#Unique Local Fundraiser

[massivearcadeperson]

Raise Funds Locally Using Lollipop Fundraiser

A lollipop fundraiser is a tried and tested money-raising option of many organisations, which is extremely popular and local fundraisers to raise funds locally. Your organisation has to buy small candy lollipops of various flavours and colours from any local supplier. This will support the local businesses as well, which is an outstanding initiative to boost your local economy.

[queeranarchism]

If your democrat friends start muttering about stolen election conspiracy theories, the time to have a sit down with them and express your concerns is NOW, while you still have a chance to reach them, not 6 months from now when they're fully conspiracy-pilled.

Here's some of the talking points and why they're bullshit:

'10 million votes don't just disappear!' -> Joe Biden's 81 million votes were a statistical outlier, sparked by the recent experience of the Trump presidency. The democrats failed to maintain that sense of urgency, but Harris still got more votes than Hillary Clinton, more than Obama and more than any previous democratic candidate. These numbers are not weird at all.

'The Republicans tried to infiltrate election- and vote counting organizations!' -> yeah, they did, and yet hundreds of independent legal observers didn't see anything go wrong enough to raise any alarms. Independent exit polls are also very consistently similar to the counted votes. Tons of international organizations specialized in this stuff observed the election and didn't see a reason to raise the alarm.

'But I know a dozen democrats whose mail-in votes were not counted!' -> In any election a certain number of votes are registered as invalid because something was wrong with the ballot. In a country the size of the US, that translates to many thousands of votes. The internet allows these people to find each other, creating the false impression that a suspiciously large group of votes was not valid.

'Musk used Star Link to mess with electronic voting!' -> Electronic voting machines are not connected to the internet and dozens of independent media have already debunked this myth. It is absolutely impossible to use Star Link to fake election results.

'There is voter disenfranchisement!' -> This is true. This has always been true, for every election. It's an issue worth talking about but it's not a special secret conspiracy that's unique to this election.

But just as importantly as the facts: sit down with your friend and talk about the anxiety that's behind their conspiracy leanings. Acknowledge their pain and fear. Help them find ways to feel less powerless and regain their sense of agency. Take them to a mutual aid event, involve them in a fundraising event for a marginalized group, invite them to a local community effort. If they spend more time feeling connection and empowerment and less time doom scrolling online, they're far more likely to stay in reality.

[emporium]

Graphic Design is my Passion Bucket Hat • $25.00

Is graphic design your passion? Than you need this hat.

100% Cotton

Unstructured, 3 1/2″ Crown & Sewn Eyelets

Not all caps will look alike. Due to the nature of tie-dye, the color placement and intensity will vary.

P.S. If you’re looking for the frog I got something even better, a tumbeast.

Who made these?

The Flying Cow Shirt Co. is a local custom apparel business based in Columbia, MO, dedicated to serving our community. Our clientele includes fellow local businesses, educational institutions, various organizations, and individuals, all of whom rely on us for outstanding design services and quick turnaround times. In addition to our printing services, we offer unique fundraising opportunities through custom online stores. Through these stores, we have generated thousands of dollars in funds, which are then either donated to charitable causes or allocated to support local organizations. By doing so, we contribute to the sustainability and growth of these organizations, empowering them to continue making a positive impact on our community!

[afeelgoodblog]

Best News of Last Week - July 3, 2023

🐕 - This dog is 'disc'-overing hidden treasures! Get ready for the 'paws'-itively successful fundraiser, Daisy's Discs!

1. Most unionized US rail workers now have new sick leave

More than 60% of U.S. unionized railroad workers at major railroads are now covered by new sick leave agreements, a trade group said Monday.

Last year railroads came under fire for not agreeing to paid sick leave during labor negotiations.

2. Missing teen found after being lost in the wilderness for 50 hours

Esther Wang, 16, had been hiking with three other people through the Maple Ridge park on Tuesday.

The group made it to Steve’s lookout around 2:45 p.m. that day.However, when they headed back down to the campsite, after about 15 minutes of hiking, the group leader realized Wang was missing. They returned to the lookout to look for Wang but couldn’t find her. The leader headed to the trail entrance to notify a park ranger and police.

“Esther Wang has been located. She’s healthy, she is happy and she’s with family.”

3. A dog has retrieved 155 discs from woods. They’ll be on sale soon, with proceeds going to the park in West Virginia where they were found

Meet Daisy, the yellow Labrador retriever with a unique talent for finding lost Frisbee golf discs at Grand Vue Park in West Virginia. Four years ago, while on a walk with her owner Kelly Mason, Daisy discovered a disc in the woods and proudly brought it back. Since then, Daisy's obsession with finding stray discs has grown, and she has collected an impressive cache of 155 discs.

Mason and park officials have now come up with a plan to return the discs to their owners if they are labeled, and any unclaimed discs will be sold as a fundraiser to support the park's disc golf courses. Daisy's Discs is expected to be a success, with many excited about the possibility of recovering their lost discs thanks to Daisy's remarkable skills.

4. Australian earless dragon last seen in 1969 rediscovered in secret location

A tiny earless dragon feared to be extinct in the wild has been sighted for the first time in more than 50 years – at a location that is being kept secret to help preservation efforts.

The Victorian grassland earless dragon, Tympanocryptis pinguicolla, has now been rediscovered in the state, according to a joint statement issued by the Victorian and federal Labor governments on Sunday.

5. Detroit is going to power 100% of its municipal buildings with solar

All of Detroit’s municipal buildings are going to be powered by neighborhood solar as part of the city’s efforts to combat climate change – check out the city’s cool grassroots plan. Meet Detroit Rock Solar City.

The city has determined that it’s going to need around 250 acres of solar panels in order to achieve 100% solar power for its municipal buildings.

6. Canada Officially Bans Cosmetic Testing on Animals

The fight for cruelty-free beauty in Canada has seen a significant breakthrough as the Canadian government legislates a full ban on cosmetic animal testing and trade, marking a victory for Animal rights advocates and eco-conscious consumers.

This landmark decision is part of the Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-47), not only prohibiting cosmetic animal testing but also putting an end to the sale of cosmetics that use new animal testing data for safety substantiation.

7. Belize certified malaria-free by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Belize as malaria-free, following the country’s over 70 years of continued efforts to stamp out the disease.

“WHO congratulates the people and government of Belize and their network of global and local partners for this achievement”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Belize is another example of how, with the right tools and the right approach, we can dream of a malaria-free future.”

----

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation:

Support this newsletter ❤️

Also don’t forget to reblog.

[wickedfreakho]

You and Eren just moved into the city. The streets are busy as cars rush by, trying to get absolutely nowhere, buildings stand tall and block out certain areas of sunlight.

It's fairly nice in the heart of the city. You've had a bit of city girl in you, having traveled to the city with your parents from a small town just a few miles away.

Eren on the other hand was from the country and lived on a farm with his parents. He rarely ever visited the city unless it was to get a surprise gift for mother's day or tools that his father needed when it came to harvesting crops.

You both decided to move to the city for better job opportunities, especially since you had plans to travel the world in the future. But for now, you guys had to focus on getting and saving up the money for that.

Eren worked at an environmental justice company that helped brainstorm ideas to fix climate change while fundraising and putting in the action. You worked as a nursing assistant at a local clinic close to your apartment.

You loved your job, your apartment, your life in the city. It was quite enjoyable, especially with Eren around. When you guys both came home from work in the later afternoon, all you guys wanted to do was cuddle and soak in each other presence.

The apartment was modest, nestled in a charming brick building that has seen generations come and go. The apartment wasn't too small or too big, but just right for the both of you. There were still cardboard boxes that needed to be unpacked such as old books, personal documents, photographs and decorative items; but the important things were set up.

Today, the both of you were unpacking the rest of everything so that your apartment could take a sense of home. Eren picked up the heavy cardboard box labeled "books" and carried them over to the large white shelf closest to the balcony of the apartment.

You on the other hand, pushed the box labeled "family photos" over to the same shelf. Eventually, organizing the two to blend the both of your backgrounds and start to create a unique tapestry in this new chapter of your lives.

"Oh I have something to show you by the way" Eren exclaimed all of a sudden, his eye sparkling. Curious, you followed him out to the small balcony that overlooked the city's skyline. Eren unveiled a series of potted plants he's been nurturing overtime. "I thought we could start a small garden here on the balcony..it's not much but it's a start"

Smiling like an idiot in love, you were so touched by the gesture as you stood closer to Eren. You never noticed this, so it was a shocking surprise. "I love it! It's so perfect, thank you Ren." You looked up at him then down to his lips. It's like he read your mind when he pulled you into a gentle kiss.

The softness of his lips against yours lightened your soul. The kiss conveyed all the unspoken words and emotions you shared. It was a kiss filled with warmth and promises. A silent pledge of love as your hearts synced with the rhythm of your shared, intimate moment.

BITCH I ATE THIS SO BADD LMFAOOO anyways it look me a fkn while to find the time to write this but i hope you guys enjoy it a little. lmk if there's any grammar mistakes that need to be fixed even though i proof read.

@ wickedfreakho , pls don't copy, translate, or repost my work without my permission babes <3.

[sandplague]

(i'll just copy & paste the text here)

Pathologic 3 FAQ #1

Answers to frequently asked questions and a few hints about what’s coming next!

Hey hey!

Very soon, we’ll be sharing the first details about the game, starting with the soundtrack: on November 4th, we’re taking part in Save and Sound, an annual event dedicated to sound design and soundtracks in video games.

We know the wait has been long, and we want to thank you for the warm reception of the announcement. Today, we’d like to clarify a few points that we often see coming up in community discussions about the Pathologic 3 announcement.

So, let’s get started!

Q: What happened to the route for Pathologic 2? Has it evolved into a sequel?

A: Yes, that’s exactly what happened: the game simply grew beyond our concept of DLC—it will have different gameplay and entirely new features. Instead of one game with three playthroughs using the same gameplay but different storylines (as in the original 2005 release and the Classic HD remaster), we’re creating three fully developed games with distinct gameplay and significant differences in narrative.

Now, these are truly three separate protagonists with unique worldviews, perceptions of reality, and distinct tools. From a gameplay perspective, this means three different approaches and a complete rethinking of the original scripts.

One storyline was released in 2019, centered on the Haruspex. It was a large game that took much more time and work than initially planned. For publishing reasons, it was titled Pathologic 2.

Pathologic 3 is a new, full-fledged game focused on the Bachelor. The title was chosen to avoid confusion, making it clear that this is not a DLC but a complete game with a similar playtime.

Q: What about the Changeling?

A: Finally, there’s the Changeling, but we’d prefer not to make promises prematurely, so we’ll return to her when there’s more to share.

Moving forward, we plan to stick to this approach. We understand that premature promises about the previous Pathologic led to unfulfilled expectations. We apologize for that and don’t want to mislead you in the future. The developer should not be an unreliable narrator—unlike his characters.

Q: How do Pathologic 2 and Pathologic 3 differ?

A: The protagonists! And that’s only half-joking. The main idea and reason for dividing these games is that the Haruspex and the Bachelor are very different characters. The further we developed the Bachelor’s story, the clearer this became. We didn’t want to compromise by making the game a “safer” rework of the original script, so we reimagined the core gameplay loop:

The Haruspex needed to survive, fight, scavenge, rummage through garbage for scraps of bread, and try to save those he held dear along the way. The Bachelor is a man of intellect. Survival is not his primary concern; his goals go beyond what one lifetime could contain. He needs to think, formulate theories, and gather evidence. Ultimately, he must issue commands and observe the results. This distinction will be emphasized through gameplay, mechanics, objectives, soundtrack, and so on.

After Save and Sound, we plan to return later this year to show you what we mean. As they say, "Show, don’t tell."

Q: Who will receive game keys?

A: We remember our commitments to those who supported us during the fundraising stage nearly ten years ago, so we will provide keys to:

Kickstarter backers and other platforms where support for the game was available during the fundraising stage

Backers from 2014 and 2015

Also, backers entitled to two copies will receive two keys. We’ll share details on how to claim keys closer to release.

Q: Will the new game have its own artbook?

A: At the moment, we’re not planning a physical one, but we might create a digital artbook for the Supporter Pack. We're not sure yet!

Q: Which languages will the game be localized into, including text and voice-over?

A: We definitely plan to localize into English and Russian, and we’re considering Brazilian Portuguese, German, and Simplified Chinese. We’ll confirm languages closer to launch.

Q: Will the Russian title of Pathologic 3 remain?

A: Yes, we’re still considering options. Current ideas include “Finally,” “See, You Didn’t Believe Us,” and “Sorry for the Long Wait.”

Q: Will the game be available on GOG and other stores?

A: We’ll know closer to release, but it’ll likely be available on all platforms where Pathologic 2 can be found.

Q: Will preorders be available?

A: No.

Q: What platforms other than PC are planned for release?

A: We’re planning releases for PS5 and Xbox S/X, likely following the PC release.

Q: What engine is the game being developed in?

A: The same engine as Pathologic 2: Unity.

Q: Will the same voice actors return for Pathologic 3?

A: Yes, we’ll bring back the same actors from Pathologic 2, or at least, we’ll do our best.

We’ve prepared a big surprise for you in the coming months, so please add us to your Steam wishlist!

Until then, we’ll see you on November 4th!

[elodee]

HERMIT A DAY MAY - DAY 31

ReNDoG x Borderlands

For Rendog I chose the first-person looter shooter video game series Borderlands!

Ren's base this season reminds me a lot of Borderlands (at least so far). With its desolate landscape, eccentric naming conventions, and industrial buildings put in place by a morally questionable mega-conglomerate, it would fit right in as a setting in one of these games.

Borderlands is an incredibly fun (and funny) game series that I highly recommend playing if you've never picked it up before. However, the games have a lot of adult humor and are very violent, though the violence is played for laughs. If you're familiar with the character Deadpool, Borderlands has a very similar energy.

To learn more about Borderlands and see my style references, continue below the cut.

@hermitadaymay

(Congratulations on crushing the Gamers Outreach fundraiser goal!)

Borderlands is a series of first person looter shooter games set in an open world with a procedurally generated weapon system. The plot of the games follows a group of protagonists with various abilities who complete missions and explore the planet (usually a place called Pandora) in order to find and unlock a fabled treasure trove called a Vault. These Vault Hunters (shoutout Iskall) are not exactly heroes, but as the player you have the option to help people along the way.

There is a lot more to the Vault Hunters' adventures throughout the games that just looking for treasure. Each game has an engaging plot and memorable characters, but the the core gameplay for the entire series is this: shoot, kill, loot a badass new gun, rinse and repeat.

Borderlands is a blast to play and no two playthroughs are exactly the same. It's also great fun to play with your friends and has an excellent multiplayer mode. The series also has a unique aesthetic that makes it look like you're playing in a 3D comic book. The effect is really cool.

Style references:

The games take place mostly on Pandora, a desert planet which has a lot of abandoned industrial buildings and machinery from various intergalactic corporations. Most of what the companies left behind have since been looted and incorporated into ramshackle towns populated by the locals.

This is Handsome Jack, the primary antagonist from the second game. The games use hand-drawn textures for the characters, which create the comic book-like feel.

The Borderlands title design.

[mannanerz]

designs for my modern eah/mh au where their schools are rivals and cupid is the mediator. under the cut talks about the au and the character designs. its long tho. you have been warned.

In this au, both are boarding schools. EAH has a uniform, but the students personalize their uniforms to match their style, which was against the rules. The faculty was strict with the dress code, until Raven’s freshman year, where she accidentally sprung a series of events that resulted in the students holding a protest against the school’s outrageously strict dress code (raven wore a belt with her skirt the third day of school, which was against the dress code). The faculty began to care less and less as the weeks went on so now kids just wear the basics of the uniforms (white collar shirt, dress pants/skirts/shorts) and personalize everything else (shoes, ties/bowties, arm wear). Monster High has like zero dress code. Freedom of Expression is their message so students can dress however they want.

The rivalry between the two schools has gone back centuries, but no one is 100% sure as to how it all started. There are rumors of how it happened, but there has never been concrete evidence of how it all started.

Some Monster High students say that Ever After High’s founder, M. Grimm, had more influence than Monster High’s founder, H. Bloodgood, since Grimm was a much beloved politician at the time. So, he used his money and power to open his own school before Bloodgood did. This is why Ever After High has wealthier students as well as a bigger budget for the school’s events and their educational and athletic programs.

Some Ever After High students say that Bloodgood had tricked Grimm into signing off a large portion of his wealth to her. Bloodgood had used this money to build Monster High next to a small town filled with artists, artisans, and farmers. The local families sent their children to this boarding school believing it to be the best education around. This is why Monster High’s athletics and arts programs are much better than Ever After’s arts and athletics, since most students at MH were the children of artists and athletes.

Monster High’s architecture has also been known to be the most aesthetically pleasing in the state. Local families had helped make renovations to the school over the years which gave it the unique look. Monster High doesn’t need to hold as many fundraisers as Ever After High since most of the families who have enrolled their children there can just help the school themselves instead of paying for someone else to do it. Gym ceiling caved in? Call Jerry. Water fountain broke? Felix can fix it. Bake Sale for animal shelter? Nelson’s got it. The students are also very inclusive and try their best to be better than Ever After High in that way, being more welcoming and friendly.

The wealthy families of Ever After don’t contribute much to the little things at the school; cafeteria food, broken parts of the school (water fountains, doorways etc), or even some clubs (mostly artistic clubs/ programs). So, the students have to arrange fundraisers for themselves, as long as a faculty member sponsors/chaperones it, which almost never happens. They aren’t as close knit as they make themselves appear, many cliques and bullies roam the halls, excluding most anyone who they haven’t known for most of their lives. The friends that they do have, though, are friends for life. Once a clique is established, there aren’t many things that could break them apart.

THATS THE BACKGROUND GUYS THERE IS ALSO THE DESIGNS

Frankie Stein

I wasn’t 100% sure how i wanted to portray them in this au cuz i rlly like gen 1 and 3 designs and both versions kinda clash. i wanted to do certain things but they would have looked bad. might change the design later (still deciding). in this au, frankie is book smart, but not street smart. they often find themselves in dangerous situations because of this. i wanted to add scars to show this bc i think of frankie as someone who is ready to jump headfirst into anything, literally and figuratively.

C.A. Cupid

I LOVE THIS DESIGN!!!! i loved her hair in mh so i wanted the curl from that instead of her eah hair and i though the headphones would be a cute addition. she is the ‘love goddess’ at school so i gave her heart theme accessories. her personality would be a bit more bold and outspoken compared to the eah version of cupid cuz spunky cupid is everything to me.

Raven Queen

The accidental bad girl. i wanted her to be edgier than most other characters, like avant garde, but i dont think she’d want to draw a lot of attention to herself, since the faculty already think she’s a rebellious teen so she’s only kinda edgy. she mostly sticks to herself and her friends. i feel like raven’s design came easiest cuz i know someone who looks so much like her and thats the way they dress so she’s based off of my lab partner (kinda).

END thank you so much for reading if you came this far. i will be posting more designs of the characters in this au. clawdeen, draculaura, apple and probably one other will be next!!

[daixchameleon]

Extra Life Game Day Fundraiser 2024!!

Hello everybody. Sorry for being silent the last few weeks. I've been busy setting up for Extra Life Game Day and I have some good suprises for everybody!!

If you donate to my fundraiser, will be rewarded with some amazing Artwork made by yours truly.

Take a look at Incentives and choose between 3 awesome Pizza Tower Artwork.

Also, come and join me Saturday November 2nd as I'll marathon Pizza Tower from 8AM to 6PM.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!

Stick around after 6PM as I'll challenge myself to complete Luigi Mansion before 10PM.

During this time frame, A BONUS DRAWING will be added to ALL the incentives.

Don't miss your chance to grab this unique perk and help children in need. It's a Win/Win.

So Remember the date. November 2nd. Join me, say Hi and help children. Let's make a difference!! Cheers!

[wayfaringhoax]

Good For You

Joel Miller x Teacher! Female Reader 🍎

This work features no outbreak! Joel Miller.

Genre: fluff, first dates, new relationships, friends/acquaintances to lovers, no outbreak au.

Word count: 2.7k

Summary: Joel's daughter Sarah is one of your students. So when he asks you out on a date, you already know the answer, right?

Warnings: (18+ MDNI) Swearing, descriptions of kissing/making out and sensual touching, relationship anxieties/worries, discussions of loneliness, alcohol, references to sex, corny teacher jokes, implied age gap and controversial relationships (reader is Sarah's teacher).

A/N: Tried to imagine what it would be like if Joel dated a teacher. This gets heavier and more emotional towards the end. Hope you enjoy, let me know if you do!

This’ll be the first time you see him when you’re not on school grounds.

Well, you should say the first time you meet up, as you’d seen plenty of him around town.

You weren’t entirely sure whether he was aware of those times though, so you didn’t plan on bringing them up tonight in case he should consider your little crush creepy.

You wouldn’t blame him if he did, though, as you often gazed upon him for far too long to be considered respectable. Your daydreams consisted of the broad expanse of his shoulders, the way his tan skin stretched over the muscles in his upper arms; like some kind of divine creation, and the assured tilt of his head as he pleasantly greeted the cashier. Could anyone blame you for looking?

You had only stepped out for some more milk. 

Downright mortified at how you’d practically drooled over the man from the cereal aisle, you were still reeling from the last time you saw Joel Miller.

You needed 5-10 business days to recover whenever you encountered the man in question.

Now, though, you needed to focus on the task at hand: getting ready.

When you’d initially agreed to a date, having been somewhat caught off-guard by the way he called your name in that honeyed Southern drawl of his, you’d perhaps accepted too soon.

This was Sarah Miller’s father and you were her English teacher. You’d never taught Maths but you were sure that this equation wouldn’t produce a good result.

The anxiety had been slowly creeping up on you all day, leading you to doubt whether you should’ve agreed to a date in the first place. But after reminiscing on how he’d worn you down with his sweet advances, you figured he was worthy of at least a try.

After all, the man had been persistent in his efforts to chase you.

There’d been those innocent gifts you received from him every once in a while. Gifts such as the Pearl Jam CD, Lightning Bolt, he’d had Sarah pass on to you. This came after she’d told him how you’d come into school on Fundraising Day wearing your Eagles t-shirt, and how she’d thought you were just so cool. He’d scribbled a message on the insert, suggesting you 'Try this out. Track 12 is a winner.'

There were also the good-natured recommendations, such as the one time he’d come to collect his daughter from an after-school study session and casually mentioned how he’d seen a bookstore you might like in a neighbouring town.

Whilst working a job nearby, he’d made a quick run to the local music store before he noticed the endearing shopfront next door. Ivy garlands and crocheted daisies trailed down from above, whilst little origami birds rested delicately beside the book displays, giving the window a unique kind of charm. Offhandedly, Joel threw it out there that the store might be something you’d be interested in, as it had embodied that 'whole bohemian thing you’ve got going on.'

Not to mention, Joel had also tried to compliment you - or at least that’s what you thought he was doing - when he’d run into you at school. 

“Not sure how you do it darlin’. Dealing with other people’s kids all day long. Got my hands full with just the one. Must take a certain type of person to do your job…hell, I couldn’t. No matter how much you paid me.”

Though his words weren’t refined, you understood what he’d been trying to say; his smile implying nothing but kindness and sincere appreciation.

It had become all too easy to succumb to his appeal, but the rational part of your brain urged you to consider his intentions. 

The man appeared to be emotionally unavailable. 

You had enough experience to recognise that his easy-going nature was part of a front, concealing something darker beneath the surface. Years of being a single parent had worn the softer side of him down. He’d become hardened by the need to provide and protect for another. 

Sarah was his purpose, everyone knew that.

You’d presumed he’d had to make countless sacrifices as a father, and although she’s a teenager now, you somehow got the impression that Joel still regularly denied himself the things he wanted.

The things he could want, should he let himself indulge in those thoughts for long enough.

Was he just lonely?

Flirting with you to win favour for Sarah?

Despite the doubts lingering in the back of your mind, the last time you saw Joel had been the final nail in the coffin. With those big brown eyes that made you never want to look at anything else ever again, he had weakened your defenses as he made his move. 

“I was just thinkin…well, we already see each other around quite a bit, and Sarah loves you, and she’s been pushing me to ask you out for quite some time now. I mean…you must know I’ve been sweet on you for a while now, yeah? C’mon, just one date, alright? See how things are between us…no pressure. I’m sure she’ll get off our backs after that.”

He’d turned on the charm in that sweet, rough-around-the-edges kinda way when he asked you out. Knowingly using your particular fondness for his daughter against you.

Despite this, he’d also appeared antsy, seemingly impatient to get it over with. If you were going to reject him, he’d rather it be done swiftly. 

You’d been eager to put him at ease, so you had agreed to a date.

And now? You wondered whether you’d jumped in too soon.

⟡

However, you simply didn’t have the time to fret about it as around an hour later, your phone buzzed atop your plush bed covers.

Humming along to the radio, you retrieved it and glanced at the message illuminating the lock screen.

On my way. Be there in 5.

The gentle buzz of nerves sitting in your gut grew stronger, slightly, as you fumbled for your purse, jacket and keys - almost forgetting your peach pink gloss, before you headed downstairs to wait.

It wasn’t much longer before the headlights on his truck signaled his arrival, yet he’d sent a text just for good measure.

Outside. Weather’s not great - bring a jacket. Wouldn’t want you getting cold, sweetheart.

You chuckled to yourself, grateful for his chivalry despite having already selected an outfit to suit the evening breeze, before heading out the door.

⟡

The place he’d taken you to was modest. It served craft beer and had all the paraphernalia of a typical sports bar adorning its walls. Some of its patrons were gearing up for the weekend, as was the custom on a Friday night in Austin, but this place was known as a pit stop. People often retreated before peak time hit. 

Thankfully, this atmosphere allowed a comfortable conversation to flow between the two of you, as you both began to unwind with a much-needed beer. Talking to Joel felt easy, and his confidence reassured you, causing the tension between your shoulders to soon dissipate. 

His touch put you at ease too, as a soft yet firm grip on your thigh had you leaning further into him as he told you all about a dilemma he’d faced on a job the week before. Whilst he shared how he’d mixed up the parts when ordering supplies, you couldn’t help but gulp every time he leaned in close to your ear, close enough that you felt his warm breath fan across your neck. 

Being in close proximity to this man felt addictive.

You’d listen to him ramble on about power drills and cement all night long if it meant you’d get to feel his touch: the strong contours of his body pressed against yours, his brown eyes lingering at your collarbone every now and again.

Whilst letting his eyes roam, he noticed how your skin, looking so soft and delicate, reflected your tender disposition. 

When you’d become particularly engrossed in talking about your students - and when he thought you wouldn’t notice - he’d moved the arm that was resting along the back of the booth down to your shoulder, subtly drawing you closer into his embrace. 

Emboldened, Joel sat up that little bit taller when he realised you’d welcomed his advance, and it wasn’t long before you found yourself up against his truck.

Joel had suggested you go ‘someplace more private, just so he could hear you better’, and you were grateful for the way the trees hid you from view as Joel’s hands explored your curves as though he was trying to commit every inch of your body to memory. 

Touch-starved, the rough pads of his fingers hungrily pressed into your lower back, adding just the right amount of pressure to drive you crazy. Meanwhile, your hands fisted his navy t-shirt with the same ardour.

He took his time, though, kissing you leisurely, like you two had all the time in the world. 

Until he stopped - mid-kiss - to grin against your lips, mumbling “I don’t remember any of my teachers being this hot. Might’ve shown up more if they had been.” 

You couldn’t help but grin in return at his boldness, before stepping back to admire how your touch had left him perfectly ruined.

With his eyes partially closed, hair a pretty mess and cheeks flushed scarlet, Joel appeared drunk on the pleasure you were giving him.

Honestly, you weren’t faring well either. 

You’d just begun to breathe normally again when that teasing smirk of his grew wider, tilting your chin up to meet his gaze. 

“So…darlin'. What grade would you give me for that then, huh?”

All you could do in response to his quip was bury your face in the crook of his arm, hoping your features wouldn’t betray your amusement. 

⟡

As the evening began to wind down, you found yourself on Joel’s leather couch. 

He’d even whipped out a blanket, being the Southern gentleman he was, so the two of you could curl up together.

He had your back against his front and his arms locked around your shoulders. Seemingly, the urge to protect had already kicked in, as Joel held your body tight against his.

You’d both had quite a brutal week at work and therefore, found great pleasure in resting together.

Yet, somewhere in the haze of the exhaustion, you got a sense that things had shifted between you and Joel.

Carefully, his fingers traced a pattern across the skin of your neck, just above your sternum. He followed the same trajectory each time, never pausing his ministrations to linger on a spot for a second too long, before repeating the action with the same precision.

Working alongside kids with a range of complex needs meant that you could tune into certain behavioural patterns, and whilst you admit that you could’ve easily misjudged the situation, Joel’s level of focus suggested to you that he was trying to regulate his emotions.

You longed to reach out; try to communicate that you were safe, he was safe here with you when his voice cut through your concern, imploring, “Does it bother you? You know, me having a kid?”

Heart aching for this man and his vulnerability, you reassured him. 

“Joel. I wouldn’t be here right now if it did.”

“Been a long time since I’ve dated. Not sure if it’s even something I should be getting in to. Hell, Sarah’s too young and I’m - shit - I’m getting too old to even know how to keep it together when I’ve got a pretty lady on my couch.”

You spoke with gentle conviction when you told him, “There’s no pressure.” 

You paused to run your fingers along his bicep. Trailing your nails across his skin, you applied light pressure, hoping it would ground him in your presence before you continued your reassurance.

“Oh…Joel.”, you sighed.

“There’s no expectation for you to do anything you don’t want to, babe.”

“That right, huh?”, came his response.

Sensing there was more to come, you gripped his arm a little tighter and awaited his next admission.

“Sarah’s mom…she-” 

Wary of revealing too much too soon, Joel stopped himself mid-sentence, before carrying on.

“Since then, I…I haven’t really tried with anyone else. Too fucking suspicious of everyone. Can never bring myself to trust so I don’t end up sticking around for long.”

“I’m not really sure what I’m doing, sweetheart. Put off asking you out for so long cause I thought it’d be too hard. Sarah’s the one who kicked my ass into gear, so you’ve got her to thank for tonight.”

You let out a gentle chuckle at his revelation, before letting him know that, “It doesn’t need to be hard. Dating, I mean.”

Your words had begun to relax Joel, as he divulged, “Well tonight’s felt real easy with you. Haven’t felt this relaxed on a date in a long time.”

A smile graced your expression as you felt a sense of peace overcome you following his affirmation. 

“I’m glad, Joel. I’m feeling pretty relaxed right now myself.”, you jested in good faith.

The two of you lay together - for a while - in a comfortable silence. 

And in this gentle lull, you both settled deeper into this newfound vulnerability, subduing the rush of adrenaline you’d experienced earlier on out in the parking lot.

Having heard what Joel had to say, you too ached to get some things off your chest.

“You know I’m crazy for saying yes to you, right? I’m Sarah’s teacher. I’m crossing a boundary here.”

At your acknowledgement of the role you already play in his daughter’s life, Joel straightened up behind you. 

“I know, darlin’. If I were a better man, I would’ve left it alone. Should’ve done that anyway, never wanted to make you uncomfortable. That…that ain’t fair on you.”

“Hey”, you affirmed softly.

“I knew what I was doing accepting a date with a parent, that was my choice.”

He breathed out a sigh of approval, taking a moment to admire your conviction as it made you all the more attractive to him. 

Joel didn’t have time to waste on women who weren’t willing to accept him as he was. If they wanted to get involved with him, they’d need to compromise. After all, he was a single parent and his daughter was his priority. 

Of course, you knew this and planned on voicing it.

“Sarah’s the priority here, and that’s something we can agree on as a parent and as an educator. I wouldn’t want that to change, Joel. All I know is I enjoy your company, and well, I’d be lying if I said I knew exactly what I want right now. Can’t we just take things one step at a time?”

At once, you felt Joel relax at your words. 

You sensed him tilting his head back, as though he was mentally preparing himself for what he planned to say next.

“Sarah’s always been my priority. Always will be. But I’m only human.”

He took a pause, composing his next words with care.

“The loneliness. It fucking hurts when it comes around.”

“Part of me understands I gotta have something for myself, eventually. I-I just don’t know if I should. If it’s the right thing.”

You needed a moment to process his admission before responding, as arguably, the way he’d been willing to share such an intimate fear with you had you feeling weak. 

Joel was tough.

Yet he wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable with you.

Sure, you both had reservations, but having laid all your cards out on the table, the two of you were content with the way the night had played out.

Then came a whisper, barely cutting through the quiet of the night.

“I could be good for you, Joel.” 

Some part of you believed that by saying these words aloud, you were manifesting them to be true. 

You were hopeful. Hopeful that something good would come of this. Hopeful that this calm, easy-going energy between the two of you would continue to grow.

Joel, too, could sense it.

Something deep down in his gut told him that, perhaps, he didn’t have to be alone. 

You felt good.

And right now, he needed good.

“Yeah.”, he sighed with a satisfied smile on his lips. 

“You could be, darlin’.”

Thanks for reading!

[massivearcadeperson]

Community Cleanup Fundraiser

Hosting a community cleanup is a great way to make funds and send positive messages about your team simultaneously. This is a type of weekend or day local fundraisers that’s pretty similar to the Fun-a-thon or Spirit-a-thon ideas. The participants of your group solicit pledges from a wide range of participants like neighbours, friends, and families.

[brudick-summerexchange]

BDSE DAY 5!!!

WOW IT'S DAY 5 OF BDSE ALREADY!!! 

Here are some more fanworks for you to enjoy!! We highly encourage you all to leave comments and kudos on the fanworks. And even better if you can rec it to a friend <3

WORKS

BDSE Artwork [Art] for NyxKvistad [Explicit, No Archive Warnings Apply]

Summary:

Artwork for the brudick summer exchange featuring Dick in his police uniform.

Drowning in You [Art] for Raven_Hallowryn [Explicit, No Archive Warnings Apply]

Summary:

Some Mer!Brudick

The End of an Era, the Beginning of Another [Fanfic] for Caroaimezoe [Explicit, Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings]

Summary:

It's a Tuesday afternoon in a bougie neighborhood in downtown Blüdhaven. It begins like any other day, with a newspaper, a cup of Claremont's coffee, and the pastry of the day. There's nothing untoward about the beginnings of the day. Nothing out of place. The same faces, the same weary customers in line, the same air of Tuesday just being a second Monday for so many people.

Better than the Sweetest Dream [fanfic] for cr0nu5 [Teen, No Archive Warnings Apply]

Summary:

Damian accuses Bruce of failing his Valentine’s Day duties; namely, romancing Dick Grayson. This starts a chain reaction that leads to exploding heart bombs, forced imprisonment, and wedding bells.

keep telling me to give it up [fanfic] for rurihiwatari [Explicit, Rape/Non-Con]

Summary:

After a mission gone wrong and the break up of a dynamic duo, Dick finds out he is pregnant with Bruce's child, only he isn't sure he knows what he wants. Luckily, or unluckily, the titans are there to help him find out.

Puppy Love [fanfic] for YaminoTenshi202 [Explicit, Creator Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings]

Summary:

Dick is lonely after moving to Gotham so his therapist suggests he get a support animal, a puppy. He goes to a fundraiser at the local animal shelter and meets a rather unique person- Bruce Wayne.

Thank you, Mimi, for letting us use your art in this post. &lt;3

[transbookoftheday]

How to Get Over the End of the World by Hal Schrieve

Boldly weird, cool, and confident, this YA novel of LGBTQ+ teen artists, activists, and telepathic visionaries offers hope against climate and community destruction. From the National Book Award–longlisted author of Out of Salem.

James Goldman, self-described neurotic goth gay transsexual stoner, is a senior in high school, and fully over it. He mostly ignores his classes at Cow Pie High, instead focusing on fundraising for the near-bankrupt local LGBTQ+ youth support group, Compton House, and attending punk shows with his friend-crush Ian and best friend Opal. But when James falls in love with Orsino, a homeschooled trans boy with telepathic powers and visions of the future, he wonders if the scope of what he believes possible is too small. Orsino, meanwhile, hopes that in James he has finally found someone who will be able to share the apocalyptic visions he has had to keep to himself, and better understand the powers they hold.

How to Get Over the End of the World confirms Hal Schrieve as a unique and to-be-celebrated voice in LGBTQ+ YA fiction with this multi-voiced story about flawed people trying their hardest to make a better world, about the beauty and craziness of hope, about too-big dreams and reality checks, and about the ways in which human messiness—egos, jealousy, insecurity—and good faith can coexist. It also about preserving the ties within a chosen family—and maybe saving the world—through love, art, and acts of resistance.

[haveyoureadthistransbook]

How to Get Over the End of the World by Hal Schrieve

goodreads

James Goldberg, self-described neurotic goth gay transsexual stoner, is a senior in high school, and fully over it. He mostly ignores his classes at Cow Pie High, instead focusing on fundraising for the near-bankrupt local LGBTQ+ youth support group, Compton House, and attending punk shows with his friend-crush Ian and best friend Opal. But when James falls in love with Orsino, a homeschooled trans boy with telepathic powers and visions of the future, he wonders if the scope of what he believes possible is too small. Orsino, meanwhile, hopes that in James he has finally found someone who will be able to share the apocalyptic visions he has had to keep to himself, and better understand the powers they hold.

How to Get Over the End of the World confirms Hal Schrieve as a unique and to-be-celebrated voice in LGBTQ+ YA fiction with this multi-voiced story about flawed people trying their hardest to make a better world, about the beauty and craziness of hope, about too-big dreams and reality checks, and about the ways in which human messiness—egos, jealousy, insecurity—and good faith can coexist. It also about preserving the ties within a chosen family—and maybe saving the world—through love, art, and acts of resistance.

Mod opinion: I haven't read this book yet, but it sounds really interesting.

[icetwisterfl]

Ice Twister Corporate Catering: Elevate Your Events with Unique Experiences

Ice Twister Catering Truck Company specializes in providing exceptional catering experiences for corporate and social events throughout Central Florida. With over two decades of experience, they have honed their services to cater to a wide array of events, ensuring each one is memorable and delightful.

Diverse Catering Options

Ice Twister offers a variety of catering services, from Hot Breakfast Catering to Corporate Lunch Events, and even specialized themes like Carnivals. Their flexibility and range of services mean they can adapt to the needs of any event, whether it's a small corporate gathering or a large public celebration. Their dedicated team works closely with clients to tailor the menu and service style to match the event's theme and requirements, ensuring a unique and personalized experience.

Ice Cream Socials: A Crowd Favorite

One of Ice Twister’s standout offerings is its Ice Cream Socials. These events are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion. They bring the nostalgic charm of ice cream trucks to events, complete with a variety of flavors and toppings that guests can enjoy. Whether it's a sundae bar with all the fixings or themed ice cream stations, Ice Twister knows how to make dessert the event's highlight.

Hot Breakfast Catering

Starting the day with a hearty breakfast can set the tone for a productive meeting or a lively social gathering. Ice Twister’s Hot Breakfast Catering includes a range of delicious options, from classic scrambled eggs and bacon to more elaborate setups with pancakes, waffles, and fresh fruit. This service is ideal for early morning corporate events, ensuring attendees are well-fed and energized.

Corporate Lunch Events

For midday events, Ice Twister offers Corporate Lunch Catering that features a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Their lunch menus include everything from gourmet sandwiches and salads to hot entrees and side dishes. By offering diverse options, they ensure that every guest finds something to enjoy, making lunchtime not just a meal but a delightful experience.

Special Themed Events

Ice Twister excels in creating themed events that are both fun and engaging. Their Carnival-themed catering is a hit, especially for family-oriented events and community gatherings. This service includes classic carnival treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs, bringing the joy and excitement of the fair to any venue.

Weddings and Private Events

When it comes to weddings, Ice Twister understands the importance of making the day perfect. Their wedding catering services are designed to complement the elegance and significance of the occasion. From beautifully presented hors d'oeuvres to exquisite main courses and decadent desserts, they ensure that every detail is handled with care and precision. Their flexibility allows them to cater to both large receptions and intimate gatherings, always with the same level of dedication and quality.

Commitment to Quality and Community

Ice Twister’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their service. They use high-quality ingredients to prepare their dishes, ensuring that every bite is delicious and satisfying. Additionally, they prioritize customer service, with a professional and friendly staff that goes above and beyond to meet clients' needs.

Moreover, Ice Twister is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve. They often participate in local events and fundraisers, using their services to support various causes and bring people together. This commitment to community involvement enhances its reputation as a reliable and socially responsible catering company.

Why Choose an Ice Twister?

Choosing Ice Twister for your event means opting for a catering company that values both quality and customer satisfaction. Their extensive experience allows them to handle events of all sizes and types with ease and efficiency. They take pride in their ability to create memorable experiences through their delicious food and exceptional service.

Conclusion

Ice Twister Catering Truck Company stands out as a premier choice for catering in Central Florida. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a wedding, or a community gathering, their wide range of services and dedication to quality ensure that your event will be a success. With their professional approach and commitment to making every event special, Ice Twister is the go-to option for anyone looking to elevate their event with delicious food and outstanding service.

[anti-workshop]

SHAKY HANDS STICKER CLUB

Hey friends! I alluded to a big thing coming and THIS IS IT!

Patreon sucks ass but it's sort of the name of the game for fundraising things, and we need to raise funds, so here we are!

Do you like stickers? Do you like buttons? Do you like queer leftist shit as well as unique pieces of art you can adhere to the world or wear on your person? Please join our sticker club! You get stickers every month and maybe button/s if you want!

Check it out here -> STICKER CLUB

Also! More short designs will be coming soon! So stay tuned!

Read more below if you wanna know why we're doing this. Warning, it's long and sort of sad.

We started screen printing from one of our basements in 2020. It was, needless to say, the worst possible time to try and start a business. We barely survived and were able to move into the basement of the Milwaukee IWW's new union hall so we could all split the rent and make it affordable.

That was back in 2021. We were still struggling, but through word of mouth we got jobs and kept the lights on. We weren't really able to pay ourselves, but we all had second or third jobs so it was (mostly) fine.

We printed from that basement for about a year (and I hit my head on the ceiling and doorways hundreds of times) when a fellow wobbly and co-op enthusiast invited us to join his co-op as a DBA (doing business as). He sold us on the idea by offering to subsidize our workers' comp, general liability and book keeping expenses so we could try and grow sustainably. After some meetings we agreed to join as a DBA and we put our faith in this fellow worker whose intentions seemed pure and generous. We'll call him G.

Throughout the co-op's history some of our worker-owners' personal lives have been pretty chaotic. Working multiple jobs is stressful enough as a lot of you know, and so is navigating the continued stress of covid, having kids who are dealing with being bullied for being trans, all of us having major depression, adhd, etc. etc. We relied on each other, kept the lights on and just forged ahead, but there were some jobs that we delivered late or very late because of the chaos. G was understandably frustrated by these setbacks, as was I.

Because of the chaos, for about 5 months I was literally the only person working at the shop, performing literally every task from emails to quotes and mockups to invoices to pre-press, press, post-press and fulfillment. The Goncahrov shirts y'all purchased literally paid our rent, and I cannot thank you enough for that.

Then a fellow worker we'll call Z joined the co-op and saved my life. Z is amazing and I love him and owe him so much. He and I just kept at it and did what we could to care for our fellow workers who were struggling while away from the shop.

For about a year we've been trying to get an equipment loan to improve our processes because our little 4-color press and our flash and conveyor dryers suck ass. They're functional, extremely difficult to use, and they make our final product inconsistent and screen printing is a nightmare on them. It was all we could afford so we made the best of it and pursued a loan from a really cool cooperative lender that lends to other co-ops.

After a year of paperwork, making reports of our revenue and costs, analyzing our processes to improve them and show we were a viable business, they finally granted us the loan! We got a new press, better dryer, more screens and an incredible water-based digital printer/plotter combo that allows us to do stickers and decals and banners and buttons and other cool shit like that.

While we were applying for the loan, we were also pursuing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the PPPWU (formerly the GCC) because we would be the only worker-owned co-op in our region (and maybe the US) to have the allied label, the most coveted union bug for printing. The local president was amazing to work with and we finally got awarded our union label and started paying dues.

It was around the time we began seeking the loan that G was doing and saying things we were a little confused by. He unilaterally fired two worker-owners in his co-op after months of mediation on my part to try and address interpersonal conflict. It's my fault for not seeing the writing on the wall then, but because he had done so much to help us, we justified his actions to look past our concerns.

Then, when those workers were gone he started to get abusive in text threads towards me and the other print folks, and we still looked past it because he had a lot going on in his life and that kind of stress can bring out the worst in anyone.

Well, a few weeks ago it came to our attention that we don't own our print co-op anymore, and we functionally stopped owning it once we signed on as a DBA. We thought we were all worker owners, but it turns out only I am, because I paid in at the time when I had the money. The abuse has escalated to the point that Z has quit, leaving only me the original creator the our co-op who we'll call M.

We're sort of trapped now. We're on the hook for rent at the shop until 2025, as well as the payments for our $30k loan, in a business that's been swept out from under us by someone we trusted who has become toxic and plainly cruel in his treatment of us.

Despite the stress and never really paying ourselves, I've enjoyed learning water-based screen printing and making garments people actually wear! It's been amazing! As the anti-workshop, we've been able to fund programs for our local IWW, the local tenants union and the local pro-palestine, anti-war committee. That has felt so good.

We've made our space an extremely queer, worker-focused spot for folks to learn the ins and outs of design and printing, which I am so proud of.

We're still here. We're still printing. We need to raise the funds to buy our equipment back by paying off this loan, so we can stop being a DBA of G's co-op and be our own entity again.

Failing that, we'll see what happens.