#Scenic Roots

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

WUTC FM 88.1 - #ScenicRoots: Sammy L. Davis

"Sammy L. Davis served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War - and in 1968, he received the Medal of Honor. A few weeks ago, he came to Chattanooga - and visited the @thefirstmedals.

Listen to our conversation with him on @WUTC_FM's #scenicroots423 #ScenicRootsWUTC #WUTCFM #PublicRadio

[vandaliatraveler]

Bowman's root (Gillenia trifoliata), also known as Indian physic, is a perfectly stunning late spring perennial of Appalachia's upland woods, most often found at higher elevations. A member of the rose (Rosaceae) family, the plant has a long history of medicinal use, as both a laxative and emetic, first by Native Americans and then by white settlers. The trifoliate leaves are sharply toothed and alternate on red, branching stems. The white, star-shaped flowers have five sharply-flared petals of unequal length. A lover of partially sunny locations with dry to moist soil, Bowman's root is the perfect pollinator plant for a native wildflower garden and attracts skippers by the hordes, such as the silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) above.

Photos from a secluded spot along the Highland Scenic Highway in the Monongahela National Forest.

[deegeplay]

Some of the best achievements in my life were due to taking the path through instead of around. Life isn’t as troubling when you’re in the middle of it.

[eyes-of-lotus]

Mushrooms

[reasonsforhope]

"In west England, a series of hills cloaked in heather and wildflowers are the target of a national restoration project that is already seeing success.

Similar to the story GNN reported on last week about the rewilding along the south coast and South Downs National Park, Sussex, volunteers are seeding old hay fields with native wildflowers and replanting traditional hedgerows to ensure wildlife can move freely through the region.

The region is called the Shropshire Hills, which by British law is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is managed and controlled so this beauty can endure. But while the area is indeed beautiful, the valley between the sections of hills known as Long Mynd and Stiperstones has for decades been under heavy hay cultivation, with farmers plowing up meadows and planting fast-growing commodity grasses.

As part of a project by the UK’s National Trust called Stepping Stones, volunteers have been working with landowners and local councils to turn some of these meadows back over to the wildlife, creating corridors of habitat to allow species like the bilberry bumblebee, pine marten, and curlews to move freely from hilltop to valley floor and back to hilltop.

Charlie Bell, project manager for Stepping Stones, told the BBC that the project is one part of an overall mission that aims to restore 97% of meadows that have been lost in the UK over the last 100 years.

“Many old meadows have been plowed up and re-seeded with more productive mixes of grasses,” she told the national broadcaster. “Fertilizers are often added to increase the growth of these dominant productive grasses, at the expense of finer grass species and wildflowers.”

Jinlye Meadows, on the Long Mynd side of the valley, is now thriving with native wildflower species like mountain pansy, and volunteers have recorded the area is thriving with bilberry bumblebees which are rare and in decline.

In particular, the meadows were covered last year in yellow rattle, also known as the “meadowmaker,” a key part of Ms. Bell’s strategy for restoring meadows. This native species attaches itself to the roots of grasses, slowing, but not sabotaging, their growth. This allows not only the flower to grow, but space for all manner of other flowers to grow as the grasses’ growth is [slowed down]."

-Article via Good News Network, July 11, 2024. Video via NT Midlands, June 19, 2023.

[carmenberzattosgf]

s3 carmen i need to take you out to the alley to give you a freak nasty blowjob to make you calm down-💫

let’s talk about blowing Carmy to give him stress relief. Word count: 1613

I’m thinking about working at the bear as a server. You and Carmy have always had tension. Longing glances that went on a little bit too long. Lingering touches of his hand on your waist when he needs to get around you.

This night, Carmy is on fire during service. There’s practically steam coming out of his ears. He’s barking orders without a care, expecting to be listened to. Usually, he directs most of his anger towards the kitchen staff, but you land in his crosshairs.

“Why the fuck is it taking you so long inbetween plates? Are you taking the scenic view back to the kitchen or some shit? Stop wasting time and hurry the fuck up.”

“Chef. Chill,” you respond. As soon as the words leave your mouth, you realize how bad of an idea it was to say that.

“The only thing you should be saying is ‘Yes, chef’. Do you want to try that again?” You turn to face Sydney instead of Carmen, trying to keep your cool.

“Chef Syd. Can you hold down the fort for a second? I need to talk to Carmy really quick.”

Carmy interjects before Sydney can even reply. “The fuck? I’m doing my job here. Now, can I get—“

“Chef. It’s fine. Go cool off a bit,” Sydney replies, stepping up to the expo. Carmy sighs, running a hand in his hair, before storming off through the back door. You follow suit, catching the door before it slams.

Carmy leans against the back of the building. His fingers are in his hair, tugging at his roots in an attempt to dull his anger. Under his breath, he mutters a slew of curses and god knows what else. Somehow, you find the courage to stand in front of him, toe to toe.

“Carmen, you need to calm down. You can’t lash out on people like a toddler when you don’t get exactly your way.”

“I- I can’t fucking turn it off.” His voice is laced with venom. He looks directly into your eyes. That furious look still present in his features. “I need people to- to fucking listen to me, and f-fucking go faster.”

You can’t deny the tension brewing between you and Carmy in the dim alleyway. His breath fans against your cheek. It would take just a small lean in for your lips to press against his. That’s not what you do, though.

Instead, your hand moves, as if on its own accord, to just barely palm his groin. His eyes widen as he takes in a gasp of air. Pure shock falls on his features. “You need to let your stress out. Do you want a way to do that, Carm?” you ask.

“I w-what— what?” he stammers. His cheeks flush in an instant. You chuckle as you feel him hardening through his pants. You lean into him, but your lips miss his own, choosing to target the corner of his mouth.

Your mouth trails gently, chaste kisses from the corner of his mouth, down his jaw, and to his neck. You don’t spend time sucking on the skin. If a bruise appeared on his neck after this, everyone would know. Instead, you trail your tongue on his pulse point. His body shivers against you. “C’mon, Carmy. Do I need to spell it out for you?” You punctuate your sentence by applying pressure with your palm to his length. You can’t see his face, but you can hear the groan he tries to keep under his breath.

You drop to your knees in front of him, thankful for the thick fabric of your pants. You gaze up at his face with the most innocent look you can muster given the situation. Carmy can’t even comprehend the sight of you on your knees for him. The fear of someone seeing is the last thing on Carmen’s mind. “Are—fuck—are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Take my cock out.” Carmy’s voice commands just like he’s giving you orders in the kitchen.

“Yes, Chef,” you whisper. He tenses from your choice of words. Your fingers dip into the waist band of his slacks before pulling them down to his knees. His underwear falls down with them, leaving him bare and hard in front of you.

He’s huge, way bigger than you would have expected. The tip is already leaking precum. You can’t take your eyes off of his lower half. He hides a lot of muscle under his chef whites. The V-lines of his hips are deep and defined, guiding you right to his cock. Your eyes catch glimpse of a happy trail that extends under the fabric of his shirt.

“Like what you see?” His voice is low and gravely.

You don’t look up at him, not yet. Your hands slide underneath his shirt to tug up the fabric, letting you see the rest of his stomach. The happy trail runs up to his navel. Your finger tips trace the lines of his abs. You can’t resist the urge to press kisses to his stomach. Here, you don’t have to working about marks showing, so you suck and bite at his skin. Carmy’s hand briefly cups the back of your head, threading into your hair before letting go.

“You’re so pretty, Carm,” you admit with brutal honesty. It’s true. He’s built like a Greek god. For the first time, you’ve rendered Carmy speechless with just your words. The second time you render him speechless happens when your lips wrap around the tip of his cock. You moan as the salty taste hits your tongue. Your cheeks hollow inwards to suck lightly.

“F-fuck. Fuck—fuck.” You snap your eyes up to look at him. There’s sweat forming at his brow. His hands clench at his sides in a white knuckle grip. With his gaze on you, you lick a broad stripe from the base of his cock to the tip, making a show out of it. His dick twitches on your tongue.

You can’t stand not having Carmy’s hands on you, so you take one of his hands and place it on your cheek. Not waiting a second, you take his cock all the way into your mouth. Your nose reaches the trail of hair you noticed earlier.

“Holy shit—look at you,” Carmy murmurs. His tough hand cups your cheek, lazily rubbing his thumb on your skin. Without realizing it, Carmy’s hips sink a just a little bit deeper into your throat. It reaches the point of too much, making you gag. You don’t lift off of him, though. Tears well up in your eyes as you keep his dick deep inside your mouth.

“Is it too much? You’re gagging for it,” he spits out. He’s trying to keep his composure, but his voice is full of need. “Shit—babe. Can I— can I fuck your mouth? We’ve already—fuck— already been out here too long,” Carmy practically begs.

You lift off of his cock looking utterly debauched. Spit runs down your chin, and your lips are swollen red. “If it’ll help you calm down, you can do whatever you want with me, Carm. Use me.”

“Yeah? You want that? What a good girl for me.” Carmy grasps his length in his hand, guiding himself to your lips. Your mouth falls open letting his cock sink all the way into your throat. The grasp of his hands is different from before. This time, both of his hands are on your face, palm resting on your cheeks. The rest of his hand wraps around your head, holding you firmly.

Carmy is really efficient. His cock pounds into your throat with zero hesitation. It’s near animalistic the way he’s holding your head and using you. “S’good so fuckin’ good. Takin’ my cock so good, baby,” he mumbles, too lost in pleasure to care about the words leaving his lips. “Gonna—gonna cum down your throat. You’d like that wouldn’t you? To be my little cum slut?” A deep moan reverberates through your mouth at his words. He’s lost all filter.

It’s only a few more thrusts before Carmen spills into your mouth with a strained groan. Just as you’re able to swallow, Carmy pulls to up to your feet. His lips smash against yours. The kiss is fierce and all consuming. His tongue dips into your mouth, battling with your own. Carmy groans into your mouth when he tastes himself on your tongue.

Strings of spit unite your lips when he pulls back. There’s a new look in his eyes that you can’t quite describe. “A-are you—“ you have to clear your throat, still sore from his cock. “Are you feeling calmer now? D-did that help?” Your voice is completely shot and raspy.

“Fuck, baby. You’ve got my heart beating out of my chest. Thank you for uh— for doing that. I was being an asshole,” he admits.

“You just needed someone to relieve some stress. I’m happy I could help you.”

“You’re coming home with me after service. Gotta take care of you since you took care of me.” Carmy leans in to give you a soft kiss. “And… you might wanna head straight to the bathroom to clean up a bit. Don’t need anyone else to see you like this. You’re too fucking pretty.”

Carmy is like a new man when he walks back into that kitchen. He’s more toned down, and careful about the yelling. Sydney thinks you must have been a therapist in a past life, because whatever you did managed to chill Carmy out.

It’s a week tops until someone in the kitchen finds out you two are fucking.

[mybeingthere]

Richard Mayhew, b 1924 of African American and Native American ancestry.

Born in 1924 and raised in Amityville, New York, on Long Island’s south shore, Richard Mayhew’s passion for painting was sparked by watching the artists who summered in the environs of Amityville and painted its scenic shoreline. Inspired by these artists, young Mayhew used brushes and paints from his father’s sign painting business to copy what the artists were doing. When Richard Mayhew was 14 years old, one of the artists recognized the young man’s talent and taught him the fundamentals of drawing and painting. Throughout his teenage years, Richard Mayhew made several trips into New York City to study the works of the European and American masters on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. By age 17, he had made up his mind to become an artist.

For Richard Mayhew, the essence of reality is more important than its facts. His landscape paintings aren’t the facts of a landscape but the spirit of a landscape. That spirit shimmers through a haze saturated with color.

His emotional and spiritual connection to the natural world has its roots in his African American and Native American ancestry: his father was African American and Shinnecock; his mother, African American and Cherokee. During his boyhood, his paternal grandmother supported his art endeavors and schooled him in the Native Americans kinship with the earth.

After his service as a Montfort Point Marine, Mayhew moved to New York in 1947, a crucial period in American art history. Abstract Expressionism, the first truly homegrown American art movement, was electrifying the public, igniting passionate discussions among the cognoscenti about what constitutes art in the first place and what is its purpose in the public realm. Richard Mayhew, now a student at the Brooklyn Museum’s school of art, with additional courses at Pratt Institute and Columbia, thrived in this fevered environment. The painterly freedom of the Abstract Expressionists had a profound influence on Richard Mayhew, opening his canvases to the wild essence of being that was in kinship with the spirituality of his heritage.

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Hey can you do a one shot where Nat and Wanda are taking Bumble out for a walk on like a trail and Bumble sees some other people and gets overwhelmed so she runs and gets lost in like the woods.

Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

Running Away

Wandanat x human pet!fem!reader

Summary: Wanda and Natasha have been looking for a pet for some time, but they've had no luck until they meet you, will you be a good fit for their lives?

Word Count: 725

Warnings: 18+ due to themes, MDNI, heavy pet play, human pets, abuse, violence, hurt/comfort

Authors notes: Oh little Bumble everything is so scary to her. I think she needs anxiety meds

It was a beautiful afternoon, perfect for a walk. Natasha and Wanda decided to take you on a trail near their home, a scenic path that wound through the woods and offered a peaceful escape from the bustle of daily life. They hoped it would be a pleasant experience for you, a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

The trail started off wonderfully. You trotted between them, your leash held by Natasha, your ears perked up at the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Wanda chatted softly, pointing out interesting sights along the way. Everything seemed perfect.

However, as you rounded a bend, you saw a group of people approaching. They had pets with them, and the sudden influx of strangers, along with their unfamiliar scents and sounds, triggered your anxiety. The memories of past mistreatment and fear surged up, overwhelming you.

Before Natasha or Wanda could react, you bolted. The leash slipped from Natasha's hand, and you ran, driven by panic and a desperate need to escape. The world became a blur of green as you sprinted deeper into the woods, your breath coming in frantic gasps.

"BUMBLE!" Wanda's voice echoed through the trees, filled with worry. Natasha took off after you, her long strides covering ground quickly, but you were already far ahead.

The woods grew denser, the path less clear. You stumbled through underbrush and over roots, your heart pounding in your chest. After what felt like an eternity, you slowed, exhaustion setting in. You found yourself in a small clearing, far from the trail, and collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.

Meanwhile, Natasha and Wanda were frantically searching for you. They called your name repeatedly, their voices growing hoarse with worry. Natasha's military training kicked in, and she tried to remain calm, using her tracking skills to follow any signs of your path. Wanda, tears streaming down her face, scanned the forest, praying for a glimpse of you.

Hours seemed to pass, and the sun began to dip lower in the sky. You lay in the clearing, too tired and scared to move. Every sound made you jump, the forest around you feeling vast and menacing. You curled up into a ball, wishing you were back home, safe with your owners.

Finally, as the light began to fade, you heard a familiar voice. "Bumble! Where are you, sweetheart?"

It was Wanda. Her voice was shaky but full of determination. You lifted your head, ears twitching as you tried to locate her. Then, through the trees, you saw her. Wanda was moving slowly, her eyes scanning the ground, calling your name with a mixture of hope and fear.

"Mommy..." you thought, though you couldn't bring yourself to make a sound.

Moments later, Natasha appeared behind her, her face set in a determined expression. "Wanda, I think I found her tracks. This way."

Wanda followed Natasha's lead, and soon, they were standing at the edge of the clearing. Wanda's eyes widened in relief as she saw you curled up on the ground. "Bumble!"

You whimpered softly, your body too exhausted to move. Wanda rushed over, kneeling beside you, her hands gently stroking your fur. "Oh, Bumble, we were so worried."

Natasha joined her, crouching down and checking you for any injuries. "She's okay, just scared and tired."

With Wanda's soothing words and Natasha's firm but gentle hands, they managed to get you up. Natasha took your leash again, holding it securely, while Wanda continued to comfort you.

"We're going to take it slow, okay?" Natasha said, her voice calm. "Let's get you home."

The journey back was slow, but with both of them by your side, you felt a sense of security return. Wanda never stopped talking to you, her words a steady stream of love and reassurance. Natasha kept a watchful eye, ready to protect you from any further harm.

When you finally reached the car, Wanda helped you into the back seat, sitting beside you and cradling your head in her lap. Natasha got into the driver's seat, and soon, you were on your way home.

As you lay in Wanda's lap, feeling the gentle rhythm of her breathing, you knew you were safe. Despite the fear and the panic, you had been found. Your owners loved you and would always come for you, no matter what.

[byemambo]

4Minutes EP. 4 - My Takeaways

For the sake of organization: my future takeaways will be under #mambo.4minyap (get it? hehehehehe) cause it seems to be hitting the radar for lots of folks. It's also an interesting series, and I like talking and taking the scenic route while doing so!

Compositional Framing: The Relationship of Oppression

We got the most information about Korn's character and status within the story from this episode thus far: but the visual devices popped out the most for me (I am an artist after all LOL). I mentioned camera angles, specifically bird's eye view in my episode 1 takeaways, but we're met with a different element: shot sizes! I'm not a filmmaker so please go easy on me (my credentials include my storyboarding and animated illustration classes so my knowledge is limited), but what remains consistent throughout this episode is Korn's relationship with authority and power through the usage of establishing shot size, which lots of his scenes with various characters have varying heights.

Tonkla (Authoritarian) vs. Great (Equals)

The way Korn approaches these two characters have their obvious differences in relation to himself, but the common thread is that these two characters are individuals Korn should love. It's expected to love your family unconditionally, and arguably, love your partner even more than that. But as we've seen the story play out, starting from Korn and Great's family dynamics (which I've also covered in episode 1!): love has always been conditional.

Their relationship is revealed from a flashback that Korn and Tonkla are established boyfriends since their university days, however, dating in secrecy. This further contributes to Tonkla's stress and anxiety within the relationship, slowly escalating once he realizes the mistreatment he's tolerating. I found the symbolism between the pet cat's collar and Korn's "senior chief" sash interesting: there is ownership involved, which is mistaken for partnership.

From the jump, Korn doesn't view Tonkla as an equal partner to him, but someone who he can assert dominance over (which is primarily physical but also emotional). By displaying acts of love such as helping Tonkla through his first time and being present during Tonkla's loss with his deceased pet cat, what seems innocent and kindhearted on the surface actually has more context (which due to the 30 image limit, y'all are going to have to watch the episode for yourself and take my word for it LOL).

In the university flashback, Korn mentions keeping the cat's collar as a memento, but he's not the one reaching in and taking the collar off the cat: Tonkla is. Tonkla also isn't the one who puts on the "senior chief" sash himself: Korn is. In both scenarios, Korn is the one making decisions for Tonkla during his moments of vulnerability (both in a state of grief and during a sexual act). I checked out this article to make sure my facts are straight (got too many fun facts up my sleeve), but this approach is how cults target and recruit their victims:

Possible situational vulnerabilities include illness, the death of a loved one, breakup of an important relationship, loss of a job, or moving to another city, state or country.

Is this deliberate, or is it Korn's act of kindness? We can only infer at this moment where Korn falls on the value spectrum, but he's definitely a morally gray character (you can argue with your mom idc). During the after care scene, Tonkla mentions his father (which is alive during this flashback, but not presently living during the funeral ceremony) and moving to a new place with his younger brother due to his father's alcoholism (and possible physical abuse but this is only an assumption). Korn handles this interaction by providing financial stability (cough cough financial abuse) for Tonkla in the meantime, establishing a relationship rooted in give-and-take, debt and IOUs, under the guise of a caring romantic relationship. Given that Tonkla and his brother have suffered from trauma relating to family dynamics and enduring dysfunction into adulthood, I can see why Tonkla had become completely blindsided to this level of power imbalance that is simply all too familiar.

Once Tonkla realizes that Korn is only present in his life for his own self-interest, and access, he stands up against his oppressor, recognizing that there is another individual that is displaying signs of love and care (which isn't 100% healthy, but it's progress nonetheless) that Korn has bread crumbed him for all these years.

This confrontational scene is highly intense and emotional, which is reinforced by Korn's physical stature towering over Tonkla in most of the scenes we've seen thus far in each episode and usually ending with Korn continuing to be enabled. These scenes are usually shot at angles such as panning from above to reveal Korn's power over Tonkla, who's usually shot from over-the-shoulder and panned down. However, once Tonkla finally takes his stand against him, the camera follows him and frames the shot as a close up, tightening the gap between Korn as the oppressor and Tonkla as the oppressed.

Once Korn leaves and returns to question Nan about the leaked information: we're shown a similar staging of Korn physically towering over his victim, but from a cowboy shot slightly panned upward. However, the framing suggests from size relationship alone: Korn is nothing more but a victim himself playing the role of the villain. He is in the same predicament as his own victims, but living in a state of falsehood and denial as he has been trained to believe it is his birth right to take over his father's business (not even taking the time to question the morality behind such a business). What remains behind choosing moral righteousness over injustice: the disappointment of living as a failure and abandonment of his family system, the only consistently good thing in his life that is his younger brother Great. It's heartbreaking because we can see somewhat of goodness from his beaconing of retrieving information without the reliance of violent methods (which is unsuccessful and out of context, rather pitiful?), and I really do hope that he will be able to redeem himself (but I wouldn't completely write off the series if he does not deserve redemption).

However, the greatest loss is Tonkla's revelation of his own entrapment: reminiscing the memories held by the collar but in an entirely new perspective. The composition of him looking at himself in the mirror is hauntingly beautiful but full of melancholy: the mirror serves as a moment of literal self reflection, the collar reminding him of living as a possession rather than a person, the frame of the mirror serves as a metaphorical cage. Now it's a matter of whether or not Tonkla will reclaim his power again and recognize that he's simply a bird confined in his cage, but the door is now wide open. Will he realize soon that he has his own wings to fly?

Moral Value: A Hidden Responsibility

We've seen in this episode Great having a better understanding of his gift, establishing his moral compass and duty to act with integrity and with a strong sense of justice. Seeing such strong character development within these past few episodes is breathtaking (especially if you've been a long time supporter of Bible and just his journey as an actor). We have a good sense of Great recognizing his autonomy and relationship with free will, contrasted to how passive and reluctant he was in doing the "right" thing and being given a second chance to make a different decision.

Tyme's motive reveal (I love being right hehe) after being confronted by Great's demand for why he attacked his brother became a turning point for Great to finally tap in and establish his innate desire for moral justice, especially after being told about Nan's captivity and being foreshown her demise once he found her location. What I found most interesting during the initial rescue of Nan from Samarn was just how "normal" his conduct was when addressing Great as the son of his upper head. How polite his language was while holding a gun and standing next to a pool of his victim's blood, to just before Tyme's appearance where Great becomes the voice of reason amongst the chaos.

"Why can't I?"

It's such a simple response, but it's so loaded with depth and hidden meaning: it makes you sit back and also wonder...why can't I?

Great becomes an individual questioning the circumstances surrounding him, enabling himself to experience change. When his "friend" attempted murder and brought him along for the ride, when he experienced his first few heart attacks and hitting the woman seeking unalivement, when he is confronted by his brother's attacker and doesn't blindly dedicate his loyalty to his brother for the mere fact that he's family, when he sees Nan's predestined death in the hands of the enemy (which you can say that it really be your own people).

What makes Great such a fascinating character to me is just how dynamic and determined he's become after being gifted with foreseeing the future. Having such excitement in his awareness to his free will makes me enjoy him more as a character, that our lives are not predetermined to live and die for, that we have morals and values that must be considered and analyzed for its legitimacy, that we have integrity to do what's right without entitlement to self-interest, that we have the shared responsibility to criticize the world in which was built for us, but our jobs to upkeep and maintain. I'm excited to see what's in store for Great moving forward, and I'm so happy for Bible and Jes to play such characters.

Even though the lighting is similar to how Korn and Tonkla's flashback was, the visible warmth is even more obvious with how these two established their relationship. That in contrast to KornTonkla's ownership, TymeGreat is partnership (we haven't reached boyfriend status yet but it's coming!) How Tyme is willing to accept and make room for Great's excitement and passion, to hold it gently, to cherish it as a fleeting moment. Their NC scene in comparison to KornTonkla and WinTonkla is simply ethereal: the level of shared vulnerability and intimacy warmed my heart. From the lighting to the shots and down to the chosen score, the director does a fantastic job of creating such dissonance between all the pairs (which lots of people like to write off NC scenes as unnecessary and vulgar but it's just blatant purity cultural standards imposing on all of us and I need to dedicate another time to talk about it). The visual storytelling thus far has me anticipating more from the story as the details continue to establish the worlds revealed to us.

Tonkla's Brother: The Arrival of Home

I'm sure we all saw this coming but the reveal is heartwrenching. To see such a sweet face and scene filled with hope and longing with its immediate contrast to harsh reality, my heart goes out to Tonkla. Some may infer that there's a separate timeline that exists alongside reality, but I think it's possibly a hyperrealistic hallucination or dream by Tonkla (since the last scene we see of him was just before heading to bed for the night but also his intense codependency on drugs). Of course on the surface, people can infer that this is simply Dome returning home from recovering from his injuries: however, I interpreted it philosophically. Dome arrived home for his soul to rest.

We're shown in the first half of the episode of Tonkla mourning after Dome's body is cremated (I'm also Buddhist but I'm nationally American and ethnically Vietnamese so my interpretation of the religion will have its differences), which now establishes Dome's physical remains returning to the earth which his soul can no longer return to. I imagined Dome's soul has reincarnated and given access to the Western Pureland (since Tonkla was physically outside in the warm sunlight versus his more cool toned coloring within his scenes), only hoping that he actually experienced resting on his deathbed ready to enter the afterlife with a smile. Now we know that Tonkla's fingerprints were already in the investigation database: we need to know why and what crimes he had already committed before the murder shown as the opening in episode 2. This is definitely going to affect Win's current dynamic with Tonkla, given that they're now living together and he has access to Tonkla's home and possessions. Maybe we'll experience another shift in character development like how Great was, but possibly targeting Korn if the company is involved in Dome's case somehow.

Honorable Mentions: Heart Attack Transition

This scene was literally so fucking cool. The match cuts and in and outs of the inversion (def going to have trigger warnings for future GIF sets) were literally out of this world, especially when I find out it's from the freaking painting within the hospital hallway that is just a prop on the surface. I wonder who suggested such a transition and I wonder how they'll depict Great's future heart attacks and visions. The VFX team is working overtime and I'm so impressed so please give them their flowers!

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

"#HoraceBrazelton was the first African-American to open a professional photography studio here in Chattanooga.

His specialty: portraits.

Brazelton documented middle-class families and individuals - as well as church, civic and professional groups - from Black communities during the first half of the 20th Century, the era of Jim Crow segregation across the South.

As a photographer, a business owner and a community leader, he empowered those he served.

An exhibit of his work - “Through the Lens: The Life and Legacy of Horace Brazelton” - is now on display at Ruby Falls, through September 15th.

Stefaine Haire - a historic preservation planner - curated the exhibit"

[stormisblooming]

HIII HELLO! Hope your having a good day/afternoon/night! I love our wife (Clorinde) as well, happy you want to write about her! Can you write about Clorinde x gn reader? Sorry I don't have any prompts in mind for her atm..maybe lots of fluff though? Thank you!

*holding back tears* anon. anon you are the one who understands me.

Clorinde x gn!reader; general relationship hcs!

contains; Clorinde being a lovesick fool

word count; 427

Clorinde may be a Champion Duelist but do not let her serious brooding exterior fool you she is still a woman who gets caught pining for you from afar by literally everyone around her!!!

she brings you lots of thoughtful gifts, to the point you may start running out of space if you don’t say anything… one of her love languages is most definitely gift giving. that necklace you were looking at in the shop window? on your pillow by the next day. those shoes you liked the look of? all yours. that new gadget that looked useful to you? heck, she might pick one up for herself too — after all, there is no judgement she trusts better than yours!

(why yes i was extremely normal about her birthday line why do you ask)

she likes taking you on all sorts of nice dates too, where she regails you with tales of her most exciting duels and timely hunts. is she showing off a little? maybe, but how can she not when you praise her with such adoration in response?

anywhere you want to go, she’ll take you — it’s her duty as your lover to make you happy, after all! though, she does also enjoy taking you to the scenic spots she’s discovered across Fontaine thanks to her job, such as a mountain that you can see all the way to Liyue from the top of or atop the walls that surround the Court of Fontaine.

Navia thinks you’re both just adorable.

Clorinde may be away at work most of the time, but she will always come back to you. there’s nothing more precious to her than coming home after a long and gruelling day at work to see her precious lover’s face grinning and welcoming her home.

be warned, she gets very cuddly when she’s tired — if you had planned to do anything after getting in bed to cuddle her to sleep, think again! you are very much stuck there until the morning. this woman has a grip like no other.

finally, she’s a big fan of playing with your hair while you lay in her lap! whether it’s long or short, her fingers will find their way from root to tip, even if she’s not particularly paying attention to what her hands are doing, too preoccupied with analysing your perfect features. if you call it out, she won’t be embarrassed, per se… just a little flustered. not that she pulls her hand away.

“What can I say? You have an effect on me, mon coeur.”

please do not repost

[cyberclouddream]

Travel Preferences & the 9th House

Aries in the 9th House (Leo Rising)

You’re always itching for a new adventure and love travel that feels exhilarating and bold. Or maybe you see every trip as a chance to prove something to yourself, craving that rush of excitement. You’re likely to be the one who spontaneously decides to book a flight just to try something new. For example, you might wake up one day and decide to take a road trip to the mountains because it sounds fun. You may be prone to random obstacles like last-minute changes to your itinerary or unexpected traffic jams that can make things a bit chaotic.

Taurus in the 9th House (Virgo Rising)

You prefer your travel experiences to be indulgent and luxurious, where comfort is key. Or perhaps you view travel as an opportunity to treat yourself to the finer things in life. You tend to gravitate toward places where you can savor good food and unwind in beautiful settings. For instance, you might enjoy a weekend getaway at a cozy cabin or a spa retreat where you can relax and rejuvenate. You may be prone to inconveniences like delays or weather issues that can mess with your laid-back plans.

Gemini in the 9th House (Libra Rising)

You thrive on mental stimulation and love to explore places that inspire curiosity and conversation. Or you might think of travel as a chance to gather stories and new ideas from different cultures. You’re all about those trips where you can connect with people and learn something new every day. For example, you might take a trip to a vibrant city and spend your days visiting museums and chatting with locals at cafes. You may be prone to things like miscommunication or unexpected encounters that lead to memorable adventures.

Cancer in the 9th House (Scorpio Rising)

Your travels often center around emotional connections and places that resonate with your personal history. Or maybe you feel a pull toward locations that evoke nostalgia or family ties. You tend to choose destinations that allow you to reconnect with loved ones or reflect on your roots. For instance, you might visit a family member in another state or take a trip to a place that holds childhood memories. You may be prone to sudden family matters or emotional surprises that could impact your plans unexpectedly.

Leo in the 9th House (Sagittarius Rising)

You love travel that feels grand and allows you to express yourself in a big way. Or you might see each journey as a chance to live life to the fullest and create unforgettable moments. You’re drawn to vibrant locations where you can soak in the local culture and show off your adventurous spirit. For example, you might plan a trip to a carnival or a cultural festival where you can participate and make a splash. You may be prone to unexpected changes in the schedule or oversights that lead to spontaneous detours.

Virgo in the 9th House (Capricorn Rising)

You approach travel with a meticulous mindset, always looking to maximize your time and experiences. Or perhaps you view each trip as a project that needs careful planning and execution. You tend to appreciate educational opportunities and experiences that enrich your understanding of the world. For instance, you might embark on a study abroad program or attend workshops while traveling. You may be prone to issues like over-scheduling or unexpected complications that throw off your well-organized plans.

Libra in the 9th House (Aquarius Rising)

You’re all about finding balance and beauty in your travel experiences, often seeking destinations that inspire peace and harmony. Or maybe you think of travel as an opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections with others. You enjoy visiting places that are aesthetically pleasing and culturally rich. For example, you might plan a trip to an art exhibition or a scenic coastal town with friends. You may be prone to unexpected social dynamics, like last-minute changes in plans that can create tension among travel companions.

Scorpio in the 9th House (Pisces Rising)

Your travel experiences are often intense and transformative, pushing you to explore deep emotional landscapes. Or you might see travel as a way to uncover hidden truths about yourself and the world. You’re drawn to destinations with rich histories or spiritual significance that challenge your perceptions. For example, you might choose to visit ancient ruins or attend a retreat that encourages self-discovery. You may be prone to unexpected emotional revelations or challenges that test your limits during your travels.

Sagittarius in the 9th House (Aries Rising)

You have a natural wanderlust and love exploring new places that expand your horizons. Or you might view every journey as an opportunity to learn and grow, seeing travel as an essential part of your life. You thrive on spontaneity and the thrill of discovering unfamiliar cultures. For instance, you might take a backpacking trip through various countries, immersing yourself in local traditions. You may be prone to unpredictability, like sudden detours or missed connections that lead to unique experiences.

Capricorn in the 9th House (Taurus Rising)

You approach travel with a goal-oriented mindset, often seeking experiences that align with your long-term ambitions. Or perhaps you think of travel as a means to achieve personal and professional growth. You prefer organized trips that allow you to explore while still maintaining a sense of control. For example, you might attend a conference in a different city and carve out time to explore the area afterward. You may be prone to work-related distractions or unforeseen commitments that interfere with your travel plans.

Aquarius in the 9th House (Gemini Rising)

You have a unique perspective on travel, often seeking out experiences that are unconventional or ahead of the curve. Or you might view each trip as an adventure to discover new ideas and innovative cultures. You love exploring places that feel different and challenge societal norms. For instance, you might attend a cutting-edge tech expo or travel to a city known for its creativity. You may be prone to unexpected changes in plans, like last-minute shifts that lead you to explore something new and exciting.

Pisces in the 9th House (Cancer Rising)

You’re drawn to travel experiences that are dreamy and inspiring, often seeking a deeper connection with the world around you. Or you might see each journey as a way to explore your imagination and creativity. You love visiting places that allow for reflection and artistic expression. For instance, you might choose to attend a retreat focused on art or spirituality in a picturesque location. You may be prone to surprises like schedule changes or emotional ups and downs that could shift your travel experience unexpectedly.0

[reasonsforhope]

By the time Sue Shusterman turns away from the bench at the overlook and back toward the trailhead, she knows the paddleboarders are out in force 300 yards away on the gleaming blue surface of Chatfield Reservoir.  

She knows the high runoff waters have flooded the roots of Chatfield’s willows and cottonwoods, and that the first spring-green layers of the foothills rise to the west like soft fabric. 

How she acquired these life-affirming memories is at first a mystery, since Shusterman is blind and is heading back toward the parking lot making her usual sweep of the path in front with her ever-present white cane.  

But then a friendly voice emerges from the phone that Shusterman is pointing toward the path from her other hand.

A little to the left to stay on the paved path. Looks like there’s a trail all the way down to the beach, about 75 yards, if you wanted to go. I’ll just be here watching, let me know if you need anything. 

The voice is from a live, trained human guide FaceTiming through Shusterman’s phone camera on the Aira ability-assist app. Sight-impaired people have been using Aira’s guides to make it easier to do anything from navigating an airport to filling out an online job form. Now, all 42 Colorado state parks like Chatfield are geofenced to allow any visitor to use Aira for free to stroll the trails with a helpful set of eyes. 

The Aira guides seemingly effortlessly offer what a blind hiker either needs, or wants. If there’s a dangerous steep drop-off on the right, they warn. If the hiker would rather know if the sneezeweed is in bloom or the sailboats are luffing through a turn, Aira offers that instead.

For Shusterman, trying Aira as an outdoors adventure for the first time, the allure was simple: “Independence.” 

“So she’s doing, I think, a phenomenal job of including the necessary safety things, but the perks of the scenery, too,” Shusterman said, as she paused during a conversation with an Aira guide based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “She’s doing great.”

State accessibility officials recently announced the expansion of Aira to state parks grounds, after previously providing Aira free for other state-related functions such as navigating a government building or getting help on an online site or filling out forms. Colorado cannot control the cellphone signal, though, so parks officials encourage visitors to try Aira at a familiar or close-in park space before ranging farther afield with it. Popular parks like Staunton or Golden Gate contain pockets where signals are not strong. 

For consumers buying access on their own, Aira costs about $50 for 30 minutes of assistance a month. Private employers and governments often buy package access to Aira and other accessibility apps for all employees to use. State accessibility coordinator Theresa Montano, who is blind and accompanied Shusterman on her Chatfield walk, said Amazon buys access so that sight-impaired shipping center employees can navigate steps to pack orders.

Montano uses Aira at her state job, saying the guides on the app can share her computer screen and help her get through an online task in 30 minutes that might take her four hours without help or through older accessibility tools. 

Adding Aira for state-owned lands was wrapped into the overall $250,000 budget for free Aira use on state property and with state websites. The additional utility is an obvious plus, Montano said. 

“This gives blind people the same opportunity to come and enjoy it by themselves or with their family if they want to, and be independent,” she said...

Shusterman walked away taking more from the big picture experience, rather than any particular scenic detail. 

“For me, it was, you know what, I could go for a walk on this path, and I could feel completely safe, and I would enjoy a nice walk and get some exercise, in an unfamiliar area,” Shusterman said. “It’s definitely a real confidence boost for me.”  

-via The Colorado Sun, June 11, 2024

[ovaryacted]

Honest question, how do you think Leon would propose?

Love ya Nic, have a great day/night! ❤️

Omg, anon, I'm so sorry I haven't answered this until now even though I truly wanted to when I first saw it! I literally was grinning from ear to ear thinking about this and the different ways Leon would propose to his significant other. Thank you so much for this ask, it really made me happy. 🫶

Now, I think the way Leon approaches marriage will definitely depend on where he is in his life. He can be both attentive and intentional on the proposal itself, or he's more focused on the final product and ends up being an impulsive knucklehead. So I will break this down based on the different versions of him, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this!

RE2R - Baby boy, most definitely would be very considerate towards the whole process. I see him taking a more romantic approach despite being shy, taking their partner out to dinner, and spending a pretty penny on the whole thing. He'll get a bouquet of roses, take you to some nice restaurant in the city, and does some real corny shit like put the engagement ring in the dessert, or he'd actually get on one knee and ask you properly. Either way, I think this specific version of Leon would give you the sweetest most intentional engagement, and it would be more endearing because he's nervous the entire time and scared you'd say no but when you kiss him, he's all smiles afterward.

RE4R - Now Leon is a couple of years older with more life experience under his belt that he didn't necessarily ask for. If he was lucky enough to have a partner that he wants to marry, he would still be considerate enough to actually ask them but the proposal would be more intimate and personal. He'd probably take you to somewhere quiet and scenic, he'd want it to be more private and away from other people to ease his own anxieties. He may or may not get on one knee in front of you or decide on just holding your hands, but he would still ask you, or say that he wants you in his life for as long as he's here. Much more sentimental because he's an emotional type of guy, and he's the type to probably have the ring in his pocket instead of the case itself, but it is still a lovely gesture.

ID! - For sure goes back to his romantic roots. Similar to him in RE2R, I still see him doing the whole restaurant thing, but probably rents out an actual section in the restaurant so it's more private. He has the entire night planned, takes you to a nice exclusive dinner (cause duh), is very smug and corny about things, and woos you with his silly jokes before popping the question seriously. Afterwards, he'd take you to a nice hotel room with champagne and really treats you to a nice night out because it's what you deserve.

RE6 - Now at his age and with his level of trauma, it can go either nicely, or very impulsively. If he's intentional and wants that special moment, Leon will plan it out and do it properly. But I think it would be more realistic if he's impulsive, or just never finds the right way to propose to the person he loves. He'd come back home with the ring sitting in his pocket but wouldn't ask you for weeks. Every time he thinks it's the right time to propose to you, he either chickens out from asking at all, or he gets sent off on another mission and isn't able to come back for some time. He wants to do it right, really does, but he'll eventually grow impatient and just blurts out the statement like a dumbass. At least here, he'll probably say it when he's desperate, just says "Marry me" as he's kissing you over and over. It's embarrassing, but once he realizes he can't live without you and doesn't want to wait any longer, he will just say it because it's better if he did than if he never gets the chance to do it in the first place.

Vendetta - Good luck on getting him to ask cause he literally won't. The question may or may not slip out into a drunken mess of words that he won't remember in the morning, or you'll mention something about marriage and he'll brush it off. That man would not give one fuck about getting married when he literally doesn't think life is worth living. If you want to marry him, it will take a lot of convincing him that he's even worth the emotional investment. Leon wants to feel love and reciprocate it, but he's also scared that if he does get married, it'll turn into collateral so he would be less inclined to even want that.

DI! - A little more sensical than he was in the past, Leon at this point will either do a proper proposal, or he will unintentionally suggest that he wants to marry you. He's the type to buy the engagement ring the moment he knows he wants to be in your life for whatever is remaining of it, and he'll keep it hidden or tucked away for months, or carry it on him as a reminder to ask you one day. In a moment of weakness, he can also just pop the question as he's being with you in bed, loving you. His eyes will crinkle as he smiles, looking at you with so much affection that it'll probably come out as a hypothetical like "What if we got married?". You entertain the idea, not thinking he's serious but when he goes quiet after a second and gives you a bashful stare, you just say "You're not serious are you?", and he holds the ring in front of you like "Very serious". It's sudden, it's even a tad bit silly, but it's him and you can't help but say yes anyway.

[godfrcy]

#𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐅𝐑𝐂𝐘 ⸻ HIGHLY TRIGGERING CONTENT MAY BE PRESENT ! minors and personals DNI. proceed with caution. rp account crafted for fakevz but not limited to. eng.

31 year old current sitting ceo of Godfrey Industries, 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐘 is the boy king of one of the world’s leading bioengineering empires, a medical and pharmaceutical powerhouse stationed in the heart of scenic Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania. The only biological child born to Olivia and Norman Godfrey, an illicit affair between a wife and her brother in law, Roman was quite literally born with a silver spoon in his mouth and a crown awaiting his head. No one bearing the Godfrey name has ever wanted for anything in life, and Roman is no exception. And still, the young man was always hungry for something else, aching for the elusive something. Finding no notable solace in drugs, sex, alcohol, or self harm as a teen, Roman attempted and succeeded at suicide at the age of nineteen. He did in fact die, but did not stay dead ⸺ instead, he awoke as something else. UPIR as his mother had said, though most would simply say vampire. Something, he would come to find out, made him just like Olivia herself.

A STUDY IN [ . . . ] nepotism , blood , wealth , power , killing with no mercy , “ when is a monster not a monster ? ” , the void that cannot be filled , and what it’s like to have violence in the roots of your family tree .

FOR MORE INFO CLICK THE HASHTAG ©

[travelingare]

📍 Basque Autonomous Community‎‎,Spain!!

The Basque Country of Spain is a place like no other, with a blend of dramatic landscapes, rich history, and unique culture.

Here’s why it should be a must-visit:

🌊Stunning Coastline: The rugged Atlantic coast, dotted with fishing villages like Getaria and cities like San Sebastián, offers pristine beaches and scenic views. The famous surfing waves of Mundaka and the tranquil beauty of the Flysch cliffs make the coastline unforgettable.

🍽Gastronomic Heaven: The Basque Country is home to more Michelin- starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. From pintxos (Basque tapas) in the vibrant old town of San Sebastián to traditional dishes in remote mountain villages, the culinary scene is second to none.

🇪🇸Unique Culture and Language: Basque culture is distinct from the rest of Spain. The ancient Basque language (Euskara) is still spoken, and the region’s festivals, music, and dance offer a window into a culture with roots stretching back thousands of years.

🌅Natural Beauty: From the green rolling hills of the countryside to the towering Pyrenees mountains, the Basque Country offers some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Europe. Hike through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, or explore the stunning Picos de Europa.

🖼Art and Architecture: The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, draws art lovers from all over the world. Bilbao itself is a testament to modern urban revitalization, blending old-world charm with avant-garde design.

🏛Rich History and Traditions: The Basque people have preserved their traditions and autonomy throughout centuries of foreign rule. Visiting towns like Guernica, which is steeped in historical significance, helps you understand the resilience of the Basque identity.

The Basque Country isn’t just a destination-it’s an experience, full of contrasts, where nature, food, and culture collide in ways that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

Have you been to the Basque Country before?

If not is it now on your list?

@vineyardsandvoyages

#visiteuskadi #sansebastian #spain #travel #travelingare #dronephotography