#Remedies for the evil eye in 2020?

[sanjaysethi1]

Evil Eye Protection- Are you feeling trouble because of Evil eye. Then Now don't you worry because We have a remedies for evil eye in 2020

[i-want-my-iwtv]

Hi! I just discovered your blog searching for IWTV quotes. I named my kitty Clawdia because she had these little stripes on her chin that looked like fangs, and she was very combative 🤭 She passed away Nov. 2020, and I want to get a memorial tattoo for her. I was wondering, what are some/your favorite Claudia quotes? I haven’t read this book in about 15 years and I can only find like two quotes online..?? I’m not sure if there’s even a good tattoo one, but I thought I might ask :-) Thank you.

Awww, I’m sorry for your loss, and I'm honored to help you find a good quote to memorialize your Clawdia ♥. Excellent name choice; Claudia is basically fangs + very combative + adorable (whether she likes it or not!) little creature. Share a few pics with us, if you feel comfortable doing so. And do share with us when you get the tattoo so I can add it to my collection here!

[X]

I finished skimming through the first 5 books, I spent a lot of time on this, and I’m satisfied with what I pulled. I think my fave option for now is:

"A small glittering thing plucked from the raging chaos"

***

Claudia is one of my top 3 favorite characters in the whole series. Reading/writing fics set in the IWTV era is like visiting with her... one of my fave fics is @codenamecesare​’s Fearfully Changing, which features Claudia. 

OK SO. Claudia quotes! @claudiaindarkness​ might have some good quotes to add to mine. A lot of what Claudia canonically said was contextual and sometimes fairly combative, which can be good for a tattoo, depending on what you’re going for. I have 2 sections, one is direct quotes from her that you could use bits of, and the second is for quotes about her, in some way. I didn't add any from the '94 IWTV movie, it sounds like you're more focused on the books, but if you want a few from the movie, I'll add them. I also didn’t add the more standard fandom fave quotes, I don’t recall that any of them are directly Claudia-related, like “Evil is a point of view,” and “If I am an angel, paint me with black wings,” etc.

Also, check out my #tattoo tag, there are other VC tattoos there that might inspire you.

IWTV Claudia quotes:

"I have no human nature" 

"We must live with the knowledge that there is no knowledge"

"Let the flesh instruct the mind"

"A constant never-ending search for something"

"I'll put you in your coffin, Father, I'll put you in it forever."

“You know the remedy. Let the flesh . . . let the flesh instruct the mind.”

"So now let's have peace, because there's nothing else to be had."

"Hell is people living together in eternal hatred." 

"Would that I had your size . . And would that you had my heart.”

“Be en garde”

“Don't be frightened of my fancy”

“We need our language, our people.“

"This is my world, I must have it as I like,”

“Did you think I'd be your daughter forever?“

“Fire purifies“

“We have the world, come with us!”

Quotes (potentially) about Claudia:

(from IWTV) The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Her lips were red, her looks were free, Her locks were yellow as gold: Her skin was as white as leprosy, The Nightmare Life-in-Death was she, Who thicks man’s blood with cold.

"What a picture he made of her, the infant death, he called her. Sister death, and sweet death;" From those, I like Sweet Death

"Claudia, meantime, was flirting with disaster," variations: Flirting with disaster or Flirt with disaster could work!

This is a bit of a stretch, but digging back through my blog... "So we reach into the raging chaos, and we pluck some small glittering thing, and we cling to it, and tell ourselves it has meaning, and that the world is good, and we are not evil, and we will all go home in the end" - Lestat, Tale of the Body Thief. I love that line, probably one of my favorite lines in the whole series. It’s about Mojo but as that book has a lot of Claudia, I interpret it as being about her, too: "A small glittering thing plucked from the raging chaos"

“Fierce and unnatural child thing”

Cover her face; mine eyes dazzle; she died young. - by Webster, in Claudia’s diary entry from QOTD.

“The beautiful know they have power, and she had, in her diminutive charm, a certain power of which she was always casually aware.” - Louis re: Claudia in Merrick

[ragewerthers]

To Defeat A Dragon

Summary: With the 100 year war behind them and the battles now lying more in the council room then on the battlefield, Sokka and Zuko take a moment to reminisce over the last few years.

However, reminiscing comes with a few surprises for Zuko when he forgets something rather important about the spars he used to have with Sokka.  But no worries... Sokka is more than happy to remind him.

A/n: Hello and Merry christmas, my friend!!!  I am the secret santa for @calmturquoise​ for the Squealing Santa 2020!  Thank you for giving me the chance to write something so sweet for these two and getting to join in on the fun of ATLA again!

I also want to thank @ticklygiggles​ for hosting this event again!  You're amazing and I’m so happy I got to participate in this once more!

The prompt was for some sweet, platonic Sokka and Zuko and I was so excited to get the chance to write these two!!!

You can also read on AO3 at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28308495

Enjoy! :) 

Word Count: 2941

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

“I think they’re deliberately starting to make those Council meetings longer,” Zuko grumbled, shifting uncomfortably where he now rested.  Currently, he was sat at the edge of the small turtleduck pond in the middle of the royal gardens.  Attempting to alleviate the ache in his back he went to sit up a little straighter.  The result was his back cracking in a way that was probably unhealthy for someone who was only twenty-three, but really he should’ve known this would be par for the course.  Growing up a child warrior really isn’t kind to the bones in the long run.  Wincing at the dull ache it left behind it wasn’t enough to distract him from the snort of his less than empathetic friend.

“No, buddy.  You’re just finally starting to become the cranky old man you always were inside,”  Sokka teased, practically laying beside Zuko as he reclined back on his elbows… before promptly collapsing next to the Firelord with a yelp.  A charlie ostrihorse had aggressively decided to seize the muscles in his shoulders and neck and all he could do was roll around in the grass like a crazy person.  Apparently, Zuko wasn’t the only one starting to feel the effects of those long meetings. 

Zuko instantly smirked at the reaction, happy to see Sokka getting a taste of the elderly lifestyle they now lived in apparently.  

“First of all, you deserve all of what’s happening to you right now,” Zuko said, waving his hand in the direction of Sokka’s prone form. “Second of all, what do you mean cranky?!  I’m a ray of sunshine.”

The words were spoken so deadpan that Sokka instantly snorted with a bit of pained laughter, still clutching the side of his neck as he lay on the ground.  “Don’t d-do thahat!  Can’t you s-see I’m hurting?!” he whined, though his smile still remained as he looked over at his best friend.  “But yes… how could I forget, oh great Firelord, that the sun is literally supposed to shine out of your butt?”

Zuko finally broke into a more open smile, sitting up a little straighter and nodding.  “And don’t you forget it,” he joked, getting another ridiculous giggle from Sokka.

After a few more minutes, the pain finally seemed to subside as the water tribesman was able to sit up with a wince.  Rolling his shoulder a bit to try and work out the last of the kink he couldn’t stop himself from letting out an almost wistful sigh.  “But isn’t it a bit sad?  I didn’t think it was possible to get aches and pains from just sitting!  Remember the good old days of our youth when we could spar for hours and hours and we wouldn’t even be phased?”

“What do you mean ‘the good old days of our youth’?  You’re only a year younger than me,” Zuko said with a little roll of his eyes as he began to remove his crown.  With no further meetings scheduled for the day he figured he might as well be comfortable. Setting it beside himself on the grass he settled back against the tree, ignoring the look Sokka was giving him.

“Hey!  We’re older than we were back then, right?  So… those are the days of our youth!  And you ignored the question,” he huffed.

“Oh… you were actually looking for an answer to your ramblings?” Zuko teased, a small smile fighting to quirk up the corners of his lips as he tried to ignore Sokka puffing his cheeks up like a toddler.  Oh yeah… the man obviously had matured so much since those days.  “Okay, okay.  I do remember.  I still consider myself proficient with the dual dao, but I think you’re right.  With sitting most of our days away, I’m sure it hasn’t done our skills any favors.”

Sokka’s pout instantly retreated, replaced with a light smile as Zuko agreed with him.  “Right?  Not to mention that it was always super satisfying every time I won which, I mean, was almost always after our first few spars,” he said smugly, causing the Firelord to instantly focus on him.

“I’m sorry… what?” Zuko asked, his eyes narrowed and voice almost dangerously low.

Sadly, enough time and shared moments between them meant that Sokka no longer feared the ‘fire scowl’.  Instead, his smug smile only grew.  “You heard me.  You may have handed my ass to me the first few times we spared, but after that I almost never lost another fight against you.”

“.... did that cramp do something to your memory?” Zuko wondered aloud.  “It must’ve because if memory serves, you almost never won against me.  You came close a number of times, but I was almost always the victor.”

However, regardless of how insistent his statement, that smug smile still remained on Sokka’s face as the Southern Water Tribesman sat up beside his friend.  “Nope.  I’m afraid old age has started to rust up those memories of yours, Sifu Hotman.  I won almost all of our spars and I can’t believe you’ve forgotten.”

“......... did you drink one of Uncle’s experimental teas again?  You know he almost killed himself doing that once!” Zuko warned, because that was the only way that Sokka could possibly think that he had won so many of their duels.

But something akin to worry grew in Zuko’s chest when he saw Sokka’s smile turning from smug to something a little more dangerous.

“Oh my dear Jerkbender.  I think you’ve forgotten that while you may have had the upperhand most of the time when we were dueling, I found out a secret move.  Because I remembered a universal truth about dragons.”

Oh yeah… Sokka definitely drank the experimental teas.  He’d warned uncle that cactus juice wasn’t to be messed with!

Zuko quirked an eyebrow at the comment before closing his eyes to calm his temper.  Taking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, he turned once more to look at his friend.  “Okay, buddy.  Let’s get you to the healers,” he began gently, carefully reaching forward to rest his hand on Sokka’s shoulder.  “I think they have a remedy for thi-HIHIS?!”

Immediately his arm moved back from Sokka to cover his side as an electric feeling zipped through his veins.

Sokka was only just keeping himself from laughing beside him, his fingers still poised from where they’d managed a small nibbling pinch against the Firelord's lower ribs.  “The thing about dragons…,” Sokka continued, ignoring Zuko’s insistence on getting him medical attention.  “... is that all of them have a soft spot.  Once you find it… you can defeat it.  And I was lucky enough to find a dragon with more weak spots then most.”

Suddenly Zuko remembered almost every one of his spars with Sokka… and with it the memory of an evil, horrible truth.  Sokka had indeed won most of their spars after the first few.  Because that cheating dunderhead had accidentally found out that Zuko… was horrendously ticklish.

And judging from the look Sokka was leveling him with his friend was looking to make sure he definitely remembered this little fact.

“S-Sokka!  Sokka, listen to me… don’t you da-AH!” he shouted, rolling away just in time as Sokka attempted to tackle him into the grass.  Quickly, Zuko managed to get up onto his knees, trying to get his feet underneath him to stand, but fate decided to deal him a cruel hand once more.  His Fire nation robes for all the brilliance and regality they offered him to onlookers were far from practical.  Long and flowing silks were seen as traditional and although he’d made many reforms in his time already on the throne, fashion hadn’t quite made it to the table yet.  Thus, as he attempted to flee from his friend, his feet only managed to step on the front of his robes, stopping his movements and pausing him just long enough to land himself in Sokka’s clutches.

Before he knew it, two strong arms were already locked around his waist and Zuko attempted to use his words once more to try and plead his case for freedom.

Of course… when had that ever played out in his favor? “Sokka!  S-Sokka, I remember, okay?  You…. y-you don’t have to do this!” Zuko attempted to sound reasonable and less nervous then he felt, though he realized stuttering over his words lost a little bit of that authoritative tone he was aiming for.

“Oh, I realize I don’t have to do this,” Sokka teased, crooking the fingers of his left hand to press in just a little bit more against Zuko’s side making the young Firelord gasp and bite his lower lip to stay quiet.  “But at this point I feel it is my duty to remind Lord Jerkbender about this so he doesn’t forget who the number one spar master is.”

“Spar master isn’t even a thing!  You can’t just give yourself titles like th-ahahat!  Ah!  Nonono!” Zuko’s small diatribe instantly died on his lips as Sokka’s fingers began to wriggle against his side, a few rather unbecoming giggles already breaking free before he reined himself in again.

“What was that?  Were you backsassing Sokka the mighty dragon slayer?!” Sokka teased, though he couldn’t help smiling as he already heard the familiar rasp of Zuko’s laughter.  This was going to be far too entertaining.  How could he pass up this opportunity?

“Dragon slayer?!  You’re ridiculous!  Let me gohohoahahaha!  Stahp it!  Stahahahap!” Zuko felt the flutter of Sokka’s other hand where it rested against his lower ribs on the opposite side.  Immediately the jolt of ticklish sensations raced through him and he felt his knees already starting to turn to jelly beneath him.  Of all of the things he could be weak against, something as silly as tickling was more than enough to sap his strength. Sokka’s smirk came back as he heard that, his fingers, scribbling lightly over both the Firelord’s sides.  Working in tandem his fingers lightly brushed along the vulnerable area before massaging quickly into his lower ribs.  If memory served, this had been one of the better weak spots of this particular dragon.

“WAHAIT!” Zuko cried out, his laughter finally breaking free from those raspy giggles to something lighter and more carefree.  Honestly, it was something Sokka had been so proud to draw out all those years ago when Zuko was still that broody teenager who had joined their gaang.  He had been so awkward and to be fair, their dear jerkbender still kinda was, but after attempting through sheer bullheadedness to forge a friendship with him, Sokka honestly couldn’t have been prouder to call him his best friend.

And what kind of best friend would he be if he didn’t tease and taunt Zuko into never forgetting his super awesome new title that he just came up with?  A terrible one… and Sokka refused to be a terrible friend.

“Wait?  Wait for what?  Oh!  Were you going to finally call me by my proper title?” Sokka teased as he moved one of his hands down to squeeze along Zuko’s right hip.

Zuko instantly jumped at the sensation, feeling his legs finally starting to cave under him as he attempted to curl up in Sokka’s hold to escape the sensations.  He could feel his cheeks and ears heating up as his laugh bubbled up unbidden, the noise still slightly foreign to him even after all these years.  However, Sokka had never seemed to have a problem drawing it out of him.  He just wished he had remembered that before drawing out the ‘dragon slayer’ once more.

“Nehehehever!” Zuko growled out between his laughter, his hands weakly attempting to push away Sokka’s to no avail.  “Ihihit’s a… a stuhupid naha-EHEHEHE!  STAHAHP IT Y-YOU AHAHAHASS!”  Zuko’s strength finally gave out as his legs buckled beneath him, though with Sokka’s arms around him he was easily lowered to the ground.  Sadly this did nothing for his current situation as Sokka had seemed to remember another one of his worst spots.

His stomach.

“Doth my ears deceive me?  Did you just call my regal and totally awesome title stupid?!  How dare you, good sir!” Sokka teased, his arm braced carefully around Zuko as his other vibrated quickly right against the center of Zuko’s stomach.  He’d learned very early on that the easiest way to break Zuko’s concentration and resolve was a nice little attack on this particular area.  “You know how to get this to stop, Zuko!  Admit that I am the best dragon slayer in the world!”

Zuko snorted as Sokka’s hand began to scribble all around the hyper ticklish spot, trying to shimmy this way and that out of the man's hold to get away from the maddening touch.  However, practically sitting on the ground with a tickle monster clung to your back really didn’t leave much wiggle room and Zuko realized his chances of freedom were slim.  But his pride just wouldn’t allow for him to admit defeat just yet!

“Thahahaha’ts not e-even a thihihing!  I re-refuhuhuse to gihihive in t-to yo-AHAHA!  STAHP IT!  STAHPSTAHPSTAHAHAHAP!” Zuko instantly broke into the most wild and ridiculous laughter as Sokka snuck one of his hands under his arm, his fingers spidering quickly against Zuko’s underarm in a way that drove the firebender crazy with ticklish laughter.  Zuko instantly snapped his arms to his sides, trapping Sokka’s hand against his armpit while the man's other hand continued to scribble and send nibbling pinches all along his stomach.

“Admit it!  Admit that I’m the best!” Sokka called over Zuko’s loud laughter, the sound of it making him smile like an idiot even as a few chuckles escaped him.  Spirits, it really had been far too long since he’d seen Zuko let loose like this even just a bit.  Maybe this was something they needed  in their lives a bit more?  It definitely wouldn’t hurt after all the droll and intense meetings they were forced to go to day in and day out.

Meanwhile, Zuko was dying.  The Kiyoshi warriors were going to show up here to see that their poor Firelord had met his end at the hands of a ridiculous man who had a pension for coming up with truly terrible titles for things!  Sadly he couldn’t dwell on his dramatic end as Sokka’s fingers were still attacking two of his worst spots.  Zuko knew that there really was only one way out of this. “OKAHAHAY!  O-OKAY I AHAHADMIT IHIHIT!” Zuko cried out with unrestrained laughter, feeling the tickling slowing down just a little to keep him giggling ridiculously.

“What was that?  Are you trying to tell me something, buddy?” Sokka teased, his fingers wriggling lightly against Zuko’s armpit as the other hand focused on a particularly sensitive spot on the side of the firebenders stomach.

Zuko snorted and kicked his legs out weakly before nodding.  “Y-yes!  You… you’re the behehehest gah!  Not thehehere!  Not there plehehease!  Agnihihi why-hehehe?!” Zuko giggled hysterically as Sokka found that spot on his stomach.  Taking as deep a breath as possible he tried to once more to make his bid for freedom!  “Y-You’re the behehehest drahagon slahahahayer!  Plehehehase!”

Sokka’s fingers immediately stopped their torment, chuckling a bit to himself.  “See?  That wasn’t so hard was it?” he teased, patting Zuko’s back as he helped the man sit up, watching the firebender wiping away tears of mirth from his eyes as residual giggles still managed to escape.

“Yes.  Y-yes it was,” Zuko shot back, though as he turned to look at his friend, the smile on his face was more relaxed, even after the mini battle he’d just had to endure.  “I can’t believe I… forgot what a… giant pain in the ass you were after you figured that out.”

It was Sokka’s turn to laugh as he heard that and he felt his smile growing all the more fond.  “It was probably one of my greatest discoveries and I will cherish it forever!  Not many people can say they bested the Firelord,” Sokka teased, lightly nudging Zuko with his elbow and getting a chuckle in response.

“That’s fair.  But really?  Dragon slayer?” Zuko asked, trying to earn back a bit of dignity as he attempted to straighten out his traitorous robes.

“What?  It makes me sound so cool!” Sokka cried out dramatically, making it incredibly hard for Zuko not to roll his eyes.

“I’m still not convinced you didn’t try one of uncle’s teas,” Zuko murmured, though he smiled regardless.  “And I hope you know that this is the last time the mighty ‘dragon slayer’ is going to win.  I won’t be caught with my guard down like that again.”

“Oh?  Is that a challenge, Jerkbender?” Sokka teased, leaning closer and wiggling his fingers threateningly.

Zuko couldn’t suppress a snort of laughter as he pushed Sokka’s face away gently with his palm.  “I’m too old for your nonsense,” he joked, making Sokka laugh brightly.

“Nah.  We’re still young at heart.  That’s all that matters,” Sokka said with a fond smile.  “And if you ever forget that as well, I’m more than happy to remind you again about the days of our youth.”

Shaking his head, but with a fond smile on his lips, Zuko couldn’t help feeling that familiar warmth build in his chest.  The world may be changing.  They may still be working to right the wrongs and suffer through countless meetings and council members, but… with friends like Sokka there to remind him it was okay to let loose, laugh and remember that they really were still young at heart, he knew he could face anything.

Even dragon slayers.

[firstagent]

Review! Digimon Adventure: (2020) Episode 53: The Geko Hot Springs' Revolt

In this episode, Joe returns to the incredibly hostile hot spring he spent a couple weeks in earlier, only to discover that it remains incredibly hostile.

When we saw Patamon and Tailmon unable to evolve to fight Burpmon, that was a compelling twist. When the team discussed it and decided the remedy was a trip to a hot spring, we rolled our eyes. When we recall that what little we saw of Joe’s week in said hot spring didn’t seem all that relaxing or peaceful, we wonder why he’d want to drag two powerless Digimon and their eight-year-old partners for a visit. Maybe we’d be more inclined to indulge ourselves in the ridiculous moments here if this was an unexpected pit stop in a longer journey. But this was deliberately teed up, an intended destination in a subplot that’s probably going to be important. That makes it hard to call it anything besides a flimsy premise yielding flimsy results.

One reliable rule in the Digimon anime must be the mandate that your brain shuts down as soon as TonosamaGekomon features in an episode. With his goofy appearance, lumbering size, insistence on being revered, and the Gekomon subjects more than happy to oblige, it’s apparently impossible for any story with him to stay on the rails. That doesn’t make it a total loss—Adventure gave us the worst of Mimi that we kind of needed to see, while Zero Two had some slick set pieces amid all its nonsense—so it’s still fair to hope for something of value, and definitely fair to observe that there’s none to be found here.

What we do get is TonosamaGekomon taking Gomamon for his bride after taste-testing everyone on the team. Subjecting Gomamon to all the “maiden forced to marry evil ruler” tropes provide almost all the moments of joy in the entire episode, which is pretty unsettling when you think about it. You would think there would be a million ways for someone as crafty as Gomamon to talk his way into a more favorable position. In an episode meant to feature Joe, you would hope so. But instead he just endures the humiliation until he sees Joe’s obvious trap and manipulates TonosamaGekomon into it. That’s not nothing, but with how exceptional bonds are commonplace and expected in this show, it’s not very much.

As if Joe’s prior experience in the hot spring wasn’t confusing and unfocused enough, he runs into the Nanimon and Blossomon again and swears to help them. Boy, wouldn’t it be nice if we could have actually seen what happened between them so we know what to make out of this relationship now? We know Joe was terrified of these guys, we know he was stuck with them for more than a week, and we know he escaped not through battle or talking his way out of it, but by shooting off a freaking geyser in the middle of the spring. And yet not only is he happy to return, but he’s willing to forgive the hell he put them through understanding that they need their spring back. Joe makes a big deal of the bond with someone he’s shared a bath with, and it’s not like they don’t need his help, but that mantra does a lot of heavy lifting this episode and we never got the context to understand why he should still believe in that.

The show certainly doesn’t believe in Joe’s ability to handle a problem by himself. That’s particularly annoying here because he does all the work he needs to: he comes up with the obvious plan based on the information he has and does the bulk of the work to defeat TonosamaGekomon. There was no need for Taichi to be involved here, and he doesn’t add any depth to an already shallow episode. Even his role in the battle is underwhelming, dealing with Kabukimon and the Gekomon while Joe fights the big guy. It’s hard to tell whether we should criticize the writers for insisting on adding Taichi where he isn’t needed, or failing to think of a clever way to deal with the goons without a second evolvable Digimon. Either way, it’s another case of being sloppy.

It adds up to a lack of effort in everything. Joe’s plan doesn’t require a lick of ingenuity, and it goes off without any hitch that might add some suspense. TonosamaGekomon goes down as just another bully, a comically selfish and gullible one at that. His penchant for licking things and claiming brides against their will is outrageous enough for some laughs, but that’s not going to make up for the episode having neither competency nor any real point.

My Grade: D+

Loose Data

Kabukimon’s song and dance is your typical pomp and hype for a villain, but it becomes additionally dumb when you realize the only point of it is to help TonosamaGekomon steal a bride.

Monopolizing the only hot spring in the name of being the only one good enough for it isn’t such a smart idea when TonosamaGekomon can barely survive outside of one. Great plan limiting your mobility and practically begging to be overthrown.

Tailmon, who is particularly annoying trying to narrate this nonsense with a straight face, comments that TonosamaGekomon and Kabukimon’s oblivious adherence to old ritual stems from partially absorbing info from the human world. This is the first time we’ve heard of the human world influencing individual behavior in the Digital World, which would have been a neater concept if introduced earlier and not in a situation better explained by “some Digimon just act weird.”

We all saw TonosamaGekomon using his tongue to pretend he’s peeling off Gomamon’s imaginary kimono, right? Shame Mimi wasn’t there to direct that.

We reserve to drop the episode another half grade if it turns out all this actually did help Tailmon and Patamon evolve.

See reviews of every Digimon episode at Digimon: System Restore! Support the site by joining our Patreon!

[jonsadrabbles]

jonsa drabblefest 2020 masterlist!

Thank you to everyone who wrote, read, and shared our drabbles! This event was a huge success, and all in all we had over 100 submissions (!!!) 

Due to the amount of fics that were written, we may have missed a few in this masterlist. If that is the case, please message us and let us know!

Below the cut are the submissions for this event that were posted here on tumblr! Enjoy!

DAY ONE - LINGER | CAMPFIRE

linger - by @amymel86

linger - by @azulaahai

(not) a matter of decorum - by @zarahjoyce

unspoken - by @jonsaslove

a necessary evil - by @saensas

summer storms - by @pax-2735

rosa suburbia - by @zoyaalinas

carpe diem - by @sweetcalarinanis

sizzle - by @sansaswolfbits

linger - by @ladystarks

The tresspasser - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

this is a state of grace - by @part-timewonders

tales by the fire - by @miazeklos

linger | campfire - by @periwinkle39

in brevity - by @orangeflavoryawp

linger - by @sailorshadzter

linger - by @wildflower-daydreamer

The Lady Bird and the Winged Wolf - by @jade-masquerade

campfire | linger - by @annawoodhull

linger - by @schnoogles

as if he’d never left - by @that-plo-koon

campfire - by @amymel86

campfire - by @sailorshadzter

campfire - by @madgrad2011

piece of cake - by @vivilove-jonsa

did I dream it all? - by @captainbee89

happy friends - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

confession campfire - by @sweetaprilbutterfly

flames - by @esther-dot

campfire - by @graceverse​

campfire - by @growstheoak​​

DAY TWO - STOLEN | TRUE KNIGHTS

ache - by @jonsaslove

a thief in the night - by @sweetcalarinanis

stolen - by @graceverse

perjury - by @zoyaalinas

stolen - by @esther-dot

steal me now (i won't resist) - by @ladystarks

stolen - by @amymel86

(not) a matter of choice - by @zarahjoyce

May I? - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

stolen - by @madgrad2011

Robb(ed) - by @pax-2735

all this time (how could you not know) - by @jolieunfiltrd​

thief - by @saensas​

a true knight, to steal me, to sweep me off my feet - by @sansaswolfbits​

hold the thief - by @acourtofhopeanddreams​

under the january light - by @sonderlust45​

by any other name - by @miazeklos​

stolen - by @sailorshadzter​

pride and prejudice AU - by @annawoodhull

stolen | true knights - by @periwinkle39

stolen kiss - by @ladeewrites

the lady bird and the winged wolf (stolen) - by @jade-masquerade

there aren’t any heroes - by @minitafan

true knights - by @amymel86

her true knight - by @vivilove-jonsa

Not Mine (Yet) - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

true knight - by @schnoogles

true knight - by @sweetaprilbutterfly​

stolen - by @growstheoak​​

DAY THREE - LEGENDS | BEYOND THE WALL

under the January light - by @sonderlust45

memory - by @jonsaslove

legends - by @amymel86

legends - by @schnoogles

legends - by @esther-dot

wild gold - by @zoyaalinas

(Not) A Matter of Fear - by @zarahjoyce

Robb Snow - by @vivilove-jonsa

Just Jon - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

legends - by @madgrad2011

the queen of winter and her cursed lover - by @sansaswolfbits

nessie - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

legends | beyond the wall - by @ladystarks

crowned - by @saensas

breath of life - by @miazeklos

legends and beyond the wall - by @jade-masquerade

outlander AU - by @annawoodhull

beyond the wall - by @graceverse

beyond the wall - by @amymel86

dum spiro spero - by @sweetcalarinanis

wolves - by @asongofsnow​

summer storms (beyond the wall) - by @pax-2735

beyond the wall - by @sailorshadzter​

legends - by @growstheoak​​

DAY FOUR - HIDDEN | TRUE

promise - by @jonsaslove

hidden truths - by @asongofsnow

a true knight - by @sweetcalarinanis

true - by @amymel86

true - by @esther-dot

frostfires - by @zoyaalinas

(Not) A Matter of Desparation - by @zarahjoyce

coronation - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

hidden | true - by @phosphorescent-naidheachd

hogwarts AU - by @annawoodhull

hidden true feelings - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

when the wolves come home - by @miazeklos

hidden and true - by @jade-masquerade

hidden // true - by @growstheoak

true - by @sailorshadzter

silver - by @minitafan

promise - by @jonsaslove

hidden - by @graceverse

hidden - by @amymel86

Jon Knows - by @paperskiess

how far this thing can go - by @part-timewonders

the rest is confetti - by @saensas

in plain sight - by @pax-2735

baby you know it’s obvious - by @jolieunfiltrd

hide away - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

what stays well hidden - by @periwinkle39

hidden - by @ladystarks

hidden - by @madgrad2011

hidden daggers, perfectly placed - by @standbehindhousestark

hidden - by @schnoogles

hidden//true - by @growstheoak

DAY FIVE - WINTERFELL | THE WALL

renew - by @jonsaslove

home - by @asongofsnow

cold and cracked - by @israfel00

winterfell - by @schnoogles

is a house really a home if all your loved ones are gone? - by @standbehindhousestark

winterfell - by @amymel86

the pleasure of the dance - by @sweetcalarinanis

remember - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

winterfell - by @graceverse

winterfell - by @growstheoak

winterfell - by @esther-dot

nightmares - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

every chorus was your name - by @jolieunfiltrd

I shall sing you safe on your way (I shall sing you safely home) - by @miazeklos

Winterfell | The Wall - by @sweetaprilbutterfly

frozen AU - by @annawoodhull

winterfell - by @jade-masquerade

winterfell - by @sailorshadzter

the wall - by @amymel86

give me hope in silence - by @zoyaalinas

(not) a matter of timing - by @zarahjoyce

open your eyes - by @pax-2735

the tower - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

the wall - by @madgrad2011

remedy - by @wildflower-daydreamer

the wall - by @ladystarks

DAY SIX - SPRING | AUTUMN

spring - by @amymel86

tempus vernum - by @sweetcalarinanis

spring - by @esther-dot

flower crowns - by @sunbeamsandmoonrays

summer flings - by @pax-2735

the mummy AU - by @annawoodhull

forget me not - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

new session - by @jonsaslove

shower your affection (let it rain on me) - by @miazeklos

spring - by @schnoogles

spring - by @sweetaprilbutterfly

spring - by @growstheoak

spring - by @madgrad2011

the lady bird and the winged wolf (spring) - by @jade-masquerade

spring - by @sailorshadzter

fall(ing) - by @asongofsnow​

(not) a matter of courage - by @zarahjoyce

autumn - by @graceverse

magnum opus - by @zoyaalinas

autumn - by @amymel86

DAY SEVEN - FREE

old new beginnings - by @miazeklos

sansa stark and the vampire - by @acourtofhopeanddreams

i want your midnights - by @part-timewonders

haunted - by @asongofsnow​

happiness - by @sweetaprilbutterfly

free choice - by @amymel86

a gaze across the field (part 1) - by @fedonciadale

a gaze across the field (part 2) - by @fedonciadale

lyanna lives AU - by @periwinkle39

the lady bird and the winged wolf (free) - by @jade-masquerade

[victorious1956]

My RWBY Fic List

Now that Fair Game Weekend is complete (and what a great outpouring of creativity by everyone that was), and I have no more Qrowtober fics for a couple of weeks, here's my current fic status.

With so much going on, poor old Betrayal has had to take a back seat, but I'm still working on that one, too.

These are all Fair Game focused, unless otherwise indicated.

AO3 rating shown after each title.

Recently posted/updated:

Love, Betrayal, and All That Follows (M)

When your day job is trying to save the world, the idea of discovering love along the way doesn't enter your head. So when Qrow finds himself in Atlas, dealing with love is as unexpected as the betrayal that follows. Ongoing 24/? chapters 70,148 words

The Silver Lining (T)

When it seems there might be a repeat of the disastrous pandemic of two years ago, the government loses no time in declaring a lockdown of all households. For Qrow and Clover, this presents a problem. 1 chapter 3,162 words

The Monster I've Become (T)

James/Clover James had not expected love, or anything like it, to come calling. But it does, and for a while he can be happy. Life, however, has other plans for him. 1 chapter 4,928 words

Paradigm Shift (M)

Clover's life is settled in every way except one. As he searches for the right woman for him, fate takes a hand and sets him on an unexpected path. 10/10 chapters 19,360 words

Deep (E)

Qrow sometimes teases Clover about the depth of feeling between them. But they both know that being in deep, is where they want to be. 1 chapter 1,396 words

Fair Game Weekend 2020 Series

3 fics for Fair Game Weekend, 2nd-4th October 2020. Completed Part One: Good For The Soul (G) After arriving in Atlas, Weiss initiates a plan to help the new hunters and the Ace Ops get to know each other better. The outcome, in one way at least, is more successful than even she expected. 1 chapter 4,075 words Part Two: Chasing This Starlight (T) After resolving their difficulties and deciding they want to be together, Qrow finally joins Clover on the USS Atlas. 1 chapter 2,046 words Part Three: Tantalised (T) Qrow normally has no interest in the festive season. This year he grudgingly agrees to participate, if only to keep Jimmy quiet. 1 chapter 3,260 words

Numerically Speaking Series

A series of (mostly) unconnected short stories, prompted by the numbers 1 to 10. Ongoing Part Six: Six Weeks (T) Qrow/Clover / Blake/Yang / Jaune/Marrow Yang is determined to keep working as long as she can. Luckily, when she unexpectedly goes into labour, she's with the right people. 1 chapter 3,128 words Part Seven: Seven Stars (G) An evil is rising, and the Captain of the Guard is sent from Minas Tirith to seek one who may be able to overcome it. 1 / 2 chapters 2,661 words

Qrowtober 2020 Series

Six separate fics for Qrowtober 2020. Ongoing Day Two: Flight Interrupted (T) Qrow is a bird on a mission. When he finds himself caught in a storm, it takes an unexpected turn. 1 / 2 chapters 2,040 words Day Seven: A Quiet Night In (G) Qrow / Yang & Ruby / Background Taiyang/Summer Taiyang and Summer have been married for three years, and Qrow agrees they deserve a night out to celebrate. 1 chapter 1,677 words Day Eight: Images of Yesterday (G) Qrow/Taiyang Taiyang has accumulated an attic full of memories stretching back many years. Some of them are inconsequential. Others, Qrow realises, mean so much more. 1 chapter 1,005 words

Older fics below cut

A Fair Game Rainbow Series

A series of eight unconnected short stories, prompted by the colours of the rainbow. Because why not 🌈🙂 Completed Part One: Red (G) As their first Valentine's Day approaches, Clover wants to surprise Qrow with a small, yet thoughtful, gesture. 1 chapter 1,201 words Part Two: Orange (T) Qrow and Clover finally get some time off work together, and decide to take a short vacation. 1 chapter 1,384 words Part Three: Yellow (T) Breaking the ice with a shared DIY task? It's more likely than you think. 1 chapter 1,220 words Part Four: Green (T) An unexpected visitor on board the United Star Ship Atlas proves unsettling for Lieutenant Clover Ebi. 1 chapter 2,806 words Part Five: Blue (G) It's Clover's birthday, and for the first year in a long time, he's going to celebrate. He just doesn't know it yet. 1 chapter 2,218 words Part Six: Indigo (T) All Qrow needs is a good night's sleep. All Clover wants is to help him get one. 1 chapter 1,697 words Part Seven: Violet (M) Qrow's misfortune makes itself felt at a most inopportune moment. 1 chapter1 1,233 words Part Eight: Rainbow (G) If Qrow had been offered his heart's desire years ago, he doubts he would have thought of wishing for what he has now. 2/2 chapters 2,420 words

Clover Ebi: Ace Operative Series

A short series looking at how a Fair Game relationship might work, if Clover were asexual. Completed Part One: Best of Friends (T) Qrow and Clover find they have more in common than they first thought. 1 chapter 4,158 words Part Two: Lines of Communication (G) Clover can't help fretting, which almost spoils a special day. 1 chapter 2,971 words Part Three: Part of You (M) Being together for a year is a good reason to celebrate, but things don't quite go according to plan. 1 chapter 2,433 words Part Four: Now and Always (T) Qrow and Clover take the next step. 4/4 chapters 7,857 words

Early Days Series

A series of short fics which follow Qrow and Clover as they become more friendly, leading into the start of a deeper relationship. Completed Part One: Window 1, Bird 0 (T) Qrow has a spot of bad luck. Fortunately, someone is looking out for him and is able to help. 1 chapter 1,481 words Part Two: Iron, Qrow (G) Qrow gets some unexpected domestic advice. 1 chapter 1,118 words Part Three: Search and Retrieve Mission (T) Clover suffers a loss, but Qrow is able to help. 1 chapter 1,267 words Part Four: By the Book (G) Clover finds a way to say thank you. 1 chapter 1,462 words Part Five: A Bird in the Hand (G) An afternoon of avian exploits, and a reminder of Clover's past. 1 chapter 1,993 words Part Six: Good Hair, Bad News (T) Time to trim those untidy feathers. 1 chapter 1,702 words Part Seven: Enable Cookies (G) 1 chapter 1,959 words Qrow is in need of inspiration. Lucky for him, Clover is on hand to supply it. Part Eight: Fever Pitch (G) Qrow gets an opportunity to demonstrate his bedside manner. 1 chapter 1,859 words Part Nine: The Last Dance (T) A celebratory night out for everyone gives Qrow and Clover a chance to get closer. 1 chapter 1,633 words Part Ten: Reggie's Diner (G) Finally. A kiss. 1 chapter 1,674 words

Numerically Speaking Series

A series of (mostly) unconnected short stories, prompted by the numbers 1 to 10. Ongoing Part One: One Mistake (M) One mistake. One stupid mistake. And suddenly, everything was ruined. 1 chapter 1,947 words Part Two: Two Months (T) It is hard to see past the hurt. But to heal, that is what Qrow tries to do. 1 chapter 1,417 words Part Three: Three in the Morning (G) When Qrow can't get back to sleep, he hatches a plan. It doesn't quite work. 1 chapter 1,002 words Part Four: Four in the Family (T) Three become four as Qrow and Clover welcome a new member of their family. 1 chapter 1,667 words Part Five: Five Words (T) Qrow and Clover have a date, a meal at their favourite restaurant. But this time, something seems different. 1 chapter 1,393 words

7-6 (M)

A quiet night in for Qrow and Clover ends in an unexpected battle for the two experienced fighters. 1 chapter 1,202 words

a qrow came to me (G)

A short scene which could have happened, but sadly never did. 1 chapter 672 words

A Regency Qrow (M)

Qrow returns to England after an extended trip, to find society has changed considerably in his absence. 4/4 chapters 13,918 words

A Time To Hold On, A Time To Let Go (G)

Jaune/Marrow Sometimes it can take a long while to let go, but that's okay. 1 chapter 683 words

As Tears Go By (G)

Some painful memories never leave you, but if you have a sympathetic partner there for you, it helps. 1 chapter 1,257 words

Birth Day (T)

Qrow and Clover wait anxiously for a very special delivery. 1 chapter 1,491 words

Convergence (T)

Qrow and Clover are bound to get together. Eventually. 1 chapter 1,514 words

Face the Rain (G)

Clover and Qrow have been together for some time now, but the cracks are starting to show. 1 chapter 2,324 words

i'm dreaming 'bout those dreamy eyes (G)

The importance or otherwise of eye colour. 1 chapter 478 words

In Your Eyes (T)

Not everyone believes in the idea of a soulmate. And sometimes, you don't have to. 1 chapter 6,303 words

Instinctively Yours (T)

In Springtime, every bird's thoughts turn to finding a partner. Clover never expected it to be him. 1 chapter 2,016 words

Kiss Me, Kiss Me (T)

After the trials and tribulations in Atlas, Clover and Qrow enjoy some downtime in Patch. 1 chapter 1,635 words

Letting Go (G)

Qrow/Taiyang Qrow tries to help Taiyang move on. 1 chapter 948 words

Regency Bees (G)

Blake/Yang and Qrow/Clover, but less so than usual! A desparate situation calls for a desperate remedy. Especially when you have been told you must marry a gentleman for whom you have no regard. 7/7 chapters 13,556 words

Room in Your Heart (T)

Clover would like to get to know Qrow better, but is there a place for him in Qrow's heart? 1 chapter 2,414 words

Sharp Edges (T)

There is more than one way to hurt those you care about. 1 chapter 3,208 words

Some Kind of Madness (E)

Clover enjoys the heady rush of a new relationship. But after the madness of the early, euphoric liaisons, is there anything more? 1 chapter 3,642 words

Storytime (E)

Clover is away, so he calls Qrow and tells him a bedtime story. 1 chapter 1,501 words

Straight From Your Heart (T)

Following the catastrophic fight on the tundra, Qrow and Clover try and come to terms with what happened. 4/4 chapters 4,049 words

The One Who Loved You So (G)

James/Qrow and Qrow/Clover James cares for Qrow. He sometimes wishes he didn't. 1 chapter 1,000 words

The Shape of You (T)

Qrow sees Clover in a new light. 1 chapter 900 words

Till I Die (T)

Qrow's final flight. 1 chapter 1,500 words

Who Are You? (T)

Dreams are always open to interpretation, and Clover has no idea what his means. The answer, when it eventually comes, will change his life. 4/4 chapters 12,281 words

you know i can't love (T)

Loving someone is not always enough. 1 chapter 1,901 words

[fluffy-lee-boa]

Tamaki’s Mission

Kyoya x Tamaki ticklefic

lee!Kyoya, ler!Tamaki

A/N: I’m writing for Ouran in 2020. Huh. I would ask how I got here, but a) I know exactly why, and b) I don’t have 90 minutes :p

Anyways I love these bbys and I hope you all enjoy!

— — - - — —

Kyoya Ootori didn’t laugh.

Whether it was because he refused to, or maybe that he just didn’t know how, no one had ever heard the host so much as chortle.

...Well, no one besides Tamaki Souh.

They were friends, of course, so it only made sense that the princely type had managed such a feat. But... that was the issue. He had only full-on laughed once, and not around any of their other friends! And that just wasn’t fair.

The creator of the Host Club knew he would have to remedy such a fact, for the good of the club and its patrons. And Kyoya! The boy deserved to let loose every once and a while. But the question of how was much more difficult. The Ootori sons weren’t exactly known for their sense of humor or expressive emotions, so he would have to think differently.

For that reason, Tamaki had been struggling with the question for quite awhile as he sat in the music room, waiting for his next client to arrive. He turned when he heard sharp laughter from the end of the room- Kaoru, he assumed- and saw the twins were... fighting?

Ah. I suppose the prince had found his answer.

— — - - — —

“Oh mommy~!”

Kyoya sighed, looking up from his papers with a deadpan expression, “Yes? You of all people should be able to tell I’m busy. Don’t you have clients waiting for you?”

Tamaki waved his hand dismissively, smirking in that same confident style that made the other’s eye twitch, “Oh, don’t be like that, they’ll be fine. If anything I think what I’m about to show them will more than make up for the time away from my beautiful face.”

Kyoya didn’t think too much about what the other meant, thinking it would simply be another trivial request for new cutlery or themes. Though the other’s actions swiftly caught his attention.

The blonde was suddenly much closer than he had been, basically trapping the other in his seat as he leaned on the armrests of the chair. Kyoya, although flustered by the mere inch in distance between them, simply glared, trying to convey annoyance rather than display the sudden rush of butterflies in his stomach.

“Tamaki, what are you-!”

“Kyoya, dear, I noticed recently you seem to keep all those emotions of yours locked up. I know your reputation is important such, but it’s getting so boringgg!”

“You know damn well-“

“-So I came up with a plan to help!” Tamaki interrupted with a beaming smile, a lot like a child proud of their mediocre artwork, at least to the megane type.

Kyoya sighed again, about to refuse, when he looked up and saw that Tamaki was pulling his famous puppy-dog eyes tactic. And of course he couldn’t refuse.

“...What exactly are you hoping to gain from this, anyways?” he asked tentatively, though Tamaki knew it was a signal to show he was on board.

“Oh silly, I just want to hear you laugh again!”

And that was the moment Kyoya knew he had screwed up. Big time.

“T-Tamaki-!” Kyoya choked out, feeling the other tweak away at his sides in such a tickly matter that he couldn’t even comprehend it for a moment.

The host just giggled sweetly in response, leaning over to kiss him on the forehead, which quickly silenced his previously stoic friend, “Shh. Just relax!”

Kyoya did his best to keep himself quiet, trying in vain to melt into the chair he had been unwittingly trapped in. His attempts only grew more valiant when he realized most of the patrons had their eyes on the two of them at this point. Of course. This was a planned attack.

He was caught off guard when he felt two sets of hands on each arm pull him into a more vulnerable position, exposing his sides better and only letting him squirm in the slightest. He cursed and turned back to see both Hitachiin twins, smirking away and shrugging as they spoke in tandem, “Boss asked for help.” “Yeah, we couldn’t exactly refuse, could we?” “I mean this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and all~”

Kyoya would have glared at the both of them, though Tamaki had rather unceremoniously dug under his arms with those damningly nimble fingers, causing the first few giggles to tumble out instead of a sharp-witted insult.

He shut his eyes as he heard the squeals around them, blushing brightly, though he would be lying if he said he wasn’t feeling lighter. Especially when he looked up and noticed Tamaki smiling so sweetly at him.

“Don’t hide those gorgeous eyes and smile of yours, mommy dear~”

“Ehehevery sihingle one of you ahare dead to me-!” He managed to squeak out, before falling into what could only be described as the most beautiful laughter any of them had ever heard.

“Aw, can’t take a little bit of teasing?” Tamaki cooed, making the other turn a brighter shade of red, “You're so adorable, Kyoya! After this I’m sure your schedule is going to be booked now that these ladies have seen you smile like this-“

“You’re such ahahan ihidiot-“ Kyoya snorted, leading to another soft laugh that made his stomach twist even further.

The blonde leaned in closer, his breath simply tickling more at the other’s ear and neck as he purred evilly, “I’m not that dumb. See, you haven’t exactly asked me to stop yet, have you?”

Now that was truly evil.

“I- Ah-!” Kyoya fell deeper into his ticklish laughter when Tamaki squeezed his ribs, spending extra time on the gaps and making his friend squeal childishly.

“No need to explain, I know you need more laughter in your life, and I‘m happy to help!” Tamaki added on more innocently, gasping when the other reacted so sharply, “This must be the spot, huh?”

“Seems like it.” “He sounds like a girl!” The twins interjected cruelly.

Kyoya would have continued to curse them all out, but he was too lost to his laughter and the blush in his cheeks. His hair was a mess, and he looked completely different from the formal character he usually embodied. As well as his appearance, his tone of voice and the light in his eyes showed a much more genuine, free-spirited happiness that Tamaki would give anything to see more often. He was almost lost in it as he kept on tickling the spot right under his ribs so teasingly.

Tamaki was brought out of his dreamlike state when he heard the other start to lose breath, so he let up, hoping he hadn’t overdone it, “Sorry, I got a little carried away-“

Hikaru and Kaoru let go and immediately booked it, not wanting to be a part of any sort of revenge scheme their victim had undeniably been planning. Though Kyoya merely curled up and continued giggling breathlessly, looking up at Tamaki once he regained himself.

“-You’re still an idiot... But... thank you.”

He sat up, keeping a somewhat cool smile on his face as his mussed-up appearance contradicted his fall back into perfect posture and poise, “I didn’t know I needed that.”

Tamaki was stunned into silence, before realizing how close they had become now that Kyoya was upright again in his seat. He quickly stood back up, his own cheeks taking on a similar red color as he responded in feigned confidence, “Well, I couldn’t just leave you in such a stagnant state, now could I? Now, why don’t we both go and take a break by entertaining these fine patrons. I’m sure they have some questions for you now that they know your little secret-!”

Kyoya stood, fixing his hair as he rolled his eyes. He surprisingly set aside his laptop and papers as he answered softly, “I think that’s a wonderful idea, daddy.”

Even through the sounds of cheering and squealing from their small crowd of fangirls, Tamaki could only stare in surprise at the other. And for a moment those unspoken feelings between them almost grew too difficult to bear the silence.

But they would have to wait for another time. Right now the two were content just the way they were.

[goodbysunball]

Quarantine rock, pt. III

Another long overdue update from the indoors. Hope you and yours are hanging in there - if nothing else, there’s no shortage of great music to keep you company. Here’s my take on some recent favorites.

C. Lavender, Myth of Equilibrium (Editions Mego)

Admittedly had not heard of C. Lavender until her collaborative cassette with Aaron Dilloway dropped earlier this year, but it’s safe to say that the tape was strong enough to blindly buy her new LP on Editions Mego. Myth of Equilibrium has been one of the best surprises from this year, drone at its core but opening up to something much more soothing over repeated listens, despite the jagged edges and tendency to embrace caustic noise. It came as no surprise to find out that C. Lavender embraces sound as a healing medium, as Myth of Equilibrium takes a deep, buzzing bass tone and twists and stretches it until individual packets of sound are weightless and ethereal. “Remedy Potion Extraction” is the most obvious example of this dark-to-light transformation C. Lavender excels at, but mostly the tracks present a satisfying puree of sound over shorter durations (”Engulf the Mystery,” “Dimly Lit Exit”). The brevity is a strength, and in that way C. Lavender reminds me of French duo Femme or even some of Tim Hecker’s work, but without the startling track-to-track transitions of the former or the diaphanous shroud of the latter. The bass keeps Myth of Equilibrium tangible and firmly grounded, and the rest of the sounds conjured by C. Lavender weave a very heady, very rich tapestry. The best respite from 2020 money can buy; soak it in. The LP is sold out from Editions Mego but those in the US can order it direct from C. Lavender for a very fair price.

Kobra, Confusione (Iron Lung)

Alright, I’m admittedly not a huge fan of the cover art for this record, but it’s an easy enough barrier to jump over when the music rips this hard. Kobra is from Italy, and they traffic in a mid-paced, pounding strain of punk that is right up my alley. Sounds like Una Bèstia Incontrolable meets Mecht Mensch to these ears: like the title track, which starts out like “Zombie” and then flips into a UBI-level groove, sax bleating and moaning on top of it all. This is punk through and through, the blown-out drums always there to remind you that this is presented by Iron Lung Records, but there’s a definite early post-punk/art-rock vibe present, too - check the groggy “Fogna” that opens up side B, which kinda sounds like Kobra doing their best impression of the Circle Jerks in Repo Man. The guitars don’t riff as much as they slash and chop, fragmented stabs landing among the onslaught of drums. The vocalist uses a menacing speak-scream (most effectively on ”Sogni Illusioni” and closer “C.P.D.M.”), and if I could speak or read Italian, I’m sure the lyrics would be intelligible amongst the din. Confusione is loaded with hits, but when the band clicks and all the parts come together, Kobra whips up a maelstrom; hard to deny the power of “Dentro Agli Schermi” (my favorite track) or “C.P.D.M.,” and though both of those tracks feature the saxophone, I’m glad the band wields that weapon sparingly for maximum effect. One of the most memorable and exciting punk releases of 2020, for sure, a formidable, brawny brew that’ll flex your pencil neck and have you involuntarily pogoing in no time. Highest recommendation! Confusione is sold out direct from Iron Lung, but Sorry State, Feel It, Grave Mistake, etc. all have it in stock.

Oily Boys, Cro Memory Grin (Cool Death)

The best musical news this year, hands-down: NEW OILY BOYS. Not only was an Oily Boys LP drop completely unexpected, I am completely steamrolled by this record every single time I drop the needle, from the opening “UGH!” on “Given” to the nearly nine minutes of caustic self-loathing on “GTrance.” There’s a definite metallic edge to the way Oily Boys approach punk, from the riffing to Drew Bennett’s brutally intense vocal performance, but while most punkers approach metal as a gimmick and end up sounding pretty tame, Oily Boys just sound absolutely mad - the 1-2 of “C.B.D.” into “My Sex Life,” especially the wild guitar theatrics on the latter, carry an intense, teeth-clenching physicality. If that was all Oily Boys did on this LP, it’d be a success, but the band throws curveballs and mid-tempo fits across Cro Memory Grin’s 13 tracks. “Heat Harmony” was the most jarring inclusion at first, relatively tuneful dark punk that could’ve been lifted from drummer Yuta Matsumura’s other band Orion. It definitely works, and the slightly softened approach of the band thankfully has no effect on Drew Bennett’s vocals. “Lizard Scheme” is another detour, swelling noise and Bennett’s barking (”Stupid is as stupid does, jazz boy!” is a choice lyric), reminiscent of Gutter Gods’ dizzying “Allan.” Probably the two most pummeling tracks here slow the tempos significantly and close out each side: “Stick Him,” my favorite track, and “GTrance,” the exhaustive closer. “Stick Him” is absolutely ferocious, the band emphasizing the quiet-loud dynamic with saxophone, the loud parts lurching into place like heavy machinery turning on, Bennett screaming the title with a violent ferocity. Where “Stick Him” is feral, the screed unleashed on “GTrance” by Bennett feels therapeutic, expelling every bit of toxic bile into the song without a break, and even if there is no resolution, the end result is a momentary peace, the same kind afforded by pushing to the full extent of one’s mental or physical abilities. That kinda seems like the point of Oily Boys, from the self-effacing name to the poisonous lyrical content to the absolutely ferocious performance: know your enemies, push back against the lowering boot of the world, fuck the rest. 2020′s best punk record, no contest, and maybe even the best record/soundtrack to the perfect storm of this year. Sick artwork/inserts on this LP, a nice job as usual from Cool Death. Cro Memory Grin is still available direct from them, and Goner still has it domestically.

Subdued, Over the Hills and Far Away (Roachleg)

With last year’s Bad Breeding LP still fresh and prescient as ever, and the political climate seemingly spiraling into reality TV while people mercilessly struggle and suffer all over, it seemed like scoping this new LP from the UK’s Subdued was more than appropriate. It’s reductive and maybe a little offensive to mention UK compatriots Bad Breeding in the first line of this review, but the similarities are hard to ignore: both bands create fiery politically-charged punk that flirts with metal and noise, delivered in screamed vocals with a heavy British accent. Subdued don’t fly off the rails as much as Bad Breeding; there’s more of a Crass/Rudimentary Peni vibe, with the emphasis on vocal delivery and riffs rather than conjuring a visceral tornado of noise. Sometimes the riffs can be a little clunky (particularly the end of “The Joke,” even though “Is hope the joke?” is a pretty powerful lyric), and for how much room the vocals are given, the lyrics can tread into oft-used clichés. Doesn’t make the message any less true, and I think the longer I spend with Over the Hills and Far Away, the more I come under its spell. “Problem of Evil” is probably the best song here, a near-perfect blend of deathrock, stomping riffs and barked vocals, and when it turns into the sprint of “No More,” Subdued are an undeniable force. Not sure if it just takes me until those two songs to warm up to Over the Hills, but the B-side of the LP seems to be more memorable - like the world-beating metallic riffs of the title track, or the frenetic guitar solo that finishes off “Call to Suffer.” There’s more than enough at play on Over the Hills to keep me coming back, and overall it’s a strong debut LP, and a great reason to check in with what Roachleg Records is bringing to the US punk scene. Cop the LP direct from Roachleg, and if you’re lucky you might have a chance at one of the limited-to-100 hand-screened covers. La Vida Es Un Mus put out the LP for the rest of the world, another solid co-sign for Subdued.

Aviador Dro, Nuclear, Sí 7″ (La Vida Es Un Mus) // Algara, Enamorados Del Control Total 7″ (La Vida Es Un Mus)

I don’t think these two 7″s have much in common other than the fact that they’re both put out by La Vida Es Un Mus, they’re both sung in Spanish and they’ve both been ruling my turntable this year. The Aviador Dro record is a reissue, one that came out last year, and it’s a gem: sci-fi keyboard punk from the '80s, the titular track one of the best songs I’ve ever heard, a slinking, funky beat driving the song into your brain forevermore. The B-side feels more edgy than the A-side but it’s all undeniably great; Paco did us all a favor by repressing this record, and continuing to keep it in print. Fast forward to 2020 for Algara’s 7″, their debut, which came out way back in pre-pandemic January. The cover art caught my eye, and the spindly, groovy drum-machine post-punk within is immediately addictive. The label says Crisis and Joy Division are in Algara’s musical DNA, and that sounds about right; the sound is spare, you can kinda dance to it, the bass lines carry the weight and the wiry guitars smear into each other (”Miedo a Perder”) or stitch single golden threads into the tapestry (”Dopamina y Producción”). Algara’s a 4-piece now, and they’ve got an LP coming soon on LVEUM, so 2021′s lookin’ bright. Both 7″s are mandatory, widely available from distros and direct from La Vida Es Un Mus. Scope the feature that Lulu’s wrote on Algara while you’re at it.

Saskia, Eeuwig Op Reis 7″ (Stroom)

The record collector sweat starts when you read about a 7″ reissued from a “highly intimate cassette” limited to ten or so copies in 1983, circulated only amongst friends and family. My eyes typically roll at such uncovered “gems” or whatever, but these two songs definitely deserve a wider audience. “My Lips Get Hot” splits the difference between the foggy late night atmosphere conjured by Chromatics and a breezy Balearic vibe, topped by sensual, high-pitched vocals that really drive the whole woozy, lovesick message home. The flip has the instrumental “You Left Your Soul Behind,” wherein said Balearic vibe is now at the forefront. It’s a strong track on its own, but kinda just serves as the comedown from “My Lips Get Hot” in this presentation. Stroom continues to unearth overlooked records with unnerving ease, and this Saskia 7″ might be the one that makes the label a more common name. One copy of this record is left at Stroom’s Bandcamp as of this writing - move quick.

Glen Schenau, “Jhumble” b/w “Jearnest” (self-released)

Glen Schenau is at the forefront of Brisbane’s experimental musical scene; he’s done time in Kitchen’s Floor, Bent and has even self-released a few things under his own name. The solo stuff I’ve checked by him was restless, frantic guitar and bass lines seemingly swimming against the current of his Bryan Ferry crooning. While there’s no denying that it was singular, it never really coalesced for me in the same way that this new 7″ does. That same restlessness is still at play here, obvious from the beginning strumming of “Jhumble,” and Schenau seems to still relish the vocal stylings of Ferry, though his vocals also remind me of some of the alterna-rock radio I was subjected to while working in a warehouse during summers between school. Normally that sort of vocal homage would send me running to the hills, but it really works here: the busy guitar line and the drums lock into an undeniable groove on “Jhumble,” and whatever Glen is singing, the melody is stuck in my head for days. “Jearnest” is my pick, the more difficult foil to “Jhumble”’s pop leanings. The sprightly guitar at the beginning is submerged into this rubbery goo, which eventually takes over the song while a whistle floats in to carry a melody over the tarry pit. Can’t say I’ve ever heard anything like it, but it doesn’t just float along on that claim; this is a highly potent brew served up on both sides of this single. Glen self-released this record and it’s limited to 150 copies; mine came with a hand-written note and drawing, which was a nice touch. High marks all around. I’ve got to echo Matt K.’s sentiments when he reviewed this record: “Seems like every Australian band gets their own album without much delay, so I have to ask: where the hell is Glen Schenau’s?!”

[ceasarslegion]

Fine. I caved. Here’s my personal quarantine playlist, drawn up after I struggled through a cinema exam from home today. Here’s all the MoodsTM I’ve been cycling through:

1. Green Day: Longview

Bite my lip and close my eyes/Take me away to paradise/I'm so damn bored/I'm going blind/And loneliness has to suffice/Bite my lip and close my eyes/I was slipping away to paradise/Some say,"Quit or I'll go blind"/But it's just a myth

2. The Crane Wives: Curses

This house is my name like an elegy/Oh my, oh my/Echoing where my ghosts all used to be/Oh my, oh my/There's still cobwebs in the corners/And the backyard's full of bones/Won't you stay with me, my darling/When this house don't feel like home?/When this house don't feel like home?/Oh ashes, ashes, dust to dust/The devil's after both of us/Lay my curses out to rest/Make a mercy out of me

3. Mother Mother: Business Man

Pretty little baby/Pretty little monster/Went to the good school/left with honours/Brand new tycoon/Sittin with a harpoon/Something of lampoon/Out of a cartoon/of a baboon/With a bond/a stock/a share/in the moon/Talking ‘bout the business man/Devil with an evil plan/Buddy in the stupid pants/Kind of old and kind of fat/Talking ‘bout the business man/the business man

4. Himalayas: Thank God I’m Not You

I'm a coward, I'm a freak/The scum of the Earth/A liar and a cheat/But I could be so much worse/You call me narcissistic/They say I'm the worst/To join this conversation/I could be so much worse

5. The Dreadnoughts: Sleep is For the Weak

Never alone, never afraid/Slivovica under the shade/You'll greet the sun with bottles high/Your bodies pale against the sky/Zajebiście, Kurwa!/Zajebiście, Kurwa!/Up into the highest peak/Sleep is for the weak!

6. Colter Wall: The Devil Wears A Suit and Tie

Reverend, reverend, please come quick/'Cause I've got something to admit/I met a man out in the sticks/Of Good Ole Miss/He drove a series 10 Cadillac/and wore a cigar on his lip/Don't you know the devil wears a suit and tie/Saw him driving down the 61' in early July/White as a cotton field and sharp as a knife/I heard him howling as he passed me by

7. The Swinghoppers and Wolfgang Lohr: Party Like It’s 1920 (but alone in my basement with a bottle of captain morgan)

We've been waiting for this decade for a hundred years/But, now the 2020's are finally here/And while my vision is clear, my mission is clearer/To bring back the Jazz and Swing era/Fellas, I wanna see you dressing better than ever/And girls, put on your pearls and your tassels and feathers/Let's get together and throw a bash/that's such a smash It would make Gatsby jealous!/We're gonna take it back to the real old school/Where dressing up and having fun is the only rule/And I don't wanna sound like a hipster/but I partied like the 20's before it was cool!

8. Days N�� Daze: Misanthropic Drunken Loner

My breakfast was straight out the medicine cabinet/a remedy for the aftermath of my habits/sometimes it's the ones who try to help that hurt the most/I feel like we're playing tug of war and I'm the rope/and I'm stretched to the limit but you keep on pulling/and I'm gunna lose my goddamn mind/I'm gonna lose my mind

9. The Dreadnoughts: Polka Never Dies

Your eyes were filled with stars/So you picked up a guitar/And how the people gave/The attention that you crave/Tonight, the stage is yours/But the world has watched you rise/And fall a thousand times before/Polka never dies/So when your face is gone/The dance will carry on/And you'll rot down in your grave/With the souls you couldn't save/Tonight, the stage was yours/How they loved your moans and sighs/But oh, the reaper loved you more/Polka never dies

10. To leave off on a fun 90s bop: Lustra: Scotty Doesn’t Know (I’m Scotty. I don’t know anything going on outside my province because I’m too scared to check the news. Don’t Tell Scotty)

[sanjaysethi1]

How Numerology can help you find the perfect job for you

Your Life Path number can tell you which career will make you happiest.

Did you know that the secret to a perfect career lies in one single number? We won’t blame you for taking this with a grain of salt (or consider it wacks doodle baloney with a side of crazy sauce) but many people truly believe that the study of numbers can unlock the knowledge of your destiny.

What in the world is Numerology?

For those who have never heard about it before, it is the belief that there’s a divine, mystical relationship between numbers and the projection of life and all life events. And apparently, your Life Path number is one of the most important numbers in the whole Numerology scene.

What in the world is a Life Path number?

Let’s get ostentatious for a moment: by revealing certain qualities, characteristics and fundamental traits of who you are, this special number can predict which job is perfect for you. It’s believed that your Life Path number can tell you which path you are walking on during your life; it represents your natural abilities and character.

Amazing, right? Our team couldn’t contain our excitement either! So we’ve done the research, summarised it for you, and now you can choose a career that’ll make you happy – you’re welcome (insert winking emoticon here).

Where can you get one?

Calculating your life path number is so easy – especially if you have a calculator – that we’ve added it all the way at the bottom of the page. Congratulations to all those who were able to do basic math. Your reward: The Amazing Revelation of what your dream career should be! (Or just, you know, lots of fun).

Unnecessary Disclaimer 1: phoning the editor claiming that it’s too early for maths is not allowed.

Unnecessary Disclaimer 2: Read this at your own risk. Careers24 shall not be held liable for any life-changing decisions based on these results.

Life Path Number 1

Characteristics:

As a natural born leader, people see you as a source of motivation. You like to plan ahead and organise your own goals and have quite an inventive spirit.

Type of career:

You’ll thrive in an environment where you can function independently and autonomously. As the perfect leader, you are able to work in a team but you'll do much better on your own instead because it can be hard for you to compromise sometimes, especially if you strongly believe in your ideas when working on a particular project. You aren’t keen to always do things the way things were always done, and rather choose to blaze new trails.

You’d appreciate having a high status and being recognised by others for your achievements. People often look to you for guidance and you revel at the idea of being the authoritative figure.

Careers to pursue:

You have a good sense of direction and will no doubt excel as an Entrepreneur. Other opportunities for self-employment are as a contractor, craftsman, farmer, and freelance photographer or graphic designer.

You should also consider jobs in the military, law enforcement, as an executive, sales manager, politician, TV or radio producer.

Read More- Numerology Can Reveals Your Love Life Deepest Secrets- Know How

Life Path Number 2

Characteristics:

You’re quite fair and can easily see both sides of any situation without any bias. You need to interact with others is huge which is okay since you genuinely enjoy listening to other people’s life stories. You’re also probably the one who co-workers run to for sympathy or when a dispute needs settling.

Type of career:

Make the best of both your social and negotiation skills, as well as your diplomacy by working in a helping profession. Remember, you’re good at working in teams, bouncing ideas off others, and also incorporating their ideas, combining it and turning it into a masterpiece.

2 are also quite creative and good with calculation. With such a busy brain you’d have a hard time adjusting to a career that has a fixed routine.

Careers to pursue

You should pursue a career where you can channel your sensitivity and mediation skills. You’d be a great diplomat, lawyer, minister, politician, teacher, counsellor, caregiver, doctor or nurse. Your social skills indicate that you’ll also enjoy being a bartender, waiter, physiotherapist and even a matchmaker.

Life Path Number 3

Characteristics:

You possess a natural artistic and creative ability. People must’ve already told you that you’re good with words and have a high energy level. It’s no secret that you have great social skills and like careers where days are unexpected and somewhat unconventional – anything with a little variety.

Type of career:

You should fight for a career where you’re able to entertain others, travel and interact with diverse cultures and people. If you’re simultaneously able to express your beliefs then you’ve hit the jackpot!

Careers to pursue:

If you have musical, artistic and/or comedic talent then please do yourself a favour and choose music, TV, or theatre. Alternatively, you can do advertising or journalism. Only pursue an academic path if it's in a field where you’re able to interact with people, e.g. psychology, psychotherapy, biology, pharmaceutical and medical sciences.

Life Path Number 4

Characteristics:

You have the most amazing organizational skills. Your attention to detail is envied. And your disciplined and down-to-earth nature means you'll do in well with a repetitive schedule.

Read More- Discover solution for your zodiac thrust with Dr. Sanjay Sethi (Gold Medallist) Astro – Numerologist

Type of career:

A career that offers a predictable and steady schedule is what suits you best. You will work hard to secure a stable income.  You’re happy with receiving detailed instruction with a set routine on how to complete your tasks. You would never resign half way through a difficult or boring assignment – never.

Chances are that you’ll excel in an organisation that has a clearly defined hierarchy, with clearly defined job roles. If you’re about to go for a job interview, you should brag about your organisational ability and strong work ethic. This and the fact that you’re able to help others get organised too. You really are a very valuable asset to any company.

Careers to pursue:

You’d make the ultimate engineer, industrialist, financial planner, and efficiency expert. Your organisational skills mean you’ll thrive as a project manager, while your self-discipline makes you an excellent accountant and lab technician.

Read More- What Are The Remedies For The Evil Eye In 2020? – 5 Steps

Life Path Number 5

Characteristics:

The amazing thing about you is that your inherent persuasive skills. You’ve got a knack for communication, a love for travel. All that, coupled with your desire to live life to the fullest... yes, we know, you do get bored easily.

Type of career:

A career that allows you to explore the world and interact with people from different cultures is best for you. Capitalise on your excellent communication skills and your ability to sell by writing, teaching or doing something in marketing. Presenting ideas to the public is something you’ll do quite well too.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in multiple careers. You’re probably already a serial job hopper, and it works for you. Try a career working with facts and logic since you enjoy it so much – perhaps dabbling in science, computers or research is just what you need.

Careers to pursue:

You can be a jack-of-all trades and master of them too! You'll excel in advertising, radio and various writing and verbal communication fields, e.g. public relations and marketing. You are not ideally suited for a 9-5 job and fair better in freelance, contract or consulting work. Many 5s are stuntmen, firefighters and construction workers as they often pursue high-risk ventures - and it's no surprise that they're natural gamblers.

Life path Number 6

Characteristics:

As a 6, you believe in harmony and unity. Your compassion and desire to be of service is a driving force in your life. You’re often attracted to teaching or healing and you have a special gift for selecting beautiful things.

Of all the numbers, you are said to be the most loving.

Read More- What is the Vedic astrology chart! Are they reliable?

Type of career:

You have an eye for beauty and have a creative flair. But it’s your compassion and your dire need to be of service to others that will define which career makes you happy. You love working with others, and you love working as a team.

You will also probably be stay devoted to one career path for a very long time.

Careers to pursue:

Use that compassion for life as a counsellor, nurse, hostess, rehab professional, paediatrician or even divorce attorney. Your eye for beauty is perfect for the fashion industry, graphic design and interior decorating. Or you can opt to spread your love by devoting your time to a charitable organisation, an NGO or social work. Even if you want to run your own organisation, you’ll be a successful business owner too.

Life Path Number 7

Characteristics:

You are a problem-solving dreamer; excellent at analysing all kinds of things and discovering deeper reasons for why the world (and everything in it) works the way it does. You have a natural healing ability which is great because you are particularly interested in listening to people’s problems.

Type of career:

That problem solving nature you have leaves you with plenty possibilities. You can follow your literary interests, complete an advanced degree, or stay involved with an academic institution. Your love of research and knowing about the world means you should pursue a career that allows you to find the answers you seek - and get paid while doing so!

Read More- Basic Numerology- Calculate Your Life Path and Destiny Numbers

Life Path Number 8

Characteristics:

8s are described as the philanthropists among the numbers. You are extremely ambitious and power, authority and business workings are appealing to you. As a bonus, you are in truth actually comfy with fame and public appearances and usually present yourself well. Secretly, you have a desire to be regarded as an expert in your field.

Type of career:

You would prefer to work for an established businesses and that’s great, because you’re perfectly suited for a life in corporate.  Choose a profession that allows you to climb that corporate ladder - you’ll no doubt work hard and deserve each and every promotion. If you play your cards right, you’ll reach that high status and powerful position in good time.

As one who shies away from risk taking activities, your colleagues will take comfort in knowing that you’ll follow the tried-and-true methods of the company. According to those you work with, you are the go-to person who knows how all things work. Please be careful and try not to sacrifice your personal life on your way up.

Careers to pursue:

Your hard work means you’ll be happy in accounts, finance, medicine, stock trading, pharmaceuticals, or surgery.

Other professions that’ll leave you satisfied: banking, law, psychiatry, investor, financier, and life coach.

Life path Number 9

Characteristics:

You’re known to have a healing nature, and probably describe yourself as artistic and creative. You have an urge to make a positive difference in society, and care deeply for the well-being of others. You are a humanitarian at heart and wish everyone nothing but success.

As a natural born volunteer, you can sometimes be self-sacrificing.

Type of career:

Opt for careers that have to do with religion or spirituality and other humanitarian professions. You’re a great leader and a great teacher - take advantage of this. Make sure you’re able to stay within industries that ensure you’re able to help others in need. Your compassion and need for social justice is your biggest motivator, so best you do something that feeds into this.

You may have noticed that you are attracted to occupations that require diplomacy with a strong sense of justice.

Careers to pursue:

Writer, painter, psychic reader, musician, volunteer, human resources, social work, immigration attorney, civil rights activist, coach, and legal researcher. Go on, do the good you're destined to do!

How to calculate your Life Path number:

Your Life Path number is the sum of the numbers in your date of birth.

Have the calculator? Good. Please proceed to write your birth date out in numbers and add the digits until you have a single digit. Keep reading if you’re unsure (or a bit slow) and need an example. Not to brag but explaining stuff is kinda our forte…

If you’re born on 15 October 1989, this is what you need to do:

Month: October is the 10th month of the year. 10 is reduced to 1 (1 + 0 = 1).

Day: The date of birth is 15. 15 is reduced to 6 (1 + 5 = 6).

Year: The year of birth is 1989. 1989 is reduced to 8 (1 + 9 + 8 + 8 = 26, then 2 + 6 = 8)

Now add the resulting single-digit numbers: 1 + 6 + 8 = 15, then 1 + 5 = 6

Your Life Path Number is 6.

Article Source: https://careeradvice.careers24.com/career-advice/job-hunting/find-your-perfect-career-with-numerology-20150821

[samaya11]

Excerpt from the working manuscript of

The Corner Shop Kids

“But why do you need the orange cheese slices on the sandwich if you already have these round pink cheese slices?” She’d ask. My sister had convinced our dear devoutly Hindu lacto-vegetarian and supremely naive granny or “Ma” to make what I called the “haram” sandwiches of Anchor butter, smoked ham and Red Leicester cheese slabs for her and our brother. I as usual, just watched open mouthed at her boldness and feared for our souls.

“You want one too right, Maya?”She’d slyly wink, her green eyes twinkling with mischief knowing full well I didn’t care for eating flesh.

“How thoughtful Dikra” gran cooed at her.

Turning to me, “Khaa, Khaa Maya! khaavanu pun kaam Kartu jaavanu, hambru? granny would admonish in the same breath making the sandwich I’d give away to a sibling on the pretext of being too full.

Poor granny the tricks my siblings and I would play.

Sneaking in alcohol or sweets from the off-license (liquor store) downstairs was their job. I was usually the look out or the one to climb through small spaces like the bathroom window bars when our parents locked us in. Not that we really had to sneak hard if we wanted a drink now that I think about it. Brandy was always available on the pretext of having a sore throat or a stuffy cold.

“It’s the only thing that clears up their symptoms overnight” granny argued with my Father while she stocked Remy Martin in the cupboards for us to have with Coke as a medicine. That with some Disprin tablets and Vick’s Vapour Rub up the nose or plugging our belly buttons were among her go to home remedies for us. Sometimes a bottle of Lucozade for glucose power to soothe a genuine fever or secret hangover vomiting. For someone who believed so strongly in Ayurvedic foods she embraced some very contemporary practices from whichever country she happened to be in.

Our kitchen was tiny and cramped with both a washer and a dryer, a folded wood dining table and chairs up against the glossy deep red Victorian furnace. Granny was so neat, ran such a tight ship, and took so much pride of the religiously scrubbed sink, the gas oven dismantled constantly for proper cleaning, the patterned linoleum floors swept and mopped with such precision. Under the stairs adjacent to the kitchen was the food pantry that we snuck grannys large disk shaped tablets from. The only thing that wasn’t in her medicine cupboard. I never knew exactly what they were for but they were sour orange and fizzy. We also picked at the tamarind packs a little at time cherished for their sticky mouth puckering tartness. Ofcourse our foolishness would attract mice to Ma’s consternation.

Granny’s fixation for cleanliness extended past physical to her focus on internal & psychic exorcism. She was convinced we needed “najar uttarvanu” to keep the evil eye away, to drinking Khadvaat an utterly foul smelling bitter muddy concoction of torture, which Nills was the champ at holding her nose and downing it in one gulp. I always vomited. I never made it past the first sip which convinced granny I was full of sinful thoughts, possibly demons or worse full of parasitic worms that would infect the others eventually. The laxative tablets she tried to make easy for us. They were hard chocolate tabs wrapped in foil. Shay would hide his in the corners of that kitchen for mice to find, cheered on giggling mad by me and my sister. Until we realised one of us girls would be tasked to clean that liquid mice shit up the next morning not darling curly-haired Prince Shay.

One time I was dared to try Ma’s “tunkhi”from her tiny metal box. I had the easiest access to her supplies being trusted to fetch things for her. It was beige tobacco powder we watched her carefully pinch to her nose once a day. I just coughed and lied hard that it was pretty good and they should try it too, so Shay tried it and gagged, Nills had a nose bleed, the reaction suffer from all her life to foods that triggered her.

At night we all slept in the same room. Shailesh and Nila in the top and bottom bunk beds, me in the twin bed with granny between us to stop the fights at bed time with her impossibly long arms and specifically tuned ears. We had taught Ma the little English she knew and along with that our own definitions. So Tia Maria from the label of a liquor bottle we told her meant good night tofits of hysterical giggles when we made her repeat it back to us.

One night Shay & Nills got drunk. Ma and I had gone to sleep already. She convinced my brother to slap granny in her sleep. He did it and she woke up sputtering awake “hu thiyu? Kyon che? Hu juye?”

For years later we would laugh about the story but i never really thought it was funny. I would always wonder if it was a tiny awakening of morals or just jealousy that I wasn’t included.

Priya Ramesh Desai, 2020 @samaya11

[doomedandstoned]

Legendary Australian Doomers Pod People Plot Sun Burn Takeover

~By Brad Nicholson~

POD PEOPLE play Sun Burn fest in Melbourne, Australia, on November 30th.

Fact: Pod People were the first Australian band to be signed to Rise Above Records.

Fact: Pod People have been playing shows for 27 years.

Fact: Back in the day, Pod People played numerous shows with the likes of Cathedral, Celtic Frost, and Electric Wizard.

After a seven year beak, we caught up with Pod People to chat before their return to the stage next week.

Mons Animae Mortuorum by Pod People

Describe your music for someone who hasn’t seen you before.

We're a Masala of doom, metal, stoner, and rock.

What are you working on right now and if it’s a record how long 'til we get to hear it?

We're working on being able to do justice to a slice of our back catalog for the festival show. We have begun writing and we plan to record and release an album in 2020.

What’s the creative process that brings the best out of your band?

The sticky, icky, extreme volume and an open mind to listen to each other's ideas. Also having a theme to write, too, makes it easier to focus.

Are you or any member of your band a witch, wizard, warlock or any combination of the three?

Maggs is a combination of two of those things, but which two depends on the cycles of the moon and tides.

What’s the best band that you have seen in the last year that people may not have heard of before?

I guess there's the obvious bands that shouldn't be unknown at this point to punters like Potion, Hobo Magic, and Dr. Colossus, who are all into their second or third records and absolutely growing into forces of nature. There are some newer bands emerging like Hekate, Remains, Ploughshare, Lucifungus, Burn The Hostages, Carcinoid, Reaper, and a bunch of others actively playing shows and growing into their own. It feels a bit like music is healthier than ever before, especially in heavier stakes.

Doom Saloon by Pod People

What was your favourite record in 2019?

There were quite a few: Orodruin - Ruins of Eternity, Saint Vitus - Saint Vitus, Holy Serpent - Endless, The Hard Ons - So I Could Have Them Destroyed, Torche - Admission, Thelma & The Sleeze - Fuck Marry Kill, Cerebral Rot - Odious Descent Into Decay, The Neptune Power - Federation Memoirs of a Rat Queen, Gatekreeper - Deserted, Dispossessed - Warpath Never Ended, Witchcliff - Rust, Mental Cavity - Neuro Siege, Lucifungus - Akuma Kin, Dickie Birds - Dickie Birds, Beastwars - IV, Big Business - The Beast You Are, the Evil Eye releases, and I love, love, love the Henry Fiat's Open Sore record Fiat Currency.

What band would you add to the Sun Burn line-up if money was no object?

It will be Black Sabbath always while all four members are still alive. Otherwise, Goatsnake or Elder or The Obsessed. Please. So everyone come this year so the promoters can get enough cash to bring out a rad band.

What is your go-to remedy for sun burn?

Staying indoors and making riffs.

If you could resurrect any deceased musician to join your band who would it be and why?

Who wrote these questions? Um, look I think maybe Armando Acosta from St. Vitus on drums would probably fit in the best. As much as I would like to have Jimi, Phil Lynott or Lemmy come back, they'd not be hugely into Pod People's music. Maybe Jimi Hendrix as a second choice, just so he had a chance to see what his legacy has turned out like and to see what the guitar has evolved into in 2019. He would then likely ask me why I was playing guitar like it was 1975 still.

What does 2020 hold for your band?

We are hoping to play at least twice as many shows as we did in 2019. The plan would be to make a record and try and finish off Dante's Divine Comedy trilogy of ideas that we started on Doom Saloon and Mons Animae Mortuorum.

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[bountyofbeads]

Is Trump a Rapist? https://nyti.ms/2X0thfr

What is astounding to me is the fact that we are talking about the @POTUS and rape in the same sentence, and it's hardly breaking thru!! How low America has fallen!!😢😢😭😭😭

"If what’s quoted below is true, Trump raped a woman in NYC in 1995 or 96. There is no time limit in NY on criminal prosecution for rape — even if the woman doesn’t call it that, even if the perp becomes president, and even if 60 million voters don’t care." Lawrence Tribe @tribelaw

Is Trump a Rapist?

America needs to give these women, and the accusations they’ve brought forth, the full attention they deserve.

By Charles M. Blow, Opinion Columnist |

Published June 26, 2019 | New York Times | Posted June 27, 2019 |

I am simply disgusted by what’s happening in America.

My political differences with this president and his accomplices in Congress — and now on the Supreme Court — are only part of the reason. Indeed, those differences may not be the lesser reason, and that, for me, says a lot.

For me, the reason is that the country, or large segments of it, seems to be acquiescing to a particular form of evil, one that is pernicious and even playful, one in which the means of chipping away at our values and morals grow even stronger, graduating from tack hammer to standard hammer to sledgehammer.

America, it seems to me, is drifting toward catastrophe. Donald Trump is leading us there. And all the while, our politicians plot about political outcomes and leverage. Republican politicians are afraid to upset him; Democratic politicians are afraid to impeach him.

One thing that should never be underestimated is a politician’s clawing instinct toward self-preservation. These disciples of flexibility have learned well that the trees that remain standing are those that bend best in the storm.

Trump is to them a storm. But, to many of us, he is desolation, or the possibility thereof.

But, because nothing changes, because he is never truly held accountable, too many Americans are settling into a functional numbness, a just-let-me-survive-it form of sedation. But, that is where the edge of death is marked. That is where the rot begins. That is where a society loses itself.

Take for instance the latest sexual accusation against Trump: Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll alleges that Trump sexually assaulted herin 1995 or 1996 in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. Carroll doesn’t call it rape, but rape is what she describes.

Carroll writes that Trump “pushed her against the wall, pushed his mouth against her lips, then pulled down her tights, unzipped his pants and forced his ‘fingers around my private area, thrusts his penis halfway — or completely, I’m not certain — inside me,’” as The New York Times reported it.

Don’t just keep reading. Don’t just think that you’ve heard this before. Don’t just think that this kind of “behavior” is baked into how people feel about Trump. Go back and read that last paragraph. Read it slowly. Place yourself — or your mother, or your wife, sister, daughter, cousin, girlfriend or friend — in that dressing room. Imagine the struggle. Imagine the violation. Imagine the anger.

And now remember that the alleged perpetrator is now the president. And, remember that Carroll is by no means alone; a chorus of other women have also accused Trump of sexual misconduct.

But, Carroll’s account stands out for its brutality and severity.

And yet, her account landed like one more body on the pile in a mass grave: reduced by the multitude of other accusations rather than amplified by them.

There was media coverage of Carroll’s accusation and social media discussion of it, but it never truly sufficiently sunk in and gathered the gravity it deserved.

Then Dean Baquet, executive editor of The Times, even said this newspaper “underplayed” the article it published on the accusation.

And Trump, in his swelling depravity,  responded to the allegations by telling The Hill: “I’ll say it with great respect: Number one, she’s not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, O.K.?”

Well, sir, which type for you is rape-worthy?

To you, America, I ask: What is the breaking point? Is there a breaking point? Does nothing now matter that used to matter? Do we simply allow this accusation to pass like all the others, using the limping excuse that whether or not the man who sits in the Oval Office is a sexual predator or not, he was sufficiently litigated in the 2016 election?

A sickness has settled on this country. We are stuck in a stupor. People have settled in themselves that the only remedy is at the ballot box in 2020, mostly because that is what they are incessantly being told.

And just a few days on from the rape allegation, the news of the moment has shifted. We eagerly anticipate a sorting to emerge from the Democratic debates, anticipate Robert Mueller’s testimony before Congress and anticipate Trump’s performance in Asia.

There are other crises, other emergencies, other traumas. Trump is waging war on immigrants, waging war on the environment, and has hinted at waging war on Iran.

How to weigh one woman’s tale of victimization — or that of multiple women — by Trump against a world being driven into chaos by Trump? Mustn’t our concern shrink relative to our concern for the rest of humanity? In a life in which the human capacity for outrage is limited and wanes, mustn’t we aim it at the most egregious offense?

I say that this allegation, if true, is the most egregious offense. Not the most deadly or having the most consequences for future generations, but absolutely the most revelatory about character, privilege and abuse of power.

This would be an act of the most intimate violence performed by the man who is now president himself, flesh to flesh, not with the numbing distance of a signature on an executive order or an offense screamed out at one of his rage rallies.

This president acts as if he is above the law, or is the law. He lies and he cheats and he bullies. He is hateful and rude and racist. He talks about women to whom he is attracted as if they’re objects to be possessed and about women who dare to challenge him as enemies who must be destroyed.

Carroll’s allegation fits the behaviors that have been established or alleged. America owes it to itself to deeply ponder it, and possibly hear sworn testimony about whether it’s true.

Or, conversely, America can simply sleepwalk its way to the polls in 2020 hoping the world is still intact when it opens its eyes.

[seekfirstme]

ABBA FATHER IS THE SOURCE OF EVERY MERCY AND COMFORT. HE SHOWS US A REMEDY FOR SIN IN FASTING, PRAYER AND ALMSGIVING. THE SEASON OF LENT IS THE BEST TIME TO MAKE THAT LIFE-CHANGING CONFESSION IN YOUR LIFE.

"Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.

"Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be ­crimson red, they may become white as wool. If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; But if you refuse and resist, the sword shall ­consume you: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken!" (Isaiah 1: 10, 11 - 20).

Tuesday 15th March 2022, of the 2nd Week of Lent.

Our Retreat Master for this day of Lent is the Prophet Isaiah. The question is: What do we do about Sin in our life. The Bible is stark clear on this. "If we say that we have no sins, we are liars." But if we humble ourselves and come to God and confess our sins, God will embrace us with His mercy. (Cf 1 Peter 5: 6).

The Lord Jesus, in His wisdom and foreknowledge gave the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The power of a good Reconciliation in the Season of Lent is phenomenal. For an indepth Examination of Conscience for Confession in the Season of Lent, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-good-examination-of-conscience.html?m=1

"My priests should be the first to seek Me out in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They should be the first to run to Me as soon as they experience the pangs of an uneasy conscience and the regret of their sinful weaknesses. The single greatest service My priests can offer one another is the readiness to hear each other’s confessions and to pronounce over each other the healing words of absolution. In this way, they carry out the example I gave you when, at the Last Supper, I washed the feet of My disciples. Frequent confession, weekly confession is, more than ever, necessary to My priests." (IN SINU JESU page, Thursday, July 31, 2008 Saint Ignatius of Loyola).

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

[vivahsaubhagya]

Deepawali Celebrations in India – Crackers, blessings & lights! The shining lamps, colourful rangolis and the night long card parties, some traditions never die. Yes. Its that era of the year again as soon as the festive cartoon is at its top. In a country as diverse as India, it doesnt arrive as a wonder that there are 101 ways of celebrating the festival of Diwali. From a number of poojas dedicated to several hindu deities to each region boasting its unique set of customs and traditions, just a glimpse of the celebrations on the country is a sight to behold. With the festivities spanning in the disaffect ahead than the course of five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, its a tiring week indeed. Nonetheless, to witness a country of 1.2 billion population unanimously celebrating the victory of to your liking later than again evil yet enthralling in revelries of alternating kinds is nothing less than a marvel, I control by.

There are numerous legends similar surrounded by the festival of Diwali and multitude of ways of celebrating it. While its a pompous affair in the north, the south prefers to save it low key. In eastern India, it is much-admired to adequate goddess Kali, even though in the business oriented west, Diwali marks the introduction of the Hindu financial year. Heres how the festival of lights is much-admired differently across swing regions in the country.

Deepawali Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Diwali in the confess of Uttar Pradesh is a treat to the eyes. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the festival of lights is an extravagant affair here. The festivity begins in the back the grand Ganga aarti in the evening. Thousands of illuminated lamps (diyas) float more than the surface of river Ganges. As the night progresses, one can witness the enchanting sight of thousands of priests chanting hymns and bringing in the festive feels. The experience is as mesmerising as it is spiritual.

Deepawali Celebrations in Punjab – Crackers, blessings & lights!

In Punjab, Diwali marks the advent of the winters. The farmers begin preparing for the farming season and sow the first batch of seeds. While Sikhs reach not celebrate the festival as such, they celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas that falls regarding the related day. The festival commemorates the daylight of liberation. The golden temple is lit happening also than thousands of earthen lamps and fireworks and a langar is set happening for those who inherit pay for their prayers at the sacred site.

Deepawali Celebrations in West Bengal– Crackers, blessings & lights!

In West Bengal, Diwali coincides bearing in mind Kali Puja and is one of the biggest festivals in the country. You can locate houses garlanded happening once lamps and people thronging competently-known temples with Kali Temple in Kalighat and Dakshineshwar to manage to pay for their prayers. You can with get sticking together of a pandal hopping in Kolkata as there are several Kali puja Pandals that are set going on across the city.

Deepawali Celebrations in Gujaratis – Crackers, blessings & lights!

For Gujaratis, Diwali marks the subside of the year. Also for the matter-oriented West, Diwali always means Laxmi pooja. Its a common belief in western India that the goddess of loads pays a visit to your home upon this auspicious day, so you can locate Gujaratis prepping for the occasion at least 15 days very old. The markets are full of beans as soon as shoppers and intricate rangolis are made uncovered houses. One can even scrutinize tiny footsteps drawn uncovered individual doorsteps as a mannerism of within get your hands on the goddess. Deepawali Celebrations in India – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Deepawali Celebrations in Maharashtra – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Diwali celebrations in Maharashtra begins taking into account Vasu Baras. Here Dhanteras is very praised in the form of dhantrayodashi, even if Chhoti Diwali takes the form of Narak Chaturdashi. On the hours of day of the festival, Maharashtrians pray to goddess Laxmi and with observe Diwali cha padva which celebrates the hold of marriage. The festivities arrive to an subside subsequent to Bhaav Bij and they usual the wedding season behind Tulsi Vivah.

Deepawali Celebrations in Tamil Nadu – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Diwali or what is known as Deepawali down south is commended a hours of daylight earlier. Puzzled? Well, what northern India celebrates as Chhoti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) is the main daylight of festival for the southern share of the country. In Tamil Nadu, the hours of daylight begins when an oil bath back sunrise. Tamilians lighthearted the kuthu vilaku (lamp) and pay for neivedyam to deities. They with prepare an ayurvedic medicine called lehyam for all the indigestion that follows after you gorge following mention to the succulent sweets on peak of the five days of festive fervour. Well, even the north can learn a lesson here. Because, lets be honest, we know what tons of kaju katli can reach to your belly! Deepawali Celebrations in India – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Deepawali Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh – Crackers, blessings & lights!

In Andhra Pradesh, in the region of Diwali people celebrate the victory of lord Sathyabama anew the demon Narakasura. The adding aspects of the celebration are considering the perch of the country wherein people don added clothes and taking place to customary the festival of wealth and wealth.

Importance Of Deepawali Celebration In India

A five-hours of day festival, Diwali is intensely praised as the homecoming of Lord Rama once Sita and Laxmana after a long exile of 14 years. Translated literally from Sanskrit, Diwali means a row of lights; diyas were first lit by the people of Ayodhya to avowed their King, Rama, after defeating Ravana. Some people in India with accede it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

In most of the regions, Lord Ganesha, who is the god of penetration and auspiciousness is worshiped on the subject of the daylight of Diwali. Diwali marks the anniversary of Nirvana or liberation of Mahaviras soul in Jainism. In West Bengal, Diwali is much-admired to worship goddess Kali, who is the goddess of Shakti, means faculty and moving picture.

Reasons For Diwali Celebration In India

Diwali is not just highly praised as a homecoming of Lord Ram further to Ayodhya after he killed Ravana. Here are added reasons why Diwali is commended:

Krishna killed Narakaasur: Narakaasure who invaded the three worlds was defeated byr Lord Krishna a morning before Diwali. The subsequently than day of Diwali is much-admired as Naraka Chaturdasi. Goddess Laxmis birthday: Goddess Laxmi is one of the most principal dieties of Hindu religion and along with the Goddess of Wealth. On this hours of morning. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for large quantity and riches. The Return of Pandavas: As mentioned in Mahabharata, Pandavas defeated the kaurava and returned from the 12 yers of banishment on the subject of the day of kartik Amavasya i.e. Diwali.

How Is Diwali Celebrated In Different Parts Of India

Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated regarding the third hours of daylight of the festival, and Deepavali 2020 falls concerning November 14th. Like added adroitly-known festivals in India, Diwali celebration across India is over and curtains along in the middle of subsequent to friendly scuffle and grandeur uniting the connected country. People usually wear supplementary clothes regarding the night of Diwali, part gifts, and those who can afford with get your hands on silver or gold jewelries.

Tips To Celebrate Diwali Safely

Here are a few tips for celebrating Diwali in India safely. Keep reading to know more roughly them!

Stay away from synthetic fabrics, without help wear cotton clothes. Have a fire extinguisher and save a first aid kit ready in your dwelling. Dont burn crackers in closed areas. Dont permit children burn aerial fireworks once rocket alone. Never ever well-ventilated a cracker even if holding it in your hand. Further Read: Dussehra In Sri Lanka: Savor The True Spirit Of Festivities

Diwali celebration in India is a in fact unforgettable experience. Plan a vacation to an Indian destination where youll exaltation to flexibility to portion in the festival of lights and enjoy the traditions and serenity of the locals. Deepawali Celebrations in India – Crackers, blessings & lights!

Ganesha Puja On Diwali

We are every portion of one of governed by celestial forces and this makes it significant for us to acquire allowable Astrological recommendation. At some reduction of era or the subsidiary everybody needs to be guided by a astrologer. Ever past the progress of major civilizations we have been looking for signs and symbols towards the appearance. The birth of good rulers, prophets and saints was predicted through Astrology. At www.starstell.com we come happening in the melody of the keep for Vedic remedies in the form of Ganesh puja, Saraswati puja, sacred yantras. We furthermore designate sacredly charged rudrakshas, gemstones and conduct poojas based just about speaking the horoscope.

According to Hindu mythology Lord Ganesha is the second son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. He is also the most worshipped god in India. Lord Ganesha is moreover the ruling deity of astrology. Ganesha pooja is conducted in coarsely every one household by now the creation of any auspicious do something. Ganesha Pooja plays a significant role in removing the hurdles in your passage approaching auspicious occasions.

Ganesh Pooja is an imperative portion of all major ceremonies and Lord Ganesha is worshipped in all kinds of Pooja back any subsidiary God or Goddess. Lord Ganesh shares the altar taking into account Laxmi, the goddess of profusion. It is popular belief the Lord Ganesha is the god of enjoyable judgment and removes all obstacles in the path of attaining profusion Ganesh pooja helps one achieve a glad and prosperous animatronics.

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[tpanan]

My Saturday Daily Blessings

October 3, 2020

Be still quiet your heart and mind, the  LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........                                                                                                                                                              

Saturday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 460

First Reading: Job 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17

Job answered the LORD and said: I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. And he had seven sons and three daughters, of whom he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch. In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. Then Job died, old and full of years.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119: 66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130

"Let your face shine on me ."

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11: 25

R. Alleluia, Alleluia.

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom."

R. Alleluia, Alleluia.

**Gospel:   Luke 10: 17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven. ”At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

*Meditation:  

Do you know and experience in your personal life the joy of the Lord? The Scriptures tell us that " the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Why does Jesus tell his disciples to not take joy in their own successes, even spiritual ones? Jesus makes clear that the true source of our joy is God himself, and God alone. Regardless of the circumstances, in good times and bad times, in success or loss, God always assures us of victory in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus assures his disciples that he has all power over all evil, including the power of Satan and the evil spirits (demons) - the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who hate men and women who have been created in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:29). Jesus told his disciples that he came into the world to overthrow the evil one (John 12:31). That is why Jesus gave his disciples power over Satan and his legion of demons (rebellious angels). We, too, as disciples of Jesus have been given spiritual authority and power for overcoming the works of darkness and evil (1 John 2:13-14).

Self-centered pride closes the mind to God's revelation and wisdom Jesus thanks the Father in heaven for revealing to his disciples the wisdom and knowledge of God. What does Jesus' prayer tell us about God and about ourselves? First, it tells us that God is both Father and Lord of earth as well as heaven. He is both Creator and Author of all that he has made, the first origin of everything and transcendent authority, and at the same time, goodness and loving care for all his children. All fatherhood and motherhood is derived from him (Ephesians 3:14-15).

Jesus' prayer also contains a warning that pride can keep us from the love and knowledge of God. What makes us ignorant and blind to the things of God? Sinful pride springs from being self-centered and holding an exaggerated view of oneself. Pride closes the mind to God's truth and wisdom for our lives. Lucifer, who was once the prince of angels, fell into pride because he did not want to serve God but wanted to be equal with God. Through his arrogant pride he led a whole host of angels to rebel against God. That is why the rebellious angels (whom Scripture calls evil spirits, devils, and demons

) were cast out of heaven and thrown down to the earth. They seek to lead us away from God through pride and rebellion.

How can we guard our hearts from sinful pride and rebellion? The virtue of humility teaches us to put our trust in God and not in ourselves. God gives strength and help to those who put their trust in him. Humility is the only true remedy against sinful pride. True humility, which is very different from the feelings of inferiority or low self-esteem, leads us to a true recognition of who we are in the sight of God and of our dependence on God.

Humility is the only soil where God's grace and truth can take root Jesus contrasts intellectual pride with child-like simplicity and humility. The simple of heart are like "babes" or "little children" in the sense that they see purely without pretense or falsehood and acknowledge their dependence and trust in one who is greater, wiser, and more trustworthy. They seek one thing - the "summum bonum" or "greatest good" who is God himself. Simplicity of heart is wedded with humility, the queen of virtues, because humility inclines the heart towards grace and truth.

Just as pride is the root of every sin and evil inclination, so humility is the only soil in which the grace of God can take root. It alone takes the right attitude before God and allows him as God to do all.

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). The grace of Christ-like humility inclines us towards God and disposes us to receive God's wisdom and help. Allow the Lord Jesus to heal the wounds of pride in your heart and to fill you with the joy of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the likeness of Christ himself - who is meek and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).

Nothing can give us greater joy than the knowledge that we are God's beloved and that our names are written in heaven. The Lord Jesus has ransomed us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death and has adopted us as God's beloved sons and daughters. That is why we no longer belong to ourselves - but to God alone. Do you seek to be like Jesus Christ in humility and simplicity of heart?

The Lord Jesus wants us to know him personally - experientially Jesus makes a claim which no one would have dared to make: He is the perfect revelation of God - he and the Father are perfectly united in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we can know the living God. Our knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God, but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for each of us to personally know God as our Father. Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote: "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love."

Seek God with expectant faith and trust To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus we see the perfect love of God - a God who yearns over men and women, who cares intensely for them and who shows them unceasing kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. That is why the Father sent his only begotten Son who laid down his life for us on the cross. Jesus taught his followers to confidently pray to the Father with expectant faith, "Our Father who art in heaven ...give us this day our daily bread." Do you believe in your heavenly Father's care and love for you and do you pray with confident trust and hope that he will give you what you need to live as his son or daughter?

Most High and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of our hearts and give us a true faith, a certain hope and a perfect love. Give us a sense of the divine and knowledge of yourself, so that we may do everything in fulfillment of your holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

Sources:

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

**Meditations may be freely reprinted and translated into other languages for non-profit use only. Please cite copyright and original source at dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org