#Mother Diana of Crystal TV

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By Allison Pearson

23 March 2024

OH, NO. No. A sense that something was not right, that our wonderful Princess was perhaps in more trouble than we’d been told, was confirmed at 6pm on Friday with an unprecedented TV address that dealt a blow to the nation’s solar plexus.

Some will simply have been stunned by the news, hardly able to comprehend it (what, cancer twice in the Royal family within two months? But she’s so young).

Others will have been in tears, as I was, watching our Princess of Wales, parchment-pale, clearly fragile yet valiantly composing herself to record a message in that crystal-clear voice, reassuring us that, although it had been “an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family,” she would be OK, given enough time, space and privacy.

One friend who heard it on the car radio pulled over to the side of the road and sobbed. “I am just so upset,” she texted.

Another confessed she was relieved that the Waleses hadn’t separated – one of the wilder rumours that had been flying around since the Princess of Wales was pictured in that photoshopped, too-smiley Mother’s Day picture without her wedding rings.

“For the backbone of Britain, we need those two to be together and happily married,” said my friend. So true.

William ’n’ Kate, Kate ’n’ William, a couple for almost the whole of their adult lives, one unimaginable without the other.

Our monarchy is assured as long as there is them (the Waleses will celebrate their thirteenth wedding anniversary on 29th April, six days after little Louis turns six).

Suddenly, with this announcement, we are reminded that they are only human too, vulnerable at times, and Britain is badly shaken.

As she finished her statement, the ramifications started to sink in. Prince William has to deal with a father and a wife with cancer at the same time.

There are haunting echoes of Diana, too, another beloved princess whose personal challenges played out so publicly.

Poor William must feel like there are snipers in the garden taking aim at his family.

You could tell the children were uppermost in her mind, just as they are for any parent who is told they have cancer.

George, Charlotte and Louis, she spoke their names aloud, her darlings. You know, I think they were the real reason she steeled herself to do it.

To sit there on that wooden bench with spring bursting out behind her. Daffodils on a grassy bank, trees in blossom – a cruelly lovely backdrop for such sad tidings.

How simply dressed she was in a matelot jumper and jeans, stripped of finery and clothed, instead, in a becoming humility, her beauty thrown into sharp relief by the strain on her face.

A 42-year-old who is uniquely privileged yet now confronts every woman’s frightening brush with mortality.

Her statement was carefully timed to coincide with the start of the school Easter holidays so the children could be safe at home and wouldn’t have to endure whispers in class about Mummy’s illness.

(Sparing them the agonies of embarrassment young William and Harry suffered at boarding school when Charles and Diana were getting divorced.)

It’s not easy to protect your children when their grandfather is the King and their father his heir.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have always been concerned to make things as normal, as Middleton, as possible, for their young family; this is their toughest test yet.

Was there more than a hint of rebuke in the Princess’s carefully measured words for a media that really has shown neither patience nor “understanding” since she disappeared from public view to have abdominal surgery?

She could be forgiven for being furious. (Believe me, many of us are furious on her behalf.)

“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said pointedly.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

“Back off,” she was saying in the politest possible way, “leave me and my kids alone.”

Of course, she needed time to come to terms with the shattering blow of having a life-threatening illness and three children under 10. Every mother’s nightmare.

But time is one thing the vultures and conspiracy theorists were not prepared to give her.

In the vacuum Kensington Palace foolishly allowed to develop, the vilest rumours flourished.

Had she undergone cosmetic surgery? Wasn’t she just slacking? Why wasn’t William taking up more duties to relieve his sick father?

Had Catherine left William? Was it a lookalike pictured with William at a Windsor farm shop?

The gossip went global, causing universal hysteria.

Imagine feeling as sick and scared as the Princess must have done, yet being under pressure to show yourself in order to disprove the lies and appease the baying online mob. It’s barbaric.

I hope those who made such disgusting comments are burning with shame today now that we know the reason she hid away.

It wasn’t only ghouls with a conscience bypass who were trying to fill the gaps in the story.

Theories also came from people who adore the Royal family and were deeply worried for the absent Princess. We love and respect her so much.

Incredibly, in a poll earlier this month, the recuperating Princess still managed to emerge as the most popular royal, narrowly ahead of her husband.

Despite the slurry of accusations – not least the appalling claim in an early draft of a book by Omid Scobie (media snitch), that she was one of the two alleged “royal racists” who speculated on the baby’s likely skin colour – their figures are broadly unchanged since a previous poll in 2023.

Never Put a Foot Wrong is said so often it’s practically the definition of her.

Turns out there may be stresses and strains to appearing always in control, to aiming for perfection, that can eat away at a sensitive person not born to be royal.

Catherine says her job brings her joy; it must also have caused worry (such remorseless spotlight scrutiny).

We should reflect on that, I think. On what it’s reasonable to expect from one human being who expects so much of herself.

How the Princess came to win such a large place in British people’s hearts is better than any fairy tale.

Bullied at school, the quiet, sporty brunette was famous for her record-breaking high jump and tenacious character.

She had blossomed by the time she met William in their first term at St Andrew’s.

At 29, when they finally exchanged vows in Westminster Abbey, she was the first royal bride to have a university degree; the first to have lived with her husband before marriage; the first to be raised in a house that had a street number instead of a fancy name and a moat with swans.

As second in line to the throne, William was expected to pick his princess from a select group of well-bred young fillies.

Hot favourites included Davina Duckworth-Chad and one Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe.

Enough hyphens to make plain Catherine Middleton of Bucklebury, Berkshire, feel a little inadequate, you might think.

Except that, when a friend at university told Catherine how lucky she was to be going out with Prince William, a smiling Catherine replied: “He’s lucky to have me.”

The years have proved her right, haven’t they?

The death of Diana left William a damaged, stubborn and angry young man, acutely aware he was a prisoner of fate and railing at the media who pursued his mother.

Catherine has calmed him, rebuilding trust while providing the regular family life he had never known.

She has grown brilliantly into the role and the Waleses are a formidable team, lighting up any event they enter.

Now, it is his turn to soothe and calm her, although he must be deeply worried.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both,” she said.

The King was right to salute his daughter-in-law for her courage. Imagine what it takes to first tell your small children you have cancer and then tell the whole world.

She did it so naturally, so sweetly, with such great empathy for others with that cruel disease that no one could possibly guess what it cost her. But it cost her.

She has told George, Charlotte and Louis that Mummy is well, and getting better, but the only way she will make a full recovery is if she’s left alone as she completes her treatment.

Will the vultures listen? Will they give her the time she needs or go back pecking for more?

Millions of us are praying for the return to health of our wonderful Princess of Wales. She has all our support and love.

A Britain without her is unthinkable, unbearable. Take your time, Princess, take your time.

💙🌹💙

[balkanradfem]

Favourite Fictional Women poll: FINAL LIST nominations + RULES (nominations closed)

Books:

Elphaba (Wicked)

Hermione (Harry Potter)

Minerva McGonagall (Harry Potter)

Luna (Harry Potter)

Bellatrix Lestrange (Harry Potter)

Sophie (Howl's Moving Castle)

Bella Swan (Twilight)

Lucy (The Chronicles of Narnia)

Susan (The Chronicles of Narnia)

Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)

Jo (Little Women)

Alanna (The Song of the Lioness)

Ichigo (Kamikaze Girls)

Momoko (Kamikaze Girls)

Phryne Fisher (Phryne Fisher Detective Novels)

Clarice Starling (Silence of the Lambs)

Robin Ellacott (Cormoran Strike)

Baru Cormorant (The Masquerade Series)

Gideon (The Locked Tomb)

Harrowhark Nonagesimus (The Locked Tomb)

Tattersail (Malazan Book of the Fallen)

Lyra (His Dark Materials)

Lisbeth Salander (The Millenium Trilogy)

Daja Kisubo (Circle of Magic)

Éowyn (Lord of the Rings)

Honor Harrington (Honor Harrington)

Zahrah (Zahrah the Windseeker)

Clair (Outlander)

Margo (The Magicians)

Camille Preaker (Sharp Objects)

Brienne of Tarth (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Cersei (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Daenerys Targaryen (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Arya (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Sansa ( A Song of Ice and Fire)

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Fire and Blood)

Eileen Dunlop (Eileen)

Romy Silvers (The Loneliest Girl in the Universe)

Lúthien (Sillmarilion)

Lady Sotofa (Echo series)

Esme Weatherwax (Discworld)

Angua von Überwald (Discworld)

Susan Sto Helit (Discworld)

Tiffany Aching (Discworld)

Nina Hill (The Bookish Life of Nina Hill)

Keladry (Protector of the Small series)

Shay (Uglies)

Cassie (Animorphs)

The Groke (the Moomins)

Tooticky (the Moomins)

Maximum Ride (Maximum Ride)

Auri (Kingkiller Chronicles)

Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)

Emily Starr (Emily of New Moon)

Penelope (Circe by Madeline Miller)

Rose Hathaway (Vampire Academy)

Katsa (Graceling)

Yennefer of Vengerberg (Witchier)

Dr. Scarlet Clarke (They Never Learn)

Inej Ghafa (Six of Crows)

Ronja (Ronja)

Violet (Asoue)

Medea (Greek Mythology)

Medusa (Greek Mythology)

Jude (Folk of the Air)

Agatha (Girl Genius)

Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson)

Carrie (Carrie)

Movies

Miss Honey (Matilda)

Matilda (Matilda)

Barbie (Barbie's universe)

Ellen Louise Ripley (Alien)

Evelyn O'Connell (The Mummy)

Peggy Carter (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Sarah Conner (Terminator)

Cruella de Vil (Cruella)

Yzma (Emperor's New Groove)

Dr. Ellie Sattler (Jurrasic Park)

Harley Quinn (DC universe)

Amy Dunne (Gone Girl)

Jennifer (Jennifer's Body)

Maude Lebowski (Big Lebowski)

Eurodia Holmes (Enola)

Amy Adam (Arrival)

Ginger Fitzgerald (Ginger Snaps)

Mary Mason (American Mary)

Elsa (Frozen)

Mulan (Mulan 1998)

Beatrix Kiddo (Kill Bill)

O-Ren Ishii (Kill Bill)

Trinity (Matrix)

Sidney Prescott (Scream movies)

Dani Ardor (Midsommar)

M3gan (M3gan)

Aila (Rhymes for Young Ghouls)

Princess Kida (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

Mother Aughra (Dark crystal)

Elizabeth Swan (Pirates of the Carribean)

Marla Grayson (I care a lot)

Heloise (Portrait of a Lady on Fire)

Diana (Wonder Woman)

San (Princess Mononoke)

Zeniba (Spirited Away)

Chihiro (Spirited Away)

Wlle Woods (Legally Blonde)

Rey (Star Wars)

Princess Leia (Star Wars)

Haley Graham (Stick it)

Cruella (101 Dalmatian)

Kiki (Kiki's Delivery Service)

TV Shows

Xena (Xena the Warrior Princess)

Gabrielle (Xena the Warrior Princess)

Callisto (Xena the Warrior Princess)

Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Faith Lehane (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Willow (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Sabrina (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)

Morgana Pendragon (Merlin)

Catharine Cawood (Happy Valley)

Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

Martha Jones (Doctor Who)

Female Doctor Who (Doctor Who)

Kaya (Supernatural)

Charlie Bradbury (Supernatural)

Claire (Supernatural)

Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars)

Anna Clare (Being Human)

Poussey Washington (Orange is the New Black)

Sister Michael (Derry Girls)

Orla (Derry Girls)

Hayley (Hard Candy)

Vilanelle (Killing Eve)

Eve (Killing Eve)

Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack)

Ann Walker (Gentleman Jack)

Kim (Kim Possible)

Daria Morgendorffer (Daria)

Temperance Brennan (Bones)

Kim Wexler (Better Call Saul)

Katara (Avatar The Last Airbender)

Azula (Avatar The Last Airbender)

Toph (Avatar The Last Airbender)

Krosh (Kid Cosmic)

Guinan (Star Trek New Generations)

Bo-Katan Kryze (Star Wars)

Dong Eun (The Glory)

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

April Ludgate (Parks and Recreation)

Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn 99)

Dana Scully (X Files)

Kathryn Janeway (Star Trek: Voyager)

Calamity Jane (Deadwood)

Flea (Fleabag)

Michonne (The Walking Dead)

Trixie (Call the Midwife)

Sister Monica Joan (Call the Midwife)

Regina Mills (Once Upon a Time)

Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)

Ruby Lucas (Once Upon a Time)

Mulan (Once Upon a Time)

Samatha/Sam Carter (Stargate SG-1)

Kira Nerys (Star Trek: Deep Space 9)

Jadzia Dax(Star Trek: Deep Space 9)

Eleanor (The Good Place)

Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder)

Cheryl Blossom (Riverdale)

Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)

Lizzie McGuire (Lizzie McGuire)

Catherine the Great (The Great)

Dolores Abernathy (Westworld)

Maeve Millay (Westworld)

Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)

Paris (Gilmore Girls)

Morticia Addams (Addams Family)

Elisa Maza (Gargoyles)

Vera Bennett (Wentworth (2013)

Joan Ferguson (Wentworth (2013)

Constance Hardbroom (The Worst Witch (1998)

Princess Bubblegum (Adventure Time)

Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)

Monica (Friends)

Phoebe (Friends)

Maisel (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)

Shiv Roy (Succession)

Hannah (Please Like Me)

Lupe (A League of Their Own)

Jess (A League of Their Own)

Shahrzad (One Thousand and One Nights)

Michael Burnham (Star Trek Discovery)

 Emperor Phillipa Georgiou (Star Trek Discovery)

Dee Reynold (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)

Kara Thrace (Battlestar Galactica)

Donna (Twin Peaks)

Laura palmer (Twin Peaks)

Audrey(Twin Peaks)

Marwa (What we do in the Shadows)

Nadja (What we do in the Shadows)

Love Quinn (You)

Allison (Orphan Black)

Cosima (Orphan Black)

Nyota Uhura (Star Trek: The Original Series)

Lisa Cuddy (House MD)

Leela (Futurama)

Bean (Disenchantment)

Pam (Archer)

Grace (Grace and Frankie)

Frankie (Grace and Frankie)

Helga Pataki (Hey Arnold)

Anime/Manga

Sophie (Howl's Moving Castle)

Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Hotaru - Sailor Saturn (Sailor Moon)

Michiru – Sailor Neptune (Sailor Moon)

Haruka – Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

Rei – Sailor Mars (Sailor Moon)

Homura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Sakura Kinomoto (CardCaptor Sakura)

Tomoyo Daidouji (CardCaptor Sakura)

Onpu (Ojamajo Doremi)

Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)

Striga (Castlevania)

Carmilla (Castlevania)

Misa Amane (Death Note)

Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer)

Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena)

Nana Osaki (Nana)

Hachi (Nana)

Jean (Claymore)

Clare (Claymore)

Theresa (Claymore)

Helen (Claymore)

Deneve (Claymore)

Casca (Berserk)

Haruno Sakura (Naruto)

Yosano (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Tome Kurata (Mob Psycho 100)

Nikaido (Dorohedoro)

Nia (Dorohedoro)

Maki Zen'in (Jujutsu Kaisen 0)

Yuno Gasai (Mirai Nikki)

Ichigo Momomiya (Tokyo Mew Mew)

Zakuro Fujiwara (Tokyo Mew Mew)

Historia Reiss (Attack on Titan)

Mikasa Ackermann (Attack on Titan)

Games

Nancy Drew (Nancy Drew)

April Ryan (The Longest Journey)

Kate Walker (Syberia)

Zelda (Legend of Zelda)

Impa (Legend of Zelda)

Urdosa (Legend of Zelda)

Evie Frye (Assassin's Creed)

Senua (Senua's Sacrifice)

Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)

Elisabet Sobeck (Horizon Zero Dawn)

Serena (Skyrim)

Frea (Skyrim)

Morrigan (Dragon Age Origins)

Kreia (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II)

Kassandra of Sparta (Assassin's Creed Odyssey)

Heather Mason (Silent Hill 3)

Reika (Fatal Frame)

Rei (Fatal Frame:The Tormented)

An Shiraishi (Project SEKAI)

Nene Kusanagi (Project SEKAI)

Ena Shinonome (Project SEKAI)

Jesse Faden (Control)

Almalexia (The Elder Scrolls)

Billie Lurk (Dishonored)

Emily Kaldwin (Dishonored)

Cecelia (Dishonored)

Lizzy Stride (Dishonored)

Delilah Copperspoon (Dishonored)

Lohse (Divinity: Original Sin II)

Sebille Kaleran (Divinity: Original Sin II)

Siva (Divinity: Original Sin II)

Malady (Divinity: Original Sin II)

Dallis the Hammer (Divinity: Original Sin II)

Toriel (Undertale)

Undyne (Undertale)

Alphys (Undertale)

Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)

Tali'Zorah nar Rayya (Mass Effect)

Liara T'Soni (Mass Effect)

Aria T'Loak (Mass Effect)

Nyreen Kandros (Mass Effect)

Shala'Raan vas Tonba (Mass Effect)

Matriarch Aethyta (Mass Effect)

Yuna (Final Fantasy X)

Abby (The Last of Us)

Ellie (The Last of Us)

GLaDOS (Portal)

Chell (Portal)

Dr. Suvi Anwar (Mass Effect Andromeda)

Leliana (Dragon Age)

Parvati Holcomb (The Outer Worlds)

Chloe Price (Life is Strange)

2B (Nier Automata)

Comics

Stephanie Brown (DC comics)

Cassandra Cain (DC comics)

Zatanna Zatara (DC comics)

Elektra Natchios (Marvel comics)

Fanfiction

Ebony Dark'ness Raven Dementia Way

Web comics

Vriska Serket (Homestuck)

Jaden (Leasebound)

Antimony Carver (Gunnerkrigg Court)

Fictional Movies

Katya (Goncharov)

Podcasts

The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives In Your Home from (Welcome to Nightvale)

Plays

Lady Mabeth (Macbeth)

Clytemnestra (Oresteia)

Miscellanous

Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid)

RULES:

All fictional women from a category will be randomized, and put into polls

Whoever gets 50 votes automatically proceeds into the next round. There won't be only one winner for each poll!

We will do one category at the time. We'll start with books.

We'll decide on a winner of each category, and then whoever had the most votes, will proceed into the Final 10.

I'll calculate how many votes each woman got, so that at the end of the voting, you can see how many other women also adored your favourite ones :)

This also means that once you vote, if there's someone else you also want to see in the finals, you can reblog and let your followers know who already has enough votes, and who needs more in order to proceed. I'll also sometimes reblog polls announcing that a certain character has made the cut, and now others need your attention. We're trying to see which ones are loved and adored enough to actually get a lot of votes, even with competition. The voting starts at the end of nominations!

(POLLS ARE COMING SHORTLY)

[chuckecheesekid9000]

Here is my first SU x AB NG

Meet yinyxng_xxo’s Lapis Lazuli x Brian Tenma Child: Lily Lazuli Tenma

Hope you love her.

BIO:

Name: Lillith Lazuli Tenma

Nickname: Lily, or. Lil

Age: 16

Species: Half human x half gem

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Gem: Lapis Lazuli

Gem location: Back

Personality: Calm, polite, Creative, Romantic And Shy

Gem abilities: Water manipulation, flight, bubbling, superhuman strength/durability, sonic speed, project memories, fuses, hydromimicry, water walking, and shapeshift

Other develop gem abilities: Healing ( only can use this with water ) Hydrokinesis, and generate water

Other abilities: Signing, Dancing ( only ballet ) and Drawing

FAMILY:

Mother: Lapis Lazuli-Tenma ( give up Her physical form to give birth to Lily )

Father: Brian Tenma

Grandmother: Elizabeth Furban-Tenma

Grandfather: Duncan Tenma

Aunt: Beverly Tenma

Uncles: Bim and Bam Tenma

Great Grandmother: Abigail Nattura-Tenma

Great Grandfather: Vincent Tenma

Grandaunt: Rebecca Tenma

Grandaunt by marriage: Jean Saruta-Tenma

Granduncle: Dr. Bill Tenma

1st cousins once removed: Toby and Teresa

1st cousin once removed-by-marriage: Michael

2nd cousin: MJ

Great Great Grandmother: Lyric Boynton-Nattura

Great Great Grandfather: Ryder Nattura

Great Great Grandaunt: Honeymaren Nattura

Great Great Grandaunt: Evangeline Nattura

Great Great Great Grandmother: Linnea ???-Nattura

Great Great Great Grandfather: Halvard Nattura

Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Melody Pendragon-Boynton

Great Great Great Great Grandfather: Alexander Boynton

Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Ariel Magusanus-Pendragon

Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Gabriella ???-Boynton

Great Great Great Great Grandfather: Urchin Boynton

Great Great Great Great Grandfather: Eric Pendragon

Great Great Great Great Granduncles: Tristan and Denton

Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Queen Athena Neptunesdatter-Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather: King Triton Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Grandaunts: Attina, Alana, Adella, Aquata, Arista, 

and Andrina  Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Amphitride Aegaeus-Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather: Poseidon Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Step-Grandmother: Drulansa

Illegitimate Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandaunts: Ursula and Morgana

Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandmother: Rhea Panhellenios-Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather: Kronos Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Granduncles: Hades and Zeus Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandaunt by marriage: Hera Argeia-Magusanus

Great Great Great Great Great Great Step-Grandaunt by marriage: Hippolyta

3rd cousin 6 times removed: Hercules Magusanus

Illegitimate 3rd cousins 6 times removed: Jason (The Chosen One) and Diana (Wonder Woman)

3rd cousin 6 times removed by marriage: Megara Magusanus

7th cousin 5 times removed: Hebe Magusanus

Honorary Aunts: Tambry Noceda-Valentino, Jenny Pizza, Kiki Pizza, Amethyst, and Peridot

Honorary Uncles: Grenda Gredinator, Candy Chiu-Fryman, Peedee Fryman, Buck Dewey, Robbie Valentino, Sour Cream, and Onion

Honarary Cousins: Serphy, Char, and Flo

Best Friends: Lina Loud

Good Friends: Darius James, Esme Pines, Jake Anderson, and Crystal Reaper

Other Freinds: Bismuth, Garnet, and Pearl

Love Interest: Darius James

LIKES:

Favorite tv series: Cartoons and anime

Favorite seasons: Summer and Winter

Favorite sound: Music

Favorite place: the ocean

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite time: Night

Favorite element: water

Favorite food: Seafood ( especially seafood pizza )

Favorite beverage: Water and Soda

Favorite dessert: Ice cream

Favorite fruit: Coconut

Favorite fairytale: the little mermaid (rewritten version with a happy ending)

Favorite mythological creature: Mermaids, sirens or any other water creature

DISLIKES:

Hated tv series: Documentaries about boring stuff ( except about the ocean, rivers and mermaids )

Hated seasons: Spring and Fall

Hated sounds: The weather

Hated place: Small cities

Hated color: Dark Pink

Hated time: Dawn

Hated element: Fire

Hated food: Any good with onions

Hated beverage: Diet/Zero Sugar Sodas

Hated dessert: Frozen Yogurt

Hated fruit: Durians

Hated fairytale: Cinderella

Hated Mythological Creature: Vampires

TRIVIA:

1- She got her father's eyes and her mother's hair bangs

2- when she was little she thought her mother was a mermaid

3- Amethyst and Peridot are both protective of her. Lily loves them like aunts. She is the only one to call them aunt misty and aunt peri

4- She is close to her granny elizabeth, loves painting, photographing, making cakes, and cookies with her.

5- She loves the ocean, she will sometimes shapeshifts into a mermaid and swim for hours.

6- She hates the color dark pink. Since the moment she was born. So there are a lot of kid/baby pictures wearing blue or any color as long as it is not pink.

7- Lapis Lazuli recorded audio tapes of her singing different lullabies for her daughter to hear. Lily loves it and treasures it.

8- Lapis Lazuli also left video messages and letters to her to read. Especially one for the day she gets married someday.

9- She loves to sing and dance. Especially with her father. But she is shy to do it in public.

10- Her full name is Lily Lazuli Tenma. But most people call her Lily Lazuli.

Singing

Lily's voice claims

Sangonomiya Kokomi

Eng Ver. (Risa Mei)

Lily Lazuli Tenma Belongs to yinyxng xxo

[iwrestledavongonce]

✿ ■ ♡ ♥

Hello and thanks a lot for asking! Since it’s not clarified which character specifically you mean in my “Tales of Taskforce Sol”-AU I’ll take the freedom to randomly pick someone from the main characters 😉

✿: I’ll start with our Royal Couple here. Usagi loves it when Mamoru is a bit rougher in the bedroom (or on the sofa, against a wall, the shower or the floor of his study). And Mamoru, although gentleman through and through, loves it when the Queen of Crystal Tokyo and Galactic Federation of Free Alliances acknowledged Leader of Planet Earth and Sol System, is slutty in the bedroom. But apart from raunchy sex both, especially Usagi, loves the cuddles afterwards. Since Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion are both busy persons, it’s sometimes hard to find the time for intimacy, having a teenage daughter on top of it, doesn’t make it any easier. But as already seen in “I Became War For You” the Queen finds a way.

■: I’ll go with our beloved Lil Miss Reaper here and describe what Hotaru’s bedroom looks like.

No matter that she got pushed back in age again and basically is in her late teens, Hotaru still loves lamps. Nowadays they are not numerous as they used to be but still a great lot found their way onto her furniture. She often uses colored lightbulbs and uses them as ambiance lights as she isn’t afraid of the dark anymore. Living with her adoptive mother, a connoisseur of fashion, and her other foster mother being a fashion victim par excellence as well, and all three of her foster parents making a lot of money, Hotaru has a huge, fully packed wardrobe in her room as well. Legends has it that she still has some of the goth and goth lolita dresses and clothing from that phase in her mid-teens still stored in there as well.

Although she hasn’t a TV in her room, lately a holo-projector, a gift from Haruka, has found it’s way into her room. Hotaru lets AICA, the Artificial Intelligence Controlled A-Wing she flies alongside SunTzu, sent her the files of her most successful dogfights as data and watches them to analyze them. She also watches recordings of SunTzu, Haruka and Michiru in action on it. Her little collection even has some recordings of Corran Horn, Wedge Antilles and other Rogues, Jaina Solo and Luke Skywalker as she wants to absorb as much input as possible to get a better starfighter pilot.

Hotaru’s bed is rather simple but of course it is, although against Zen, right next to the window so she can easily steal herself away through it, to patrol the streets of both Tokyo and Crystal Tokyo together with Sailor Chibi Moon.

♡: I’ll go with Princess Lady Serenity III. and Helios here, as a lot of the other couples are already very well displayed in the main story or the side fics.

Although she sometimes appears bossy with him, Chibiusa loves Helios deeply and she is his everything. Chibiusa isn’t shy to find ways to see her boyfriend, even if she has to insist on her royal status to make someone take her to him, while he’s on duty or away for educational purposes. Helios on the other side just can’t say no to his maiden, a fact Chibiusa never would exploit tho.

♥: Although I was very tempted to take the (extended) Outers Family here, I’ll actually go with Artemis, Luna and Diana.

Malicious tongues would say that Artemis domesticated Luna but deep down Luna’s heart was always beating for him. Spending most of their time in their humanoid forms nowadays, they are important members of the Court and Crystal Tokyo, as Luna is the Head of Court, entitled to act in place of the Neo Queen in her absence, and Artemis in his rank of Admiral is the highest soldier of Crystal Tokyo and of Taskforce Sol, only topped by the King as Commander-in-Chief.

Both would like to spent more time together as their roles often make it necessary for them to be at different places, which is especially hard for Artemis as Diana, still a young girl, usually stays with her mother. What he misses in quantity of time with his daughter, the white haired Admiral tries to make up with quality. Same goes for the time the parents share, and so it’s a good thing, Diana has Chibiusa, Setsuna and Hotaru as well as her big foster sister Minako to babysit her so that her parents can have some twosomeness. Minako, although having a rather regular relationship with her parents nowadays, even calls Artemis her cat das as he always acted fatherly to her. Luna loves Minako deeply as well, but has an even stronger bond to Usagi, where she took over the job of a foster mother inside the palace as well, as Ikuko and the other Tsukino Family members voluntarily decided to stay in Tokyo, at least until Shingo is done with university, to stay away from the medial attention they would receive.

Diana goes to a school in Crystal Tokyo and, as long as he’s in Crystal Tokyo, Artemis usually takes her there. Of course Luna exactly knows that the two of them often make a detour to a bakery to get some sweet pastry for breakfast.

[bongoideas]

Meet Mother Diana: The least celebrated public health educator who has been serving Ghanaians as Telenurse for 9 years

Meet Mother Diana: The least celebrated public health educator who has been serving Ghanaians as Telenurse for 9 years

Biography of Mother Diana; the telenurse at Crystal TV Mother Diana is one of the unsung heroes of our time who has dedicated her time wholly to the service of mankind and the delivering of public health education to all and sundry on the regular. This woman has been on our screens for close to 10 years and her work as a telenurse can never be understated. The quantum of knowledge she has shared…

[twsted-princess]

"Thank you so much for coming!! I love you all so so much!!!"

BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Name: Diana Prismic

Voice Actor: Yukari Tamura Gender: Demi-female (Born androgynous/no gentialia but goes by afab in appearance and pronouns)

Nicknames: Dia, Crystal (Stage name)

Race: Crystallite

Height: 5'6 Age: ??? (appears to be 18) Birthday: Unknown Starsign: Also unknown

Family: Other crystallites

Sexuality: Demi Homeland: ??? (

Twisted from: Diamond

SCHOOL LIFE

Dorm: Gemmelunar (@terrovaniadorm)

School Year: 3rd

Class: 3-C

Club: Sewing

Sports Team: Gymnastics

Best Subject: Endurance Training

FUN FACTS

Dominant hand: Left

Favorite food: Mushroom soup

Least favorite food: Instant ramen

Preferred Combat style: Swordplay

Likes: Singing, Dancing, Barton, Leah, Jewelry, Love stories, Big romantic gestures

Dislikes: Barton, When she's not given praise, Silence, Cheap things, Stories with unsatisfying endings

Hobbies: Performing, Shopping, "Hanging out" with Barton, Collecting cute stuff

Talent: Being a massively successful star at a young age

Unique Magic: Diamond in the Rough

Able to harden her body to take attacks head on. She can also produce crystals around her hands like knuckle rings but she hates doing that. It's not cute.

Backstory

The star of Gemmelunar. A model, a singer, a shining crystal that radiates a loving glow for all to see. From the moment she could open her eyes she loved the limelight, having started appearing in baby product commercials with her mother. As a little girl she did ballet, acting, and starred in her first role on a hit children's tv show. Then it was modeling for clothing brands, getting into theater productions, being in a movie, and now performing live on stage in front of adoring screaming fans.

Diana is sweet. They're friendly, caring and empathetic. One of the most popular girls in school though Harper and Satin are above her. Her love for romance is well known as she'll date anyone who made the biggest prom proposal. Though her longest relationship is with her fellow dorm-mate Barton........granted they've broken up and gotten back together too many times. But there is another side of her. A side that she believes she's above everyone. She is God's gift to the world and she deserves all of the universe's love. And if they didn't, well they were the lowest form of scum. It's a side she hardly shows but certain folks know about it....

[strangeduckpaper]

E136: New Teen Titans

- Koriand’r escapes from Gordonian captivity to earth

- Fights with the first iteration of Titans, but escapes after she’s freed

- Beast Boy, last survivor of the Doom Patrol, taken in by Martian Manhunter

- Runs away to STAR Labs, meets Victor Stone after Vic is turned into Cyborg by his father using New God tech, following his near death during a rampage by Bizarro.

- JL tracks Starfire down, and comfort her, she joins BB & Cyborg in Gateway

- Raven Roth escapes the fall of Azeroth and tracks down heroes to help her fend off Trigon.

- Finds Dick Grayson in Blüdhaven, NJ, as a bartender in Warriors.

- Dick brings her to STAR Gateway, admittedly partially as an excuse to see the pretty alien who nearly killed him in California

- With the older heroes off world, the ‘New Titans’ head to San Angeles, CA (E136 Jump City)

- They find the tower designed to serve as a JL satellite base (not That sort of satellite), and Donna, now a college student

- Dick, Donna, & Kory more or less end up teaching Cy, BB(who never got to learn from the DP, he was more of a mascot) & Raven. Conner occasionally travels from Hawaii to help.

- Fend off Trigon, Deathstroke, Dr Light, etc. Their adventures are a mix of the Wolfman-Perez run, the 2003 TV show, & the 2018 tv show

- They first meet Kohl, an alien, being chased by The Main Man himself, Lobo!

- Raven & Starfire lay an incredibly severe physical & mental beatdown on him.

- Kohl takes the name Kole Andrews, younger sister of Kory Andrews(Starfire’s human identity), and the codename Crystal Spinner

- Fight The HIVE, including their younger members, recruiting Terra(Tara Markova) & Jericho (Joey Wilson)

- Joey turns out to be more loyal to his brother Grant, than anyone else.

- Tara gets stabbed learning about this, and presumably dies.

- Dick Grayson founds the Outsiders to combat the HIVE & take on other criminal syndicates without them suspecting the JL’s interference

- Donna Troy joins The Sentinels of Magic (inspired by Diana’s tenure on the Justice League Dark).

- Starfire goes back to Tamaran to help free it & find her place in the galaxy, but eventually returns to earth.

- Cyborg joins the JL, but actually becomes the ‘den-mother’ of the Titans program.

- BB, Raven & Kole become instructors of the Titans Program, but in time both BB & Raven join the new Doom Patrol & Sentinels of Magic, respectively.

- Jericho becomes a hero, but his doppelgänger doesn’t

- Terra reawakens as an Earth elemental, forms an unlikely friendship with Swamp Thing over shared experience.

[anonymoushouseplantfan]

Submitted:

That’s why disaffected members (David, Margaret, Diana, Harry) attach themselves to the rising tide of modernity and try to use it to improve their positions. The traditionally-minded members (Victoria and Albert, Elizabeth, William) overreact the other way, then the cycle starts over again.

This, in connection with the comment yesterday about the spouses/inlaws who married in (Albert, Queen Mum, Carole) bringing discipline and good PR, is interesting because in many ways you could say that they (esp if you include Philip, Diana, and Kate) have in fact brought in a lot of modernizing* to balance their tradition-heavy royal spouses. But unlike the disaffected spares, the spouses try to marry (sorry) the modernity with tradition. And they are most effective when they amp up the traditional aspects – Albert and Christmas; the Queen Mum during WWII holding the home front, Kate and fashion, and the kids and their clothes, for example.

(*Albert was the force behind the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 (industrial revolution), Queen Mum as a commoner and mother of a future Queen who took a leading role in encouraging the country during the war, Philip and the TV documentary, Diana a much more hands-on mother than previous mothers of heirs and spares, etc.) 

Also interesting – King George and the Queen Mum never seemed at all sorry or guilty about cutting off David and Wallis the way they did at all – no HRH for her, banishing them to the Bahamas, not allowing their return to the UK without permission. But the current Queen has felt all sorts of guilt, first with Margaret, then Andrew, and now Harry, even when she had her mother and husband around to actively play bad cop to her good cop. She could have easily bowed out to let them deal with things, but she always came back in to tidy up and soften the blows to play “happy families”.

_____________________________________________________________________

Very good points. Thank you. Albert and Philip were pretty aggressive modernizers too. However, they did it strictly within the framework of the family. Maybe that’s the distinction. David, Margaret, and Harry all sought to go outside the family to court an alternative source of status.

[mychemicallyimballancedromance]

DCU Pop Culture Spirits Correspondences

All of this is UPG

Batman

Herbs: nasturtium, sage

Crystals: apophyllite, nuummite

Colors: black, blue, rainbow (remember the rainbow batman comic? that was during the homoerotic batman era)

Foods: mulligatawny soup, french onion soup, cucumber sandwiches, well done steak

Animals: bats

Gods: Athena, Hades

Activities: In my opinion Batman is a Scorpio (although he could be a Virgo. But Virgo feels too Sherlock), fight for  justice, help fix the foster care system, help orphans, adoption. Anything to do with the night and the color black, watching crime tv, study psychology (even as a hobby), doing experiments, work with and create technology

Joker

Herbs: Water Dropwort Hemlock (be extremely careful with this plant, as it is extremely toxic. It's like a real life Joker toxin. It will force it's victims to die with a smile)

Crystals: sodalite

Colors: green, purple, maybe yellow

Foods: i feel like Joker is a chocolate person, stolen food (you know how you steal fries from your friends and for some reason it tastes better than your own? It's like that)

Animals: hyenas (even though they're Harley's pets), honey badger maybe?

Gods: Loki

Activities: putting a Joker or The Fool card on your altar, pranks, going to the circus, in my opinion Joker is a Pisces. Joker is definitely part of the lgbtq community (he was originally supposed to be gay and wear dresses, he even offhandedly mentioned past boyfriends. But he wasn't allowed to wear dresses so they made Harley Quinn. MAKE JOKER GAY AGAIN. Also he has repeatedly flirted with many males, the most popular of which being Batman. and in New 52 he admitted to being in love with Batman) so take that as you will, Halloween clown props on your altar, you could play carnival music for him, watch stand-up comedy and comedy shows

Zatanna

Herbs: idk

Crystals: idk

Colors: black and blue

Foods: tacos

Animals: rabbits

Gods: Isis, Hecate

Activities: Backwards spells, accidentally doing something major and people can feel it's affects for years to come, practice magic tricks like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or card tricks

Superman

Herbs: anything to do with justice

Crystals: anything to do with justice

Colors: red and blue

Foods: beef bourguignon, pretzels, anything homemade

Animals: probably a dog or something like that

Gods: Jupiter

Activities: become a boy scout, care for your parents

Dr. Fate

Herbs: i know next to nothing on Dr Fate than just the basics so can one of you guys who decide to work with him get back to me on this?

Crystals:

Colors:

Foods:

Animals:

Gods: Anubis

Activities:

Catwoman

Herbs: catnip

Crystals: anything shiny and valuable, gold

Colors: black, red or maroon

Foods: idk, probably cake or something like that, fish

Animals: cats

Gods: Bastet

Activities: Catwoman's sister was tortured to insanity, so she would appreciate you going to mental wards just to hang out with them and become friends with the people there, volunteer at animal shelters, rescue stray cats, collect gems, stand up for friends who have experienced the worst from humanity

Harley Quinn

Herbs: rose, lemon balm,

Crystals: Golden calcite

Colors: black, red

Foods: cake (her first appearance was her jumping out of a cake. it was supposed to be Joker in a dress, but that wasn't allowed), anything sweet like candy, cotton candy, bubble gum

Animals: hyenas

Gods: Ate

Activities: Volunteer at youth shelters or shelters for the abused, go to the circus, watch circus themed shows, something to do with the clown called harlequin, you could put an athame on your altar to signify her cutting her ties with the Joker, doing/watching acrobats, study psychology, lighthearted comedy

Poison Ivy

Herbs: any and all plants (she prefers fresh herbs and fresh potted plants)

Crystals: Aragonite sputnik

Colors: red, green

Foods: mainly eats fruit, vegan foods, sometimes eats meat but not often as it doesn't help the environment

Animals: Don't think she has any

Gods: Gaia/Gaea, either Freyr or Freyja, Mother Nature

Activities: She has a soft spot for children (as you can tell from the No Mans Land arc) so helping and protecting children, do anything you can to help protect the earth

Wonder Woman

Herbs: bay leaves, rose

Crystals: anything to do with justice and love

Colors: red, blue, and white

Foods: i have no idea

Animals: eagles,

Gods: any of the Greek gods. Most likely Aphrodite, as in her original origin story it was Aphrodite who gave her life. Also Artemis, and the Roman goddess Diana

Activities: Justice, lawyer,

Robin/Dick Grayson

Herbs: probably oak

Crystals: idk

Colors: black, blue, red, green

Foods: pizza (teen titans)

Animals: robins, birds

Gods: the Oak King

Activities: I can't really think of any activities. Probably acrobats, you could put feathers on your altar

The Batman who Laughs

Herbs: combination of Batman and the Joker

Crystals: Combination of Batman and Joker

Colors: combination of Batman and Joker (far more batman)

Foods: idk, probably combination of Batman and Joker

Gods: Loki and Fenrir (chaos and destruction), Athena (cunning and wit)

Activities: The Batman who Laughs uses tarot cards a lot. Every time we saw him in the Dark Knights Metal he had some kind hero themed tarot/oracle cards (they're more oracle cards but in the art style of traditional tarot)

Let me know if there are are any other characters you want correspondences for. I was gonna add Bat-Mite to this, but i thought i had too many Batman characters in this

[watchtower-feed]

Piece of You

SSA ✧ Wonder Woman ✧ 1 ✧ 2 ✧ 3 ✧

          When you live in a world full of superheroes, there are worst things than metahuman villains, invading aliens, and psychotic clowns. One of them is having a soulmate.

          Some say it’s better because your other half is easier to find, but they’re not the one who has a hero or a villain for a soulmate. You do.

     Themyscira is a lonely place for a child. Especially for the only child on the whole island. As humans, we are filled with wonder beyond what the world can offer, but a child, half-god and half-human, is absolutely brimming with thoughts of the impossible. Most of all, of her own destiny.

     Diana was only 6 years old when her mother told her she would one day lead their people into even brighter days as if the sun didn’t hurt her eyes enough. She was told that she will grow up to be a beautiful, strong, and intelligent woman, that could rival the gods atop Mount Olympus.

    Diana was 7 years old when she started training by herself. Time was suddenly moving too fast and she couldn’t believe in just a little over a decade she would soon be the leader of the Amazons. She thrust her sword into the air for the hundredth time that morning before collapsing on the wet sand.

     With every breath she heaved, the waves crashed against the shore. She rolled onto her side and watched the water break against itself. She saw something shimmer along with the next wave and rose up quickly to find it. The saltwater surrounded her ankles as she bent over and searched the sand. When she couldn’t find anything, she submerged her head and stared fiercely under the water.

      She saw the glinting item once again and ran towards it. She reached for it and found a mirror in the shape of a waxing crescent moon. Its frame was made of shiny gold and the glass was crystal clear. But she didn’t see herself in its reflection. No. She saw a different pair of eyes looking back at her. Your eyes.

     Diana was almost 8 years old when she finally figured out how to communicate with you through her mirror. She had to learn how to read and write in English, a feat most difficult since no one on the island knew how. She had to ask Athena for help which almost always resulted in a pre-lecture spar.

    It didn’t matter to her though. It just meant she needed to be stronger and smarter to be able to communicate with you. You watched her joyous laughter through the star-shaped mirror in your hand and wondered what beautiful melody her voice must make. You laugh as well because every time you see Diana happy, you’re absolutely ecstatic. Like it’s the most right thing in the world.

     Then when Diana was 12 years old, her island was threatened by Aries. Diana described Themyscira as a land swept by a harsh winter wind that killed the spring flowers in Persephone’s own garden. Everyone was always carrying weapons and dressed in armor. You watched Diana sleep with her breastplate on and her hands clutched her sheathed sword.

    It was only when Diana was 13 years old that the gods intervened and assured the Amazons that there will be no war in Themyscira. Diana sat on the beach for the longest time talking to you about her thoughts and ideas.

     She wrote in the sand, “If there will be no war in Themyscira, then there will be one in your world.”

     You smiled a little before you held up your whiteboard in front of your mirror, “There’s always a war here. But I’m safe. We’re all safe.” Diana watched patiently as you erased and wrote again. “We have the JSA.” Diana stared as she tried to make out what word you spelled. You mouthed the letters instead and she followed you. “They’re the Justice Society of America. Superheroes that save people.”

     Quickly, Diana writes back, “Superheroes?”

     “People like you.”

    It was at that age that Diana had set her mind to find you and join the JSA. But it was only when she was 15 years old when she announced it to her mother.

     “It’s my destiny.”

     “Your destiny? You belong here with your people, Diana,” replied her mother.

     Diana took out the mirror she wore as a pendant hanging from her neck by a string of vines she made herself. Unbeknownst to you, you were sitting in front of the mirror but looking away, and her mother was looking in. “My destiny is not in Themyscira but on another land.” Her mother stared into the mirror, amazed by the interior of your room.

     Diana tucked it away and held her mother’s hands, “Please, mother. I know this is what I’m supposed to do. I can feel it.”

     Her mother frowned and turned away from her. She told Diana that once she surpasses every warrior on Themyscira, then she is free to make her own decisions about her life.

    It didn’t take that long for Diana to beat every single Amazon on the island but her mother relented. She told her that she will leave once she was ready. Another year passed and Diana was still there. Every month she would challenge the Amazonians and her mother, and win, but she would always be denied.

    Then finally, the fateful day arrived. Steve Trevor crash-landed into the island and left it uninjured and with an Amazon. Diana was so excited to finally see you that she wanted it to be a surprise. She never told you about Steve or her trip and you were always left wondering why Diana would speak to you under a blanket the whole time. She would only giggle and smile.

    But meeting you had to wait. It had to wait for so long that you first saw and heard Diana on TV and then never again in your star-shaped mirror. You followed her rise with the Justice League and wondered if she still remembered you. You used to wait beside your mirror and wondered if tonight is going to be the night she speaks to you again.

    While in the watchtower, Diana stared at the drawer where she hid her mirror, wrapped in her clothes from Themyscira. It had been years since she last saw you and she was afraid you’d be mad or hate her. She kept putting off reconnecting with you that as each day passed, she felt it like a burden getting heavier and heavier.

     It didn’t help that her team members in the Justice League were openly speaking with their soulmates and doing well with their links. 

     Except for Superman. When she found out what Luthor had done, Diana rushed to her bedroom and clutched the mirror tight against her chest. But she didn’t unwrap it. She couldn’t bear for you to see her weeping and shaking that night. “Soon,” she whispered to herself. “Just not tonight,” and she slept with her mirror pressed tightly against her chest.

     Then it was the Flash and his soulmate and before the debriefing was even over, Batman had asked the team to help save Jason’s soulmate. When Wonder Woman saw the Red Hood reunite with his soulmate, she knew it was time. She can’t run away from you anymore. She didn’t want to.

     At the tower, Wonder Woman skips the debriefing and heads straight into her room. With shaking hands, she opens her drawer and holds the mirror in her palms. She takes a deep breath and smiles before unwrapping the mirror. The gold frame is the first thing she sees. She turns it around and she almost drops the mirror when she sees her own reflection.

✧ 1 ✧ 2 ✧ 3 ✧

[ramblings-of-a-cavill-lover]

Dust, Earth & Ash pt. 3

Summary: As you daydream of sad blue eyes, helping a stranger takes an unexpected turn. Clark deals with his grief as best as he can.

Warnings: canon typical violence

Word count: 2,3k

A/N: It’s been 84 years but he’s back. Thank you all who love this story for your patience. I hope I don’t let you down. Thank you to the always lovely @shellbilee​ for having my back, being my beta and my editor at the same time. 💜

Divider by @writeyourmindaway​

The days remained rainy in the weeks after meeting him.

You focused on work in the diner, doubling the attention you gave to your customers, helping in the kitchen - where you didn’t really have to be at all - and you mostly managed, but time and time again you caught your thoughts flashing back to those distraught, blue eyes that haunted your dreams and every waking moment.

You even earned a bonus for working that much.

Marla, noticed you spacing out one evening. Dinner rush had long dwindled and you two could chat for a bit, as you normally used to, the only problem being that you hardly initiated conversation anymore.

“Hey, you ok?” came her soft voice and warm touch on your shoulder.

You sighed deeply before you answered, “Yes, just fine. You need anything?”

Looking deep into your eyes she pursed her lips.

“I’m worried about you kid. I’ve been watching you working like crazy and everything is apparently going swell, but, somehow, it feels like you’re miles away and not at a resort in Aruba. Spill.”

She crossed her arms as if to tell you you wouldn’t escape this one. You lightly chuckled.

“Remember the day you missed work?” Marla nodded. “Well, that morning someone was here.”

You pause and remember as you debate telling her about his physical attributes. You decide against it and sigh once more.

“Well? Did the person treat you bad? Good? Was it a man or a woman?”

You smiled at Marla’s impatience and continued.

“He treated me… ok, I guess.” Marla frowned and opened her mouth but, before she could say anything you hurried to reassure her. “He didn’t treat me badly. He just wanted to be left alone.”

“And why didn’t you leave him alone?” she asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Because when I poured the coffee for him, I saw the look in his eyes and it was clear that he’d been crying, you know. I couldn’t help it. I had to try and make it better.”

“And did you?” she insisted.

“I don’t think so.” you mumble, as you think about the cake barely eaten and the untouched coffee. “He took my hankie with him.”

“The one your mother embroidered?” her question was amplified by the long gasp.

“Yes."

The fact you couldn’t help the stranger coupled with losing one of the things you valued the most ate away at you, making you feel like you had failed everyone.

She touched your shoulder and pulled you in for a hug. Patting the back of your head lightly, she said it was going to be okay, though you were not so sure yourself.

As you left the diner that night, all your thoughts were focused on your conversation with the handsome stranger. Clark.

No news of any murder involving him had surfaced, so you were even more baffled as to what he could have meant by saying he had killed his wife.

He had left such an impression on you that you had dreamed about him more than once. Those nights were not the most pleasant; you’d wake up with a start, feeling a presence in your room, but upon turning the lights on, it was empty, just as you had left it before going to bed.

That same week you learned that your favorite customer unfortunately had passed, making things a little sadder. Her funeral was attended by a host of people, not only those who had worked with her, but who admired her work and wished to pay their respects.

The hot topic, however, was the absence of her husband, the not so famous, but equally well known, Clark Kent.

The buzz reached you from several sources and all of them told you a reason why he wasn’t there. Most of them, not so respectful. Even the newspaper they worked for, the Daily Planet, mentioned the fact.

Your customers talked about it, brought clippings to show you; it was on the radio, even on the tv news broadcasts. "Metropolis in Mourning” read one of the headlines, not really mourning but gossiping about the attendees at the funeral.

Your reaction was to always smile and let them gossip. You had never met the man, Lois was the one to come buy coffee almost every day. She was kind and always stayed for a while to talk to you. She bothered to ask you questions, as if you were an important person she just had to interview. She never failed to make you smile. A kind person through and through. But those were details you preferred to keep to yourself.

The walk back home wasn’t long, just a few blocks, but lost in your thoughts, you missed the fact that you were being followed.

The hand landed heavily on your shoulder and turning you didn’t know if you were more startled by the fact that someone got that close to you without you noticing, or the fact that the person whose hand had felt like a bag of potatoes on your muscles was such a small and frail-looking old lady.

“I’m sorry if I startled you.” she apologized in a feeble voice, that again, had such jarring contrast to the touch. “I called out, but you were on another planet!”

She laughed then, showing her blackened teeth, and you smiled awkwardly, not really knowing what she wanted.

She was repugnant. It wasn’t a mean observation, it was a fact. Her world-weary face was mostly wrinkles and you could tell life hadn’t been kind to her so far. She reminded you of fairy tale witches with the hooked noses and cunning eyes. The unease only increased as you took in the state of her clothes. She wore what looked like a voluminous tunic, of thick and frayed fabric. It stunk, but nothing like the city stench you were used to. It was something akin to the smell in the crypt where your mother’s remains were buried.

You shuddered and shook your head slightly to dispel the disturbing thoughts. The woman, thankfully concentrated on the movement of the cars on the street, didn’t witness your discomfort.

“Would you be a dear and help me with these?” she half requested, half complained, looking down at two very heavy looking shopping bags full of groceries, that you could swear she hadn’t been carrying when you first looked at her.

“Sure.” you replied, noticing your labored breathing as you picked the bags from her hands.

They were indeed very heavy. You wondered if she bought bricks and put them in the bottom, just for the exercise.

“Do you live far?” you asked her, as the light turned green, but she just started crossing the street without a single glance back at you.

She walked briskly, and the extra weight had you struggling to keep up.

“No, just three blocks that way.” her hand pointed to nowhere in particular ahead of you both.

“Okay.” was all you could add.

You didn’t know how you got yourself into this, but now that you were in, all that was left was to see it through. Even if you had to see the worst side of town along with it.

It wasn’t easy catching up with her, she seemed to be always a few steps ahead of you. But when you were about to give up, she stopped in front of a derelict house that looked abandoned.

She opened the door and asked you to put the groceries on the frail looking table in the middle of the living room, walking off further into the house.

You did as she asked, relieved not to be carrying them anymore, and looked back at the corridor where she had disappeared to, jumping when you saw her already next to you. It was as if she had the ability to simply materialize wherever she wanted.

“Forgive me, I didn’t want to startle you. Again.” she mumbled with a chuckle. “I have something for you. It is not money, for I do not carry such mundane things. I do believe you’ll find it useful. Eventually.”

From her pocket she pulled a leather cord, tied around a vivid, red crystal.

“You don’t have to repay me. It’s alright.” you said, taking a step back.

She merely grabbed your wrist and thrust the necklace into the palm of your hand. It was warm, and when your two hands connected around it, a blinding light emanated from it, blinking out almost immediately.

You felt heavy and sleepy, and the last thing you saw was her gruesome smile and the shears in her other hand.

Ever since Diana left, Clark had been alone with his thoughts in the silent, and aptly named, Fortress of Solitude. She had stayed for four days. They didn’t talk much, they didn’t eat or drink.

“Why did you bring me here? I told you to take me to Barda’s!” he didn’t mean to yell, but that direction wouldn’t take him where he wanted to go. He needed to blow off some steam, all of the steam, inside his head. “Kal-El, I know you are grieving, but that does not give you the right to slaughter an entire planet…” “I don’t…” he interjected, impatient. “Do not interrupt me. It’s quite rude.” she said, calmly. He hung his head, grinding his teeth. She was right, he knew it. But he was not in the mood to give her the satisfaction. “You know yourself.” she continued. “Right now, all that pain and anger at nothing and no one in particular will unleash the full force of your power on whatever enemy you have in front of you. And then what? How will you feel when you stop seeing red and all that’s left is the utter loneliness, the memory of what Lois would have thought of that, and the blood of a planet on your hands?”

The stillness in her voice had disturbed him. He hated her for it, for being right.

He actually hated himself. All the more for thinking ill of a friend. Another friend who put it all on hold to help him.

In Metropolis, Bruce would be taking care of everything. He contacted Ma Kent and was dealing with the funeral arrangements. He called the Lanes. He was the friend Clark knew he could be under that tough exterior.

“Give me all you’ve got.” he asked her. She then flew away, making him follow her, and put at least a hundred miles between them and the plane. “If you put the slightest dent on my plane I’ll never speak to you again.” she said with a shake of her head. “How would you know?” he scoffed. “It’s invisible.” He had had enough of talking and charged her. “Believe me, I’d know!” she said through gritted teeth absorbing the impact easily. “C'mon. Give me your worst.” she shouted. “You can’t handle my worst!” he shouted back, shooting up and hovering high above her. “We’ll see.” she exclaimed and attacked.

The blows coming from her fists hurt.

He couldn’t complain, as her stubbornness and willingness to beat him into venting his frustration had truly helped.

She had offered to take him back, as the funeral had been scheduled for the next day. He refused.

Now, a week after she left, after getting tired of Kelex’s updates on the state of the world outside, and not really knowing what to do with himself anymore, he decided to go back to the only thing that made sense.

Metropolis. Catching bad guys, frustrating their plans. Helping humanity in any way he could. Anything to fill the void that she left. Maybe making Bruce really mad by hunting down and putting an end to the Injustice League single handedly, or finally catching Joker… He couldn’t decide.

Indecision and life after Lois were frightening, even for the man of steel, and without her beside him to face humanity, he didn’t know what was left to ground him.

Despite that, he found a calming monotony in rounding up bad guys and had been quite effective in the short time after coming back.

He didn’t go back to work, telling Perry he needed more time, but he could now think about her and remember without all that anger taking over his every thought. He was able to feel the pain, really feel it, feel her absence, but not be consumed by it.

Metropolis had become a much safer city and he was tempted to tell Bruce he could do the same for Gotham. Slightly.

He checked on her a few times, thinking he should go back and return the handkerchief he absentmindedly took and perhaps try that pastry Lois loved so much.

The thought was dismissed as quickly as it came. It was still too soon for that kind of ritual. Her memory was still fresh in his head.

The kind woman went on with her life, and the few times he had observed her, he noticed that she went out of her way to make sure her customers were happy.

He regretted not asking her name.

He could have overheard the conversations in the diner if he wanted to, but that felt wrong somehow.

Now, flying over the area he listened for her heartbeat; it had become a habit.

She wasn’t at the diner where he had expected to hear it.

Frowning, he flew high into the clouds and concentrated.

Her heartbeat was slow, almost faint, and not in the region he knew she lived.

Speeding to the area where the faltering beating was coming from, he found her lying on the ground of a closed junk yard, still in her uniform, and a shimmering red pendant lying on her chest.

Using his x-ray vision to assess she was unharmed, he picked her up and not knowing what else to do, shot into the sky straight towards the batcave.

[tabloidtoc]

National Enquirer, August 10

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Kanye West’s psycho ward meltdown -- $2 billion divorce bombshell with Kim Kardashian 

Page 2: Kelly Clarkson still wears wedding ring after split -- she’s being wracked by uncertainty as she moves toward finalizing her divorce 

Page 3: Baby arrives as Justin Timberlake fights to hold on to Jessica Biel -- second child for couple shaken by his flirty past 

Page 4: Prince Jackson plans to continue his father Michael Jackson’s creative vision by making a movie the King of Pop wrote before his 2009 death, Duane “Dog” Chapman opened up about the final days of his beloved wife Beth and tearfully admitted she wouldn’t even look at him because she knew he had given up 

Page 5: Danica Patrick dumped NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers over his failure to commit to marriage and rumors he was crushing on her pal Shailene Woodley 

Page 6: Jessica Simpson just turned 40 and she’s starting a new chapter in her life by writing another tell-all and it’s promising to be even juicier, royal outcast Prince Andrew exploded in fury after his family publicly snubbed him at his own daughter’s wedding 

Page 7: Hollywood transplant Prince Harry is losing his hair and his image-conscious wife Meghan Markle is pushing him to do what it takes to get it back -- Meghan has Harry so self-conscious about his ever-expanding dome that he hates to even leave the house without a cap to cover it

Page 8: Cover Story -- Kanye West’s rants ripping $2 billion marriage to Kim Kardashian apart -- he accused Kim of cheating and trying to lock him in a psych ward

Page 10: Hot Shots -- Becca Tobin walks her dog, Prince George turns 7, Justin Theroux on a bike, Taye Diggs with a football in his backyard

Page 11: Martha Stewart posted a sexy selfie snapped in her swimming pool in which she looks decades younger than 79 and probably had lip filler and a face-lift and Botox and filler in her cheeks, fired Wild ‘N Out star Nick Cannon has terrified fans with hints he’s considered suicide

Page 12: Straight Shuter -- Ireland Baldwin surfing (picture), both Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have been married before so they have no illusions about marriage lasting a lifetime and will have a $200 million prenup, Jada Pinkett Smith’s entanglement with a young singer could lead to a reality TV show for her and husband Will Smith, Jennifer Aniston has been busy writing and her memoir will be worth megabucks, Katie Holmes is growing close to Thandie Newton after she said she was so scared of Tom Cruise while working on Mission: Impossible 2 

Page 13: MacGyver star Lucas Till has confessed to being suicidal after its top executive Peter Lenkov hammered him with body shaming and abuse and Lenkov was fired after Lucas filed a lengthy complaint with CBS about the toxic atmosphere he claimed was fostered by his boss over the hit show’s four seasons, Kevin Hart is driving his pregnant wife loco during lockdown

Page 14: True Crime 

Page 16: Scientology Under Siege -- rape charges, suicide tragedy and defections rock the sci-fi religion 

Page 19: Divorced dad Russell Crowe regrets letting his kids take a back seat to his high-flying Hollywood career but moving forward he has vowed to be a better dad to his two teenage sons, Alex Trebek is entering a new and possibly final phase of chemotherapy and he knows this may be his last shot at survival 

Page 20: Hugh Hefner’s widow Crystal Hefner is finally getting the physical attention she missed throughout her May-December marriage

Page 21: New sex scandal rocks Fox News -- women accusing fired anchor Ed Henry say network still protects predators 

Page 22: Health Watch 

Page 25: Real Life 

Page 26: A former lover of Jeffrey Epstein’s madam Ghislaine Maxwell is willing to testify she bragged about owning sex tapes with underage looking girls and using them to blackmail high-profile men 

Page 28: Some stars are just plane crazy -- how bad behavior got them grounded -- Christian Slater, Diana Ross, Lamar Odom 

Page 29: Selma Blair, Alec Baldwin, Courtney Love, Jonathan Rhys Meyers 

Page 32: Breaking Bad star Johnny Ortiz is behind bars and facing life in prison on attempted-murder charges, model Bar Refaeli is a convicted tax cheat and was sentences to nine months of community service while her mother will be sent to prison for 16 months, Mickey Rourke came out swinging against Robert De Niro stemming from Mickey’s claim the De Niro kept him from being cast in last year’s hit mob flick The Irishman 

Page 34: Chrissy Teigen displayed her downsized chest on social media complete with gruesome surgical scars to clap back at online trolls who doubted she had her implants removed, Sonja Morgan is boasting how she got rid of her saggy face and wrinkly neck by going under the knife 

Page 36: In a friendship forged in hell killer dad Chris Watts has become behind bar besties with double murderer Jake Patterson the kidnapper of Jayme Closs 

Page 38: Halle Berry is keeping fans on their toes after posting a suggestive photo of her playing footsie with a mystery man, Hollywood Hookups -- Nicki Minaj and husband Kenneth “Zoo” Petty are expecting, Colton Underwood and Lucy Hale dating, Vinny Guadagnino and Francesca Farago dating 

Page 42: Red Carpet Stars -- Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive 

Page 45: Spot the Differences -- Christina Vidal and Will Sasso and Jane Curtin on United We Fall 

Page 47: Odd List 

[bountyofbeads]

Queen Elizabeth II agrees to a ‘period of transition’ in which Harry and Meghan spend time in Britain and Canada

By Karla Adam and William Booth | Published January 13 at 4:10 PM EST | Washington Post | Posted Jan13, 2020 |

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II announced Monday that she and her royal family were "entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life" and that she had agreed to a "period of transition" during which her grandson and his wife would split their time between Canada and Britain.

In a statement, the queen wrote: “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

The queen acknowledged that Harry and Meghan — she omitted their royal titles — “made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives,” but she did not describe their new duties or ventures.

She cautioned there is more work to be done on the “complex matters for the family to decide” and said she expects final decisions to be made in the coming days.

The queen — a sturdy negotiator who has worked with 14 prime ministers during her reign — may be offering a bit of a “cooling off” period to the young royals, not expecting them to reverse themselves, but perhaps to give them a chance to decide in favor of a less dramatic break.

The announcement from the 93-year-old sovereign and leader of the House of Windsor followed an extraordinary meeting at her Sandringham estate attended by her grandsons Harry and William and her son and first heir, Prince Charles. It is believed that Meghan, who is in Canada, participated by phone.

The queen’s attempt to settle matters comes after a remarkable few days.

The palace was caught off guard by the timing of Harry and Meghan’s announcement, via Instagram on Wednesday, that they would be “stepping back” from their roles as senior royals and wanted to split their time between Britain and North America.

The queen’s statement Monday was the first confirmation that Canada was the place they had in mind.

[Read The Queens Statement on website ]

Earlier Monday, William and Harry issued their own joint statement, batting down “offensive and potentially harmful” reports that bullying by William had pushed Harry and Meghan away.

Decisions about Harry and Meghan’s new roles could have implications for the future shape of the British monarchy and for royals down the line of succession.

The palace didn’t offer more detail on what was discussed at Monday’s family summit. Here are some of the issues that need sorting out.

1. A BRITAIN-CANADA TIMESHARE

Canada seems to have gotten approval as an acceptable part-time home. It probably helps that Canada is a British Commonwealth nation.

But where, exactly, in Canada? Toronto, where Meghan lived while filming the TV show “Suits”? Vancouver Island, where they spent their Christmas vacation? A place like Yellowknife or Moose Jaw — where they really wouldn’t have to worry about tabloid intrusion?

How will they divide their time? And how will that influence the new roles they take on? Will a part-time base in Canada affect the work they do for royal and U.K.-based charities, which they say they want to continue? Will they be asked to take on broader responsibilities related to the monarchy’s relationship with the commonwealth?

2. TITLES AND THE ROYAL BRAND

Harry is officially “His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex” and Meghan is “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”

Will they keep some or any of those titles? Was the queen signaling a decision by referring to them first as “Harry and Meghan” and only later as “the Sussexes” in her statement?

When Harry’s parents divorced, Diana relinquished her “HRH” title but kept “Princess of Wales.” Harry and Meghan have said they would like to continue to carry out certain duties for the queen, “as called upon.” But might giving up their responsibilities as full-time working royals mean they have to lose the HRH part of their titles, too?

They would probably put up more of fight to keep the Sussex bit, a courtesy title given by the queen. They use the “SussexRoyal” on their Instagram account and new website. They are also seeking to register the Sussex Royal brand as a global trademark on a wide range of items, the Guardian reported.

Of course, the British monarchy is its own brand. And the queen, who serves as its chief protector, will want to make sure Harry and Meghan are careful about avoiding commercial entanglements and other situations that could undermine the Crown.

3. INCOME AND TAXES

The couple say that they want to be “financially independent” and that they “value the ability to earn a professional income.” What will that actually mean? They say they will no longer accept money from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant, which has covered 5 percent of their expenses. But what about the millions they receive annually from Harry’s father, through his inherited Duchy of Cornwall estate? That money has covered 95 percent of their expenses. Will Charles continue to support them to such a large degree? Do they want him to?

There may also be discussion about what kinds of jobs would be okay. Harry’s cousin Princess Beatrice works in finance, and Princess Eugenie is an art gallery director. Meghan, a former actress, has reportedly agreed to do voice-over work for Disney in exchange for a donation to the charity Elephants Without Borders. Would she take in a salary for that sort of work in the future? The royal family’s determination to remain apolitical may play a strong role in guiding what work Harry and Meghan can undertake.

Courtiers have probably outlined the potentially complicated tax situation the Sussexes could face. If they live for an extended period of time in both Britain and Canada, they may have to pay tax on their global earnings in both countries.

The queen is not required to pay income taxes, but she voluntarily contributes a sum equivalent to what a U.K. tax on her private income would be. Prince Charles has a similar arrangement.

4. SECURITY

The royals will also need to determine who foots the bill for Harry and Meghan’s security detail. As senior members of the royal family, they have been entitled to round-the-clock protection, paid for by the state. But junior royals, such as Harry’s cousins, traditionally pay their own way.

Especially if Harry and Meghan spend much of their time overseas, British taxpayers may balk at paying for their security.

The couple is unlikely to want to skimp on personal protection. After her divorce, Harry’s mother was accompanied by a less experienced security team, and that may have contributed to her death. Her driver, a security man from the Hotel Ritz, was speeding and intoxicated when he crashed their car in a Paris tunnel, according to the French investigation.

One of Harry and Meghan’s primary complaints has been about harassment and violations of their privacy. They will want security professionals.

5. RELATIONSHIPS

Although they may be some of the most famous people in the world, and although they represent the somewhat abstract notion of “the Crown,” the British royal family is still a family. And its members will no doubt want to resolve questions related to Harry and Meghan’s new role as amicably as possible.

Much has been made about a possible rift between Harry and his brother, William. The brothers sought to quash such speculation with their statement on Monday.

The two princes said, “Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful.”

Harry and William did not name the article, but the Times of London carried a front-page story Monday, quoting an unnamed source saying that Harry and Meghan thought they were “pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge.”

Putting an end to further speculation about divisions within the family may be one of the reasons the queen has signaled she wants a quick resolution.

*********

Harry and Meghan plan a future in Canada, long seen as ‘friendly environment’ for the royal family

By Amanda Coletta | Published January 13 at 3:26 PM EST | Washington Post | Posted January 13, 2020 |

TORONTO — Crystal Kattenhorn is a lifelong fan of the royal family. So much so that when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2017, the Ontario woman traveled to Britain to camp out for the nuptials.

And when the couple announced last week that they would be stepping back from their duties as senior royals and splitting their time between Britain and a mysterious location in North America, colleagues crowded Kattenhorn's desk to ask how she was coping.

So she was pleased Monday when Queen Elizabeth II said she would support the pair as they "create a new life" — and that they would be doing it, at least part of the time, in Canada.

"I love the fact that they chose Canada to be the overseas base," said Kattenhorn, 46. "I think this is a positive outcome for all parties."

The drama surrounding the pair has drawn far more attention in Britain than it has here. The couple's announcement last week came on the day that 57 Canadians were killed in the Iranian shoot-down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 outside Tehran. That's the news that has consumed Canada in recent days.

But developments around the royal couple haven't gone entirely unnoticed here. After Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said they would be dividing their time between the United Kingdom and North America, some Canadians began lobbying them to come to this Commonwealth realm, where Meghan worked for seven years and the couple visited over the holidays.

“It’s just got to be Canada,” the Toronto Star editorialized, wistfully. “At this point, our hopes are up. The country has so many wonderful things to offer. But, let’s face it, we’re a bit short in the glamor department. A bit of the Sussexes, even part time, could be just what we needed.

“. . . We don’t want to seem too eager. But it’s hard.”

Harry and Meghan have described the country as a “very special” place. Elizabeth, Harry’s grandmother, is queen of Canada, among her other titles. Harry first visited with his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, in 1991. Meghan lived in Toronto while starring in the USA Network legal drama “Suits.” And it was here that they made their first official appearance as a couple in 2017.

Royal historian Carolyn Harris said Canada has “long been seen as a friendly environment for the royal family.” There’s a history of royals spending long periods of time here on private visits.

Princess Patricia, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, lived here while her father, Prince Arthur, was governor general. Canadians grew to be quite fond of her, even putting her on their $1 bills in 1917. Prince Andrew, Elizabeth’s son, was an exchange student at Lakefield College School in Peterborough, Ontario, in 1977.

“Canadians tend to take less interest in the private lives of public figures,” Harris said. “There isn’t the same culture of paparazzi” as in Britain or the United States.

No paparazzi photos emerged of the family during its recent holiday in British Columbia. The Times Colonist newspaper admitted it knew all along where the family was staying but chose not to divulge the details until the royals left to “err on the side of discretion.”

According to a poll published by Hello! Canada magazine, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is the country’s most popular royal. Meghan and Harry crack the top 10, but they are further down the list.

Tim Hortons, the Canadian coffee chain, promised the Sussexes free coffee for life — an offer that backfired on social media. Critics called the preferential treatment for millionaires unseemly, given the company’s history of labor disputes.

Canada has mostly avoided the kind of debate that has raged in Australia and other Commonwealth realms about whether it should have a monarch as its head of state. Harris said that’s largely because severing those bonds would be a convoluted process.

The institution no longer occupies the space in the cultural imagination that it did in the 19th century, when loyalty to the Crown was seen as a positive feature that distinguished Canada from the United States.

“Even though many Canadians do not necessarily follow the details of the royal family unless there is big news,” Harris said, “the monarchy as a political institution is quite entrenched.”

Canadian monarchists took seriously last week’s news that the couple might be coming.

On the day of the couple’s announcement, Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada, said the group was keeping Harry and Meghan in its “thoughts” and advised against “jumping to conclusions about what may in practice develop” as they carve out their new roles.

Two days later, the group posted a “friendly caution” to the pair on its Facebook page: “Any public support for their desire to occupy a new, hybrid role combining their royal status with more personal freedom could disappear quickly were there to develop a feeling that, even inadvertently, they had in some way showed disrespect to The Queen, whose style is self-effacing and whose watchword is duty.”

Canada’s small anti-monarchist group Republic Now chimed in, too. “More royals quit the monarchy,” it wrote on its Facebook page. “It’s time Canada did too.”

There remain complications for the couple to iron out.

Although Harry’s grandmother is queen of Canada, he’s not a citizen himself. If he and Meghan wished to stay in Canada for more than six months, they would probably need to apply for visas just like everyone else.

Some parts of the country might be friendlier than others. Harris noted sometimes-fraught relationship between the French-speaking province of Quebec and the monarchy.

Other Canadians might raise their hackles, she added, if it emerges that taxpayers and not the independently wealthy prince are footing the bill for his security.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asked before the queen’s statement Monday about Canada’s role, said there would be “many discussions to come on how that works.”

“Most Canadians are very supportive of having royals be here,” Trudeau told Global News. “But how that looks and what kind of costs is involved, there’s still lots of discussions to be had.”

John Wright’s wife loves Harry and Meghan. Earlier this month, she mused that Harry would make a “really great” governor general, the representative of the monarch in Canada.

On Jan. 7, the day before the couple’s announcement, Wright, a pollster, inspired by his wife’s rumination, put the question to Canadians. More than 60 percent said they would support Harry’s appointment to the role.

Wright said he understands the affection for the prince.

“Harry seems like the kind of bloke you’d like to have a beer with,” he said.

Kattenhorn said she understands why the couple would want to step back from the spotlight: Britain’s tabloids have been “cruel” and “nasty” to Meghan. She hopes the statement from the queen will give the couple more space.

But her goodwill could run out, she said, if Canadian taxpayers were left on the hook for their time here.

“They both have the means,” Kattenhorn said. “They can pay for their own security.”

*********

What happened to Prince Harry? Five triggers for his royal exit

By Rebecca Taylor | Published

Monday 13 January 2020 21:01 UK | Sky News | Posted January 13, 2020 |

Prince Harry's announcement that he and his wife want to step back from their roles as senior royals has shocked the UK and the world.

How did this once-cheeky chappy lose his smile and end up in a position of wanting to give up his role in the firm?

Is Meghan, the actress-turned-Duchess of Sussex, to blame for his decision, or are there more factors at play in the prince's choice? Sky News looks at the evidence.

BEFORE MEGHAN

While some blame his new wife, there is significant evidence that Prince Harry's unhappiness in his role started long before he even met Meghan, let alone married her.

The Times' royal correspondent Roya Nikkhah told Sky News: "Tensions have been brewing for quite a long time - a lot of people have been quick to point the finger at his wife, (but) it predates her arrival.

"He wanted to find a different way of doing things. She found it hard to adjust and they found it hard to adjust into the new role.

"They want to do things differently, the royal family has been keen to try to accommodate that but obviously not fast enough to do it."

Some of the evidence he wanted to do things differently can be traced back to 2013, when he spent four months on tour in Afghanistan.

While on tour, he was known as Captain Wales, and preferred this to his formal title of Prince Harry.

Being in another country was closer to normal life for Harry, but he confessed sometimes even that brought too many eyes on him.

"For me it's not that normal because I go into the cookhouse and everyone has a good old gawp, and that's one thing that I dislike about being here," he said.

"Because there's plenty of guys in there that have never met me, therefore look at me as Prince Harry and not as Captain Wales, which is frustrating. Which is probably another reason why I'd love to be out in the PBs [patrol bases], away from it all. It's as normal as it's going to get. I'm one of the guys. I don't get treated any differently."

More recently, a friend of his from his days in Afghanistan, Dean Stott, told This Morning he thought the military was "probably the only environment that he could be himself".

It has also influenced a huge amount of his work since he left the military in 2015, after 10 years of service. Indeed, the first time he and Meghan made a public appearance was at the Invictus Games, the sports event he helps to put together for disabled ex-servicemen.

Russell Myers, the Mirror's royal editor, said: "Harry had issues coming out of the army - what was his plan? William was prepared for kingship and he has found it very difficult."

Harry has admitted in the past that he didn't always want to stay in the royal family.

"There was a time I felt I wanted out," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"But then I decided to stay in [The Firm] and work out a role for myself."

Harry said it was his loyalty to the Queen and charity work which persuaded him to stay.

"We are incredibly passionate with our charities and they have been chosen because they are on the path shown to me by our mother. I love charity stuff and meeting people," he said in 2017.

'DIFFERENT PATHS'

Another major element in the story of Harry is his relationship with his brother, William.

While Diana raised them as equals, there was always going to come a time when it seemed more like William was the heir - and Harry was the spare.

Ms Nikkhah said: "They are on different paths, i think they have felt it's difficult on those paths to be aligned in their thinking.

"I think Harry found it difficult to defer to his brother, that pecking order is very difficult.

William and Harry were close growing up, and their mother's death when they were aged 15 and 12 respectively will have given them a deeper bond and understanding.

However, they seem to have grown apart.

In a documentary filmed when Harry was on tour in Africa, he said: "We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him, and as I know he will always be there for me.

"We don't see each other as much as we used to as we are so busy. But I love him dearly and you know the majority of the stuff is probably - well, the majority of the stuff is created out of nothing.

"But as brothers, you have good days and you have bad days."

The Sunday Times reported that William had declared they were "separate entities" and he could no longer "put his arm around him".

In a rare show of unity, the Dukes put out a statement calling a story which suggested William was a bully "false".

They said: "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful."

HARRY'S ROMANTIC PAST

Harry's relationship with the media now that he is married may stem back to how his previous relationships ended.

He dated Chelsy Davy from 2004-2011, off and on, and then Cressida Bonas from 2012-2014, both seen as serious relationships which could lead to marriage.

The end of the relationship with Ms Davy was blamed on the strain of the media attention. Speaking in 2016, the first interview she had ever done, Ms Davy said the situation was "scary".

She said: "It was so full-on: crazy and scary and uncomfortable. I found it very difficult when it was bad. I couldn't cope. I was young, I was trying to be a normal kid and it was horrible."

Harry has also spoken of the "very hard times" she had to face.

While Ms Bonas has never spoken about why their relationship ended, it is widely believed she was also concerned about the level of media attention.

In 2016, while he was dating Meghan, Harry denounced what he said were racist undertones in commentary on her and their blossoming relationship.

When their son Archie was born in 2019, media calls around the event were much smaller than for any of William's children.

Instead of pictures on the steps, there was a brief statement from a happy new father, and then a short photocall.

The christening was private, a move that outraged many commentators - especially because it came shortly after it was revealed that the renovation of their new family home on the Windsor estate, Frogmore Cottage, cost £2.4m, paid for by the taxpayer.

A SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAY

Harry this year will turn 36, the same age his mother was when she was killed in a car crash.

Others who have parents who died when they were young speak of the "curse" that they feel needs to be broken by surpassing the age at which their parent died or that they become "frozen in time".

In 2017, Harry told the Daily Telegraph: "I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well."

He said he had been close to "complete breakdown on numerous occasions".

He has recently told ITV how camera clicks and flashes remind him of his mother's death.

"I think being part of this family, in this role, in this job, every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash it takes me straight back so in that respect it's the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best," he said.

Harry has always been critical of the role the press played in his mother's death. Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while she was being chased by paparazzi.

MEGAN'S IMPACT

What evidence is there of Meghan's influence on Harry? There are reports that she has changed many aspects of his personal life, like diet and exercise, giving up alcohol for a time and taking up yoga.

It was a far cry from the party days of old.

But there are some who raise concerns about the impact of Meghan on the prince.

One person who noticed a change is Arthur Edwards, who is a photographer for The Sun.

He said: "It's the way Harry is at the moment, he’s just got this bee in his bonnet that all the media are to be ignored.

"Harry used to be the best of all of them. We’d get together in a pub and we’d talk about everything, get it off our plate. It would be frank and open, and you never reported it.

"Now, it’s not even ‘Good morning.’ Nothing. He treats us just like telegraph poles now."

The 2017 Mail on Sunday interview, which came while he was dating Meghan, also hinted at the changes he wanted to make, though their romance may have been too young for her to be a significant player.

He said: "We want to make sure the monarchy lasts and are passionate about what it stands for.

"We feel that the British public and the whole world needs institutions like this - but it can't go on as it has done under the Queen."

Harry said Meghan had not advised him on his mental health issues, but kept other elements of their relationship private.

Having once credited his grandmother as the reason he stayed in the Royal Family, when he once "wanted out", his decision to release the statement when the Queen had asked him not to has caused surprise.

Ms Nikkhah said: "That’s not the way Harry used to be, he has an enormous amount of love and respect for the Queen and this feels very out of character."

Meghan's comments in the ITV documentary while they were in Africa may also have been a factor in his desire to protect her. She said she was not OK and talked of a hope her work in the Royal Family would be treated fairly even if it was not easy.

Whatever the final push was, there's more than meets the eye to Prince Harry's decision to leave his role as a senior member of the Royal Family and seek to scale back his work.

How he and his wife shape their future could be the blueprint for the next generation.

But clues to Harry's big decision were, perhaps, present all along.

*********

[tipsycad147]

100+ Pagan or Witch names and their meanings

Posted by Michelle Gruben on Apr 11, 2019

Looking for the perfect Pagan or witch name? Check out our list of over 100 magickal names drawn from the realms of the occult. Whether it’s for yourself, an animal familiar, or a fictional character, have fun perusing these delightfully witchy monikers.

Christian names have usually honoured Biblical figures and saints, but Pagans prefer to name themselves after nature, folklore, and the gods of antiquity. Many names are drawn from ancient stories and are charged with mythic power. Some of the names on this list didn’t start out magickal, but got that way in modern times through association with famous witches. (This is admittedly a Eurocentric list, since my own background is in classical literature and Western magick. If you are the bearer of a witchy name from another tradition, I’d love to learn about it!)

Many witch names are unisex and others can be adapted to any gender. Creating compound names are one way that Pagans pay homage to sacred objects, spirits, and concepts (e.g., Raven Moonflower or Amethyst Dragonfyre). Try mixing and matching these first names with your favourite nouns and adjectives to create your very own Craft name.

Adelinda - A Germanic name meaning "noble serpent." A variation is Delinda.

Aine – “Radiance.” Queen of the fairies in Celtic lore.

Airlia – “Ethereal.”

Aislinn – “Dream or vision.” Irish female name.

Alcina – A Greek sorceress. Title character of an opera by Handel.

Alita – “Winged one.”

Althea – “Healer.”

Alvin/Alvina – “Elf.” Many "Al-" names related to elfkind, including Alfred/Alfreda ("elf counsel") and Albert ("bright elf" or "elf ruler").

Ambrosia/Ambrosius – “Food of the gods.”

Amethyst - Lovely purple stone, known to the ancients for bringing sobriety, wisdom, and protection, especially to travelers.

Angela - “Divine messenger.”

Aoelus – “Wind.”

Aradia – Legendary Italian Witch, one of the principal figures in Charles Godfrey Leland's 1899 work Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches.

Ariadne – “Most holy.” Mythical figure associated with mazes and labyrinths.

Ariel – A Biblical name meaning “Lion of God.” In Disney, a little mermaid. In Shakespeare, a shape-shifting spirit who aids the wizard Prospero. Also the name of the famous poem cycle by Sylvia Plath.

Artemis – Greek virgin goddess of the moon and wild animals.

Arwen – An elven princess in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Arwen is derived from Welsh and means “fine” or “fair.” A masculine form is Arwyn.

Asteria – “Star-like.” Variations include Aster, Astrid, and Astra.

Aura – “Wind,” in Greek. In metaphysics, the word refers to the energy field surrounding the body.

Avalon – Legendary final resting place of King Arthur. Also the setting of a series of fantasy novels by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Awen – “Inspiration.” Symbol of the well of creativity and of the bardic arts.

Bran – Means “Raven” in several Celtic languages. A great historical name with connections to Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend.

Breena – “Faery place.” Variations: Brinna or Briana.

Brigid – Celtic goddess of the forge, healing, and poetry. Beloved in Ireland and around the world, variations of her name include Bridget, Brighid, and Bride.

Calypso – “Hidden.” A nymph who detained Odysseus for many years.

Cassandra – Ill-fated soothsayer of Troy. Cassandra incurred the displeasure of Apollo, who cursed her so that her prophecies would never be believed.

Cedar – An ancient tree associated with wisdom and protection.

Celeste – “Heavenly.”

Cerridwen – “Fair as the poem.” May also derive from the Celtic word for “cauldron.” A powerful enchantress of Welsh legend, identified with the Wiccan mother goddess.

Charon – As the boatman on the River Styx, Charon ferries souls across to the Underworld. The modern Greek equivalent is Haros.

Chimera – “Dream, phantasm.”

Circe – Greek demi-goddess or witch renowned for her knowledge of herbs and potions.

Corvus – Latin for “raven” or “crow.” A literate alternative to becoming yet another Raven.

Crystal – A name that became popular in the 1980s and 90s. (Witches love crystals!)

Delphine – “Woman from Delphi.” The Delphic oracles were priestesses of Apollo.

Devin – “Musical poet.” A Gaelic boy’s name, now unisex.

Diana – Roman name for the moon goddess, known in European lore as the “Queen of the Witches.”

Draco – “Dragon.” One famous bearer is Draco Malfoy of the Harry Potter series.

Eartha – “Earthly.” From Old English.

Endora – The magical mother-in-law in the TV sitcom Bewitched. Her name comes from the Biblical Witch of Endor who counseled King Saul.

Eris – Greek goddess of Chaos. Patron goddess of the Discordian magickal tradition.

Erzulie – A spirit (or family of spirits) in Vodou. She has many forms and rules over love, beauty, health, and sexual passion.

Fabula – “Legend.”

Faye – “Fairy.” From Old English/Old French. Also Fay, Fae, Faeryn, Fayette.

Fiamma - "Flame." This Italian word carries the same connotations as "flame" in English, meaning either a (literal) fire or a (figurative) lover.

Foster – “Forest guardian.” From Old English.

Freya – “Noble lady.” One of the most revered of the Norse deities.

Gaia – The personification of Earth, and one of the Greek primordial gods.

Glinda – “Fair” or “good.” The Good Witch of the South in the Oz novels of L. Frank Baum.

Gwydion – Master magician and trickster of Welsh lore. His name means “born of trees.” Famous bearers include the American witch and bard Gwydion Pendderwen (1946–1982).

Hazel – “Hazel tree.” Hazel branches are the traditional material for divining rods.

Hecate – Crossroads-dwelling goddess of witchcraft. Her name may mean either “power” or “far-reaching.” The Greek spelling is Hekate.

Hermione –  “Messenger.” A female name derived from Hermes. Popularized as a Witch name by the Harry Potter series, but also appropriate for a Hermetic magician.

Herne – “Horned.” The lord of wild things, identified with the Pagan Horned God.

Holly - This cheery girl's name is shared with one of the sacred trees of Celtic lore. A male or family name version is Hollis.

Isis - Mighty Egyptian goddess of magick and healing.

Jasmine – A delicate and aromatic flower known for its mystical and aphrodisiac properties. The name is Arabic in origin.

Jinx – “Trick” or “curse.”

Lamia – The Lamia is a child-devouring serpent or monster in Greek mythology. She was once a Libyan queen, but was cursed by Hera for her trysts with Zeus.

Larissa – A Greek sea nymph, also the name of an ancient city in Thessaly.

Leo – “Lion.” Also a sign of the zodiac.

Ligeia – “Shrill” or “whistling.” The name of one the Greek sirens, revived by Edgar Allan Poe in his short story by the same title.

Lilith – Adam’s first wife, according to Hebrew mythology. Lilith is associated with various night demons and flying goddesses.

Lorelei – Freshwater mermaid of the Rhine River. The Lorelei is a temptress who delights in the destruction of fishermen.

Lucia – A Latin name meaning “light”. The masculine form is Lucius.

Lucifer – A provocative name associated with the Christian devil. Lucifer means “light-bringer.”

Luna – “Moon.” Luna Lovegood is a minor character in the Harry Potter series.

Maeve – “Intoxicating.” An Irish warrior queen. Also related to Queen Mab, faery ruler of British folklore. Variations include Mab, Meave, Maeven.

Marisol – Beautiful Spanish name meaning “sea and sun.”

Medea – A Greek witch, the subject of a play by Euripides and a later opera. Medea was of divine descent and used sorcery to defeat her foes.

Melusine – A water spirit from French medieval folklore. Also written as Melusina.

Merlin – Legendary sorcerer of Old Britain.

Minerva - Roman name for the goddess of wisdom. A well-known bearer is Minerva McGonagall, the headmistress of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.

Miranda – “A marvel.” This name first appeared in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Morgan – Morgan le Fay is a (usually) adversarial figure in the Arthurian legends. Variations include Morgaine or Morgana. A similar-sounding name belongs to Celtic warrior goddess Morrighan.

Morpheus – “Shaper.” Greek god of sleep and dreams.

Nerissa – “Of the sea.” From Shakespeare.

Neve – “Bright.” An Anglicized version of the Irish name Niamh.

Nissa – A Scandinavian name for a brownie, sprite, or friendly elf.

Oberon – “Elf ruler.” A Faery king in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Famous bearers include Oberon Zell (b. 1942).

Ondine – “Mermaid or “Water spirit.”

Orion – A prominent constellation named for the hunter from Greek mythology. One notable Orion is author Orion Foxwood.

Pagan – “Country-dweller.” The most straightforward Pagan name there is.

Petra – “Stone.”

Peregrine – “Traveler, foreigner, pilgrim.”

Phoenix – Mythical bird that would incinerate itself every 500 years (by most accounts), then rise from the ashes.

Puck – A mischievous forest spirit in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Origin of the adjective “puckish.”

Pythia – One of the traditional titles of the Oracle of Delphi. The Pythia was originally a serpent monster defeated by Apollo.

Raven – One of the most widely-used Pagan/witch names, in various spellings and combinations. Ravens are associated with death, cunning, and secret knowledge.

Rhiannon – Welsh goddess associated with horses. Made popular as a witchy name by the Fleetwood Mac song “Rhiannon.”

Rosemary – “Dew of the sea.” The name refers to the small blue flowers that appear on Rosemary bushes.

Rowan – “Red-haired.” A unisex Celtic name shared with the mystical Rowan tree.

Rowena – A Germanic name, possible derived from the words for “fame” and “joy.” Another name revitalized by the Harry Potter series.

Sabrina – Latin place-name meaning “from Cyprus” or “from the river Severne.” Teenage witch of comics and television.

Sage – “Wise redeemer.” Also a widely-used herb in witchcraft.

Salem – Historic Massachusetts city known for its 17th-century witchcraft trials. The feline familiar of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Samantha – In Hebrew it means something like, “God heard” or “told by God.” In Greek, it may mean “flower.” Samantha owes its witchy cred to Samantha Stevens, the protagonist of the TV sitcom Bewitched.

Sedona – A town in Arizon famed for its energy vortexes, n­­ow a thriving New Age community. This pretty name has no known meaning and was probably invented by an early settler in the area.

Selene – Greek goddess of the moon. A variation is Selena, and belongs to Pagan elder Selena Fox.

Shadow – A spirit, ghost, or illusion.

Shasta – An active volcano in California, renowned as a spiritual pilgrimage site.

Shayla – “From the faery place.” Many spellings and variations.

Silver -  A magickal metal, sacred to the Moon. Famous bearers include author Silver Ravenwolf.

Sirena – “Mermaid.”

Sirius – “Glowing, burning.” Also known as the Dog Star, Sirius is the brightest star in Earth’s night sky.

Sophia – “Wisdom.”

Stella - "Star." Variations include Estelle and Estrella.

Strega – “Witch” in Italian.

Sybil – “Prophetess” or “Divine counsel.” This name, from ancient Greek, also belonged to the famous English witch Sybil Leek (1917-1982).

Sylvia – “Of the forest.”

Tanith – Phoenician moon goddess whose name means "serpent lady." Famous Taniths include science fiction and fantasy writer Tanith Lee (1947 – 2015).

Tara – In Irish, a rocky hill. In Sanskrit, a star.

Thurston – “Thor’s stone.”

Titania – “Great one.” The queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Variations include Tatiana and Tanya.

Umbra – “Shadow, ghost.”

Urania – “Heavenly" or  "daughter of the Sky.” An epithet of Aphrodite and Isis.

Vera – “Truth”

Vernon – “Alder tree.”

Vesta – Roman hearth goddess. Priestesses of Vesta tended the sacred flame in her temples.

Willow – “Willow tree.” Willow is a popular witch character in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Zephyr – “West wind.”

https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/100-pagan-or-witch-names-and-their-meanings

[aliens-and-plumbobs]

50 QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SIM

I thought it’d be cool to share the list of questions I work from when I’m developing characters for my screenplays irl. I adapted the questions for sims and I hope someone finds them useful. also u can tag ur friends to do this if u want but I cba.

SIM OC QUESTIONS (50) by: cassgoths

sim’s name: Nora Penelope Martons

how old is your sim? Young adult but I’d say she’s around 38.

when is your sim’s birthday? She was born in the fall.

what is your sim’s zodiac sign? I imagine she’d be a Virgo.

what is your sim’s ethnicity? Her grandfather was half black and half white, Her grandmother was a super light-skinned red-headed girl, So she’s about 10% Black and the rest is a mix of whatever her other grandparents were lol.

does your sim have any nicknames? Her mom called her Nory when she was little.

do they have a job? if so what is it? Scientist of course, specifically Pioneer of New Technologies. She dreams of becoming the Extraterrestrial Explorer. She’s getting close lol

where does your sim live? Willow Creek! Her mom used to live in Brindleton Bay when she was younger but she wanted a place completely new. The family has just loved it and never had a desire to move.

who does your sim live with? Her mother, Destiney Martons and Gen 1 Heir. Her husband, Devon Martons Her eldest child, Diana Martons, named after her grandmother. Her twin boys Dekker and Deion And the youngest Dorian. And of course we can’t forget their adorable French Bulldog Bean. ♥

what environment did your sims grow up in? (i.e strict, loving, cold etc.) She grew up in a very loving environment. Her parents were a little more traditional but they tried to let their kids thrive as much as possible.

what are your sim’s favourite foods? Veggies, fruit, and TOFU. She is strictly vegetarian and won’t let you forget it. For moral reasons of course, but she can not forget what she learned about meat from science class.

what is your sim’s favourite drink? She’s not a huge drinker but give her a Juice on the Rocks and she’ll be happy.

if they have one what is your sim’s favourite colour? Lighter blue and yellow, ALWAYS. You can’t escape them.

does your sim believe in any cliches? (i.e love at first sight) No, she’s very much a woman of science. She’d love to believe in those things but she just has too much of a logical brain. She does love her husband and family very much.

what is your sim’s sexuality? She is straight, although she had a small crush on her best friend Scarlet that lasted like 3 minutes when they were teens. Scarlet’s very charming though haha.

what is your sim’s gender identity? She identifies as a cis woman. But she’s supportive of all people. She actually helped her sister Sebrina come out to their mom that she was transgender. She has always been this way. ♥

is your sim type a or type b? Definitely A, shes ALWAYS working (and she loves it)

is your sim introverted or extroverted? Shes more of an Ambivert. She likes being social but she definitely enjoys her alone time too.

is your sim neurotypical or neurodivergent? Neurotypical

is your sim a pet person? if so what is their favourite animal? She definitely is a pet person, just more of a single pet person than multiple like her mom. She also likes fish, bugs, and frogs but those are mostly for science lol

does your sim have a best friend? Yes her name is Scarlet Goth, daughter of Cassandra Goth (who happens to be her mom’s best friend)

what is (/was) your sim’s favourite school subject? Obviously science. Couldn’t keep her away if they wanted to

is/was your sim a high, mid or low achiever in school? High achiever, 1000% She had the best grades throughout all of her school days.

are they planning to go or have they already been to college? if so, what would be or what was their major? They haven’t been to college but if there was any near them she totally would have. Being the heir of a legacy has certain restrictions and responsibilities she couldn’t keep from.

what are your sims political beliefs? (if they have them) She’d definitely be a libral. Equality is very important to her.

what is one thing your sims wants to do before they die? Visit an alien planet. She has been abducted 3 times now and only has very vague memories of each time but one day she wants to go to their planet.

does your sim have a favourite tv show (cable) and/or movie? She’s not much of a TV viewer actually. She’d rather collect things.

is your sim a netflix viewer? if so what are their top 3 shows. IF she was she’d be watching documentaries or shows like Ancient Aliens or something like that. Haha

does your sim like books? if so what’s their favourite one? Sciene Science Science. She also read a lot of her grandmother’s books.

does your sim enjoy video games, if so what is their favourite one and do they play on pc or console? YES she has been obsessed with video games since she could play them. But honestly she plays them all.

what is your sim’s personal style? Mom???

does your sim have a lucky charm? She carries crystals in her pockets because she believes in their mystical properties. (And that they are absolutely backed up by science not magic) lol

is your sim religious? She believe’s there’s a Watcher of some sort. If Aliens can exist, why can’t that? But I wouldnt call her religious.

what kind of music does your sim listen to and who is their favourite artist? She sort of listens to anything, no preferences really. Shes usually too busy working to care.

is your sim a festive person? if so what’s their favourite holiday? Spooky day is her favorite but she feels a bit of responsibility to make sure her home is always open to partying with the whole family on holidays.

what is your sim’s favourite type of weather? RAIN

does your sim prefer to start fights or finish them? She prefers to avoid them completely, or stop them if its her kids fighting lol

does your sim have a dream job? Extraterrestrial Explorer, as stated before. :D

does your sim have any siblings? She’s the oldest Then Sebrina was born Then Harlow And finally the youngest and only brother, Vander.

does your sim get along with their family? She’s had it rough with Diana being rebellious but mostly yes.

what is your sims favourite hobby? Collecting everything Bugs, Rocks, Fossils, Elements, MySims, Crystals, Snow globes. You name it, she has it

what does your sim look for in a romantic partner? Someone who doesnt mind she’s a workaholic, and also someone who was willing to wait for her to get married because she didnt want to right away.

what is a secret about your sim? She wants one more baby, but she doesnt know if she should have one so late in life.

what is a wish your sim has? She wants another daughter

what is a flaw your sim has? I personally think shes too hard on Diana, she has high expectations and focuses on that instead of letting her be a kid while she still can.

how do others generally perceive your sim? They would never think of her as a family person judging by her line of work but she really is.

Does your sim have a greatest achievement? If so what is it? Being abducted by aliens probably.

If they have one, what is your sim’s greatest regret? Not getting her dad to Selvadorada before he passed away. She really wanted him to see it one last time.

does your sim have a favourite emoji? 👾🤓

does your sim use simstagram? if so what’s their @? @Martons_Legacy Her mom used to run it but she’s taking over. (Soon)

what is the last text your sim sent (and who did they text)?

[aion-rsa]

Bridgerton: Best Shows to Watch After the Netflix Series

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Netflix’s Bridgerton has swept viewers off their feet with its lush blend of romance tropes—fake relationship, forbidden love, “we could be together if only we could stop misunderstanding each other”—anchored by the soapy, searing gossip of one Lady Whistledown. Those eight episodes went down like tea sandwiches, doubtless leaving viewers hungry for more Regency romance and timeless drama. Thankfully, you can sate your appetites with these nine TV series. A mix of adaptations and original series, they reimagine famous figures as compelling heroines and transplant viewers into immersive towns and households, with new scandals and love stories to get obsessed with.

Dickinson (AppleTV+)

Alena Smith’s brilliant, queer dramedy series audaciously reimagines the historically reclusive poet as a Millennial soul stuck in 19th-century societal constraints. It’s delightfully anachronistic, with artful contemporary music choices—like one sequence set to Lizzo’s “Boys”—and gleefully meta cameos like John Mulaney as Walden naturalist Henry Thoreau and Zosia Mamet as Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. The sophomore season (which premiered January 8) sees Emily grappling with the fear of losing her sight, yes, but also something far worse: writer’s block. The reason for her creative dampening? Her poems may finally be published. But fame proves a fickle creature, as Emily struggles with an attraction to her editor Samuel Bowles (Iron Fist’s Finn Jones) while her dear Sue (Ella Hunt) retreats into the glittery world of out-of-touch influencers. This season, expect seances, spa days, and more than one fabulous house party.

Outlander (Starz)

Daphne Bridgerton has to survive the season, but Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) has to stay alive across several historical wars, not to mention the realities of being a 20th-century doctor sent back in time two hundred years to where she’s little more than property to be traded or kidnapped. Thankfully she’s got the romance hero to end all heroes in sensitive Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan)—and their sex scenes rival even Daphne and Simon’s romping honeymoon. If you’ve never gotten into Diana Gabaldon’s sweeping romantic epic (with Ronald D. Moore’s adaptation touch), get ready for a breathless adventure. And if you’re tuning in for next season, you’ll appreciate how like the Bridgertons, the Frasers nurture a big, close-knit clan—blood and chosen—whose own adventures in time travel, spywork, and war spin out into various triumphs and high drama.

Sanditon (PBS Masterpiece)

Adapted from Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, Sanditon takes place in the eponymous seaside town, a sleepy retreat poised to become a Regency resort destination. An accident of chance brings the unconventional and impetuous Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) to Sanditon, where she bonds with the bold Georgiana Lamb (Crystal Clarke), Austen’s first and only black character. And of course, Charlotte clashes with the hunky Sidney Parker (Theo James), part of the family looking to change Sanditon. Andrew Davies, the writer behind the classic Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice and other Austen adaptations, uses the unfinished manuscript to set up the pilot, then takes those characters in new directions. That means engaging with England’s colonial history in surprising ways, but also includes an ending to the eight-episode series that challenges readers and viewers used to the genre’s conventions.

Harlots (Hulu)

Anthony Bridgerton’s opera-singer lover Siena would have fit right in with the pragmatic, hardworking women of London’s seedier districts a century before the events of Bridgerton. Alison Newman and Moira Buffini’s series similarly builds its drama on circulated pamphlets that, like Lady Whistledown’s missives, could make or break a young woman’s future prospects—only these ladies are sex workers. The short-lived series tackles sex work, abuse, secret societies, racism, and a mafia-like war between the city’s top two brothels.

The White Princess (Starz)

Before she dazzled (and terrified) on Killing Eve, Jodie Comer’s breakout role was as Elizabeth of York, mother of Henry VIII, in this miniseries adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s historical novel. Forced into a political marriage with the new king Henry Tudor in order to unite their houses, Lizzie realizes that she can wield her own brand of power through pregnancy and heirs. The White Princess will scratch that “enemies to lovers” itch while dramatizing a turning point in England’s royal history.

The Great (Hulu)

Like Daphne, Catherine of Prussia (Elle Fanning) approaches her marriage with alarming naïveté at the start, only for her idealized hopes for life at Peter III’s (Nicholas Hoult) court to be smashed like fine crystal with a mocking “huzzah!” Instead, she must learn to navigate the cutthroat Russian court of simpering and sabotaging ladies, while convincing the tantrum-prone Peter that she is interesting enough not to be killed. All this while fomenting a revolution with the help of her street-smart maid and various sympathizers who may be willing to consider that Catherine could be good, perhaps even Great. Tony McNamara’s Hulu series takes the brilliance of his 2018 film The Favourite and expands it over series arcs (season 2 is forthcoming) that will make you cheer and even cry.

Downton Abbey (Peacock)

The one thing Bridgerton could have used more of was the “upstairs/downstairs” dynamic of servants commenting on their employers’ ridiculous interpersonal drama. We got a little bit of that with housekeeper Mrs. Colson laughing at Eloise Bridgerton’s accusation that she is Lady Whistledown (as if she had the time!), but Downton Abbey serves up plenty of shade through the eyes of the valets and maids who keep the Crawley family comfortable at their country estate. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of scandal, from diplomats dying during sex to real-world events like the sinking of the Titanic and the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand. And those missing Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte will delight in Maggie Smith’s scathing Dowager Countess.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (Acorn TV)

If you found Daphne’s lack of sex ed and real-world knowledge a tad tiring, you might find the company of Miss Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis) as refreshing and heady as a whiff of exotic perfume. Melbourne’s most glamorous lady detective spends the 1920s solving all manner of murders—at society functions, on trains, at the dance hall—with nary a hair out of place. But the best part of the series is Phryne’s refreshingly modern attitudes about sex and her simmering banter with the stern Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page). Despite all the death and unrequited attraction, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a spectacular romp that will be over all too soon—but then the cast reunited for a movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, to keep the fun going just a little longer.

Gossip Girl (HBO Max)

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Hear us out—the Upper East Side in the early 2000s definitely gives the Ton (that is, Bridgerton’s high society) a run for its money. You’ve got sex tapes, secret children, faked deaths, and the unlikeliest of matches, between golden girl Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and “Lonely Boy” social outcast Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley, prepping his stalkery writer skills for You). After all, Gossip Girl walked so Lady Whistledown could run. And with a reboot coming to HBO Max this year, there’s never been a better time to catch up on the original.

The post Bridgerton: Best Shows to Watch After the Netflix Series appeared first on Den of Geek.

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