#Orchid Hospitality & Holidays

[gautam1246]

Discovering Shimla : Orchid Hospitality & Holidays Review

Our journey from Delhi to Shimla with Orchid Hospitality & Holidays was an absolute delight, filled with breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories. From the moment we embarked on our adventure, the anticipation was palpable. The scenic drive from Delhi to Shimla unfolded like a masterpiece, with winding roads offering glimpses of the majestic Himalayas in the distance. The lush, verdant landscapes and the crisp, refreshing air instantly rejuvenated our spirits, setting the perfect tone for exploration.

Upon our arrival in Shimla, we were greeted warmly by Orchid Hospitality & Holidays, who had meticulously arranged our accommodations at "Regenta Place Shimla on Hilltop" At 2200 meters above sea level, the resort is exquisitely situated at the top Prospect Hill and provides a panoramic 360-degree view of Chandigarh and Shimla on opposite sides. The panoramic views from our room were spectacular, showcasing the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. Each detail of our stay was carefully considered, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. Rooms were large fully furnished and they've really thought about cleanliness.

We had a long list of Popular tourist spots which we have to cover in our trip to Shimla, but unfortunately due to shortage of time we couldn't but one of the standout highlights of our trip was our visit to the iconic Christ Church, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture that serves as a testament to Shimla's colonial heritage. The church's intricate stained glass windows and serene atmosphere transported us back in time, allowing us to deeply appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this enchanting city.

Guided by Orchid Hospitality & Holidays, we embarked on explorations of Shimla's vibrant local markets, where we discovered an array of handicrafts, traditional textiles, and delectable local delicacies. The bustling energy, vibrant colors, and warm hospitality of the vendors made for an immersive cultural experience that left a lasting impression on us.

A highlight that left us breathless was our visit to Jakhoo Temple, situated at the top of hill overlooking Shimla, We offered our Prayers at the temple and we were in complete love with the beauty of the temple. The temple offered panoramic views of the city below and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. The tranquil ambiance and the profound sense of spiritual connection we experienced at the temple were truly unforgettable.

Throughout our adventure, Orchid Hospitality & Holidays demonstrated exceptional service and a deep commitment to ensuring our experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Their local expertise and genuine hospitality made us feel welcomed and cared for at every step of our journey. From arranging comfortable accommodations with stunning views to providing insightful recommendations on hidden gems and local eateries, their dedication enhanced our trip in countless ways.

Another unforgettable highlight was our leisurely stroll along the iconic Ridge, a vast open space renowned for offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As we soaked in the crisp mountain air and marveled at the sweeping vistas, we couldn't help but feel a profound sense of joy and wonder. It was moments like these that truly epitomized why Shimla is affectionately referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations."

Our exploration of Shimla also led us to historical landmarks such as the Viceregal Lodge, where we gained insights into India's colonial history and marveled at the grand architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens. Orchid Hospitality & Holidays' expert guidance enriched our visit, providing us with a deeper understanding of Shimla's cultural heritage.

As our time in Shimla drew to a close, we found ourselves reluctant to bid farewell to this enchanting city. The memories we had created, the cultural experiences we had enjoyed, and the connections we had forged with the local community had left an enduring mark on our hearts. We departed knowing that the magic of Shimla would stay with us long after our return to Delhi.

In conclusion, our journey to Shimla with Orchid Hospitality & Holidays was a testament to the transformative power of travel. I will highly recommend anyone who wants a great holiday package with best pricing and great experience then Orchid Hospitality & Holidays will be great for you. It enriched our lives, broadened our perspectives, and filled our souls with joy and wonder. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have discovered the enchanting wonders of this remarkable destination, and we eagerly anticipate the chance to return and create more cherished memories.

Orchid Hospitality & Holidays not only facilitated our journey but also elevated it to an unforgettable experience. Their dedication to excellence and passion for hospitality ensured that every aspect of our trip was memorable and enjoyable. We wholeheartedly recommend Orchid Hospitality & Holidays to anyone seeking a unique and exceptional travel experience, confident that they will deliver a journey that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

[nariaein]

Some of My Scrapped Punkflower Fics

Exactly what the title says, but I don't want to let these go to waste

Over Christmas break, Miles’ mom learns how to knit.

It stems from the fact that she doesn’t like having a lot of free time on her hands. But since school is out and his dad won’t let her spend more than forty-eight hours — or what she considers a break — at the hospital a week, there’s an abundance of it for all of them. Snow falls endlessly beyond the walls of their apartment, making for more than a couple long, lazy days spent inside, hands and weighted blankets curled around mugs and their shoulders. Old Christmas movies are the only thing on TV.

So. She digs around in their spare closet and emerges with two knitting needles. They’re from her grandma, she says, and Miles secretly reveres them — the blunt tips, the lengthy shafts, and the tapers with chips in the wood from before both of their times.

She lets him choose from the bundles of yarn three colors: orchid, yellow, and white.

The next morning, he wakes to a pair of finger-less gloves on his bedside table. The stitches are not entirely consistent, yet they’re warm and colorful.

He loves them, almost as much as he loves winter, and nowhere close to as much as he loves her.

“Any idea what this is about?”

Miles shrugs and shifts to make room for Gwen to sit on the carpet beside him. “No. Miguel didn’t tell you?”

“Nope.”

The topic settled for now, his eyes drift and land on two figures across the announcement hall, steadily coming forward. They’re somehow easy to pick out in the crowd.

Hobie shakes Pavitr by the shoulders, giggling, and something in Miles aches, just below the space between his ribs.

There’s a tapping, feedback, then a throat clearing. He turns back to look at the stage.

“Hello, everybody, and thank you for coming on such short notice. Rest assured, nothing is wrong,” Miguel starts. The room lets out a collective sigh of relief. “But the holiday season is coming up. Lyla and I — mostly her — thought it would be nice to do something special. All of the Society is welcome to participate, but it’s not mandatory.”

“He is a surprisingly level man when he’s not trying to body slam me into the nearest train,” Miles mutters. Someone huffs hotly in his ear.

“Good one,” Hobie says, dropping down on Miles’ other side.

Miguel continues. “For the first time ever, we will be doing Secret Santa. Shortly, you will fill out a wish list of gift ideas. Then, you will draw a random name from a box — their dimension and wish list will also be included. Presents will be delivered by me or Lyla. Afterwards, you can guess who your Secret Santa was. The ultimate deadline is Christmas day.”

A week away.

I bet you can guess who Miles got :] I also remember writing a section that I really loved where he asked his mom what his dad got her for Christmas when they were dating, and later, Gwen came over. She was having trouble getting Pavitr a gift. Miles suggested a plant to take care of, meanwhile, he was making a custom bright red leather jacket for Hobie

I cannot for the life of me find these sections

[kayhi808]

Second Chances - Part 10

On the 5th day, after seeing you on Halloween, Bill sends orchids to the office. In his bold scrawl, "I waited until Day 5." This time around, you don't call to thank him. You don't want to get sucked into Billy's mind games. You do however, catch yourself staring off dreamily at the flowers throughout the day, so you move it to the lobby area. You can't afford to get sidetracked by him again.

The following day you're returning from a meeting and you find a familiar figure leaning on the receptionist desk. Fuck. You know those broad shoulders & perfect hair anywhere. "Mr. Russo?"

He turns around with a smile that makes you blush, "Exactly the woman I wanted to see." He walks over to you & hands you a cup & whispers in your ear, "G'morning, Kitten." Nods at the flowers, "Weren't to your liking?"

You ingore him & walk to your office. He follows. "Anthony misses you. Wanted me to tell you 'hi'."

"Who?"

Billy holds up his cup & sips it, "Anthony. Your hot chocolate guy."

You take a sip and smile. "You went to Central Park to bring me hot chocolate?"

"Tony & I are friends now. He said he hasn't seen you in a month. You stopped running?"

"I go somewhere else now." You stopped going to Central Park, because you didn't want to run into Bill. You switched to runs along the Hudson. "What are you doing, Bill? What do you want?"

The teasing smile drops from his face. "You know what I want."

"I can't be friends with you."

"I don't want to be friend...," shuts his eyes & tries to control his frustration. "I want you as a friend, but I want more, too."

"No."

"What do you mean, no?"

"The only reason you're here is because you're...i don't know...bored? Your other women not making it challenging enough for you? I'm not playing this game with you."

"You aren't a game, Y/N."

"Bullshit! The only reason you wanted me was because I didn't immediately fall to my knees for you. Once you had me," you huff out a breath, "game over. On to the next conquest."

"It wasn't like that."

"What do you want from me? Lay it out for me, Billy. You want to go back to how things were? To throw me back into your rotation? Just down to fuck when you are? Mouth shut, legs open?"

Bill slams his palm against your desk, "Enough!!" You flinch & freeze in place, staring at Bill. "Look, i'm sorry. I didn't come here to upset you and start a fight."

"We had our chance and it didn't work. I wanted more & you walked out the door without a single word to me."

Running his finger through his hair, "Sweetheart, give me a second chance. "

Folding your arms across your chest, protecting yourself from the draw you have to Billy. "I don't trust you anymore."

"I don't know how to earn your trust back if you don't give me a second chance."

"And here we are." Clears your throat & straightens your posture. "You need to go. I have another client coming in."

Bill's angry but know better than to say anything now & calmly leaves.

****

With the holidays coming up, there are more parties that you need to attend for work. Candice is better at socializing at these events, but you have to do your part. The part you like about these things is that it gives you an excuse to get dressed up & have someone else do hair and makeup for you. Your self-esteem has been low after fighting with Bill so you splurged on a new gown and you'll make the most of this night out. You're attending an annual fundraiser for Mount Sinai's Children Hospital.

Later that evening you are thankful you splurged because Bill shows up at the same function. He surprises you at the bar, "Kitten."

You try to cover your surprise with snark, "Don't call me that."

"Who's the guy?" Billy glares at your date.

"That's none of your business."

"Anything that concerns you, is my business."

"Since when? You're able to fuck around but I can't?"

Hisses, "Are you fucking him?" Jealousy is not a common emotion for Billy. You roll your eyes and walk away from him towards your date, Garrett, who's a Emergency Pediatrician.

"Are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

"Then who's the guy who looks ready to kill me?"

"Bill and I are complicated. I didn't expect him to be here."

"Are you sure you're ok?"

Forces a smile, "absolutely."

The evening goes smoothly, but you feel Bill's eyes are on you. Try as you might, you can't help but do the same. He's on the phone & he catches you watching him & he narrows his eyes at you. He puts his phone back in his pocket & with a predatory smirk, he approaches you and Garrett.

"Kitten." Extending his hand to Garrett, "Hi, Bill Russo. I've heard a lot of good things about the work you do with the children at Mount Sinai. It must be very rewarding.

Shakes his hand, "Thanks, Garrett Watson. It is. I appreciate you coming out to support & contribute to tonight's event."

"Yea, of course. May I borrow your date for a minute, Dr. Watson?" Billy turns his smirk towards you, "A word, Y/N" Billy takes your hand and escorts you outside the ballroom. "Dr. Watson. Candice's brother?" You smile. "Are you seeing him?"

"How did you know he's Candice's brother?"

"I took his picture & sent it to my guys. Facial recognition & a background check."

"Are you serious?! Billy! You can't do that." Unbelievable!  

"Are you seeing him?"

"No, but even if I was, it's still none of your business."

Grabs your jaw and brushes his thumb against your lower lip, "And I told you that anything that concerns you is my business." Changes the subject, "Did I tell you, you look absolutely stunning tonight?" You frown at him & shake off his hand. "What? This is what i do."

"You're borderline creepy now."

Billy laughs. "I want a second chance. If I have to get dirt on my competition, I will."

"You are impossible."

"So, about that second chance." He feels you draw away from him. Your emotional walls are back in place. "Look, I don't take asking this lightly. I'm sorry I hurt you."

Brushes him off, "I didn't know what I was getting into, but you were upfront with me from the very beginning."

"I've missed you, Y/N. I want you back. I had to figure out what I wanted first. I was brought up believing that relationships made you weak. They were a liability. You were never a game to me." Billy nervously licks his lips. You've never seen him like this. "You asked me if I ever felt I wasn't enough." Slowly nods. "Why do you think I bust my ass everyday? Special Forces. Anvil's success. I told you I was brought up in the System. Raised in group homes. My meth-head mother dumped me at a Fire Station. She loved her drugs and her dealers more than her kid. So, I'd say I wasn't enough if your own mother doesn't want you."

Breathes out, "Bill."

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Y/N. For making you feel that you weren't enough," Bill trails off. "I don't think i have the words to make up for that. No...no number of 'I'm sorry' will do it. You are more than enough," clears his throat. "I'd never want to be the person to make you feel that you were lacking in any type of way. You're smart, brave, strong, beautiful, kind..." Billy takes your hand in his and plays with your fingers. "I never did relationships, and I know I'll piss you off again," he looks up and gives you a crooked smile. "But I'll get this right. I promise. In the end, I succeed in everything I set my mind to. I set my mind to making you happy, and I will. I just need a second chance."

You throw your arms around his neck and Billy lifts you in a hug. He kissed you slowly at first, his tongue tracing your lips before seeking its way inside. He deepens the kiss, explorong your mouth making you moan. He pulls back scrapping his teeth against your bottom lip. "Do we get our fresh start?"

You whisper "yes" & hold him tight.

**If she desides to give you a second chance, it's usually not because you deserve it; but rather because she still believes in you and the idea that love, if given the chance will somehow prevail in the end~~A. Soul**

@idaofinfinity

[671rmp]

Hello.

I know I don’t have any followers but I need to get this out somehow. This is my father Tommy Pereda. He passed away last night on November 3, 2022. On Monday morning, he went to the clinic for stomach pain that he has been having for the last week. The doctor diagnosed him with constipation and prescribed him laxatives. Thursday night, he went to the hospital and because the pain got worse and he was having trouble breathing. As he was changing into his gown and joking with the doctor, he collapsed. The doctors tried to revive him for 45 minutes. He had died from a heart attack. The e.r doctor told is that the stomach pain that he has been having were heart attacks.

My dad was the guy that everybody liked and could rely on. He liked fishing and orchids. We could never let him go to home-depot (his favorite store) alone. Just last week he spent $175 dollars there on christmas decorations. Christmas was his favorite holiday. I know that he will come to check up on us to make sure we put up his christmas light this year even if he’s not around. He was a cement truck driver and I know his friends at work are gonna miss him just like us. Atleast now he could be with my two older siblings and his parents that he missed so much.

You don’t have to donate yourself, but please spread this around as we don’t have many for the funeral. He wanted to be buried but right now we can only afford cremation.

If you are able to help, thank you.

[houssed]

Discover VTP Verve Skylight: A Luxurious Living Experience Redefined

VTP Realty is a beacon of innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving real estate landscape. With a legacy of transforming neighborhoods and setting new benchmarks, their latest venture, VTP Verve Skylight, promises to be another masterpiece in their impressive portfolio. Located in the heart of Baner-Sus, this development encapsulates the essence of premium living with a touch of luxury, making it one of Pune's most sought-after residential addresses.

The Vision of VTP Realty

VTP Realty has long been known for its knack for redefining micro-markets. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their meticulous design and development processes. Codename Skylight is a testament to this commitment, offering over 40 lakh square feet of sophisticated living space in one of Pune’s most vibrant locales. This expansive development is designed to cater to those who seek a blend of modernity, comfort, and convenience.

Prime Location: Baner-Sus

Located in the heart of Baner-Sus, VTP Verve Skylight enjoys a prime location that seamlessly blends tranquillity with connectivity. This area is renowned for its well-planned infrastructure and proximity to key establishments. Residents will find themselves near esteemed educational institutions like Pune University, Indira Institutes, and DY Patil College Campus. For families with school-going children, VIBGYOR High School is conveniently nearby. Healthcare is another highlight, with renowned hospitals such as Jupiter Hospital, Ruby Hall, and Aditya Birla Memorial within easy reach. Shopping and leisure are also at your doorstep, with Dmart, Xion Mall, and various hotels, including Orchid Hotel, Sayaji Hotel, and Holiday Inn, providing ample dining, entertainment, and relaxation options.

Healthcare is another highlight, with renowned hospitals such as Jupiter Hospital, Ruby Hall, and Aditya Birla Memorial within easy reach. Shopping and leisure are also at your doorstep, with Dmart, Xion Mall, and various hotels, including Orchid Hotel, Sayaji Hotel, and Holiday Inn, providing ample dining, entertainment, and relaxation options. Moreover, VTP Verve Skylight prioritizes your safety with round-the-clock security, CCTV surveillance, and a gated community, ensuring a secure and peaceful living environment.

A New Standard in Residential Comfort

VTP Verve Skylight offers a range of premium luxury homes that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and comfort, while also incorporating energy-efficient features such as LED lighting, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems. The development’s intelligent design ensures that residents enjoy larger dimensions and more functional spaces without stretching their budgets. This focus on practical luxury means you pay only for the space you live in, making the homes both cost-effective and luxurious.

Exceptional Amenities for an Enhanced Lifestyle

One of the standout features of VTP Verve Skylight is its comprehensive range of amenities. These are designed not just for convenience but to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The development boasts:

- Indoor Games Room: Perfect for leisure activities and family fun, offering a variety of games for all ages.

- Multipurpose Hall: An ideal space for hosting events, gatherings, and community functions.

- Party Lawn: A beautifully landscaped area where residents can celebrate special occasions amidst nature.

- Jogging and Strolling Track: Encourages a healthy lifestyle with dedicated paths for jogging, walking, or strolls.

- Meditation Area: A serene space for relaxation and mindfulness, allowing residents to unwind and rejuvenate.

These amenities are crafted to ensure that every aspect of living at VTP Verve Skylight contributes to a harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.

Intelligent Design for a Better Living Experience

At the core of VTP Verve Skylight’s appeal is its innovative design. The apartments are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and space-efficient. By optimizing room dimensions and layout, VTP Realty ensures that residents have ample room to enjoy their living spaces without unnecessary expenditure. This approach makes the development a smart choice for those who value comfort and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

VTP Verve Skylight by VTP Realty is more than just a residential project; it represents a lifestyle upgrade in one of Pune's most desirable locales. Its prime location, luxurious amenities, and intelligently designed homes stand as a testament to VTP Realty’s commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a vibrant community, or a blend of both, VTP Verve Skylight offers a living experience that is both sophisticated and grounded.

For those ready to embrace a new standard of luxury living, VTP Verve Skylight presents an opportunity that’s hard to overlook. Dive into a world where space, design, and lifestyle converge seamlessly to offer you the perfect home. 

If you’re considering a move or simply exploring your options, VTP Verve Skylight should be on your radar. Discover how this exceptional development can redefine your living experience and elevate your lifestyle.

[oppvenuz-event-platform]

Top 50 Wedding Venues in Mumbai: Celebrate Your Special Day in Style

Mumbai, the city of dreams, offers a plethora of stunning wedding venues that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you envision a lavish celebration or an intimate gathering, Mumbai has something to offer for everyone. Here’s a curated list of the top 50 wedding venues in Mumbai that promise to make your special day truly memorable:

Taj Lands End - Located in Bandra, this iconic hotel offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

The St. Regis Mumbai - Known for its opulent ballrooms and impeccable service, perfect for a grand wedding affair.

JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu - Situated on Juhu Beach, ideal for a beachfront wedding with a touch of luxury.

The Lalit Mumbai - Offers elegant banquet halls and a stunning rooftop terrace for your celebrations.

Grand Hyatt Mumbai - Known for its expansive lawns and modern amenities, perfect for large gatherings.

ITC Maratha, Mumbai - Combines Indian hospitality with contemporary luxury, ideal for a traditional wedding.

The Leela Mumbai - Offers majestic ballrooms and lush greenery, creating a serene ambiance for your wedding.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC - Known for its French elegance and versatile event spaces, ideal for a chic wedding celebration.

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach - Offers beachfront weddings with stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic ceremony.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai - Iconic landmark offering historic charm and luxurious settings for your wedding.

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai - Known for its contemporary design and panoramic views of the city skyline.

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel - Offers spacious banquet halls and beautiful gardens for your wedding festivities.

The Oberoi, Mumbai - Known for its unmatched hospitality and elegant venues overlooking the ocean.

The Westin Mumbai Garden City - Offers serene settings amidst the bustling city, perfect for a tranquil wedding ceremony.

Hyatt Regency Mumbai - Known for its contemporary design and warm hospitality, ideal for modern weddings.

Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport - Offers convenient location and versatile event spaces for your wedding celebrations.

JW Marriott Sahar Mumbai - Combines luxury with convenience, perfect for a stylish and memorable wedding affair.

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport - Offers modern amenities and flexible event spaces for your wedding day.

ITC Grand Central, Mumbai - Known for its grandeur and elegance, ideal for a regal wedding celebration.

The Lalit Great Eastern Mumbai - Offers historic charm and luxurious settings for your wedding festivities.

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport - Combines comfort with convenience, perfect for a hassle-free wedding experience.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove - Offers beachside weddings with stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

Sahara Star, Mumbai - Known for its unique design and luxurious amenities, perfect for a distinctive wedding celebration.

Trident, Nariman Point Mumbai - Offers stunning views of the Mumbai skyline and elegant event spaces for your wedding.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai - Known for its eco-friendly practices and spacious banquet halls, ideal for a sustainable wedding celebration.

Sun-N-Sand Hotel, Mumbai - Offers beachfront weddings and warm hospitality, perfect for a relaxed and memorable ceremony.

The Retreat Hotel & Convention Centre Mumbai - Offers serene settings amidst lush greenery, ideal for a peaceful wedding celebration.

Hotel Marine Plaza Mumbai - Known for its stunning views of the Arabian Sea and elegant event spaces for your wedding.

InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai - Offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and luxurious settings for your wedding celebrations.

The Resort Mumbai - Known for its beachfront location and tranquil ambiance, perfect for a serene wedding ceremony.

Waterstones Hotel Mumbai - Offers contemporary design and versatile event spaces, ideal for a stylish wedding celebration.

Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai - Known for its unique architecture and luxurious amenities, perfect for a memorable wedding affair.

Royal Garden Resort Mumbai - Offers expansive lawns and modern amenities for your wedding celebrations.

Hotel Sea Princess Mumbai - Known for its beachfront location and warm hospitality, ideal for a romantic wedding ceremony.

The Mirador Hotel Mumbai - Offers contemporary event spaces and personalized services for your wedding day.

Hotel Kohinoor Continental Mumbai - Known for its convenient location and elegant banquet halls, perfect for a hassle-free wedding celebration.

The Ambassador Mumbai - Offers historic charm and luxurious settings for your wedding festivities.

Hotel Bawa International Mumbai - Known for its warm hospitality and contemporary event spaces, ideal for modern weddings.

Hotel Ramee Guestline Dadar Mumbai - Offers spacious banquet halls and personalized services for your wedding day.

Hotel Krishna Palace Mumbai - Known for its central location and elegant event spaces, perfect for a memorable wedding celebration.

Hotel Oriental Aster Mumbai - Offers modern amenities and personalized services, ideal for a stylish wedding celebration.

Hotel Shantiidoot Mumbai - Known for its serene ambiance and warm hospitality, perfect for a peaceful wedding ceremony.

Hotel Regal Enclave Mumbai - Offers intimate event spaces and personalized services for your wedding day.

Hotel Midtown Pritam Mumbai - Known for its traditional charm and elegant banquet halls, ideal for a cultural wedding celebration.

Hotel City Palace Mumbai - Offers budget-friendly options and convenient event spaces, perfect for a value-driven wedding celebration.

Hotel Bawa Regency Mumbai - Known for its personalized services and warm hospitality, ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony.

Hotel Godwin Mumbai - Offers affordable luxury and elegant event spaces, perfect for a memorable wedding celebration.

Hotel Karl Residency Mumbai - Known for its modern amenities and versatile event spaces, ideal for a contemporary wedding celebration.

Hotel Executive Enclave Mumbai - Offers personalized services and intimate event spaces, perfect for a cozy wedding ceremony.

Hotel Sea Lord Mumbai - Known for its convenient location and budget-friendly options, ideal for a value-driven wedding celebration.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is the first step towards creating your dream wedding. Whether you prefer a luxurious hotel overlooking the sea or a charming venue nestled amidst greenery, Mumbai offers a wide array of options to suit every preference. Explore these top 50 wedding venues in Mumbai to find the one that resonates with your vision and celebrates your love in style.

https://www.oppvenuz.com/vendors/venues/?city=mumbai

[orchidhospitalityholidays]

Orchid Hospitality and Holidays Reviews

[flowwowsblog]

7 Flower Traditions Around the World

As flowers have been cultivated for a long time now, cultural traditions and their meanings are closely entwined. Floral arrangements have different connotations all over the world, from the arid African plains to the lush Asian meadows. Join us today as we travel to seven diverse regions of the world to explore a variety of flower-related traditions!

Flower Traditions

There are a number of customs associated with giving flowers, and each country has its own understanding of each flower’s meaning under particular circumstances. Thus, proceed with caution when deciding to send a floral arrangement while travelling abroad: with an incorrect arrangement, you may easily get in an embarrassing situation.

Flower Symbolism

The most common flowers are the same in most countries, so roses, peonies and orchids are the best options to please any recipient. Orchids are known to represent beauty and allure around the world and would make a great gift in almost any part of the world. To make sure orchids reach the recipient in perfect condition, it is recommended to order their delivery (rather than transporting the flowers yourself). London, with its high quality flower delivery services like Flowwow, is the perfect place to send orchids as a gift.

In South Africa, Flowers are a Must for Christmas

This December festivity, which is normally associated with cold weather, is observed differently in South Africa's dry plains because of the intense heat. Christmas is a crucial time for flowers since they are given as presents and used as colourful decorations. Home decorations in South-African neighbourhoods often include delicate hydrangeas, which bloom at this time of year.

In Mexico, Celebrate Life with Marigolds

The sun-like marigolds, an essential element of the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos), are a staple for the celebration of this vibrant Mexican holiday that contrasts life and death in a joyful way. Don't be shocked when you see the streets of Mexico covered in countless amounts of these flowers since, as is the custom, the vibrant colours and delicious fragrance guide the spirits to their homes.

In Brazil, Flowers are a ‘Woman Thing’

Brazil is the only country in the world where flowers are always a wonderful present. Brazil is also known for countless festivals and carnivals held there. When visiting a family's home, it is good manners to bring a bouquet of gerberas for the lady of the house to show your appreciation for her hospitality. This overpowering love is reflected in everyday customs in Brazil. Naturally, floral arrangements are frequently given to women on special occasions and holidays. The more colour, the better!

In Russia, count your roses

A bouquet of ten roses is typically considered to mean ‘Be mine’ in most countries. In Russia, however, it would suggest something very different because bouquets with an even number of flowers mean sympathy for a grieving family. Therefore, always pick an odd number of stems when purchasing a bouquet as a surprise or holiday gift.

In Asia, Avoid Pot Plants

Asia is notorious for having cultures where people do not view potted plants as appropriate gifts. Although many cultures would disagree, when in Rome, do as the Romans do and stop thinking of potted flowers as the perfect housewarming gift. Use modest bouquets of flowers in baskets or boxes as an alternative.

In China, Look for the Lucky Bamboo.

A revered emblem of luck, wealth, and financial security, the bamboo is adored by the Chinese people. The Lucky bamboo is perhaps everyone’s favourite: it makes a standalone present or can be given in combination with charms and ribbons to increase its symbolic meaning. It is even possible to embellish the lucky bamboo with peanuts, which traditionally stand for ongoing growth and a long, healthy life.

In Japan, remember the day of the cherry blossom.

In Japan, the sakura, or cherry blossom, is the star of springtime. The spring mood finally starts to take hold when the trees bloom with delicate rose-coloured flowers. Sending flowers to your loved ones and taking advantage of the nice weather are especially appropriate at this time of year. Consult Hanakotoba, a special flower language preferred by the Japanese, for better understanding of the significance of various sakura species.

FAQ:

What are the busiest holidays for flower shops?

Mother's Day, Easter, and Valentine's Day are the busiest holidays for flower retailers. We recommend purchasing flowers in advance to avoid the holiday rush.

What do flowers symbolise in different cultures?

Many cultures have adopted the idea of a ��language of flowers’, yet the significance of various flowers varies greatly. In Japan, gravestones are decorated with florist's daisies (Chrysanthemums), which are typically associated with friendship and happiness in the West. In Korea, 20-year-olds frequently receive a bouquet of 20 roses for their birthday. Roses are inherently connected to romance in most cultures. Sending white flowers should be done with caution because, in Asian culture, they are considered unsuitable gifts for the living because they are related to the spiritual world.

Where did the tradition of giving flowers begin?

Since ancient times, people have expressed their love and admiration with flowers. The legend has it that the custom of offering flowers originated in ancient Greece. Flowers were the perfect sacrifice for goddesses in Greek culture. Eventually, flowers were given to ladies as gifts to convey the intensity of the bonding experience.

Is there a national flower day?

True, most nations celebrate flowers on a national holiday. March 21st is a national holiday in the UK, where people celebrate the beginning of spring.

What are the floral trends of 2023?

Floral trends for 2023 incorporate organic and natural components, vivid colours, and minimalism.

[neetuchoudhary]

Hotels in Mahabaleshwar - Opulent Tranquility

Hotels in Mahabaleshwar - Opulent Tranquility

Mahabaleshwar, where the river Krishna originates in the Mahadev temple, is a popular tourist spot with thousands visiting annually. The Lake Venna, about five hours by road from Mumbai at a height of about 1,440 meters above sea level, offers an ideal weekend retreat.

Part of the Deccan Plateau, it attracts many tourists because of its milder climate throughout the year. There are many hotels in Mahabaleshwar for tourists to choose from.

The Pride Sherwood Resort

The Pride Sherwood Resort sits amidst lush greenery, almost eight acres of it. Located about 120 kilometers from the Pune airport and railway stations, it offers convenience and comfort.

This hotel offers 50 well appointed rooms, classified as deluxe, duplex deluxe, Windsor wing and suites or cottages. Every room has all the basic mod-cons, apart from amenities like horse safaris, jungle trekking, and nature trails around Mahabaleshwar. A multi-cuisine restaurant offers variety in food from around the country and the world. Sports on offer include badminton, billiards and basketball. It also offers conferencing and secretarial services to the business traveler.

Ramsukh Resorts and Spa

Ramsukh Resorts and Spa hotel is located just 43 kilometers away from the railway station of nearby Satara, offering an advantage of proximity to tourist hot spots in comparison to other Mahabaleshwar hotels. It offers all modern conveniences and unsurpassed hospitality in all 46 of its lavishly appointed rooms which are classified into Forest deluxe, Forest suites, Forest premium, Valley deluxe and Valley suites, with views of either the forests or the valleys. A multi-cuisine restaurant serves up delicious food to the guests.

Amenities include health spa, gym, steam and sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool, apart from secretarial services and conferencing facilities for the business traveler. Due to its location, hotels in Mahabaleshwar also offer horse safaris, nature walks, cycling and trekking, yoga and meditation etc. to those interested.

Brightland Holiday Village

Located at just six kilometers from Mahabaleshwar bus stand, the Brightland Holiday Village is ideally located to attract tourists and offer them luxurious comfort. Situated atop the table lands with views of the Krishna river valley and the backwaters of the Dhom dam, the hotel offers incredible views.

Spread over six acres, the Holiday Village offers suites classified into Ivy and Lotus; there are various wings with plenty of rooms like the Orchid wing, Tulip wing and the Cottage wing and Poolside wing.

The numerous dining options are The Pavilion offering multi-cuisine fare; the Prasadam offering vegetarian Jain style food; the Olive Garden dishing up Italian delicacies; Angaare the open air barbeque corner and the Village Pub, the exotic bar and restaurant.

JK Hotel is ideally situated on the Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani main highway, 4 kms before the famous Venna Lake. JK Hotel offers specialty lodging services with a serene and tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle bustle of the town.

All the rooms have a spacious balcony as a sit out and provide lovely view of the hills and the farms. Room.visit here.. http://jkhotels.co.in/

[pollyna]

For the sake of the argument (slightly dark):

• Julian arrives on Cardassia when he's 17, exiled by the Federation because Richard has a mouth bigger than the freaking frog from the fable so the moment Julian applies for the Academy the Bras knows who he is. So he has to run;

• He meets Garak (39) at 21, in a garden where the cardassian is painting orchids. What Julian doesn't know is who Garak is. Not that will matter in the future;

• They decide to meet once a week to discuss literature (just as in the canon) because Julian speaks the most beautiful Kardasi (?) with a foreign accent and Garak is a mystery Julian wants to discover and maybe to not solve, for once;

• Tain dies, in mysterious circumstances a month or two after they meet and it's almost National mourning holiday. Kelas writes, on his report, that he died because of a heart failure but everyone knows Garak committed patricide. He isn't sorry and no one wants to go against the new Head of the Obsidian Order;

• It's around the time of the funeral that Julian meets Mila and starts to put the pieces together. The entire picture comes to him after two years when Garak, now Elim, starts to court him. Julian knows he should run back to Earth because it's the most logical thing to do but Julian is no Vulcan and he like, almost sure he loves, Garak. And he likes living on Cardassia, he likes Mila and he likes his job at the hospital. He even likes wearing high collar shirts with frivolous pattern to make Garak's happy;

• Julian ends up working side by side with Garak because his now husband likes to on missions were he could, and definitly be, injured. He fucking loves it. And he becomes good at it, so good people start to fear him as much as Garak;

Sidenote:

• The occupation of Bajor ends almost 15 years before the canon because Garak hates how difficult is becoming to import his favourite tea. He leaves Dukat's alive because seeing him humiliated is better than to see him dead. Julian ends his life when, after a official dinner, Dukat tries to give Zyal in marriage to Garak.

Sidenote 2:

• in the set gif Julian is talking to every head of the every Intelligence Organisation of the Alpha Quardrant. Benjamin Sisko is there too. Garak was taken away and Julian promises, with a compose and calm voice, that he's going to everything in his power to take him back. When Benjiamin accost him Julian is no more angry than he was before but the insulation that the capitan does? Oh if it's the last strand.

"If my husband was in my position he would have already set on fire your little friend, Mr. Odo'ital just to be here. But me? I would gladly study him, let him watch while I design the nuke it's gonna go annihilate all his people. They took my husband away and if I can't find him I will burn every single atom of this galaxy and torture everyone who is going to try to stop me. So yes, Mr. Sisko, I know exactly what my husband would do if he were in my situation, because is the same I'm doing now.";

• Julian doesn't nuke the Founder planet but it's an almost reality. With the help of the Tal'Shiar they take Garak back and start a series of infiltration that allows the Alpha Quadrant to be free before the Fedraji could think about peace.

Sidenote 3:

• in the quadrants it starts circulating a rumor, that then evolves in a rime and a song, about a Cardassian without ridges or grey sking who arrived on the planet because of a secret the Federation couldn't accept and who grow close to another Cardassian and then in love with him and that same Cardassian without ridges or grey skin almost destroyed the entire universe to have him back after the Founder took him away. Some version are nothing more than sweet lullaby, narrating about the strength of love and protection, other are a warning about begin careful around that man and about the power he has. And the song goes around and around, century after Julian and Garak are nothing more than history.

• after the war it comes to an end the Federation decides to give Julian permetee to be back on Earth. Suffices to say when Amsha opens the door of their house the Julian in front of her eyes isn't the person she remembered.

[alienahellsparkle]

sister №3.

🏳‍🌈 Abbygale Claine.

(created on picrew)

• | 13/11/1998 (Scorpio, Earth Tiger) |

• 172 cm, 70 kg.

• Panromantic+sexual. Is in a relationship.

                                                 - - -

A confident, active girl who loves changes in life, thanks to which she does not mind engaging in various adventures, from which her sisters pulled her more than once, even if Abby tries not to involve them in anything. It supports any movement in the world that can somehow open people's eyes and bring harmony and equality.

Talented and creative, she often tries to find some new opportunities for herself by trying different activities, as a result, developing more new skills and discovering something new and informative for herself.

Demanding in terms of friendship and love relationships, she needs to be accepted for who she is, so that she is not for someone a submissive housewife or that spare friend who is turned to only when something is needed. Sincerity, understanding, respect, care, responsibility, genuine interest and the ability to be with her to the end are important to her - this is the ideal friendship and relationship for Abby. For people who fit her criteria, she is ready to provide them with her loyalty, help and boundless support and love, as well as fill their lives with vivid emotions and impressions.

However, the girl is quick-tempered and impulsive, not afraid to express her opinion and what she considers necessary/important. Usually, Abby speaks some information or facts about something/someone directly, not at all worrying about how her words will be treated and what will be done with this truth, considering that she did what she had to (keep in the know), and the rest is not her problem (example: “I am a pansexual and I have always been comfortable like that. Just be aware, and what you will do with this information, accept it or not, it doesn’t matter anymore”).

She does not tolerate hints, concealments and evasive answers, wanting to know the truth as it is, so that people tell Abby directly what they want from her and what they want to convey, so that the girl does not have to make wrong guesses.

She has a vindictive habit of mirroring people if she didn’t like something in them and they did something bad to her, specifically showing how the offenders actually look in her eyes.

                                                  * * *

• Abby is university student and now thinks about the choice of work, between barista and acting. In addition, she is good at growing plants and is interested in divination and interior design.

🃏 Clothing preferences: She dresses in street style and sometimes creates something of her own, inventing and choosing different clothes.

🃏 Likes: Houseplants (especially cacti), ravens and snakes, feathers (as ornaments and decorations), interior designs, gothic aesthetics, ancient buildings and castles, demons, vampires, witches and genies, changes, adventures, cards, frosted glass, Roman numerals, legends, rain, candles, atmospheric cafes and bars, cosmetics, chokers, aventurines and rubies, mint, rings and themed earrings (example: In the form of snakes, cobwebs, swords, etc.), fortune telling on cards.

🃏 Favorite drink: Black tea, barberry tea, pinacolada, mojito (+ strawberry).

🃏 Favorite color: Black, white, ruby, indigo.

🃏 Favorite food: Fast food, sushi, lasagna

🃏 Favorite flowers: Black tulips, red peonies, blue orchids

🃏 Favorite sweets: Pudding, truffle candies.

🃏 Favorite holiday: Halloween, The day of the Dead (El Día de Muertos).

🃏 Favorite season: Autumn.

🃏 Dislikes: Racists and homo/transphobes, misogynists and misandria,  seagulls, depreciation and misunderstanding, sunbathing, sea, clip-on earrings and antique jewelry, stilettos, transparent dresses with sequins, imitators, discos, combination of brown color with green, hospitals, irresponsible people and stereotyped people.

🃏 Least favorite season: Summer.

🃏 Least favorite movie genre: Anime.

🃏 Least favorite color: Orange, yellow.

🃏 Least favorite drink: Cocoa.

🃏 Least favorite food: Seafood.

🃏 Facts: She became aware of her orientation and caming-out at the age of 18.  

She stole things in stores a couple of times.

Due to the fact that she grows houseplants, she often gets into fights with Zoey, who hints that the plants are the culprit in the humidity in their house.

Sometimes, moderately drinks alcohol.

Positive towards feminism and elagitarianism.

Believes in the supernatural, life after death and UFOs.

🃏 Fun/Interesting facts of creation: Her appearance was inspired by the real girl’s appearence from Tik-Tok (name: cf_agriel).

🃏 Skills: Growing plants, singing, acting, interior design, cocktail making, card reading.

🃏 Phobias: Swimming in the sea.

(Her aesthetic moodboard).

[lovemesomesurveys]

Do you own a pair of gladiator sandals? Nope. Or any open toed sandals/shoes.  What color was the last pajama shirt you wore? I think it was black. What color was the last mask you wore? Those typical hospital/doctor blue and white ones. Have you had COVID? No, fortunately. When was the last time you were in the hospital, and what was it for? Back in 2012 for a surgical procedure.

Who was the last person who gave you a ride somewhere? My mom. What was the last new discovery you made that brought you joy? Bought some stuff at this Japanese Dollar Store type place recently that was cute. I love that store. I also keep adding stuff to carts on various places online, which I need to quit because I really don’t have the money to be doing shopping. Unfortunately, that’s usually when I find the most stuff that I want, ha. Name one song that always makes you want to dance. I don’t really dance, but upbeat, catchy songs get some head bobs and my shoulders and arms moving a bit. Are you happy with your life at the moment? No. Do you have a neighbor that you would like to know more? No. What are five things you like that start with the letter The letter of what? When you were younger, who was your favorite Olsen twin: Mary-Kate or Ashley? I liked ‘em both. I was just obsessed with all their movies and shows. Did you own a pair of Mary-Kate and Ashley fashion dolls? I did as a kid. Did you grow up in the 90's? Yep. What decade were you born in? I was born halfway through 1989, so I experienced a few months of the 80s. Have you ever had a friend with the same name as you? Yeah, a few. Stephanie was really common growing up. Pick five different animals to represent yourself, and tell us one reason why you picked each one. Sloth, dog, cat, giraffe... that’s all I got. I’m just very sluggish (ha, guess a slug could be one), slow moving, drained, tired, just want to sleep all the time and stay in bed, I need my alone time, I’m moody, and I’m kinda aloof like a cat, and I kinda have a thin, longish neck like a giraffe lol and I’d be taller if I weren’t a paraplegic. What are five of your favorite toppings for salads? Dresssing, shredded cheese, hard boiled eggs, croutons, black olives. Do you have any food allergies, and if so, to what? Just tangerines that I know of. Do you know what color "orchid" is? Yeah. Do you ever use these words: orchid, periwinkle, teal, turquoise, magenta, coral? Not regularly, no. What color do you call pink and orange mixed? Coral. Which holiday candy do you like better: candy corn or conversation hearts? I like both. I like the hated candy like those and black licorice. Who do you know who owns llamas? No one. Have you ever been to Chicago? No, but I’d like to. My brother has been a couple times and he’s always had a good time. ^If yes, what were three of your favorite things that you did there? If I ever go I’d like to of course try a Chicago pizza, but I really want to go to the big and fancy 4-story Starbucks there. I’d hit up other touristy places as well. What are three of your favorite restaurants to eat at when you go on vacation? I like going to cool, chill type places that local and unique when I can. Stuff like pizza places and whatnot.  How many laptops have you owned in your life? Maybe 5? How old were you when you got your first laptop? I was 15, I think.  Do you feel closest to God at a certain time of day? Yeah, late at night when I’m up alone. When was the last time you went to church? It’s been a few years since I’ve physically gone, but I’ve been attending their live streams the past couple years. How many of these things are you afraid of: snakes, spiders, heights, sharks, flying, roller coasters? All of them. I’m a big scardy cat. Have you ever been given a rainbow rose? No. Would you ever wear a rainbow rose corsage? *shrug* Maybe. If you were glasses, what color are they? Black. If you had to get a new pair of glasses, what would your ideal pair look like? I’m not sure. I am really overdue for an eye doctor appointment and new pair of glasses, though. The pair I have now are lookin’ a little rough. Have you ever lived in an upstairs apartment? No. Who is one cousin you wish you could see more? I used to be close to a couple of my cousins and I do miss that, but I just can’t put in the energy and time to be social. I just haven’t been up to being social and hanging out and I wouldn’t be the best company anyway. They’re all busy thriving and having fun anyway, so they’re busy doing their own thing. What are three things you like now that you didn't as a kid? Spinach, onions, and I definitely drink more water compared to when I was a kid.  What are three things you liked as a kid that you don't like now? Well, first and foremost I was always obsessed with spicy food and still would be if I could have it, but unfortunately for some odd reason I can’t have it anymore. So, it’s not that I don’t like it now, I just can’t have it. It really sucks, man. I miss it so much D: I don’t drink as much soda now as I used to, nor do I snack as much. My eating habits an appetite has changed a LOT just these past few years. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I loved playing school. ...and what do you want to be now? I really have no idea what I want to do. :/ ...and what are you doing now? Absolutely nothing... If you could be a Lisa Frank character, which one would you be? *shrug* Which Disney princess looks most like you? None. Do you have a doctor's appointment coming up soon? I have one next week. List three things that inspire you. I haven’t felt inspired in a long time. What was the most creative thing you did in the last 24 hours? Does rearranging some things in my room kind of count? Do you have a YouTube channel? I don’t make or upload any of my own, but I have an account to subscribe to and watch others. I watch a shit ton of YouTube. What is your favorite thing about summer? The only thing I like is when I’m able to go to the beach or on vacation. Otherwise, I despise and dread summer. What is your favorite type of donut? Nice, soft glazed donuts and maple donuts. Do you own a unicorn headband? No. What was your favorite stuffed animal when you were a toddler? I had this little baby doll I carried around. Are you severely allergic to anything, and if so, to what? Not severely, no.  Have you ever had an anaphylactic reaction? No. Which holiday is coming up next that you are looking forward to celebrating? Easter. Do you wear green on St. Patrick's Day? I might try and wear something green, but I don’t make a big thing of it. I did more so when I was younger and still in school to get into the fun spirit of it and because of the whole pinching thing. My family members are the only ones who ever did that to me (playfully), though. Anyone else would have gotten punched. Ha, just kidding. .....

[propertyofwicked]

Could you do an a-z of dating Tom Blake pls??

ty for the request, i hope this is ok x :)

a-z of dating tom blake

obviously, we’re going to pretend THAT scene doesn’t happen and he just ends up with a tiny surgery nd some stitches :)

warnings: slight sexual references but only like twice lol

a - argue

tom is STUBBORN. that boy will be so wrong yet will be adamant he is correct till physically proven otherwise. this was usually the start of arguments. you too are stubborn, but not to the extent of tom. any argument results in tom going for a walk around the town, to let out all of his pent up anger as he couldn’t bare to shout at you for something so petty. you’d sit in the living room silently, waiting for him to return, which gave you time to think about what to say. once he did come back, he’d sit on the sofa next to you, and take your hands in his, and you’d talk through the problem rationally. since the war, he would get angrier much quicker, the smallest things being able to send him over the edge, so he’d take the time to apologise, as would you, and he’d show you how much he loves you ;)

b - body (his favourite body part of yours)

thomas blake is an ass man. any time he can have his hands on your lower back, resting on your arse - he would. he loves to walk behind you, just to show his appreciation for your curves and whenever he’d stand next to you, his hand would be on your arse squeezing it playfully when nobody is looking. 

c - care (caring for each other when you’re sick)

tom likes to pretend he is tough and no illness can beat him, and because of this, he will work himself to the bone instead of resting. he’d wake up in the morning, his voice deeper than ever as a cough tickled his throat. as much as he tries to hide it, the moment you notice, he’s back in bed with a cup of tea on the bedside table. when you’re ill, however, tom takes the day off work and just lays in bed with you day, not caring if he got ill as well - as long as you were content. 

d - dates (what do you guys do?)

you and tom would have really basic dates, enjoying each other more than an expensive meal. often, in the summer months, you’d walk down to the river and have a picnic, or sometimes you’d lay down in his mother’s orchid, watching the petals fall around you. it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re together. 

e - engagements (how he proposed) 

it would be just dropped into a conversation, nothing fancy and very unprepared in true thomas fashion. like you could just be laying in bed, or cooking dinner and he’d look at you and go “hey, should we get married” and very casually you’d just reply “yeah sure” before realising he was serious and falling into his arms to give him the biggest hug you could. it just so happened he had his grandmother’s ring in his possession so he just used that.

f - friends and family (do they like you/him?)

his family ADORE you. his brother likes you, as you were raised intelligent and could have a good conversation with him - you were also a prime babysitter for him and his wife. his mum loves to finally have a girl tom’s age around, as she had spent 30 years being in an all-male household other than herself. your dad was wary around him towards the start of your relationship, but he soon welcomed him into the family after tom had helped him fix a bookcase. your mum was glad to finally see you happy, glad you’d managed to be comfortably settled down from a young age. since you lived a while away from each other's families, your friends from home never really knew your partner.

g - gifts

you guys are not terribly poor but you’re also not the richest, so surprise presents were fairly rare. whenever tom went home to visit his family, he’d return with a cake baked specially from his mother. sometimes he’d return from work, hiding something behind his back, a shit-eating grin plastered across his face and after asking him what he was hiding, he’d produce flowers that he got on the cheap from the market on his way home. 

h - how you met

you worked as a nurse in the war, so when tom was carried in, blood pouring from his abdomen, it was your job to take care of him. something in you nagged at you to accompany him the furthest you could, which is how you ended up in a base hospital tending to this soldier. over the months he was in your care, you got to know each other well, and promised to keep in contact when you returned home. 

i - intimacy (how often are yall getting down)

thomas blake has the stamina of a KING. he is ready to go to town every night and every morning for as long as you can manage - and the look he gave you before was enough to give in almost every night. 

j - jealousy

tom gets jealous of the relationship between you and his brother. he felt as if he had also been in his shadow, the younger, less handsome brother. it was obvious when he got like this because he’d go quiet, unlike his usual joking self. you didn’t tend to get overly jealous, as you could tell tom was whipped for you and barely batted an eye at anyone else. 

k - kinks

tom has a lowkey breeding kink i reckon, not like 40 kids kinda kink, but he loves the idea of getting you pregnant and seeing you carry his children and raise them. having grown up in a loving family, he wants nothing more than to have one for himself. 

l - long distance

whilst you were both away at war, you tended to be in various areas of france. the only contact you had was letters, where he’d tell you about his day or some funny story he witnessed or overheard. you told him of the wounds you saw, as it was the only way you could really pass them through your mind so they didn’t haunt you forever. it was the best part of the week, receiving letters from tom and he felt the exact same when the post came by and a letter with his name in your handwriting was handed to him. 

m - moving in

you moved in together at the end of the war, in your correspondence, when the days got long and boring, the only thing you could talk about was the future - where you’d live, how the living room would be arranged. it was more optimistic that truthful but when the war ended and you met again, you both knew it was something you had to do. tom was so glad he could live with someone who had witnessed the same pain and distraught he had and you were so glad that you both had each other in the hard nights. 

n - nights out 

you’re not much of a party go-er yourself, much rather preferring to listen to the music on the record player. sometimes, you and tom would go out dancing with scho and his wife but it was fairly rare. 

o - open with each other

the mutual experiences of the war allowed you two to be so open with each other. if there was anything on your mind, something you couldn’t get off your chest, you knew that you could tell tom and even if he couldn’t get rid of it, he’d make it so much better. tom often had nightmares of the day he got injured and every time he woke up in fits of sweats, you would be there to listen to him and tell him how everything was going to be better. 

p - pda

you two aren’t over the top in public but often are reminded with a sly cough from will that you were in fact, in full view of everyone. tom can’t keep his hands of you most of the time, grabbing your arse at any possible chance he got. you prefer to be more cute with your affection, taking his hand when walking down the street or pecking his cheek randomly. 

q - questions (what you talk about late at night?)

as mentioned before, you guys normally talk about the war. it makes it so much easier to cope with the horrors that loom over you like a shadow. sharing the experience allowed you both to cope with your own thoughts a lot better.

r - reproduction (do you want kids?)

Y E S. tom wants a house full of miniature versions of him, and it is something he discusses with you often. you want whatever tom wants pretty much, and having a product of the love you shared was a dream of yours. 

s - surprising (what surprised you about him)

he’s very affectionate when he’s sad. rather than bottling up, tom knows how to talk about his problems really openly with you and he’s not afraid to show emotion. 

t - together (what you do together)

towards the start of your relationship, after the war, you two would go on cute dates in the forest or on the river bank almost weekly, but you now you guys prefer to stay home and make use of that bedroom ;)

u - under the influence (drunk vibes)

tom is even funnier when he’s drunk. he comes home from a night out with will and some other friends and just sits, staring at you. every 5 minutes or so he’d mumble something along the lines of “you’re gorgeous - do you have a boyfriend?”. it was cute to start with but by t eh fifth time, you're laying him down on the bed and trying to lul him to sleep.

v - vacations

tom likes to go to cornwall with you. it’s where he frequently went on holidays as a child, and he loves to take you to the places he visited in his youth. 

w - wedding

you guys have a small wedding, just in the church near your house. you couldn’t afford a massive wedding and you didn’t really want one. so you held the ceremony with your families and your closest friends and chose to spend the reception at your house, listening to music on the record player and having a roast dinner. 

x - xray (when he’s hurt)

obviously, you had cared from him in the war, but sometimes the scar on his stomach would cause him pain if he moved it in the wrong way. there wasn’t much you could do, but you would lay with him and comfort him, or bring him medicine with his food. 

y - you (a random headcanon) 

“tom have you seen my glasses anywhere?” you called out to the house, hoping and an extra set of eyes could help.

“no, sorry! where did you last see them?” he called back.

“i can’t remember. they were here one moment then the next they weren’t” you trailed off as tom made his way into the kitchen. he took one glance at you, then burst into laughter, leaving you standing there in confusion.

“what? what are you laughing at?”

“baby, have you checked the top of your head?”

“oh my god!” you said, realising they had been there the whole time, your face going a new shade of red in embarrassment.

“awh bless, you really do need glasses,” tom smiled coming over to you, taking you in his arms.  his lips pressed to your head in a quick peck before he walked back to where he had been sat before. 

z - zzzzzzzzzzzz’s (sleeping routine)

you’re usually in bed first, choosing to read a book before packing in for the night. tom would stay downstairs longer, reading the paper or going for a shower. but when he did come upstairs, he’d just stand in the door frame and gaze upon you, like he had never seen something so angelic. once he got into bed, you’d mark the page and close the book, leaning into his side and his arm moving to wrap around you. 

[florablume]

ALL ABOUT FLORA ELIZABETH BLUME

BASIC INFORMATION

FULL NAME: Flora Elizabeth Blume PRONUNCIATION: Flaw-ruh  MEANING: Latin origin, meaning “flower” NICKNAME(S): Flo, Blume, Sparky PREFERRED NAME(S): Flora BIRTH DATE: 4th April 1978 AGE: 41 ZODIAC: Aries GENDER: Cis female PRONOUNS: She/her/hers ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Heteroromantic SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Heterosexual NATIONALITY: American ETHNICITY: Caucasian  CURRENT LOCATION: New York City LIVING CONDITIONS: Cohabiting TITLE(S): Miss/Ms

BACKGROUND

BIRTH PLACE: California HOMETOWN: San Francisco SOCIAL CLASS: Working EDUCATION LEVEL: College FATHER: Richard Blume MOTHER: Joanne Blume SIBLING(S): Pip & Sam BIRTH ORDER: Flora, Pip & then Sam CHILDREN: Finley Dunne PET(S): None OTHER IMPORTANT RELATIVES: In-Laws PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS: A few, but nothing significant other than with Henry ARRESTS?: None PRISON TIME?: None

OCCUPATION & INCOME

PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME: Nurse Practitioner at New York Presbyterian Hospital APPROXIMATE AMOUNT PER YEAR: $106,554 CONTENT WITH THEIR JOB (OR LACK THERE OF)?: Definitely content PAST JOB(S): Office admin jobs & worked in a coffee shop SPENDING HABITS: Average MOST VALUABLE POSSESSION: An engagement ring from Henry

SKILLS & ABILITIES

PHYSICAL STRENGTH: Probably a little above average for her size xD SPEED: Definitely average, if not a little below INTELLIGENCE: High AGILITY: Okay? Mostly because she’s small STAMINA: Better than it has been for the past few years lmao TEAMWORK: Good if other people will listen to her, bad if they don’t take her opinion into account TALENTS: Getting her own way lmao SHORTCOMINGS: Stubbornness, overprotective, sometimes acts/speaks without thinking. LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: English, basic French and Spanish DRIVE?: Yes JUMP-STAR A CAR?: Yes CHANGE A FLAT TIRE?: With a little assistance RIDE A BICYCLE?: Yes SWIM?: Yes PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?: No PLAY CHESS?: She knows how to but it’s not something she does often BRAID HAIR?: Yes TIE A TIE?: Yes PICK A LOCK?: No

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

FACE CLAIM: Holly Marie Combs/Zoey Deutch EYE COLOUR: Brown HAIR COLOUR: Brown HAIR TYPE/STYLE: Long & straight GLASSES/CONTACTS?: No DOMINANT HAND: Right HEIGHT: 5′1 WEIGHT: 133lbs BUILD: Short & curvy EXERCISE HABITS: She does pilates and yoga twice a week and she will go for the occasional swim, plus all the sex with Henry... SKIN TONE: Fair TATTOOS: None PIERCINGS: Ears & naval MARKS/SCARS: She has a few stretch marks on her stomach and thighs, and some scars on her back. Also a scar through her eyebrow. USUAL EXPRESSION: 

CLOTHING STYLE: Comfortable but smart. She likes to wear skirts and dresses and anything with a floral print. JEWELLERY: She likes simple jewellery - earrings, necklace and a ring are all she’s usually wearing. ALLERGIES: None BODY TEMPERATURE: She’s always cold. DIET: Pretty good, she always tries to eat healthily. PHYSICAL AILMENTS: None

PSYCHOLOGY

JUNG TYPE: ESTJ (Extrovert-Sensor-Thinker-Judger) ENNEAGRAM TYPE: Type 8 - the Challenger (also strong Type 2 - the Giver)  MORAL ALIGNMENT: Neutral Good TEMPERAMENT: Phlegmatic ELEMENT: Earth PRIMARY INTELLIGENCE TYPE: Interpersonal Intelligence APPROXIMATE IQ: 115 MENTAL CONDITIONS/DISORDERS: None SOCIABILITY: Flora is pretty sociable. EMOTIONAL STABILITY: She’s fairly emotionally stable, but does fly off the handle about stupid things sometimes. On the whole though, she’s a good egg. OBSESSION(S): She gets very easily jealous, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s an obsession. COMPULSION(S): None PHOBIA(S): Clowns, creepy dolls, horror movies in general. ADDICTION(S): Probably caffeine lmao DRUG USE: None ALCOHOL USE: She drinks occasionally, but not to excess. PRONE TO VIOLENCE?: ....sometimes. More so when she was younger.

MANNERISMS

SPEECH STYLE: Fast and a little shrill lmao ACCENT: Californian QUIRKS: Very short, scar through her eyebrow, fiddles with her hair a lot.  HOBBIES: Gardening, walking, sewing, watching movies, dancing. HABITS: Fiddles with hair & tucks it behind her ears a lot, snores a little, chews her lip, doodles when she’s on the phone, over-eats when she’s stressed. NERVOUS TICKS: Rubs her hands together a lot/fiddles with her hands when she’s nervous. DRIVES/MOTIVATIONS: Helping people, taking care of her family. FEARS: Losing the people she loves.  POSITIVE TRAITS: caring, protective, quick-witted and intelligent NEGATIVE TRAITS: volatile, smothering, sharp-tongued and stubborn SENSE OF HUMOUR: Pretty good, she can definitely take a joke, luckily for Henry because he’s always teasing her. DO THEY CURSE OFTEN?: When Fin’s not around, yes. When he is around, absolutely not. CATCHPHRASE(S): She uses terms of endearment a lot like ‘sweetie’ and ‘honey’. ‘Be careful’ is probably another because she worries too much. And also ‘stop that’ because she’s bossy xD

FAVOURITES

ACTIVITY: Sex lmao ANIMAL: Bluejay BEVERAGE: Coffee BOOK: The Cactus by Sarah Haywood CELEBRITY: Hugh Jackman COLOUR: Pink DESIGNER: Lulu Guinness FOOD: Lemon Cheesecake FLOWER: Orchid GEM: Diamond HOLIDAY: Christmas obvs MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: Car MOVIE: Dirty Dancing MUSICAL ARTIST: Kate Bush QUOTE/SAYING: “But first...coffee!” SCENERY: The NYC skyline is pretty nice SCENT: Daisy by Marc Jacobs SPORT: None lmao SPORTS TEAM: She’s clueless about sport. TELEVISION SHOW: The Good Place WEATHER: Sunshine VACATION DESTINATION: She’d love to go to Paris.

ATTITUDES

GREATEST DREAM: Having a family of her own. GREATEST FEAR: Losing anyone that she loves. MOST AT EASE WHEN: She’s at home, feet up with a glass of wine. LEAST AT EASE WHEN: She’s rushed off her feet at work, or at one of Henry’s mom’s fancy dinner parties. WORST POSSIBLE THING THAT COULD HAPPEN: Jen swoops in and steals Henry from her? idk lmao BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT: Having Finley. Also getting herself through college with barely any money to her name when she first started. BIGGEST REGRET: Taking so long to have more kids? again idk. MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: lol too many for her to name bcos she’s the queen of embarrassing herself. Probably when she got too worked up the first time she laid eyes on Jen and had too much to drink before Henry had to take her home. TOP PRIORITIES: Fin & Henry (& bump)

[kpopisthereasonihavenolife]

With You

BTS

Kim Taehyung/Reader [F]

Genre: Teensy Angst, Happy, Pure, Everything Good

Words: 2.2k

Gif Source

Pt 2 of I Can’t Quit

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It’s winter now.  The summer has long gone to time. School’s are packed with intense studies, exam preparations and students ready for the upcoming holidays. 

The bell this day rang through the school and into the closed classroom that Taehyung had previously been spacing out in.  Snapping out of his daze, he piled his- nearly empty- notebook into his bag that sat under his desk at his feet. He still doesn’t enjoy going to school every day, but he still grits and bares with it.  He feels like he has no other choice.  He has to attend. 

Taehyung is a smart kid.  He excels in what he does, regardless of his notes or lack thereof.  He’s sharped and quick-witted on top of his smarts.  It helped that, even though he just suddenly started showing up at school and his reputation was anything but good, he was able to make a handful of friends somehow.  One such friend was waltzing up to his desk as he pushed his chair out to stand. 

“You talking a miss on us today, Tae?” Park Jimin.  a classmate and fellow ‘95 baby.  He was standing as class president of their grade level.  Though, he was a shockingly rambunctious student, always proposing odd tasks or ideas for his peers.  Yet, he’s been the president for his class since the start of his high school career.  He was a charmer. 

Taehyung hiked his bag on his back.  “Yeah.  Jennie and I are going to the hospital.  Y/n isn’t having any tests done today, so we’re visiting.”  

“Ah, yes,” Jimin flaunted his hand in a tease, “the mystery coma girl you’ve forbade any of your non-blood brothers from ever seeing.” Taehyung rolled his eyes as Jimin put his hand on his hip.  “Seriously though, I can understand not wanting the others to see her to an extent because they’re strangers.  I’m literally in her class though.  I knew her before you did, young sir.” 

“Too bad.  If I say yes to you, I’ll have to say yes to everyone.  6 gross guys in a hospital room with my sister, my friend and I is a bit too much unwanted action man.”  Jimin pouted, justing giving Taehyung a look of mixed disappointment, disapproval, and offense.  The younger flicked under Jimin’s chin with a fake laugh and high voice. 

“Pout all you want, I’m so not kissing you.”  Jimin gasped, making Taehyung laugh as he struts out of the classroom.  Waving lazily behind him. 

He was off school property when he stepped into a gas station to change.  He hated going to visit you in his uniform.  It felt more like a service to him if he was dressed in some sort of code.  He stepped into the bathroom, shutting himself in a stall to quickly change.  Off went the ironed pants, tucked shirt, blazer, and tie.  On came low waisted jeans, a blue tee and ever favorite black jacket.  Finally, swapping his uniformed shoes with his sneakers, he ruffled his hair and left.  Uniform balled into wrinkles in his bag on his broad back.

It wasn’t too much longer when he met Jennie where the two would meet to either go home or to the hospital every day.  His younger sister had a hop in her step this afternoon.  Taehyung put his hand on her head to contain her excited swinging of heel to toe.

“What crawled in your pants to make you dance today, Squirt?”

“I just have a happy feeling today. I’m in a good mood, I don’t know why.”  She happily relayed back.

“Happy enough to buy Y/n something for her room at the hospital?”  Jennie nodded as he latched onto her brother’s wrist and dragged him towards some shops before they eventually made it to the hospital.

By the time they got there, Taehyung held a pot of pink phalaenopsis orchids, along with a personalized card signed by the buyers: Taehyung and Jennie obviously.  They waved to the receptionists they’ve come to familiarize themselves with and made their way up.  Jennie bounced in the elevator and sprinted off when the doors to the third floor opened.

“Don’t run, Jen!  You’ll run into someone!”  Taehyung briskly followed after his sister with a warning.  Following her around a corner, he sighed when he saw her bowing her head to someone, presumably someone she ran into in her newly found valor. Taehyung sighed as he tapped the back of her head.  “I told you not to run.”  She pouted while Taehyung looked at the man.  He was surprised to see one of the cops who always gave him crap a few months back.  

The officer was looking at Taehyung and then to his sister.  A hand on his hip and a smile tugging one edge of his lips.  “Well, what a surprise.”  Jennie looked between the officer and her brother.  She knew Taehyung wasn’t a good kid back then, but he’s changed.  She caught the officers gaze.  “Are you this trouble maker’s little sister, then?” Jennie nodded.

“Yes, but Tae isn’t a trouble maker!  He’s really nice and we come to visit Y/n all the tie.  He’s good at cleaning and a lousy cook, but he’s really good now.”  Taehyung pat Jen’s head and got her attention as the officer looked mildly shocked.  Jennie turned as Taehyung handed her the pot of orchids.  

“Why don’t you take this to Y/n’s room?  I’ll be there in a bit, okay?” She nodded as she took the pot and trotted off.  Taehyung watched her leave in a walk, no longer a running spitfire.  The cop turned to him and eyes his bag.  “Nothing in there but my books and uniform. Feel free to scope through it,” Tae said already knowing the man was a bit suspicious.  He couldn’t blame him, the old him would have quite a few unmentionables.

“Finally going to school, eh?”

“Some things came up, so now I’m a full-time student.”

“You’re sister and yourself are visiting, Y/n?  That’s the young lady who picked you up once, yes?” Taehyung nodded.  “She said she was your cousin.”  

Taehyung snorted as he slapped his palm over his mouth.  “Cousin?!  Oh, please, she’s not related to me.  She’s just a friend and a classmate.”  He chuckled more. “Cousin.  Sheesh, she’s an awful liar, how did she get away with that.” The cop crossed his arms.

“Why is she in the hospital, son?” Taehyung stopped laughing and dropped his arm.  He could feel the officer direct blame onto his shoulders.  It wasn’t Taehyung’s fault.  It fucking wasn’t, it was-

“She fell off a building.”  The officer took a breath, just enough to choke on his spit and cough up a lung; hypothetically of course.  “She’s sleeping right now, but she’ll wake up soon.”  Taehyung stuffed his hands into his jacket.  “Excuse me.”

“Taehyung.” The teenager stopped, his back remaining to the officer with no intention of facing him again.  “Stay out of trouble.”

“I will,” and he walked off.  

XXX

The sibling left the hospital at 8 that night.  Exchanging small talk with your doctor, Jennie doing her homework at your bedside, Taehyung playing games on his phone and you peacefully sleeping. Jennie smiled as she said goodnight to her brother just before going to bed.  Still happy for no reason at all.  

It was 5am when Taehyung rolled over annoyed at his stupid phone.  It rang once then a second time before he looked at his burning bright screen.  He gasped as he swiped to quickly answer the call.

It was the hospital.

He listed himself down as the main contact for you when you were admitted.  He didn’t personally know your parents, he didn’t even know where you lived.  You spent so much time at his apartment with him and Jennie before, he didn’t need to know.  Apparently, they had stopped by at least once while you were hospitalized because your doctor had told him they were alright with him being listed above them.  Supposedly they were always busy with back to back work.  

His first impression of your parents without ever seeing them face to face: they sucked.  

“Hello…!”  Taehyung couldn’t be too loud.  Jennie was sleeping just beyond the wall.  This could be nothing just an update call for all he knew.  He couldn’t risk waking her up.

“Good morning, Mr. Kim.  I apologize for the ungodly hour.”

“No, it’s alright.”

“I’m calling regarding Miss L/n.  There has been a shift in her condition.” Taehyung felt his throat constrict.  “She’s been insistently asking for you and your younger sister.”  Taehyung damn near dropped his phone.  He felt like he couldn’t breathe.  He felt so choked.

“You mean- she’s,” he voice broke.  

“She’s going through some tests, but she’s very much awake and well.”

“Can I- I mean my sister and I- Can we-?!”

“Yes, sir.  The both of you may visit her to your convenience.”

“Thank you very much,” Taehyung whispered, so full of emotion.

“It’s my pleasure.  We’ll see you both very soon.”  The line died and Taehyung had never felt more alive. He pulled a jersey over his shirtless torso and ran to Jennie’s room.  Throwing open his door and nearly tripping on the long sleeve of his sweats. He rushed to Jennie’s side, shaking her shoulder.

“Jen. Hey, Jen. Wake up.”  his sister moaned and slapped at his hand.  He chuckled, persisting.  “Jen. Hey, we have somewhere to go.”  She turned to her alarm clocked.  

“It’s 5:07, where do we have to go so early?” She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she yawned, laying on her back.  

“It’s a surprise.” he got up and grabbed her hoodie to put over her sleep shirts and a pair of old, worn out flats to slip onto her feet.  It was chilly out and her short cover hips and bare legs would be cold, but she was far too asleep to properly change.  “Just slip these on and we’ll go.  I”ll carry you all the way there, I promise.”  

“Piggyback?”

“Piggyback.” She lazily did as her brother told her and soon he was at the front door, slipping on old sneakers with his litter sister balanced on his back and phone in his pocket.  

“Won’t you be cold, Tae?” Jen asked with a tired slur. Hardly coherent at all.

“Nope.  You’re my jacket. “ He chuckled as Jennie wrapped her arms around her brother’s shoulders tighter.  She got comfortable all over again, enough so to almost fall back asleep as Taehyung set off into the chilly, early winter air.

Taehyung hiked it to the hospital in record time, as promised, carrying Jennie the whole trip.  When they stepped into the warm area, Jennie woke up from her half-asleep state a bit more.  She looked around. It was so quiet so early in the morning.  Tae was flagged down by your doctor, the same man who called him earlier.

“Sure didn’t waste any time,” the doctor chided playfully as Taehyung approached him.

“You kidding?  Time is all we’ve been wasting.  Time’s up now.”  The doctor noticed a new found brightness around Taehyung.  He smiled.

“This way then.” Jennie peered over her brother’s shoulder.

“Tae, why are we here?”

“We’re visiting Y/n.”

“We do that after school though.”

Taehyung chuckled.  “I think we’ll take the day off.  You don’t have any tests today, do you?”  She shook her head.  “Good.”

“But-”

“Alright, in here please.”  The doctor interrupted.  Taehyung let Jennie down and pushed her in front of him.  He was nervous.  Taking a shaking breath, he followed the doctor in behind Jennie.  

There you were.  A nurse was checking your condition as she asked your questions and you answered back.  Jennie quickly latched onto Taehyung’s hand in disbelief as Taehyung though he was going to break down.  You were in front of him again.  You turned to the door and smiled so brightly Taehyung felt his heart shake in his chest.  

“Jen! Tae!”  Jennie burst as she ran to your bed, flopping on it to hold your waist and began sobbing into your lap.  You pet her head soothing her.  Taehyung stood frozen in the doorway. You noticed and held your hand out for him to come closer. Taehyung has never reached for a hand so quickly in his life.

Engulfing your small hand in both of his, he dropped to his knees by your bedside and wept into the hospital bed.  You looked fondly between the siblings.  It was hard to wrap your head around.  Sleeping for so long after being pushed off a building, your school no less.  You felt lucky to be alive.

“You two must’ve been lonely.  I’m sorry.”  They denied through their tears.  The nurse and doctor had excused themselves to allow the 3 of you to have a personal moment alone.

20 minutes later, Jennie slept on your lap while Tae sat on a chair, still holding your hand.  He was puffy and red-eyed, but he was speaking to you, laughing with you and after so long of wanting it to be so- he was finally with you.  

It was noon when his phone chimed with a text in his pocket.  Word must’ve gotten around that the comatose student had woken up because when he opened his text is was none other than Park Jimin.

From: Jimin Can we meet her now, lover boy?

He smiled at the message as he then looked and smiled at you.  You blinked a few times before he typed his reply back to his friend.

From: Taehyung No.

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Feedback is always appreciated!!!

[crimsonblackrose]

2019 is over and seeing 2020 on my calendar is strange. I had planned to go to bed early and get a lot of things done today, but instead I’ve found myself just wanting to spend my day resting.

My mindset this year was, it’s my last year in Korea so if there’s something I want to do, do it.

January

In January I was teaching my final camp (a cooking camp) for my country school and saying goodbye to friends who were going home.

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February

In February I was desperate to make up for 2018. I wanted to go back to the states and try to have a time that didn’t…emotionally scar me and the results were…better? I got to spend my 27th birthday with my family. I got to play with my baby cousins and eat delicious cake (I’ve missed American cake) and I got to visit LA for the first time and see friends and it was both too short and at times too long. My phone, which I dropped at Monkey Mountain during the previous summer in Japan, also finally died from water damage. And I awkwardly ran into Target to get a prepaid phone to survive on for the rest of my trip and when they asked if I wanted insurance I laughed and said “No, I’m leaving the country.” And then belatedly realized how creepy that sounded, like I was on the run and I’ve never sped walked out of a Target so fast and so embarrassed, which I’m sure didn’t help.

Before I moved out of Gapyeong I  also made sure I did everything I wanted, which meant taking myself to see le Petite France before I moved. And I did and then I moved to Gunpo. A friend helped me find someone to help me move which was essentially a guy with a truck.  It was a long journey with lots of traffic and I was worried about being late to meet my new coteacher, but it turned out it was all fine because my room wasn’t ready yet. My driver even fell asleep while we stopped at rest stop so I could use the bathroom. One of the reasons I’m always glad I always have a book with me. It was not a fun move, I forgot my coat in the back of his truck since he took it from me and threw it in the backseat when I got in, and I was so stressed with getting everything out of the truck and into the hallway that it slipped my mind. I had to pay him to come and bring my coat back to me. And then I spent several hours sitting in the hallway waiting for my room to be ready.

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March

This brought on the spring of flowers. I’ve never spent so much of my spring immersed in flowers and I kind of loved it. I started my March off with adjusting to my new town and my new job. I got to meet other teachers in the area, I enjoyed life in a city which was insanely lovely in comparison to my old tiny town and the going away gifts my coworkers had given me from homemade candles to Gong Cha free drink coupons. I even met up with new friends I’d made. The adjustment to my new job was rough, there was so much to learn and there were so many more students and classes and coworkers than I had ever had in my 4 years at my old school.

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April

April found me on a bus to Jinhae to follow the Cherry Blossoms and back to Gunpo to enjoy the Royal Azalea festival. It also had maybe one of my busiest days, which was Nathalie’s birthday and Mika’s wedding party.  I also stayed at a jimjilbang for the first time.

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May

In May I was in Singapore surrounded by Orchids and heat, humidity, and rain. I also went to Goyang for one of the most beautiful and intense flower festivals I’ve ever seen. It was also when we threw my friend Esme her Alice in Wonderland themed tea party bridal party and when I went to a lot of festivals and took the start of my tea classes with Kew and Leaves.

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June

June brought Esme’s wedding and it was fun to help out and be part of the behind the scenes of a wedding in Korea. I also went to a popular Korean hair style chain where I got a cute short expensive hair cut that I loved but when I got home I realized they’d completely missed a chunk of my hair which greatly disillusioned me with the chain. And in an effort to deal with some stress I tried learning traditional Korean wrapping and making an embroidery project as well as taking some a matcha course. Which I needed because I was in pain, it was vague and eventually turned into chest pains as the months progressed.

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July

July brought my first camp at my new school which was very different from my old camps on almost every way and more stress. It also brought new waves of goodbyes of friends heading home. My chest pains got worse in July and of course I googled them which sent me into a panic so I went to several doctors and there’s a good chance it’s from stress, so that’s fun.

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 August

August found me in Japan again. This time my big trip with a plan of visiting Hokkaido and the hopes to finish everything I wanted to do in Japan. It was full of misadventures and very hot but it was also fun. I also finally made it to Seoul Comic Con. It also found me with ear infections and what probably was/is tendinitis.

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September

In September I returned to Taiwan to visit Taipei on my own. It was very hot and during a holiday that meant a lot of places were closed so I went out of my way for places that were closed. It also found me with visitors to show around and a rather scary fever where the doctors told me either I had a cold or my liver was failing and that was not fun to hear. It was just a cold.

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October

In October I decided to start Adventuring Bibliophile as a Instagram and I tried several ways to make it it’s own blog only to get very frustrated.  My school had it’s school festival and I went on an insane flight to get home for a wedding. I was in the states for a day. I’ve never cried so much during a wedding. But I also never ever want to do such an insane trip where I spend more time in the air then on the ground ever again, especially not on an airline that’s so cheap. My school also took us to see the musical Marie Antoinette and I hosted a Halloween Party.

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November

November found me wedding crashing an old coworkers wedding. (Not wedding crashing in Korean culture, but definitely in American culture) It was so weird to see my old coworkers and I didn’t get to chat with a lot of the ones I wanted to and just found myself awkwardly not sure what to do, having not expected showing up late or staying. Then I went to the silver grass festival which was not something to do on a poor air quality day since it requires a lot of hiking and not something I particularly enjoyed to do in my dress. I made kimchi, I celebrated Thanksgiving with friends and tried an escape room for the first time.

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December

In December I was pretty bummed. The air quality was bad, classes were ending and I didn’t get an opportunity to really say goodbye to my students and tell them that no one would be replacing me. My job is gone and I’m the last teacher to have this position. I got to tell one class and we had a mini party which was delightful and touching. I also learned that the teacher who replaced me at my old school have also found their contract without a chance for renewal due to similar budget cuts. My friends are mostly all moving or also leaving and I spent much of December sort of frozen in fear. Where do I send all my stuff? Who do I give it to? None of it can stay and I don’t know where to send it. It’s overwhelming. My school had ceramic teachers come and teach us how to make traditional ceramic pieces in Korean style. But I found the process stressful. I made a mug but despite liking how it turned out, a bit like a tree stump, they told me it required too much work to fix to show me how to do the Korean style bits. So a coworker rushed to help me make a plate in the hopes that I could do the Korean aspect with it, only to be told again that it would take too long to fix. In the end when I got back my mug they hadn’t done the the thing I requested and the mug looks nothing like what I gave them. I was not happy. The plate didn’t come back. I tried to watch my students graduate only to learn that the space was too small and cramped to actually watch the graduation and then I was whisked off into a meeting so I couldn’t say goodbye to any of them afterwards. My Christmas traditions didn’t happen and it made me feel so much worse. All I wanted was to be home. And I ended the year feeling nervous, winter in 2018 was a wreck with family emergencies and pain and every small thing makes me so much more twisted up about being away.

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I don’t feel like I had a busy 2019 but when I look at everything I did it really was busy. I get why my coworkers and even one friend told me you’re always so busy. But it’s my last year in Korea and I’m trying to do everything I want to. I also am also trying to be more social and get out more now that I have the opportunity. I didn’t try as hard after my mother died and so I tried really really hard this year to push forward and I don’t know whether I did it in a healing way or in a way that burnt me out by the time I reached the end of the year. I also spent a lot of time this year going to the hospital, usually only to find out it was due to stress. It seems I react to stress physically so I don’t always noticed how stressed I am, unless I’m unable to sleep. And I had a lot of difficulty throughout this year sleeping.

A Review of last years Resolutions

Last year I tried my hand at resolutions.

I wanted to cook and bake more. I did do some before I left and this winter, but my new place didn’t come with an oven or a rice cooker, so baking didn’t happen. I did cook more but I also got sick of the things I made for myself fairly quickly. But I do think overall my diet has been healthier than it was in the country side. But it helps that the grocery store has lots of different types of things and is open past 6pm.

I did catch up with my podcasts but then with my reoccurring ear infections I stopped listening for awhile in a try to figure out what was causing it, even though my headphones were suppose to be fine. So I’m behind again.

I moved. And well, I’m moving again. Fun.

I didn’t want to regret moving. And that’s a toss up. I love where I live now. I love living in the city and I like my coworkers and my students but I taught at my old school for 4 years. I miss my coworkers, I miss our lunches, I miss all the big open spaces and the quiet and the stars and I do occasionally regret leaving my kids because I get messages of “Teacher when are you coming back?” and it breaks my heart.

Travel to: Singapore √,  Hong Kong x, Taipei √ , Japan √  (Okinawa x), home for wedding √, home for funeral X

Finish all the physical books I have (working on it, but I did finish the books I listed)

Go out more √ , spend more time in nature √ , spend time with friends √ , call home once a week √ , yoga and mediate x, learn something new √

The end of a decade

It’s really weird to realize it’s 2020. I graduated high school in 2010. Which means the majority of my life alone has been within this last decade, my time as a young adult. I don’t think high school me or even kid me would have guessed what I did. But maybe I would’ve. I always knew I wanted to leave the states and travel. But I was a huge scardy cat. I think though I would’ve expected to have gone to Japan though rather then South Korea. I graduated high school, went to college, lived in Chicago, wrote a lot, was an RA, met some amazing people, explored the city, started a blog, became a tutor, studied abroad in Prague, spent a spring break in London, organized and  hosted a ridiculous amount of events, graduated college with a BFA and after studying from some really cool writers and artists, moved across the globe to RURAL South Korea, made new friends, taught elementary school kids, explored, traveled with friends, traveled on my own, visited 8 different countries, wrote A LOT.  While I don’t feel like I’m where I wanted to be, I still have to be proud of the things I have accomplished.

The Future

I’m not going to do resolutions this year. I’m going to go back to doing gentle goals. Because I know this new year is going to be rough and I need to be gentle with myself. I’m at a crossroads that every friend before me who has taken has spoken to me with warnings and a tinge of regret. Moving back home is difficult. My aunt did it and said she felt like she left part of her soul somewhere over the ocean. I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I know there are some things I Have to do. Some are difficult and others less so.

Finish sending gifts home. (So late on holiday gifts. December caught me like a deer in headlights and I’ve been feeling stuck)

Start giving things away or selling them. My school isn’t keeping my apartment so everything that is mine must go. That’s 5 years worth of my life on my own. 5 years worth of memories I have to go through and make drastic decisions on.

Whatever I want to keep must fit in my suitcases or be shipped home.

Eat as much of my food as possible.

Drink as much of my tea as possible. (As much as I love the idea of coming home with tea from all sorts of different countries it also means less space for things like clothes)

Finish all the books on my bookcase

Buy my ticket home.

Close up accounts, do paperwork.

Have mothers funeral

Deal with mother’s things

Family vacation?

Go through all my stuff that my aunt has been watching

Figure out my life

Okay so that last one isn’t some gentle thing. I honestly don’t have an answer for it. I have half baked plans, but none of them are long term. Which kind of stresses me out. And really that’s all stuff I have to do like a to-do list not really goals. Okay, let me try that again.

Rest

write more and edit

spend time with family and friends

travel when possible.

Current planned trips, later this month:

Paris, France

Okinawa, Japan

Go to more bookish places in Korea

eat delicious foods I’ve missed

enjoy a bath

enjoy a dryer

Cook, bake, exercise, spend time in nature and with animals

Not sure if that’s better but it feels better. I feel like there’s so much that has to get done that the thought of what I’m doing after is too difficult to fathom. So I’m doing my best putting one foot in front of the other at the moment.

How was your decade? What do you hope to do in this new one?

Happy New year! May your 2020 bring you wonderful things.

  Year in Review- 2019 2019 is over and seeing 2020 on my calendar is strange. I had planned to go to bed early and get a lot of things done today, but instead I've found myself just wanting to spend my day resting.