudely interrupted. "Hey, boss," one of his henchmen walked inside of the empty dining room, and Franco couldn't stop his hands from clenching. "We got somebody wanting you.." "You were told not to fuckin' bother us." "I know, but there's a potential buyer wanting to see you," the man whistled, "Lookin' mighty rich." "He better be rich with patience, then," Barbi rolled his eyes, "I'm fuckin' busy." The henchman just nodded before looking you up and down, a smirk forming onto his face, "Damn...and I can see why. She's worth it." He didn't have the time to notice Lupara's barrel firing into his jaw, and the other men working under Barbi didn't think to expect one of their allies laying on the floor, bone shards and flesh littering the floor. You weren't even bothered, either; you simply smiled, "I like my men how like I like my popcorn...popped." You teased. Franco snorted before snapping his fingers, "Clean this shit up, and cut him into pieces. Put this fucker into mia bella's meal," he cooed at you, before turning to look at the men beginning to drag the corpse away. "Keep the fuckin' bones intact...I have an idea." Thankfully, no questions were asked, and the chef came out within the next half hour with two dishes. "Carbonara for the sir," the chef hummed, but he purred the moment he placed yours down, "And livernese for the cultured lady." "Thank you," you hummed, putting your hands together in delight, "it smells lovely...blood in the sauce?" The chef grinned, nodding, "Of course...it's the perfect taste and colour, no?" "Absolutely." He soon bowed, and left you two to eat. Now, Barbi should have gagged. This was against human nature...but he wasn't one to give a shit about human nature. He watched with interest as you slurped a piece of liver, moaning at the taste. "So...rich." He wasn't fond of eating another person, but even your reaction had him curious about the taste.

[Inspired by this anon here] Franco's support of your lifestyle had meant the world to you, and it was clear you were meant to be the moment he took you shopping to places. The bar, the grocery store, the sex club. You'd be leaning into him as he pointed at random men, hoping to help you find something to quench your thirst. "What about that fucker?" He picked his teeth with a toothpick, his free hand placed onto your hip with affection. His eyes were on a priest, speaking with a man. "Hmmm...tempting," you murmured, "priests tend to be quite...unholy. Unfortunately that transfers into their taste," you sighed, shaking your head. "Next one." "Alright...what about him?" He motioned to a man twitching out of his mind, seemingly shouting at nothing, "Nobody would miss him, darlin'." "He's high off of something...the only product I take is yours," you quipped, shaking your head. "Besides, I feel like the demons would miss him." "Touche," he clicked his tongue, before finally narrowing his eyes at a man walking past. "Him." You looked at the individual, noticing how...shady he looked. "Fucker's a rival of mine." "Oh...well, in that case..." You chuckled, taking his hand into yours. "Give me a hand."

[NSFW, blowjob] Your second date was in a hotel; it was moreso forced, seeing as he started a gunfight over your little cannibalistic habits, but he told you to meet him in the hotel across the city. You'd be safe there, he promised. And so, you separated. You stuck to the shadows and he shot at anybody who dared look at him. You took a little too long for his liking, and he worried if you got caught...until you walked into the room, coated in blood. A trademark look for you, but he simply raised a brow. "Sorry...I ordered takeout," you joked, sucking on a finger. God, if only you knew the effect you had on him- "Oh?" You purred, making your way over to him to place a hand over the bulge forming in his dress pants, "Am I making you...excited, Franco?" "I'm not the lying type, sweetness," he bit his lip, his breaths becoming shallow, "You make me fuckin' harder than steel." You simply laughed, pushing him onto the bed before locking the doors, and pulling the curtains over the windows. "I had a feeling...I saw your little friend get excited the day we met." You winked at him, your steps silent as you made your way to the bed. You took no time at all to pull his pants and boxers down, and you whistled at the size of the cock bouncing free from its confines. "Sorry...big friend." You snickered, a bloodied finger moving to trail down the shaft. A mere 9 inches and deliciously thick, you traced your bloodied nail along every vein that seemed to throb each time you came close, and you drank up Barbi's frantic breaths like water in the desert. "Does this excite you?" You tilted your head, beginning to stroke his cock with a slow pace. "Knowing a maneater is stroking your cock...knowing I could bite it off in one bite." "Fuck...yes," Barbi growled, a gloved hand gripping the sheets as the other gripped your scalp, "I could...fuck, I could die happy thinking about that shit." You smirked, your tongue peeking out to lick the bead of pre-cum forming on his cockhead. His cock was turning a sickening red, a result of the blood on your hands wiping off onto the thick organ, "You could, hmm? Tell me more." "Tear my fuckin' throat out, crown me with your halo of crimson," he began to pant, his cock beginning to twitch out of eagerness, "FUCK, you excite me, you vixen. Take me into your mouth, please," he huffed, his eyes wide in excitement. You felt like a drug with how desperate he was. He didn't have to ask; you were quick to take half of his length into your throat, bobbing your head as you moaned at the taste. The combination of his musk, the blood, the sweat...god, it was addictive. His hips showed no mercy as they began to thrust. "Bite me," he choked, "bite my fuckin' dick. Show me how much of a danger you are, you fuckin' TEMPTRESS," he groaned, tossing his head back. He cared not for the sirens outside, or the screams of people in the streets. You grazed your teeth along his length, not yet biting down, but making sure he knew they were an available threat should he thrust too hard and too fast. The thought of having you rip his cock off...fuck, why did that excite him? He felt his balls begin to tighten, and he yelled out in pleasure, cum rushing from his cockhead to travel down your throat. Nothing was more erotic, more divine than seeing you pull off of him, bridges of bloody saliva connecting your lips to his softening cock. You chuckled breathlessly, laying a kiss onto the cockhead, "I think I've found my new favourite taste..." Oh, how he became a whore for that sentence. A shame neither of you noticed Clyde Perry sneaking in during your moment of bliss.

[sarcophagid]

you have delectable art and have curated such a hyperspecific fandom corner that I simply fuck with it immensely. also selfship to selfship communication I not only respect the hustle but I applaud it. your art has the spiritual shape of a praying mantis and the mentality of a pissed 80s goth. I am dining on that shit like fine wine. may your good days be many and may your enemies explode on sight, godspeed soldier 🤌

--a fellow artist in these trying times

aww i'm really happy you like my silly drawings ♥️

ALSO ty abt the praying mantis thing i really really like bugs although i rarely draw them rip 😭

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Grapevine Beetle - Pelidnota punctata

My mother found this delectable insect in the front yard last year (Pictures 3 and 5), and seeing it again reminded me that I still have a few pictures from the year 2022 to share as well. Even though I've only seen this insect once before, I'm drawn to it and it's berry-like form. Among the large-sized Beetles, it's definitely one of the cuter specimens being smooth and rounded. Such as it is when you're a Chafer Beetle and you need to support that armored body with a steady diet of leaves. Within both image sets here, the individuals photographed did seem to be eating vine-based plants that are likely not true grapes, but could very well be in the Vitus genus, but I cannot confirm at the moment as I am not a botanist. What I can confirm is this is indeed a Grapevine Beetle and not any of the few look-a-like insects that could be confused with it. One such insect that seems to pop up in that discussion is the Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera), an iridescent fellow Scarab that may be mistaken for the Grapevine's yellow-colored individuals that lack spots and have brown-colored legs. A quick but detailed examination between the two should be enough to discern them where their habitat ranges overlap. Having detailed a lot of this Beetle's behaviors and preferences in its first post on this blog, I'd like to draw your attention to some physical characteristics for the second half of this post.

In particular, I'd like to focus on this Beetle's legs. Insects and legs go hand-in-hand given they have 6 of them and they come in many shapes and sizes all suited for different adaptations. As such, unless they are unusually different (e.g. Mantis raptorial forearms) they can be taken for granted. However, since the legs of this specie are distinctive to its subfamily (Rutelinae - the Shining Cafers). The Scarabs within that subfamily have tarsal claws (the foot claws) that are independently moveable and are unequal in size (one is slightly thicker and larger). Compare this to other Scarabs such as Rhino Beetles that have 2 fixed claws on their tarsus. For the Grapevine Beetle these claws are very prominent (see Pictures 3 and 7) and may offer an advantage for climbing and grasping when navigating vines. Moreover, there are modifications made to the tibiae, which are thickened and lined with bumpy protrusions. There is also a long spike at the end near the leg. These features (when compared against other Beetles) may help make digging easier which could benefit how easier this Beetle can have a suitable egg-laying site ready.

Pictures were taken on September 7, 2022 with a Google Pixel 4 and on August 10, 2023 by my mother with a Pixel 4a (marked with the Mantis Logo).

[tourist-destinations]

5-Day Istanbul Itinerary and Travel Guide

Pursue a 5-day idyllic itinerary through the magnificent Istanbul that will truly exhibit its eternal splendor through times past and times present. The trip will open rooms for one to survey some of the most illustrious attractions, from the splendid Hagia Sophia to the mesmerizing Blue Mosque, as well as the gyrating bazaars and engrossing food. And surely there would be startling times ahead for such encounters. It can be a good guide for first-timers alongside those who have been in this pretty metropolis before. With supreme Istanbul tourist packages, make the paramount point of what this city has on its platter for its esteemed guests awaiting to be unfurled.

Crucial Facts

When to Go? April until October

Accommodation- Radisson Blu, Hotel Karakoy, Pera Palace

Getting Around- metro lines, trams, cabs, ferries, buses, 2 funiculars

Delicacies- Turkish tea & coffee,  Manti, Baklava, Iskender Kebab

Packing List- relaxed attires cum footwear, thin jacket for breezy evenings, sun guards, key documents, medicines, chargers

Safety- Incredibly safe, be vigilant in overly crowded spots

Shopping- Purchase Turkish rugs, spice mixes, tea sets, leather items, silk scarves

Istanbul’s 5-Day Extensive Itinerary- A Primer

Day 1- Historic Spectacles

Your opening day will first take you to the illustrious Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which hold infinite yesteryear treasures from Babylonian Reliefs to Anatolian sarcophaga-which the museum boasts of. Survey Aya İrini to master its historic courtyard and walk around the Roman Emperor Constantine's controversial tomb. Then, sample a scrumptious lunch at Café Gulhane within the peaceful milieu of Gulhane Park. The next stop is the much-talked-about Basilica Cistern, an eerie underground wonder. En route, take pleasure in the Milion Stone's vistas while passing by on your way to the exquisite Hippodrome remnants. Be in awe at the intricately-ceilinged Blue Mosque and survey Sultan Ahmed Tomb. Finally, it flashes out at the celebrated Aya Sofya prior to enjoying spectacular twilight sights with a rooftop slurp at the chic Café Seven Hills.

Day 2- New-Age Istanbul

Day 2 of your intended 5 Days in Istanbul will be brimming with anticipation to walk around the local neighborhoods alongside Istanbul's up-to-the-minute art. Initiate at Taksim Square, walk through Istiklal Caddesi, and draw to a close the morning at cute Café Ara, where you relish a superb brunch. It is abode to legendary works, particularly the incredible Tortoise Trainer. Stop over at Beyoğlu's art gallery circuit that incorporates Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence. Next, cross over the illustrious Galata Bridge for some delectable cuisine at Hamdi's. The afternoon encompasses a tour to the scented Spice Market and drifting along the street. Finally, opt for a ferry to the gorgeous Kadikoy for familiarizing the local food market earlier than relishing dinner at the excellent Ciya Sofrasi for a real flavor of southeastern run Turkish gastronomy.

Day 3- Istanbul’s Legacy

Get in touch with Istanbul's average spirit with fantabulous culture. Initiate at Ortaköy, where you are first going to relish Café Zemheri's Sunday brunch earlier than exploring whatever flea market has to offer. Be astonished by the Ortaköy Mosque, positioned on the charming Bosphorus. Walk to the regal Dolmabahçe and steal into its mammoth halls, the Blue Hall being one and another leading into the Crystal Staircase. Wrap up with the inimitable exhibit at the Galata Mevlevi Museum, a dance amid a human and a whirling mystic world in their famed Whirling Dervishes observance. Leave all those crowded spots behind and settle in for exclusive rooftop cocktails at none other than SNOG Roof & Bar. Bundle up your evening with an exquisite feast at Sahrap adjoining Sishane Metro while relishing the core of Istanbul.

Day 4- Roman Churches alongside Ottoman Victories

Istanbul's local neighborhoods reveal the Ottoman subjugation tale and reveal formerly unidentified Byzantine gems. Initiate the day at the outstanding Panorama 1453 Museum and indulge yourself in the 360-degree battle scene. The subsequent stop is Chora Church-a striking illustration of Crusader-byzantine art with its unmatched frescoes and mosaics. Lighten up with a composed ferry tour alongside the Golden Horn, and then take pleasure in a feast at Karakoy's Akin Balik. Spend the afternoon ahead surveying up-to-date art galleries from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art to the splendid Tophane-I Amire Culture Centre. Close your day with dinner in the vivacious Karakoy district, embracing the extraordinarily best things to do in Istanbul.

Day 5-Grandiose Istanbul

Feel Istanbul's majesty, which reflects its exquisiteness through imposing mosques and superb palatial homes. Initiate at the Valens Aqueduct-Great aqueduct pace down towards the fine-looking Süleymaniye Mosque. Stop over at Aga Kapisi for some inimitable Turkish coffee after determining the mosque's charisma and the metropolis beyond, which presents an incredible vision over the mosque & Istanbul. Then head towards the illustrious Grand Bazaar so that you have endeavored your negotiating/haggling skills and, as a by-product, picked up some lunch en route at Carsi Kebab. Post this, you can trip to Topkapı Palace, where Ottoman Sultans dwelled decadently, and miss the stand in line via a museum card. Devote decent hours for surveying this decadent Ottoman Empire pictogram, earlier than finally implementing your five-day full Istanbul program.

Effective Tour Tips

Take pleasure in unperturbed public transport access through Istanbulkart

Rush hour is a NO for commuting at ease

Style modestly while in public and pious places

Add a little cash more so for little purchases

Don relaxed footwear to traverse Istanbul's cobbled streets in the breeze

Evade photography within religious sites

Relish pictorial Bosphorus visions via a ferry tour

Have navigation apps ready

Reach celebrated spots well in advance to keep queues at bay

Acquire Istanbul e-pass

Conclusion

This comprehensive 5-day Istanbul itinerary will pave the way for an idyllic amalgamation of times gone by, ethnicity, and present-day charm. You will observe the unsurpassed of what is accessible in Istanbul when surveying the eminent sites from the Blue Mosque to the Hagia Sophia alongside between neighborhoods full of go and the flavorsome Turkish cuisine.

[shraddha01510]

Indulge in Authentic Turkish Cuisine at MADO | A Culinary Journey in Mississauga

Nestled in the vibrant culinary landscape of Mississauga, Ontario, lies a hidden gem awaiting exploration by food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Turkey. MADO, a beacon of Turkish cuisine excellence, offers a tantalizing journey for those craving the rich flavors and cultural heritage of this ancient land. As one of the best Turkish restaurants in Mississauga, MADO beckons patrons to embark on a gastronomic adventure through its exquisite dishes and warm hospitality.

At the heart of MADO's allure is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. From the moment guests step through its doors, they are transported to the bustling streets of Istanbul, where centuries-old recipes are lovingly passed down through generations. The ambiance resonates with the soul of Turkey, with intricately designed interiors that evoke the charm of a traditional Turkish eatery.

The Turkish Cuisine at MADO begins with a tantalizing array of appetizers, each crafted with precision to awaken the palate. Indulge in the creamy richness of hummus, delicately seasoned with tahini and garlic, or savor the savory delights of borek, flaky pastry parcels filled with feta cheese and herbs. For those seeking a taste of the sea, MADO offers succulent calamari rings, lightly battered and fried to perfection, or tender grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

As the journey continues, diners are invited to explore MADO's signature entrees, each a masterpiece of Turkish culinary artistry. Sink your teeth into the tender succulence of shish kebabs, grilled to perfection and served with fluffy rice pilaf and grilled vegetables. For a taste of nostalgia, savor the comforting embrace of manti, tiny dumplings filled with seasoned meat and topped with creamy yogurt and tangy tomato sauce.

No Turkish culinary experience would be complete without a sampling of sweets, and MADO delivers with an exquisite selection of desserts sure to delight the senses. Indulge in the decadent sweetness of baklava, layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup, or cool off with a refreshing serving of creamy Turkish ice cream, renowned for its unique elasticity and rich flavors.

Beyond its delectable cuisine, MADO distinguishes itself as a bastion of Turkish hospitality, where guests are treated like family from the moment they arrive. The attentive staff embodies the spirit of generosity and warmth for which Turkish culture is renowned, ensuring that every visit to MADO is not just a meal but a memorable experience.

For those seeking an authentic taste of Turkey in the heart of Mississauga, MADO stands as a shining example of excellence among Turkish restaurants. With its dedication to tradition, commitment to quality, and unwavering passion for hospitality, MADO invites diners on a culinary journey they will not soon forget. So, venture forth and discover the rich tapestry of flavors that await at MADO – a true gem among the best Turkish restaurants in Mississauga.

[ez-ra-zed]

2033 meat poppy mantis alien invasion 2033 there are giant mantis people in a hollow moon watching us right now they eat things alive, humans they DONT LIKE - they are always green, blue, pink, and any color that mantises in Earth are

They MAYBE MAYBE MAYBE invade in 2033?

And factory farmed intelligent alien life in Andromeda, and every time they discovered a new intelligence, all they thought about was nuking then, sending them into a scifi dystopic dark age while using fear conditioning and enslaving them, eating some not others while breeding and genetically modifying others to be delectible, while being intelligent. They need to see intelligence in their eyes

Not all of them, just the genocidal ones that happened to take power, on Planet Neur

Many eat 3D printed intelligence as a kink, that don't feel pain just pleasure

Many just eat ... animals? Then why did they do that to every intelligent alien planet in Andromeda? Until some scientists hacked their brains by upgrading them with technology, to prevent them from discovering certain things like FTL space travel to protect the Milky Way

But some get to come over in their big bodies and eat some people in a hollow moon, and under the Earth. Or, those are just troglodyte tridactyls in Giant Mantis avatars still eating people alive for fun not because mantis aliens are real beings that evolved like that

[packagetoursturkey22]

Discovering the Enchanting Beauty of Bursa: Unforgettable Tours by Package Tours Turkey

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Uludağ mountain range, Bursa stands as a captivating blend of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural splendor. Embarking on a Bursa tour with Package Tours Turkey promises an unforgettable journey through this enchanting city, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of the past and each landmark unveils a unique piece of Turkey's vibrant tapestry.

A Glimpse into Bursa's Cultural Tapestry

Package Tours Turkey ensures an immersive cultural experience by curating itineraries that highlight Bursa's historical significance. Begin your adventure with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Bursa City and its breathtaking landmarks. The Grand Mosque, or Ulu Camii, takes center stage with its stunning Ottoman architecture and intricate calligraphy, leaving visitors in awe of its grandeur.

The ancient Bursa Citadel, dating back to the Byzantine era, provides panoramic views of the city, while the lively Bursa Bazaar invites you to indulge in a sensory overload of colors, aromas, and traditional handicrafts.

Nature's Retreat: Uludağ Mountain

No Bursa tour is complete without a journey to the snow-capped peaks of Uludağ Mountain. Package Tours Turkey offers seamless transportation to this natural haven, where visitors can engage in both winter and summer activities. From skiing on powdery slopes in winter to hiking through lush landscapes in summer, Uludağ offers a refreshing escape for nature enthusiasts.

Culinary Delights: Bursa's Gastronomic Wonders

A culinary adventure awaits as Package Tours Turkey introduces you to Bursa's gastronomic wonders. Indulge in the world-famous Iskender Kebab, savoring the perfect blend of grilled meat, yogurt, and savory tomato sauce. Explore the city's local eateries to sample Manti, a delectable Turkish dumpling, and be sure to try candied chestnuts, a sweet treat synonymous with Bursa.

Comfortable and Inclusive Travel

Package Tours Turkey prioritizes your comfort, ensuring seamless travel logistics and expert guidance throughout your Bursa exploration. Accommodations are carefully selected to provide a comfortable retreat after a day filled with discovery, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the beauty of your experiences.

Book Your Bursa Adventure Today

With Package Tours Turkey, the allure of Bursa becomes more accessible than ever. Discover the charm of this Turkish gem, guided by expert tour operators who weave together history, culture, and nature into an unforgettable tapestry. Book your Bursa tour today and let the ancient city enchant you with its timeless allure.

[grandkonak]

Top 10 Must-Try Turkish Delights: A Culinary lebanese Through the Best of Turkish Cuisine

Turkey, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a culinary tapestry that is as diverse as it is delectable. In this gastronomic exploration, we present a curated list of the top 10 must-try Turkish delights. From savory kebabs to mouthwatering desserts, join us on a journey through the heart of Turkish cuisine in singapore.

Kebabs:

No culinary tour of Turkey is complete without savoring the iconic Turkish kebabs. From  Clarke quay, each region boasts its unique preparation method and spice blend. The succulent, perfectly grilled meat, often served with flatbread and yogurt, promises a taste of authenticity that captivates the senses.

Meze Platter:

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with a traditional Turkish meze platter. A colorful assortment of small dishes, from hummus and muhammara to dolma and cacik, offers a delightful introduction to the diversity of Turkish appetizers. The communal nature of sharing meze brings people together, creating a convivial dining experience.

Mix mandi platter:

Often referred to as "Turkish platter," pide is a boat-shaped flatbread generously topped with an array of ingredients, including cheese, meats, and vegetables. The crisp edges and soft center make each bite a symphony of textures and flavors, making pide a beloved street food and family meal alike.

Testi Kebab Lamb:

No discussion of Turkish sweets is complete without mentioning lamb. Layers of thin phyllo dough, butter, and nuts, drenched in honey or syrup, create a dessert that is both decadent and delicate. The intricate preparation and the balance of sweetness make baklava an indulgence worth savoring.

Manti:

Often hailed as Turkish dumplings, manti are small pasta parcels filled with spiced meat and topped with yogurt and garlic-infused butter. These bite-sized delights are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into Turkish cuisine. The symphony of flavors and textures in each manti bite is a culinary revelation.

Mezza Platter:

Known as Turkish flatbread or "Turkish mezza," lahmacun is a thin, round dough topped with a minced meat mixture, vegetables, and herbs. The crispiness of the crust and the aromatic blend of spices make lahmacun a beloved street food and a go-to choice for a quick and flavorful meal.

Muttabbal

Elevate your culinary journey with a sip of Turkish Muttabbal. Served in traditional glasses, Turkish Muttabbal is a national institution, while Turkish coffee, thick and strong, offers a unique brewing method and a rich cultural experience. These beverages, often enjoyed in leisurely settings, are an integral part of Turkish hospitality.

Wara'a Enab:

A hearty Turkish breakfast option, menemen features eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The harmonious blend of flavors and the comforting warmth of the dish make it a staple in Turkish households. Enjoyed with fresh bread, enab provides a robust start to the day.

Kunefe:

Indulge your sweet tooth with kunefe, a dessert that combines shredded phyllo dough with sweet cheese, baked to perfection, and soaked in syrup. Served warm and often garnished with pistachios, kunefe is a divine ending to any Turkish meal.

Tzatziki:

Commonly referred to as Turkish bagels, simit is a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds. This ubiquitous street food is not only a popular breakfast item but also a versatile snack. The golden-brown exterior and chewy interior make simit a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with Turkish tea.

Final thoughts

Embarking on a culinary journey through the top 10 must-try Turkish delights unveils the soul of a cuisine that is steeped in history and tradition. From the savory delights of kebabs to the sweet pleasures of baklava, each dish is a testament to the culinary artistry that defines Turkish gastronomy. So, venture forth and savor the flavors of Turkey, where every bite is a step into a rich and diverse culinary heritage.

[openforjean]

Birthday sex

Post-Endgame!Thor x fem!reader (so spoilers duh)

Warnings: lots of smut, so (+18) pls

A/N: ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ANON THAT REQUESTED THIS! I hope you a fabulous, spectacular, smut filled day;) if ur feeling nice say ‘happy birthday’ in the comments for the person to read and a nice message pls :) it would mean a lot to them 💕

*****

Thor has been planning your birthday surprise for weeks now, of course he had some help from Bruce, Korg and the gaurdians. He asked everyone individually what he should do. It went, well-you’ll see.

Rocket suggested to get you a bionic limb, as of Mantis suggested something she likes to eat that he can’t remember. Drax said some nice passionate love making would do it, but Thor wanted to treat like a queen. He then went to Groot, he said “I am groot (Who?)”. Thor decided to go to Peter Quill next, his idea wasn’t so bad. He said sex, food and music. Thor liked it, Nebula was near by and suggested 2 long ass blades to slit throats with.

He planned and planned and he finally came up with this, birthday breakfast, then, birthday fun (paint, watching tv/movies, pull pranks on people). Lunch, he’ll take you out to the beach and have a picnic and dinner, dinner is the real fun. Dinner was eating on the roof of the compound watching the stars, after that sex. After some rounds, he’ll have a nice warm bath ready for you and a massage. Thor liked the idea, he thought it would be perfect and it was. The day wen every well, exactly as he hoped.

The roof’s view of the stars wasn’t bad, it was a bit breezy though. You were just about done with your food, Thor looked around and saw that you were almost done eating. Thor couldn’t wait to make love to you, he wanted tonight to be special but he couldn’t stop the raging erection in his pants. You were wearing a flowy short red dress and you looked so delectable, he couldn't go two seconds without looking at you. 

“This day has been great, love. I really enjoyed it, thank you.” You stand up and give a kiss on the cheek, he pulls you to sit on his lap. Your legs are wrapped around his waist, you could feel his hard erection. You start to grind on it, slowly. Thor wraps his arms around your waist and guides down on him. 

“Lets get you inside, my queen.” Thor says, you get off of him and he holds your hand as he leads your shared room. Thor lays you out onto the bed and you slide your dress off. Your intimate parts are out on display now, and he starts to kiss your entire body. He kisses your neck, your jaw and your most sensitive areas. His mouth trails from the middle of your chest down to your aching wet core. He takes his shirt off and you stared at his sweaty body, it made you even wetter. You were aching for him to touch you, you let out a whine as he took too long getting nude. He then placed his head between your thighs and dragged his tongue rapidly on your clit, you were a moaning mess. You pushes his harder on your clit and he went faster, your body started to shake. He licked slow stripes until you came down from your high. He then flipped you over, you were more than ready for his giant cock. 

“Ready, my queen?” Thor asks in a dark tone, he pulls your hips to his and squeezes your ass with his hands. 

“Always ready for my king.” You say, he responds with his cock slipping into your wet cunt and fucking you. He groans heavily as he thrusts into you, he reaches for your clit and rubs it. He can feel his orgasm approaching, he even feels yours. He slows his speed to last longer. 

“Let go my queen, cum on your king’s cock.” Thor says, he smacks your ass cheek causing it to turn red. The mix of pleasure and pain triggered the most intense orgasm ever received. 

“Shit, I’m going to cu-ah.” Thor was interrupted as of your walls clamped down on his cock, he was very close. 

“Cum, my king.” 

“Fill me with your seed.” You say, Thor cums in your cunt as deep as he can go. His dick softens inside you, he pulls out and his cum leaks out of you, which makes him a little proud.

 He stands up and pick you up and carries you to the bathroom where he planned to worship your body, he placed you in the empty bathtub. 

“Happy Birthday, my queen.” 

[thatswhatisee]

Remember, Remember

This is my take on "What if the bee had not stung Scully in the Hallway Scene?" In Fight the Future. Also available at AO3

I want to thank @agentelmo, @handsofabitterman, and @mldrgrl for their help in the early stages. Tossing ideas around with them made me come with a certain structure to this project. This first chapter has been betaed by dksculder, @ enigmaticdoctorscully , and @settle-down-frohike . Without their feedback, I wouldn't have been able to get this here.

I also want to thank Vicky @frangipanidownunder for her writing workshops that have helped me become a more confident fanfic writer.

English is not my native language and feedback is much appreciated. Without any further ado, here is the story.

xXxXxXxXxXx

Chapter 1

I go for a run. I run like my life depends on it. Which I find ironic in a way, as I’m a fox myself. At least that’s what my parents have thought to name me. Different from my animal counterpart, though, at this moment I feel more like a prey than a hunter. I run away from this morning’s events, trying to erase the frustration and anger with sore muscles and the release of endorphins. That should make me feel better. At least that’s what I had hoped for when I had set my foot out of the door, right before dawn, with the air still chilled.

I pass by silhouettes of trees and hedges; not a soul is out in the park. The streetlamps show me where the track ends and the green grass starts. I follow the concrete path. My nostrils smell dew and the loamy scent of the Tidal Basin on my right. The Washington Monument is on this side too. All lit up, a white phallus among the darkness, putting on pretentious display all American masculinity. Even in architecture we, men, show that our dicks need to rule everything, seeking power and a release of oxytocin to their owners.

A flood of oxytocin should have made me better as well. Or so they say. It had made me feel good, actually. So good, so relaxed that I fell asleep; it was the moment I opened my eyes that everything went downhill.

But what would I know about hormones anyway? 

She, on the other hand, would know. The perks of being an MD. Her bedside manners need some work, though. That I can say. I bet that’s why she chose to be a pathologist. And coming to think of it, that is also probably why she had been single for almost all the time I have met her.

If I am a fox, she is, apparently, a praying mantis.

But it was my mistake. Five years working with a person. Five years of a partnership based on trust and repressed feelings were thrown down the toilet. I should have never kissed her in that hallway. And why did she have to choose that moment to let down a guard that has been up and successful for so many years? She should have slapped me in the face, that’s what she should have done. I would have deserved it.

The first rays of sunlight have started to warm up this summer morning and I’m still thinking of her. I guess it’s not time to turn back to the car and drive home yet. The cool breeze on my face is a good contrast to the warmth my tracksuit provides me, as I feel the drops of sweat running down my body. It’s a pleasant sensation. It makes me focus on the moment I’m living and not in the past. 

The sunlight bathes my surroundings and the day has warmed up as I approach The Jefferson Memorial. A few joggers run by and the city is starting to wake up. I think it’s time to finally go back home.

As I leave the shower and head to my bedroom, the remnants of last night’s developments assault my senses. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. The room smells like her and I swear I can hear again the soft moaning coming from her mouth when my tongue drew number eights on her neck. My blood runs south and stirs my dick. I sigh. My body tenses and I yank the sheets out of the bed to throw them in the hamper with force. The sunlight passes between the slats of the blinds, bathing a piece of the floor. It makes a kind of patterned spotlight to my yesterday’s outfit. My stomach clutch with the sight. I grab my gray T-shirt from the floor, ball them up in my hands with clenched teeth and toss them in the laundry basket.

When I’m back to putting away clothes, something else calls my attention and I stop mid-stride. Giving it further inspection, I notice it’s a smashed bee. My heart races and I feel ultra-awake by adrenaline. I run and search frantically all over the place for a container to put the insect.

Once it is secured tight inside a small transparent pot I grab my cell phone and press speed dial one: Miss bedside manners.

Before I even hear the first ring, my heart races and I fumble with the phone to press the end call button. I throw it on the couch in a huff and I groan. I start to pace the living room, rubbing my temples as I try to think of who could help me out with that insect. Yes, I know that I will need an entomologist, but I have a hunch that this bee is no ordinary honey-maker. And only a pair of eyes, who have seen the virus through the microscope before, could back me up, complete and enrich my theory.

I groan again.

I guess that’s what phantom limb syndrome feels like.

I arrive at the Lone Gunmen’s office and I am greeted by Frohike, who opens the door and starts to look behind me as if my presence alone was not enough for him.

“Where is the delectable Agent Scully?”

“I dare you to call her that on her face. She will kick your ass.” and then I remember. “Though that will be a little difficult since she is moving to Salt Lake City.”

“Salt Lake City?! What the heck did you do to her, man?” he barks, his face betraying indignation. He closes the door and I get inside. I try to deny my involvement in her departure – even though deep down, I’m guilty as charged – but I am interrupted by Langly and Byers. They have stopped their nerdy business and are now gathered around me and Frohike. The latter informs the others of the latest development.

“What did you do to Scully, dude?” blondie asks me.

I don’t know if it’s Frohike’s indignation or Langly’s astonished tone that does the trick, but I snap.

“Why do you all think I have done something to her?!”

“Easy, dude, we just want to understand what happened. But you were always ditching her, so we assume things.” says Langly.

“And you have a tendency to sleep with your female partners” Frohike points out.

“That happened only once.” I say, unable to look them in the eyes.

“Yeah, with the only female partner you have had before.” Shortie patronizes me.

“She and Diana are completely different people. Besides I’ve sworn that I would not let my dick get in the way again.” Yeah. Congratulations to me.

“Well, agent Scully is very hot. It would be understandable if you had not been able to resist temptation…” 

“Can we, please, stop talking about her?!” I admonish and interrupt Frohike’s rant. “The FBI transferred her after all that Dallas fiasco. And that’s why I’m here.” I take a deep calming breath. “I need your help. They are trying to blame us for what happened and all I have had before were theories, but no substantial proof. Until…” I get the vial with the bee from my pocket and show them. “...I found this in my apartment.” 

I share with them everything that Kurtzweil had told me. I tell them all the things I have seen in the last days: the cornfield, the white domes, the bees.

“If this bee is carrying the alien virus, as I suspect it is, it changes everything. It will prove that there is a real threat to people out there. And the X Files is the only division in the FBI that can handle these kinds of investigation. They will need to reopen the unit. And they will not be able to make a scapegoat of me.”

“And maybe Agent Scully can come back to Washington.” Frohike says.

“That is not up to me. She had her options before and she has made her choice.” I sigh. “And I think I already said I don’t want to talk about her, right?”

I notice how they look at one another, tension in the air. That’s when Byers, finally, decides to offer his input.

“So you’ll need an apiologist or an entomologist who we can trust to look at this bee. Someone who can catalog the anomalies or find traces of the virus.” 

“Yep. And I need it by Monday, at noon.”

“Monday?!” Langly exclaims. “Dude, today is Friday! Do you have any idea how long it takes to run full background checks on people and come up with somebody who is clean? How are we going to do that and then ask them to do the job on such a short notice? And moreover on the weekend?!”

“I know. But that’s when I have an OPR meeting. The FBI forgot to ask me when it’s the most convenient time for me to have my ass kicked.”

“So let’s get to work!” Frohike says and retreats himself along with Langly to their computers. Byers stay put and then approaches me, in a conspiratory voice.

“I know that you don’t want to talk about Agent Scully, but I just wanted to say that I have experience with loving a woman and then have her ripped out of my arms.”

“I’m not in love…”

“You may fool yourself, Mulder, but not me. Anyway, I just wanted to say that if you ever want to talk about it, I can be your man for that. I won’t judge or make fun of you.” He pats my shoulder twice and goes for his computer. 

And I stay there, glued to that spot, dumbstruck.

 I leave the Gunmen’s office with the remembrance of the taste of her lips in my tongue. Thank you, Byers! Now all I can think of was how our lips barely had met in that hallway and her tongue was already inciting me, proding for more; how our breaths became heavy and faster; how I pulled Her body closer to mine, and...

...And how I needed to burn that out of my mouth and mind.

So I get in the car and drive all the way to Casey’s Bar, in Southeast Washington. When I get there, though, I don't even leave the car as I remember that blonde bartender. She would be sure to inform me that my ‘lucky number’ was actually three times less than what I really needed.

I go home instead. The bottle of scotch in the liquor cabinet will have to do. All that is left for me is to drown my sorrows into oblivion. And that’s what I do until I have the burning taste of alcohol in my mouth only. 

When I regain consciousness, the sun has already set and a loud trill pierces my ears. And my head for that matter. I am sprawled, face down on my couch, a pool of drool coming out of my mouth. I unstuck my cheeks from the leather and the difference in height makes it feel like a sword punctures my brain. Looking for the source of the noise, I realize it’s my cell phone that is making that awful sound.

I get up to my feet, as steady as I can under the circumstance, and answer the device. I am greeted by a female voice who calls me ‘Fox’. And the way she says my name –in such a soft, caring voice that doesn’t make me flinch– tells me that it can only be one person.

“Mrs. Scully?”

“Yes, that’s me. Have you seen Dana?”

“I last saw her early this morning. Has something happened?”

“We were supposed to have dinner at 7 p.m, but she neither showed up or called.”

I check the time and the VCR clock tells me it’s 9 p.m. “Have you tried her cell phone?”

“Yes, and her home number as well, but she is not answering either. This is not like her.” her voice became brittle. “I was wondering if you guys had had a last minute trip that she had forgotten to tell me or some other work-related issue had come up. I just… I just have a bad feeling about it all.”

Me too, Mrs. Scully. Me too. I feel the bottom of my stomach chill and sink. “Hang by the phone. I’ll figure out what happened.”

I end the call and dial the Lone Gunmen. When one of them answers the phone I don’t even bother to listen who is on the other side and start barking orders.

“Stop everything you are doing right now. I need your help again. Scully is missing.”

Chapter 2

[geminimoonbeamx]

Home, Again: Chapter One

A/N: Soooo, if you know me at all you know that thick Bucky is my religion and I love him with all of my heart. These new pictures of Sebastian on the set of ‘Devil All The Time’ have got me twisted. Literally I’ve been fawning over them for days. That man is too much for me and my libido and this is the product of that.

Word Count: 2k+

Rating: This particular chapter is pretty mild, lots of cursing mostly- the next chapter, and the ones to come after that will be extremely explicit though so get your bodies ready.

Summary: Moving back home was never in her itinerary, but after the loss of a family member and being fired from her job, she finds herself back in the town she grew up in and face to face with the man who’d haunted her teenage wet dreams. Now in her early twenties, maybe she can do something to make those dreams a reality.

A Plus Size Reader x Dad!Cop!Thick!Bucky Barnes story

It’s a surreal moment for you- waking up in your old room. The one that you’d grown up in, that you hadn't spent more than a couple nights at a time in- in the last six years.

Like some weird, out of body experience. Looking at the ceiling through blurry, sleep bogged eyes, with the sun shining clear and bright through the curtains fills your stomach with nostalgia that makes you feel like you might barf. 

You sit up, trudge to the bathroom, half feeling like you’re about to get ready for school or something- about to but on your Volleyball uniform or something.

While you're brushing your teeth you can't manage to drag your eyes away from your reflection. The bags under your eyes, that are ever present, seem to be deeper. Probably from all the moving you’d done in the past couple of days.

Picking up your entire life, and moving it from Brooklyn all the way back to Springs Port had not been easy.

Luckily your friends had been game for the three hour drive, and the little bit of heavy lifting(Pietro and Quill we’re life savers) when it came to your bed and room furniture. You’d sold your couches and tables. You didn't have your own place anymore, didn't know when you would again and since you we’re currently unemployed, you could use all of the extra cash that you could get.

That was you:

Living back at home. Job less. And broke- because you used that almost all of that furniture money to rent the U-Haul.

In that moment, with those harsh truths, you can't manage to look at your reflection anymore.

After taking a shower and getting ready- contouring and highlighting and concealing all of your self hate away, you do feel a bit better. It was a coping mechanism, yes. But You needed to be presentable anyways, you think.

You’re fine. You are fine, Y/N. Everything’s fine.

If you keep repeating it, and accept it as your reality, you’ll feel better, right?

You linger on that thought as you eat breakfast, which is a definite perk of being back home. Your grandmother stands near the stove- a pan hot and the kitchen full of the delectable smells of not only the omelets she was stirring up, but the crock pot that had who knows what already brewing.

Also, the ever present, and pungent herby smell of marijuana that followed her ever since her accident undercurrents that.

It sure beat the instant oatmeal you used to eat mornings back in the city.

“That smells so ridiculously good” You start as you slide onto one of the chairs at the kitchen bar “Also, good morning, Grams”

“Good morning, baby bird. You’re up early” She comments, as she gives you a knowing side eye “Or did you not sleep at all last night?”

There's honestly no use lying to her. She’d always had this sixth sense when it came to that- it had made your childhood a bitch.

“I slept. A little bit” you defend yourself, pouring yourself the cucumber orange juice she’d made. Sounds weird- is actually extremely refreshing. She likes to make weird concoctions with the fruits and vegetables she grows in her garden.

You get another one of those all knowing looks.

“Okay I didn't sleep as much as I could have, but I was just getting everything else unpacked. I’m finally done” you punctuate with an innocent shrug.

“You unpacked all those boxes? Y/N Y/M/N, there was about twenty of them. You’re not supposed to get unpacked in 24 hours, you need to give yourself time to process this change in your life. I really thought that indica was going to help. You should’a been knocked on your ass” She tells you as she plates up your food and sets it in front of you.

You thank her, and bite your tongue about the whole “processing” thing. She’d been all about that lately- since Grandma Vee died a few months ago and she’d started her group therapies; she’d become some kind of self made, self help guru.

You figure it’s better that then her falling apart.

You’re all kind of waiting for her to fall apart.

“I was thinking i’d go into town and job hunt today” You bring up the topic softly, both of you most of the way through your spinach, bacon, mushroom and goat cheese omelet.

She tutts at you, of course she does.

“I invited you to come back and live with me, I’m not expecting you to pay for anything, you know that” You love the way she words it. You wonder if she really thinks of it that way, that you’re here for her benefit and not the other way around.

“Grams, I get that I really do. But I have like fifteen bucks to my name right now. Even if it’s just something part time, I need to work” You tell her, in complete seriousness.

You’d had a job, steadily, since you were fourteen years old and the broke bitch life wasn’t for you.

She fussed, tells you that you that she is very capable of helping you with whatever you need. Promptly informs you that Grandma Vee’s life insurance will hold both of you down for a long while.

You don’t get how she can talk about her death so easily. Calm and level headed. It’s still that iron hot pain that comes from losing a loved one that burns for you. You’d felt it before and yet it didn’t dull one bit this time around.

“Yeah, that’s gonna be a fuck no from me. You have to use that money for you, grams. You know she’d want you to” is your blunt reply and she chuckles and throws her napkin at you as you stand.

“You watch your language in my fucking house, girl. You’ve always had such a bad potty mouth”

It’s inherited, you don’t tell her.

With a few more words of dissuasion from her and a kiss on the head and the reassurance that you’d still help her with her garden, even if you were working from you, you grab your keys and walk out into the already hot, New Jersey air.

--

It’s summer, mid June and Spring Port is and has always been a resort town. Sea side and picturesque- people flood in during the summer season.

It doesn’t surprise you that the towns square is currently a tourist trap and that parking is hard as shit to find. No matter, you find a space eventually.

Your turquoise Jeep Wrangler is the same one you’d driven before college, that you hadn't taken to the city with you. It has some  issues sometimes- the starters a little finicky and has to be worked on every six months or so, but it honestly still runs like a charm. Can get you from A to B just fine now, and you guess it is way better than subways and busses.

You end up walking around the entire towns square, and you’re glad you’d gone with slides instead of wedges. Everyone seems to be hiring, tourist season and all. And in the end you fill out four applications- handwritten at that which you think is a little funny.

It’s not that Springs Port is tiny really- with a population of 12, 000, there are definitely smaller places. Towns square is actually pretty decently sized- about twenty five or so tiny stores and restaurants scattered along main street. There’s a theater. Three gas stations. You guys don't have a Walmart in the towns perimeters technically- but there's one just a few miles away. And everything's waterfront, the docs a skip away. The Atlantic a continual backdrop.

Compared to New York though, it’s a blip on the map,. It feels smaller to you now that you’ve lived in the big wide world.

You’re walking down the cross of Harbor and Main- on your way to Goodies- which you hear Angie now owns, to meet Wanda and B for lunch when your feet get stuck where you are.

Frozen on the spot.

As you look at the flower shop, that’s overflowing with greenery across the street.

Infinity Flowers-

You can't help the draw to the store. Your feet seem to have a mind of their own- and you end up inside before you can really think of it.

Hell, it smells just like it used to. You haven't stepped foot in here since…

It’s pretty busy in the shop- it always was though. Best flower arrangements in the whole Garden state was it’s slogan, and it only exaggerated a little.

“I’ll be with you in one sec- Oh! Y/N” The bleach blond head that belongs to none other then Mantis bobs as she comes over and envelops you in a tight hug “I heard you we’re back in town! I was wondering when you we’re going to come in. I haven't seen you in so, so long”

She says all of this without letting you go and you chuckle and endure it because this was Mantis. Always such a hugger.

“Yeah, I was just job hunting in town and I thought I’d stop by”

“So you’re back for good then, yes?” She asks, after letting you go. Going to greet another customer warmly, while still managing to small talk to you. She’d always been good at making people feel at ease.

You tell her not really, just for the moment, as you fix the hydrangeas in the window display. They have them all wrong-

“Those we’re always her favorite” Mantis tells you what you already know and you nod and swallow the bit of sadness that bubbles up.

This. Is why you tend to stay away from this store. Thoughts of your late mother assault your psyche here, always- but also...you can't help but feel like you’re supposed to be here. Some of your happiest childhood memories we’re in this shop, surrounded by flowers. You can recall the sound of your mother’s laughter best here…

You leave the shop, after you’ve filled out an application.

You don't know why you did it but-

“I’m pretty sure I just got a job at Infinity Flowers” You inform Wanda and B, who are already sat at a booth in the little pub waiting for you when you get there. Sharon couldn't get a break from the station to come, but you couldn't hate her for it. She was just living her dream.

“Really?” Wanda asks, attempting to choose her words wisely “That's- I would never expect for that to be where you’d decide to work”

“What she means; is do you think that’s a good idea? There’s ghosts for you in there girly” B, Brunhilde(she’d kill anyone who used her full name though) has always been the bolder one in your group of friends. And that would never change.

“Mmm, I don't know what I think. Wanna day drink about it?” You suggest with a shrug as you go to wave down a waitress. One of their house made hard lemonades we’re sounding real good right now…

“Bitch, some of us have to go back to work” Wanda argues while B excitedly agrees, telling you that she’s already started.

Two and a half house lemonades later you are sufficiently buzzed and feeling better. Wanda has to get back to work at the antiques gift shop though, you you leave Angie a hefty tip(or rather your employed friends do) and head out.

It’s hot as hell, honestly and you think you might go sit on the beach for a while until you sober up enough to drive- you’re telling your friends that when you see a patrol car roll up to the bakery on the corner.

Out of the driver's seat exits one Bucky Barnes. AKA your teenage wet dream.

And holy god, does he look good. He’s flanked by a tall dark skinned man who you don't recognize, but who is also pretty damn fine.

You know you’re ogling, and your friends are laughing at you and taunting you, but in that moment you really don't care.

“Hot damn, he is still so fine, oh my god” You groan and Wanda chuckles as she lights up a cigarette.

“Yeah? The dad bod doing it for you?” She questions on an exhale of smoke.

“Totally. Is it possible that he got even more attractive? Like? How? And why did Sharon not tell me about this” You try to pull your eyes away from him, you really do.

But you’re a little drunk and the feelings you’d harbored for the older man come trickling back. Yeah, he’s gained some weight. Is broader- his shoulders big. His whole frame hulking. But he still has that swoon worthy dark hair, and that jawline you could see even from here. You wonder if his eyes we’re still that stormy blue color that you’d spent literal years dreaming about...You desperately wish you could go up and take a closer look.

“He’s really been hitting those doughnuts since the divorce, huh?” B snarks and you turn a cold glare at her.

“Don't body shame him. That’s disgusting” You snap and she holds up a hand.

“Jesus, you know I’m just kidding. I forgot how fucking touchy you are about him” She defends herself and you try not to go on a rant about how talking about anyone's body, male female or anyone in between.

You end up doing it anyway and the whole time Wanda grins and tells you how much she’s missed you, and B tells you how much of a sensitive cunt you are.

All in all, it’s good to be home. Even if you are a total failure of a human being at the moment, your brain can't help but tac on to the end. As you watch the police cruiser pull out of the parking lot, and think about the man that sits inside- you think about the fact that you aren't sixteen anymore. And he’s not married...

And in that moment- you realize just how good it is to be home. 

And there it is. If you'd like to be tagged in future chapters, please let me know! I’m thinking, and have this planned out to be about five chapters. Just a sexy, juicy, emotional quick read. Some Angst ridden smut coming your way!

Also- I appreciate reviews and reblogs more than you could imagine. They are literally fuel for me- so if you can spare some time to give me your opinion, I’d love you forever!

@gifsbysimplysonia @peacefulwriter88 @prettybubblesintheair @lostinthoughtsandfeelings @lostinspace33 @4theluvofall @plumfondler @tatathekissypotato @jaamesbbarnes @jalapenobarnes @siren-kitten-his @brieannakeogh @skishenanigans @paulxrudd

[zuvluguu]

The Insectoid beings

DMT psychonauts also commonly report visions of insects, and as with reptiles, these entities appear to be heterogenous in terms of their conduct and intent. I have also heard reports from people who have taken ayahuasca who have had terrifying visions of being devoured by small, jewel-like insects with prominent serrated mandibles. Cicada-like chirpings, buzzing, and snipping sounds sometimes accompany these insectoids visions.

The insect is an ambiguous and intermediate symbol between traditional western diabolic and angelic forms. Combining elements of both, the visionary insectoids are an amalgam, a synthesis of the hard, scaly demons (conventionally reptilian in accord with the idea of the devil as dragon or serpent) and the gloriously pigmented, swift and airborne choir of heaven. The antennae recall the horns that are so characteristic of devils. And yet the insect is neither angel nor demon. It is not at all human. There is no pity in those compound eyes; nor is there any malice. Evil and good are purely human sensations. The insect is more like the technology we have created. The arthropod morality, the snipping of its mouth-parts, is like binary code applied to nutritive action. The insect then, is the messenger of sacrifice in a utilitarian age of total moral relativism: an almost mechanical processor of initiatic meat.

The mantis, in particular, links the idea of religious devotion (as implied by its “praying” stance) with the idea of sadomasochistic eroticism, or perhaps the eroticism of the prey and the preyed upon that forms the major theme of Bataille’s Erotism. The female mantis is infamous for decapitating the climaxing male mantis with her serrated forearms, and savouring her lover’s twitching corpse as a delectable post-coital refreshment. This inhuman and amoral treatment of the beloved delineates the mantis as wholly other, a transcendent amalgam of Eros and Thanatos. The mantis is intellectually and morally alien, and yet distinguished by a religious attitude of prayerful contemplation of its victims. It is a holy predator. The mantis symbolism eloquently expresses Rudolf Otto’s great paradox of numinous experience, that the spiritually intense is simultaneously a seductive fascinans and an awe-engendering tremendum.

[whatsonmedia]

Best Offers of This Week!

WhatsOn comes with some exclusive offers on entertainment, dining, activities, health & wellness, and more. All of these special offers are within your means, are reasonably priced, and won’t break the bank. Before the bargains expire, act quickly! At FU:DIZM, six meals and a beverage cost £29  One of east London's best-kept secrets is The King's Head private members club, which may be found behind a shuttered bar. FU:DIZM, a tapas fusion restaurant with so much to offer that you'll want to tell all your friends about it, is tucked away within the secret hangout. Under the direction of Chef Jon Villar, a former head chef at Kopapa, the kitchen offers delectable international flavors, from vegan tofu tempura to eight-hour braised oxtail manti. With this tantalizing offer, sample six international dishes for just £29 per person.  For more> fudizmtapa.com   Highlights  - a six-course meal plus beverages  - Get 55% off the regular price in a   - luxurious East London setting!  Pay just £5 to be transported to Bermuda Visit The House of Bermuda and be transported to pink sandy beaches. This immersive event, which will appear in The Hoxton, will give you the impression that you are in Bermuda. Learn how to make a Dark n Stormy, indulge in traditional fare prepared by Bermudian chef Richard Zuill, and relax in the custom spa designed to reflect the breathtaking Grotto Bay Caves.  The prize is for two people and comes with a Reimagined Deluxe Water view Room, giving them access to amenities like three restaurants, two private coves, an infinity-edged pool, a full-service spa, sports areas, and an on-site watersports rentals pavilion. Moreover, they will also enjoy unmatched ocean views. The award includes a hotel stay and daily taxes. A pretty good offer for only £5, in our opinion!  Highlights  - On Saturday, March 18, only one day will be available to the public.  - Goslings Dark 'n Stormy, the island's favorite cocktail, as well as add-on express spa treatments are available!   - Inspired meals, virtual reality activities, and the chance to win a trip to Bermuda are all available! (For more details, read your booking confirmation.)  when and location: The Hoxton in Southwark on Saturday, March 18, 2023, between 10 am and 1 pm or 1.30 pm and 6.30 pm  50% discount on the appetizer, entrée, dessert, and wine at When Abby Met Claud.  Would you like to go along Portobello Road as an extra in a Richard Curtis movie? It is possible, when Abby Met Claud serves up raucous brunches, elegant dinners, and late-night snacks. The restaurant, is centered on the friendship of the founders, exudes positive vibes with neon flashes of color and party-ready soundtracks, while patrons can bite into delectable cuisine and a variety of cocktails. There is something on the menu for everyone, ranging from fish and chips to cauliflower curry and truffle mushroom linguine. Don't forget to stop by for a convivial weekend meal.  For more> whenabbymetclaud.co.uk/reservations   Highlights  - Three meals of your order  - Plus a drink of red, white or prosecco  - Was £40, now £20  £23.50 gets you a ticket to Party N Paint  No artistic talent is required to participate in this class. This experience at Party N Paint is likely to make you feel fantastic. Regardless of whether you are a frequent painter or have never even held a brush before. Moreover, make your own masterpiece as you groove to classic R&B and hip-hop tracks and, of course, a few spirit-infused beverages. A guided painting session, all the materials you'll need, live music from DJs, a vodka shot, and gorgeous artwork you can proudly display at home are all included in this incredible £23.50 package. Save your space right away!  For more> partynpaint.co.uk/faq   Highlights  - Make original works of art.  - Begin with a free shot.  - No talent or experience required  - Save £11.5 with this offer.  when and where: >Thursdays at Duo London, Camden, from February 23 through April 27, 7 pm–10 pm  >March 5, 2023, at Boxpark in Croydon, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m  >April 1st, 2023, at Floripa in Shoreditch, from 5 to 8 p.m.  Read the full article

[victoriahousetx]

Manifesting Mantis Fest

Fine artistry, live music, fashion design, drag shows, film screenings, hook suspensions, tarot, and massage, oh my! This is just a mere taste of the spiritual smorgasborg that was the Preying Mantis Arts and Music festival, hosted by Beaumont artist Nathan McCray. The forecast for the second annual event was less than promising; the fickle Texas weather taunted in the days preceding the event, being sunny one day and a downpour the next. Luckily, the festival gods smiled upon us in all their glory; the day could not have been more stunning!

The sun shone through a makeshift pergola of branches, casting shadows over Latricia Badgett, frontwoman of The Ron Jeremies, as she laid out her homegrown wares of abstract paintings, custom essential oil blends, and sprouts from her garden. Woodblock printer and graphic designer Maurice Abelmon set up shop next to the stage, a bohemian creation of reclaimed woodwork, and proceeded to outfit two of the performance artists of his latest project, Avatar Archetypes. Kyle Gaspard and Garrett Hoffpauir worked tirelessly to create a soundscape for the 300 or so attendees as they wandered the festival grounds where they were body painted by artist Betty Smith, enjoyed the delectable dishes from Dat Mac, and perused the shops.

Vendors boasting a variety of goods and services, such as Will Daley’s resinwork, Kailee Viator’s mixed media assemblages, and Jackie’s Herbals, lined the parameter of McCray’s property where he lives and works on personal projects that range from mixed media paintings to handcarved driftwood sculptures. Many of his creations dotted the whimsical grounds with intricate designs and inviting faces, adding to the surreal scenery. One of his sculptures, a spinning wheel aptly named the Trance Inducing Holographic Time Machine, was a commonly used landmark for locating the makeshift catwalk utilized for the drag performances as well as Betty Pruitt’s fashion show, whose designs explored the concept of twin flames.

Beyond that was the area designated for hook suspensions by Adam Newgins, a local tattooer and piercer. A crowd formed as the rigging was set, but a hush fell over the gathering as Cody Haynes was slowly hoisted into the air, suppressing groans that veered between euphoria and agony. Those who couldn’t stomach such a thing meandered in different directions, some checking out film screenings run by the Boomtown Film and Music Festival team, others venturing to the booths of Kevin Clay and Xenia Fedorchenko to print a custom shirt.

First-timer John Rollins proclaimed, “I didn’t like [the festival]. I loved it!” He described the event as a “beautifully crafted mix of art, music, good times and all the creative energy you’d ever want in one place,” and right he was. As the sun disappeared beyond the trees, the bonfire grew and the crowds dispersed to their respective pockets of people, simultaneously venturing out to catch the array of sounds drifting from the stage that featured the likes of newcomers Dogs With Hands, local favorite Snorlaxxx, and Isreali two-piece outfit, Dodies.

Michael Edwards, one of the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to help bring the event to fruition, said everything turned out to be the best time he’s had in Beaumont in a long while, with “flashing vibes, those fun soothing tones, and quirky noises. McCray was overjoyed at the best turnout they’ve had thus far, and is quick to exclaim that he couldn’t have done it without all of the helping hands. “It was a great day of celebration for the amazing artists and performers that we are so lucky to have in our community!”

BY Melody Boyd

Photos Shane Brown & Bryan Lee

[iamrabbani]

Balmumu Izmir – Reinventing old traditional Turkish cuisine

The Balmumu Izmir Restaurant, is a two-story establishment in the center of the city with an all wooden almost teak colored interior and open kitchen on both floors. As I arrive at the restaurant everything about this place feels inviting and somehow homey. Passing through the outdoor seating area I walk by the display with organic cheeses and delicacies and the ground floor open kitchen. For tonight our group is seated on the first floor, which is just as homey and airy thanks to the open area on one side.

Traditional old Turkish recipes that are reinvented with a new touch influence every dish. I started out with a variation of cold appetizers like oven roasted artichokes, dolmes (ground meat with spices wrapped in a grape leaf), zucchinis with tahini, green plums in olive oil and baked baby eggplant.

From there they stepped up their game even more with delectable baby squids pan fried with ouzo/raki and their own ink. But I was not done yet, as I chowed down their most beloved dish – a tender oven roasted veal cheek with mashed eggplants and Turkish spices.

One of the side dishes was a traditional recipe called Manti and finally ended the evening with sugar glazed pumpkin slices with sesame seeds, pistachio crumbles and tahini called kabak tatlisi.

The last dish was an oven roasted Kokorec (description missing) that I love roasted over red glowing coals kissed by the flames but the oven version they served was a bit too much from its intensity for me.

A wonderful evening came to an end with my last glass of Sauvignon Blanc and some cheerful stories with friends in this lovely living room called Balmumu.

  Balmumu Izmir – Balmumu – Balmumu Dükkan

www.facebook.com/balmumudukkanlokanta

1388 sk no 5- C ALSANCAK Izmir, Turkey 35220

  Dinner at Balmumu Izmir, Turkey Balmumu Izmir - Reinventing old traditional Turkish cuisine The Balmumu Izmir Restaurant, is a two-story establishment in the center of the city with an all wooden almost teak colored interior and open kitchen on both floors.