#Memorable Experiences with the Pathing Tool

[doink]

Mastering Motion: Quick Tip Tutorial for Animating with the Pathing Tool in Green Screen by DoInk

Dive into the world of dynamic storytelling with our latest tutorial! In this blog post, we'll unveil the secrets of animating with the Pathing Tool in Green Screen by DoInk. Whether you're a teacher bringing lessons to life or a content creator adding a touch of magic to your videos, this quick tip tutorial will empower you to master motion effortlessly.

What you will learn:

Introduction to the Pathing Tool in Green Screen by DoInk

Quick tip tutorial for animating with the Pathing Tool

Exploring the versatility of motion paths in visual storytelling

Tips for seamless integration and customization of animations

Real-world examples for inspiration and application

Elevating your projects with captivating and fluid animations

Animation becomes a breeze with the Pathing Tool in Green Screen by DoInk. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned creator, this quick tip tutorial will equip you with the skills to infuse life into your projects.

Master the art of animation with the Pathing Tool in Green Screen by DoInk. Share your animated creations with us, and bring stories to life through captivating motion!

[alltoomaples]

Speed of Science🧬💻💌

I'm dating a STEM girlie and you're not (F1 Edition)

a/n: and im baaaaaacccckkkkk (like anyone even missed me lmao) with the long overdue request! life of a postgrad StEm girlie here and the struggle is really realll af. but besides that, I'm writing this down as a headcanon for the drivers requested on this poll i had posted long back here. I've always wondered how there's soo minimal povs/ocs where they are a scientific researcher, analyst, etc. sooo i dedicate this one to all the STEM F1 girlies out theree <33

alsoo quick shoutout to my girlieee @smoooothoperator for inspiring and motivating me to get back at writing!🥹🫶🏼 check out her lastest ongoing work 'What Was I Made For? ' its amazing and thats a FACT!! do check her works! its absolutely amazing❤️

check out my works: until i found you masterlist | other works

Scientific Art Illustrator - Charles Leclerc

As a Scientific Art Illustrator, you specialize in creating visually captivating and scientifically accurate illustrations that depict complex biological, astronomical, or technological subjects.

Charles first discovered you through your works at an exhibition where their stunning illustrations of Formula 1 cars caught his eye. Impressed by their attention to detail and artistic talent, they struck up a conversation about their mutual love for precision and creativity.

During a peaceful weekend afternoon, Charles suggests a spontaneous visit to a local art supply store. Excitedly exploring aisles stocked with vibrant paints, fine brushes, and specialized papers, the two of you engage in discussions about artistic techniques and innovative tools. Amidst laughter and shared enthusiasm for creativity, you bond over your mutual appreciation for the intricacies of art and science, making the afternoon a cherished memory of their shared passions.

After being away from home during race season, Charles always finds a framed series of sketches by you for the races you couldn't make it, capturing his most memorable racing moments. Each sketch is intricately detailed, depicting not only the speed and intensity of the races but also the emotions and determination etched on Charles' face. Touched by the thoughtful gesture, Charles hangs the sketches in his study, a constant reminder of your support and admiration for his passion.

...

Data Scientist - Lando Norris

A Data Scientist specializes in analyzing large volumes of data using statistical methods and machine learning techniques to extract insights and make data-driven decisions.

You and Lando first connected through a mutual fascination with racing data at a technology symposium focused on sports analytics. Your presentation on advanced predictive modelling in motorsports caught Lando's attention for its innovative approach to enhancing race strategies.

During a cosy evening at home, Lando playfully challenges you to a friendly data analysis competition using real-time telemetry from previous races. Their banter and shared excitement over dissecting racing data create a lighthearted and memorable bonding experience.

You two would watch old races and analyze historical racing data together, playfully debating optimal pit stop strategies and analyzing driver performance trends, their shared passion for racing and data fostering a deep connection and mutual admiration.

...

Oceanographer/Marine Biologist - Oscar Piastri

An Oceanographer or Marine Biologist studies marine life, ecosystems, and ocean processes to understand and protect marine environments and resources.

You and Oscar crossed paths during a research expedition to study coral reefs in a remote location. Your expertise in marine biology and passion for conservation impressed Oscar, sparking their connection.

Amidst the hectic F1 season, Oscar surprises you with a weekend getaway to a coastal retreat, where they explore tide pools and participate in a beach cleanup together, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship.

You gave Oscar a custom-made charm bracelet featuring miniature charms of marine animals they've discussed during their beach walks and conservation talks. Each charm represents a meaningful moment in their relationship, from their first discussion about oceanography to their shared admiration for marine life. Oscar wears the bracelet during race weekends as a reminder of you and all the love and support you give, both on and off the track.

...

Mechanical Engineer - Daniel Riccardo

You are a passionate Mechanical Engineer, specializing in advanced automotive design and performance optimization.

Daniel first encountered you at a technical conference organized by one of the team sponsors where you presented groundbreaking research on aerodynamic innovations that caught his attention.

Often, while you meticulously draft engineering schematics at their home office, he makes sure that you have your "engineering emergency kit" beside your workstation, which is a tray of snacks and their favourite coffee – ensuring they're fueled for their late-night brainstorming sessions. For when he's away for races, he stacks them up with small cute notes.

Before Daniel heads to a crucial race, you surprise him with a meticulously crafted miniature replica of his race car, complete with detailed decals and a personalized message of encouragement engraved on the base. Touched by the thoughtful gesture, Daniel proudly displays it in his motorhome, a reminder of the reader's unwavering support both on and off the track.

...

Statistician - George Russell

A Statistician specializes in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting numerical data to help organizations and individuals make informed decisions.

You and Russell first crossed paths during a university seminar on advanced statistical modeling in sports. Your insightful analysis of Formula 1 race data caught George's attention, sparking a lively discussion that led to mutual admiration for each other's analytical skills and shared passion for racing statistics.

During a particularly demanding race weekend, the reader surprises George with a meticulously prepared statistical analysis report highlighting his strengths and areas for improvement based on recent race data. This thoughtful gesture boosts George's confidence and motivation, showing the reader's support in his pursuit of excellence.

During a weekend getaway, you guys stumble upon a local go-kart track. George, always up for a challenge, suggests they have a friendly race. Knowing George's competitive spirit, you secretly calculate his optimal strategy and surprise him by winning with a perfectly executed last-minute overtaking maneuver. George is impressed by the your strategic thinking and playfulness, and they share a lighthearted and joyous moment celebrating their shared love for racing and friendly competition.

...

Astrophysicist - Logan Sargeant

An Astrophysicist studies the physical properties, behavior, and evolution of celestial objects such as stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, using principles of physics and astronomy.

Logan and you first crossed paths during an expedition to study a rare astronomical event—a comet passing close to Earth. Both passionate about astrophysics, you found yourselves sharing a telescope at a remote observatory, marveling at the comet's beauty and discussing its celestial significance late into the night. Their shared awe and intellectual connection sparked a mutual admiration that grew into a deep bond over their shared passion for exploring the wonders of the cosmos.

During a quiet evening at home, Logan excitedly shows you a new telescope he acquired for stargazing during race weekends, expressing his eagerness to learn more about the cosmos together and sharing their enthusiasm for both racing and astrophysics in equal measure.

Before a critical race weekend, the reader surprises Logan with a personalized star chart that maps out the night sky above the upcoming race venue during the race weekend. Each star on the chart is marked with a heartfelt message of encouragement, reminding Logan of their unwavering support and belief in his abilities on and off the track. Touched by the thoughtful gesture, Logan treasures the star chart as a symbol of the reader's love and encouragement throughout his racing career.

...

Climate Scientist - Lance Stroll

A Climate Scientist studies climate patterns, environmental changes, and their impacts on Earth's ecosystems, using data analysis and modeling to understand and address global climate challenges.

Lance crossed paths with you at an eco-friendly racing event where Lance was advocating for sustainable practices in motorsport. Being a respected climate scientist, you caught Lance's attention with your insightful presentation on the environmental impact of racing and innovative solutions for reducing carbon footprints in the sport. Their shared passion for sustainability sparked an immediate connection and admiration for each other's dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.

One weekend, Lance surprises you with a homemade dinner featuring sustainably sourced ingredients, proudly showcasing his culinary skills while discussing ways to reduce your carbon footprint. His earnest commitment to sustainability and your shared vision for a healthier planet melts your heart, making this a cherished moment you both treasure.

You, being deeply involved in climate science, often spends late nights analyzing data or writing research papers. One evening, Lance bring him a cozy blanket and a mug of your favorite hot beverage, quietly sitting beside him as he works. You look up from your laptop, touched by his thoughtfulness, and pulls him into a warm embrace, grateful for his unwavering support and understanding of your demanding but vital work.

...

taglist: @lndonrris @thatgirlmj @lwstuff @dannyramirezwife-f1dump @moonypixel tysm for your suggestions! apologies on taking this long to write😅🫶🏼

a/n: hope y'all enjoyed reading this! this was my first time writing a headcanon and for f1 drivers beside charles and lando so hope i did justice to all.

i'm being wanting to read some good domestic bliss, sweet, adorable and lovey dovey blurbs, fics of lando (i talked abt it here) soo maybe i'll work on some drafts at some point cause i'm currently in the middle of project work of my masters degree soo don't know when i'll be posting soo until next time, see yaaa and going back to read mode 👋💓✨️

check out my works: until i found you masterlist | other works

[zukkacore]

"Why do you like Starbreaker?"

me, internally: The themes introduced by Porter's godhood and Jace's servitude toward him are genuinely interesting. So much of Junior Year concerns itself w/ fairness n personal autonomy n devotion n worship n making your own meaning. The idea that Jace and Porter "have always been a duo" n the fact that Brennan has been holding onto this reveal since SY means that Jace was retooled to exist FOR porter. Porter's quest for godhood eclipses anything else that could have mattered about jace, his purpose becomes serving Porter on both a textual n meta level. On both levels he is contorted into someone alien to himself. Even though he is a character with few lines, Jace's voice in freshman year compared to Junior year feels distinct, he sounds younger, he sounds like he's looking for connection, he honestly sounds like a pretty recent hire, and in that context is it not pitiable what happened to him? Does that not make him similar to Sandra Lynn, a young person who was exploited by someone older than her and who uses religion as a tool for control? And yet the tone over and over again treats him with ambivalence in a world that is obsessed with fair. The text over and over again wants to reiterate this idea of characters getting to make their own meaning, but what does it mean to be a sequel to someone else? To be a footnote in their vision? Jace's life is a decision a GM made, he is Porter's sequel on a textual and meta level. He is continually denied interiority within the text (perfect example is sophmore year where teachers are not allowed to be hirelings when Jace is proposed than an immediate workaround is made for Gilear to come with the Bad kids). He never had a choice but to be a follower to the god of war because the other option was deathly silence, a prop or a martyr like Lucy or Yolanda. Is being remembered fondly and uncomplicatedly despite your flaws but being deathly silent better than being corrupted? The question of Jace's motivation is continually left unanswered n in that, part of the Starbreaker thought experiment is wondering how exactly Jace slots into this Plan, into Porter's life. He could simply be a lackey, sure, but is being forced to be a lackey for a god not in a way its own form of worship? To imagine Jace's subservience to Porter as a kind of love, a kind of toxic old man yaoi if you will, is maybe a way to play at a world where he gets a sense of purpose, or some kind of love in return, even if that life is fucked n compromised n broken, because he was asked "do you want this life" n he said yes. What does it mean to be a person who is contorted into villainy without a choice when the very undercurrent of your world is telling everyone else "there's always a choice!"? When the text condemns you for evil if you only ever can exist as a tool? Before Porter became Jace's world, he was practically egoless, no matter what tone his dialogue takes on. Every scene he's in, he's w/e the situation demanded of him, taking up no oxygen in the room w/out even a memorable gimmick to make him distinct n funny. Pure function. It wasn't a big life but it was his. Was wanting to live, being content to be a footnote to the Bad Kids the sin that condemned Jace stardiamond? Or was wanting to live even if he no longer was recognizable to himself the sin that condemned him? Or is it the fact that he enables cruelty, and is that fair when characters who are horrible in their own ways get a pass as long as they are fun and funny and memorable? Is his life better now that he is more of a presence in his cruel and twisted but albeit slightly more memorable state, if his life now condemns him to be hated forever? Does Jace get power from his deal with Porter? Is getting a time in the spotlight of the narrative its own form of power? Is Jace happy serving Porter? Would Jace be happy loving Porter? Did Porter give jace new life by destroying the old jace, by making sure all paths lead straight back to him? Is Starbreaker just our way of trying to say imagine Jace Stardiamond happy?

what I say: haha idk toxic co workers fucking is hot

[mbti-notes]

Anon wrote: Hi MBTI-notes, I am an American masculine-presenting (potentially) enby in their early 20s trying to figure out my type so I can work on finding the right path. I have anxiety, depression, ADHD, a lack of socialization, and lack of life experience. I am confident that I am ISFJ or INFJ, and would like your insight into which seems more likely.

For ISFJ, I think I have immature dominant function Si because:

-I feel that I could be happy living a quiet life with my best friend as long as all my material needs are met without any stress. In other words, appreciating stability and quietly appreciating life. Feeling secure in life would give me confidence (on the flip side, I don’t often push my comfort zone because new = scary, though I’m working on it).

-I can be very insistent on following instructions to the letter. For example, even if doing step 4 before step 3 makes more sense, I will do step 3 and then step 4 because if someone wrote the instructions, then it must have worked that way in the past so I should do what has been proven to work/what I was told to do.

-I require a sense of familiarity to feel secure, and rely on past experience to make sense of things. For example, when I got a new job, despite receiving written instructions, I felt uncertain that I was going to the right place at the right time and doing things correctly until I had done it the same way multiple days in a row.

-I need to know the “proper” conduct or procedures to follow before feeling comfortable. For example, whether I should address my supervisor by their first or last name. I proceed very cautiously in new and unfamiliar situations, and don’t try new things because I am afraid of either failing or of being reprimanded.

-I am known for my attention to detail despite having ADHD. I make sure my work is typo-free and conforms to any relevant formats, such as APA, MLA, etc.

-I really dislike people who seem irresponsible, either by flippant attitude or failing to complete their work in the past.

-I easily conform to set ways of doing things and rely on authority figures. I feel directionless without being given explicit instructions or known procedures to follow. For example, I would require someone to tell me how they wanted me to put together a shelf in small steps (first go grab my tools from X location, then come back to the garage, then grab this wooden plank, etc).

-I ask redundant questions; even if I think I may know something, I often have to ask someone in authority or who knows the subject better than me before I am confident in that knowledge. For example, whether humans can lose 1 liter of blood and live or not.

-I like collecting facts, and feel confident when I can share once I know I have memorized correctly.

-I tend to ask a lot of “what” questions in conversation; clarifying basic facts as I try to keep up and trying to figure out what I can say for general responses. When I do talk, I can only really recite facts or things that happened. I don’t really have anything deep to say, or interesting insights, which I feel very self-conscious of. I’m worried people find me very simple.

-When I don’t want to do something, my sense of duty and sticking to my routine is often what makes it possible for me to follow through anyways, such as getting up for work when I dread going. However, this also makes it difficult for me to improve my situation. I find it much easier to keep doing things the way I’ve always done it, or at least accept the situation as-is, than try something new that might not work, and might even make things worse (such as moving somewhere new).

-I work hard, but I feel bad because it takes me twice as much effort to get half the results that other people can. I overwork myself because I feel like my time and effort are the only things of worth that I can offer, but also resent that fact.

-I have been criticized for being too unadventurous, inflexible, and oversensitive about minor physical discomforts.

For ISFJ, I think I have immature inferior function Ne because:

-I’m scared of unpredictable change. If something bad were to happen, like losing my house or job, I would struggle to figure out what to do.

-I feel trapped in my life, just going through the motions and checking off boxes, going from task to task understanding only the bare minimum and being forever stuck as who I am now, without the ability to improve myself or my situation.

For INFJ, I think I have immature dominant function Ni because:

-I am obsessed (negatively) with finding purpose; I feel empty and mannequin-esque without proper drive and direction. I know it’s unrealistic, but it feels like many of my personal issues would be solved by finding something that lights a fire in my soul. Until then, I have no hope for my future and daily life has no meaning. All I have are pleasant distractions, which I will look back on with regret because I will have not anything.

-I feel very detached from the world around me. This might just be the depression, though, since sometimes the feeling of detachment is a crippling feeling that I lack connection to anyone or anything.

-Nothing is ever good enough, especially myself. I can only ever see how I fail to live up to the person I want to be and have a hard time acknowledging what I do have. The fact that I have a place to live and plenty to eat isn’t good enough; I need to be smart, and charming, and talented to even think that I MIGHT be worth anything. The main thing that helps this is positive comparison to other people who are doing worse, which is not the right way to find self-confidence.

-One other thing that can help is being able to imagine myself as a character, at least when I can see myself positively. Would this scene be interesting, would it be meaningful? How would the audience react to me as a character? Would they like me?

-I am always worried about what comes next, though it doesn’t help me at all. Not being able to fully engage when things are happen means I don’t get the benefits of the experience, nor any sense of accomplishment.

-I think it’s important to delay gratification for the sake of the future, and see it as a failure when I indulge in momentary pleasures at the expense of my future self. For example, paying for an expensive meal now, or having more money for retirement.

-I am interested in speculating about potential implications (often people-based; such as whether X reaction means the person has Y or Z intentions, which means I can expect certain reactions from them later; or whether X behavior or thought means I’m a bad person), but I’m no good at it.

-I dislike people who are self-limiting, narrow-minded, shallow, and fickle. However, I'm trying not to be so judgmental, and have even started seeing some people who display these characteristics as better than me because they can function better socially and materially.

-I am scared of being called pretentious, demanding, unrealistic, and unfun. As a result, I have slowly eroded the quality of my personality and squandered my potential over the years by trying to be peppy, forgiving, approachable, and fun to be around. I never let myself express my interests in public (so I lost out on the preteen and teen experience of expressing and finding myself) and I sound stupid when I speak because I jettisoned my pretentious vocabulary.

-I’ve been criticized for being distant, overserious, and for overthinking too much.

-I have to re-process everything every time I recall it, especially if I need to recall a specific detail.

For INFJ, I think I have immature inferior Se because:

-I can be oblivious to my surroundings, which leads to me missing obvious details.

-I have a hard time adjusting to things in-the-moment; I need time to prepare. For example, I would need to know how to handle a bear attack ahead of time.

-I use sensory pleasures, such as overindulging in food, as a way of coping with stress.

-I used to envision my happiness as something that existed in the future, but as I get older and it fails to materialize (mainly because I 1) used unrealistic prerequisites to construct my imagined happiness and 2) never developed the necessary competencies to reach that future) I have started slipping into the trap of instant gratification. I want to try everything, meet people, be reckless, let loose, and actually have fun. I want to stop feeling like I need absolute control for life to go well.

For either stack, I have immature auxiliary Fe because:

-I rely on others for cues on how I’m supposed to feel or react to things. I find myself either empty or easily confused when trying to assess my own thoughts, opinions, or feelings about something even as small as whether something tastes good or not.

-I am overly influenced by others’ mannerisms, speech patterns, and moods.

-I hate how desperate I feel for connection and a sense of camaraderie. I often compromise my (already flimsy) sense of right and wrong in order to go along with what others want.

-I am paranoid about people disliking me and often hide/avoid when I feel like others have negative opinions of me.

-I find it uncomfortable bearing responsibility for things if it means people will have a negative opinion of me, though I recognize that one’s reaction to being blamed (rightly or wrongly) will also impact what others think of someone.

-I want to feel confident in my abilities, but I worry that I care more about being competent because it affects how others see me, and that I don’t care enough about it for “pure” reasons (ie. for my own sake) The same goes for wanting to help other people.

-I am deathly afraid of confrontation because it generates an unpleasant emotional atmosphere and I buckle under pressure. I allow myself to be pushed around and bullied because I can’t stand up. I’m torn between wanting to strive for my own goals (once I figure them out) and quietly carrying out the wishes of others.

For either stack, I have immature tertiary Ti because:

-When searching for an answer, I tend to skim articles to the relevant section, get my answer, and leave without trying to fully comprehend the subject matter.

-I am very lazy intellectually; I passively ingest things I enjoy and give up easily when something requires additional thought.

-I have trouble assigning priorities to different considerations, and am easily overwhelmed or confused by conflicting interests when weighing appropriate courses of action (ex. one person has a time-sensitive task they want completed, but another relevant party would be inconvenienced. The time-sensitive task has the potential for flexibility, but it would be better to complete it on time. Unsure how to proceed.)

-My thinking is generally very disorganized, and people can have a hard time understanding what I mean. In truth, I often lose track of my point or why I mentioned something or started on a certain topic.

[Addendum] One thing that I forgot to mention that probably impacted my development: my mother was extremely controlling. She insisted that I consult her before doing anything (even moving a chair to another room), that I do everything the way she prescribed, threatened to remove the bathroom locks if I ever used them (they were really only there for guests), and kept tabs on me through HS. Whenever I got hurt physically or upset emotionally—cue her dropping everything and rushing onto the scene as if it were a crisis. She tried to keep me happy and prepare me for the future, but she also took every opportunity to remind me how ignorant I was and how much I needed her. Even though she would say I was doing a good job, her constantly correcting minor ‘errors’, such as putting shoes on the "wrong way" or failing to laugh when I was "supposed to", told another story.

--------------------

I can see where the confusion comes from. If you're wondering why I highlighted some parts red, it's only to aid me when processing large amounts of text. I usually highlight any points that stick out to me as: weirdly off, out of place, illogical, contradictory, problematic, or requiring more attention. Afterwards, I can quickly review the points and put them together for analysis. The Fe and Ti sections are fine, so I'll focus mainly on the dominant and inferior.

One common obstacle I bump into during type analysis is "unreliable narration", when people make claims that don't quite add up. For example, you say: "I feel that I could be happy living a quiet life with my best friend as long as all my material needs are met without any stress." And then later on you also say: "The fact that I have a place to live and plenty to eat isn’t good enough; I need to be smart, and charming, and talented to even think that I MIGHT be worth anything." Which is it: Are you easily content or is it difficult for you to feel content? This is quite relevant to distinguishing Si and Ni. How can I get to the bottom of things when the truth remains unclear?

With regard to Si, you've done your best to make a case and it seems convincing, on the surface. However, one should always pause when the majority of examples add up to a very negative vibe that is more characteristic of a lower rather than higher function.

The evidence is trying to convince me that you are very "detail-oriented", yet I believe a more accurate description would be that you suffer from "detail anxiety". Generally speaking, a person who is naturally good with details not only has a deep appreciation of them but also doesn't tend to worry about them. Yet your relationship to details seems problematic rather than automatic, rooted in distrust/control rather than trust/mastery. Instead of using details in positive and life-affirming ways, you seem to merely use them as a means to some other end, such as avoiding mistakes that would garner you criticism. This defensiveness is atypical and reason to proceed more carefully in type assessment because it might be more indicative of Ti loop than healthy Si.

Would you agree that your approach to details is actually detail anxiety... and it perhaps stems from a deeper social anxiety… which perhaps stems from your mother constantly treating you as though you're not good enough? The part you added about your mother being very controlling is indeed crucial to the analysis. If you review everything you wrote through the lens of her parental influence, the bigger picture of your personality becomes more coherent.

You seem to have internalized her mindset to a troubling degree. The way she corrected and criticized you has led you to approach the world in an over-controlling way. The manner through which she exerts control seems to suggest some Si influence. Comparing hypotheticals, if you were both SJ, her way of educating you would resonate better than if you were high Ni bumping up against her high Si. Based on past cases I've seen, the relationship dynamic between you does seem to suggest some N versus S conflict, but more evidence is required to know for sure. Therefore, I think it is pertinent to know her type and flesh out exactly how her function expression influenced your function development.

As a reminder, people who haven't yet learned to use their dominant function appropriately tend to suffer from poor self-awareness (i.e. don't really know themselves and what they want) and low self-esteem (i.e. have difficulty believing in themselves). You exhibit both of these issues. One possibility is you've always wanted to use Ni but have been inhibited from doing so. The examples you gave for Ni don't exactly create a positive vibe either, but you seem to have a somewhat more innate understanding of how it operates than Si. Your mother's influence might have led you to believe that N is invalid or can't be trusted. Distrust of N among Ns is unfortunately quite a common affliction due to two facts: 1) Ns often suffer from minority status, and 2) intuition is much easier to cast doubt upon than sensing.

Let me pose this question: Which function, assuming you were to learn to use Si or Ni appropriately and optimally, would lead your personality development in the right direction and/or allow you to experience meaningful personal growth? I believe you have already answered: "I feel empty and mannequin-esque without proper drive and direction. I know it’s unrealistic, but it feels like many of my personal issues would be solved by finding something that lights a fire in my soul. Until then, I have no hope for my future and daily life has no meaning. All I have are pleasant distractions, which I will look back on with regret because I will have not anything."

Is there an unsilenceable force within you that wants more than what material life can offer? While this force is universal in humans and not exclusive to any one type, INFJ is the type that will experience the most pain and suffering from compromising it, whereas ISFJ is the type that most easily brushes it aside. This is one of the most glaring differences between the two types. However, the only way you can use this distinction to tell which type you are is to get in touch with who you really are, deep down. Perhaps you're not there yet.

ISFJs delight in what you somewhat derisively call "pleasant distractions". Pleasant experiences of concrete reality, especially when shared with loved ones and/or a larger community, lie at the heart of ISFJ fulfillment, which prompts them to build up elaborate routines and rituals to ensure their continuation. Hence, ISFJs are known to be "traditionalists" in the way they approach their routines and rituals as sacred. It seems you have very little understanding of this mindset given that there is no evidence of it provided.

The process of confirming the dominant function requires you to make an equally strong case for the corresponding inferior function. However, the case you've made for inferior Ne is particularly weak, with only two points, why is that? The first point you made is basically a non-point. Is it really unusual, abnormal, or unwarranted to fear big unexpected changes like losing a job or a house? I don't see how such a universal fear is indicative of inferior Ne. The second point, while arguably relevant to Ne, weirdly doesn't fit well with the inferior position. The evidence you gave for inferior Se, while also weak, is comparatively more convincing. Either you haven't understood the concept of inferior functions or you still haven't developed enough awareness of your inferior function to describe and explain its activities in detail.

For the sake of improving your self-awareness, I have to mention that an important stage in ego development is nurturing genuine adult independence. This often involves going through a difficult psychological process of differentiating oneself from parental, peer, and societal expectations. In other words, you need to learn what kind of person you really are apart from what your parents or society have inadvertently led you to believe you are. You don't seem to be there yet, though that's normal for your age bracket. It is my prediction that until you get there, you'll continue to suffer from the "detachment" you described.

You want to connect with the world better (i.e. use Fe appropriately), but how can that happen when it's unclear what it is inside you that the world should be connecting with? One vital aspect of personality development is learning about the gifts that come with your personality and not being afraid to express them. These gifts are what allow people to carve out a space in the world and find a sense of purpose that is well-matched to the core of their identity. Yet I struggle to get any sense of your gifts when reading your self-description. Your conscientiousness certainly shines through, but there should be more than that.

Generally, it seems you approach the world as though it is your mother, so you live in fear of its criticism - this is most likely the main reason you feel yourself and your life to be too small or too "simple". I suggest you take steps to overcome social anxiety in order to discover your true powers and express the more positive aspects of yourself, otherwise, you'll continue to feel uncertain about your type (regardless of how I or others type you) because you are not expressing the dominant function optimally. Maybe your mother simply doesn't recognize your gifts due to the blindspots of her personality type, or maybe the voice you've internalized from her has served to suppress the best parts of you, I don't know. In any case, it is never too late to try to get in touch with them.

At this point, I can't say for certain which type you are, though I lean more toward INFJ due to ISFJ having too many irregularities. I've highlighted some key points that need clarification or fleshing out, and I believe doing so should lead you toward the right conclusion in due time.

[natlacentral]

VISUAL TALES Presents Actor IAN OUSLEY from NETFLIX’s AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER

Best known for his portrayal of 'Sokka' in the latest hit Netflix series "Avatar: The Last Airbender," Ousley brings depth to the character's leadership struggles with a blend of wit and deadpan humor. As we delve beyond the screen, we uncover Ian's entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding the innovative clothing line KALÓ SOIL, a venture that repurposes vintage items into timeless fashion pieces. From winning championships to gracing the screens of Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" and CBS's "Young Sheldon," Ian Ousley's trajectory is as dynamic as the characters he embodies.

BIBI XIA: Hi fellow Texan! How was growing up in Texas and when did you move to LA? IAN OUSLEY: I love LA and have been here since 2016 when I was just 14 years old. I grew up in College Station, Texas, which as you know is a city built for college students. While most people come from Houston or Dallas for college, it’s a different town when you’re growing up in it. People who grew up there wanted to do team sports like football, but I took a very different path because of my asthma, and being in the grass was terrible for me. This led me to do Taekwondo at 8-9 years old because it was an indoor solo sport. School was very competitive and I knew I wanted to take a different path than going to college. So I took the non-traditional route of an indoor sport, noncompetitive with academics, and then transitioned into an artist career path here in LA.

BX: I’m sure you’ve been asked a lot of the same questions regarding Avatar, so something more specific I had in mind is if you could water bend in your everyday life, what would you use it for? IO: It’s a hard question to answer because in the show, they are at war, and it’s hard to think about applying it in everyday life. Water bending is cool because you can heal people with it. If I was one of the only water benders I’d probably go into medicine. Or, I can just become the most wealthy entrepreneur in the water slide business and open up Schlitterbahns left and right.

BX: What was your most memorable scene from the show and why? IO: I would say the most memorable scene as an audience would probably be the Avatar Kyoshi scene. I especially liked how she showed up when Katara and Zuko were fighting, and how she just appeared. What was yours? BX: Same! That scene was so memorable, that I hit replay as soon as it was over.

BX: Who is most like their character and who is least like their character and why? IO: I think Gordon is most like his character in real life, he’s just this very goofy and energetic kid off-screen. The least like their character is an easy answer because Zuko is this person consumed by power and anger, while Dallas in real life is an angel and a softie.

BX: Would you say you’re similar to Sokka? IO: I think there are a lot of similarities between me and Sokka. We both love humor and use it as a tool more than part of our personality. Luckily both my parents are still in my life and that does fundamentally change. Sokka lost both of his parents and has such a big responsibility to take care of a village. So we are different in that we went through different life experiences even though there are similarities. 

BX: Do you find it more challenging to portray someone more similar to you or very opposite to who you are? IO: I prefer portraying a character that’s vastly different from my own personality. When you’re acting and you have different circumstances to portray that are further away from your own, you have the opportunity to really build out a character. I do a lot of prep before doing something, it’s important that the characters have their own physicalities, their own ways of reacting to things, and ground themselves. I’ve not had a role yet where those characteristics are similar to mine. It’s less vulnerable when you’re not being compared to your character in real life. 

BX: Is there a role or character you’d like to play someday? IO: I’m really looking forward to playing a villain or something fantastical like a creature or motion capture. My number one role would be to play Beast Boy. 

BX: Speaking of Beast Boy, how was the hair and makeup process on the set of Avatar? IO: I was so lucky, my process was fairly short. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I get a haircut, and that was 30 minutes in hair and 30 minutes in makeup. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it was only 15 minutes for hair, and all that was to center the ponytail. Most of the other cast members had a lot longer time like Dallas had spent at least 2 hours every day to get prosthetics for his character.

BX: What was your favorite costume and weapon on set? IO: Costume-wise, it’s definitely the warrior outfit with the chainmail and shoulder pads. Weapon-wise, I really liked the boomerangs and we had it made in various materials. I really liked the aluminum version and enjoyed playing around with it. I have a world championship in weapons for my martial arts. The war club I had was also really heavy on the top and light at the bottom so it was an interesting feel. 

BX: What are you most looking forward to for Seasons 2 and 3? IO: I’m most looking forward to being back with the fam, my co-stars. There’s a different bond you create with people when you’re doing a project together and building a shoulder-to-shoulder interaction instead of face-to-face. We’re all focused on a goal and moving towards that thing, it feels almost like being in a team sport. I’m also looking forward to reading the scripts and specific scenes from the show and how they will mix and evolve the characters. I hope that they incorporate more humor for Sokka.

BX: You started a fashion brand with your friends, KALÓ SOIL. Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of creating the piece you wore to the premiere?  IO: The inspiration behind this piece was white ravens. They’ve been a very important part of my life for the last year and a half. Ravens mean the provisions of God, and the concept of the white raven is a very glorious and triumphant raven. We were inspired by the layers and pleats that represented the raven and we used a lot of different textiles and textures for the piece. We had 7 crosses on the leather sashe and 7 represented the number for perfection.

BX: What’s next for KALÓ SOIL?  IO: It’s been such a beautiful opportunity to work with my business partners. They are really amazing creatives in designing and creative directing. We’re starting to do collections and our goal is to do a runway this year.

BX: Do you have any upcoming projects? IO: I’m working on a short right now with director Tony Tanchney and we’re really excited about it but I can’t tell you too much about what it is. It’s very different from the characters I’ve done before, so it’s interesting to see the contrast. But after that, it will mostly be Avatar for the next two and a half years.

[uthra-krish]

Exploring Data Science Tools: My Adventures with Python, R, and More

Welcome to my data science journey! In this blog post, I'm excited to take you on a captivating adventure through the world of data science tools. We'll explore the significance of choosing the right tools and how they've shaped my path in this thrilling field.

Choosing the right tools in data science is akin to a chef selecting the finest ingredients for a culinary masterpiece. Each tool has its unique flavor and purpose, and understanding their nuances is key to becoming a proficient data scientist.

I. The Quest for the Right Tool

My journey began with confusion and curiosity. The world of data science tools was vast and intimidating. I questioned which programming language would be my trusted companion on this expedition. The importance of selecting the right tool soon became evident.

I embarked on a research quest, delving deep into the features and capabilities of various tools. Python and R emerged as the frontrunners, each with its strengths and applications. These two contenders became the focus of my data science adventures.

II. Python: The Swiss Army Knife of Data Science

Python, often hailed as the Swiss Army Knife of data science, stood out for its versatility and widespread popularity. Its extensive library ecosystem, including NumPy for numerical computing, pandas for data manipulation, and Matplotlib for data visualization, made it a compelling choice.

My first experiences with Python were both thrilling and challenging. I dove into coding, faced syntax errors, and wrestled with data structures. But with each obstacle, I discovered new capabilities and expanded my skill set.

III. R: The Statistical Powerhouse

In the world of statistics, R shines as a powerhouse. Its statistical packages like dplyr for data manipulation and ggplot2 for data visualization are renowned for their efficacy. As I ventured into R, I found myself immersed in a world of statistical analysis and data exploration.

My journey with R included memorable encounters with data sets, where I unearthed hidden insights and crafted beautiful visualizations. The statistical prowess of R truly left an indelible mark on my data science adventure.

IV. Beyond Python and R: Exploring Specialized Tools

While Python and R were my primary companions, I couldn't resist exploring specialized tools and programming languages that catered to specific niches in data science. These tools offered unique features and advantages that added depth to my skill set.

For instance, tools like SQL allowed me to delve into database management and querying, while Scala opened doors to big data analytics. Each tool found its place in my toolkit, serving as a valuable asset in different scenarios.

V. The Learning Curve: Challenges and Rewards

The path I took wasn't without its share of difficulties. Learning Python, R, and specialized tools presented a steep learning curve. Debugging code, grasping complex algorithms, and troubleshooting errors were all part of the process.

However, these challenges brought about incredible rewards. With persistence and dedication, I overcame obstacles, gained a profound understanding of data science, and felt a growing sense of achievement and empowerment.

VI. Leveraging Python and R Together

One of the most exciting revelations in my journey was discovering the synergy between Python and R. These two languages, once considered competitors, complemented each other beautifully.

I began integrating Python and R seamlessly into my data science workflow. Python's data manipulation capabilities combined with R's statistical prowess proved to be a winning combination. Together, they enabled me to tackle diverse data science tasks effectively.

VII. Tips for Beginners

For fellow data science enthusiasts beginning their own journeys, I offer some valuable tips:

Embrace curiosity and stay open to learning.

Work on practical projects while engaging in frequent coding practice.

Explore data science courses and resources to enhance your skills.

Seek guidance from mentors and engage with the data science community.

Remember that the journey is continuous—there's always more to learn and discover.

My adventures with Python, R, and various data science tools have been transformative. I've learned that choosing the right tool for the job is crucial, but versatility and adaptability are equally important traits for a data scientist.

As I summarize my expedition, I emphasize the significance of selecting tools that align with your project requirements and objectives. Each tool has a unique role to play, and mastering them unlocks endless possibilities in the world of data science.

I encourage you to embark on your own tool exploration journey in data science. Embrace the challenges, relish the rewards, and remember that the adventure is ongoing. May your path in data science be as exhilarating and fulfilling as mine has been.

Happy data exploring!

[avatarthelastairgender]

oh I'm curious what your Out of the Abyss take is? Why don't you think it works?

i just really dislike the whole thing from conception to execution. the fact that it starts with a prison break that necessarily asks you to bring like 10 NPCs along in your early adventuring party is just horrible no matter how you spin it— whether it's ask the players to control an NPC at the same time as their PC, try to manage a massive party solely on the shoulders of the DM, functionally forget some of them are even around— it makes early combat a slog and roleplaying equally so. and none of the npcs with one arguable exception are really memorable or affect the story really!!!

the survival aspects feel repetitive, boring, and tedious, both as written and in practice (i've only played the module once but i've read through it a couple times since then; it's rough stuff). it very quickly starts to feel like a chore that doesn't contribute to the narrative experience. the structure of the story tries to present itself as an open-world sandbox despite the fact that at almost any time, there is really only one path that the characters can realistically take. the problem with this is that because it is in denial about this fact, it makes the playing experience worse for everyone. like, because it presents itself as a sandbox, it doesn't offer much in the way of streamlined guidance or tools for DMs to handle the linear story efficiently, and it leads to players feeling a loss of agency (in my experience anyway) as it becomes increasingly obvious what the story is.

one of my biggest problems is the midpoint, where the characters escape the underdark, hang out for a bit, and then they all just kind of get a letter from an NPC who goes "uhhh you have to go back now!". i think the fact that characters are kept away from anything interesting in their backstory except for a small, narratively irrelevant chunk of the story, is a problem in and of itself. but more than that it feels kind of forced and jarring. the sudden shift back to the underdark after escaping it kind of feels arbitrary and unearned, having an NPC just tell the characters halfway through the story what they have to do next is one of the least interesting ways to give a quest— breaks the immersive narrative flow and makes the story feel like a series of checkpoints, and it leads to us retreading old ground without any meaningful narrative or environmental variation. like ok. what was the point of all that then

also this is purely a personal taste thing but i hate random combat encounter tables. i don't think it's actually difficult to have a combat-heavy campaign where the combats are interesting and have personal stakes to the characters involved, tell us something about the world, and exist for a reason other than just "page 63 of Sepulchre's Sheep Saloon says if you roll a 6 an evil sheep shows up here".

[sophiyablogs]

Ace Your Classes with Confidence: The TakeMyClassCourse Advantage

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, finding innovative and effective ways to enhance our learning experience is crucial. Whether you're a student looking to excel in your coursework or a professional seeking to acquire new skills, the right learning platform can make all the difference. There are some situations which make the students think who will take my biology class for me so that I can complete my assignment easily? In this post, we will explore the transformative power of TakeMyClassCourse and how it can elevate your learning experience to new heights.

Unlocking the Potential of TakeMyClassCourse:

Personalized Learning Paths: TakeMyClassCourse understands that each learner is unique. The platform offers personalized learning paths tailored to individual needs and preferences. This ensures that you focus on what matters most to you, making your learning journey more efficient and enjoyable.

Expert Instructors: The quality of instruction plays a pivotal role in the learning process. TakeMyClassCourse boasts a roster of expert instructors who are passionate about their subjects. These educators bring real-world experience and a deep understanding of their respective fields, providing you with valuable insights beyond the textbook.

Interactive Learning Modules: Traditional learning methods can sometimes feel monotonous and uninspiring. TakeMyClassCourse integrates interactive learning modules that engage and challenge learners. Whether it's quizzes, simulations, or hands-on projects, these elements make the learning process dynamic and memorable.

Flexibility for Busy Lifestyles: Balancing work, family, and education can be a daunting task. TakeMyClassCourse recognizes the importance of flexibility in today's fast-paced world. With on-demand classes and a variety of scheduling options, you can seamlessly integrate learning into your busy lifestyle.

Community Collaboration: Learning is not a solitary endeavor. TakeMyClassCourse fosters a sense of community by providing forums, discussion boards, and collaborative projects. Connecting with fellow learners allows for the exchange of ideas, networking opportunities, and a supportive environment to enhance your overall learning experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Stay ahead of the curve with TakeMyClassCourse's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology. From virtual reality simulations to artificial intelligence-driven assessments, the platform ensures you have access to the latest tools that facilitate effective and forward-thinking learning.

Continuous Improvement and Updates: Education is an ever-changing field, and TakeMyClassCourse keeps pace with the latest trends and advancements. Regular updates and improvements ensure that you are always receiving the most up-to-date content and methodologies.

TakeMyClassCourse is not just a learning platform; it's a catalyst for personal and professional growth. By embracing a learner-centric approach, offering top-notch instructors, and utilizing state-of-the-art technology, this platform has proven to be a game-changer for individuals seeking to elevate their learning experience. So, whether you're embarking on a new academic journey or looking to enhance your skills, consider the transformative power of TakeMyClassCourse as your trusted companion on the road to success. Elevate your learning experience today!

[boredtechnologist]

Bally Midway's "Tron" Arcade marquee

Released in 1982 by Bally Midway, "Tron" is an arcade game that was developed alongside the groundbreaking Disney film of the same name. Both the film and the game were instrumental in showcasing the potential of computer graphics in entertainment, making "Tron" a landmark in both cinematic and video game history. The game itself is not just a tie-in but an extension of the film's aesthetic and themes, exploring the concept of living inside a digital world, a notion that was revolutionary at the time.

Technological and Historical Context

The early 1980s marked a period of rapid evolution in video games, with developers exploring new ways to integrate storytelling and advanced graphics into gameplay. "Tron" was released during the golden age of arcade games, a time characterized by intense creativity and technological advancement. The film "Tron" was notable for being one of the first major motion pictures to make extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), and the arcade game sought to bring that visual style to the gaming world.

Gameplay and Design

"Tron" consists of four distinct mini-games, each based on different scenes from the movie. The games include:

Light Cycles: Perhaps the most iconic of the four, this game has players controlling a light cycle that leaves a solid trail behind it. The goal is to trap the other cycles with your trail while avoiding walls and the trails of other cycles.

Grid Bugs: Players must destroy grid bugs and clear a path to the I/O tower within a set time.

Battle Tanks: In this mini-game, players control a tank and navigate a maze-like battlefield, destroying enemy tanks.

MCP Cone: The objective is to break through blocks spinning around the MCP's cone by firing at them, without getting hit by returning fire.

These mini-games are accessed from a central hub, a design choice that not only provided variety but also reflected the segmented nature of the digital world depicted in the film.

Graphical Innovations

"Tron" utilized colorful and detailed raster graphics, which were advanced for the time and provided a visual fidelity that mirrored the high-tech, neon-infused aesthetic of the film. The game was one of the first to use a blacklight in the cabinet, which made its fluorescent colors stand out, enhancing the visual experience and drawing players in arcades.

Control and Interface

The game featured a unique control scheme, including a rotary dial for aiming and a joystick for movement, which were innovative at the time. This setup allowed for precise control, which was necessary for navigating the game's various challenges.

Sound and Narrative Elements

"Tron" featured pioneering sound design, with audio that closely mimicked the electronic score of the film. This integration of sound helped immerse players in the digital world of Tron, enhancing the game's futuristic feel.

Impact and Legacy

"Tron" was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, becoming one of the most memorable arcade games of the 1980s. Its success helped solidify the concept of games as a viable promotional tool for films and demonstrated the potential for cross-media convergence.

Technologically, "Tron" pushed forward the notion that video games could be both visually stunning and complex in design. The game's emphasis on multiple types of gameplay within a single cabinet anticipated later developments in arcade and console gaming, where multi-genre games became more common.

Conclusion

The arcade game "Tron" stands as a significant achievement in the history of video gaming, notable for its technological innovation, distinctive design, and its role in the broader context of 1980s pop culture. By bridging the gap between cinema and video gaming, "Tron" not only captured the imagination of a generation but also pointed the way toward the future of interactive entertainment, where the lines between different media would continue to blur. As a historical artifact and as a piece of entertainment, "Tron" remains a fascinating study in the convergence of technology, art, and commercial entertainment.

[aecholapis]

And…

Future and Mask for Parallax because I almost gave that name to one of my OCs and I want to get to know the OC behind a name as cool as that :3

Yay! I agree, it's a cool name :-D

Future: What's the worst possible future for your OC? Are they taking steps to avoid that outcome? Are they even aware it's a possibility?

She's the Orbiter's navigational officer and a hobbyist cartographer. Because the Orbiter travels to a different planet every now and then and stays in its orbit for a while, her input is only needed on rare occasions.

An incident left her drifting aimlessly through the stars in a small escape pod. Her alt mode (she's a train) wasn't made for space travel and she didn't know how to navigate space at the time. This marks the most confusing time in her life and she doesn't want to experience it ever again.

Her worst possible future would be to lose sight of the stars she's familiar with, entering foreign galaxies and never finding her way back home. It's possible and highly probable. The Orbiter is nearing a part of space no Cybertronian has ever been to and their maps are slowly proving to be either insufficient or riddled with flaws.

It's one of the reasons why she wants to memorize and catalogue the stars. One look into space tells her where she is and where she is going. Keeping track of new stars and galaxies helps her create new maps linked to the path they have already left behind so that one day they all may return to Cybertron.

Mask: Does your OC wear a mask, literally or figuratively? What goes on beneath it? Is there anyone in their life who gets to see who they are under the mask?

There is no need for her to mask her personality.

She has an external visor with a built-in projector. The visor helps her estimate distances and visualize stars. It's HUD acts like a live-video cataloguing tool and displays their names and coordinates right next to stellar bodies. (It's a lot like Magnus' HUD just used for a different purpose.)

A beautiful track that makes me think of her (and another OC) is Constellations by Kevin Stahl.

[songoftrillium]

The Wild Frontier of Gorechord narratives

by Mundus

“For each of us as a woman, there is a dark place within, where hidden and growing our true spirit rises, “beautiful/and tough as chestnut/stanchions against (Y)our nightmare of weakness/” – and of impotence. Within these deep places, each one of us holds an incredible reserve of creativity and power, of unexamined and unrecorded emotion and feeling”  — Lorde, Audre. (1984). Poetry is not a luxury. Sister outsider (pp. 25-27)

In James Moore’s essay, Understanding Villainy: Splatterpunk Villains and More Subtle Antagonists, he highlights the importance of understanding the various levels of fear and horror that can be evoked in horror storytelling. Moore argues that horror, terror, and splatterpunk each have their place in creating memorable moments for players in horror games, and that villains play a crucial role in evoking these emotions. In the context of affect theory, Moore’s concepts of terror, horror, and the gross-out can be understood as different affective states that can be used to evoke emotional responses from players.

Affect theory suggests that emotions are not simply internal states that we experience, but rather they are socially constructed and shaped by our environment and experiences. In the case of horror storytelling, the goal is to create an environment that evokes fear, disgust, and other negative emotions to motivate a greater narrative. This can be achieved through the use of well-crafted villains, such as those described by Moore, who are not simply mindless monsters, but have their own motivations and goals. By understanding the different affective states that can be evoked through horror storytelling, and by carefully crafting villains that tap into these emotions, storytellers can create truly immersive and memorable horror experiences for their players.

Gorechord Storytelling is a term that takes it’s origins from the word gore, and three of it’s meanings:

Verb, to pierce or stab with a horn or tusk. Noun, blood that has been shed, especially as a result of violence. Etym., germanic gor, muck/filth

This word is combined with chord, to represent the harmony of all three aspects represented in Storytelling.Gorechord Storytelling takes the “dark path” of consciousness to convey the story through revelation. In short, speaking directly from the perspective of the limbic cortex to inform the players of what’s going on at your tabletop. Whether conscious of this relationship or otherwise, we are very much passengers in our own bodies, living a life of receiving information, and then sending instructions to parts of our body to respond to the world around us. Consciousness in many ways relies on this bilateral relationship in order to really form ‘the person’. When the body needs to respond to the world around it faster than the mind can, it has a way of overriding our instructions and responding for us. It’s the reflex to shield one’s eyes from a blinding light, to dive for cover in an explosion, and to yank one’s feet out of the way of a falling knife. In a more scholarly sense, an exploration of this system of response is called Affect Theory, and Gorechord Storytelling would be considered an application of this theory in the way Storytellers interact with their players in the World of Darkness.

Disclaimer: This article contains themes that include implications of gore, violence, and other narratives of horror that others may find offensive.

A narrative application of affect theory is the way one can’t help rolling their eyes at things that annoy them, or the way their heart races when they feel fear, or the sense of dread that fills them when they sense danger. These are all examples of negative affects, or emotional states that are experienced as unpleasant or uncomfortable. Negative affects can be powerful tools for storytellers, allowing them to create a sense of urgency and danger in their narratives. By tapping into these emotions, storytellers can create a visceral, immersive experience for their players, drawing them into the world of the story. In order to convey affect in their narrative voice, storytellers can use a variety of techniques. They can describe the physical sensations that characters are feeling, such as the pounding of their heart or the sweat on their brow. They can also use vivid, descriptive language to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, such as describing the sound of a distant storm or the smell of burning embers. They can also use pacing and structure to create a sense of tension and urgency, such as by gradually building up to a climactic moment or by using abrupt cuts and changes in perspective to disorient the players.

The function of a Gorechord is to create a sense of dread and unease in the audience, while also delivering moments of shock and awe through building scenes that encapsulate Moore’s depictions. Gorechords are structured according to a trilithon framework, which consists of three distinct parts.

The first part sets up the scene, introducing the characters and the situation. This is where the audience becomes emotionally invested in the story, and where the atmosphere and tone are established. The second part is the turning point, where the story takes a dramatic shift. It is where the horror, terror, or splatterpunk elements come into play, and where the characters are put to the test. This is often the most intense and memorable part of the story, as it can make or break the characters’ fates. The third and final part is the resolution, where the story comes to a close. This is where the consequences of the turning point are realized, and where the characters reflect on their experiences. The resolution often leaves a lasting impression on the audience, as it ties up loose ends and provides closure to the story.

Gorechords follow this structure in a unique way, incorporating affect theory and Gorechord storytelling to create a visceral and immersive experience for your players. The arcs are interconnected, with each chapter building upon the previous one to tell a greater tale of horror and intrigue.

By carefully crafting each part of their trilithons, Storytellers can create a story that is both emotionally engaging, narratively compelling, and terrifyingly immersive, but understanding how to apply these in each scene, and when, we have to look inward, into ourselves.

Silvan Tomkins was an American psychologist who developed the theory of affect, which is the study of emotions and their expression. Tomkins proposed that there are nine primary affects, which are universal and innate to all humans. These affects are the building blocks of our emotional experiences and include joy, interest, surprise, anger, contempt, disgust, distress, shame, and fear. Tomkins’ work has had a significant impact on the study of emotions and has influenced fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. In the context of horror storytelling, Tomkins’ affect theory provides a framework for understanding the emotional impact of different storytelling techniques and can help creators craft more immersive and impactful stories.

In the World of Darkness, horror, terror, and splatterpunk methods of storytelling are used to create a sense of fear and unease in players. These methods can be used to evoke Silvan Tomkins’s nine affects, which are innate emotional responses that are triggered by certain stimuli. In this section, we will examine each of Tomkins’s nine affects and how they can be used in horror, terror, and splatterpunk storytelling.

Interest/Excitement: Novelty and the anticipation of an outcome

Horror: A suspension of disbelief, like a moment of bonding with a protagonist on a roadtrip

Terror: A false sense of security before the terror sets in, like heading to bed

Splatterpunk: Suspense and anticipation, two men arguing over a spilled drink at the roadhouse

Enjoyment/Joy: Achieving a desired goal

Horror: The characters wax nostalgic and start laughing at the shared story.

Terror: You fall asleep and have a dream that’s really slow and peaceful.

Splatterpunk: One man offers to buy a new drink and reaches for his wallet.

Surprise/Startle: Unexpected stimuli

Horror: Wiping tears of laughter from your eyes, you look in the rearview mirror and see someone sitting in the back seat.

Terror: Something interrupts your dream and you wake up.

Splatterpunk: One instant the characters see this unfolding, and then there’s a shattering of glasses and everyone flinching away from the condiments and bits of gunk that was everyone’s food.

Distress/Anguish: Loss or unfulfilled desire

Horror: Looking, you realize it’s your friend you were just talking to, in the backseat. He’s wearing the same shirt you remember from this morning.

Terror: With the dawning realization that something woke you up, you’re still there with your eyes closed. You feel a sinking twisting in your stomach as you realize you’re leaning to the side slightly. Something is sitting on the bed beside you.

Splatterpunk: While clearing condiments from your eyes, you hear gasps and sounds of disgust. You think you hear someone scream, but you can’t see them, because you can’t seem to be able to take your eyes off the head that landed in the middle of the table, and the blankness of its eyes.

Anger/Rage: Frustration or thwarted goals

Horror: You turn around, ready for a fight.

Terror: You open your eyes only to be greeted by your dark room.

Splatterpunk: You realize in a flash of recognition, that head belongs to the Brujah you’ve been stalking all night that offered to buy the offended stranger a drink.

Fear/Terror: Perception of danger or threat

Horror: You don’t see anybody in the backseat.

Terror: You feel the thing beside you move, and you cannot see it.

Splatterpunk: Whatever did this to this kindred, can do this to you.

Shame/Humiliation: Social disapproval or failure

Horror: Your friend driving doesn’t seem to notice.

Terror: You put your hand where you feel it’s weight and find nothing.

Splatterpunk: You hear a voice from among the crowd speak with a growl, “Oops. Looks like he lost his head.” in Garou Tongue, and a scream erupts in the crowd.

Disgust/Contempt: Repulsive or offensive stimuli

Horror: You turn around, and a hand suddenly thrusts out of the mirror and grabs you.

Terror: With a sudden sick feeling of panic welling your gut, you feel yourself start to sink into the mattress.

Splatterpunk: Feeling a growl of your own rising in your throat, you recognize the voice of that Black Spiral Dancer

Do the following to incorporate the Gorechord:

Determine the overall narrative arc of the chronicle.

What is the main story you want to tell?

What are the major events and conflicts that will drive the story forward?

Divide the story into chapters, each of which should tell a complete story while also advancing the overall narrative arc.

Each chapter should have its own trilithon and should be a self-contained story that contributes to the larger narrative.

Identify the horror, terror, and splatterpunk elements that you want to include in each scene.

Determine how you want to deliver sensory information to emphasize these elements and create an immersive experience for your players.

Use trilithons to structure each scene.

Start with a promise to your players about what they will experience in the scene.

Then, create a turning point that subverts that promise and introduces a new element of horror, terror, or splatterpunk.

Finally, deliver on the promise of something extraordinary that resolves the scene and leaves the players wanting more.

Connect each scene to the larger narrative arc by introducing new characters, conflicts, and plot twists.

Each scene should contribute to the larger story while also being a self-contained horror story in its own right.

Use All Senses in Your Descriptions.

Players often receive nothing more than a visual description of the room they’re in, leaving a lot to the imagination.. Simply using adjectives to describe the indescribable won’t convey the intended emotion. Instead, try to immerse the players in the character’s perspective. For instance, a character may be unable to comprehend a creature’s physical form or may be affected by its presence. Describing the sounds, smells, and physical sensations that the creature evokes can create a more immersive experience for players, making even mundane encounters more memorable. By activating the senses, players can feel like they’re experiencing events in person, allowing for deeper immersion within the session.

Creating an immersive experience for players in a game involves activating all their senses. The following paragraphs detail how the six senses can be utilized to enhance the players’ experience.

Sight: Visual descriptions are crucial in creating a mental image for the players. Adding details about the lighting, colors, and textures in the environment can make the players feel like they are truly there. For example, describing the flickering shadows created by a nearby torch, the vibrant red color of a bloody blade, or the ethereal glow of a magical artifact can create a lasting impact on the players’ minds.

Sound: The things one hears can add depth to the environment, providing clues about what’s happening around the players. Whether it’s the clinking of chains, the screeching of bats, or the distant sounds of battle, each sound can help to paint a vivid picture of the scene. Playing sound effects or music can further enhance the players’ experience, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.

Smell: From the metallic scent of blood, the musty odor of old books, or the pungent stench of decay, each scent can evoke a visceral reaction in the players. Using scented candles or essential oils can further enhance the players’ experience, allowing them to fully engage their sense of smell.

Touch: Describing the texture of rough stone walls, the chill of a frigid wind, or the warmth of a comforting fire can transport the players into the scene. You can also use props or textures to add a physical element to the game, such as handing players a cold, metal key or a soft, furry animal pelt.

Taste: While taste may not come up as frequently as other senses in a game, it can still add a layer of immersion to the experience. Describing the metallic taste of fear, the salty taste of sweat, or the sweetness of a delicious meal can help players feel more connected to their characters. You can also use food and drink as props, such as providing the players with a feast that matches the one their characters are eating in-game.

Affect: Finally, it’s important to consider how the environment affects the players on an instinctual level. Describing how the hair on the back of the players’ necks stand up, their hearts race, or they get a sick feeling in their stomach can create a visceral response in the players. If you’ve ever been in an accident or other disaster, your body will respond faster than you can comprehend what’s going on. This form of narrative is a perspective from the players’ own body. By tapping into their instinctive reactions, you can create a truly immersive experience that they’ll never forget.

Don’t Lose Sight of the Story

Create a rough, bulleted outline of what kind of story you’re telling, the scope of the story, and the storytelling mechanisms you hope to employ. List who the main actors are, and if needed, create a brief note on how they relate to each other. Reference this list often, especially every time you’re working on your campaign. It helps you keep your sights set on an ultimate outcome that you’re hoping to guide your players through. Take this a step forward by creating a timeline of events to ensure the story has a believable timetable while placing NPCs at appropriate times and places.

Essentially, you have to write a short story. Establish a status quo, disrupt the status quo, set antagonists to hinder the plot, protagonists to accelerate it, design your climax and the aftermath. Now, expand it into multiple arcs that are building towards something big. Along similar lines, decide how much and what kind of power you want the players to have. Is this going to conclude in a high powered kaiju battle, or will it be a skin-of-the-teeth experience the players keep barely surviving?

Write Your NPCs For Quick Lookups

When creating NPCs for your Gorechord narrative, it’s important to consider the pacing of the story and the players’ need for quick reference. A well-crafted NPC can add depth and complexity to your chronicle, but too much information can slow down the gameplay and hinder immersion. To keep things simple and effective, follow the W5 formula:

Who are they? Provide a brief description of the NPC’s physical appearance and personality traits. This can help players visualize the character and form an initial impression.

What are their goals? Every character should have a reason for being in the story. What motivates this NPC? Are they trying to achieve a specific goal or fulfill a certain purpose?

Where are they in meeting their goals? It’s important to give the players a sense of progress or urgency. Is the NPC close to achieving their goal, or are they just beginning their journey?

When are they planning their next steps in these goals? Provide context for the NPC’s actions. When will they make their next move? Are they waiting for a specific event or opportunity?

Why are they doing this? This question delves deeper into the NPC’s motivations. What drives them? Are they seeking revenge, power, or redemption?

Optional: How will they accomplish this? Depending on the NPC’s goals, it may be helpful to include a brief description of their methods. How do they plan to achieve their goals? What obstacles will they face?

By keeping NPC descriptions concise and focused, you can create characters that are easy to remember and reference, without sacrificing depth or complexity. This approach can also help you stay organized and prepared for gameplay, allowing you to quickly recall key information and keep the story moving forward.

Don’t Write Yourself or Your Players Into a Corner

That is, have some concrete components that motivate the plot forward without making the players’ decision a lynchpin in your story. Give your players a clear end-objective, and then be prepared to make the person and circumstance delivering that narrative something that can be interchangeably used depending on location and NPC. Nothing is more frustrating than dedicating all of your narrative to specific locations or times only for the players to diverge completely from your aim and plan. At that point you either have to railroad players into the plot (frustrating for players), or become a hostage to your players and abandon the module entirely (frustrating to the Storyteller). There’s a few ways around this:

Storytellers should aim to reward player curiosity and make use of new NPCs or interactions as sources of information that the players need. This can be achieved by designing the narrative to allow for multiple avenues of exploration and discovery, and by creating NPCs and scenarios that are flexible enough to adapt to unexpected player actions. Additionally, you should be prepared to improvise and adjust your plans on the fly, in order to keep the game engaging and responsive to player input. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your chronicles remain dynamic and adaptable, and avoid the frustration of being trapped by your narrative decisions.

Don’t become overly attached to NPCs, including the main antagonist or villain. If your intended villain unexpectedly dies, it’s possible to salvage your story by re-imagining them as a pawn in someone else’s game. This can add depth and intrigue to your campaign, while also keeping your options open for future plot twists and turns. Flexibility, and the willingness to adapt to unexpected outcomes will keep players engaged and invested in the story, no matter where it leads.

When starting a gaming session, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind. Summarize that goal in 3 sentences or less to keep yourself on track. However, be flexible and adaptable as players often come up with unexpected ideas or actions. Use these as opportunities to incorporate their choices into the overarching narrative while still working towards the session’s goal. Continuously seek ways to motivate players towards that goal, but also allow them the freedom to explore and create their own paths within the story.

It’s important to strike a balance between overplanning and under planning. While you don’t want to script every detail, it’s essential to have enough prepared to prevent being caught off-guard. Having multiple maps and locations on hand, even if they are not fully fleshed out, can be helpful in avoiding a narrative dead-end. A basic rough map of a location the players can reach in a session can provide structure and give the players a sense of direction, preventing them from feeling lost. Ultimately, players will always have the ability to surprise you, but having a variety of maps and NPCs prepared can help you adapt to their decisions and keep the story moving forward smoothly

Remember that the players are the driving force behind the game. While it’s necessary to have a clear story and world in mind, it’s equally important to allow players to make choices that align with their characters’ personal interests and motivations. When the players’ agency is taken away and they are forced down a predetermined path, the game becomes a railroad. This not only takes away from the fun and excitement of playing, but it can also lead to frustration and disengagement from the players. By writing the players into the world and allowing them to make meaningful choices, the game becomes a collaborative storytelling experience that is more immersive and engaging for everyone involved. Steering your players down such a course stops being a railroad if it aligns with their character’s objectives and personality.

Incorporating elements of Greek tragedy can add a layer of depth and complexity to any story, including tabletop RPG campaigns. One common element of Greek tragedy is hubris, or excessive pride and self-confidence. By introducing characters with hubris, such as powerful villains or overconfident allies, players can be challenged to overcome their own flaws and weaknesses in order to defeat them. Another element of Greek tragedy is the tragic flaw, a character trait that ultimately leads to their downfall. This can be a powerful tool in storytelling, as players can be faced with the difficult task of recognizing and addressing their own flaws in order to avoid a similar fate. By incorporating tragic flaws into NPCs or even player characters, you can create a sense of tension and drama that will keep players engaged. Moral dilemmas are another effective storytelling tool that can add complexity to any campaign. By introducing choices that force players to consider their own values and beliefs, you can create a more immersive and engaging story. For example, players might be forced to choose between saving innocent lives or pursuing a personal vendetta, or between following the law and protecting their friends. Creating NPCs with their own complex motivations and backstories can also add depth to a story. By giving NPCs their own goals and desires, you can create a sense of realism and complexity that will help players feel more invested in the world you’ve created. For example, an ally might have a hidden agenda that conflicts with the players’ goals, or a villain might have a tragic backstory that makes them more sympathetic. Urgency and dark fates can add a significant level of tension and drama to a story. When used effectively, they can make the stakes feel higher and increase the emotional investment of both the characters and the audience. Urgency can come in the form of a looming deadline or a pressing danger, forcing the characters to act quickly and make difficult choices. Meanwhile, dark fates can create a sense of dread and anticipation, hinting at a tragic end for the characters or a catastrophic outcome for the world they inhabit. Ultimately, incorporating elements of Greek Tragedy and other storytelling techniques can help create a more engaging and immersive campaign. By introducing hubris, tragic flaws, moral dilemmas, complex NPCs, and Urgency, players will be forced to grapple with difficult choices and confront their own flaws and weaknesses. This can lead to a more satisfying and meaningful gaming experience for everyone involved.

Motivate Your Players.

A villain the players will frequently interact with needs to be given the same attention and consideration the players give to their own characters. They need to be dimensional and relatable; in short, they need motivation. More important, making a villain believable and relatable makes them memorable. It’s always underwhelming to be pursuing a villain and not even know why you’re doing it. So maybe you show up and they’re there with all their mini bosses but something spectacular needs to occur to make it more than just ‘another fight’. If your player decides to try something creative to find a solution you weren’t expecting, try rewarding the behavior and seeing where it takes you.

Consequences Over Punishment.

As a storyteller, it’s essential to remember that players should always have agency in the game. The choices they make should have consequences, but these consequences should not feel like punishment. Also, it’s lazy storytelling to respond to unforeseen player actions with punishment! The things happening in-game are meant to be happening to the characters, not the players, so instead, consider consequences that take time to be realized. The players can see how things could have gone differently, and they can apply this knowledge to future scenarios, better developing their characters. When consequences are appropriately utilized, players are more invested in the game, creating a memorable and immersive experience for everyone involved.

For example, suppose the players were asked to find someone prominent who had gone missing in town. The players decide to do personal jobs and interact with NPCs around town instead. Instead of punishing the players, introduce consequences for their actions (or lack thereof). On the fifth night of carousing, one of the NPCs finds the corpse of the missing person and brings the players to it. This is a moment of heavy gravity that can turn into a narrative component. This type of consequence usually reveals if a party member is a “murder hobo,” willing to cast aside altruism for personal gain. A victory for the antagonist such as this could also give them more sway over the town or affect how NPCs interact with the players.

When consequences are used instead of punishment, players are more engaged and immersed in the narrative. It creates a sense of agency for the players and allows them to see how their actions affect the world around them. Consequences also allow for the development of the story and the characters within it.

Players can become disheartened and resentful when they feel inferior or believe they are being punished for their curiosity or actions. As Storyteller, it’s important to avoid deliberately harming players in response to something they do. This response can come across as petty and targeted, and the reslults are seldom beneficial to the narrative.

Gorechord Bibliography 2003–2018

Oldboy (2003) directed by Park Chan-wook: A man is kidnapped and held captive for 15 years, and upon his release, he embarks on a quest for revenge against those who wronged him.

The Descent (2005) directed by Neil Marshall: A group of female friends go on a caving expedition that goes horribly wrong when they become trapped and are hunted by a group of monstrous creatures.

Black Swan (2010) directed by Darren Aronofsky: A ballerina’s pursuit of perfection becomes an obsessive descent into madness as she prepares for the lead role in Swan Lake.

It Follows (2014) directed by David Robert Mitchell: A young woman is plagued by a supernatural entity that is constantly following her and is only visible to those who have been affected by it.

The Witch (2015) directed by Robert Eggers: A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by suspicion and paranoia when their newborn baby goes missing and strange occurrences begin to happen around their farm.

A Cure for Wellness (2016) directed by Gore Verbinski: An ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from a mysterious “wellness center” in the Swiss Alps, but soon discovers that the facility has sinister aims.

Get Out (2017) directed by Jordan Peele: A young black man visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to discover their horrifying true intentions.

Annihilation (2018) directed by Alex Garland: A team of scientists enter “Area X,” a mysterious and deadly zone where the laws of nature are distorted and mutated, in order to uncover its secrets.

The Lighthouse (2019) directed by Robert Eggers: Two lighthouse keepers on a remote New England island in the 1890s descend into madness as they are trapped together by a storm.

Each of these films feature elements of horror, terror, and splatterpunk storytelling, as well as strong narrative arcs and well-developed characters. By studying the techniques used in these films, storytellers can gain valuable insights into how to create immersive and terrifying worlds in their Gorechord chronicle.

[dark--whisperings]

16 and 17 because I am a nosy bitch! :D

Response for this ask game!

😜😜😜

---

16. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?

... my cell phone. LMAO. And then I promptly forgot where I put my phone, and spent a while looking for it.

Weirdly enough, I don't usually use a bookmark! I typically just memorize which page I'm on... chaotic, I know. I'm the definition of ✨chaos✨.

---

17. Talk to me about the minutiae of your current WIP. Tell me about the lore, the history, the detail, the things that won’t make it in the text.

OOOOH I LOVE THIS ONE. Again, I'm going to talk about 'Suffocate Me (I'm Still Breathing)'. Originally, this was to be written as a one shot, intended to satisfy my craving for Obi-Wan Kenobi, the mess(TM). Because I love me an Obi-Wan that is a hot mess. However, the more I started writing it, the more I started leaning into a deeper exploration of the mind of an addict and someone struggling with an untreated mental illness. What was intended to be dark and gritty, became dark and gritty and real. It became less about the more emphatic depictions of mental health and addiction that you see in the media, and more focused on the subtleties of the experience, ones that often go unnoticed.

When I started following this train of thought with this fic, I was really focused on the experience of the Clone Wars, and Star Wars in general. In this universe, shit is majorly fucked up. Everyone knows it, but we don't really delve into how the characters are affected by the atrocities that they experience daily. Instead, war is glorified. And, I think this really reflects the kinds of thing that get swept under the rug and overlooked by those who aren't experiencing it.

Which is why I really wanted to focus on Obi-Wan, and his experience. Time and time again, he's been hit with terrible loss and experiences that will change him forever. But he's become a notable hero in the galaxy. And by nature, he's the type of man that refuses to seek help when he needs it. Not because he perceives others needing help as a weakness. No, he only sees himself needing support as something to be ashamed of, because he's started to view himself as a tool to bring about change in the galaxy. I firmly believe that by the time the Clone Wars really started to ramp up, that he lost his sense of self, which leads him down a really dark path, one he walks alone.

So we have this struggling man, desperately wishing someone would notice what's going on, because he's learned that he can't verbalize this himself. Pair that with everyone else having put him on a pedestal, because acknowledging that their hero-like figure needs help means they have to acknowledge the fallacies of their own realities and perspectives... it's kind of the perfect storm.

All in all, I just really wanted to explore the silent struggle that many people fight on a daily basis, in contrast with a more overt struggle (that someone like Anakin experiences, for example).

*takes a breath*

Wow, that was a rambling stream of thought. 😅😅😅

---

Keep 'em coming!

[larysproducts]

CAI Tools extension for extra features on Character.AI

Character.AI has become the go-to platform for millions of users seeking interactive and engaging conversations with AI. Now, this extension brings a range of new features designed to add functionality and customization to your digital interactions. Let’s dive into the specifics and see how CAI Tools is set to give you an even better experience.

Feature Showcase:

1. Clone/Duplicate Your Chat Ever wondered what would happen if you took a different path in your conversation? It’s dilemma, choosing between sacrificing your perfectly tailored chat by deleting messages or starting a new chat from zero. With Character.AI, now you don’t need to choose! Clone your chats to explore different routes and outcomes while completely preserving the current conversation.

2. Extend Memory with Customizable Reminders Create and customize any number of reminders that extend the memory of your AI character. Set important details such as preferences, history and lore. You can even set the frequency of reminder.

3. Save Chats on your PC/Phone Save your chats directly to your PC and read them whenever you want. Especially important when you lose your chats for good. Whether it’s for sentimental reasons or simply to have a back up, CAI Tools lets you do that with just a couple of clicks. You receive your as HTML file, which you can open on browsers and have a good experience reading it.

4. Download Characters in JSON and PNG (Card) Format Character Cards are pretty valuable, because you can use them universally without memorizing or copy pasting each setting one by one. In fact, CAI Tools is used to distribute Character Cards to popular websites like chub.ai, spicychat.ai and more (beware of 18+, though.)

5. Review Hidden Character Settings Ever been curious about the settings of your AI companion? Character.AI lets you see the character settings, even for popular characters that typically have their settings hidden. Unfortunately definitions section may be trully hidden and inaccessible.

6. Download Chats in Various Formats If you want to take your chats to other platforms, you no longer need to copy and paste all your messages. Download your chats in Oobabooga format, Tavern & SillyTavern format that Moemate.io also uses.

7. Chats as definition You liked how the chatbot responds in a specific chat and want the new chats to have the same quality? You can have a definition format of your chat and paste it in the definition setting of your character. Almost too easy.

User interface:

You will get a blue button on top right in chat and history pages. You can get to the menu by clicking on it.

Drag the button with its appendage if you want it elsewhere.

If you don’t need it, you can hide it with three fast taps on the appendage.

Install:

If you want to have access to all these features, and more in the future, you can find the extension on Chrome Store and Firefox Store.

If you are on mobile, you can use Firefox and install it from Firefox store, or use Kiwi browser to install it from Chrome Store.

Is it secure?

All extensions, be it publish stage or a regular update, are properly reviewed and distributed on the store. This might even take a week.

The extension has a Featured badge, meaning it’s rewarded after a thorough review by Chrome web store team.

Minimal permission request.

The extension is open-source.

[system-of-a-feather]

Anyways, I think a great and important yet difficult thing to learn when healing and recovering from trauma is to learn to both see and appreciate but also engage in just how wide and vast life can be.

At least in my experience its been had putting down the swords and tools that I clung to in order to survive trauma and clung to in order to survive recovery. It felt very empty, very boring, very unmotivated, very pointless, very depressing. What could be more motivating, more engaging, more exciting (even if frightening), more purposeful and clear of a reason to do things than "its life and death and you have to"? How could ANYTHING in a safe environment match that engagement and pressure and intensity?

And really? Not many things can, but that in itself needs to become the charm of it. The charm of not HAVING to do anything but doing it cause its neat and seems fun. And being able to do THAT is hard because it isn't easy to just see things that are neat and fun let alone identify and feel that they are neat and fun when the only real motivations you are used to are survival

But over time? Things become neat and fun. Things become nice and enjoyable. Then doing things become neat and fun and nice and enjoyable. Then some things, you might just wanna do cause theyre nice.

And thats a thing I started to realize while thinking about things this morning. I always have been a rapid learner, a jack of all trades that sought out things to build a resume, get a better skill set for survival, obtaining power and security that (over the past few years, not so much in the past) didn't sacrifice my values and what not - but it was all largely for this sense of security and survival.

I think a year ago I would struggle to believe that honestly these days I am learning languages and all originally just because... I like to. I like learning patterns and memorizing things and its just something I GENUINELY enjoy because its neat and fun. Its neat being able to know secret languages. Its neat trying to learn patterns and rules to things like grammar and structure. Its neat. Sure being bilingual, trilingual etc would be great resume shit and all, but my career path isnt one that regularly and long term benefits that much from having multiple languages. It's hardly the most efficient and necessary skill to built but like, who gives a fuck honestly.

Me gutsa aprender patrones y recordar las palabras. Tanoshi to kakkoi desu. Boku wa sukoshi dake nihongo o hanashimasu. Pueden leer y escribir en Japones, pero soy perezosa para encontrar los japones caracetres.

Anyways that's probably gibberish to anyone who is actually fluent in japanese and spanish but shits fun to try to put together. Its a fun puzzle and its something nice to learn just cause why not.

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Layla Folkmann

Layla Folkmann, photo provided by the artist.

Ever looked around a room full of talented peers and wondered if you had the secret sauce to stay in the game? If you ask Layla Folkmann, she’ll tell you there’s no secret to it at all—just stubbornness, consistency, and fortitude. Some days, that looks like slogging through the rough patches. Other days, it looks like international success. No matter what the day though, Folkmann is never without gratitude for her unshakable foundation—one built on encouragement and education, with no backup plan in sight.

Mural artist, painter, and public-art advocate, this week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Layla Folkmann.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and how it’s influenced your path.

As a free-range child of artist parents, I have many fond memories of being immersed in the Edmonton arts scene. From running through gallery openings and eating an excess of cheese off unattended platters, to bouncing restlessly in theatre seats, these early experiences have undeniably influenced my life in both obvious and imperceptible ways.

Education and early encouragement are undeniably the foundation on which my art career rests. I attended Victoria Composite School and the Grant MacEwan Fine Arts program, which provided a solid technical vocabulary that I consistently apply to my work to this day. It’s all these elements that have allowed me to confidently throw myself into the professional realm with the knowledge that I could make it work as an artist.

What themes are you drawn to in your work?

Luminosity and vibrant harmonious colours are aesthetic themes that I work with in all aspects of my painting practice, whether abstracts, portraiture, or large-scale mural work. I'm constantly searching for exciting colour combinations in the world around me to translate into my painting.

Honest portraits of real people is another consistent theme that my artistic collaborator, Lacey Jane, and I explore in our public mural work (Lacey & Layla Art). We find portraiture to be a compelling tool to encourage human connectedness by representing authentic members of a community and, hopefully, strengthening local pride. We aim to celebrate each community's unique character and urban diversity and to highlight community members and the human experience. We also explore what we like to call “techno nature,” which is a combination of design-based graphic elements and natural scenes. These pieces are our exploration into our contemporary interpretation of the natural world.

How do large-scale murals and public art play to your strengths as a storyteller?

By the nature of their size and location, murals can be an impactful and compelling storytelling tool. They are accessible in public spaces and memorable with their imposing format. People have explored this format from prehistoric cave paintings and the Mexican revolution, to the graffiti in New York subway stations. The power of the format is undeniable, reaching everyday people in everyday places.

Art speaks a universal language, and what continues to excite me about public murals is that they remove both the real and perceived barriers of a gallery or museum space and release artwork into the public sphere.

Public art has an unparalleled ability to transform urban—and even rural—spaces into an open living gallery that is free and accessible to everyone. It redefines communal areas and creates new opportunities for engagement, curiosity, appreciation, and ownership for the beautification of often neglected or forgotten spaces.

Each story we tell is curated to the space and the community in which we create the artwork. Each new location provides an opportunity for a new narrative to touch on the core aspects of the neighbourhood and the people who exist within it.

Top: Colour Outside the Lines by LALA, photo provided. Bottom: Larger Than Life A Mr. Chi Pig mural by LALA, photo provided.

What’s the first thing you ever made that inspired your artistic path? Did you know then that you’d unlocked something?

It has always been clear to me that art is what I was going to do; there was just never any other option. The form in which my career took was a happy accident and had everything to do with timing and chance. When I envisioned a career in the visual arts as a youth, becoming a mural artist wasn’t even on the radar. One opportunity presented itself, which led to the next, and then I ended up here. Luckily for me, there has been an international boom for mural art and I got on board early enough and have been riding that wave for over 10 years now. It seems that there is a new appreciation on the part of funding agencies and municipalities for the inherent value that murals can bring to a community.

Tell us a little about LALA (Lacey & Layla Art) and what that collaboration has meant to you.

My artistic collaboration with Lacey Jane has been fundamental to my continued growth as an artist. We initially met while studying Fine Arts at Grant MacEwan University in 2009 and have nurtured our “artnership” ever since. It is surprising to everyone, including ourselves, that we’ve maintained such a close friendship after the hundreds of travel hours and months of 12+ working hours a day in the rain, snow, and +40C heat. Each project has its unique challenges and unforeseen obstacles, but humour continues to be our greatest coping tool. Our enthusiasm for art is what brought us together, and it’s what continues to fuel our creative partnership. Together we push each other to take on bigger and more ambitious creative challenges.

What’s one piece of advice someone gave you growing up that turned out to be true. What’s one piece that didn’t hold up?

A professor of mine once mentioned that stubbornness, consistency, and fortitude are the qualities it takes to become a successful professional artist—not raw talent or early success. I see this truth demonstrated consistently within my artistic peer group. The people who make it work just simply do it, and then they keep doing it. They slog through the rough patches, make the right connections, and see it out the other side.

“Have a backup plan” was advice that didn’t hold up for me, personally. Perhaps it seems reckless to bet all your chips on red, but fully committing gave me the determination and motivation to pursue my passion without deviation or distraction.

What does community mean to you, and where do you find it?

Community is quite simply who one surrounds themselves with. I believe in making active choices rather than passive choices about those who remain in my close sphere. I consider those who I surround myself with to be a defining aspect of who I become as a person. I aim to have a community that I admire, full of positive, enthusiastic, and hard-working people who challenge and encourage me to become more of that myself.

Portraits by Layla Folkmann, photos provided by the artist.

When you’re struggling to stay on task, what’s your favourite way to procrastinate?

Productive procrastination seems to be a method I'm particularly fond of. I tell myself I can concentrate better when I “clean out my corners,” but I have a suspicion that is just an advanced avoidance technique. I also collect hobbies, such as soapmaking, felting, fermenting, carpentry, etc. Any of these can take precedence at inopportune times.

Tell us a little about what you’re currently working on or hoping to explore next.

My most substantial and challenging venture to date has been designing and building my own tiny house on wheels. It has been an ongoing, character-building exercise in creative problem-solving and patience, but it has me hooked. I am thrilled with the range of new skills it has taught me and the obstacles I've overcome. I did a whole lot of things wrong the first time before I could eventually get them right.

New and exciting mural projects with LALA are always in the works, and the winter months are dedicated to planning the next mural tour. Summers in Canada seem to disappear pretty quickly, but the winter allows me to decompress, plan, and create some studio work.

Most of my artistic career has been about mastering realism and representational work, but over the last few years, I have been exploring abstract painting to take a break from portraiture and the faithful replication of photographs. My abstracts provide me with a much-needed refuge in the pleasures of simple colour, light, and composition.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?

After relocating to Montreal for nine years and then returning to Edmonton, I’ve viewed the strength and quality of the YEG arts scene through a new lens. What I used to view as small, I now can appreciate for its intimacy, strength, warmth, and tight-knit community. The YEG support that our mural work has received throughout the years has been quite touching, and I feel quite at home.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Layla Folkmann, Lacey & Layla Art, and more.

A Charm by LALA, photo provided.

About Layla Folkmann

Layla Folkmann is an Edmonton-born internationally recognized mural artist and painter. She studied Fine Art at Grant MacEwan University (2009), École d'Enseignement Supérieur d'Art de Bordeaux (2015), and graduated with distinction from Concordia University in Montreal (2016) with a major in painting. For over a decade, she has dedicated her practice to socially and culturally engaged public art as part of LALA (Lacey & Layla Art) while fostering a passion for portraiture, realism, and the representation of compelling characters. Layla has collaborated on hundreds of murals across Canada and internationally in places such as Iceland, France, and northern Uganda. Layla has travelled extensively, having backpacked through nearly 40 countries. Over the past decade, she has received numerous grants, notable public projects and awards such as the 2021 Edmonton Artist Trust Fund Award. Layla is currently designing and building her own self-sufficient tiny house and maintains a full-time studio practice in her home town.

[vaulteventmedia]

Building Confidence and Community Through Hands-On Cooking in Recovery

At Learn to Live Recovery, we’re passionate about providing our residents with opportunities to grow, connect, and rebuild their lives in meaningful ways. One key part of our programming is hands-on cooking instruction. In recovery, the path to wellness includes learning practical life skills, building confidence, and finding new ways to connect. Cooking together offers all these benefits and more. Thanks to Chef Andrew from Ainsley's Place, our residents are discovering the joys and skills that come from creating and sharing a meal together.

Why Cooking Instruction Matters in Recovery

For those in recovery, cooking can be a powerful form of therapy. Many of our residents are learning basic life skills for the first time or re-learning skills that may have been overshadowed by their struggles with addiction. Cooking classes offer a sense of accomplishment, reminding our residents of their own capability and potential.

Through cooking, residents gain practical skills that can help them as they transition toward greater independence. Learning how to cook healthy, nourishing meals gives them tools to care for themselves and prioritize wellness. Plus, cooking fosters a feeling of control and pride—essential emotions in the recovery journey.

Creating Community in the Kitchen

Beyond skill-building, cooking classes also provide a sense of community and support. In recovery it's common for residents to feel isolated or alone in their journey. Cooking together helps break down those barriers. Every task, from chopping vegetables to seasoning the final dish, creates a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

When we sit down to enjoy the meal we’ve prepared together, it’s a chance for residents to feel connected, valued, and appreciated. Sharing a meal isn’t just about food—it’s a reminder that they’re not alone in this process and that everyone has something to bring to the table.

Special Thanks to Chef Andrew of Ainsley's Place

Our cooking classes wouldn’t be the same without the guidance of Chef Andrew. His patience, passion, and dedication help create a safe, positive environment where residents feel encouraged to try something new. Chef Andrew isn’t just teaching recipes; he’s teaching life skills that support long-term recovery and wellness. His warmth and encouragement make each session memorable, giving our residents tools they can use both inside and outside the kitchen.

A Path Toward Healing and Independence

Our hands-on cooking program is about more than just preparing food. It’s about building a foundation for a healthier, more independent life. Cooking empowers our residents to take control of their own wellness, find strength in community, and feel a renewed sense of purpose. We’re grateful for Chef Andrew’s support and excited to continue offering these transformative experiences for those on their recovery journey.

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