#PA Wilds

[zoeflake]

Road trip to the PA Wilds ©Lunaladee

[wildhemlock]

Yesterday's finds! A large patch of ghost pipe growing through some trailing pine, both rare plants.

[kozmophotos]

Pennsylvania's Hidden Treasures: Uncovering the Top Five Places You Need to Experience

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through the hidden treasures of Pennsylvania? Prepare to be amazed as we uncover the top five must-visit places that will leave you in awe. From breathtaking natural wonders to captivating historical sites and vibrant cultural hubs, Pennsylvania has it all. Join us as we explore the awe-inspiring beauty, rich history, and unforgettable…

[shortieinaleatherjacket]

Not gonna lie I went to the southern part of PA and I get why people say PA sucks.

Southern PA is just filled with off brand southern wanna be’s off the mason dixon line who have never been anywhere as far north as their county.

Like idk I come from the PA wilds so it’s a lot different. Also suburban sprawl has taken over southern PA and the population density is a lot different.

[profounddefendorcrusade-blog]

Starlo should be Clover's dad

Why? Because ↓

1) Both dress into cowboy-themed attire to feel braver/more important than they are

2) Clover, instead of a regular kid, wants to feel like a hero; Star, instead of a regular farmer, also wants to feel like a hero

In reality, Star is not the tough guy he pretends to be. His optimism, protectiveness and caring nature make him a hero though.

In reality, Clover started off as a scared kid who became more confident and skilled thanks to Flowey's resets. Their heroism comes from their forgiving and selfless nature and the hidden courage they got the chance to explore.

2) Both acted childish during a dangerous situation Clover came down the mountain with a toy gun so that it would bring them comfort/they'd feel more in control of the situation (if you remember, Frisk refused to play with Asriel's toys in UT, saying how they're "too old," and I assume Frisk and Clover are the same age).

Starlo brought a fake gun before confronting Clover in genocide, just to feel cool.

3) Both not only value justice, but base it on compassion

Clover's entire mission was to bring justice (avenge the kids), but along the way changed that mindset (in pacifist). Star says how him and his posse aren't bandits, tests Clover's sense of justice and morality with the trolley problem, and wants to give Ceroba a second chance despite her actions.

4) Starlo's got protective fatherly instincts

5) fatherly pride

8) a lot of monsters associate Clover with the Dunes/Wild East

9) oh and... Starlo referred to the Wild East as Clover's.... home. Twice.

he could have easily said 'Wild East'

... get the adoption papers.

[asktheritochampion]

What's your favorite book?

Oh, I thoroughly enjoy the deep philosophy and nuances in War and Peace. It's a thoughtful insight into life in the times of war. A worthy read for any warrior in these turbulent times.

--

[gaesnek]

can you really call yourself a dungeons and daddies fan if you haven't watched Freddie Wong eat vegan cookies off the floor 🤨

[book--brackets]

Summaries under the cut

Les Chevaliers d'Emeraude by Anne Robillard

Apprenant que l'Empereur Noir s'apprête à envahir le continent de nouveau, le Roi d'Emeraude, soucieux de protéger tous les peuples d'Enkidiev, ressuscite un ancien ordre de chevalerie. Choisis pour leurs dons particuliers, dotés de pouvoirs magiques, les nouveaux Chevaliers d'Emeraude sont au nombre de sept : six hommes et une femme.Au moment où les compagnons d'armes se disent enfin prêts à combattre, la Reine Fan de Shola demande audience à Emeraude Ier et lui confie Kira, alors âgée de deux ans et encore inconsciente du rôle qu'elle sera appelée à jouer dans le futur des hommes. Ce jour-là, Wellan, le grand chef des Chevaliers, tombe profondément amoureux de la reine. Malheureusement, le Royaume de Shola subira les attaques féroces des dragons de l'Empereur Noir et tous les Sholiens, y compris la reine, seront massacrés.Le coeur brisé, Wellan devra organiser la défense d'Enkidiev et repousser les forces du Mal...

I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale

After her mother unexpectedly leaves her with her uncle's family, members of a fanatical Christian cult, Kirby tries to learn what has become of her mother and struggles to cope with the repressiveness of her new surroundings and to maintain her own identity.After her mother leaves her with her uncle's family, members of a Christian cult, Kirby tries to learn what has become of her mother and struggles to cope with the repressiveness of her surroundings and to maintain her own identity.

Regarding the... by Kate Klise

The Dry Creek Middle School drinking fountain has sprung a leak, so principal Walter Russ dashes off a request to Flowing Waters Fountains, Etc.

...We need a new drinking fountain. Please send a catalog.

Designer Flo Waters responds:

"I'd be delighted...but please understand that all of my fountains are custom-made."

Soon the fountain project takes on a life of its own, one chronicled in letters, postcards, memos, transcripts, and official documents. The school board president is up in arms. So is Dee Eel, of the water-supply company. A scandal is brewing, and Mr. Sam N.'s fifth grade class is turning up a host of hilarious secrets buried deep beneath the fountain.

Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West by Marguerite Henry

Horses were in Annie Bronn's blood. For as long as she could remember, she had been fascinated by the spirited wild mustangs that roamed free throughout the West. So when greedy cattlemen started to round up the mustangs for slaughter, Annie knew it was up to her to save the breed.

Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke

Eleven-year-old Jon Whitcroft never expected to enjoy boarding school. Then again, he never expected to be confronted by a pack of vengeful ghosts, either. And then he meets Ella, a quirky new friend with a taste for adventure...

Together, Jon and Ella must work to uncover the secrets of a centuries-old murder while being haunted by terrifying spirits, their bloodless faces set on revenge. So when Jon summons the ghost of the late knight Longspee for his protection, there's just one Can Longspee truly be trusted?

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

The dogs on Flavia's street have started dying mysteriously, and she is determined to find out why. Her investigation leads her to three extraordinary people: Jonathan, her new neighbor; Nubia, an African slave; and Lupus, a mute beggar boy. The four embark on a search for the killer ... and that's when the excitement begins

The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz

The Cloak

An elite organization of supervillains graced with extraordinary powers. Ten years ago the Cloak Society was defeated by Sterling City's superheroes, the Rangers of Justice, and vanished without a trace. But the villains have been waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. . . . Twelve-year-old Alex Knight is a dedicated junior member of Cloak who has spent years mastering his telekinetic superpowers and preparing for the day when Cloak will rise to power again. Cloak is everything he believes in. But during his debut mission, Alex does the He saves the life of a Junior Ranger of Justice. Even worse . . . she becomes his friend. And the more time he spends with her, the more Alex wonders what, exactly, he's been fighting for.

Barnen pa Brakmakargatan by Astrid Lindgren

Look out -- here comes trouble! Jonas, Maria, and Lotta Nyman don't mean to make trouble, but because their idea of fun is to stick salami on the windows, keep the water running from the kitchen faucet until the sink overflows, and lower meatballs down through the chimney, trouble just seems to follow them....

With the Nyman kids around, anything can happen!

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

The story begins with a mysterious egg washed up on a Scottish beach, the morning after a great storm. Kirstie and her brother Angus find the egg and take it home. The next day it has hatched into a tiny greeny-grey creature with a horse's head, warty skin, four flippers and a crocodile's tail. The baby sea monster soon becomes the family pet – but the trouble is, it just doesn't stop growing!

Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell

A silver brumby is special, but he will be hunted by man and horse alike, and must be stronger than both. Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, is king of the brumbies. But he must defend his herd from the mighty horse, The Brolga, in the most savage of struggles. But that is not the only danger. Thowra needs all his speed and cunning to save his herd from capture by man. In a desperate chase through the mountains, it seems there is no longer anywhere for him to run to...

[catfindr]

[admiralgiggles]

There were tons of blue jays in Briar Creek Park. I never realized how big they are.

[cringesnail]

Etoiles qui dit que streamer outer wilds ça te fait détester TheGreatReview c'est réel je suis que viewer et les gens qui parle de TGR dans le chat toutes les 2 secondes ça me fait péter un câble

[zoeflake]

Pine Creek Gorge, aka Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Biked 18 miles on the rail trail, creekside; then drove up to Colton Point for the view. Not much color yet, but always beautiful, no matter the season.

[billiethepoet]

I grew up in rural, deeply red PA. I've lived in urban, very blue NC for more than 20 years. I fucking hate election night.

[kozmophotos]

Hyner Run and Hyner View State Park

Hyner View State Park and Hyner Run State Park are both located in Clinton County, in north central Pennsylvania. The area also falls into the area known as the PA Wilds and the 280,000 acres Sproul State Forest surrounds both of these amazing state parks.  After one visit to the area you will understand why this area is considered a must see spot in PA. From the vast forest to the amazing view.…

[pickled-flowers]

The blue jays have started building a nest that's right next to my balcony and I see them perfectly from my usual seat!

[starleska]

thoughts on Despicable Me 4...🐜✨

i finally got to see Despicable Me 4 today and wanted to share a few thoughts, as it's a series near and dear to my heart (and same for many pals on here 🥰). of course, massive spoilers below!!!

so to start off: DM4 is tremendously charming and funny just like it's predecessors! there's plenty of fun action, an entertaining roster of new characters to enjoy and some very interesting lore-building on the origin of supervillainy in the DM universe. i laughed a lot and generally found it to be a fun little romp!! and of course, y'all know how obsessed i am with the main baddie 🙈💖

that being said, i do feel that DM4 was a little...thematically muddled, in places, with a few aspects falling short of expectations. whilst i adore him, i think this can be felt most with Maxime Le Mal, our fabulous bug-themed villain. although Maxime had a killer entrance and a truly terrifying vendetta against Gru, i was a little deflated to see it revealed to just be a routine high school rivalry...with no particular explanation!! i was left with so many more questions about him and his history: when did his and Gru's rivalry begin, and why? why is Maxime Übelschlecht's favourite student? what's Maxime's background? how did he and Valentina meet, and why did they stay together? can he transform at will, or was he turned back into a human by the AVL?

likewise, Maxime's partner Valentina suffered a great deal more: despite a banging design and a touted history as a femme fatale, Valentina ended up not being much more than Maxime's girlfriend, which was...bizarre, honestly. i kind of felt that they accidentally gave the badass action sequences and lore development which should've gone to Valentina to Principal Übelschlecht...which was odd!! it feels like we were given the tantalising suggestion of all the history at Lycée Pas Bon, but all we got to see was a glimpse at the talent show. which felt like a waste!!! i have a few thoughts on how Valentina could've been made more vital to the story, which i'll expand upon another time 🔥

it's a similar odd unbalanced feeling when it comes to Lucy, Margot, Edith and Agnes...lots of us were interested in seeing how Gru and Lucy having a biological child affected the girls, but it seems to be a non-issue. having the girls and their development be sidelined again so we can explore a different young character wanting to explore villainy (Poppy) seems like such an odd choice to me...as cool as Poppy is, why not just make it one of Gru's kids? it kind of felt like Gru has 'finished' bonding with the girls, so his trying to bond with Gru Junior was prioritised 💔

here's the thing: i think the scenes with Gru and Poppy were incredibly strong, and him mentoring a young villain is a fabulous idea! but why move it from Lycée Pas Bon at all? imagine a version of the movie where one of the girls - or all of them!-is/are accepted at Lycée Pas Bon as a student, and the whole family relocates to support her/them. perhaps Maxime could've stayed on as a villainy teacher, and Poppy could've been an already-enrolled student!! then we could've had that re-emergence of old high school rivalries along with the AVL subplot, Poppy wanting to pull a heist, etc. without Maxime and Valentina needing to spend half their time off-screen hunting for Gru!! 😭💖

weighing all of that up... i really enjoyed Despicable Me 4, but there were lots of places where i think the elements weren't properly blended or expanded upon. it felt like perhaps there were too many things going on at once, and they weren't cooked for quite long enough? but hey, that's alright - it makes the universe a more fun sandbox to play in :3c plus, this movie can't go down in my estimation - not only does it have Maxime Le Mal, but we also got to see all of our old favourite villains!!! (the way i SCREAMED seeing Balthazar again oh my god-!!!)

so yeah!!! really fun movie with plenty of stuff to keep us guessing and coming up with interesting new angles in the fandom :3c i'd love to hear your thoughts!!!