#One On One Boxing Class Sydney

[hardcoregym]

Here are some mistakes beginners should avoid when training for boxing

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[faithfromanewperspective]

the problem with my wicked habit problems class is that i see something like a disability and i'm like. aha! what if we took this wicked problem and found the THINGS WE CAN HARNESS in it?

[autistickaitovocaloid]

Box jellyfish are so interesting to me.

[katelynnwrites]

Darling, You’re The One I Want (In Paper Rings, In Picture Frames, In All Dreams) | Sydney Lohmann

warnings: f for fluff!

word count: 2655

summary: syd's been asking you to marry her since you were both little, before she ever had a proper ring

a/n: had this idea three days ago and knew it had to written right away so here you go 🥰 (update: made a little moodboard too)

Sydney has been introducing you as her ‘almost wife’ for as long as you remember.

You have been together since you were both in kindergarten, with your best friend proposing to you with a gummy ring.

Her mother had packed a small bag of peach gummy rings into her lunch box and so it’s on the swings in the playground that Sydney proposes to you for the first time.

‘There! You are my almost wife now.’ She declares, sticking the melting gummy onto your finger after you say yes.

You giggle and pull the ring off, eating the gummy ring with a smile.

Syd laughs, eating one of her own gummies.

‘I’m gonna marry you when we grow up.’ She says seriously.

You look at the girl sitting on the swing next to you. She has scuffed knees, messy braids and is missing one of her front teeth but you are sure that you want the same thing.

As the gummy ring is so short lived, the German girl steps up her game. She brings a ring pop that she has persuaded her father to let her buy after kindergarten the day before.

The ring pop lasts longer but at the end of the day, it is still gone.

So Sydney gets you a new ring pop, in a variety of different flavours every day. She asks if you will marry her each time and your answer never wavers.

It is always yes and you eat a ring pop daily until your parents intervene, telling you that eating so much candy is bad for your teeth.

You relay this to the blonde with the saddest of looks, completely convinced that this is the end of your so-called marriage with her.

She is undeterred by the setback though, showing up with a knotted piece of string next.

That piece of string stayed around your ring finger on your left hand until it disintegrated, at which your best friend promptly found another.

And so it continued, going from a piece of string, to a ribbon through primary school, to a folded paper ring in secondary school.

Sydney and you spend more time together than ever now, going to school together and playing football together.

The blonde had got you into it, sometime early into primary school. She had eagerly wanted you to experience what she loved so much about the sport.

It was easy for you to fall in love with kicking a football around, just as it is easy to fall in love with your best friend who proposes to you every time she gives you a new ring.

At fifteen, she kissed you for the first time and it came so naturally that the both of you just knew.

Neither of you would ever have eyes for anyone else and the transition from friendship to something more is remarkably smooth.

With each new paper ring, comes a kiss and a proposal from Sydney.

‘Will you marry me?’ She asks, holding out the paper ring she’d folded during her math class.

The blonde had noticed that the one you have been wearing has gotten worn down, the paper it is made out of is getting kind of icky.

‘Yes I’ll marry you sonnenschein.’ You say with a giggle.

Sydney’s hazel eyes sparkle and she is practically glowing with happiness when she slides your old ring off and replaces it with the new one.

It is why you call her sonnenschein. She lights up your day, every single day.

******

When you tear the tendons and ligaments in your knee so badly that your doctors tell you that you will never play football again, Syd spends the entirety of the first night in the hospital with you.

She had been there when you had been injured, heard the way you cried out and felt her stomach drop.

That look on your face, she had known right away that it would be a devastating sort of injury.

Sydney’s had plenty of experience with injuries herself and even before the doctors get a chance to look at your knee, she is aware that this one is different.

In her heart, she hates how she knows that no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to come back from this.

The blonde sits in the awful, uncomfortable plastic chair by your hospital bed, holding your hand although you barely talk. You’re far too caught up in what is the end of your short lived football career.

You and Syd had a shared dream and the both of you were on the verge of switching from your local sports club to one with more promise.

This injury of yours, could not have come at a worse time.

Your mind is spinning because what are you to do now? You are sixteen and all you have thought about is playing football.

Sydney stays with you till the doctors come in, to take you into surgery.

Her parents and yours are there but she pays them no mind, finally letting go of your hand and kissing you gently.

‘I’ll be right there when you’re out of surgery.’ She promises.

The German girl keeps her word because when you come to, she’s sitting by your side.

‘Hi.’ She breathes.

‘Hey sonnenschein.’ You weakly say.

Your head feels fuzzy but at least your knee isn’t hurting anymore.

Sydney strokes your baby hairs back lightly.

‘I love you. I’m going to be here for you, every single step of the way. However long it takes and no matter how uncertain it gets. That’s what almost wives do.’

You cry and laugh at the same time.

The blonde has a habit of introducing you as her almost wife because she hadn’t known the proper word when she was a kid. Now she knows the word fiancée but still chooses to stick with almost wife.

Your best friend reaches for your hand, pressing comforting kiss after comforting kiss onto your cheeks and forehead until your tears slow.

Then she shows you a somewhat lopsided beaded ring in the palm of her free hand. The way it’s strung together tells you that Syd probably made it for you herself.

You’d lost the paper ring you had been wearing, sometime in between your injury and the ambulance ride to the hospital.

Sydney must have noticed and it causes your heart to swell with emotion for her.

‘Will you marry me? Whatever you decide to do after you get out of the hospital, I will love you.’ She murmurs.

‘Yes I’ll marry you. I love you too.’ You answer softly and the German girl slides the beaded ring onto your hand, being extra careful of the IV in it.

******

That beaded ring stays on through your recovery and through your decision to pursue sports therapy now that professional football is not in your cards.

Until ultimately, the blonde signs for Bayern Munich’s first team.

With that bit of money that she gets, she goes out and buys you an actual ring. It is a simple piece of costume jewellery but it means the world to you.

Sydney doesn’t really make a lot, she had moved out of her family home to be closer to the training grounds so she certainly does not have enough to buy you a proper ring, on top of paying her rent, utilities and keeping up her football.

You are both only seventeen and you are completely okay with the ring she’d given you, faithfully wearing it each and every day.

It discolours after a couple months and the plastic gem in it falls out after a year.

Still, you keep wearing it till the midfielder buys another ring, also costume jewellery but definitely one in better condition.

That one lasts you until she signs another contract for Bayern, one that gets her significantly higher pay.

It is still not enough to buy you a real wedding ring but Sydney diligently puts aside part of her salary each month.

The monthly savings are not a lot because she has decided to start online university studies and the fees cost her on top of her usual spendings but it is a start.

In the meantime, she loves you and you love her. Twenty is the age where everything starts to get serious, you with your studies and the German girl with her football.

She is working on sealing her place on the national team, having made her senior debut two years ago.

With an incredible amount of pride, you watch her play and happily give her a kiss at the end of all her games.

Syd’s injury prone and she likes to tease you, telling you that you need to focus on your studies so that you can help keep her match fit.

As it is, she often benefits from your massage and anatomy classes.

‘I’m helping you get better by being your learning model!’ She insists all the time.

You don’t mind. The blonde sometimes trails after you with pleading eyes when she wants a massage. It is cute really and you’re happy to oblige her.

When she has tough training sessions, she never has to ask. You know right away whenever she does so and Sydney is often exhausted enough to fall asleep during those massages.

Then you just sit with her head in your lap, running your fingers through her hair until she either wakes up or you fall asleep with her.

Being intimately familiar with the German girl’s body is something you will never take for granted.

As Syd continues to play for Bayern, you more or less move into her apartment.

There is no point travelling back and forth between your family home and your university if the blonde’s place is nearer. You spend almost all your free time with her anyway so it only makes sense that you stay with her and contribute fairly to her rent.

She protests against the second part, protests that you ignore but as for the first, Sydney loves it. She loves that she has you to come home to and loves that she gets to go to sleep and wake up beside you.

‘My almost wife is waiting for me back home.’ She always explains before rushing off the second she gets back from away games.

Your sonnenschein adores spoiling you with home cooked food too. It gives her joy to cook and even more to share it with you.

Two years go by fast and Sydney does so well with her football that eventually, she finishes runners up in the Euros.

Then the split prize money, combined with her savings is enough.

You’d travelled around England to support her and watch her live her dream. You being there, cheering her on each and every game, only seals it in Syd’s mind that this is what she wants.

She wants you. Forever.

The second she is back in Munich and free of commitments, she’s off to a jewellery store to pick out a proper ring for you.

It does not take her long, one of the rings on display standing out to her immediately. The Bayern Munich player had not just saved up for any ring. She had intended on choosing a specific piece, with you in mind.

She knows that’s the one.

On your bedside table, you keep a box with all the rings the hazel eyed woman has given you over the years.

Sydney didn’t even know you were keeping them until you moved in with her.

Seeing the bits of half disintegrated string, ribbon and paper, along with the wonky beaded ring, it had let her know that her proposals mean just as much to you as your answers mean to her.

So it is with confidence that she buys a packet of peach gummy rings on the way home, for old time’s sake.

You’re sitting on the kitchen counter and snacking on some biscuits when she gets back.

‘Hey sonnenschein!’ You greet excitedly.

‘Hello.’ Syd hums.

She pulls herself up onto the counter beside you and happily accepts the kiss that you give her.

‘Want some?’ You offer.

The midfielder smirks, ‘I have something better.’

She shows you the peach gummy rings and you giggle, ‘Just like when we were little?’

‘Just like when we were little.’ She confirms.

With the two of you sharing the gummies, the packet empties quickly.

Sydney takes the last one and holds it out to you, asking, ‘Will you marry me?’

You smile at her.

‘Of course I will Syd. I love you.’

The blonde sighs contentedly and you laugh, taking the gummy ring and beginning to put it on your finger only for her to stop you with a gentle, ‘You can eat it. I got you something that will last much longer.’

‘Yeah?’ You question curiously, expecting another one of her costume jewellery rings as you pop the peach gummy into your mouth.

‘Yes.’

Sydney hops off the counter and reaches into her back pocket.

To your complete surprise, she gets down on one knee and reveals the ring box in her palm.

‘Sonnenschein?’

Your voice is trembling and your heart flutters in all sorts of ways as she opens the box to reveal the most beautiful of rings.

‘I’ve asked you to marry me countless times, with gummies, ring pops, strings, ribbons and beads. You have said yes each time and now I’m asking you one last time after finally getting a proper ring. Will you marry me?’

Sydney’s hazel eyes, the ones you are so in love with are radiant. Her cheeks are blushing a bright pink and easily, you get off the counter.

‘I’ve been saying yes since we were children. My answer won’t change now.’

The midfielder grins, ‘It won’t?’

‘No it won’t.’ You whisper.

Pulling Syd up onto her feet, you kiss her with every ounce of emotion that you have for her.

The safety and comfort you’d felt with her from the very first moment you met, the shyness you had felt when she kissed you for the first time, the pride you feel whenever you watched her play and most of all, the overwhelming love that you feel for her. The love that has been growing since she proposed to you with a peach gummy ring, in the kindergarten playground.

Your sonnenschein gasps against your lips, her hands going to your waist as she steadies herself.

It’s a heated kiss, one that leaves the pair of you breathless.

With closed eyes, she leans her forehead against yours.

‘Say it. Please.’

Her words are barely audible but you hear it all the same.

It is with all the affection in the world that you murmur, ‘Yes. I will marry you Sydney.’

The blonde can’t help eagerly scattering kisses all over your face, punctuating them with the words, ‘I love you. I love you. I love you.’

You laugh and are truly honest when you tell her, ‘I have loved being your almost wife but I think I will love being your wife so much more.’

Syd tilts her head upwards, in a failed attempt to hold her tears back because they slide down her cheeks anyway.

Ignoring your own escaping tears, you delicately wipe hers away.

She soaks in the gesture and quietly but assuredly affirms, ‘I know I will love being your wife.’

Her hands find yours and she slides your old ring off the fourth finger of your left hand, replacing it with her new one.

‘Hopefully this one will last.’ She teases.

You let out a tearful giggle, pressing your lips onto hers once more.

She tastes like peach gummies and it isn’t a proper kiss by any means because the two of you are smiling way too hard but when you draw apart, your words have never been more sure.

‘It will.’

German Translation:

sonnenschein - sunshine

[moments-on-film]

Carmy doesn’t know who he is yet

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I’ve come to the conclusion that Carmen doesn’t really know who he is. He doesn’t know himself enough to know what actually makes him happy. This impacts how he views himself, how he sees himself in relation to other people, and it also helps explain why his life feels so empty, why he has no answer when asked questions, including “what is fun for you?”

In the group session in S2E3, Carmy shares,

“I think when I was a kid, anything that would give me any sort of excitement or amusement or enjoyment, it always got kind of f-d.”

What I took from this is that he used to have things that he was passionate and excited about, maybe even things he found fun, made him laugh, brought him joy, and they got ruined, by his family. He likely didn’t start out in life with the outlook he has now. Life, and the abuse and trauma he has survived taught him to repress his true feelings, not express himself, and not communicate his needs and desires, for fear of what would happen if he did.

We know that Carmy is an artist, in more ways than one. Carmy is an artist through the food he creates. In S1E8, he describes how he felt that by cooking he could “communicate through creativity”, which must have been an incredible self discovery for him. Unfortunately, it appears that is the only creative discovery about himself he has been able to act on. His latent artistic talents include a connection to clothing and the ability to draw beautiful, realistic sketches of food and people (from what we have been shown so far). I believe art was Carmy’s first, true passion but it has been beaten out of him.

In S2E6, in the first scene between him and his mom, Carmy is helping in the kitchen and his mother brings up Steven. She says to Carmy, “Is cousin Michelle’s friend Steven, is he gay? Steven, is he gay? I mean he seems kind of gay. You know, he’s arty.”

This raised a HUGE red flag for me upon first viewing. Donna is equating being arty with being gay, and with negative connotations. Now at this point in S2, we don’t yet know that Carmy used to draw Claire, or that he drew the framed sketch that he gives to Michael as a Christmas present of their dream restaurant, The Bear, (we find out both later in this episode), or that he drew the chaos menu he shows to Sydney in S2E8. All we know so far is that he used to draw (pants) in high school. In S2E5, Carmy tells Claire that after meeting who we now know was Thom Browne at his restaurant in New York, he said he felt like he “wanted to start drawing again.” Claire says, “the dream returned”, and Carmy looks down and looks so sad.

Maybe his initial dream really was to be an artist, but his mom, brother, and Richie all “giving him a hard time” about drawing, and probably being made fun of ruined it for him, so he repressed that side of himself, tamped it down, and denied what he was actually passionate about. What could have been a great source of joy and happiness is now associated with suppression and shame.

Carmy didn’t go to college. He didn’t get to try new things, take classes and discover new passions, meet new people, or expose himself to possibilities that life could offer. He didn’t have friends or girlfriends growing up. The only people (historically) he’s ever been around are family, who see him a certain way, and his various staff, which he manages and leads. Claire sees him a certain way because she knows his past and understands his (past) behavior. She tells him “you’re really shy”, not you were really shy or you used to be shy—no, she is speaking about his past in the present tense. All of this boxes Carmy in, behaviorally.

Carmy tells Claire he always wanted to have friends, so wistfully. At the party Claire takes him to in S2E5, he gets mistaken for someone else, Logan Fernello, but doesn’t correct the situation. He escapes into this alter ego and literally pretends to be someone else so he can have a conversation with a group of would be friends. The group of guys he’s talking to don’t know who he is and he uses this as an opportunity to reinvent himself. This scene really threw me the first time I saw it, not just because he’s telling a story to a rapt audience, but because in 13 episodes, he has never been this animated. It’s as if he’s channeling the best parts of what he loved about Michael in this moment. He’s never really allowed himself to make friends with new people and explore and expand certain aspects of his personality. Is he shy is this scene? Absolutely not. The moment ends when Claire comes over and steers him out of the situation, which made me think—How is Carmy supposed to explore new parts of himself around people from his past who have already made up their minds about who he is and how he’s supposed to behave?

Instead of going to college, where, among other things, he would have had new experiences and met new people, Carmy threw himself into work. He saw colleagues as competition and worked himself to the bone. He’s been a chef in Malibu, California, Napa Valley, California, Copenhagen, Denmark, and New York, New York, but Carmy never talks about his experiences in these locations unless it’s tied to work. Did he ever explore in these cities and locations and allow himself to have a good time?

Carmy’s empty apartment is also indicative of his suppressed emotions and personality. We know he has a great eye and talent for creativity and beauty, yet his apartment reflects none of this. There’s barely anything on the walls, apart from a few things in his room. There is no personality to be found. Everything is his apartment is to serve a function, but there is nothing sentimental, nostalgic, creative or reflective of his life experiences or travels on display.

In S2E1, Carmy has a moment alone in his empty apartment. It’s a quiet moment, but one of extreme unease. He simply does not know how to relax, how to just be. He plays with his pocket knife and opens his phone. This moment is notable because he essentially has no apps on his phone apart from the preloaded ones. No entertainment, no games, nothing personal. It’s as devoid of his personality as his apartment.

Carmy tells his sister in S1E6 that he feels trapped because he can’t describe how he’s feeling. I believe Carmy senses and feels things deeply, but he has a very hard time putting his emotions into words. I think this is why Carmy has such a talent for giving such sweet and thoughtful gifts. He listens, he pays attention, and he really considers what people need and want. A gift can say so much, and express deep emotion, without the need for words.

Carmy knows his knife will give Tina confidence at culinary school, and so, in the subtlest way possible, he gifts it to her. Sending Richie to stage with chef Terry was life changing. Carmy must have put a lot of thought into what Richie needs, and he gave him that experience from his heart. Even in S1E3, the small act of Carmy bringing Sydney a plate of food to eat because he thought she might be hungry, spoke volumes. His gift to her of the chef coat was a declaration of love because not only did he listen to her when she expressed interest in his, he customized it for her perfectly, down to the smallest detail.

When Carmy tells Sydney, “you’re not alone”, as he gives her this beautiful gift, there is an ocean of emotion, care, thought, consideration, respect, and yes, love, in those three words. It’s as if he can sense and feel exactly what her deepest fear is and he comforts her by essentially letting her know, “I see you, please don’t worry. You’re safe with me. I’ll watch over you. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. Even if I wasn’t before, I’m here for you now and I’m not leaving.” He might have to tamp down his feelings, needs and desires, and not put them into words, but he does not want Sydney to experience that same type of pain. This makes his “say more, please” line to get her to speak all the more sweet, tender, and poignant.

From what we have seen so far, Carmy has never been nurtured and never really been loved, unconditionally. To discover who you are, what moves, motivates, excites and enamours you, you have to have experiences, you have to be able to leap into the unknown. I don’t think he’s ever felt safe enough emotionally to explore and express parts of himself with freedom to discover who he is and what actually makes him happy.

I think so many of Carmy’s self identity struggles and mental health issues arise from the abuse he’s had to survive and the trauma he’s endured. It has made him shut down, close off, repress and stifle his urges, emotions, and passions. I also must add that what brings me hope for him is how he is able to express himself with honestly, vulnerability, care and tenderness with the new people in his life, but most importantly, with Sydney. She is not connected to his past, and I think together they could have a beautiful future. That future might not always be in the kitchen, but that is ok.

I really hope Carmy is on a journey of self discovery and into who he is and what brings him joy, peace and happiness. I hope he gets the professional help he needs and is able to untangle his suppressed, confused, internalized emotions, put words to feelings, and finally live life to the fullest. Most importantly, I hope he allows himself the grace to know himself, express himself, and truly love himself. When he does, I know his love for others will take on a whole new dimension of creativity and beauty, just like his art.

©️moments-on-film 2023

[roadkillremi]

SEQUEL to - Please, Don't kill me, Mr.Ghostface

Randy Meeks x Fem!Reader

Masterlist Part 2 on Masterlist

Warnings : mentions Sex, language, mentions dying, mentions Killing, Reader has hallucinations (If I miss anything let me know)

I do NOT support killing

Summary : After the 1996 Woods borrow murders, will you move on? Attending college with some old friends and making new ones. Your past stalking you at times making everything difficult.

"Can you tell me what you were thinking when he was going to kill your friends?"

The clocked ticked loudly on the wall, you fidgeted picking your nails.

"Disgusted, trapped, with myself to be exact. If I didn't say anything I'd get hurt. If I did if get hurt. There's nothing I could do about it."

She nodded scrabbling on the notebook paper.

"And it's said you stabbed Billy Loomis 17 times. Is that correct?"

"I didn't count. I just... Did it. It was either that or die."

"I know."

"I don't wanna talk about Billy." You looked out the window not being able to face her.

"Let's talk about your visions then.".

You nodded still looking out the window with a soft gaze.

"I got a call from your Aunt. She said according to the teacher you started yelling in class. Cause you saw... Them.".

You nodded, "Yes."

"They're dead they can't hurt you."

"I know. But nightmares can't die."

She sighed, "You're suffering from PTSD, it's not strange to suffer after a traumatic event. Sydney, Randy, and Gale are doing fine. Sydneys getting through it maybe you can talk to her-"

"Sydney's rich and popular. She has the ability... To be loved easily."

"You don't know Sydney's life-"

"But I know mine!" You turned to her.

"Tell me about school."

"People look at me like I'm a zombie or something. I mean since someone died the exams aren't a big deal... People think I'm a killer... Ever since Gale... Did a short read of her upcoming book..."

"Self defense is not murder."

"Yes, I know! Still hurts. The only reason I got into college is because of being a victim. I don't even know what to major in."

"Don't you like movies? Major in directing."

"that's Randy's thing. I love movies, but I don't wanna make them."

"just come up with a list and think it through. How's your sleeping been?"

You looked down at your lap, "It's hard to sleep. I have bad dreams and wake up.".

"have you tried a-"

"Routine. Yes. Sometimes Randy spends the night."

She raised her eyebrow, "Not like that!".

"Mhm." She wrote something down.

"Do you think im a killer?" You looked at her deeply. She looked up at you and didn't speak for a moment.

"I think you're an angry child with a rough past seeking the love you didn't have."

"That wasn't my question."

"No, you're not a killer."

"You hesitated."

"This isn't about me. Its about you."

Silence filled the room back up again.

"I'm scared I'll kill again."

You folded your graphic tees into a box. Music played in the background as you packed up. The last week you've been packing for college. Surprisingly Sydney asked to be roommates, you said yes.

Your room was almost empty now, you sat on your bed.

"Finally running away from here?"

Billy appeared next to you, he leaned down to see your face.

"You're not real."

"I'm real to you."

You didn't look towards him, you closed your eyes trying to focus on breathing.

"You can't shut me out!" He yelled.

"Go away, Billy!" You yelled back. Your Aunt rushed in at the sound of you yelling.

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah, just a nightmare." You stood up.

"Okay. Well Randy called, he's on his way. So get ready to pack up his car." She gave a pathetic smile and walked away. You sighed putting shoes on before taking boxes near the front door. Randy pulled up walking in the house, ever since the killing he seemed to peak. He had more muscle and wore shirts that showed it, he even grew out a small beard. He wasn't the only thing that change in the summer though.

People around you took note about how you seemed more free than usual. You got to dress in clothes without Billy saying you looked whorish. Not only that but you randy had sex, a lot. In his car, in your room, even at his work. There was of course close calls but nothing to serious. He got better at sex the more you two did it. Sometimes it was passionate and loving, others were more rough and animalistic.

"God, I'm not gonna have room for all this!" Randy exclaimed mentioning the boxes. You rolled your eyes, "It's everything, clothes, bedding, school supplies, all of it.".

Randy grabbed a box letting out a small huff. You patted his back, "you got this.".

"You better help that boy!" Your Aunt yelled out.

"Yeah!" Randy mocked smiling. You grabbed a box following him to the car. The trunk had all of Randy's bags stuffed into there. He placed the boxes in the back seat. You huffed back and forth between the car and the house.

"That's all of them!" You yelled out to Randy. He slammed the car door shut, "Thank God!" He cried over dramatically.

Your Aunt hugged you tightly sniffling, "Call when you can. Stay safe.".

"I will, I love you." You hugged her back tightly.

Months later

You banged on Randy's door, "Randy Meeks! Get your ass up!". He got drunk with his roommate, Paul last night. He called you slurring his words telling you how much he loves you. He opened the door, "Sorry, I was getting dress!".

"You look like shit." You laughed. His hair a bit messy and bags under his eyes.

"You look amazing too, darling" he said in a British accent.

You walked to class with him holding his hand. Some girls snickered at you as you passed them. Randy glanced at them, "What's their problem?".

"Don't worry about it. You know how some women are, don't grow out of the popularity in high school." You sighed.

"Pfft, yeah tell me about it." He said leaning close to your ear. His hot breath tickling the side of your face.

A frisbee passed by in front of you two, "Couldn't have caught it?! Dick.." some guy said running after it.

"See?" Randy gestured. You rolled your eyes, "Come on Mr.Meeks we have a film class to get to!".

"You know how I get when you call me that." He joked. You jokingly gave him a look, "You'll just have to rub it out in the bathroom.". He smiled hugging you from behind picking you up a bit.

"Or I could fuck you when Paul's gone"

You laughed tapping his arm to let you go. "Poor Paul needs a break from us pounding like dogs in there." You said walking into the building. Randy caught up with you, "Well this dogs ready to pounce.". He sprayed mouth spray in his mouth winking at you.

[ladespeinada]

Some thoughts on season three of The Bear, hastily written after finishing it:

Sydney Adamu. My love, my life, my heart, my soul. Her frustration just grew and grew and grew throughout the season, and underpinned with that score, made me increasingly anxious until it finally culminated in that intense panic attack she had outside of her apartment (at which point, it felt cathartic.) She’s so clearly mirroring Carmy and his relationship with his old boss, down to panicking in the same spot. I want better for her, in multiple ways, up to and including healthcare benefits.

Which leads me to: why the fuck was Nat working so close to her due date, and why did no one push back against her going to pick up boxes of napkins when she’s literally about to burst. I know it meant that we got Ice Chips out of it, and an episode focused on Nat and Donna, but it didn’t make sense to me.

“I left you alone.” “So, don’t let it happen again.” “It’s never gonna happen again.” That blue-eyed, curly-haired, Grecian-faced man lied in Sydney’s face, thinking that being physically present in the same space and working in proximity means the same thing as not leaving her alone. Sydney was more alone in this season than she was in the season two when Carmy fucked off and hung out with Claire and talked about emergency room horror stories.

The presence of the Faks was overwhelming this season, which ended up feeling like purely ornamental proof that The Bear is indeed a comedy because look at these bumbling fools! They’re funny! They’re little jesters! Any and every self-serious restaurant after a Michelin Star will surely have Two Little Guys at the helm, no matter if they have no serious training or serving skills!! It’s not as if said self-serious restaurants aren’t regularly draining money on overhead costs, of which labour is surely a part of! (Why did the Computer only suggest Marcus get cut from The Bear, and not the fucking Faks? Are they not getting paid? What the hell is the deal there? These are not serious people.)

“If you fuck with Marcus, I will murder you.” IKTR!!!!!!

Why did the screen time for all of the characters of colour get minimised, especially in comparison to last season. Why did neither Angel or Manny have any major lines that weren’t just curse words, or scenes where they were interacting with others beyond washing dishes. Why did I see the Faks more than I saw Sydney. I wanted to see more of Gary’s somm classes. I wanted to see more Ebra. I wanted to see more of Marcus’ desserts. I also wanted to see Marcus more actively hanging out with Luca. I wanted more scenes with Tina and Marcus cooking together, riffing off of each other and their experiences!

Finally, some interiority for my sweetiepie Tina Marrera! That said, we mostly got a look at her past, and a limited look at her present (my girl is experiencing some massive imposter syndrome, but we don’t get to dig into it much. Nor do we get many Tina x Ebra moments which is an affront to me personally because their relationship is my favourite). I read this Slate review of season three by Jack Hamilton after I finished watching season three, and while I don’t agree with everything, I found this articulation especially in line with my thinking re: Tina and her episode: “The incessant use of flashbacks feels like a crutch to avoid characters or the show itself actually moving forward, in any direction. Dribbling out details of a character’s past like breadcrumbs is a hackish and tiresome device: Filling in backstory shouldn’t be confused with character development.”

That said!!! The scenes with Michael, especially in Tina’s episode, are incredible. Just a few minutes and you can see the shine of Michael’s charisma, the underbelly of his pain, you miss him and want him back, you see why everyone loved him so deeply. He was so magnetic in this episode, and so terrifying in Forks, and the decline in between those episodes must’ve been so painful to watch. 

This might sound silly to say because it was still very much everywhere, especially in the beginning of EP2, but Chicago felt like it was missing. Or rather, the anxieties of Chicago were missing. In seasons one and two, there’s the looming threat of Chicago gentrification (in one, The Beef is hurt by it; in two, The Bear is a part of it), plus there’s the aftereffects of COVID on Chicago’s restaurant scene. In season three, we got shots of Chicago, yes, and a lot of like, Wilco or whatever, but it didn’t feel grounded in the city the way it had in previous seasons. Not quite sure how to articulate this thought, but there you go.

The “haunting” the Faks go on and on (and on and on) about is so hamfisted, and felt so out of place for a show whose writing is usually quite taut, especially in its comedic moments. It’s just bashing you over the head with the idea that omg, it’s not just the dead that can haunt the living, the living can as well! What an idea!

I really wish Claire’s character was better written, but once again, her characterisation fell flat because she’s presented in mostly flashbacks, and through Carmy’s perspective at that, and that man apparently has difficulties understanding that she’s meant to be a person and not just a concept.

The moment in the final episode, where Syd and Carm are eating with other chefs at Ever, and one of them says “the greatest mistake is working for a bad boss, such that, what it unlocks in you is the culture that you choose to create”....hilariously unsubtle but fantastic nonetheless, because it’s followed by Carm confronting his nightmare boss (David Fields! I def did think he was a hallucination Carm was experiencing at Ever's funeral), and because it’s absolutely clear that Carm is also a fucking bad boss, and Sydney should absolutely not sign those papers. (I don’t think she should go with Adam and his new restaurant either, because the vibes are off there, too.) 

Along those lines: that moment where Carmy says, I think about you too much, and Fields responds with, I don’t think about you was fantastic, but also felt unearned.

Olivia Coleman’s Chef Terry saying, Service, bitches! was tremendous. 

Reiterating that I wanted to see more of Luca and Marcus together. I love them, your honour.

Selfishly, I indulged and binged this season because I was hoping it would unlock inspiration for me to keep writing my Tina fic and just fic in general but I don't think it did that, unfortch.

(Last thing: yet another season with Taylor Swift but no Fall Out Boy. We continue to suffer.)

[carmybearzattos]

hey i’m not sure if you’ve gotten this question before but do you have any random carmy headcanons?? i feel like talkin about the best boy in chicago :)

omg no one has asked me this before ty! i spend all my time thinking about carmy so i would love to talk about the bestest boy <3

ok assorted random messy carmy headcanons:

• he’s got undiagnosed adhd and i’ve got an entire list of justifications for this headcanon if anyone cares

• carried round a little teddy bear when he was a kid because i mean he’s literally called bear someone bought that kid a teddy bear.

• his favourite meal he’s ever had is something mikey made. probably the braciole

• got some jokes made at his expense by the international staff at noma for being italian american. “you don’t know how to make real authentic italian food, your family makes american garbage” kind of stuff

• probably had one dickhead teacher at school (everyone’s had at least one) who wanted him to stand up and read aloud in spite of his stutter. got shit for that and for not making eye contact with the class when he spoke. poor boy suffered so much at school :(

• first thing he ever learned to “cook” as a tiny little baby was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. he doesn’t remember this bc he was too young but mikey put him up on a chair in the kitchen and showed him use a butter knife

• more of a mikey headcanon, but little mikey *did not* want another younger sibling. was not into the idea at all. then carmy was born and he immediately loved his baby brother more than anything in the whole entire world 💔

• the idea of virgin carmy is very endearing to me and just makes sense given the combination of his anxiety, the way his self hatred manifests in him just not allowing himself like anything good at all, and his lack of social life. but even if he has had sex before he’s still like had zero relationship experience but i mean that part’s canon.

• i like the idea of his angels tattoo being the very first one he got since it’s for sugar and mikey

• i don’t know when and i don’t know how but he gets that denim jacket he sells in the pilot back. me and jeremy allen white are in agreement on this.

• his mommy issues fascinate me. i don’t think she was ever abusive to carmy but between trying to run the beef and raise three kids on her own she probably didn’t have as much time for him as she wanted to and when she was around she was stressed and agitated and not great company. like her sons she probably had some undiagnosed mental illness going on and that had a big impact on carmy. probably worse than it did with mikey and sugar since they had their dad around longer. and i imagine carmy’s probably more like his mom than he ever wants to think about.

• speaking of his dad, i think carmy hates himself so much he probably sometimes thinks “oh maybe if i hadn’t been born maybe my dad would still be around. maybe one more kid was just too much and if it had only been mikey and sugar it would be fine.” he’s wrong of course, but this is the same boy who blames himself for mikey dying.

um ok i probably have a million more carmy thoughts but this is running long so here you go anon!

also if anyone ever wants to come into my ask box and talk about carmy (or sydney or richie!) please do i love to hear people’s thoughts!!!

[scotianostra]

On 29th February 1904 the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, opened.

Designed by Bertie Crewe for Thomas Barrasford, the Pavilion Theatre opened at the corner of Renfield Street and Renfrew Street, Glasgow on the 29 February, 1904. It was regarded as luxurious for its time with its decor being described by the owners as “pure Louis XV”. An electrically operated sliding roof ensured good ventilation.

Performances in the early days were mainly variety, melodrama and pantomime. Many of the leading music hall artistes of the period appeared at the Pavilion, including Marie Lloyd, Little Tich, Harry Lauder, Florrie Forde, Will Fyffe, Sarah Bernhardt and a then unknown Charlie Chaplin.

Since the 1930s, the Pavilion began to host pantomimes with top name stars of the Scottish variety scene, such as Harry Gordon and Dave Willis. In more recent times it has produced plays, such as ‘The Sash’ and ‘The Steamie’.

The Pavilion Theatre is now the only privately run theatre in Scotland and one of a few unsubsidised independent theatres left in Britain.

“Defying all the odds, Glasgow’s Pavilion regularly purveys variety to this day. All the more remarkable as it is completely unsubsidised and receives no funding from the Scottish Arts Council and kindred bodies whose thoughts and cash are directed at higher cultural activities. It remains the last stronghold of a long music hall tradition in Europe’s City of Culture owing everything to a dedicated staff and patrons and nothing to the public purse.

With its imposing terra cotta facade, the Pavilion Theatre of Varieties was designed by Bertie Crewe in the grand manner for Thomas Barrasford. The domed ceiling was surmounted by an electrically controlled sliding roof for ventilation. Fine Rococo plasterwork on the circle, balcony and box fronts; decoration executed in pure Louis XV; handsome mahogany woodwork and the marble mosaic floor all lent the 1800 seat theatre an aura of splendour.

No less amusing than the dentist advertising in the Pavilion programme “painless extractions with nitrous oxide for 4/- (20p) or cocaine for 1/- (5p)”, were the press observations on the “fashionable company” which attended the Pavilion’s first house on 29th February,1904. We learn that “among the elite there was quite a preponderance of ladies and gentlemen of quality in evening dress”. Alas, class consciousness and respectability were all in Edwardian Britain!

The ‘forties and ‘fifties saw pantomime runs of sixteen weeks, the happy and hilarious summer seasons were emulated during the 1960s and early 1970s by Lex McLean. Another regular crowd puller to Renfield Street was Jack Milroy.

Lulu from Dennistoun (real name Marie Lawrie) broke box office records in 1975, Billy Connolly, Hector Nicol Andy Cameron portrayed their own distinctive brands of humour while Scottish songstresses Lena Zavaroni, , Sheena Easton, Lena Martell and Barbara Dickson also scored heavily with Pavilion audiences.

It was anything but plain sailing for the Pavilion and there was gloomy speculation of closure after incurring heavy financial losses in 1981. Spared the fate which befell the Queens, Metropole, Empire, Alhambra and Empress Theatres, the 80 years old Pavilion was rescued by James Glasgow and transformed into a modest profit maker. Smash-hit shows with Sydney Devine; spells from hypnotist Robert Halpern; pantomime with Denny Willis, and one night gigs from the foremost modern television entertainers have kept the cash tills registering.

The Pavilion also played a major role in the annual Mayfest – Glasgow’s International Festival of popular theatre, music, the arts and community programmes.

Little altered and virtually unspoilt since its inception, the seating capacity of 1449 is made up of 677 stalls, 341 circle, 413 balcony and 18 box seats. While the stiff shirts in chauffeur-driven cabs have given way to coach parties from the rural areas of Strathclyde and beyond, a policy of providing the best in live entertainment has been pursued consistently. The portents look good for the vibrant Pavilion Theatre of Varieties.”

The Pavillion is, in my view a survivor, even over the past few years tragedy has struck the area with a series of fires.

[lenovo005]

FANFIC 101: Tips Me and A Friend Came Up With in A Very Math Class

🍿🍿

NO BLUE ORBS. Don't be scared to use the word EYES, trying to analogise it only makes you sound like a hater

dogs are great!! include them in your fic at all costs. preferably alive.

minimise heterosexuality in your fic. the more hetero it gets the higher chance it has to be made into a bad cringe Netflix movie no one wants to see. I don't care if it has Sydney Sweeney's glorious boobies

ANTAGONIZE redemption arcs, embrace the evil in people. sometimes it makes them hot.

if your work is over 100k words, get a ko-fi. you DESERVE to be paid, dont lie to yourself. PATREON at LEAST.

tags are not always necessary, sometimes they're for comedic purpose. for example: no beta we die like my dog.

RESPECT the haters. better yet. make a fic out of them. maybe you'll get a life long soulmate. at worst you'll get doxxed.

everyone should learn how to write a proper down and dirty scene. ROUGH AND TUMBLE SCENE. GAG AND WAG SCENE. otherwise known as a fight scene

all fanfics should be written in front of unjustifiable criminals as punishment for their sins

If you don't have a twitter don't get it. multiplies your debuffs by five.

If you've checked all the boxes so far, CONGRATULATIONS, you're ready to take on the most harrowing, hated on, thankless job in the universe. An ao3 mod.

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Married Lashton Masterlist

By The Sound of a Drum (ao3) - DeanAndHisBeautyQueen G, 2k

Summary: This one shot is about Lashton - Luke and Ashton are married and are about to have a baby! There good friends Michael and Calum decides that they would like to take Luke out for a bit of fun before the babe is here and while he is out Ashton goes into labor!

Come Back When You Can (ao3) - fivesecondsofmae T, 1k

Summary: Luke and Ashton left the Shadowhunter world as soon as they could so they could get married and start a family and have a normal family life, but when Luke gets a call from the Sydney Institute, announcing they have information about his deceased parents, he decides to go and found out what he can about his history, leaving behind his husband and their daughter. What will happen when Luke is reunited with his parabatai and Ashton is left with his, to care for their child? Can their relationship survive even when the Shadowhunter world collapses in on them once again?

Convivencia (ao3) - antisocialhood M, 4k (WIP)

Summary: Or, Ashton and Luke find themselves twisted up in a fake marriage for a cheaper college tuition, and somehow, feelings come about.

Domesticated Erotica: Luke’s Hobby (ao3) - twinkylukey E, 1k

Summary: Basically, Luke likes those hetero erotic romance novels and Ashton thinks it’s cute

Good Days Start With Coffee and You (ao3) - lgbtlukas, MyMy G, 2k

Summary: Calum wonders if Michael is as invested in this relationship as he is, but he doesn't know that Michael is one step ahead of him.

Home Is Wherever I'm With You (ao3) - fivesecondsofmae M, 2k

Summary: Luke and Ashton Irwin-Hemmings live in suburban London with their 3 children. Fluff for now about the cutest couple in existence. Lashton.

I'll Give You The Best Years (ao3) - FayeHunter T, 4k

Summary: Luke and Ashton have their backyard wedding

no control (ao3) - lukevegas N/R, 625

Summary: so evryones cute and married and ashton doesn't know when to shut his mouth

Off-Screen (ao3) - allsassnoclass (brightblackholes)

Summary: Now that classes are being taught from home due to the pandemic, students are getting a glimpse into Professor Irwin's home life, especially when his mysterious husband keeps interrupting class.

Tastycake (ao3) - plushyluke E, 2k

Summary: “i was not an ‘it girl’!” he sat up to straddle ashton.

as ashton took in the tall blonde figure with the poutiest lips and the brightest blue eyes, he almost laughed out loud at the assumption. he placed the forgotten prom queen tiara on top of luke’s head and tutted.

“you were the cheerleading captain, an a-student, blonde, and a little mean. i think it is safe for me to say I was intimidated by all of your…assets.”

or luke is looking through old memories, and ashton needs to remind him that he'll always be the 'it girl' in his eyes

The Panty-Dropper (ao3) - Honeyedlashton E, 5k

Summary: Ashton’s discovered an old recipe from Luke’s recipe box, and decided to cash in on an anniversary prize.

the situation is like a mountain that's been weighing on my conscience - @sup3rbloom (haveufoundwhaturlookingfor) T, 2k

Summary: Luke is closeted and nobody outside of the band, and close family, knows that he has a secret husband. During promo for Youngblood, Luke suffers a panic attack when the interviewer asks a personal question. Cue, Ashton to the rescue and comfort.

What A Wonderful World This Would Be (ao3) - badtales G, 784

Summary: "May I have this dance?" He asked formally and handed a hand out for Ashton to hold. Ashton smiled so brightly Luke couldn't help but think he was looking at the sun and if Ashton was the sun, Luke was the moon, lighting up when Ashton was shining on him.

"You may," Ashton giggled and placed his hand gently in Luke's allowing the younger boy to lead the dance.

aka. married Lashton sharing a moment

you tell me you're tipsy, i tell you you're pretty (ao3) - orphan_account E, 13k

Summary: He heads off towards the bathroom, trying to avoid the inevitable conversation, when he notices something glinting off of Ashton’s left hand. He steps forward, picking up Ashton’s left hand and staring at the ring on the boy’s finger and felt himself stiffen. “Ash, why is there a wedding ring on your hand?”

Ashton’s eyes bulged out of his head and the moment he caught sight of the ring and he tore his hand out of Luke’s, staring at his hand as if it was on fire. “What the fuck,” he whispers to himself before looking over at Luke, murder in his eyes. “What the fuck did you do!?” he demands, as if Luke had something to do with the entire thing. As far as he knows though, he had nothing to do with this entire situation.

Or maybe he did, but he was hoping he didn’t.

or, Luke and Ashton wake up married during a weekend in Vegas

[alexbkrieger13]

A opinion piece about P's potential role at Bayern :)

https://www.90min.de/posts/pernille-harder-die-neue-spielmacherin-des-fc-bayern

Pernille Harder: Bayern Munich's new playmaker

With Pernille Harder, one of the best offensive players in the world will play in the FC Bayern Frauen jersey from the coming season . The already strong offensive of the reigning German champions will be raised to a higher level with the top transfer. But what is the best way to use Harder at Bayern and who has to leave the starting XI for them

The Dane is considered a "complete attacking player" because she can play almost any position in attack: up front, as a shadow striker, false nine, ten or eight. Like hardly any other player, Harder knows how to position herself instinctively and, as a strong-willed team player, also put her teammates in the limelight. In order for her to be able to fully develop her world class and creativity in the third attack, however, the tactical setting has to be right.

Under head coach Alexander Straus, who has been on the sidelines since 2022, Bayern developed a much more flexible style of play than under predecessor Jens Scheuer, which is also more oriented towards possession and is defined by dynamic, short passes in tight spaces. It's a style that suits Harder better than her former club Chelsea. The Blues are more direct in their attacks. In fast forward play, the goal is to get the ball from the defensive line to the front of the attack and from there into the goal in as few moves as possible.

On the Isar, more value is placed on a clean build-up and passing game from behind. The routes in the direction of the opponent's box are less predictable, as it sometimes goes to the left, sometimes to the right and sometimes through the center. Harder brings the perfect qualities and skills for this: an enormous spatial awareness, the perfect instinct for runs and cleverly executed passes as well as an almost effortless proactivity on and against the ball.

As of June 2023, FC Bayern has the following offensive players in its own ranks in addition to Pernille Harder: Lina Magull, Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir, Sydney Lohmann, Franziska Kett, Linda Dallmann, Klara Bühl, Weronika Zawistowska, Jovana Damnjanovic and Lea Schüller. There will not be room for everyone in the starting XI, although rotation will be one of the imperatives for next season. The competition will be fierce, also because the working papers from Magull and Lohmann will expire next year.

What this strong offensive lacks, however, is a playmaker in the last third. This was already evident last season when cleverly implemented attacks didn't end in a goal, the game was characterized by a lack of efficiency or there were difficulties against opponents who were standing deep. In general, it is the playmaker's job to act as the switchboard between attacking midfield and striker, to get the ball into dangerous positions through accurate passing, but also to complete an attack herself.

If the Dane took over this role from next season, it would look a little different, because the Munich team is not a team that is tactically built around a single player. In all probability, Harder will orientate himself in the attack line behind Lea Schüller. The Bayern striker, who always moved away from the fixed point on the nine in the game last season and sometimes worked more in the direction of the attacking chain in midfield, could now move back into the attack as a classic nine with Harder's commitment.

Harder would either act as a shadow striker or ten behind Schüller, depending on how Alexander Straus sets up his team. The Dane would be flanked by Klara Bühl, who is a permanent fixture on the right wing. The left flank raises the bigger question mark: with Carolin Simon and the Austrian new signing Katharina Naschenweng, there are two flexible, attacking full-backs on this side.

In the past season, it was often observed how the Munich team started the games with a back four, which then quickly proved to be a hybrid, as at least one of the full-backs slipped into the role of the rail player when the ball was in possession. So what does this defensive orientation have to do with Pernille Harder?

A high-playing left-back would allow the offensive power (Lohmann or Magull) next to the Dane to orient themselves more centrally in the attacking midfield. Harder could then, in keeping with her new team's hybrid-flexible playstyle, switch between being behind Schüller and playing as ten, while giving her the freedom to thrive on the field. It's also important to note that she can act as a playmaker in both situations without having to field the team around her.

Even if the offensive department of the FC Bayern women seems to be overloaded with top players, the transfer of Pernille Harder makes a lot of sense. As a longtime captain of the Danish national team, she brings a special leadership mentality to Munich, which can bring the whole team a big step forward. Cross-competitive experience and the qualities at world class level described above make the player the new key figure in FC Bayern's attack.

[manuscripts-dontburn]

Horrorstör

Author: Grady Hendrix

First published: 2014

Rating:  ★★★★☆

I don´t really dip my toes into horror often, because I am a scared baby. But much like Hendrix´s My Best Friend's Exorcism this one was very readable, quick and with imagery disturbing enough to entertain me without the risk of me not being able to go to the loo a night. Might look at some big stores differently from now on though.

Silas Marner

Author: George Eliot

First published: 1861

Rating:  ★★★★★

A perfect classic for any classic beginner! It has everything I love about Victorian literature. Family secrets, dirtbag relatives, treachery and redemption, the question of class and money... and it is all presented in a compact and easy-to-read short volume.

The Phone Box at the Edge of the World

Author: Laura Imai Messina

First published: 2020

Rating:  ★★★★☆

A beautiful book about grief and coping with the death of those we love the most. What matters in it more than the plot itself is the meditation upon that painful subject and the many various forms it can take, as well as the suggestion of possible ways of finding the strength to go on.

Moonstone

Author: Laura Purcell

First published: 2024

Rating:  ★★★☆☆

Something about this book felt very "classical" as if it had actually been written at least a hundred (or more) years ago. Laura Purcell has shown her metal as a writer and storyteller before and this, her latest offering, is not at all bad. Yet her decision to venture into the YA genre was unnecessary, stripping the story of the darkness it could have had. My problem was that very early on any reader can tell what the big mystery is and it takes way too long for the main character to come to the right conclusion. Fine but fairly predictable is the verdict.

Rozpůlený dům

Author: Alice Horáčková

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

To nejsilnější, co kniha nabízí, je téma.: sudetská rodina, částečně německá, částečně česká, v tragickém období první poloviny 20. století. Bohužel tato rodina nikdy v knize nepůsobí jako rodina a na počátku je stejně tak hrozná a dysfunkční jako na konci. Jediná z postav není sympatická, což samo o sobě by nemělo být tak důležité, ale přeci jen bych čekala, že budu s někým soucítit a soucit se vůbec nedostavil. Kniha nenabízí nijak zvláštní zápletky ani zamyšlení, natož prozkoumání bolavého a dodnes kontroverzního tématu. A co především: toto není krásná literatura, ale zkušebně psaný filmový scénář. 80% textu jsou úsečné dialogy, rychle se střídající scény navíc vůbec nadávají možnost zastavit se, zamyslet, zůstat s nějakým pocitem. V módě je zjevně syrovost a "styl ledovce", ovšem ani jedno ani druhé jsem nikdy ve svých knihách ráda neměla. Rozpůlený dům si už našel své nadšené čtenáře, já se bez obav se svým názorem vydávám proti populárnímu proudu.

Ordinary Wonder Tales

Author: Emily Urquhart

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I suppose the biggest hurdle for me was the fact that I had hoped these would be essays about folklore, instead, they are mostly personal recollections to which the author then draws some basic folkloric parallels. Quite well-written and definitely very intimate.

The Misadventures of an Amateur Naturalist

Author: Ceinwen Langley

First published: 2021

Rating: ★★★☆☆

A romantic and soft retelling of a famous fairy tale, a sapphic one at that too! I quite enjoyed it, though I thought it took too much time to get moving and consisted mainly of endless talking in the second half. But not bad at all.

Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus

First published: 2022

Rating:  ★★★★★

A book any woman should read to remember you can be anything you want. And that we should never forget there were times we couldn´t. The tone of the book seems light throughout even when it deals with some sad, even tragic events. It is extremely easy to fall in love with the characters.

The Honey Witch

Author: Sydney J. Shields

First published: 2024

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The first half of this book is really just vibes and man, was I happily vibing. The honey, the bees, the woods, the meadows... I was eating that shit up. Then we left the cosy magic for some romance and I was OK with it for the most part, though it lacked the previous enchantment for me. But then it went all topsy turvy near the end when SPOILER the horny lesbians masturbate together only for one of them to die from it (yes, you have read that right) so we call on the magical bees who collectively sting the dead girl back to life. END OF SPOILER The action near the finale was the weakest part of the book and the ending left me unsatisfied. I am giving this book VERY generous 3 stars because I genuinely enjoyed half of it (and even that, admittedly, had some minor issues).

Carrie Soto is Back

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

First published: 2022

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Everything I enjoyed or loved with Evelyn, Daisy and Malibu is gone. No twists, no surprises and frankly no literary goodness as to the use of language. Character development happens in the last 10 pages. The book is predictable and really boring in its repetitiveness. It got to the point that I would skip all of the tournament descriptions and only read how they ended because I could not care less. Blows my mind this one is so popular because I find it mediocre at best. I did finish it so I guess that´s something.

The Poppy War

Author: R.F. Kuang

First published: 2018

Rating: ★★★★★

Please point me in the direction of the nearest bench on which I can sit down and scream into the void over this book.

Matrix

Author: Lauren Groff

First published: 2021

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is what I call an interesting book. The author plays with language in a way that feels very intimate but still holds a certain detachment. She has chosen a supremely fascinating woman about whom we in fact know next to nothing. The book is a fictional biography of sorts, but rather than a biography of a person it captures the existence, the growth and trials of a community of women. One of those books you fall into as if through a suddenly opened window.

[bubybubsters]

i wish you would write a story where you and i meet and then become besties for life. our children then become besties. and then we grow old together

You

A/n:……………..

Wc: something

*****

We first meet in our freshman year of high school. Both are noses are stuck in our schedules as we try to figure out where our classes are in Prythian High. Our first period is Adv English 1 with Professor Archeron. I’m walking out, having already found the class (as I’m brilliant), and I smack straight into you as you’re walking in, 22 minutes late.

I trip over air and you slam into you. You fall into the hall and as we’re both on the floor staring at eachother you say, “falling for me already, love?”

I, having previously had no social interaction, blush furiously and jump up to run away. But you catch my wrist. “I’m joking love, relax. You can call me ‘darling.’”

I stutter out some type of greeting and you smile. You sit behind me in class and at every group project you choose me as your partner.

At first I am a nervous mess and keep messing up the project but you encourage me and make sure I’m comfortable. About half way through the year, during mid terms, I open up and we become besties.

As the year goes on we meet others but we stay besties through freshman year.

Then, you meet Lucien.

And I meet Eris.

And it’s the first time we start to pull apart, barely talking each week. We miss eachother but our other activities take up so much time and any free time is spent with our boyfriends.

Then, I’m at the Forest House, in the kitchen with Eris when you come in with Lucien.

The brothers greet eachother regularly and we stare at eachother.

How did we never realize the two were brothers?

From then on we’re besties again and that’s the end of sophomore year.

During the summer we go on double dates to the beach, the coffee shop, the ice cream shop, the park.

But junior year starts, and we’re drowned in homework because we’re both so smart and taking 5 to 6 AP classes. We study together but start to pull away from our boyfriends. Well I do, Lucien is in our grade but Eris is a senior and he’s also drowned in college stuff.

That’s how junior year passes.

But during the summer we go to Sydney, Australia. We spend the summer getting tans and exploring the great city.

But senior year starts and we both get accepted early into different colleges. I’m going to Sweden and you’re going to France.

But we won’t let anything ruin our friendship and we each buy tickets to prom. You and Lucien become High Lord and Lady and have that slow dance that everyone’s jealous of.

Prom night is the best of my life and and hopefully yours.

We spend the summer living in the moment instead of dreading what’s to come.

Our first year of college we both call a few times but we’re not nearly as close as before.

This goes on for many more years until we both graduate and move to Canada.

There Lucien has a job and the two of you reunite after years apart. Eris lives in another city but we drive down every weekend. We slowly earn our way up to the top branches of our job and become important people.

You and Lucien are married and I’ve never seen you happier.

A year later, on the exact same date, I marry Eris and we become one big family.

40 years later we both have 2 kids. I have to girls because Er is such a girl dad and you and Lucien have a boy and a girl.

We eventually retire from our jobs and start a bunch of new hobbies together.

We learn to pick locks. To box. To play instruments.

But what becomes our biggest hobby is our book. It’s a fantasy. We work on it together and argue over the smallest things all while Eris and Lucien treat us to what we deserve.

One evening, we go out for ice cream at the local shop run by Emerie. She hands us our orders and we cuddle with our families as we sit and stare out at the sunset.

We hold hands and know that we’ll only ever need eachother.

The end!

*****

I hope you lick it@thelov3lybookworm

[unknownworlds4]

The Somerton Man, Australia, 1948. At 6:30 AM, on December 1, 1948, police were called after the body of an unknown man was discovered on Somerton Park Beach in Glenelg, South Australia, about 7 mi (11 km) southwest of Adelaide. He was found laying against the sea wall across from the crippled children’s home. He had an unlit cigarette in the collar of his coat. A search of his pockets revealed an unused second-class rail ticket from Adelaide to Henley Beach, a bus ticket from the city, an aluminum comb made in the US, a half full packet of Juicy Fruit chewing gum, a quarter full box of Bryant & May matches, and an Army Club cigarette package that oddly contained seven cigarettes from the brand Kensitas Club. He had no wallet, cash, or ID of any kind. Witnesses came forward saying that they had seen a man on the beach the previous evening at 7pm and 7:30 to 8pm respectively. Two stated they saw him extend his right arm and then drop it back down and another indicated he had not moved while in view. They didn’t investigate because they thought he was asleep or drunk. One witness indicated that they had seen another man looking down at him from the steps that led to the beach. In 1959, another witness came forward and claimed that he saw a well dressed man carrying another man on his shoulders along the beach that night. Further investigation revealed that all the labels in his clothes had been removed and his dental records couldn’t be matched with any known person. An autopsy showed signs that the man had been poisoned, although the type of poison could not be determined. Other then that, the coroner couldn’t determine the cause of death nor the mans identity. On January 14, 1949, staff at the Adelaide Railway Station discovered a suitcase with its labels removed that was checked in at 11AM on November 30th: the day before the body was found. Inside was a dressing gown, slippers, underwear, a pair of trousers, pajamas, ties, handkerchiefs, shirts, toiletry items, undershirts, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver, a knife, a square of zinc, a stenciling brush, and a book of orange thread - the same thread used to repair the pocket lining of the trousers the man was wearing. All clothing labels had been removed, but the name “Keane” was found on three items, along with three dry cleaning marks on one of the shirts. Not long after an inquest of launched into the mans death, a piece of paper was found in a fob pocket of the mans trousers. The paper had the phrase “Tamam Shud” written on it, meaning “ended” or “finished” in Persian. The phrase came from the book Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, an English translation of a collection of poems by 12th-century Persian polymath Omar Khayyám written in 1859 by Edward Fitzgerald. Following a public appeal by police, the book the paper came from was allegedly located in a car parked on Jetty Road in Glenelg. The book was missing “Tamam Shud” from the last page. Within the book there was also a group of five lines of text that was believed to be a kind of encrypted code. Attempts at deciphering the code have been so far fruitless. A telephone number was also found in the book belonging to a nurse named Jessica Ellen Thomson, who lived 1,300 ft (400 meters) north of where the body was found. When Thomson was interviewed by police, she claimed she had no idea who the man was or why he had her phone number. However, detectives and Thomson’s daughter Kate, claimed she was being evasive and was “taken aback” when showed a plaster bust of the man. Thomson gave a copy of Rubáiyat to Australian Army Lieutenant Alf Boxall while working in Sydney during World War II. However, Boxall was found living in Sydney in 1949 with his copy of the book intact. There was no evidence of any correspondence between Thomson and Boxall since 1945. In 1949, the man was interred at West Terrace Cemetery marked only as the “Somerton Man”.

The case is considered one of Australia’s most “profound mysteries”. There have been numerous theories put forward about the identity of the man and the cause of death. A popular theory states that the man was a spy due to the political tensions at the time, the apparent use of a secret code, the apparent use of an undetectable poison, and the inability by the authorities to identify the man: even investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States and New Scotland Yard in the United Kingdom turned up nothing. In 2022, Adelaide University professor Derek Abbott and Genealogist Colleen M. Fitzpatrick believe they have identified the man as Carl Webb, an electrical instrument maker from South Yarra, a suburb of Melbourne. The South Australia Police have not verified this information and have remained “cautiously optimistic” about it.

[anonsally]

Days 14-16 of Australia vacation: back in Sydney

On Day 14, we got up early to fly back to Sydney.

There were some nice views out the window of the plane, and we arrived early enough to go to the beach in the afternoon. On our way to the beach, though, we had to make a stop. Brother-in-law had found a Sydney funnelweb spider (which is the world's most venomous kind) in their outdoor shower, so he had captured it in a container to drop off so that the venom could be harvested for use in making the antidote. Eeek!

While we were looking for parking near the beach, I saw what the in-laws called an Australian bush turkey, though eBird calls it an Australian Brushturkey. The beach was pleasant; the others snorkeled and I just enjoyed being in the water for a bit and then did some tidepooling. I think I saw a sea slug! And there were medium-sized lizards called water dragons on some rocks on our way back to the car. It was nice to see some wildlife even in the city!

Unfortunately, right at bedtime I found some "wildlife" in the bedroom: a spider was perched on a corner of a cushion on the bed, and everyone else was already asleep. It was not a venomous spider, but I couldn't sleep with it on the bed, and I didn't want to wake anyone up. It took me a while to gather up all my courage to pick up the cushion from the other end and take it outside. But I did it!

Day 15 was our last day in Australia. We had a bit of a slow start. Sister-in-law had returned to work, and Brother-in-law had a work event in the morning but was joining us for lunch. We took the train (I saw what I think was a female Australasian figbird in a tree near the station) into town and took a little walk along the water in Barangaroo. Then we walked over to the Queen Victoria Building, where we had reserved a table for High Tea service at lunchtime with Brother-in-law; Sister-in-law joined us for a few minutes to say hello on a break from work. The Tea Room is a huge hall with fancy chandeliers, and it feels both silly and luxuriously indulgent to have a meal there. We ate an exquisite array of little sandwiches, pastries, and scones on ornate china, accompanied by tea (decaf Ceylon for me) and sparkling wine.

Afterwards, Wife and I visited the Powerhouse Museum, which had an eclectic mix of exhibitions on various industries, including a section on Indian textiles, a collection of clothing designed by Australian designer Carla Zambatti, and the first train engine to operate in Australia along with 3 restored passenger cars (1st class, 2nd class, and 3rd class).

Then we took the modern commuter rail back, and spent a little while hanging out in a small playground waiting for one of the in-laws to get home since we didn't have a key to the house. While there, I spotted a gray butcherbird, which is a species I hadn't seen yet.

We had a relaxed evening at home. Brother-in-law cooked a scrumptious dinner of risotto, chicken, and broccoli, and we looked at some photos from the trip.

On Day 16, we said goodbye to Sister-in-law before she left for work. We then spent the morning packing; we had to borrow an extra piece of luggage to fit everything. When we were getting ready to leave, I noticed a large bird up in a tree. I unpacked the binoculars to look at it and discovered that it was my first Pied Currawong!

Brother-in-law dropped us off at the airport. He had made arancini (fried risotto balls) from the leftovers from the previous night and put some in a box to bring along, so I had a nice snack on the plane. The flight home was 13 hours long; I dozed for much of it, and it was a good thing I had the arancini because the flight was too turbulent for the flight attendants to serve breakfast before landing! We arrived a few hours before our departure time due to crossing the International Date Line.

All in all, we had a great trip--it really felt like a vacation. I was intrigued to notice how very not interested in the urban sightseeing I felt, but most of the time we weren't in cities, and the scenery, wildlife, and birds were great. Somehow I managed to see at least one new species of bird on each day of the trip!

I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to go back to Tasmania, but if I do, I must find a way to visit Bruny Island for a full-on birdwatching tour.