#Working women have to endure these 5 troubles from time to time

[eos0anemone]

Analysis: Genshin Impact Autistic characters - KOKOMI

This is going to be a section in my blog talking about which Genshin characters I think fit very well inside the autism spectrum. If we know Hoyoverse's record, we know that they're not autism friendly (*cof cof* cure for autism in Tears of Themis *cof cof*) but well, neurotypical people accidentally writing neurodivergent characters happens a lot, and at the end of day, it is free to our own interpretation how we see them.

I want to open this section with my favourite Genshin character: Sangonomiya Kokomi. I relate to her a lot (partially the reason why I'm convinced she's autistic) but keep reading if you want to know specifically why I think she is.

INTRODUCTION

Kokomi is a 5 star character, Hydro catalyst from Inazuma. Lorewise, she is Watatsumi's Divine Priestess; in other words, the leader of Watatsumi Island, a small town that relies a lot on fishing and agriculture to subsist.

In terms of 'waifu-uwu', Kokomi is your average overworked waifu who shows a shy demeanor, steady leadership but delicate presence. Is very feminine presenting, has a quirky military side and shows a soft spot for traveller, probably because she falls in love with him too (and yeah, I talk specifically about Aether because we know who thinks this way). A lot of western people, especially men, also reduce her to this stereotype common in Genshin Impact women.

However, we can take some more steps and see in depth everything that Kokomi has to offer.

HYPERFIXATIONS

One of the aforementioned cliches is actually true: Kokomi is an overworked woman, but not in the same way as Ganyu or Keqing, for example. While they overwork themselves because they seem to enjoy being occupated or feeling useful, Kokomi's job is a responsability that she actually doesn't wan't: just by reading her voice-overs (More About Sangonomiya Kokomi: IV), we discover that what she really wanted to do was study military strategy and become an adviser.

And this is one of the most interesting points about Kokomi: she loves military strategy. While some people reduce it to a quirky trait, I think it can be clearly interpreted as an autistic hyperfixation. Not only Kokomi is presented to us as a girl who is an expert on this field (Archon quest was so horribly written that it doesn't do her justice, but canonically she is very smart and a strategy master), but she also tells us on voice-overs that she loves military books the most (Chat: Reading), and wanted it to be her full-time job.

The least we can say is that it is her passion, one that fuels her motivation so much, just like how autism or writing fuels mine to the point of wanting to work on that field and enjoying it on my spare time or when I'm regulating myself.

BURNOUT AND MASKING

In relation to the last point, there's another reason as to why Kokomi preferred to be a military advisor rather than the island leader: social interaction.

As stated in both voice-overs and her quest, social interaction exhausts Kokomi to the point she 'gets negative'. She also tells us (Sangonomiya Kokomi's Troubles) that she's not good at communicating with others, and that putting on her Divine Priestess airs helps her with it. Kokomi is a clear case of a women who does masking in order to survive socialization with other people, and in this case, her being a figure of authority well-respected and loved by her people helps her a lot with the interactions she's forced to endure day by day. I see myself on this, because I too feel more at ease interacting with other people if I have a title that gives me clues about how others will be talking to me (being the class rep, an administrator...) but it still exhausts you, and usually it is even more tiring because you have to keep up to extra expectations. The 'getting negative' references being so burn out that you can't keep masking anymore, making you seem gloomy/uninterested/rude/clueless.

In Kokomi's quest Dracaena Somnolenta, we learn that when Kokomi is too tired of social interaction, she hides for a while on a cave where she sleeps and reads books in solitude. That is decompression. All autistic people need it to regulate their bodies and mind.

For Kokomi, this decompression time is very important, but also a secret she has. Social interactions represent a sensory overload for her, and we can see it on her dialogues during Dracaena Somnolenta, especially when we go find her to the cave:

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Oh... you noticed? I guess I haven't quite mastered the ability to hide how I'm feeling. I'll keep working at it... (masking)

Sangonomiya Kokomi: To be honest, I'm not really cut out to be a leader. At first, my dream was to read up on military strategy and perhaps become an adviser. (another hint to her hyperfixation)

Sangonomiya Kokomi: Constantly communicating with people, trying to retain their morale, having to read between the lines, making sure everyone gets the recognition they deserve... It's such hard work. (more masking, she has to force herself to do all these things because it doesn't naturally come to her)

(...)

Sangonomiya Kokomi: So whenever I feel overwhelmed, I come here to just lose myself in a book and relax for a while... (decompression)

Kokomi also explains that she uses spoon theory to regulate her energy. Spoon theory is a method created by Miserandino and it is used to ration our energy during the day. So yeah, Kokomi literally uses for herself a method that is directed to disabled people; whether it is autistic individuals, people with chronic illneses and pain, etc.

In her case, she writes it on her diary, adding or substracting points according to the tasks she has done and the events that happened to her. Traveller, whether it be Aether or Lumine, seem to be an individual that Kokomi trusts and feels comfortable with; so much that their presence doesn't disregulate her, but actually does the opposite. I don't like to think of it as a romantic thing, but rather as a platonic neurodivergent bond that they both share with each other.

A cute detail is that she also speaks loudly about those energy points with people she trusts, like Traveller and Paimon. I think it's beautiful when neurodivergent people feel free to explain out loud the 'weird' things they do after enduring so much masking.

SENSORY REGULATION

Although I already touched the most important points as to why I think Kokomi is autistic, there are some others I want to emphasize, being one of them sensory regulation and disregulation.

Kokomi is clearly disregulated by social interaction, and uses reading books, resting alone and militar strategy as a decompression mechanism. She also enjoys diving, and as she says, it fills her heart with peace even if the world underseas isn't bright and sunny like the dry land. Water can be very pleasant for some autistic people due to the stimuli and the temperature (I, for example, love swimming but hate being wet and wrinkled afterwards), and I like to think that, when Kokomi is at her limit, she goes diving to calm her mind (this is a headcanon lol, unless I missed something on lore).

Kokomi also dislikes seafood (fish, crustaceans...) and it's funny because I also hate seafood due to it's texture and flavour. Her favourite food, Bird Egg Sushi, is described by her as both 'simple' and 'simple to prepare'. Now I could be analyzing too deeply, but autism and sensory problems with food usually go hand in hand, making us prefer the simplest food possible and avoiding dishes with too much things on them, strong flavours or unpredictable textures... So yeah, Kokomi also fits this.

JUSTICE AND MORALS

Kokomi is leader of Watatsumi Island and goes against the Vision Hunt Decree that Raiden Shogun imposes on Inazuma. As she states on her voice-over (About Raiden Shogun) she doesn't feel rightfully to categorize or criticize Raiden Shogun's actions as good or bad. However, as she fights against it for the welfare of her people, we can assure that she does fight back against things she considers an injustice, even if it burns her out; just because that's what is right.

She also shows a great worry about all her people. If it's raining, she thinks about the fishermans who may not be able to return. The soldiers that died under her charge are in her mind even when she has agreed to not talk about them out loud. That should ideally be the average prototype of a leader, but just by watching Raiden Shogun we can agree that it is, in fact, not it. Seeing Kokomi, a woman who dislikes social interaction and burns herself to fulfill her duty, being at the same time so empathetic, considerate and kind to her people is something I see in a lot of neurodivergent people. The urge to please and help others the best you can do, even if it means sacrificing yourself in the process; not healthy at all, but so pure at the same time.

Kokomi also says something interesting on one of her voice-overs (Chat: Fish) which is that 'respect must be given to the will of every creature'. It is no mistery that she loves sea creatures so much, and I also think that the reason she dislikes seafood is because of this same thought about respecting all lives in nature. Not a very important point, but worth to mention.

I think I covered all the points I wanted to talk about, but if I forgot about anything, I'll update the analysis and add it.

There are a lot of characters I want to talk about apart from Kokomi (Albedo, Alhaitham, Sucrose, Freminet, Fischl, Noelle, Chongyun, Shenhe...) but I will take it slow to bring them all here. Autism spectrum is so colorful and endless that each character has significant but different traits, and I'll cover them up little by little.

This is the end of the post, I will return tomorrow with more things to say.

But here's a little cute Kokomi ❤️

[smolmakerel]

Ok, I saw a little hint of a Scream AU where I think Sam was Supergirl and they used Tara to control Sam since she was Kryptonian and stronger. I see you, and now I raise you one.

Arrow AU.

Rich and worrying about nothing in life, 18-year-old Samantha Carpenter boarded her father's, Mr. Carpenter's, yacht/boat. The storm happens and it goes down, and Sam has to endure the hell that is the island for five years.

Now, Sam is trying desperately to get back home. She saw the boat sink while swimming to the life raft with her father already inside, and then Mr. Carpenter ending his own life because he was too injured in the boat sinking. He wanted Sam to survive.

Sam wants her sister.

Meanwhile, Tara is having the absolute worst time of her life. Her older sister got on a boat even after Tara had a bad feeling about the random trip made spontaneously, but she still got on.

Christina is struck with grief and begins to drink herself into a bottle. Tara gets into Vertigo/other drugs to help cope with Sam's "death."

5 years go by and Sam is revealed to not only have survived the boat sinking, but she doesn't appear too fazed by it. People are wary of her because of her indifference to her own father's death, but she looks distraught every time someone mentions it.

(She doesn't want to tell anyone that dad knew. He knew Sam wasn't his from a book with a list of names inside. It was right in the front cover.)

Tara doesn't know how to talk to Sam without being snippy about it. It doesn't matter that Sam didn't want the boat to sink, Tara still doesn't know how to process Sam being gone for five years and then reappearing. Everything about her is more frosty.

And at night, if a woman dressed in dark green fabric is seen around the city, people are too terrified to comment. Especially when some of the biggest names in the industry are taken down for drug rings and other heinous things.

Sam crosses out names left and right. This city has been failed by just about everyone with economic/political status, including Sam herself. And they all need to give up their life to make the city better. Sam has already been through Hell and has been reborn.

However, as Sam kills these businessmen and women, she's thinking of Tara. Tara, who could potentially be hurt from toxic chemicals released into the air and water. (Another name crossed off.) Tara, who Sam sees getting into trouble with Vertigo, a new experimental drug. (A name, not on the list, but still crossed off.) Tara, who grew up all alone at 13 with only their mother who turned into an alcoholic. (Well, Sam yelled at her about her real father. No names crossed off technically, but Sam pays their mom a visit that night and gets shot. Wes, Tara's nerdy friend from school, helped her as well as her body guard Dewey [idk just go with it, I'm working it out lol], and she has a small team.)

A new archer showed up. He has similar and a lot of unfamiliar fighting techniques. He's dressed in all black, and a white mask of spray paint resembling a ghost is on his face. He's so similarly dressed to Sam, and that scares her.

He feels familiar, but Sam doesn't know why.

[jonfucius]

Great Star Trek Rewatch - The Original Series S2

Originally posted on Twitter 26 October 2020 - 2 December 2020

Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2 is up next in my Great Star Trek Rewatch. As with ENT, DSC, STX, and TOS Season 1, mini-reviews will document my progress.

Amok Time: After 29 episodes and some contradictory continuity, we finally get the first concrete details on Mr. Spock and the Vulcan species. A classic fight scene rounds out a strong start to Season 2. 8/10

Who Mourns for Adonais?: A decent early Season 2 entry. The giant green space hand is iconic, but the meat of the story rises above. Thanks to this episode, it became tradition that chief engineers on the starships Enterprise can't catch a break in the romance department. 7/10

The Changeling: A dry run of sorts for the superior Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The second time Kirk talks a computer to death, and it's a slow burn to the climax. 6/10

Mirror, Mirror: One of the most enduring concepts across Trek's 50+ year history is the Mirror Universe. This is still one of the best Mirror Universe tales, simply for its originality and focus. 9/10

The Apple: A Prime Directive debate and some red shirt massacres forms the crux of this otherwise forgettable episode. Definitely not one I'd revist on a whim. Not terrible, just mediocre. 5/10

The Doomsday Machine: This one and "Balance of Terror" jockey back and forth for #1 on my list of the best TOS episodes. William Windom's performance is superb, the titular device is scary (I hid behind the sofa when I watched this one as a kid), and the score is iconic. 10/10

Catspaw: Star Trek and Halloween don't go very well together. Even though this has an ostensibly scientific explanation, it still reeks of magic and sorcery. It is goofy, that's why it gets 4/10.

I, Mudd: This one starts slow but turns into a classic comedy by the end. Carmel is back as Mudd, though the portrayal of his wife is problematic at best. 7/10

Metamorphosis: This poignant love story with a solid sci-fi hook just clicks for me. It’s not the best but it just works. 9/10

Journey to Babel: Season 2 is definitely Spock-focused, and those episodes have not disappointed. This is a classic for good reason: action, pathos, humor, world-building. 10/10

Friday’s Child: Tonal problems keep this one from joining the ranks of the true classics. It’s serviceable but dreadfully slow in the middle. The Capellans are a fascinating race, it’s too bad we don’t see them again. 6/10

The Deadly Years: Impressive 60s aging makeup aside, this one doesn’t do much for me. The old age jokes are stereotypes, though the use of elderly actors in the first act is ingenious. And a rare bit of serialization with a callback to “The Corbomjte Maneuver” is welcome. 6/10

Obsession: Kirk gets some backstory and dimension in a tight, tense script. This is a well-paced acting showcase for Shatner. 9/10

Wolf in the Fold: This would have made for an excellent Halloween episode. A gaseous/energy being is easier to believe than the “Catspaw” transmuter, oddly enough. The line about women being easier to scare, and the Kara dance, are typical ugly 60s sexism, unfortunately. 7/10

The Trouble with Tribbles: A fuzzy thing happens on the way to Sherman’s Planet. A classic that thoroughly earns the title, it’s endlessly rewatchable and filled to the brim with classic gags, one-liners, and scenes for the entire cast. 10/10

The Gamesters of Triskelion: Angelique Pettyjohn’s look is iconic, but not much else about this episode is. A huge letdown after the preceding episode. 5/10

A Piece of the Action: An excellent palate cleanser after the preceding dud. Really wish we could follow up on the Iotians some day. I forgot how funny this episode is. 9/10

The Immunity Syndrome: Season 2 giveth, and Season 2 taketh away. The concept of a spaceborne lifeform is compelling, but this is otherwise a dog of a show. 4/10

A Private Little War: when the show tackles the Vietnam allegory, it sings. When it focuses on Nona, it falters under the weight of 60s’ sexism and bigotry. 7/10

Return to Tomorrow: A different take on the non-corporeal beings trope that hangs around TOS like an albatross, this one is more nuanced and subtle than most. Come for Nimoy’s delightful villain performance, stay for the poignant denouement. 8/10

Patterns of Force: An examination of how easy it is for a society to fall in love with fascism misses the mark by claiming power and not racism was the animus of Nazism, much like Confederate apologists claim the Civil War was about rights and not slavery. 0/10

By Any Other Name: The Kelvans’ powers are frightening, but it’s an episode I just can’t get excited about, except for Scotty drinking one under the table. 6/10

The Omega Glory: Gene, your über-patriotism is showing. Another late Season 2 letdown. 3/10

The Ultimate Computer: TOS has a serious distrust of powerful computers/AI that fades somewhat in the later series. Daystrom is a tragic figure, and the horror of the murder of the Excalibur’s crew is effectively conveyed. 8/10

Bread and Circuses: The social commentary is on point, but two parallel Earth stories in three weeks is somewhat tiresome. Still, an entertaining yarn. 7/10

Assignment: Earth: I’m ambivalent on this back door pilot. I like the Gary Seven character, and I normally enjoy time travel stories, but it just doesn’t do a whole lot for me. It’s not excellent, it’s not bad, it just is. 6/10

And with that, Season 2 of TOS comes to an end in my Great Star Trek Rewatch. Final score: 6.77/10. Highest score(s): "The Doomsday Machine," "Journey to Babel," "The Trouble with Tribbles." Lowest score(s): "Patterns of Force"

[musingsoflulu]

Hey Laura! I wonder if you could talk a little bit about the mental side of being an endurence athlete? How as becoming such a badass and running a 100 miles changed you/your outlook etc? I know you work with a coach but do you journal or use other tools outside of coaching to work through the psychological challenges of ultrarunning?

Hi! I don’t journal and I’m currently taking a break from coaching and just kind of doing my own thing right now.

But I think the most valuable thing I’ve acquired over the years that has really helped my mental strength is experience. I’ve just done a lot of self-powered adventures (either alone or with friends) the past 3-4 years and have been put in situations where quitting wasn’t an option. There was no aid station to drop at, no volunteers to drive me home. When you’re in situations like that, you really learn to persevere through pain, discomfort, lack of calories and water (lesson LEARNED from that day) and just endure because you have no other option.

I think back to this one day on the Willamette Fork Middle Trail in 2020. Mindy and I had planned to run the whole thing (about 30 miles). The weekend turned out to be very hot. It was about 100 F. We did not plan accordingly and did not give Logan an exact spot on the map to meet us. There was no service and we got turned around (on a one way trail… I know). By the time we got back on the right track, Logan thought he missed us and drove even further up the trail. We ended up never seeing each other that day. I ran out of water and had to fill my bladder straight from the river without a filter (I now bring a filter on my long runs), I ran out of food, and I overheated and was significantly electrolyte depleted. I learned A LOT of lessons that day (plan your route accordingly, I got an InReach, I bring a filter, I bring more calories than I need). And when we were at mile 35 of this run (due to us getting turned around) and decided to bush whack our way to the road and try to hitch hike back to camp (yes… two women hitchhiking… in the middle of a pandemic), I started panic crying every 5 minutes as we made our way to the road. Mindy was calm and kept moving, not indulging my little pity party because she was going through the exact same situation. And I realized crying and panicking was not going to get me out of this situation any quicker. In fact, it’s probably going to get me in more trouble.

I still have a sports cry moment on the trail every now and then, but I’ve learned that when I’m in the thick of it, just zoning in and focusing on getting back home or to the car or to camp is much more effective than crying about not being there.

Long story, but hope this sort of answers your question?

[eggsaladstain]

the sound of water, then silence: part iii

Link: AO3   Fandom: 1899 (Netflix) Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 Character(s): Ling Yi, Mei Mei, Yuk Je Summary: Will Mei Mei’s spirit ever find its way home again? When all this is over, will yours?

iii.

It goes like this:

You are a painted girl, a porcelain doll on display for all to see.

The face you wear is not your own, but you don the mask and play your part dutifully.

You were not promised a place in this world, so you take it by force, fueled only by a dream.

You have traveled a great distance to be here.

Your journey’s end will soon draw near.

...

For as long as you can remember, your life has been linked to the sea.

You come into this world with salt air in your lungs and the gentle lull of the tide rocking you to sleep, and you take your first steps on a pier with the water lapping lightly at your ankles.

You spend your days atop rolling waters and your nights suspended in starlight, and it’s a simple life, but a good one nonetheless.

You have food and shelter and your mother, and you have a constant companion in the wide open water.

For a time, that is enough.

But you are a girl, and a poor one at that, and the world is not kind to girls like you.

The sea tries to shield you, but you are already slipping from its grasp.

...

The waves are restless in the morning light.

Up on the deck, you stand perfectly still, just as you were taught to, eyes scanning the waters as you have done every morning since you boarded the ship.

You should not be here.

This is not your place.

But what’s done is done, for better or for worse, and you can’t turn back the clock, no matter how hard you try.

If you’re being honest with yourself, you’re not sure you would, even if given the chance.

It’s a horrible thing to admit, but worse yet to leave festering in your chest, so you whisper your shameful, selfish truth as softly as you can, letting the wind lift your words over troubled waters.

There is no one to hear you but the sea, and the sea doesn’t judge.

Before you had Mei Mei, the sea was your first and only friend.

It carried all of your hopes and dreams once.

Now, it carries only your secret.

...

You meet Mei Mei shortly before your tenth birthday.

She is one of the new girls working at the brothel, and you quickly become as close as sisters, much to your mother’s chagrin.

You do everything together, and around town, everyone always greets the two of you with smiles and waves, though Mei Mei is the one who attracts most of the attention.

People are always quick to compliment her on her beauty, her elegance, her potential, and they never say it out loud, but it’s clear that they see you as a flower past bloom who pales in comparison.

Your mother tells you to ignore them, but it’s hard not to take the comments to heart.

Before you know it, the seeds of jealousy have been planted, and in time, they grow thorns.

...

Sometimes, in the early evenings, when the setting sun hits the water just right, you swear you can see her floating among the waves.

You know it’s only an illusion.

By now, she has surely sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

But that doesn’t stop you from gripping the railing anyway, waiting day after day, hoping to catch another glimpse.

Late at night, you lie awake, haunted by the thought of her out there in dark waters.

Will her spirit ever find its way home again?

When all this is over, will yours?

...

The other women made this life look so easy, so effortless, but now that you’re here, it’s not what you imagined.

They were always gossiping about their handsome clients who showered them with expensive gifts, as you and Mei Mei, the two youngest, listened attentively, enthralled by their glamorous stories.

You mother warned you, she begged you not to be tempted, but you were naive and you were stubborn, and you didn’t listen.

Even knowing what your mother sacrificed, what she endured to make a living for the two of you, you still couldn’t help but be captivated.

Maybe if the other girls had told you about the long hours it took them to get dressed, about their other clients, the ones who weren’t young and handsome, about their aching knees and hips, maybe then you wouldn’t have been so intent on pursuing this life.

Or maybe you would have chosen it still.

This is not the life you imagined, but it is a freedom of sorts, in its own way.

And you will gladly pay the price.

...

The sea beats fiercely on against the ship’s hull.

It’s a message for you, a warning of what will come next.

But you are lost in a fog of your own memories.

You don’t hear it until it’s too late.

...

Looking back now, you can’t recall the exact moment you decided to take Mei Mei’s place.

Perhaps there was never just one.

It was the culmination of a lifetime spent hiding and begging and waking up both relieved and disappointed that you lived to see another day.

It was years spent living in your friend’s shadow, as she blossomed and bloomed in her beautiful clothes, while you worked until your hands were red and raw from saltwater.

It was the thorns that had burrowed into your heart, turning your dearest friend into your greatest rival.

It was all of those things, and it is this: you are a selfish girl.

You dared to covet a life that was never meant to be yours.

And your friend is the one who paid the price.

...

The world is cruel to girls like you, greedy girls who take what does not belong to them.

But you can be cruel too, and you refuse to be trampled and used, as so many girls have been before you.

You will do whatever it takes to survive, and you will make the same choice every time.

...

It’s a clear, sunny day, your fifth morning on the ship, when you hear your name from somewhere beyond the horizon.

You were right after all, Mei Mei is still out there, and she’s been out there this whole time, beckoning you to join her.

Alone in your lavish room, you set down the fan and make your way to the deck along with all of the other passengers, waiting patiently as they each climb overboard, one by one.

Ahead of you, a boy about your age pulls himself over the railing, and when he lifts his gaze, he looks at you in a way no one else ever has before.

You stare back, noting his dirty face and his kind eyes, and the voice in your ears falls silent.

You keep watching him until it looks as if he is about to speak, and you wait with bated breath, wondering what he will say.

But then he lets go of the rail, vanishing into the water below, and Mei Mei’s voice returns, pulling you towards her once again as if in a dream.

You step forward, the boy already fading from your memory, and with another step, you follow him into the depths below.

As you take your last breath, you swear you can feel your friend’s arms around you.

But perhaps it is only the rippling of the sea.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Summer Girls by Marissa Finch

Shiner & Kurtz #1

Can you imagine being nineteen and having something horrible happen, telling people what did happen, and not having anyone believe you? This is the experience of one of the main characters and the result was almost as lethal as her horrible experience could have been. When a podcast reporter shows up at her door, believes her story, and asks her for help…the story becomes a whole lot more than a bit of research for a podcast as it heads into actively looking for a possible serial killer.

What I liked:

* Coming into a series on the first book of a new series by a new-to-me author

* Maggie Shiner AKA Rosalie DeCatur: mother died at birth, raised by her alcoholic father, had a difficult home life, dabbled with drugs and alcohol falling into addiction, had a horrific experience, stayed with her great aunt who did believe her story and offered her a safe place to land, survivor, intriguing

* Eva Kurtz: podcast presenter of unsolved true crimes she would like to see solved, investigator, in a relationship with Lars, has a possible addiction to alcohol, tenacious, good with people, quick on her feet, has her own backstory with a few demons of her own

* Lars Jensen: sober, intelligent, cares for Eva, good editor, caring, kind, puts work and safety before finding killers, seems a good guy

* Maggies homestead companions: Fischer/the bloodhound mix who barks at cars and the four hens – Clarice, Angel, Nan & Alma

* The research, progress toward finding information, red herrings, twists, turns and ultimate solution

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* Finding out what really happened to the main character and other victims

* That the story was wrapped up with no loose ends by the end of the book

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Thinking about the evil that is done to others and the aftermath it leaves behind for those who survive and the families of those who are instead bereaved.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read the next book in the series? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley CoOp for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

Some girls don’t get to grow up… Maggie Shiner endured the unthinkable when she was abducted and tortured six years ago. Yet her ordeal only worsened after she escaped — because no one believed her. Written off as a troubled teenager with a penchant for drama, Maggie’s been unable to heal from the trauma she underwent. In the years since, she’s hidden herself away on a rural homestead, with only her beloved chickens for company. That is, until an unexpected visitor threatens her fragile sanctuary. Journalist Eva Kurtz arrives with a chilling an interview for a true crime podcast about a potential serial abductor. She believes Maggie’s story, she says, and more than that — she believes Maggie’s abductor was responsible for the disappearances of eleven other young women. At first, Maggie wants nothing to do with Eva or her podcast. But when another girl goes missing, she reluctantly agrees to help investigate. Together they begin to unravel a twisted web of deception and danger that reaches into the darkest corners of Maggie’s own past. As time runs out, Maggie and Eva will have to put everything on the line to catch a killer. But will finally revealing the shocking truth be enough for Maggie? Or does redemption demand a higher price? A gripping and emotionally charged thriller, The Summer Girls will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

[ausetkmt]

Chapter One

Why do so many Black women die in pregnancy? One reason: Doctors don't take them seriously

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Angelica Lyons knew it was dangerous for Black women to give birth in America.

As a public health instructor, she taught college students about racial health disparities, including the fact that Black women in the U.S. are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy or delivery than any other race. Her home state of Alabama has the third-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation.

Then, in 2019, it nearly happened to her.

What should have been a joyous first pregnancy quickly turned into a nightmare when she began to suffer debilitating stomach pain.

Her pleas for help were shrugged off, she said, and she was repeatedly sent home from the hospital. Doctors and nurses told her she was suffering from normal contractions, she said, even as her abdominal pain worsened and she began to vomit bile. Angelica said she wasn’t taken seriously until a searing pain rocketed throughout her body and her baby’s heart rate plummeted.

Rushed into the operating room for an emergency cesarean section, months before her due date, she nearly died of an undiagnosed case of sepsis.

Even more disheartening: Angelica worked at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the university affiliated with the hospital that treated her.

Her experience is a reflection of the medical racism, bias and inattentive care that Black Americans endure. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States — 69.9 per 100,000 live births for 2021, almost three times the rate for white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Black babies are more likely to die, and also far more likely to be born prematurely, setting the stage for health issues that could follow them through their lives.

“Race plays a huge part, especially in the South, in terms of how you’re treated,” Angelica said, and the effects are catastrophic. “People are dying.” Angelica Lyons tears up while recalling her birthing experience during an interview in Birmingham, Ala., on Feb. 5, 2022.

To be Black anywhere in America is to experience higher rates of chronic ailments like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's and, most recently, COVID-19. Black Americans have less access to adequate medical care; their life expectancy is shorter.

From birth to death, regardless of wealth or social standing, they are far more likely to get sick and die from common ailments.

Black Americans’ health issues have long been ascribed to genetics or behavior, when in actuality, an array of circumstances linked to racism — among them, restrictions on where people could live and historical lack of access to care — play major roles.

Discrimination and bias in hospital settings have been disastrous.

The nation’s health disparities have had a tragic impact: Over the past two decades, the higher mortality rate among Black Americans resulted in 1.6 million excess deaths compared to white Americans. That higher mortality rate resulted in a cumulative loss of more than 80 million years of life due to people dying young and billions of dollars in health care and lost opportunity.

A yearlong Associated Press project found that the health challenges Black Americans endure often begin before their first breath.

The AP conducted dozens of interviews with doctors, medical professionals, advocates, historians and researchers who detailed how a history of racism that began during the foundational years of America led to the disparities seen today. Angelica Lyons carries her son while her younger sister, Ansonia Lyons, finishes her snack in the background.

Angelica Lyons’ pregnancy troubles began during her first trimester, with nausea and severe acid reflux. She was prescribed medication that helped alleviate her symptoms but it also caused severe constipation.

In the last week of October 2019, while she was giving her students a test, her stomach started to hurt badly.

“I remember talking to a couple of my students and they said, ‘You don’t look good, Ms. Lyons,'" Angelica recalled.

She called the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital’s labor and delivery unit to tell them she was having a hard time using the bathroom and her stomach was hurting. A woman who answered the phone told her it was a common pregnancy issue, Angelica said, and that she shouldn’t worry too much.

“She made me feel like my concern wasn’t important, and because this was my first pregnancy, I decided not to go because I wasn’t sure and thought maybe I was overreacting,” Angelica said.

The pain persisted. She went to the hospital a few days later and was admitted.

She had an enema — a procedure where fluids are used to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of bowels — to alleviate her constipation, but Angelica continued to plead with them that she was in pain.

“They were like, ‘Oh, it’s nothing, it’s just the Braxton Hicks contractions,'" she said. “They just ignored me.”

She was sent home but her stomach continued to ache, so she went back to the hospital a day later. Several tests, including MRIs, couldn’t find the source of the issue.

Angelica was eventually moved to the labor and delivery floor of the hospital so they could monitor her son’s heartbeat, which had dropped slightly. There, they performed another enema that finally helped with the pain. She also was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that can cause severe pregnancy complications or death.

Then she began to vomit what appeared to be bile.

“I got worse and worse with the pain and I kept telling them, ‘Hey, I’m in pain,’” Angelica said. “They’d say, ‘Oh, you want some Tylenol?’ But it wasn’t helping.”

She struggled to eat dinner that night. When she stood up to go to the bathroom, she felt a sharp pain ricochet throughout her body.

“I started hollering because I had no idea what was going on," she said. "I told my sister I was in so much pain and to please call the nurse.”

What happened next remains a blur. Angelica recalls the chaos of hospital staff rushing her to labor and delivery, putting up a blue sheet to prepare her for an emergency C-section as her family and ex-husband tried to understand what went wrong.

She later learned that she nearly died.

“I was on life support,” recalled Angelica, 34. “I coded.”

She woke up three days later, unable to talk because of a ventilator in her mouth. She remembers gesturing wildly to her mother, asking where her son, Malik, was.

He was OK. But Angelica felt so much had been taken from her. She never got to experience those first moments of joy of having her newborn placed on her chest. She didn’t even know what her son looked like.

Maternal sepsis is a leading cause of maternal mortality in America. Black women are twice as likely to develop severe maternal sepsis, as compared to their white counterparts. Common symptoms can include fever or pain in the area of infection. Sepsis can develop quickly, so a timely response is crucial.

Sepsis in its early stages can mirror common pregnancy symptoms, so it can be hard to diagnose. Due to a lack of training, some medical providers don’t know what to look for. But slow or missed diagnoses are also the result of bias, structural racism in medicine and inattentive care that leads to patients, particularly Black women, not being heard.

“The way structural racism can play out in this particular disease is not being taken seriously,” said Dr. Laura Riley, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. “We know that delay in diagnosis is what leads to these really bad outcomes.”

In the days and weeks that followed, Angelica demanded explanations from the medical staff of what happened. But she felt the answers she received on how it occurred were sparse and confusing.

A spokesperson for the University of Alabama at Birmingham said in a statement to The Associated Press that they couldn’t talk about Angelica’s case because of patient privacy laws. They pointed to a recent internal survey done by its Obstetrics and Gynecology department that showed that most of its patients are satisfied with their care and “are largely feeling respected,” and said the university and hospital “maintain intentional, proactive efforts in addressing health disparities and maternal mortality.”

Angelica’s son, Malik, was born eight weeks early, weighing under 5 pounds. He spent a month in intensive care. He received home visits through the first year of life to monitor his growth.

While he’s now a curious and vivacious 3-year-old who loves to explore the world around him, Angelica recalls those days in the ICU, and she feels guilty because she could not be with him.

“It’s scary to know I could have died, that we could have died,” Lyons said, wiping away tears. Top: Ansonia Lyons, left, finishes a snack while her mother, Shelonda Lyons, takes care of her son, Adrien Lyons, as her nephew, Malik Lyons-Law, plays in the kitchen. Left: Shelonda Lyons looks after her grandchildren, Malik Lyons-Law, center, and Adrien Lyons. Right: Malik Lyons-Law and Adrien Lyons play with their dog.

For decades, frustrated birth advocates and medical professionals have tried to sound an alarm about the ways medicine has failed Black women. Historians trace that maltreatment to racist medical practices that Black people endured amid and after slavery.

To fully understand maternal mortality and infant mortality crises for Black women and babies, the nation must first reckon with the dark history of how gynecology began, said Deirdre Cooper Owens, a historian and author.

“The history of this particular medical branch … it begins on a slave farm in Alabama,” Owens said. “The advancement of obstetrics and gynecology had such an intimate relationship with slavery, and was literally built on the wounds of Black women.”

Reproductive surgeries that were experimental at the time, like cesarean sections, were commonly performed on enslaved Black women.

Physicians like the once-heralded J. Marion Sims, an Alabama doctor many call the “father of gynecology,” performed torturous surgical experiments on enslaved Black women in the 1840s without anesthesia.

And well after the abolition of slavery, hospitals performed unnecessary hysterectomies on Black women, and eugenics programs sterilized them.

Health care segregation also played a major role in the racial health gap still experienced today.

Until Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Black families were mostly barred from well-funded white hospitals and often received limited, poor or inhumane medical treatment. Black-led clinics and doctors worked hard to fill in the gaps, but even after the new protections, hospitals once reserved for Black families remained under-resourced, and Black women didn’t get the same support regularly available for white women.

That history of abuse and neglect led to deep-rooted distrust of health care institutions among communities of color.

“We have to recognize that it’s not about just some racist people or a few bad actors,” said Rana A. Hogarth, an associate professor of History at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. “People need to stop thinking about things like slavery and racism as just these features that happened that are part of the contours of history and maybe think of them more as foundational and institutions that have been with us every step of the way.”

Some health care providers still hold false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white people, such as Black people having “less sensitive nerve endings, thicker skin, and stronger bones.” Those beliefs have caused medical providers today to rate Black patients’ pain lower, and recommend less relief.

The differences exist regardless of education or income level. Black women who have a college education or higher have a pregnancy-related mortality rate that is more than five times higher than that of white women. Notably, the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black women with a college education is 1.6. times higher than that of white women with less than a high school degree. Ansonia Lyons bottle feeds her son, Adrien Lyons, in the television room of her parents' home.

In Angelica Lyons’ home state of Alabama, about 40 mothers die within one year after delivery. The toll on Black mothers is disproportionate.

The state's infant mortality rate for 2021 was 7.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. The disparities between Black and white babies is stark: The infant mortality rate in 2021 for white mothers was 5.8, while the infant mortality rate for Black mothers was 12.1, an increase from 10.9 from the prior year.

Black babies account for just 29% of births in Alabama, yet nearly 47% of infant deaths.

A 2020 report by the Alabama Maternal Mortality Review Committee found that more than 55% of 80 pregnancy-related deaths that they reviewed in 2016 and 2017 could have been prevented.

Alabama launched its Maternal Mortality Review Committee in 2018 to investigate maternal deaths. But Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s Department of Public Health State Health Officer, said work remains to collect a fuller picture of why the disparities exist.

“We certainly know that from national numbers as well that Black women have worse maternal outcomes at every income level, which is pretty startling,” said Dr. Harris. “Age matters and just overall ZIP code matters. Unfortunately, where people live, where these children are born, is strongly associated with infant mortality. I think we’ll see something similar for maternal outcomes.”

And concerns about access and barriers to care remain.

In Alabama, 37% of counties are maternity care deserts — more than 240,000 women live in counties with no or little care. About 39% of counties don’t have a single obstetric provider.

Alabama is not alone in this. More than 2.2 million American women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts, and another 4.8 million such women reside in counties with limited access to maternity care.

Angelica Lyons said she wanted to seek maternal care at another hospital but the University of Alabama was the only one near her home equipped to handle her high-risk pregnancy, which included high blood pressure near the beginning.

Dr. Harris acknowledged the lack of access to care is a barrier for Black women who live in the state’s rural areas. Much of the state’s public health efforts are targeted along the rural Black Belt, which gets its name from the rich soil but it was also a region where many plantations were clustered.

Centuries later, the Black Belt continues to be a high-poverty region with a large Black population. More than half of the nation’s Black population lives in the South.

“We’ve talked a lot about structural racism and the impact of that on African American women and how it has no place in society,” Harris said. “I think we have to publicly call it what it is.”

Angelica Lyons’ traumatic birth experience was not the only one in her family.

After two miscarriages, her younger sister, Ansonia, became pregnant in 2020, and it was difficult.

Angelica Lyons and Ansonia Lyons pose for portraits.

Doctors told her she was suffering from regular morning sickness, though she was vomiting blood.

She was eventually diagnosed with an excessive vomiting disorder, hyperemesis gravidarum, and was extremely dehydrated. Ansonia spent months in and out of the same hospital where her sister had been treated.

“They said, ‘Welcome to the pregnancy, sweetheart. This is what pregnancy is,’” Ansonia, 30, recalled. “I told her, ‘No, this is not normal for me to be throwing up 10 to 20 times a day.’ My own primary care wasn’t listening to me.”

Ansonia said throughout her pregnancy she encountered hospital staff that made stereotypical jokes, calling her child’s father her “baby daddy,” a trope often lobbed at Black parents.

“She said, ‘So, your baby daddy, where does he work?’” Ansonia recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t know what a baby daddy is but the father of my child is at work.’ She asked where he worked and I told her he had two businesses and she acted like she was surprised.”

Ansonia said staff assumed she didn’t have any health insurance, when she had insurance through her employer.

Ansonia has Type 2 diabetes and had issues with her blood pressure and heart throughout the pregnancy. She started to see a cardiologist and by the time she was 21 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was placed on a medley of medications, and her doctors decided to deliver the baby early via C-section.

Ansonia was scared, given everything she witnessed her sister go through nearly two years prior.

“There were several times I told my boyfriend that I thought that I was going to die,” she said.

The C-section went well. Ansonia’s son, Adrien, was due in July 2021 but he was born at the end of May.

He spent his first five days in the intensive care unit, then was hospitalized for some early breathing problems.

Ansonia Lyons spends time with her son, Adrien Lyons.

Cesarean delivery rates are higher for Black women than white women, 36.8% and 31%, respectively, in 2021.

Problems continued for Ansonia after the delivery. She ended up needing a blood transfusion and was unable to see her son for his first few days of life.

A few months postpartum, she was still vomiting and having fainting spells that led to her being admitted to the hospital off and on. Her arms suffered from bruising from needles used to treat her throughout the pregnancy. She had always been slow to heal from any bruising, a common problem for diabetics.

Yet a doctor who had been involved throughout her entire pregnancy questioned why she had bruises on her arms and asked if she “smoked weed” or took any other recreational drugs. The hospital declined to comment, citing patient privacy laws.

“I said, ‘This is from me being stuck so many times and having to be in the hospital.’ I told him I don’t do any drugs,” she said.

He still sent her blood work off to be tested. The tests came back negative.

“That just made me not trust them, it made me not want to go back,” she said. Ansonia Lyons walks down the corridor of her parents' home with her son, Adrien Lyons.

There are indications that the sufferings of Black mothers and their babies are being recognized, however late.

In 2019, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, an Illinois Democrat, and Rep. Alma Adams, a North Carolina Democrat, launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus. It is now one of the largest bipartisan congressional caucuses. The caucus introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2019 and again in 2021, proposing sweeping changes that would increase funding and strengthen oversight. Key parts of the legislation have been adopted but the bill itself has yet to be approved.

Biden’s budget for fiscal year 2024 includes $471 million in funding to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, expand maternal health initiatives in rural communities, and implicit bias training and other initiatives. It also requires states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum, to eliminate gaps in health insurance. It also includes $1.9 billion in funding for women and child health programs.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra told The Associated Press more must be done at all levels of government to root out racism and bias within health care.

“We know that if we provide access to care for mother and baby for a full year, that we probably help produce not just good health results, but a promising future for mom and baby moving forward,” he said. Ansonia Lyons looks at a photograph of her younger self, right in photo, posing with her sister Angelica Lyons, left in photo.

Shelonda Lyons always taught both her daughters the bitter truth of racism, hoping it would prepare them to navigate life growing up in Birmingham, the Deep South city known for its place in civil rights history.

“When we were young, she was showing us those images of all the Black people being hung, being burned on the trees,” Angelica said, pointing to a book that remains on the family’s coffee table. “She wanted us to understand it, to know where we lived and that racism was something that we might have to deal with.”

But Shelonda never could have prepared for the treatment her daughters endured during their pregnancies. She remembers feeling helpless and angry.

“It’s like a slap in the face to me because at what point do you realize that you’re dealing with human beings? That it doesn’t matter what color they are,” she said, adding that now she worries any time they or her grandsons need to go to the doctor. “I don’t have a lot of trust.”

Angelica underwent two surgeries in the weeks that followed her C-section to repair internal damage and address her infection. She had to wear a colostomy bag for several months until she healed.

More than three years later, her stomach remains disfigured.

“I love my child, I love him all the same but this isn’t the body I was born with," she said. “This is the body that they caused from them not paying attention to me, not listening to me.”

First: Angelica Lyons secures her son, Malik Lyons-Law, into his child car seat while her sister, Ansonia Lyons, prepares to ride with her after their breakfast outing to celebrate their father's birthday. Second: James Lyons kisses his grandson, Adrien Lyons, in the kitchen of his home.

[redpillfuturist215]

Socially dead

A combine of my Twitter and Facebook posts, primarily because I’m almost entirely abandoning the latter so it serves more as a backup. Twitter version I’ve been sitting on this for months. Since about Spring 2022 I’ve been freaking out about the next Bloodstained Men protest in Philly because I just don’t think I have it in me anymore. In 2018 I went to my first Bloodstained Men protests. By 2021 I regressed to the point where I was afraid to speak on live stream, a request which Brother K politely and respectfully honored. This next part is a small portion of one of my last serious planned Facebook posts, noting that I’m not seeking attention or sympathy, it’s just a SYSBM lesson learned. I’m in effect socially dead, to the point where I’ve completely/officially given up trying to work up the energy to see my friends. It’s been ~5 years since I’ve seen any and fuck so called family, almost all of them. Facebook version Been sitting on this for several months, going through a particularly dark period yet again. I don’t want anyone to worry but I’m in effect socially dead, to the point now where I completely/officially give up trying to work up the energy to see my friends. Still not sure why I didn’t just off myself in the 90’s, early 2000’s, 2009 – from 2015 onward the only thing that preventing me then is that time around I found futurism beforehand. That’s the main takeaway from this, mostly repetitive but for a reason, more in comments 1st I kept it secret but for at least 20 years I’ve always hated most of my family and only attended gatherings etc. to put up a front. By 12 for sure I had homicidal, serial killer-ish and even genocidal thoughts which I though was normal but I now know is not the case. Because of their abuse, dysfunction even in my single digits I had trouble holding onto friends and would desert them soon as the medium (school, army whatever) was severed. I haven’t regularly hung out with people who truly mattered to me for over a decade and haven’t seen any at all in over 5 years now. 2nd Fuck so called family but I still feel guilty about the true friends I’ve wronged and abandoned. Some I did some really fucked up shit to and tried apologizing but either they didn’t comprehend or didn’t care, regardless that doesn’t bother me now. Others I have yet to apologize and clear up certain things to simply because I can’t find them. Tumblr bonuses I took my first red pills in the summer of 2015, specifically learning about male genital mutilation and separately that I was raped at least once as child and my so called mother did nothing about it. Since then, I’ve looked back on as much as I can remember about my life through a red pill lens. It’s very unorganized as the initial period was quite tumultuous and unorganized, I’ve probably typed up over 1,000 pages of reflections etc. The amount of abuse I’ve endured at the hands of black women are beyond gargantuan. After years or relative mental stability, in 2013 I was accused of pedophilia/incest by relatives (in retrospect most likely projection) which triggered a resurgence of my complex PTSD and so far I have not been able to recover. For a long time, I considered myself MGTOW but earlier this year I realized that’s not properly accurate. My difficulty in forming/maintaining relationships, aside from the horrible quality of black women, was the result of infant/childhood sexual trauma. TLDR It’s very hard to try and sum up my life briefly but I hope this suffices. My life was ruined the moment my so called mother decided to treat me like property, like a slave. The biggest enemy of black men are black women.

[azeez-unv]

▪️How a smile makes all desirable changes by winning the hearts.

A smile is a powerful tool that can make all the desirable changes by winning the hearts of others.

➖The benefits are:

1. Creates a positive impression

2. Builds trust

3. Improves facial values

4. Improves immune system

5. Relieves stress

6. Boosts morale

7. Improves confidence

8. Strengthens relationship

9. Reduces pain

10. Reduces blood pressure

11. Increases endurance

12. Activates inactive harmones.

Smiles that convey approval, happiness, contentment, and other positive feelings.

Smiles that communicate positive intention, trustworthiness, belongingness, compassion, and social connection.

Smiles intended to convey contempt, disgust, or superiority. Such smiles have been shown to increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels in people they are directed toward.

Smiling Helps You Live Longer.

Smiling Elevates Mood.

Smiling Is Contagious

Smiling Makes You Attractive.

Smiling Suggests Success.

Smiling and Laughing Reduce Stress.

Since body language and mood are so linked, it makes sense that laughing on purpose helps us too.

Smiling relaxes the facial muscles and calms the nervous system. Laughing sends more oxygen to the brain. That triggers the release of brain chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals help us feel positive. Laughing can lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and boost mood.

➖Here's a simple exercise from a Buddhist teacher to help you tap into the benefits of smiling:

{

As you breathe in, say to yourself:

1. Breathing in, I calm my body and mind.

Then, as you breathe out, think:

2. Breathing out, I smile.

}

By repeating this simple breathing exercise several times, you're relaxing your nervous system and countering stress

➖Did you know that the simple act of smiling can boost your mood and even your immune system?

▪️It costs nothing, but creates much.

▪️It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give.

▪️It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

▪️None are so rich they can get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.

▪️It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign of friends.

▪️It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and Nature’s best antidote for trouble.

▪️It cannot be bought, bagged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away.

▪️Nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give.

➖Facts:

1. Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.

2. Women smile more than men: Generally, women smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.

3. There are 19 different types of smiles: UC-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite “social” smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.

4. Only human can smile. It makes a difference from animal.

Your smile can reflect a wide range of your mood.

➖Unknown facts:

▪️Biologically smile takes 62 muscles to frown, but only 26 muscles to smile!

▪️The two muscles that create a smile are the zygomatic major and the orbicularis oculi.

▪️Other muscles can simulate a smile, but only the two above create a genuine, involuntary smile.

▪️Duchenne smiles are the scientific name for genuine smiles.

▪️The crinkling in the corner of the eyes is a tell-tale sign of a genuine smile.

▪️People who smile are more likely to get a promotion.

▪️Smiles are the most easily recognized facial expression; they can be recognized from over 300 feet away.

➖Types of smile

There are many types of smiles, each with their own unique meanings and expressions.

Here are some of the most common types of smiles:

1. Duchenne smile: A genuine smile that involves the contraction of both the zygomatic major muscle (which lifts the corners of the mouth) and the orbicularis oculi muscle (which creates crow's feet wrinkles around the eyes).

2. Fake smile: A smile that is forced or insincere, often used to hide negative emotions or to be polite.

3. Polite smile: A smile that is used to show politeness or acknowledgement, but may not be genuine.

4. Amused smile: A smile that shows amusement or mild humor, often involving a closed mouth and raised eyebrows.

5. Sarcastic smile: A smile that is used to convey sarcasm or mocking, often involving a slight sneer and raised eyebrows.

6. Nervous smile: A smile that is used to cover up nervousness or anxiety, often involving a closed mouth and a forced, tight-lipped smile.

7. Flirtatious smile: A smile that is used to show romantic or sexual interest, often involving a tilted head, eye contact, and a slight smile.

8. Smirk: A smile that is used to show smugness or superiority, often involving a raised corner of the mouth and a cocked eyebrow.

9. Grin: A broad smile that involves the entire mouth and often conveys happiness, excitement, or satisfaction.

10. Contemptuous smile: A smile that shows disrespect or disdain towards someone, often involving a raised corner of the mouth and a curled lip.

11. Sympathetic smile: A smile that shows understanding or empathy towards someone, often involving a gentle, closed-mouth smile.

12. Proud smile: A smile that shows pride or accomplishment, often involving a broad smile and an open, confident posture.

13. Icy smile: A smile that is cold and distant, often involving a tight-lipped smile and lack of eye contact.

14. Embarrassed smile: A smile that shows embarrassment or discomfort, often involving a closed mouth and a downcast gaze.

15. Sincere smile: A smile that is genuine and heartfelt, often involving a warm, open-mouthed smile and eye contact.

16. Joyful smile: A smile that shows pure joy or happiness, often involving a broad, open-mouthed smile and expressive eyes.

17. Confident smile: A smile that shows confidence or self-assurance, often involving a firm, broad smile and an upright posture.

18. Mischevious smile: A smile that shows playful or mischievous intentions, often involving a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

19. Radiant smile: A smile that is bright, glowing, and exudes happiness, often involving a wide, open-mouthed smile and twinkling eyes.

20. Compassionate smile: A smile that is warm and caring, often used to show support or kindness towards others, and involving a soft, gentle smile and attentive eye contact.

21. Apologetic smile: A smile that is used to convey apology or regret, often involving a slight, closed-lipped smile and a sincere expression.

22. Skeptical smile: A smile that is used to convey doubt or disbelief, often involving a raised eyebrow and a half-smile.

23. Contemplative smile: A smile that is used to show thoughtfulness or reflection, often involving a closed-mouth smile and a pensive expression.

24. Enthusiastic smile: A smile that is used to show excitement or enthusiasm, often involving a wide, open-mouthed smile and an animated expression.

25. Impish smile: A smile that is playful and mischievous, often involving a sly grin and a twinkle in the eye.

26. Admiring smile: A smile that is used to show admiration or appreciation, often involving a wide, open-mouthed smile and a gaze of awe.

➖Goodness of the smile:

The "goodness" of a smile depends on the intentions and emotions behind it, as well as the way it is received by others.

A smile that is used to convey kindness, humor, joy, or empathy is generally viewed as positive and attractive, while a smile that is used to convey sarcasm, insincerity, or superiority may be viewed as negative or off-putting.

➖How to improve smiling:

1. Consider teeth whitening: If you're unhappy with the color of your teeth, consider professional teeth whitening treatments to brighten your smile.

2. Address dental issues: If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, consider orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign to improve their alignment.

3. Practice smiling: Spend time in front of a mirror practicing your smile, experimenting with different types of smiles and expressions until you find one that feels natural and attractive.

4. Exercise your facial muscles: Engage in exercises that can help strengthen and tone the muscles in your face and jaw, such as facial yoga or facial massage.

5. Be mindful of your posture: Sit or stand up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high to project confidence and openness.

6. Think positive thoughts: Cultivate a positive mindset and try to focus on things that make you happy or bring you joy, which can help make your smile more genuine and authentic.

Remember, the most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in your smile, and to express yourself in a way that feels true to who you are.

➖How to make others smile:

Making others smile can be a wonderful way to brighten someone's day and spread positivity and joy.

Here are some strategies that may help:

1. Use humor: Humor is a powerful tool for making others smile. Try telling a joke, sharing a funny story, or making a lighthearted observation to bring a smile to someone's face.

2. Be kind: Acts of kindness and generosity can be a great way to make others smile. Offer a helping hand, pay a compliment, or surprise someone with a thoughtful gesture to show that you care.

3. Show empathy: Sometimes simply showing empathy and understanding can help ease someone's stress or worries and bring a smile to their face. Listen attentively, offer support, and try to put yourself in their shoes.

4. Be playful: Playfulness and spontaneity can be great for making others smile. Whether it's engaging in a silly activity, telling a funny story, or just being spontaneous and adventurous, finding ways to inject a sense of fun and excitement into someone's day can be a great way to bring a smile to their face.

5. Share positive news: Sharing positive news, such as a personal accomplishment, an interesting fact, or a heartwarming story, can help lift someone's spirits and make them smile.

Remember, making others smile can be a simple yet powerful way to spread joy and positivity, and can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver.

[wolint]

FRESH MANNA

AFFLICTIONS! BLESSING AND OPPORTUNITY IN DISGUISE

Acts 14:22

Affliction! The most dreaded thing is to go through something we don’t understand, enjoy, handle or solve. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary part of life, especially for believers.

Affliction can cause calamity, sorrow; suffering, distress, grief, pain, adversity, misery, wretchedness, misfortune, and hardship. And by whatever name you want to call it, is something we’ll all suffer at some point in life and as long as you are on this side of eternity there will be an endless stream of diverse afflictions coming our way.

So many Christians see affliction as punishment from God or the work of the enemy but by the grace of God, I have come to see it as a blessing and or an opportunity in disguise, which it may be in many ways according to 2 Corinthians 4:17.

How many times have we cried about the situation we’re in? Or cried to the Lord to get us out of a fix as fast as we want and keep asking the Lord why. We are impatient by nature and would prefer that our lives are on the up always, but the scripture tells us to expect afflictions as stated in John 16:33.

God does not waste anything including our pain and tears, He will use whatever the enemy means for evil for His glory as seen in Genesis 50:20.

Afflictions vary, and the bible recognizes the multifaceted ways that suffering can come upon us. Apostle Paul wrote that his affliction did not cripple him in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, but God strengthened him, as afflictions should do for us.

A lot of blessings, opportunities and promotions can come out of afflictions but remember that whatever you’re going through is not new as Ecclesiastics 1:9 says. However, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says there is always an exit route for that situation when it’s time.

Affliction strikes everyone, no one is immune or exempted, especially and including believers from afflictions. Christians should expect afflictions, and plenty of them as stated in Psalm 34:19. God’s promise in Isaiah 43:2 is “When” not “If” whilst 1 Peter 4:12 says we shouldn’t be surprised at being afflicted.

James 1:2-12 teaches us to persevere in afflictions. The natural human response to trials is not to rejoice, but not only are we expected to rejoice and count it as joy we're to see our afflictions as a blessing that brings maturity.

Affliction is instrumental in bringing out precious qualities in a Christian, it produces character, and hope because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit according to Romans 5:3-5. Suffering teaches the believer to endure, to have a straight back, and to have strength when the going gets tough, as even Proverbs 24:10 declares that if we fall in times of adversity, and afflictions, then our faith is small. Suffering creates the kind of character that will not lead to disappointment, especially when we look at these afflictions as blessings and opportunities in disguise.

God's first design in trouble is that we might let go of self-confidence and gain God-confidence. When we do this, there is a temporary sense of falling. But by faith in God's mercy, we land, infinitely more secure, in the arms of God, who is utterly in control even at the brink of life and death.

However long the affliction last, know that the Lord will deliver us.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to see the blessings and opportunities hidden within adversities and afflictions in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom

Women of light international ministries.

[steveezekiel]

WHEN OPPOSITION AROSE 1 [Psalm 3]

“LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! MANY ARE THEY WHO RISE UP AGAINST ME.”

Psalm 3:1 (NKJV)

• Psalm 3 was written when David fled from Absalom his son.

HIS own son plotted to topple his government.

- Opposition may arise in the course of doing your assignment.

- God’s chosen ones are always the target of the kingdom of darkness.

TO a greater degree God loves YOU, the more satan hates you.

GOD'S presence in your life attracts attacks from the kingdom of darkness.

THE devil hates God and whatever belongs to Him with any perfect hatred (Psalm 3:1).

- If you are the target of the wicked ONE in your place of work, where you live, even in your family, it means God is in the process of making you.

"I have written to you, young men [young women], BECAUSE YOU ARE STRONG, AND THE WORD OF GOD ABIDES IN YOU, AND YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WICKED ONE."

1 John 2:14 (NKJV)

• The truth is: If everybody likes you, loves you, it probably means you are not living a clean life—you live a compromised life as a believer.

A CHRISTIAN who is living according to the Word of God MAY not have many friends (2 Timothy 3:12).

SUCH may have more people who are against them than those who like THEM.

• “Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for Him in God" (Psalm 3:2).

- Also in the ministry work, If you want to run your ministry as you are led by God, according to the Word of God, then you may have many who will hate you.

- People in this end time want a preacher who will tell them what they wanted to hear, not what God wanted them to hear Or tell them.

“FOR THE TIME WILL COME WHEN THEY WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINE, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers”

2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV)

HOWEVER, Paul’s admonition to Timothy is:

2. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. CONVINCE, REBUKE, EXHORT, WITH ALL LONG-SUFFERING AND TEACHING.

5. … be watchful in all things, ENDURE AFFLICTIONS, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2,5).

- You do not stop preaching the truth because people are recalcitrant—unwilling to obey instructions Or difficult to control.

YOU keep at the message of righteousness, holiness and truth.

THEY may not want to hear it, but you have to keep at it with long-suffering, patience and endurance.

- To fulfil your Ministry, you will need to endure afflictions.

IF you held on to the Truth, you cannot but experience afflictions.

YOU will experience many trials and temptations.

- Your LIFE and journey to heavenly home would be fraught with tests, trials, pains and hardships, except you do not want righteousness, goodness, AND truth (Acts 14:21,22).

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “WE MUST THROUGH MANY TRIBULATIONS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.”

Acts 14:21,22 (NKJV)

- If truth is your watchword, you want goodness and RIGHTEOUSNESS, you will have many tests and trials: "Yes, and ALL WHO DESIRE TO LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS WILL SUFFER PERSECUTION" (2 Timothy 3:12).

- The devil will concentrate attacks on you THAT you may deny God.

- It is a choice Life, however, it worth living, because there is a reward for it. IN FACT, it is the kind of Life God wants His children to live.

- Some people will make mockery of you, scorn you, because of what you are passing through.

- Many will even say you are a wicked person that is why you are passing through the pains and hardships (Job 8:4-6).

- When they try to attack you, they see God fights on your behalf.

• “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head" (Psalm 3:3).

- Those who are against you may be many but they cannot prevail over you.

THE Psalmist said Jehovah is a shield for him, and He is, for every believer in Christ Jesus.

- It is taught by the Lord Jesus Christ that we should pray for those who spitefully used us: "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

HOWEVER, there are those who have yielded to the devil and work to propagate his work, such would need God's judgement to be pronounced on them (Acts 13:8-11).

8. "BUT ELYMAS THE SORCERER (for so his name is translated) WITHSTOOD [opposed] THEM, SEEKING TO TURN THE PROCONSUL AWAY FROM THE FAITH.

9. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him

10. and said, "O FULL OF ALL DECEIT AND ALL FRAUD, YOU SON OF THE DEVIL, YOU ENEMY OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?

11. "And now, indeed, THE HAND OF THE LORD IS UPON YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE BLIND, NOT SEEING THE SUN FOR A TIME." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand."

Acts 13:8-11 (NKJV)

THEY may gather against you, But they will fall for your sake.

“The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

[boumazaa]

Exercise, Music and Headphones: Tips and Trends for Women When Working Out

Whether you jog, lift weights or take yoga classes, music—including how you get it—is critical to a good workout. Research from London led by the deputy head of research at the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University, Costas Karageorghis, found that music at the right tempo can increase motivation and lower your perception of physical effort. Other data supports similar findings.

The Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology published a study showing that treadmill walkers who listened to high-tempo music displayed more endurance. But to get the most out of exercise, it helps to have high-quality headphones. Unfortunately the current marketplace doesn’t have many options for women.

As an active woman, both the playlist and headphones should be selected with care to match your personality and your preferred workout activities. If you’re having trouble finding the right headphones, consider the following tips:

1. Comfort is critical. On the days you wind up wearing headphones for several hours, it helps to have comfy buds that easily fit in or around your ear. Try out a few products if need be to find something that feels pleasantly secure.

2. Find the right fit. Typically headphones are made in standard sizes, which don’t always work for all ears. Companies have recently introduced headphones just for women, like the Koss Fit Series Headphones. The Koss Fit Series are 33 percent smaller than the average headphone. Make sure your headphones fit you; your music will literally sound better.

3. Variety is key. Stash a few pairs of headphones in different locations so they’re handy whether you’re at home or work. But remember to consider what qualities are important to you. Are they sweat-resistant? Do you prefer over the ear headphones or something smaller? If variety is truly the spice of life, your exercise routine deserves the same treatment.

4. Make them fun. Up-tempo music can energize any workout, especially when your headphones match your style. Choose headphones that reflect your personality.

5. Never compromise quality for price. To be frank, five-dollar earbuds probably won’t last long and definitely won’t provide the same quality. To keep motivation levels up, invest in a product known for its craftsmanship and enjoy the best sound quality at all times. In this case, it’s best to go with companies that have been in business for decades.

To learn more about finding headphones to suit your active needs, visit www.koss.com.

[astrobydalia]

🌸OBSERVATIONS!! (finally lmao)🌱

Credit: Tumblr blog @astrobydalia

It's been a long time coming! So happy for spring being finally here! Here's the long ass observation post you guys asked for. Since it's quite a big amount of observations, I've decided it'd be a good idea to number them so that it's easier to reference them. As always, enjoy them!

🌸 1. Lilith in the 2nd house can indicate something fishy going on with the relationship between the native’s parents.

🌱 2. Malefic placements such as pluto, chiron, Saturn or Lilith in the 12th indicates a lot of skeletons in the closet when it comes to family and family history

🌸 3. Chiron in Aries/1st house or Leo/5th house is kind of bitch placement. The person basically feels like they can’t be themselves and there’s a lot of self-denial and/or not accepting themselves, how they really are, what they really want, etc. Lots of self-esteem issues

🌱 4. People with sexual placements in the 2nd house (Mars, Venus, Lilith, Eros, ruler of the 8th house) base their self-worth on how sexually attractive they are. If they don't feel sexually desirable to everyone, they feel like they're shit

🌸 5. Lilith is what people think Pluto/Scorpio is!!!! All that stuff about magnetic, sexual and intoxicating but dangerous? Lilith.

🌱 6. Scorpio/Pluto in 4th could mean that the person had to work hard to survive something growing up. It could be poverty, their parents’ expectations, an early trauma, etc. Whatever the situation is, the native felt like they grew up in a high-stress environment where they had to endure and survive

🌸 7. When it comes to degrees, the higher the degree, the bigger or stronger the effect. For example Leo degrees (5º, 17º, 29º) are fame degrees. 5th degree would give small fame, 17th degree would be normal and significant fame or recognition inside the person’s field and 29th degree is moreso widespread or permanent fame

🌱 8. Saturn in the 5th house is a huge indicator of turning your hobby into your job. Also these people can be very awkward in their personality

🌸 9. I’ve noticed people with Neptune in the 6th (maybe 2nd) house may have been hospitalized and if Uranus or Pluto are placed here also indicates getting surgery or operations for health reasons

🌱 10. People with Uranus or Pluto in the 1st, 2nd or conjunct the ASC could get surgery due to aesthetic reason

🌸 11. Mercury dominant people (or strong Gemini energy in the chart) like to have or get things quick and easy. For example they prefer a straight forward summary over an in-depth and elaborated explanation with too many details

🌱 12. Your moon sign shows how you see your past. Your 4th house represent how you see your childhood. But your moon represents under which light you always view your past and everything that has happened in your life in general. It also shows the type of stuff from your past you tend to focus on. Since Cancer and Pisces represent past and remenaicence, that's why Cancer and Pisces moons have trouble getting over the past.

🌸 13. Your 10th house on the other hand is how you see your future. Whenever someone asks you “where you see yourself in 5 years?” your 10th house is the one that’ll be answering that question

🌱 14. Gemini moon/mars are the LEAST likely to hold grudges (unless chart says otherwise)

🌸 15. The house where you have your Neptune indicates the themes you tend to lie about, don’t give much info, say stuff about it that are misleading etc. and in consequence people might not have a clear/correct idea of this part of your life

🌱 16. Virgo risings rarely or basically never pose for pictures. They just look straight forward to the camera, sometimes smile and maybe make a small gesture like putting one hand in their pocket or tilt their head but that’s it. (Virgo = minimalism)

🌸 17. Scorpios really don’t give a single fuck they just DON’T 😭💀 Remember this sign is all or nothing, they either care too or don't care AT ALL

🌱 18. I said it once and I’ll say to a hundred times more: Geminis are not two-faced, it’s LIBRA!! Seriously Libras are the FAKEST people I’ve ever met. Why? Because it's ruled by the planet of love (Venus), which means Libra has a knack for being liked by everyone and making everyone feel liked. HOWEVER Libra is an AIR sign and air represents mind, NOT feelings. In conclusion, Libra can make you feel "loved" (venus) and still not give a damn about you bc its air nature makes them prone to emotional detachment. That's why they are able to roast you and make it look like they're complimenting you, specially when they have Scorpio mercury.

🌸 19. Just like you look at where’s the ruler of your rising sign to get more info on your rising, check the ruler of your Sun sign for more info on your personal identity (check sign and house). For ex. I have Virgo Sun in the 9th. Ruler of Virgo=Mercury. I have mercury in Libra in the 10th house which makes me more serious (10th house) and diplomatic/people pleaser (Libra)

🌱 20. If you found that you “couldn’t” do what’s previously described because you’re a Leo sun, check the degree and decan of your Sun

🌸 21. I’ve noticed mercury retrograde people are the type of individuals who always know exactly the right things to say. You’ll always see them take a couple of seconds before answering but they tend to give very good responses

🌱 22. I’ve noticed many women with Virgo Venus/Sun/MC/Lilith have been slut-shamed at some point of their life or they’ve been seen as promiscuous/sexual/etc.

🌸 23. Capricorn moons are not emotionless machines. The thing with these natives is that their mothers treated them like an adult the second they came out of the womb, so basically they skipped the “love and affection” stage and went straight to the “grow up” stage, but they can love really hard and real deep (Capricorn is deep down a very sentimental sign). They are very ride or die people tbh, they are very patient, accepting and understanding

🌱 24. I've noticed that people at first deny their rising sign in Vedic astrology, but eventually they end up accepting it and they actually end up relating to it a lot. I feel like this is because our rising sign in Vedic astrology is usually the sign of our 12th house in Western astrology, which leads me to believe that our 12th house sign is not our shadow side but more like our deep subcontious personality and that's why we have a hard time accepting it when we see it as our rising sign in Vedic astrology. It's like your rising sign (in western) is the director of the play but your 12th house is the energy that previously wrote the script

🌸 25. So many celebrities have moon in the 11th house. Also this placement indicates that you had a mother that put you out there constantly like posting everything about you on social media, bringing you to big events or your mom was “famous” in some capacity

🌱26. Gemini risings tend to believe everything they are told. More specifically, once they find someone that knows a little bit more than them they’ll believe everything they teach them and will most likely rely on them intellectually, for advice, guidance, etc. This is bc they have DSC in Sagittarius which makes them see the people they associate with as masters and mentors while, as a Gemini rising, they identify as an apprentice.

🌸27. Both 8th house and 12th house have been associated with secrets. The different is that the 8th house represents what you CONTIOUSLY and deliberately hide from others and most likely deny to yourself (or not, depends on the person). 12th house on the other hand represents subconscious, things that are hidden even from you and you didn’t even know were hidden. 4th house is not necessarily secrets, it represents privacy, like when people have a sanctuary to just relax, unwind and feel secure, that’s the 4th house.

🌱28. Sun or Moon in the 4th house will make you a sociable but private person.

🌸29. Sun or moon in the 8th house will make you an intriguing and mysterious person.

🌱30. Sun or moon the 12th house makes you a very elusive or wishy-washy person

🌸31. I’ve seen many Scorpio sun/moon/mars/rising individuals obsessed with the idea of being prepared for a catastrophe. They could be the type to, for example, have some saved cash just in case something bad happens with their bank money, have a backup account just in case their main one gets deleted, could have a “leave before you get left” philosophy, etc.

🌱32. Is it just me or the astro community talks a lot about Aries moons???

🌸33. I’ve noticed people with 4th house in Virgo could have been raised in a very judgemental household where there was lots of taboos and prejudice as to what’s right and what’s not and the family was too preoccupied with a perfect and immaculate reputation. For example could have been raised with values such as “only criminals wear tattoos” or “you should stay celibate till marriage or else you’re a whore”, etc. and if the native broke those rules they could have been very criticized and almost loathed by the family. They native could have been highly criticized in general by their family

🌱34. I’ve noticed women that have their moon harshly aspecting Pluto, Uranus and Mars or overall have a very afflicted moon tend to have very painful period cramps

🌸35. Something I have noticed with Venus or Moon conjunct Saturn people is that the concept of unconditional love sounds like alien language to them. That of course doesn’t mean they can’t love but they have this deep belief that they have to achieve something in order to deserve love and stuff like that

🌱36. Also, I just noticed that people with Saturn conjunct sun/moon/Venus/ASC, Capricorn big 3 or Capricorn degrees in personal placements have gone through IT man, specially on an internal level. I've noticed going through depression is a common theme for people with this Capricorn/Saturn influence

🌸37. Virgo Suns could often struggle to find balance between having healthy ego and being humble.

🌱38. Also people with Virgo+Leo energy are the MOOOOST judgmental people out there. Imagine ego mixed with a sense of knowing what’s correct. They tend to believe they’re morally superior and easily liable people as inferior

🌸39. The underdeveloped energy of a sign asimilates negative traits of its sister sign. For example underdeveloped Virgo is overly perfectionist and judgmental to the point where they have unrealistic expectations (Pisces)

🌱40. On the other hand the developed version of a sign is balanced out by understanding its sister sign. For example Leo knows they are unique and special and deserves recognition but understands everyone is also unique in their own way (Aquarius)

🌸41. I’ve noticed a person can very easily manifest the stereotypical characteristics of the sign that naturally rules the house where their chart ruler is. For example if someone’s chart ruler (ruler of the ASC) is in the 7th house the person can easily manifest stereotypical characteristics of Libra like being a people pleaser

🌱42. Sagittarius ASC/Mars people are all fun, amicable and outgoing.... until they don’t get their way. They will get away from people and situations that won’t give them what they want and they can genuinely dislike people solely because those people don’t let them have their way. They tend to go around life like they have a free pass to get away with everything they want.

🌸43. People with ASC-Neptune aspects don’t have a very reliable vision of reality or themselves to be honest. I don’t know how people with this aspect haven’t lost their mind already. They are prone to subconsciously manipulating or easily getting manipulated. With hard aspects this is a lot more obvious but I’ve noticed with easy aspects this energy tends to go almost unnoticed and they easily get away with stuff

🌱44. Have seen many famous people with North node in the 2nd, 5th, 11th and 12th houses specially

🌸45. Air risings or air dominance with Sagittarius placements/degrees are people who love cartoons/animations/videogames regardless of their age.

🌱46. When I got into astrology I didn’t understand why Sun is in detriment in Libra, but oh man... All Libras I’ve met had HUGE issues with trusting themselves. They doubt themselves 24/7 and that’s not even an exaggeration and I’ve noticed they actually may have grown up doubting themselves for some reason or they had a family (their dad) that caused this feeling in them. Also I’ve seen that those Libras with Scorpio placements feel like they have to hide something about themselves otherwise they’ll be rejected. Yes they are endlessly charming, but that's because they have essentially created their personality around the desire of being liked/accepted. They always need to feel they have SOMEONE. Their sense of self, INDIVIDUALITY, independence and assertiveness is lost in the process. Unless they have fire and specially Aries placements to balance this out they can feel like they have no personality and that’s why they are often perceived as fake or shallow.

🌸47. Literally ALL Virgo placements one way or another will always suggest a way to solve your problems when giving emotional support

🌱48. I have a theory that, since 4th house is how you were raised, your home and your parents, your 10th house is how you’d be as a parent yourself and the type of home you’ll create yourself

🌸49. Contrary to my expectations, I’ve seen priests having a much more prominent 4th house (many times combined with 8th house/Scorpio energy) than 12th house. People with 12th house placements or stellium seem to prefer artistic fields rather than classic spirituality

🌱50. The house where you have your Pluto is a house you just can NOT take lightly EVER. This area of your life feels like a heavy topic to you in some way (you are either obsessed with it, find It traumatic, get extremely defensive over it, find it spiteful, you feel everything goes wrong, etc, etc.) Can also apply to the house where you have the sign of scorpio

🌸51. In synastry, Venus falling in the 12th house creates a healing dynamic in the relationship, the connection can feel cathartic specially for the house person. The house person might tend to always be comforted by the venus person’s support, always feel better (or even energetically “cleansed”) after being with them. The venus person never judges the house person and accepts them and is always willing to be there.

🌱52. I’ve noticed this pattern in people with mutable moons where they have absent mothers in some shape or form. Their mother is very inconsistent, she always comes and goes. Very often the native may have felt like their mother always “left them be” (virgo moon moms put restrictions but eventually are rather flexible)

🌸53. People with cardinal moons have bossy mothers. In many cases they can have the type of mother that is constantly making decisions for them, like their mother decides what/where they’re going to study for example (the house tells what type of things the mother tends to make decisions on).

🌱54. People with fixed moons have possesive and protective moms. While mutable moons have absent mothers, natives with fixed moons have mothers that are ALWAYS there in some shape or form. At the very least the influence of the mother is always there and they always have this sense of “loyalty” towards their mom.

Credit: Tumblr blog @astrobydalia

That's it for now, next observation post is just as long but much better, stay tuned and safe loves 💕

[murusagi]

[Ambush Meal] A Collaboration with Lord Toma!? Love and Madness of Delicious Meal Ft. Cage Translation

This is a part of Otomate’s April Fool’s Special Event in which the cast of several of the company’s franchises turn into social media personalities.

Orlok: ...Bonjourno. [Pio House] Episode 1926. Today, we're going to film your favorite series, "Oruru's Ambush☆Delicious Meal Next Door".

In this series, I'm going to make a surprise visit to someone's home and enjoy a meal there.

Nicola: Orlok, can you hear me?

Orlok: Yes. The earphones are working perfectly.

Nicola: Great. I also can see you clearly through this camera.

Gilbert: We better explain the rules to the viewers.

[Rule No. 1: Oruru must obey any instructions given to him through the earphones.]

[Rule No. 2: Oruru must eat the given food without being picky.]

[The ones giving instructions in this episode.]

Orlok: I'll do my best.

Direttore: Nice answer. Now then, without further ado, let us ambush our target this time around! Please press the interphone in front of you.

Orlok: ...Clicks.

Ding Dong

Toma: Who is it--oh, if it isn't Orlok from [Pio House]! Did you come here by yourself? What a good boy.

Orlok: Y-Yes…

Dante: ...He's stroking his head.

Nicola: That's Orlok for you. He's quick at gaining someone's favor.

Orlok: Umm… I'm happy to be able to meet Toma from "Love and Madness of Animal Channel".

Toma: Me too. So, what brings you here? Do you want to hang out with me or what?

Orlok: No. Actually…

Toma: I see, so you want to have dinner here. Hmmm… let's see.

Orlok: Huh… A-Am I not allowed to?

Direttore: ...We already made an appointment, right?

Gilbert: Yeah, we should have made it…

Toma: You kind of remind me of Shin, Orlok.

Orlok: R-Really…?

Toma: Yeah. He's like a lil brother to me. ...Right. Can you try me calling me Onii-chan?

Orlok: What?

Toma: I'll let you in if you do. How?

Direttore: That's quite the painful request from someone whom you just met.

Nicola: I understand his feelings, though. "Onii-chan"... It has a nice ring to it.

Dante: I'll give it some thoughts if you want to be called that…?

Nicola: I don't know how to feel if you call me Onii-chan at this age… You think so, right, Direttore?

Direttore: Fufu… I will hate it, for sure. Well, I don't have little brothers? No need to worry about that?

Orlok: U-Umm, so what should I do?

Gilbert: Oops. M'bad. We stopped giving you instructions. ...Do as he said. We can't go on with the filming if he doesn't let us in.

Orlok: Okay.

...To-Toma Onii-chan.

Toma: Hm? Sorry, your voice is so small I couldn't hear it. Can you say it again?

Dante: He definitely heard it!

Nicola: Orlok, one more time!

Orlok: Toma Onii-chan…!

Toma: ...Nice. This feels satisfying for some reason. That guy will never call me that, after all. Alright, come in.

Orlok: I… I feel like I lost something important… In any case, I'm coming in.

Toma: I'm making dinner right now. Wait a bit, 'kay?

Orlok: Y-Yes.

Nicola: Orlok, how's the target doing?

Orlok: U-Uhh…

Toma: Bolognese with lots of minced meat~I feel like an Italian already~♪

Orlok: He's humming… some spells, I think? He's frying something while doing that… Looks very focused.

Dante: I see. It's time for our usual "House Tour" then.

Yang: Go to his closet.

Orlok: ...What!?

Nicola: Hm? You're up, Yang? Too bad. I wish you wouldn't wake up for eternity.

Yang: You sure are messing around with me, filming while I was sleeping. 5 billion women are crying right now.

Dante: 5 billion…!?

Yang: In any case, off you go to the closet, Orlok. Let's uncover the true nature of our targ--What are you all…?

Knocks.

Orlok: H-Huh? I can't hear you guys all of sudden...

Gilbert: ...Orlok, can you hear us?

Nicola: Don't mind us and just go on, Orlok. Yang is currently reflecting.

Orlok: O… Okay. So, I don't need to go to the closet?

Dante: Unfortunately, you must obey any instructions that have already been given to you. Let's head there while Toma is cooking.

Orlok: A-Alright.

***

Orlok: ...I found the closet.

Gilbert: Looks normal to me.

Nicola: Hey, Direttore? You've been quiet for a while. Come on, say something interesting.

Direttore: ...Ridiculous.

Dante: Where did all his tension from before go!?

Gilbert: H-Hey, you okay? Is your stomach hurt or something?

Direttore: ...I'm not interested in peeking into someone else's room.

Nicola: Hey, your real self is starting to show, you know? Be careful.

Direttore: ...Oops. I sincerely apologize for the mistake, letting out my honest opinions like that.

Orlok: ...I found the closet. It doesn't look suspicious.

Nicola: Where should we go next? He lives in a one-room apartment so there's nothing to look at.

Orlok: The balcony, maybe?

Gilbert: Nice idea. Let's take a look. Maybe he has a kitchen garden or something.

Orlok: Then, I'll open the curtain…

Opens.

Orlok: ...This is…

Dante: ...A cage.

Nicola: A cage.

Direttore: That's undoubtedly a cage.

Dante: This must be… the cage he uses for "Love and Madness of Animal Channel", right?

Orlok: To observe the animals…?

Gilbert: Y-Yea. Let's just think it that way.

Nicola: But any animals who could go into this cage… For example…

Direttore: Human beings.

All: …….

Nicola: ...Let's just pretend we do not see it.

Dante: I-I agree. My capo's intuition tells me this isn't something you can touch carelessly.

Orlok: Y-Yes. I'll close the curtain.

Closes.

Toma: …..

Orlok: !!?

Toma: ...Did you see?

Orlok: I-I didn't…

Toma: Really?

Orlok: (gulps)

Toma: Fine. Follow me, I just finished cooking.

Orlok: O-Okay.

Toma: I could only make this much.

Orlok: Whoa… Amazing.

Gilbert: How could he make this many in such a short amount of time!?

Dante: Now that I look at it again, what are those strange ingredients!?

Toma: You're in your growth period, right, Orlok? Eat a lot.

Orlok: Tha-Thank you. But is it really okay for me to eat this much…?

Toma: This is Latium's famous Volcano Bocca, a soup containing shrimps, shellfish and vegetables. You can warm up your body with this.

Direttore: Latium… I feel like I heard about it somewhere.

Orlok: I'm digging in...ugh!

Dante: A-Are you okay!? Did he put in poison or--!?

Orlok: S-Spicy… But it has such deep flavors…

Toma: These are steamed crab dumplings, dobin-mushi, and fried sesames. I used the vegetables from Kaga, queen crabs and barracuda stocks.

Orlok: T-These are great too! It tastes like something a pro chef makes.

Nicola: I get him. They look like the high-quality food you receive at the inns around Kanazawa.

Gilbert: That's an awfully detailed comment you have there.

Dante: Where is Kanazawa, anyway…?

Nicola: A place with the best onsen around.

Toma: I also have a cake. I heard your birthday is on April 23? Mine is on April 12. Since our birthdays fall on the same month, I made it for celebration.

Orlok: T-Thank you… Hehe… I'm happy…

Dante: …

Direttore: What is wrong, signore? Are you jealous he got sweets?

Dante: W-Why would I…!? I-I-I just think the appearance gets my taste buds tingling…!

Nicola: Endure it for a while. I'll buy you gelato after this.

Gilbert: Anyway, how come Toma knows Orlok's birthday?

Nicola: ...Now that you mention it…

Dante: …

Direttore: Let's put that aside. It's better to keep that a secret.

Orlok: (munch munch)

Toma: How? Is it tasty?

Orlok: Yeah. ...It makes me happy.

Dante: I don't know how to explain it but seeing Orlok eat makes me feel peaceful…

Nicola: I get you. Seeing Gilbert and Yang eat doesn't make me this happy. It's not heart-warming at all.

Gilbert: Yang aside, why do you have to connect it to me?

Yang: For crying out loud, don't put me and Redford on the same shoes.

Nicola: ...Oh? I'm sure I already locked you up. You broke out already?

Yang: Of course. After receiving such a warm welcome, I should give my thanks…

Gilbert: S-Stop it, Yang! Don't pull out your blade!

Dante: You too, Nicola! Put your gun away! We're still filming!

Direttore: Oh… What a scandalous dispute. It pains my heart.

[We are experiencing poor reception issues. Please enjoy this beautiful view of Sakura.]

Orlok: Thanks for the food.

Direttore: What a good boy. He ate them all without leaving anything.

Toma: Amazing, you ate them all by yourself. I was planning to put the leftovers into a container so you can share it with the others.

Gilbert: I wanted to try some after seeing so many interesting foods like those.

Orlok: So-Sorry. All of them were delicious so I just…

Dante: It's all right. Finishing them off is part of the rules so you didn't do anything wrong.

Nicola: Great job, Orlok. We have enough footage with this.

Orlok: Thanks for today, Toma. I'll be going now.

Toma: Ah, wait a minute. I actually have a request for you.

Orlok: ?

Toma: I still need more footage for my channel, can you help me with that?

Gilbert: Well, why not? He helped us wrap up the filming without any troubles.

Dante: We should return the favor.

Orlok: Okay. I'd like to help if there's anything I can do.

Toma: Great to hear that. Now--.

Can you get into the cage?

Orlok: ….Huh? ...What?

Toma: I've been keeping my eyes on you. Since you look like a small animal, it’s just perfect.

Gilbert: I see, so it's come to this…

Toma: I figured you'll be lonely so I put some plushies inside.

Orlok: T-That's not the problem here…

Toma: Now, now. You can't tell unless you try. Get in there.

Orlok: I don't want to--.

Toma: Only you can do this, Orlok. Please.

Orlok: ….

Toma: Can you look here? ...Yes, nice. It'll gain more viewers, I'm sure.

Orlok: Can I… get out of here already?

Toma: No, you just got in here. Oh, right. I have some chains. Can you put them on?

Dante: Even chains… This is abnormal…

Orlok: U-Uuuhhh… Guys, what should I do…?

Nicola: You'll be fine, Orlok. It surprisingly suits you.

Direttore: I agree. I'm sure there are people who are into this kind of thing.

Orlok: ...I'm not fine at all…

Toma: It's not as cute as hamster, but there's a huge demand for something like this. Do you mind if I turn it into a series if it gets good feedback?

Orlok: !!?

Toma: I think we were meant to meet. Shin would scold me again if he were here, though.

Orlok: I want to go home…

Toma: Hm? You want to meet him? He's off for another recording right now, so he probably won't return for a while.

Orlok: ….

...I realized something. I shouldn't trust others. The only one I could rely on is myself…

Toma: Haha. That's a nice expression you have there. With that said, it all depends on you guys whether I should make this a series or not. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

T/L Notes:  Dobin-mushi: Food steam-boiled in an earthenware teapot

[aerinsfables]

Part 6 for the Flower Shop AU PLEASEE! I need to know what happens next!!

:)

Flower Shop AU Part 6 below :) In which Warrenessa makes an appearance.

Read part 5 here!

-----

Bracken showed up at the address Seth had given him about ten minutes before the event was scheduled to take place. He’d brought a bouquet of flowers for Kendra’s grandmother, and a green salad he’d made that morning to share with the other attendees. Kendra had told him that he didn’t need to bring anything, but he felt weird about dropping by empty handed.

Almost as soon as he pulled up, he saw Warren leave the front of the house and walk toward him. Bracken exited his car and picked up both the bouquet and the salad bowl as Warren approached and clapped him on the back. “Good to see you again, Bracken,” he said. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone,” Bracken replied.

Warren then pointed to the flowers. “For me? Aww, you shouldn’t have.”

Bracken smiled. “Sorry to disappoint, but I brought these for-“

“You’re moving a little fast if you brought them for Kendra,” Warren interrupted. “She’s not in a good place right now.”

He blinked a few times. “I brought these for her grandmother,” he explained. “This is where Seth and Kendra’s grandparents live, right?”

“Ah. Trying to get into Ruth’s good graces, huh? Smart man. Good approach.”

Before Bracken could reply that he’d simply intended to be polite, Warren led him toward the house and began walking while he spoke some more. “Ruth is inside, or at least she was when you pulled up. Most everyone else is in the backyard. Stan and Scott - Seth and Kendra’s grandpa and dad - are grilling. I’ll introduce you to everyone as we meet them.” He opened the front door and motioned for Bracken to head inside.

The interior of the house was comfortable but also a tad ornate. The floors were made of quality hardwood, a staircase led to a second story, plush rugs were located in stylish locations, and a lot of knick knacks rested in various floating shelves which lined the walls in some spots. Family photos were artfully placed in different spots around the area as well; some hung on walls, some occupied desk or dresser tops. To the left was a living room, and to the right was a hallway which led somewhere Bracken couldn’t see. Overall, the house was quite large and held an inviting atmosphere.

Warren led him through the living room and into the adjoining kitchen which Bracken hadn’t been able to see from the entryway of the house. It was large and spacious, with lots of counter space and what was apparently a walk-in pantry. “Ruth,” Warren called, and an older woman came out of said pantry.

“Oh, hello there,” she greeted with a warm smile and a wave of her hand. “Warren, who is this handsome fellow?”

“This is Bracken,” Warren said. “Bracken, this is Ruth. Kendra and Seth’s grandma.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Bracken said. He offered the bouquet to her. “These are for you. Thank you for permitting me into your home.”

“Ooh, he brought a gift! Well, these are certainly beautiful. Thank you. Make yourself at home. Most everyone’s out in the backyard. Show him around, will you, Warren?” She sniffed at the flowers and smiled again. “I’ll put these in some water!”

Warren grinned and patted Bracken on the back again. “Okay, you little suck-up, let’s take you out back to meet the others.”

Ruth clicked her tongue at that remark. “It wouldn’t hurt you to bring me flowers every so often,” she said. “You just come here to raid my kitchen.”

A chuckle left Warren’s body and he walked over to embrace Ruth, who swatted at him the whole time in a manner which suggested to Bracken that she was clearly very fond of him, and they were used to bantering with each other. He smiled. Warren pulled away from Ruth and walked away, then motioned for Bracken to follow. “This way,” he said as he opened another door which led outside.

The backyard was quite large, with a spacious deck connected to the house, steps leading down to a grass lawn where a volleyball net had been set up, a pool off to the far left, and a fire pit to the right. Bracken noticed two men standing near a nice grill on the deck, Seth was at the volleyball net with someone Bracken didn’t know, and Kendra sat near the unlit fire pit with Dale and three other women. Warren led Bracken toward the two men who were cooking hamburgers and chicken at the moment, and introduced him to them. “Stan, Scott, this is Bracken. He works at the flower shop across the street from our cafe. Bracken, this is Kendra’s dad and grandpa.”

He waved at them, probably a little awkwardly, and said, “It’s nice to meet you both. Thank you for allowing me to be here today.”

Scott smiled. “Friends of my children are always welcome.”

Warren then pointed at the volleyball net. “You know Seth. Looks like he’s getting ready to start a game. That’s Tanu over there with him. Come with me, I’ll introduce you to the ladies. Oh, but first - ditch the salad over there.” He gestured toward a picnic table which was laden with other foods; chips, fruit, cookies, hamburger and hotdog buns, potato salad and the like. Bracken did as instructed, then walked with Warren to the fire pit.

“Hello, ladies and Dale,” Warren greeted. Bracken did not miss the mildly exasperated look which crossed Dale’s face. “This is Bracken. He works at the flower shop across the street from the cafe. Cool guy. Brought a salad to a barbeque, but you know. Whatever.”

“Don’t be mean,” Kendra tutted. She then waved at Bracken and pointed at a spot next to her. “You can sit here.”

“I was just teasing,” Warren said. “He helped get rid of Gavin earlier this week. I did actually mean it when I said he’s a cool guy.”

“Ah, so you’re the man who helped my daughter,” one of the women spoke up. She walked over to Bracken and laid a gentle hand on his forearm. “I’m Marla, Kendra’s mother. Thank you for interfering the other day.”

“It was no trouble,” Bracken replied. He could feel his face heating up a little. “I did what anyone in my position would’ve done.”

“No, honey. Most people probably would’ve just sat back and watched, or recorded the event with their phones. You and Warren really made a difference.”

He wasn’t sure what to say in response, so he went for his usual phrase when he received compliments from strangers or new acquaintances. “Thank you for your kind words. I was happy to help.”

“Come, join us,” Marla invited. “The spot next to Kendra is open. We can chat while we wait for food to be ready.”

Bracken made his way over to the empty space and sat down. Kendra gave him a somewhat weak smile and he gave one back to her, then mumbled, “You okay?”

She nodded her head. “I’ll introduce you to everyone here. To your left is Mara, then Vanessa, my mom, and Dale tells me that you already know each other.”

He waved at everyone and said, “It’s nice to meet you all.”

Mara looked like she didn’t really care whether he was there or not, Vanessa looked at him as though she was trying to gage how much of a threat he was going to be, Marla’s smile was sweet, and Dale gave him a friendly nod. He could deal with Mara’s indifference, but Vanessa’s glaring was uncomfortable to endure.

Warren stepped in and wrapped his arms around Vanessa. “Don’t mind this one,” he said. “Her bark is worse than her bite.”

“I haven’t said anything,” she retorted.

“You’re doing that suspicious sizing up thing you like to do. It’s intimidating,” Warren replied. “Cut the guy some slack. He’s the one who made the good riddance flowers.”

Marla laughed, while Mara and Vanessa seemed to look at him in a slightly different light; Mara seemed perhaps a little more interested, and Vanessa’s glare felt a little less deadly. Maybe.

“That arrangement was perfect,” Marla complimented. “Hilarious. Kendra sent pictures. Did you really fill it with loose glitter?”

“That part was up to her,” Bracken said. “Did you? I didn’t even ask my mother.”

Kendra nodded but didn’t say anything. Warren spoke up instead. “I hope he realized the glitter problem when he was in the middle of his living room, and I hope he never gets it all the way out of the carpet.”

“Agreed,” Marla said.

“I still say it wouldn’t have been a tragedy for him to die,” Mara added.

“I punched him in his face,” Warren said in a defensive tone.

Mara shrugged. “He could’ve died. I’m just saying.”

“Murder might be pressing a bit too far,” Dale stated.

Warren stroked the stubble on his chin. “She’s right. I probably should’ve accidentally pushed him into traffic.”

Bracken noticed that Kendra seemed to shrink into herself a little as the conversation progressed. He tried to think of a way to change the subject, but failed to come up with anything. He needn’t have worried about it, though, because it seemed that someone else had picked up the same memo.

“Ugh. Go play volleyball with Seth and Tanu,” Vanessa said to Warren.

“What did I do?“ Warren whined.

“Seth!” Vanessa shouted. “Come get your cousin!”

Tanu held the ball in his hands and both he and Seth turned their attention to Vanessa.

“Oh, hey, Bracken!” Seth called and waved in a summoning motion. “Come play with us!”

“I told you to grab your cousin,” Vanessa emphasized.

“Warren! Get over here so we can play two on two!” Tanu said.

Vanessa turned toward Warren with what looked like an extremely insincere smile on her face. “Your presence has been requested at the volleyball net.”

Warren rolled his eyes. “Fine, I can tell when I’m not wanted. Bracken, you coming?”

Bracken hesitated before standing up, as he felt concerned for Kendra and wanted to make sure she was doing alright. She looked at him and gave him a soft smile, then waved and pointed to her brother.

“I hope you like volleyball,” she said. “Watch out for Seth. He likes to cheat.”

“I do not!” Seth protested.

Warren leaned closer to Bracken and whispered in a conspiratorial voice, “He really does.” He then pushed Bracken’s shoulder and led him toward the volleyball net.

---

Part 7 is here!

[hurricanewindattack]

Three Eras, Three Masterpieces.

Bugatti has been a storied marque that’s had a troubled history over the 100+ years it has existed for. Yet across that troubled history, there is one thing it has retained - absolute quality. Three carmakers over the years have used the name:

The Bugatti of Ettore: This is the original. Ettore Bugatti, coming from a very well-off family with artistic talent in its veins, founded it in 1909 in France. From the very start, the cars were very design focused, with engines being hand-built to such accuracy that they did not need head-gaskets. Every element of the car, inside to outside, was built like an art piece in its own right. But the biggest achievement of the first Bugatti was in the world of racing. This car, the Type 35, was a multi-purpose race car that won endurance races, rallies, and Grand Prix races, the precursor to F1. At its peak, it was averaging over 14 race wins every week, making it the most successful racing car ever built. The coolest part? Several women like Helle Nice and Eliska Junkova would use this very car to win races across Europe. Unfortunately, the whole operation went up in smoke after the second world war. The French government seized the factory, assuming him to have conspired with Fascist Italy given his Italian ancestry. While he eventually won it back, the shock of this happening to him caused his health to fail, and he passed away in 1947. With no clear successor, since his equally prodigal son had already died in an accident 9 years ago, the company limped on for another 5 years before collapsing.

The Bugatti of Romano: Romano Artioli had made his fortune in the eighties importing all manner of cars to Italy, and running a gigantic Ferrari dealership. His passion for the original Bugatti though is why the people in his life encouraged him to buy the rights to the name and resurrect the storied marque. They built the most magnificent factory in Campogalliano, Modena, for their base of operations. The floor was tiled with the best marble, the factory let in natural light and the assembly line was clean as a surgery table. The theory went that if the workers were happy, their work would be top-notch. And boy, it was top-notch. After nearly half a decade of R&D, the company launched its first - and only - production model, the EB110, named to celebrate what would’ve been Ettore’s 110th birthday. The car was the first in the world with not one, not two, but FOUR turbochargers - in the early nineties no less! Michael Schumacher bought one of these in yellow. Sadly, that was as far as the company was to go. There are a variety of reasons for why the company went bust - the car was way too expensive for its time at half a million dollars, a recession was on its way, the McLaren F1 was even better, and the company had spent way too lavishly for what was still a start-up with limited brand value. The factory still stands to this day, in a sort of derelict post-apocalyptic state with weeds growing out of the marble. A few people, who were attached to the original company, still guard and maintain it to the best of their abilities, and they organise tours! Europeans, go check it out, I bet it’ll be worth your time.

The Bugatti of Piëch: Not long after the second Bugatti collapsed, Ferdinand  Piëch, grand-daddy of the Volkswagen group, urged his company to snap it up. They would not use Romano’s factory however, and decided to move production back to what they called an Atelier (French for workshop) in Molsheim, where Ettore used to have the cars built. They then spent the next three years rolling out various concepts to motor shows around the world. Most of these would use a gargantuan eighteen-cylinder aircraft-like engine in a W configuration. Eventually though, they settled on the eight-litre W-16, which has only sixteen cylinders. Your daily driver has four. They declared that it would be called the Veyron, after the man who served the original Bugatti as an engineer, test driver and racing driver, giving them victory at the 1939 Le Mans. But then it would take another half a decade to fully develop the car. Once it was out though, it easily became the fastest car in the world, with a full thousand horsepower and a top speed of over four hundred kilometres an hour. Yet it was so well-behaved that you can use it as a daily-driver. It also became the most expensive car at the world at the time, with each costing over a million dollars a piece. Ironically, the development process of the car had been so intensive that the VW group still lost millions on each car built, making it more of a technical demonstration than a profitable product. Regardless, it successfully started the era of Hypercars, one in which its successor, the Chiron, now competes.