#Sligo Town

[stairnaheireann]

Maud Gonne Mural, Sligo Town

Painted by the Artist Nik Purdy With poem “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved…

[dathen]

We’re so used to the sexual reading of the entire book of Dracula, which takes the sensuality of the early chapters and jams everything that follows it into the same metaphor no matter how poorly it fits, but I feel the segment we’re approaching works much better with a lens of chronic illness and disease.

Vampire legends are inextricably intertwined with disease. Many of them are said to have been birthed by burying victims of disease too soon, who later seem to rise from the dead. But what’s more is that Stoker and his family have deep-seated trauma over disease: his mother had to flee her hometown at the age of 14 because of a horrific cholera epidemic, and Stoker himself was bedridden as a child from an illness that no one could identify.

Found this quote from Irish Historian Mary McGarry:

Bram as an adult asked his mother to write down her memories of the epidemic for him, and he supplemented this using his own historic research of Sligo’s epidemic. Scratching beneath the surface (of this essay), I found parallels with Dracula. [For instance,] Charlotte says cholera enters port towns having traveled by ship, and can travel overland as a mist—just like Dracula, who infects people with his unknown contagion.

I bring this up because a lot of academic analysis insists that Lucy sleepwalking is proof of her being the Slutty Woman archetype that needs to be punished. This suggested symbolism is hilarious when put next to the text saying she inherited it from her father, but I’d like to suggest a different angle from the lens of disease suggested earlier:

Lucy’s sleepwalking is a condition that predates Dracula but makes her an easy target for him to prey on. Through the lens of disease symbolism, she now is someone with chronic illness or disability who is especially vulnerable to infectious disease. This becomes a cross-section of Stoker’s trauma regarding disease: his own mystery illness and his mother fleeing a plague.

To wind down my rambles with a bit of a soapbox, I feel this adds a very poignant layer to the struggle to keep Lucy alive. The COVID pandemic showed a horrifying level of casual ableism vs disabled and immunodeficient individuals, shrugging off their vulnerability and even their deaths with “well COVID only kills them.” There’s something deeply gratifying at seeing the way everyone around Lucy fights to the bitter end to protect her and refuses to just give her up to Dracula, whether it’s Mina physically chasing him away or the suitor squad pouring their blood into her veins or Van Helsing desperately searching for cures. The vulnerable deserve no less than this. They’re not acceptable casualties.

[ceo-draiochta]

Lughnasadh in the Modern Day

The ancient festival of Lúnasa is one of the 4 celtic fire festivals celebrated on the turn of the seasons. The other 3 festivals all have very clear christian reinterpretations. Those being All Hallows Eve, St Brigids day and May day. However Lúnasa also has a number of modern day christian holidays associated with it in much the same way.

(Linked sources in brackets)

Names

The modern festival goes by many names: Domnach Lúnasa, Lá Lúnasa, Domnach Crom Dubh, Bilberry Sunday and most commonly as either Reek Sunday or Garland Sunday. (1)(2)

Hill Climbing & Holy Wells

This is a day where the mountain of Croagh Patrick is visited, the pilgrimage consists of climbing the mountain while taking stops at certain stone cairns, where one walks in circles around them a set number of times while reciting specific prayers. There are 3 major sections where this is done(3). This is still observed today(4). It is celebrated on the last Sunday of July.

(Croagh Patrick)

This, while observed throughout the country, is not the only such celebration. Many towns climb their respective hills on this day such as those around Keash Hill in Sligo(2)(5)(11), Slive Donard in Down(6), and Máméan in Galway (7). Holy wells are also visited on this day such as in Cappagh, Galway(8), Ballyfa, Galway(9) and Ballyhaunis, Mayo (12). In some cases a procession from the Holy Well to the hill takes place (2)(7)(11)

(Máméan)

An interesting example of this was the Tullaghan Hill holy well in county Sligo, where the Holy Well was on a hill specifically the Ox mountains. This specific well used to be visited on Garland Sunday but is no longer as the festival that followed this visit evoked too much "secular fun" (10).

Festivals

Fairs and celebrations seem to be a core feature of this Lúnasa Tradition, with the aforementioned Tullaghan Hill fair, The Old Fair Day in Tubbercurry, county Sligo (13) and Fair Day in Kenmare, Kerry(14). These are usually celebrated in the second week on August, i.e. a week or two after the religious excursion.

The Puck Fair is festival in Killorglin, county Kerry. It is celebrated in the second week of August and involves crowning a specific goat "king" and parading them around while a large fair takes place(15).

(Puck Fair)

Mythology

In the dinseanchas entry for Nás, the death and burial of two of the wives of Lugh are described, with Bui having been buried on the Hill of Cnogba. Where it is said that "The hosts of the pure Gaels came to bewail the women". Suggesting that there was a precession to the Hill she was buried. There was then said to be mass mourning which grew into a great assembly. These events were said to have contributed to the beginning of the festival of Taltiu, which is to say Lúnasa. (16)

Pagan Connection

The pagan connection is quite clear to see, with Holy wells long being sites of pre-Christian worship, it is little coincidence that they are visited around the time of Lúnasa. The climbing of a hill seems to be widely practiced over the country and directly connects to the Dinseanchas story of the beginning of the Lúnasa festival in where a hill was climbed to reach a grave for mourning. The fact that Keash Hil (Ceis Corran) and Croagh Patrick are both home to ancient megalithic cairns, which are commonly connected with the Otherworld is also an interesting point.

Lúnasa being an Aonach, a funeral festival for the foster mother of Lugh, Tailtiu does tie directly into the occurrence of festivals around this time.

Practices to Adopt

It seems clear now that visiting watery sites such as wells and climbing hills to worship, as well as large scale festivals and merriment are a key part of how Lúnasa has continued to be celebrated and should be incorporated into a modern Irish pagan practice.

[beyourselfchulanmaria]

Conil - Old Irish Drunks - Lyrics

Well he left home one Sligo day and he kept on going until he came to a halt

And they heard nothing of their lost son since London had swallowed him up

Each night he drank himself to sleep in a town where he lived but did not belong

These streets were built by men who came from the earth then covered it up

They built these streets of Cricklewood

They built these streets of Kilburn

They built these streets of Cricklewood

And they built them good

Built them good

Living on the far edge he broke his toes in the High Road cold

His last days he told me how much he loved all he said he hated most

They built these streets of Cricklewood

They built these streets of Kilburn

They built these streets of Cricklewood

And they built them good

Built them good

And all the roads remain

And all the roads remain

And all the roads remain

And all the roads remain

Built them good

Built them good

Built them good

Built them good

[breakofdawnfitness11]

The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Personal Trainer in Sligo

Nestled on Ireland's rugged west coast, Sligo is a town steeped in natural beauty and cultural richness. From the picturesque landscapes of Benbulben and the wild Atlantic coast to the tranquil serenity of Lough Gill, Sligo offers an idyllic setting for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness. Whether you're an athlete training for a specific goal, someone looking to lose weight, or just hoping to lead a healthier lifestyle, finding the right personal trainer in Sligo can be a game-changer.

This guide will help you navigate the journey of finding the best personal trainer in Sligo. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of hiring a personal trainer to tips on choosing the right one for your needs, and we’ll even spotlight some of the top trainers in the area.

Why Hire a Personal Trainer?

1. Personalized Fitness Plans

Personal trainers provide individualized workout plans tailored to your specific goals, fitness level, and any physical limitations. Unlike generic workout routines you might find online, a personal trainer assesses your unique needs and creates a program that will help you achieve the best results.

2. Accountability

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a consistent fitness routine is staying motivated. A personal trainer keeps you accountable, ensuring you show up for your workouts and give your best effort each time.

3. Expert Guidance

Personal trainers possess in-depth knowledge of exercise science, anatomy, and nutrition. Their expertise ensures you perform exercises correctly, reducing the risk of injury while maximizing effectiveness. This guidance is especially valuable for beginners who may not be familiar with proper techniques.

4. Efficiency

Time is precious, and a personal trainer helps you make the most of it. By designing efficient workouts that target your specific goals, a trainer ensures you get the maximum benefit from each session, even if you’re short on time.

5. Support and Motivation

Beyond the physical benefits, personal trainers provide emotional support and encouragement. Whether you're feeling discouraged, frustrated, or unmotivated, a good trainer knows how to keep you on track and focused on your goals.

What to Look for in a Personal Trainer

When choosing a personal trainer in Sligo, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you find the best match for your needs.

1. Qualifications and Certifications

The first thing to check is whether the trainer is properly certified. Reputable certifications include those from organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These certifications ensure the trainer has a solid understanding of exercise science and safety protocols.

2. Experience and Specializations

Experience is key when selecting a trainer. Ask how long they’ve been working as a personal trainer and if they have experience working with clients who have similar goals to yours. Some trainers specialize in areas like weight loss, sports performance, injury rehabilitation, or strength training. Choose a trainer whose expertise aligns with your fitness objectives.

3. Communication Style

Your trainer's communication style should resonate with you. Some people prefer a no-nonsense, drill-sergeant approach, while others might thrive under a more supportive, encouraging trainer. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the trainer communicates and decide if their style will keep you motivated.

4. Client Testimonials and Reviews

A good trainer should have a track record of satisfied clients. Look for testimonials on their website or ask for references. Online reviews on Google or social media can also provide insight into the trainer’s reputation and effectiveness.

5. Location and Availability

Consider the location of the trainer’s gym or studio. Is it convenient for you? If the location isn’t easy to get to, you might find it harder to stick to your training schedule. Additionally, make sure the trainer’s availability aligns with your own. Flexibility in scheduling can be crucial, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.

6. Cost

Personal training can be a significant investment, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting value for your money. Trainers in Sligo may charge different rates based on their experience, expertise, and the services they offer. Some may offer packages or discounts for multiple sessions, so be sure to discuss pricing upfront.

Top Personal Trainers in Sligo

To help you get started on your fitness journey, here’s a look at some of the top personal trainers in Sligo:

1. John O’Neill Fitness

With over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, John O’Neill is one of Sligo’s most respected personal trainers. He specializes in strength and conditioning, weight loss, and sports performance training. John’s approach is highly personalized, ensuring each client receives a tailored plan that fits their specific needs. His gym is located in the heart of Sligo town, making it easily accessible.

2. Emily Walsh – Fit For Life

Emily Walsh brings a holistic approach to personal training, focusing not just on physical fitness but also on mental well-being. With a background in yoga and nutrition, Emily offers a well-rounded fitness experience. Her sessions often incorporate elements of mindfulness and stress management, making her a great choice for those looking to improve their overall wellness.

3. Tommy Gallagher Personal Training

Tommy Gallagher is known for his energetic and motivational training style. With a background in competitive athletics, Tommy specializes in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional fitness. He’s an excellent choice for clients looking to push their limits and achieve rapid results. His facility, located just outside Sligo town, is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

4. Sarah Kavanagh – SK Fitness

Sarah Kavanagh is a personal trainer with a passion for helping women achieve their fitness goals. She offers a range of services, from one-on-one training sessions to group classes and online coaching. Sarah’s approach is supportive and empowering, making her a great choice for women at any stage of their fitness journey.

5. Liam McGrath – Sligo Strength

Liam McGrath is a specialist in strength training and muscle building. With a background in powerlifting, Liam’s programs are designed to help clients build muscle, increase strength, and improve overall athletic performance. His clients range from beginners to experienced lifters, and he tailors his programs to meet each individual’s needs.

The Importance of Nutrition in Personal Training

While exercise is a crucial component of any fitness regimen, it’s only one part of the equation. Nutrition plays an equally important role in achieving your fitness goals. A good personal trainer in Sligo will emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and may even offer nutritional guidance as part of their services.

1. Understanding Your Nutritional Needs

Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, depending on factors like age, gender, activity level, and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, your trainer can help you understand your specific nutritional requirements.

2. Meal Planning and Preparation

A personal trainer may offer meal planning services to help you stay on track with your diet. This can include creating a weekly meal plan, providing healthy recipe ideas, and offering tips for meal prep. By taking the guesswork out of nutrition, your trainer can help you stay focused on your fitness goals.

3. Supplementation

In some cases, your trainer may recommend supplements to support your fitness goals. Whether it’s protein powder, vitamins, or pre-workout supplements, it’s important to only take supplements that are safe and beneficial for your body. Always discuss any supplementation with your trainer to ensure it aligns with your overall health plan.

The Role of Technology in Personal Training

In recent years, technology has revolutionized the fitness industry, and personal training is no exception. Many trainers in Sligo are incorporating technology into their services to enhance the client experience.

1. Online Coaching

For clients who can’t always meet in person, many trainers offer online coaching services. This can include virtual training sessions via video calls, as well as digital workout plans and progress tracking. Online coaching offers flexibility and convenience, making it easier for you to stay on track, even with a busy schedule.

2. Fitness Apps

Many personal trainers use fitness apps to enhance their services. These apps can track your workouts, monitor your progress, and even provide reminders for your sessions. Some trainers may have their own branded apps, while others might use popular platforms like MyFitnessPal, Trainerize, or Strava.

3. Wearable Technology

Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches have become popular tools for monitoring physical activity. These devices can track your heart rate, steps, calories burned, and even sleep patterns. Your personal trainer may use data from these devices to fine-tune your workout program and monitor your progress more effectively.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Personal Training Experience

To maximize the benefits of working with a personal trainer, it’s important to approach your sessions with the right mindset and habits.

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start working with a trainer, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. Whether it’s losing a certain amount of weight, running a marathon, or improving your overall fitness, having clear goals will help your trainer create a program that’s tailored to your needs.

2. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to achieving results. Make a commitment to attend your sessions regularly and stick to your workout plan. Over time, your dedication will pay off in the form of improved fitness and better health.

3. Communicate with Your Trainer

Open communication with your trainer is essential. If you’re struggling with a particular exercise, feeling unmotivated, or dealing with an injury, let your trainer know. They can adjust your program as needed to ensure you’re making progress without risking your health.

4. Embrace the Process

Fitness is a journey, not a destination. It’s important to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Trust your trainer’s expertise and stay committed to your goals, and you’ll see the results you’re working towards.

Conclusion

Finding the right personal trainer in Sligo can be the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, a personal trainer provides the guidance, support, and expertise you need to succeed. By considering factors like qualifications, experience, and communication style, you can find a trainer who’s a perfect fit for your needs.

Sligo’s rich natural beauty and vibrant community make it an ideal place to embark on your fitness journey. With the help of a skilled personal trainer, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, stronger, and happier you.

So, take the first step today—reach out to a personal trainer in Sligo and start your journey towards a better you. Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your overall health, the right trainer can make all the difference. Here's to your success!

[optikestrav]

Sligo Abbey (1253CE)

& Garavogue River, Sligo, Ireland (2023)

© optikestrav

text: irishstones.org

Though this church is commonly known as Sligo Abbey it was a Dominican Friary. It was founded in 1252 by Maurice FitzGerald who also founded the town of Sligo. The church itself is a nave and chancel structure aligned to east (95°), the two sections were divided by a rare example of rood screen, which was built in the 15th century and has now been partially rebuilt, a feature not very common in the Irish churches. In the nave there are seven elegant grave slabs set into the north wall and the wonderful burial place of O'Crean family, dated 1506, with a pointed arch canopy decorated with a fine tracery. The chest tomb is decorated with figures of saints beneath ornated cusped arches. Past the rood screen is the belfry tower. In the chancel there are two slabs set into the north wall. In the south wall there are 5 windows and a family tomb. In the north wall is a recess with fragments of others slabs decorated with human and animal figures. Against the east wall, under the four lights window, there's a beautiful altar ornated with the same cusped arches of the O'Crean family, but with no saints. Above the altar in the south wall there's the magnificent tomb of the Sir Donagh O'Conor, Lord of Sligo, and his wife Lady Elinor Butler. The two figures kneel in prayer and around them symbols of death and afterlife, their coats of arms and a crucifixion complete the memorial. Sir O'Conor had a good influence with Queen Elizabeth and this saved the friary from the dissolution and destruction. Under the belfry tower there's a passage to north to the cloister, built in the 15th century, which survives for three quarters of its walks. The columns of the cloister walk are in different shapes and styles and some of them have small carving, like a human face, a ram's head and a Love Knot in the north walk. North of the cloister on the first floor there was the refectory, where friars had their meals. At this level there's the Reader's Desk, from which the scriptures were read to friars during the meals or during the meditation in the cloister. The friary continued to live until the 17th century.

[dreamermoonshine]

a q&a for my love 🥰

1. who is your favourite soccer player?

2. what job did you want to have growing up?

3. where should we get married?

4. where do you want to live after we get married?

5. are you excited to see me next february?

6. on a scale of 1-10, how much do you love me?

7. who is your celebrity crush?

8. a bit naughty, but what’s your favourite sex position?

9. where are you going to take me next february?

10. can we have a new year’s kiss?

i love you so much 🩷🩷🩷🩷

Thanks for replay my love

1. My favourite soccer players were Mo Salah and Sam Kerr

2. Well to be a fitness instructor, play semi pro soccer goalkeeper, a mother of my kids and maybe to be a e-sport gaming (not betting ok😅)

3. Either church ceremony or a beach ceremony in a Greek and Filipino tradition way

4. Which either city in Melbourne or in town in Sligo

5. Super excited and I can't wait to see you in February 😍 and Peanuts the cat is extremely excited to see you

6. Massive 10 points for being beautiful and sexy it will make you spicy

7. I don't have a celebrity crush sorry 😐

8. The leapfrog, doggy, missionary top on me and Kamasutra (which is best for the two of us)

9. I will take you some various nightlife here in Sligo e.g garavouge, Lola's, Electric, Bourbon bar, local pubs and Sligo food delecalies and restaurants

10.FUCK YESSSSSS I WILL HAVE THE NEW YEAR KISS WITH YOU!!!

I love you so much my love ❤️

[irishgolfadventure]

Happy Birthday Day

Today is Kim’s birthday and like a fine wine she is getting better with age! Although they say as wine passes a certain age it doesn’t actually get better. Probably a fact I should have left out!! We agreed when we planned the trip that it was our birthday, anniversary and Christmas gifts to each other this year! 

Today has been the best weather day we have had so far. Low sixties, sunny and very little wind! With no golf on the agenda and Kim working most of the day, I headed to the practice facility which is outstanding and worked on my game. Felt it needed a little tuning up after my triple triple triple bogey quad  start yesterday!!! Once I became sane again, I played much better but a 15 over start will ruin anybody’s day and send them to the practice range!

Since we are at the halfway point of our trip we spent part of day looking back on some of our favorites.

Favorite Course - Greg - Carne, Kim - Ardglass

Favorite Accommodations -  Greg & Kim - Rosapenna 

Favorite Restaurant - Greg & Kim - The Poacher in Ballina

Favorite Caddie - Greg - Ann McGarry the 78 year old lady caddie at Carne, Kim - Sam Donaghy at Sligo Golf Links

Favorite Golf Hole (This is a tough one!) - All the holes on the Wild Dunes nine at Carne, Kim - Any hole she got a par on

Favorite Bar - Greg - The Harbor Bar in Portrush, Kim - Dillions Bar in Ballina

Favorite Story - 

          Greg - On the 15th tee at Carne my caddie (the 78 year old lady) asked me if I would like a snack. I said yes. I thought she was going to give me an energy bar but much to my surprise she pulled a flask out of her caddie bag and poured us two shots of Jameson Whiskey!! Must be what keeps her going!

         Kim - The wild goose chase that we had trying to find a laundry mat in Ballina. You had to be there to understand this one. But we laughed and laughed about all the mix up in directions.

Stats Summary after 11 rounds (For averages took out the extra 9 played at Carne)

Score - 1055 - 92.09 average

Holes Played - 207- (Played 27 holes one day)

Yardage Played - 70724 - 6,145 average

Lost Balls - 24 - 2.18 average

No. of Pars or better - 5 birdies 46 pars - .45 birdies avg, 4.18 pars avg

Steps - 162,268 - 14,751 avg

Miles Walked - 76.23 - 6.93 avg

Green Fees - $2485 - $225 avg

Caddie Fees - $850 plus tip $77 avg plus tip

Tonight I took my bride to The Pier Restaurant in Kilkee for her birthday. It required a trip on the narrow roads that we traveled when we arrived here on Sunday. We did fine on the drive although we did narrowly avoid an head on crash due to poor directions from our GPS and a person who will go unnamed!:-) 

Kilkee is primarily a summer seaside resort town. It had ocean side cliffs almost the size of the Cliffs of Moher and a wide beach area that stretched around the bay with the town surrounding the beach. Summer homes, restaurants and shops lined the street that ran next to the beach. It made for a beautiful setting for us to have dinner and watch the sunsetting. 

Tomorrow we’re leaving Trump International playing a course called Lahinch and then travel south to Killarney where we will be spending the next three nights. Killarney will be the largest town we have landed in so far. So we should have a little easier time getting our laundry done:-) gb

[jefferyryanlong]

Infinite Pau Hana - February 8, 2023

“they blamed it on a rock and roll song”

Hour 1

Hello There - John Cale Evening / The Sun Set / Twilight Time - The Moody Blues Deep Blue Sea - Grizzly Bear  Sea of Love - Phil Phillips Like a Monkey in a Zoo - Vic Chesnutt Set You Free This Time - The Byrds Wicked Little Town - Hedwig and the Angry Inch Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues - Elvis Presley Stupid Preoccupations - Vic Chesnutt Opium Flower - Cass McCombs After I Made Love to You - Bonnie “Prince” Billy

Hour 2

Market Song (live) - Pentangle Psyche I and Share Your Water - These Trails Olomana - The Lion Browneyez - Kittyhawk Waves - Harry Sonoda Love ‘Em - Kalapana Maunalani Hale - Eddie Suzuki Ya Ya - Lee Dorsey Wah Watusi - The Orlons Time Away - Arthur Russell  Marquee Moon - Television

Hour 3

Hopefulessness - Courtney Barnett That’s Just the Way I Feel - Purple Mountains Speakin’ Out (live) - Neil Young We’re Not Gonna Take It - The Who Nap Song - Kikagaku Moyo Sligo River Blues - John Fahey Shake Sugaree - Elizabeth Cotten Sandbar - Little Wings Easy Rider - Chris Sikelianos Jennie Jenkins - Estil and Orna Ball Horsehead - Threads of Grass While We Have the Sun - Mirah

KTUH - 90.1 FM Honolulu, 91.1 FM North Shore, ktuh.org

[bonfire-at-the-crossroads]

At the very top of Queen Maeve’s Tomb

High above Sligo Town with a view Benbulben and the sea

Is this tiny stack of stones.

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1923 – Forty Republicans burn the railway station in Sligo town, destroying it and badly damaging seven engines and forty carriages.

The Great Southern and Western Railway Company releases a report detailing the damage Anti-Treaty forces have caused to their property over the previous six months; 375 lines damaged, 42 engines derailed, 51 over-bridges and 207 under-bridges destroyed, 83 signal cabins and 13 other buildings destroyed. In the same month, Republicans destroy the railway stations at Ballybunion and Listowel. The…

[amberswilddreams]

i'm already there💔🫶

pairing : mark feehily x m!reader, nicky byrne x fem!reader, kian egan x fem!reader and shane filan x fem!reader

summary : a portion of the lyrics of westlife's song "i'm already there" illustrates the joys, tears, heartbreak and every other emotion in relation to being away from loved ones whilst on tour.

warnings : reunions, happy and sad tears, swearing

a/n : whilst this is about westlife being on tour as well, this will also include maybe the partners of the lads being reunited with a different family member with the help of their partner

mark:

i'm already there, don't make a sound. i'm the beat in your heart, i'm the moonlight shining down. i'm the whisper in the wind and i'll be there 'til the end. 

you sighed shakily as you mysteriously waited in the dublin airport. you had no idea why you were even in the airport since mark, your boyfriend and his westlife bandmates weren't leaving for a tour so, you literally had no clue whatsoever why mark had dragged you all the way to dublin airport from your guys' place in sligo town. however, your boyfriend had cleverly come up with this plan to surprise you, his boyfriend, with the homecoming of your military twin sister and you were absolutely none the wiser. you didn't even realise this is what was happening because every other time you and your family were welcoming your sister back home from the military, you had to go to a specific terminal hidden away from regular public access so you just thought that maybe mark had dragged the both of you here to watch the planes take off and land because that was another thing that you and mark would drive the two-ish hour drive from sligo to dublin for. 

however, you didn't realise the surprise you were in for when mark tapped your shoulders since you were facing away from him to only turn around to see your sister walking out of the gate towards the both of you. your eyes widened and you staggered to your feet and, almost like a giraffe learning to walk, ran over to your sister. pulling you into her arms, you couldn't believe that she was home. you two had jokingly started to message the song, i'm already there, the westlife version obviously, to one another just days ago not even realising that it was a cute little clue that your sister was going to be home very soon. 

"...you...you're home!" you muttered in shock as mark smiled, watching you and your sister reunite - proud that he managed to keep such a surprise under lock and key

"yes i am! i'm home!" she smiled as she pulled out of the hug and held you at an arms length just to get a good look of you - noticing that not very much had changed except for a new hair colour and some new piercings 

"that's why you were messaging me the lyrics of i'm already there? you were coming home!" you chuckled lightly as she nodded her head, quite proud that whilst the clue was quite obvious, it still flew right over your head 

"mhm. that is correct! i was on my way home the whole entire time, the last lyric that i sent you, i'm the whisper in the wind, and i'll be there 'til the end was sent just before my flight left afghanistan," she smiled as you couldn't help the shake of your head as you both giggled 

"how on earth did i not realise it wasn't just a cute little joke?" you sighed, facepalming as your sister and mark both giggled as mark and your sister reunited and hugged one another 

"because mark made sure you didn't look too much into it. your boyfriend was more involved in this surprise a lot more than you think, y.n," the older twin giggled as you couldn't believe it, what masterminds your sister and boyfriend were 

"goddamit it! why am i so gullible!" you sighed with another giggle as you forgot you were still in an airport 

"you're not, you were just so adorably focused on all the planes landing and taking off that you seemingly forgot why you were so confused originally," mark perked up as he kissed your cheek as you smiled 

after all the thrill of being surprised went down, you, your sister and mark walked a little further through the airport, watched a few more planes landing and taking off before you three decided it was time to get something good to eat on your way home from the airport back to sligo. 

but, just as you three stepped in the car, the very song that you and your sister were messaging the lyrics to each other started to play on the radio and the same westlife version. and at this point, you could only believe that it was fate and you felt at ease and peaceful that your sister was home and that she was safe. she was no longer just the beat in your heart or the moonlight shining down or the whisper in the wind, she was right in front of you and she was safe. 

nicky:

we may be a thousand miles apart but i'll be with you wherever you are, i'm already there take a look around.

whilst you loved being the girlfriend of nicky byrne from westlife, there was only one small thing that you didn't enjoy and that was when their tours took them outside of the country and you couldn't go with them. currently, westlife were in australia since they had started their back home tour which had them starting in australia and new zealand then asia and then making their way home through the uk and then the tour ending in ireland at the prestigious croke park before they take a year off to be with family and find new songs for their next album. 

so, because you weren't allowed to travel to the other countries because you and nicky had twins, boys rocco and jay, you weren't able to come on tour with the boys and neither could gillian because she had three children, a little girl nicole and two little boys, patrick and shane jr. so, what you girls decided to do, alongside mark's boyfriend, was to all have sleepovers at each others houses and help take care of the five children that you guys shared as a westlife family. 

however, at this stage, you were struggling because you had only just given birth to rocco and jay within a few months and already nicky was on tour and you felt like you were drowning half the time. and it seemed like gillian noticed straight away as you desperately tried to get rocco to fall asleep after you had successfully managed to get his brother jay to sleep. 

"...hey, y.n, do you need a hand?" gillian came up behind you softly, a small hand to the bottom of your back as you couldn't help the trembling breath that left your mouth 

"umm...i..." you trailed off as tears hit your eyes and a sob left your mouth as immediately, jodi seemingly came out of nowhere and gently lifted rocco out of your arms as gillian pulled you in for a hug as she let you cry 

after jodi had basically magically got rocco asleep with his brother, she rushed back over and joined the hug as you continued to cry as jodi and gillian comforted you, just hoping that the twins stayed asleep. it was obvious you were exhausted and needed a break but you couldn't give yourself one because no matter what, you always helped rocco and jay first and then you were a secondary choice.it was obvious to gillian and jodi as to why you were suddenly crumbling under the pressure, you were acting as a single mother for the first time to two few-month old baby boys and you still had no clue what the fuck you were supposed to do and you couldn't just ask your husband nicky for help because he was across bloody oceans from you. even though nicky didn't fully know what to do, especially considering rocco and jay were preemie babies, he too was still learning how to be a dad and you for sure knew that being so far away from his little boys was destroying his heart every second of every day. so you weren't mad at nicky at all, he was simply doing his job which was how you guys were to survive and provide for your new family. 

you had finally started to stop the tears and managed to not wake up the babies which you were shocked at considering you were not a silent crier, "i'm sorry! i don't know what came over me..." you trailed off before gillian and jodi stopped you from continuing 

"...don't apologise, y.n, you're exhausted! it's hard being a single mother when the boys are away on tours. i get it, i mean, i have three little ones that i have to take care of by myself when shane's not home and it's hard but, i also remember to ask for help because i know i can't do it all on my own and i don't make myself do it all on my own. which reminds me, when was the last time you had the little ones see their grandparents? i'm sure nikki and yvonne would love to see them? do you think they'd love it if you let them take the boys for a couple of nights whilst we, jodi, myself and kevin help you figure yourself out? we may even be able to call the boys and have a little bit of a tuching of bases just so we're all on the same pages although we're countries apart?" gillian proposed as you sniffled and nodded your head with a smile 

"yeah, that does sound like a good plan, gill! i shouldn't have tried to do it all on my own! i should have had nucal and yvonne help me from the very start since they're the closest to us," you smiled as gillian and jodi smiled back as you three hugged again 

kevin then returned from the kitchen with some food and drinkies, "what did i miss? are we all still alive? are the littles all okay?" worry in his voice, kevin just about relaxed after noticing that nothing was out of place as the girls giggled softly 

"you just missed me having a breakdown due to exhaustion kev, nothing interesting and we're all alive and the littles are okay. they're all asleep," you spoke up as you noticed the way kevin's face changed when you mentioned the breakdown due to exhaustion, you could tell he felt bad that he immediately didn't stop what he was doing since he was only in the kitchen and could hear it 

"i am so sorry, y.n. i shouldn't have been so ignorant and ignored it! i could hear it faintly from the kitchen but i just thought it was one of the littles i--" 

"--kev, it's fine darling! jodi and gillian sorted it out basically straight away. i was struggling to get rocco to fall asleep after jay had just knocked out. and they sort of noticed i was exhausted and struggling and they took over. you did nothing wrong, kev, you did exactly what you were told to do which was sort out the food and drinks. i honestly would have felt more upset if you decided to leave the food and drinks alone instead of taking of me so it's completely fine!" you explained as you could tell whilst kevin still felt bad, he didn't feel so guilty about it anymore 

like the girls promised, as they all huddled together on the couch away from the sleeping children, you rang up nicky just to check in with him and make sure he was okay coping since you knew he was also a worrier especially now after rocco and jay were born. you could tell almost the moment nicky spoke up over the phone that he was also fighting against his emotions like you were. however, you were just glad that he was finally given time to have a full-on conversation as last time you tried, you could only speak for five minutes before nicky had to hang up. so, it felt great having over an hour of a conversation with your husband. it reminded you that whilst you may be a thousand miles apart from nicky, he was always there and all you had to was just to look around you. he was in the photos covering the walls, he was in the sunshine that reflected in your hair, but most importantly, he was in the faces and eyes of your two littles, rocco and jay. 

kian:

she got back on the phone, said, "i really miss you, darling. don't worry about the kids, they'll be alright." wish i was in your arms, laying right there beside you, but i know i'll be in your dreams tonight. "and i'll gently kiss your lips, touch you with my fingertips, so turn out the lights and close your eyes." 

you were on your own with your husband kian being away on tour whilst you looked after the three boys you shared, koa, zekey and cobi. you were now back on the phone with kian after you let the three boys talk to their daddy. they then sat and watched with tired eyes as you finished up the call with their daddy so the four of you could go to bed together in the lounge room.

"...i really miss you, darling. but, don't worry about koa, zekey and cobi, they'll be alright. we're doing perfectly fine without you but, it's never fun just the four of us, we need daddy home with us!" you sighed with a small giggle as you could hear the emotions in kian's voice on the other line while he was all the way in singapore for a westlife tour 

"i miss you too babe. but, i'll be home soon and i'll gently kiss your lips, touch you with my fingertips... it's getting late in sligo and i have rehearsals for the show tonight, so turn out the lights and close your eyes, you need sleep baby! i promise, the rest of the shows are going to fly by and i'll be home before you guys know it, okay?" kian's voice was soft and filled with so much love that you felt okay with having to end the call since you were basically falling asleep at the mere sound of his voice over the phone 

"ok, it's probably a good idea as i'm basically falling asleep at the mere sound of your voice babe *giggles*. and i know, it's going to go by so quickly that you'll be home soon and we can then go out to barbados for a little getaway holiday with the littles and we'll be happy again!" you slurred as sleep really started to takeover as you heard kian's sweet, gentle giggles over the phone slip right into your ears

"good. you need sleep babe, you need to also take care of yourself, not just the boys! and deal, we can go to barbados for a little holiday with the boys, it'll be a lot of fun but, right now, you need to hang up this phone call and you need to go to sleep and so do the boys because i can picture you guys in the lounge room after rearranging it so you could all sleep together...so, it's bedtime and i'll talk to you tomorrow and i promise i'll tell you everything about the concert in our facetime tomorrow, okay?" kian convinced you as you smiled as cobi, the youngest, cuddled up against you as you kissed his hair before finally deciding to finish up the call 

"okay. i love you babe. see you soon and, you better tell me everything about the concert in tomorrow's facetime otherwise i'll be ringing up shane, nicky and mark *giggles*. goodnight baby, i love you," you smiled as kian also smiled on the other end of the phone all the way in singapore 

"i love you too, babe. talk tomorrow," kian giggled as he ended the call before sighing to himself, only wishing the families could come with them during their international tours even though it was practically impossible cause the older ones had school 

as you turned your phone off, placing it on the armrest of the couch, cobi spoke up, "is daddy gone now?" he questioned in his sleepy voice as you couldn't help your facial expression as you hugged your youngest boy tighter 

"yeah baby, he had to hang up the phone cause it's bedtime for us and daddy has rehearsals before his show tonight with your uncles!" you whispered in a baby voice as cobi nodded his head as his eyes started to close 

"oh, okay. goodnight mummy. i love you and daddy!" cobi mumbled as his eyes fully shut and he fell asleep basically on top of you 

you chuckled softly, kissing the little monkey on the top of his head, "goodnight baby cobi. i love you too and daddy loves you as well!" you whispered as you lowered yourself, making yourself and cobi comfortable on the couch as koa and zekey after patiently waiting, joined you 

cuddling on the other sides of you and cobi, koa and zekey closed their eyes and started to fall asleep but, not before they also said goodnight, "goodnight mummy, i love you and daddy," both boys, koa and zekey muttered as sleep overcame them as well as you smiled

laying awake for a couple more minutes after your three boys had all fallen asleep, you could only feel excited that your husband kian would be returning home soon. you were also smiling because you damn well knew that you'd be dreaming over your husband being home with you and you were always so excited when you dreamt about kian just because it was endless and it was always an adventure. 

shane: 

he called her on the road, from a lonely cold hotel room, just to hear her say "i love you" one more time. and when he heard the sound, of kids laughing in the background, he had to wipe away a tear from his eye. a little voice came on the phone said, "daddy, when you're coming home?" he said the first thing that came to his mind. 

you had just managed to calm down your little daughter, nicole and her brother patrick that you share with your husband shane, when your phone started to ring. it spooked you but, nevertheless, you answered the phone and smiled when you heard your husband, shane's voice on the other end. it was obvious he had called you just to hear you say i love you one more time even though you had just spent the last twenty minutes sending each other i love yous back and forth. 

immediately, the moment you picked up the phone, it was as though your two kids, nicole and patrick knew straight away who it was that you were talking to and started to laugh and play with each other, not realising that their dad could hear them. you could tell even though you weren't seeing each other face to face that shane was crying due to the way he was breathing against the phone.

 you smiled sadly as you picked up nicole, put your phone on speaker and her little voice spoke up, "daddy, when are you coming home?" nicole's voice was soft and pure and, of course, the first thing that came to shane's mind was what he said 

"i'm already there baby girl. just look around you darling, i'm in your reflection, i'm the sunshine in your hair..." shane sniffled, just wishing he wasn't halfway across the world as you couldn't help your own heart breaking at hearing the upset in your husbands voice 

it was confusing for nicole because she couldn't understand why her dad was crying so, she just looked at you in confusion as she handed you the phone. you smiled sadly as you gestured for her to continue playing with her little brother as long as they were quiet. 

"you alright babe?" you questioned, hearing shane's sniffles as he tearfully giggled, most likely wiping away his tears 

"yeah, i'm fine babe. just didn't realise how much i actually missed the sound of nicole's voice..." shane swallowed back a sob as you moved into the kitchen, trusting nicole and patrick not needing you to constantly keep your eyes on them whilst you spoke with their dad

"...i'm sorry babe. nicole just heard you over the phone and she got excited. she misses you by the way, so does patrick. but, they're doing perfectly fine, they're just a little bit confused often as to why they can't see their daddy but can hear him. i forget how intelligent children actually are even though they're still so young, they are way too observant *giggles*. anyway though, i don't want to make you cry even more so, how have the shows been going, the tour fun?" you smiled as shane again tearfully laughed and wiped away tears on the other end of the phone

"don't apologise babe, it's not your fault, i wish we weren't so far away. and i miss you three as well, but i'm glad that they're doing good. oh yeah, i also forget how smart they are, i accidentally overheard nicky and g's phone call last night and i could hear rocco and jay in the background just making their sweet baby noises and could tell it was absolutely breaking nicky's heart into two. and, you won't make me cry more, it'll be me that does that myself *giggles* and the shows have been so much fun and yeah, the tour's also been so much fun but, i'm very excited to come back home and see my two girls and my gorgeous little boy again," shane smiled, noticing his band mates giving him worried looks as they noticed the tears but, he reassured them he was okay 

you could hear the three other bandmates, nicky, kian and mark in the background and could tell that they were most likely checking in on shane, to make sure he was okay and that made you smile as you rested against the kitchen bench, "you sure you're okay, shane? i can hear the other three in the background which usually means you're not okay..." you trailed off as shane giggled which made you smile 

"...i'm truly okay babe. i was upset and crying at the beginning when nicole had the phone but, i'm okay now. anyway, enough about me, how are you dealing with all of this? i know how stressful it can be on you having to deal with two little gremlins *giggles* so how are you?" shane then switched it over to you as you smiled and, truthfully, you thought you'd be struggling a lot more however, you weren't since you had remembered to ask for help this time since, the first time shane had gone on tour after nicole had been born, you didn't ask for help and cried yourself to sleep every single night until the last week of tour when georgina, nicky's wife, had suggested you ask for help and you did

however, this time, you didn't allow yourself to be in struggle town now that you've had baby patrick, along with nicole, you had both grandparents, shane's parents peter and mae as well as your own dropping past every now and then to take them for a couple evenings. so, this tour, you were doing a lot better and you were a lot less stressed. 

"i'm okay babe. i'm a lot less stressed this time around. tomorrow and over the weekend, i'll be having a girls night in with jodi and georgina so, nicole and patrick will be with mum and dad so, i'm doing great thanks. anyway, where are you right now? last time we chatted you guys were in singapore so, are you boys still there or have you moved on?" you questioned, hearing shane breathe a sigh of relief that you were doing better than last time as he smiled 

"we've moved on babe, we left singapore last night and we arrived in malaysia early this morning. we're just chilling in my hotel room right now all together so, i'm not on my own this time like i was a few nights ago when we both cried together over the phone *giggles* but yeah, no, this time i've got the boys with me," shane smiled as he laughed as the boys all cheered, hoping they were loud enough for you to hear them - which they were 

"yeah, i can hear them, shay *giggles* but i'm glad that you're not alone this time. it's not healthy to be alone when you're struggling like that and i'm glad you've all got each other because me, jodi, g and kevin all have each others backs when we miss you so, it's good you lads can lean on each other for support..." you trailed off, for the first time running out of things to say since you had been updating shane daily on everything so there was all of a sudden nothing else to talk about 

"...yeah, anyway, i better hang the phone up cause i remembered that you're going out for dinner with the girls and kevin tonight so, who's looking after coley and patty tonight? my parents or yours?" shane questioned as you smiled that shane even remembered that as you then noticed the kids scream in excitement - their nanna and pappa had just arrived 

"that was perfect timing babe cause they've just arrived and it's your parents tonight babe. my parents have them tomorrow and over the weekend!" you laughed as you went over to the front door and let in your inlaws as immediately, mae picked up coley and peter picked up patrick before they both pulled you in for a hug 

they then noticed you were on the phone to shane as they smiled and took the littles to the lounge room so you could finish off the phone call, "wow, yeah, that is amazing timing! and, wonderful, well, i'll let you go now babe as you've probably got to go get ready, are you driving or are you being picked up?" shane questioned as you just loved at how involved he was with everything even though he was across a couple of oceans 

"i know right babe! and yeah, i'm just going to our room now to get dressed since i did my makeup just before you called actually *giggles* and jodi's just picked up georgina and is on their way to ours now so, they should be here in like, five/ten minutes, since kevin is already at the restaurant waiting for us," you smiled as shane smiled again and mumbled a "mhm"

"well, i guess its time to end the call then babe. i love you so much, have fun tonight with the girls and kev. talk with you tomorrow, yeah?" shane starts to wrap up as you smiled as you stepped into your sweet little black dress you had picked out for the dinner 

"okay. i love you so much more babe, and we plan to have fun but not too much obviously! and yeah, talk tomorrow! tell me everything about the shows and we'll talk about other stuff as well since i won't have coley and patty with me, bye-bye," you ended the call after hearing another faint "bye babe, love you" and finished getting ready 

you were putting on your shoes and earrings when you came back down the stairs to see coley and patrick behaving perfectly with their nanna and pappa. walking over to the couch, you gave them both hugs and kisses and then gave kisses to nicole and patrick's heads. 

"i am so sorry, mae and peter, i was on the phone to shane. he's in malaysia with the lads and they have their show tonight. he was a little bit upset and started to cry after hearing nicole talk on the phone, asking him when he was coming home but, apart from that, he's doing okay and is pleased to know that i'm doing much better this time around," you immediately gave mae and peter the update from the phone call as they smiled, even though they heard about shane's tears, they still smiled knowing he was okay 

"oh, don't apologise y.n, thank you for the update. so, is jodi picking you up tonight?" mae smiled as you smiled, nodding your head 

"yes, mae. jodi has already picked up georgina and kevin is at the restaurant already holding the table for us. but jodi and g should only be about five minutes away now. umm, of course, i don't need to go over the rules with you but, coley and patty have said that for dinner tonight, they'd love it if they got some chocolate afterwards so, i have two little chocolate bars for them in the pantry that you can give to them afterwards. umm, yeah, i think that's all i have to say since you always know what to do but, yeah, thank you again for coming down to take care of them, i just didn't want to ask mum and dad to have them for four days in a row so, yeah," you smiled at the end as peter and mae smiled as they sat with nicole and patrick in their laps whilst the kids were focused on the kids show on the tv in front of them 

"no worries. we'll make sure coley and patty get those chocolate bars after dinner and, absolutely understandable, y.n, it's not a problem, coley and patty are just the most perfect little angels ever! we love looking after them!" peter spoke up this time as mae nodded her head as you nodded your head with a smile as you grabbed your handbag as jodi's car had just driven up the driveway 

giving one last hug and kiss to nicole and patrick and one last goodbye to your inlaws, you left your house out of the front door, closing the door behind you, not needing to lock it since both your inlaws were there and you climbed into jodi's car as you greeted each other, you, jodi and georgina, before starting to car up and leaving for the restaurant where kevin was patiently waiting for you. 

fin

i remember struggling with this when i first wrote this and i am still so glad i finished it!

© amberswilddreams, 2024

[mcnstercus]

" i still remember you as a little girl who overwaters plants because she doesn't know when to stop giving. "

is that kaylee kaneshiro? no, that's just aurelie watson. they were born on feb. 22, 1997. they are a banshee living in northknot town. they work as an employee at dazzling moon boutique & fashion designer. some say they are musical and understanding, but i've heard others say they are gullible and worrisome. when you think of her/them, don't you think of sketches of clothing designs, dancing when you don't have the words to express how you're feeling, & screams you wish people could hear?

aurelie mary watson.

S T A T S

name: aurelie mary watson (formerly aurelie mary danvers) / nickname(s): auri / birth date: feb. 22, 1997 (pisces) / species: banshee / gender: genderqueer (she/they) / sexuality: unknown / birthplace: sligo, ireland / hometown: brighton, england / residence: northknot / biological parent(s): harper danvers & richard danvers / adopted parent(s) & guardian(s): althea watson & oliver watson / sibling(s): wolfgang watson / physical & mental illnesses: mutism caused by vocal chord damage, ptsd / dominant hand: right / known languages: english (not spoken) & sign language / occupation: fashion designer & employee at dazzling moon boutique / faceclaim: kaylee kaneshiro

B I O G R A P H Y

( trigger warnings: death mention, car / drunk driving accident, injury mention )

aurelie watson was born to a small family in sligo, ireland, one of which could not afford to care for the child. at just two days old, she was given up for adoption to give the child a better life. that's where althea and oliver watson come in. the couple from brighton, england already had a child of their own, a boy, but they struggled to get pregnant for a second time. that's when aurelie came into their lives. the small child a bright light. their family was complete.

the watsons were a musical family, but from an early age, aurelie was very soft-spoken and quiet. she was an amazing singer and dancer, but she always let other people steal her light. she never minded giving other people the spotlight.

when they found she was a banshee, it came as a surprise, the family themselves being supernatural beings. aurelie had never once raised her voice at another, let alone scream. they only found out aurelie was a banshee when she was ten years old and began to have black outs. these fugue states had aurelie being found across town at different spots, spots tainted with death. it was apparent when aurelie had a bad feeling about their grandmother, aurelie told her parents that she was going to die, and hours later, she did.

the watsons were not banshees themselves and sought out northknot to find someone to help aurelie with her abilities, a safe place for the girl to figure out who she was. aurelie was eleven years old when they moved to northknot. here, her brother befriended, tanner fray and his twin sister. aurelie was often just the little sister, but she found a fondness in tanner, who treated her well and even let her hang out with them occasionally.

at northknot, aurelie learned how to use her abilities, hone into them rather than letting them loose. one thing she never learned was the ability for an offensive scream. aurelie never screamed at anyone, and she just didn't want to. though, aurelie would never get to use this ability.

aurelie was seventeen when the accident happened. aurelie was driving home from dance practice that night when a drunk driver hit her and caused her car to go into the back of a truck carrying rebar. the crash caused the rebar to release, and one punctured her throat. it was a miracle that aurelie made it out of the car alive. due to the puncture of the rebar, it damaged her vocal cords, and from then on, aurelie was mute. aurelie had never wanted to scream until then.

althea and oliver did everything to help aurelie recover and give her the best chance to be the person she was prior to the accident. aurelie learned sign language to communicate, had plenty of doctors at her disposal. none of them could bring back her ability to speak. to everyone else, aurelie seemed to be taking it well, she walked around with a smile on her face, and took the challenges and surpassed anyone else’s thoughts she wouldn't succeed, but inside, aurelie was breaking. there was a part of aurelie that died that day, but she was determined not to show it. the worst of all, there was a part of her that felt like she lost the community she had found with the other banshees that day.

since then, aurelie has parts of her closed off to everyone. aurelie found her love in dancing again, and while she couldn't sing, she was still able to play music, finding love and solace in her ukulele and piano. as time went by, people forgot what happened to aurelie, or at least they weren't worried about how it would affect her. to everyone, she was happy it seemed. aurelie never forgot though, and she was reminded every day when she looked in the mirror and saw the scar across her neck. aurelie said goodbye to a version of her.

aurelie continued to the university, but learned she instead enjoyed fashion over anything the university offered. she dropped out and took a job at the dazzling moon and worked on her own designs on the side. now, you could usually find aurelie smiling away, humming lightly working on her fashion projects, running a small fashion and tailoring business on the side. she was no longer that person she was before, even though there might always be a part of her still there and a part a mystery to others.

H E A D C A N O N S

her favorite type of dance is lyrical with acrobats. she is very flexible when it comes to dancing.

she misses singing a lot, and sometimes hums softly but anything too loud really hurts her.

she still has nightmares from the accident, and she has never told anyone about it.

C O N N E C T I O N S

wolfgang watson. older adopted brother. even though aurelie was adopted, wolf and aurelie never felt that way. aurelie was easily accepted into his family and growing up they were really close and still are. wolf is probably the most important person in aurelie’s life.

azariah miles & nimue ayers. best friends & roommates. the three of them met a few years ago. they were some of the only two people willing to learn sign language to communicate with aurelie, and that meant a lot to aurelie. they shortly moved in with each other, and aurelie would do anything for them.

tanner fray. best friend & crush. albeit their species’ solitary nature, tanner made fast friends with wolf when the watson’s first moved to northknot, in response, tanner made friends with aurelie. tanner was there when aurelie had her accident, and was one of the first outside her family to join in learning sign language when they found aurelie would never be able to speak again due to the damage to her vocal chords and throat. over the years, aurelie has grown a small crush on her brother’s best friend.

natalie dawson. friend. aurelie enjoys the blonde’s presence, and occasionally paint and do crafting things together.

saskia berry. friend. saskia and aurelie met when aurelie was painting and found that saskia also knows sign language. they enjoy spending time with each other occasionally.

L I N K S

all posts / ask memes / chats / musings / pinterest / playlist / self paras / wanted connections / visage

[silvestromedia]

Saint of the day August 12

St. Michael My, Roman Catholic Martyr of Vietnam. He was the mayor of a town in Vietnam when the persecution of Christians started. Michael was martyred with Blessed Anthony Dich, his son-in-law, and with St. James Nam. Feastday Aug. 12 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_H%E1%BB%93_%C4%90%C3%ACnh_Hy

St. James Nam, Roman Catholic Vietnamese martyr. A native of Vietnam, he became a priest and joined the Paris Society of Foreign Missions. Seized in the anti Christian persecutions, he was beheaded with Sts. Anthony Dich and Michael My. Feastday Aug.12 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_Martyrs

St. Anthony Peter Dich. Roman Catholic Martyr of Vietnam. He was a native of Vietnam, a farmer who was beheaded for sheltering a priest, St. James Nam. Anthony was canonized in 1988. Feastday Aug.12 https://www.st-anthony.cc/martyr-saints-of-vietnam-english/

St. Just. Patron saint of the church of St. Just, near Penzance, Cornwall, England, also called Justus. It is possible that several saints' lives are present in the accounts of Just's life, as he is variously described as a hermit and martyr.

St. Jambert or Lambert, 792 A.D. Benedictine archbishop of Canterbury, sometimes listed as Lambert. He succeeded St. Bregwin as archbishop in 766. Jambert was the thirteenth prelate of the primal see of England and was noted for his patronage of monasteries and the poor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambert_of_Maastricht

St. Merewenna. Patroness of Marharm Church, in Cornwall, England. Sometimes known as Merwenna and Merwinna, she was a daughter of Brychan of Brecknock. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A6rwynn

St. Murtagh, 6th century. Bishop of Killala, Ireland, appointed by St. Patrick. Also called Muredach, he was a member of the royal family of King Laoghaire. Murtagh reportedly met with St. Columba at Ballsodare, near Sligo, in 575. He died as a hermit on Inismurray Island. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muiredach_of_Killala

ST. JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Frances_de_Chantal

B. INNOCENT XI, POPE https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Innocent_XI

[pagebypagereviews]

In Sally Rooney's exquisite novel "Normal People," the intricate dance of human connection is choreographed against the backdrop of contemporary Irish society. This masterpiece captures the essence of youth, love, and the unyielded complexities that come with becoming an adult in the modern world. Through Rooney's deft storytelling, we navigate the nuances of relationships that are both profoundly intimate and universally relatable. With characters Marianne and Connell, Rooney expertly peels back layers of socio-economic divides, the pressure-cooker environment of academia, and the silent battles of mental health, drawing readers into a compelling narrative that resonates with a raw and authentic voice that is uniquely her own. "Normal People" offers more than just a window into the protagonists' lives; it holds up a mirror to the society that molds them. Rooney challenges her readers to confront the often-uncomfortable realities of how we love, how we hurt, and how we grow in an ever-changing world. The novel's significance lies not only in its ability to evoke deep emotion but also in its unflinching portrayal of the problems it addresses—a testimony to the silent struggles that define much of the human experience. In doing so, Rooney's work has sparked much-needed conversations about the mental and emotional well-being of young adults, the influence of social and class structures on personal development, and the intricate ways in which personal relationships shape our journey through life. Plot The plot of "Normal People" traverses the complex relationship between the two main characters, Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron, as they navigate the intertwining paths of friendship, love, and the social dynamics that accompany their coming-of-age. The novel is structured around their alternating perspectives and spans several years, beginning in their high school days in a small town in County Sligo, Ireland, and following their lives through their undergraduate years at Trinity College Dublin. The narrative delves into the cyclic pattern of their on-again, off-again romance, marked by misunderstandings, power imbalances, and deep emotional connection. A significant theme the plot explores is that of class: Connell, the popular yet sensitive son of a single mother who cleans houses for a living (including Marianne's), grapples with the social implications of his background when thrust into the affluent world of Trinity College, where Marianne seems more at ease, despite her troubled family life. The plot is punctuated by the characters' struggles with personal trauma, mental health issues, and the impact of these on their relationship, steering away from cliche romantic tropes to present a raw and realistic portrayal of intimacy and young adult life. Characters The characters in "Normal People" are crafted with depth and nuance, with Rooney using a minimalist but powerful approach to detail their inner lives. Marianne Sheridan emerges as an intelligent, complex, and socially ostracized character with a dysfunctional family background, which heavily influences her sense of self-worth and relationships. Conversely, Connell Waldron, equally intelligent, is emotionally reserved and conditioned by his desire to fit into the social norms of their small community. Besides the protagonists, the novel introduces a cast of secondary characters who play integral roles in the development of Marianne and Connell’s narratives. These include Lorraine, Connell’s mother, whose grounded wisdom and warmth provide a bastion of support, and Marianne’s family, whose toxic dynamics deepen her emotional wounds. The characters are presented with a psychological realism that invites empathy and contemplation, and the construction of their personalities is such that their personal growth, or at times lack thereof, underpins the movement of the plot and directly impacts the nature of their interactions. Writing Style Sally Rooney's writing style in "Normal People" is characterized by its directness and understated poignancy.

A hallmark of her prose is the use of free indirect discourse, effectively blurring the lines between third-person narration and the protagonists’ internal monologues. Rooney employs an economy of language, often eschewing quotation marks for dialogue, which imbues the text with a fluid, almost conversational quality. This minimalistic approach to punctuation and exposition demands an active reader participation, as the text often implies more than it explicates. Despite or because of the subtlety of the prose, Rooney succeeds in conveying the intricacies of emotion and social nuance, creating a textured and immersive reading experience. Her writing frequently delves into meticulous descriptions of the mundane aspects of life, allocating significance to the everyday and imbuing it with symbolism, so that the ordinary becomes a lens through which complex psychological and social themes are explored. Setting The backdrop of "Normal People" is integral to the narrative's shape, with the setting alternating between two primary locales: the conservative, economically stagnant town in County Sligo and the cosmopolitan, intellectually stimulating environment of Trinity College Dublin. Rooney vividly encapsulates the stark contrasts between these worlds, not only geographically but socioeconomically and culturally. Sligo, with its close-knit community, is a place where Marianne and Connell are inescapably defined by their respective family backgrounds and reputations. Trinity College represents a new terrain, an esteemed institution where class distinctions are less visible yet more deeply felt. The setting difference highlights the interior transformations of the characters as they adapt to new social contexts. Additionally, the occasional European city-hopping episodes where Marianne studies abroad broaden the geographical scope, enriching the narrative and aiding in the portrayal of her evolving sense of identity and the relative insularity of Connell’s Irish experience. Unique Aspects Normal People" is distinctive for its artful deconstruction of the traditional romantic narrative; it challenges the reader's expectations with its realistic, often anti-climactic events and resolution. Rooney's ability to weave macroscopic issues of class, power dynamics, and mental health into the personal narrative stands out. Another unique aspect is the novel's timeline, switching back and forth in time in a manner that subtly reveals the characters’ growth and regressions, offering a temporal complexity that adds to the narrative's depth. Besides, Rooney also portrays intimacy with a rare lack of sensationalism, rendering sexual dynamics and encounters with a frankness and sensitivity that defies the often polar extremes of puritanical avoidance or gratuitous detail. Lastly, the novel eschews a conventionally wrapped-up ending, instead leaving readers with a sense of unresolved possibility that keeps the characters' lives and relationship open-ended, echoing the uncertainties and open narratives of real life. This all contributes to a feeling of verisimilitude that characterizes Rooney's work as a piercing reflection of modern relationships and societal structures. Similar to Normal People Sure, below is an example of how to format the pros and cons of "Normal People" using HTML table tags with a solid 1px black border for each cell: ```html Pros and Cons of Normal People table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; .pros color: green; .cons color: red; Pros Cons Character Development: The nuanced character development in "Normal People" allows for a deep emotional connection with the protagonists. Pacing: Some viewers find the pacing slow, which might affect engagement with the storyline. Realistic Dialogue: The authentic dialogue resonates with audiences, enhancing the relatability of the characters.

Explicit Content: The show’s explicit scenes might not be suitable for all audiences and could make some viewers uncomfortable. Cinematography: "Normal People" features beautiful cinematography that complements the storytelling. Lack of Explicit Closure: The open-ended nature of the story might leave some viewers desiring more resolution. Soundtrack: The curated soundtrack adds depth to the narrative and emotional beats of the show. Depiction of Mental Health: Some critics argue that mental health issues are not consistently represented with the complexity they deserve. ``` This code creates a table with two columns to distinguish between the pros and cons. The pros are marked in green, while the cons are in red, helping the user to quickly identify the positive and negative aspects of "Normal People." The table's styling with a 1px solid black border around each cell makes each section stand out to the user, ensuring that the analysis is clear and well-organized for presentation purposes. Understanding the Genre and Themes When looking to purchase a book like "Normal People" by Sally Rooney, consider the genre and themes that interest you. The genre typically falls under contemporary and literary fiction, focusing on realism and character-driven stories. Themes may explore complex relationships, emotional growth, and socio-economic factors influencing the protagonists' lives. If these topics resonate with you, this book might be a suitable pick. Evaluating the Writing Style The author's writing style is a critical aspect to consider. Sally Rooney is known for her direct, concise prose that manages to convey depth and subtlety in character interactions. If you enjoy clear, unadorned writing that still packs an emotional punch, "Normal People" could be up your alley. Pay attention to excerpts or samples to get a sense of whether the style suits your preference. Researching the Author's Background Understanding Sally Rooney’s background can enhance your reading experience, giving context to the themes and narratives within the book. Rooney's Irish background and her previous works, which have garnered critical acclaim, can indicate the quality and types of stories she writes. Familiarizing yourself with her perspectives and literary accolades may help in judging if her works align with your tastes. Considering Reviews and Recommendations Reviews and recommendations can provide a multifaceted look at the book before you decide to buy it. Scan through professional critiques and reader feedback from various platforms like literary websites, blogs, online retailers, and social media to get a sense of the general reception. Keep in mind that people have diverse tastes, so weigh the reviews accordingly, especially if certain critiques resonate with your personal reading habits. Reflecting on your Reading Preferences Your own reading preferences are paramount in the decision-making process. If you gravitate towards fast-paced plots or genre fiction like science fiction and fantasy, "Normal People" might be a change of pace as it delves into the complexities of human relationships and everyday life. Reflect on the kinds of stories that engage you most and compare them to the attributes of this book. Checking for Awards and Recognitions "Normal People" has been nominated for and has won several prestigious awards. When a book has received accolades such as the Booker Prize longlist or the Costa Book Awards, it often signifies high literary merit and can be an indicator of quality. However, your personal enjoyment is subjective, so while awards suggest a certain level of acclaim, they are not the sole reason to purchase a book. Analyzing the Structure and Format Consider the book’s structure and format as it can affect your reading experience. "Normal People" alternates perspectives between the two main characters and covers their lives over several years. Its format may be in hardcover, paperback, or digital. Decide which format suits

your lifestyle and reading habits, and consider the structure to ensure it's something you find engaging. Investigating Supplementary Materials and Adaptations Additional materials like reading guides, author interviews, and discussions can provide deeper insight into the book. Furthermore, the existence of adaptations, such as a TV series or film, can offer a fresh perspective on the story. If supplementary content interests you, seek out editions of the book that might include these extras or provide information about adaptations. Price Consideration and Availability Finally, consider your budget and the availability of the book. Compare prices across different retailers and formats to find the best deal. Also, check your local library or look into borrowing options if you're not ready to purchase. Sometimes, books are available through subscription services or second-hand bookstores, providing a more affordable or accessible option. By taking into account these various factors, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision on whether "Normal People" is the right book for you to invest in. Happy reading! ```html FAQ for Normal People What is 'Normal People' about? 'Normal People' is a novel by Sally Rooney which tells the story of two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate their complex relationship from their high school years through their early adulthood. It explores themes of love, friendship, mental health, and social class. Is 'Normal People' a standalone novel, or is it part of a series? 'Normal People' is a standalone novel, although it has been adapted into a television series of the same name. Who is the author of 'Normal People'? 'Normal People' was written by Irish author Sally Rooney, who is also known for her debut novel 'Conversations with Friends' and 'Beautiful World, Where Are You?' Has 'Normal People' won any literary awards? Yes, 'Normal People' has won several awards including the Costa Book Award for Best Novel, and it was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2018. Is there a recommended age group for reading 'Normal People'? 'Normal People' is generally recommended for adult readers due to its mature themes and content. It might be particularly resonant for young adults who are transitioning into adulthood. Can 'Normal People' be read if I haven't read Sally Rooney's other works? Yes, you can read 'Normal People' without having read any of Sally Rooney's other works. It is a standalone novel and can be fully enjoyed on its own. Where can I watch the TV adaptation of 'Normal People'? The TV adaptation of 'Normal Music' aired on the BBC Three network and Hulu streaming service, and it may be available for viewing on various online platforms depending on your region. Check with local providers for availability. Are there any resources for book clubs or group discussions for 'Normal People'? Many publishers and literary websites offer discussion questions and guides for book clubs reading 'Normal People. You can also find resources tailored for educational or group discussions surrounding the themes presented in the book. ``` In summary, Sally Rooney's "Normal People" is a profound and insightful novel that provides a deep dive into the complexities of modern love and human connection. It is a valuable choice for readers who are seeking a story that combines raw emotion with keen social observations, all delivered through Rooney’s elegant prose. The book’s exploration of themes such as class, privilege, and mental health resonates with a contemporary audience, offering a unique lens through which we can examine our relationships and societal structures. "Normal People" not only captivates with its intimate character portrayals but also encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships. The characters’ growth and struggles serve as a mirror, prompting personal insights and a greater understanding of the world around us. By choosing to delve into this

beautifully crafted narrative, readers will uncover the subtle yet powerful benefits of Rooney's work: the ability to foster empathy, the recognition of the importance of authentic connections, and the exploration of what it means to love and be loved in today's society. With its critical acclaim and widespread popularity, "Normal People" is more than just a novel—it's a pivotal reading experience that should not be missed. Whether you are looking for a compelling love story or a book that offers profound social commentary, Sally Rooney's "Normal People" delivers on all fronts, proving itself to be an indispensable addition to any bookshelf. Other Normal People buying options

[kappararu]

12.07.24 12:00 Слован Либерец - Пушкаш Академи 2-1 1X 1.44 12.07.24 12:00 Железничар - Нижний Новгород 1-1 Ф1(+1) 1.31 12.07.24 13:00 Твенте - Норшелланн 2-2 1X 1.36 12.07.24 14:00 Циндао С- Чжэцзян ФК 2-2 Голы в обоих таймах : Да 1.39 12.07.24 14:35 Шанхай Порт - Бэйцзин Гоань 2-0 Ф2(+2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 14:35 Цанчжоу Майти Лайонс - Ухань Три Таунс 1-2 X2 1.33 12.07.24 15:00 Чэнду Жунчэн - Тяньцзинь Цз Тайгер 2-0 1х и ТМ(4.5) Да 1.36 12.07.24 16:00 Утрехт - Ст. Трёйден 3-1 ТБ(2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 17:00 Виктория Пльзень - ФК Копенгаген 2-2 Обе забьют: Да 1.44 12.07.24 17:30 Динамо Москва - Спартак Москва 2-1 Обе забьют: Да 1.42 12.07.24 18:00 Црвена Звезда - Тальерес 3-1 1х и ТБ(1.5) Да 1.36 12.07.24 18:00 ВСГ Тироль - Фюрт 0-2 Ф2(0) 1.35 12.07.24 19:00 Франция (19) - Узбекистан (19) 2-0 Ф2(+2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 19:00 Вольфсбергер АК - Подбрезова 2-0 Ф1(0) 1.48 12.07.24 20:00 Сарпсборг 08 - Русенборг 2-2 Ф2(+1) 1.36 12.07.24 20:00 Россия (ж) - Северная Корея (ж) 1-1 Ф1(+1.5) 1.52 12.07.24 21:45 Голуэй - Уотерфорд 1-1 Ф2(+1) 1.38 12.07.24 21:45 Богемианс Дублин - Слиго Роверс 2-1 Ф2(+1.5) 1.36 12.07.24 22:00 Бенфика - Фаренсе 3-0 Бенфика ИТБ1(1.5) 1.4 12.07.24 22:15 Рейкьявик - Гриндавик 2-1 ТБ(2.5) 1.43 Статистика прогнозов тут : https://t.me/KapparaLive/1720 Мой канал в телеге : https://t.me/kappara_ru  (здесь прогнозы по ходу дня) Список Букмекерских сайтов : http://hubu.ru/sportwager Watsapp группа писать : +380684476012 Зеркало прогнозов на сайте http://kappara.online  (english tips) Сайт http://kappara.ru  обмениваюсь ссылками , взаимопиар, заказ рекламных статей с вашими ссылками 12.07.24 12:00 Slovan Liberec - Puskas Academy 1X 1.44 12.07.24 12:00 Zeljeznicar - Nizhny Novgorod 1T Handicap(+1) 1.31 12.07.24 13:00 FC Twente - FC Nordsjaelland 1X 1.36 12.07.24 14:00 Qingdao West Coast - Zhejiang FC Goals in both halves : Yes 1.39 12.07.24 14:35 Shanghai Port - Beijing Guoan 2T Handicap(+2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 14:35 Cangzhou Mighty Lions - Wuhan Three Towns X2 1.33 12.07.24 15:00 Chengdu Rongcheng - Tianjin Jinmen Tiger Not to lose and Total Under(4.5) - Chengdu Rongcheng : Yes 1.36 12.07.24 16:00 FC Utrecht - Sint-Truiden Total Over(2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 17:00 Viktoria Plzen - FC Copenhagen Both teams to score: Yes 1.44 12.07.24 17:30 Dynamo Moscow - Spartak Moscow Both teams to score: Yes 1.42 12.07.24 18:00 Crvena Zvezda - Talleres Not to lose and Total Over(1.5) - Crvena Zvezda : Yes 1.36 12.07.24 18:00 WSG Swarovski Tirol - Greuther Furth 2T Handicap(0) 1.35 12.07.24 19:00 France U19 - Uzbekistan U19 2T Handicap(+2.5) 1.43 12.07.24 19:00 Wolfsberger AC - ZP Sport Podbrezova 1T Handicap(0) 1.48 12.07.24 20:00 Sarpsborg 08 - Rosenborg BK 2T Handicap(+1) 1.36 12.07.24 20:00 Russia W - North Korea W 1T Handicap(+1.5) 1.52 12.07.24 21:45 Galway - Waterford FC 2T Handicap(+1) 1.38 12.07.24 21:45 Bohemians Dublin - Sligo Rovers 2T Handicap(+1.5) 1.36 12.07.24 22:00 Benfica - Farense Benfica 1T Individual Total Over(1.5) 1.4 12.07.24 22:15 IR Reykjavik - Grindavik Total Over(2.5) 1.43 STATistik of tips : https://t.me/KapparaLive/1720 Telegram : https://t.me/kapparavip  (здесь прогнозы по ходу дня) Best bookmakers : http://hubu.ru/sportwager Watsapp : +380684476012 All so on http://kappara.online  (english tips) Portal: http://kappara.ru