#You know when you get so hyperfocused that in all that time you forget to put on music and don't even notice until the end?

[bumblequinn]

hi @sourpatchsquids! thank you for your question.

as an artist with ADHD, i know this struggle very well. unfortunately offering advice on this kind of thing can be tricky, because what works for me may not work for you (and vice versa!). nonetheless, i can try; take whatever works for you, forget the rest, or reshape any part of it as you see fit. :)

but before i offer any actual tools, i have one caveat. i want you to take a moment to reflect and consider if you should be:

changing expectations

the timing of this question seems fated, because just the other day i had a therapy session wherein i expressed my grief and frustration over struggling to work lately due to my seasonal depression. it's not fair that i'm struggling just because it got a little darker outside! i just want the spark i had in the summer! i was so much more consistent!

my therapist's response: nothing about human beings is consistent. we get sick, we get tired, we get hungry and thirsty (and thirsty) and sad and lonely and restless and stressed and overwhelmed. this all gets amplified for folks who are atypical in some way or another.

when my therapist compared our seasonal cycles to those of plants and other animals, who wilt and slow down and hibernate, i protested aloud that i wanted to be a perennial instead. at this she said: even perennials change with the seasons. rose bushes have to be pruned, sometimes down to half their height! it was a dose of perspective i didn't particularly want, but really needed.

so when you're struggling to work through executive dysfunction, burnout, or brain fog, it can help to first check in with yourself about a few things. what do you have the capacity for right now? do you need any accommodation? and if so, what changes you might make to accommodate yourself?

with practice and self reflection, i've learned a handful of specific routines that help me when i'm struggling with creative work, which i'll detail next. note that while your question is specifically about music and i am specifically a musician, i believe that all of these suggestions can apply to most any form of digital creative work.

with that in mind:

#1: work slower

when i'm at the top of my game, i can get a LOT done in a day. but when i'm depressed, fatigued, or distracted, i just can't go full steam. sometimes i'll try to convince myself that i can if i just push harder, but what actually ends up happening is that i'm just fiddling with settings and going in circles rather than moving forward.

instead of that, when i want to work a lot but can't, i try to work slow. how slow? however slow i need to. take four hours to figure out the melody for a single verse. take all day to figure out that drum groove. yeah, i take a lot of breaks in between. who says i have to be my Absolute Most Productive Every Day Or Else? that's the puritan work ethic talking. kill it. be kind to yourself.

i'm reminded of advice i once read about some super successful and prolific author (gaiman? king? pratchett?) who said they wrote only four hundred words every weekday. that's already less than the word count of this post, and i'm only—[travels into the future to check my final word count]... 22.8% of the way through writing it!

now, i don't think i could function that way, because ADHD means some days i'm hyperfocused like crazy, and other days i just have no steam at all (more on that in #4-6). but it seems to me that if even someone highly respected in their profession can achieve what they have with only a little bit of work on a regular basis, maybe i don't have to punish myself for not pumping out a finished work every single week.

doing less work per day means you're much less likely to burn out, which does a lot for working more consistently. if that consistency still doesn't look like a five-day work week, that's okay! as long as it helps you work even a little more often when you want to, it's something worth doing.

however, if you're still feeling truly stuck, all hope isn't lost. you can still try:

#2: switch projects

sometimes the reason i'm moving slow is because of a bad brain day, but sometimes the reason is that i just cannot muster the motivation to do the specific task i'm trying to do right now. ADHD is fueled by novelty and interest, and if i'm not interested in what i'm doing, or it's feeling stale, that's a sign that i need to switch gears.

this is why first it's helpful for me to have more than one project going at a time. this might mean completely unrelated works, or it might just mean related tracks as with the music for a game like SLARPG or susan taxpayer.

the idea here is not to start a dozen different projects and bounce around them like i'm playing whac-a-mole—though i have done that. (i don't recommend it.) the idea here is to have a manageable number of different projects i can be working on so that if i get bored or stuck on something, i have fallback options.

what that number of projects is depends entirely on the week. maybe right now it's two, maybe another time it's three. i would probably be getting carried away if i tried more than that, but that's just my own limit. maybe yours is different. that's something for you to think about.

but it doesn't have to stop there.

#3: switch focus

maybe there is this one project that i just HAVE to work on, but the task i'm trying to do at this stage just isn't coming to me. okay, well, why don't i try working on a different task?

let's say i can't figure out what i want to do with the melody in one part of the song:

what if i try jumping ahead to a different part of the melody? ...no, i'm stumped on melodies today. okay, how about working on the drums instead? ...hmm no, i think i'm just completely tapped out on writing parts right now. alright, what if i organized my tracks, making sure they're all grouped and named in a way that i can work with easily? what if i did a rough volume balance for the mix?

and so on. if that's not enough to shake the off stuckness, i might consider: what can i do to make this project more interesting to me?

what happens if i try using an instrument or effect that i almost never reach for? what if i try sampling something obscure? what if i bang out the drums using my midi keyboard instead of drawing it in on the piano roll?

any approach that breaks me out of my usual habits is bound to get that feeling of novelty and fun back when i need it.

or maybe i can't do any of that right now, and so i take the time to answer a question from a fellow musician instead. i consider that part of my work, too, in a broader sense. check in with yourself and figure out what you can do right now. the rest will still be there later.

but okay, let's say you try switching gears, and switching again, and again, and nothing is moving. you try new approaches, but that wall of awful is insurmountable in this moment. it happens! the next thing you might try is:

#4: learn something new

when you aren't able to make progress on your projects, you can still make progress on your knowledge and craft. i often find this stokes a flame of inspiration in me where there wasn't one before. and even when it doesn't, it still gets my brain out of that feeling of stuckness and dread and into one of thought and action. learning also benefits in the long term because it adds to the well of knowledge from which you draw for all your future works.

for all the awfulness that exists on the internet, it remains an absolute treasure trove of teaching. there's an endless ocean of videos, blog posts, and articles from which you might learn something about your craft. (and if you sail the seven seas, plenty of book PDFs as well. 🦜🏴‍☠️)

it's true that the quality and depth of information out there can vary wildly, but in my experience most resources get at least some things right. and the more you research, practice, and figure out what works for you, the better you will learn to differentiate between the advice worth keeping, and the advice to forget. (that goes for all of what i'm saying here, too!)

that said, since our shared focus is music, a few resources i would highly recommend are:

music theory and composition music matters, 12tone, charles cornell, music with myles, 8-bit music theory, and this introduction by andrew huang

mixing and production dan worrall (especially this series for fabfilter), kush after hours, red means recording, andrew huang, alice yalcin efe, in the mix

general inspiration nahre sol, ben levin, david hilowitz, game score fanfare, posy, jerobeam fenderson, open reel ensemble, and ELECTRONICOS FANTASTICOS!

(if any readers have their own helpful resources for creating music or any other media, feel free to share in the replies & reblogs! 💓)

of course, on an especially bad day, it might be a challenge to seek out information, let alone retain it. that can feel pretty bad, but remember: be kind to yourself. the next thing you might consider trying is:

#5: consume art you love

not just music. books. shows. movies. games. illustration. animation. whatever moves and inspires you.

but do it intentionally. don't just pull up some random thing the algorithm suggested! check in with yourself about what you want (or are able) to engage with right now. choose accordingly. if you get a little way into it and realize it's not scratching that itch, hit the bricks. check in with yourself again. wash, rinse, repeat, until you find whatever it is that speaks to you right now.

and do it actively, if you can. don't just let it go in one eye and out the other! really pay attention to the work. what do you like about it? what are its themes and motifs? what makes it work so well? what are its flaws, and how much do they matter? what might you do differently? you can write notes as you do this if it helps, but even simply noticing and thinking goes a long way.

what you don't want to do is come at this with a lens of shame or envy. you're not here just to say to yourself, "ugh, if only i could do THAT." it's okay if it happens. use that thought as a springboard for curiosity: "well okay, how DID they do that? do i have the resources for it? if so, how could i apply that to my own work? if not, how can i adapt it, or what do i need to learn?" keep your mind open and approach the work with a sense of wonder.

as a creative person, it's very easy to think, "i should be making something right now, not watching a movie!" but that thought forgets something vital: your art is a response in a conversation. of course the "language" you use is your own, and maybe if you're lucky you'll invent a new word. but most of the words you use have been around long before you were born. you're just one voice in a dialogue that spans continents and generations, and that's okay. it's even the whole point.

none of us is an island. we are profoundly social animals. just as we can't live without eating, we can't make without learning. so half of making art is consuming it. consider this part of the process as well.

and finally,

#6: rest, and live your life

let's say you're in really dire straits. you've tried working slower. you tried changing focus, you tried changing projects. you want to take in new information or actively engage with your favorite art, but you're not in the headspace for it. what now?

take a nap. take a walk. take a shower. eat a nice meal, or an okay one. talk to a friend. maybe even do that chore you've been putting off (you know the one).

it's human to always crave making, but you're not a machine—and even if you were, machines need regular maintenance, too! you wouldn't drive a car that's completely out of gas, and you won't do yourself any favors treating your body that way either.

i know that when you take a break it feels as though you're not accomplishing anything, but you are: you're taking care of your animal self. and while you do that, your creative brain doesn't stop working! much like windows, it has countless background processes running at any given moment, with inscrutable names like "cbdhsvc_692da" or "Microsoft Edge Update Service." it's true, i checked.

when you're stuck on a project and you step away to rest, your brain is still chipping away at your ideas unconsciously. i like to tell people, "it's percolating." much like waiting for a pot of water to boil, that idea is still heating up, even when you take a step away. just be sure to check in on it once in a while. the time will pass, and it'll be boiling again before long. :)

before i go, i'll leave you with one last thing to keep in mind as you try all of these strategies:

be kind to yourself.

being human is just about one of the hardest things you can do. let alone being a human trying to survive capitalism while living with disabilities! the last thing you need on top of that is to overwork yourself, talk to yourself negatively, or treat yourself harshly. there are plenty of other people in the world who do that to you—don't be one of them.

i'm not saying that you shouldn't try to challenge yourself, to test your limits and go above and beyond your ambitions, if that's what you want to do. just remember that hard work and self compassion are not mutually exclusive. so be careful not to bully yourself. take pride in the progress you make, even when it seems small. encourage yourself like you would a friend who's going through a hard time. and when you challenge yourself, be your own cheerleader.

i hope you find this advice helpful! remember, this is just what helps me, so don't feel like you have to follow any of it exactly. maybe taking time to learn new information helps break you out of your rut more than working slowly, so you reach for that tool first. maybe having multiple projects going at once is too distracting for you, so you prefer to stick to one at a time. whatever your needs are, feel free to alter and adapt these ideas to fit you.

thank you for reading, and i wish you the best of luck in your creating.

with care, bee 🐦

[mrsbluehands]

A goodnight

Headcanon (x Gn reader)

Hazbin Hotel

How do they sleep with you

Seems like I have a thing for writing sleeping habits...(this writing is also just for fun so please no fighting or negativity). Should I write scenarios with these headcanons as a part two? 👀

Tw: None

Pronouns: Gn

-

Alastor:

I don't want to know if that man has any sort of dental hygiene, let's just assume his teeth are natural yellow, okay? Beside that, he's the cleanest man in hell!

Like even at night he smells good.

Not cuddly. At all. But will definitely hold your hand until you fall asleep while he keeps reading next to you.

A goodnight kiss is mandatory. Lips, nose or cheek, but I feel like forehead kisses are his favourites. That's his way of showing he cares.

He most likely won't sleep, but maybe, just maybe if he's in a good mood and feeling particularity relaxed, he'll dose off, head on your shoulder.

Fluffy! It will take a long time for him to let you get that close to him, but once you do, you will notice he's all soft and warm. With the fur on his chest making such a nice little pillow, he might let you rest on him...sometimes.

Will most likely sing softly as he strokes your hair, content to see you sleep by his side. The radio is also always on playing soft jazz. It's very soothing.

You'll wake up with his hand on you. In your hair or caressing your face. If you're lucky (very lucky) you might even catch him sleeping!

Lucifer:

Sticks to his nightly routine, but sometimes, you may catch a glimpse of sadness as he brushes his teeth or wash his face.

When he looks in the mirror he can't help but think about all the little things he used to do with Lilith. How he would make her laugh while putting soap on her nose or make weird faces with her, both ending laughing for way too long.

You have to remind him that you're here now. That you're here for him.

Enough of the sadness. He couldn't be happier to sleep with you after all!

His pyjamas definitely has duckies on it, can't change my mind...okay sometimes it's a bit much but I mean look at him! Isn't it cute?

Worst bed head. His hair just tend to spring up everywhere whenever they're not combed perfectly.

He's the type to want to sleep super early but will end up hyperfocusing on one task and...oh it's morning already?

Definitely cuddle as close as possible to you. He likes to feel your skin on his.

He toss and turn a lot at night. This has nothing to do with stress, he's just like that. Will wake up tangled in the sheets in the worst positions possible. You could hold him. Maybe it could work?

Always smiles when he sees you first thing in the morning. You're what motivates him to get up and start the day!

Husk:

I feel like dosent brush his fur often, but that's mostly because he doesn't know how to take care about himself. Or that he doesn't care about it.

He'll insist he dosent need your care when you start to brush his fur, but will most definitely melt under your touch. He has trouble believing someone truly cares.

Always hot. Because of his fur he sleeps with boxers and that's pretty much it. Sometimes even without a blanket, especially if he sleeps with you.

Very cuddly. Even more while asleep. So I hope you're not too hot at night because he won't let you sleep without an arm wrapped around you.

Usually just curls up on himself, like a cat. And you're in the middle!

Will nuzzle against you asleep or awake. He likes your smell. It makes him feel like you're his home.

If it's a bad day, you'll need to take the bottle away from his hands and make him forget his addiction for the night at least.

You'll always wake up with him sleeping around you somehow. It dosent matter how you fell asleep, he needs to hold you at night, just to remind himself that you're really there.

Sir Pentious:

10/10 for sleeping. You can pretty much sleep in any position and still be able to hug him somehow.

A big cuddle bug, but will definitely be scared to ask you if you can hold him or if he can hold you. (Please just say yes he's going to be so happy)

The egg boiz will sleep with you two. They just love you so much! And they hope you'll love them too!

Cold, he's always cold and cold to the touch. That's why cuddles are a must! He just loves to feel your warm skin under him. It's way more efficient than a simple blanket.

I mean, it's really nice when it's super hot outside (it's still hell after all). His skin is a bit fresh to the touch, exactly when you're searching for the cold spot in your bed on a hot night.

Sleeps in some kind of robe (no pants duh). It looks very...vintage, but it's cute on him! Maybe you could try to lend him one of your night gowns? Wouldn't that be adorable?

Very protective of you. Especially if you're vulnerable. So when you're sleeping, he'll just curl around you shielding you from the outside world and secretly, he hopes from nightmares too.

[ashtavula]

Hi hi!! So, I’ve got an idea:

ace, deuce, epel and jack with an s/o who showers them with affection after a big game or race? I recently got ace’s basketball card so the thought has been plaguing my mind since :’)

Gotta give some love to our sporty boys!

Showing affection to Ace, Deuce, Epel, and Jack after a game/race

Ace:

-Ace is nearly knocked off his feet when you tackle him in a hug. He's quick to wrap his arm around your shoulders, and you kiss him. His already flushed face grows a few shades darker, but he plays it off with a cocky grin. "Heh, I won the game! I deserve more than just one kiss, doll."

-Honestly, your affection is one of the best types of rewards for him. Hearing you cheer for him in the stands, and having you look at him like he's the only person that matters means a lot to him. It only makes him work twice as hard on the court, even if your loud cheering makes him feel more flustered than he'd like to admit.

Deuce:

-He actually doesn't notice you running up to him at first. All he can think about is how much his muscles burn, and then you crash into him. You almost knock him right over, but he's able to steady the both of you as you start to kiss him, overjoyed by his win. Deuce blushes, and gives you the sweetest smile. "T-Thanks, angel! I just know I can keep winning if you're cheering for me!"

-Deuce always looks for you when he's about to start, hoping to catch a glance of your face. It's really motivating for him to know that you're watching, and he'll do his absolute best to be the sort of boyfriend that you're proud of. He initially gets a bit embarrassed by the pda after a successful sprint, but he quickly forgets about that when you're giving him such earnest praise.

Epel:

-Man, he's tired. Using so much energy, both physical and magical, always leaves him feeling drained. Still, he welcomes you with open arms when you rush over, all excited by his success on the spelldrive field. He beams at you as you fawn over him. "Next time, I'll make sure the team scores even more points! Just wait and see!"

-Epel hyperfocuses on the game, so he never notices if you're in the crowd. Still, he loves knowing that you're out there screaming his name. It makes him feel more masculine, and he'll gladly puff out his chest to hear you say you're proud of him. He also likes to gloat about your relationship to his fellow team mates, just to see their faces twist when Epel reminds them that he managed to score such a supportive partner.

Jack:

-He hears you coming long before he sees you, ears perking up at the sound of you calling his name. His tail wags as you tug him down for a kiss, but he's quick to put you at arm's length, even as his tail starts swaying faster. "I'm all sweaty right now. Besides, I was just doing what I'm supposed to. No need for all of this."

-He likes to act like your support isn't that big of a deal, but he always looks for you before he runs. Your support means the world to him. He might not be the most affectionate right after, but it's just because he gets flustered by all the attention. Plus, he really doesn't want you to get grossed out by how sweaty he is. Once he's showered and you're both somewhere more private, feel free to gush over his successes, and watch his tail go wild as he blushes.

[saturnniidae]

you say you have disabled hiccup headcanons? :3 *ears get really reall big. how are they doing that. why*

id love to hear them :D

Yes! Okay you've opened the floodgates my friend, I've been waiting to talk about this for so long.

He's autistic and has adhd! Obviously.

stims by tapping his fingers against things, waving his hands around, quickly taking apart and putting back together trinkets he's made, mimicking dragon noises (tho over time he's realized their vague meaning and stopped doing it randomly bc it was confusing them), running his hands over toothless' head to feel the texture of his scales and (when he was younger) petting his fur vest

His 'obsession' with things (trying to one up viggo, and when he was working on his sword) is literally just him Hyperfocusing on things

Easily loses track of time when he's locked in (Hyperfocused) working on inventions

Has that random 'I need to info dump NOW' thing and wakes Astrid up in the middle of the night like to randomly talk about abnormal behavioral patterns in a new terror flock on berk and Astrids just like 'babe I love you but it's three am'

Dyspraxic. When he was a kid he spent so much time practicing coordination for things like learning to write then later working in the smithy, and almost gave up more than once before continuing out of spite.

immunocompromised. Like seriously Hiccup has a weak ass immune system and would get sick every winter as a little kid, to the point of it being fatal. The villagers would always talk in hushed tones (bc of stoick caught them they'd get yelled at) and wonder if that years gonna be the one where he doesn't make it but he always ended up pulling through (also out of spite)

After meeting Toothless he developed tinnitus. Didn't think much of the ringing in his ears at first bc. Yknow, dragon roared at full volume directly into his ear. Then it didn't go away and he was like 'huh maybe this is an issue' then it just got worse as he continued to be in close proximity to loud noises like, even more roaring, and explosions etc.

Despite this he's got that weird "I enjoy loud noises like dragons roaring and the sound the wind makes when you're flying at like 40 mph, but if I hear the noise of lots of overlapping voices all having different conversations in a large room I need to die."

Chronic pain. The obvious, phantom pains in his leg of course, but fun fact! The human body really doesn't like it when you've broken bones repeatedly especially in the same area, and with how much this kid gets thrown around in rtte it's safe to say he's broken, fractured, and dislocated a lot of things.

When he comes home/gets back to the edge after a long day of traumatic or ridiculous events, first thing he does is take Toothless' saddle and prosthetic tail fin off, then he tries to crash in his bed, but either Toothless doesn't let him sleep until he's taken his prosthesis off (I hate that he sleeps with it on in canon looking at it makes my body hurt imaging how uncomfortable that'd be), or Astrid comes in to make sure he does (and also to make sure he eats bc he forgets to wayyy too often).

Asthma. No explanation. I just know he has it

I hope not all of these came off as super angsty, they aren't meant to completely. Like sure it sucks but he's allowed to not be miserable constantly (disabled people are allowed to not be miserable constantly, it doesn't make our pain any less valid. We're allowed to be happy).

I just love when characters are permanently, physically, changed by their story. Tbh if it weren't for rampant ableism, I think a lot of characters in action/adventure stories would be disabled, but people aren't ready for that discussion yet. Ty for the ask I had so much fun answering and writing these!!!

[stranger-opinions]

maybe it's not a writers-block; maybe you just need a break

creativity is a muscle, right?

you need to exercise it to keep it in good shape, to have it ready when you need it and don't we all love those hyperfocused sprints of writing where the words just spill out of our fingertips...

but muscles get sore when you overuse them, will strain when you force them past their limits, they need nourishment to stay healthy and in shape

fandom today has a competitive atmosphere. many wouldn't admit that; it's supposed to be fun after all. just vibing with our mutuals, playing with the blorbos having a fun time online to scratch a few itches.

but the truth is that it can become a lot of pressure rather fast.

putting out several k of (edited) writing a month, setting up painstakingly formatted posts with the right tags and a fun header we spent hours on to look effortlessly cool and eye-catching just to hit post and then feel... nervous. excited too, sure...

but damn, when will the next chapter be finished? or the next one shot? will there be enough time to put a few blubs in between so that the few people who actually seem to care won't forget about us and move on?

writing for writing's sake is a nice notion. the myth of the self-sustaining artist who needs nothing more than a passion and their tools of choice.

but shit isn't just created out of nothing.

what has that all to do with the title of this post do you ask?

very few people can just keep going and going making art like that without needing any breaks and a good portion of those people very likely have very different conditions than most of us have with full-time jobs, families, school and so on.

For many of us writing is a main outlet, an important hobby and a safe space but that still doesn't change that it is a creative hobby, an outlet that demands energy: emotional, mental and physical (typing for hours is hard work if you want to believe it or not) and that sometimes makes it impossible to accept that we just need a fucking break.

"writers-block", in my own experience, is my brain telling me that something is off and that it's on strike until I fucking fix that.

and sometimes it's just that I need a break.

that I need to recharge my creative batteries, take in things that inspire me, that make me happy and get me excited without having to make anything myself. to just be. take some walks amongst trees, watch a new series, read a new book, go into a deep dive of some random topic on wikipedia until I don't know where the fuck I started from.

sometimes I just need to log out, cut the overstimulation of a never ending dashboard, turn off what everybody else on tumblr is doing, how much everbody is putting out, get away from my frustration about "my flopped fic" or the latest fandom drama and reconnect with the real reason I am doing this.

the love for stories and the source material.

for some people those breaks can be as short as two days, for other is might be weeks or months and that is not only okay but totally normal.

sometimes you might realize that the reason you are not writing is that you actually don't want to. sometimes you just want to daydream without the extra work sometimes you're just not in a writing mood and it's not much deeper than that.

that doesn't have to mean you're done with your blorbos. it just means that there are more valid and fun ways to play with them.

don't worry, the fandom will still be there when you decide to pick up the keyboard again. maybe with less people, maybe with many different people but you will always find someone who cares. those who have moved on to different things not come back wouldn't likely have stayed if you had powered through.

fandom shouldn't be a you're in or you're out thing but a place you come to when you want to.

contentification of fandom has had a lot of negative effects on the way we create and so many people fade from their hobby because they simply burn themselves out to a point where it leaves a scar.

so. find something that makes you happy that does not require you to invest too much creational energy. rest those muscles as long as it takes.

nothing you can get on tumblr or ao3 is worth the sore brain, the frustration with yourself and the stress you add onto your mental health ontop of everything else in your life.

recharge, reevaluate, reconnect

have fun

[diaperedautistic]

finding diapers as a continent/semicontinent autistic

(This essay is not in Plain Language. Please tell me if you want a Plain Language version and I will write one.)

I was slow to toilet train: I routinely came home wet from kindergarten and was still wetting myself occasionally in third grade and later. This was mostly an executive function problem; I usually knew I had to pee, but didn't have the executive function to stop whatever I was doing to use the bathroom.

I didn't get much in the way of help for this: I was kicked out of diapers before entering kindergarten. In kindergarten and first grade, I was 'on a schedule', which meant staff would pull me out of class to take me to use the bathroom periodically, hopefully before I'd wet myself. As early as kindergarten, my parents yelled at me for wetting myself, and past first grade, yelling was all the help I got. No one suggested diapers as a way to avoid the shame and humiliation of accidents; it was apparently better for a third-grader to wet herself in front of her classmates than for her to wear diapers.

Eventually, like some autistics, I 'grew out' of it: I learned to absorb the executive function cost of interrupting myself to go pee, or the pain of holding it because I didn't want to interrupt myself, and I stopped wetting myself.

At some level, though, I always understood that diapers were something I needed: when I hit puberty, they became a fetish object; when I transitioned in my late twenties, they shifted to a non-sexual emotional comfort, and I started wearing them more often. As I worked through some of my childhood trauma in therapy, they shifted again, to a radical way of 'rewriting the story' for my younger self who'd needed them, and I started wearing them full-time.

(I want to stop here and acknowledge that I was privileged to be able to make this change in my life: I can afford to live by myself to avoid judgmental family or housemates, and I can afford to buy disposable diapers out of pocket. Many people can't, and I'd love to see diapers as a voluntary adaptation for autistics destigmatized and covered by insurance.)

Once I was wearing diapers full-time, something magical happened: my brain settled back into those same patterns from elementary school, using my diaper when I'm hyperfocused and using the toilet when I'm not. I find focused tasks easier and less stressful, since I don't have to interrupt myself to go use the bathroom in the moment or cope with the ongoing sensory and executive function cost of feeling and knowing that I have to go to the bathroom eventually. I don't worry about burning something on the stove, forgetting important context while programming, or losing the plot of a movie or TV show I wanted to watch. I can get what I wanted to get done more easily, and have more energy and cope left for other things.

Despite the obvious benefits, I still felt ashamed when I found myself wet after a period of hyperfocus; I wasn't 'supposed' to wet myself, and I wasn't 'supposed' to wear diapers.

A couple weeks ago, as part of a larger effort to find better accommodations for myself, I found @endeverstar's wonderful article "Finding AAC as a verbal/semiverbal autistic". It talks about how xe found speaking with mouth words difficult and stressful but was nonetheless forced into a bunch of speech therapy as a kid so xe could be considered "speaking"; nobody offered xem AAC as a kid because xe didn't 'need' it and it was stigmatized. Xe discovered AAC as an adult, quickly realized it was easier and less stressful than mouth words, and is at this point mostly-nonspeaking.

This was me, toilet training, and diapers. Everything suddenly made sense.

I found toileting without diapers as a backup difficult and stressful, but was nonetheless forced to so I could be considered "toilet trained"; nobody offered me diapers as a kid past the 'normal' age because I didn't 'need' them and they were stigmatized. I rediscovered diapers as an adult, realized they were easier and less stressful, and decided to wear them all the time.

Overnight, that last whiff of shame disappeared. Diapers aren't just a fetish object, an emotional comfort, or a way of 'rewriting' my trauma. Diapers are a valid adaptive choice for autistics, even those who are technically capable of always using the toilet!

So, to paraphrase endever*: if you're a continent or mostly-continent autistic person and you're wondering whether diapers might be useful for you -- consider this your permission slip! You're allowed to try them if you think they might help, and you're allowed to keep using them if you find them helpful. Toileting works for abled people, but isn't inherently superior; don't listen to anyone who says you're 'not allowed' to use diapers unless you 'need' them or that you should force yourself to always use the toilet if that doesn't work for you.

Everyone deserves access to the full range of communication methods that work for them, and likewise everyone deserves access to the full range of toileting strategies that work for them.

[azuremist]

Gary Prince, Prince Gumball and Princess Bubblegum are actually extremely different characters, despite being alternate universe versions of the same person.

The obvious: Princess Bubblegum is into chemistry and science, while Gary and Prince Gumball both have an interest in baking instead. (Prince Gumball is knowledgeable about chemistry in the comics, but only regarding how it applies to baking specifically.)

Because a lot of Princess Bubblegum’s battle prowess comes from her scientific achievements, this also implies that Prince Gumball is much less adept in battle.

Since Prince Gumball isn’t able to hold his own in battle, this leads to emotional problems that Princess Bubblegum doesn’t have — in the comics, he expresses that he always worries that he’s a burden on his kingdom, because of him being kidnapped and “wasting” his kingdom’s resources

In the words of Adam Muto (one of the showrunners for Adventure Time), Gary is “not necessarily as authoritarian as Princess Bubblegum or as together and commanding. He’s just got some of the ambition, but is a little bit more nervous.”

Gumball and Marshall Lee’s relationship is seemingly at a worse place than Bubblegum’s and Marceline’s ever was, even in early seasons. Their rivalry is way more prominent in their interactions.

The previous statement is supported by Marceline knowing and referring to Bubblegum by her first name, even in early seasons. But Marshall Lee never calls Gumball his first name in any official media. In the show, he doesn’t even call him “Prince Gumball”, exclusively referring to him with a sarcastic “your majesty” or a light insult.

It is possible (but not confirmed) that Prince Gumball and Marshall Lee might not have dated, but were friends with mutual romantic feelings. A song that Marshall Lee reacts strongly to in the comics (implied to be because it reminds him of himself and Prince Gumball) has a line about “All those ‘I love yous’ I wish I’d said”, implying that the feelings were unspoken.

In the present day, Butterscotch Butler seems to dislike Marshall Lee a lot more than Peppermint Butler dislikes Marceline. This is implied to be because Marshall Lee messes with Gumball a lot more than Marceline messes with Bubblegum. (Or, at least, Prince Gumball vents about Marshall Lee’s pranks more to Butterscotch than Princess Bubblegum does to Peppermint.) (Or it’s just that Butterscotch reads Gumball’s diary in canon.)

It may be because he’s a boy, so it’s more noticeable, but Prince Gumball has always read way more prissy to me when compared to Princess Bubblegum, as well.

Prince Gumball’s prissiness seems to manifest in Gary as being a neat freak (folding Fionna’s clothes for her). Princess Bubblegum doesn’t have this trait, as she’s shown to let her surroundings get really messy when she’s hyperfocused on a project.

Plus some other key traits and plot points that change between the three of them that I’m sure I’m forgetting!

[emovulture]

Hubby Price x ADHD reader 💫

this was an anons request <33

You and Price have been married for a few years now. He's aware of your ADHD, and he's so patient with you, you can't help but be forever grateful for this angel man. Sure, not everyday is perfect, because sometimes you'll forget really important dates, chores, or even your own health. John can't help but get just a little frustrated as this happened more then not, over and over. Though, he knows you literally cannot help it, and he does the best he can to help you.

Much like today, where you found yourself glued to your desk on your day off of work, barely moving from your seat. "You just have to finish this one tiiiny project. It's not that big of a deal, right? It hasn't even been thaaat long", is what a voice in your head keeps telling you over all the other sounds going on in your little noggin, but it has infact been hours. You started hyperfocusing on various arts and crafts project that you saw tiktok at around 10am, and it's currently 2pm. You've forgotten to eat, but this is almost done, right? You can get up soon because there's just a few more things until you're done, right..?

The front door opens, and your husband came back from running a few errands. He sighs, kicking off his boots, looking around as he locked the door. "Y/N, sweetheart, I'm home." He called out, earning no reply from your end. He hummed thoughtfully, soon making his way to your little office room. "Where are you, poppet?" He inquired once more, quickly finding you at your desk as he poked his head into the room. You finally processed the that John said something to you, and walked into the room. "Oh, hello, my love." You replied, but didn't bother looking up at him. His eyebrows furrowed just a little, and he walked closer, massaging your shoulders gently once his large hands got to you. He had already recognized your behavior, and decided to voice a question. "Be honest with me, hun. How long have you been sitting at this desk, mm?"

You then tried to splutter out an answer, finally sitting up properly, your back aching after having the posture of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. "Pfft, uh, like.. um.." you couldn't even respond, not actually knowing how much time had went by. "What.. time is it..?" You chuckled nervously, to which John sighed, his hands stopping their ministrations. "My love.." he grumbled, attempting to hide the slight annoyance in his tone. You finally looked back at him with an anxious smile, and your husband spun your chair around so you weren't even facing what you were hyperfocusing on. "Cmon. I'm going to go make us a nice lunch, and force you to relax this afternoon." He stated, leaving no room for any arguments, and soon picked you up bridal style, making you squeal a little, your arms wrapping around his neck to hold yourself up.

"I'm sorry, John." You murmured, looking away from him , but he just smiled softly. "Oh hush. I knew what I was getting myself into when I married you.. we'll worry about the chores later." He purred, "But for now, let's get some food in your belly. Knowing you, I can only assume you haven't eaten yet, you silly bugger." Your husband kissed your temples.

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Mini headcanon for when M6 warns MC to be careful doing something/not to do something, then MC does it anyway and gets hurt?

like for example they’re biking too fast in the dark so they trip over a curb and eat concrete? (This definitely did not happen to me today nope no i dont know what you’re talking about)

-🚲

The Arcana Mini-HCs: When MC doesn't listen to M6's warning

Julian: he wants to be upset with you but he can't because he's self aware enough to know that he would do exactly the same thing. makes up for it by fussing over you for the rest of the night

Asra: sprinting over from wherever they are to make sure you're okay. hyperfocuses on taking care of you until it's clear that everything is going to be fine, then teases you about it for the next few days

Nadia: eyes wide. she's rushing as elegantly as she can to the crash site. as soon as she sees that you're conscious and breathing she's helping you up and asking if you'll consider listening to her next time

Muriel: immediate facepalm because he knew what was coming and he warned you what was coming and you didn't freaking listen to him and now he's going to carry you home and blush the whole way

Portia: laughing at you, scolding you, and patching you up all at the same time and at top volume. she won't tell anyone else how ridiculous her magician looked eating concrete but she'll never forget

Lucio: flabbergasted because he's not used to being the sensible one. or the type to warn somebody. or even the type to get upset when someone gets what's coming to them. too stunned to speak

[songclangen]

info

hi! this is songclan, a clangen account where i post event updates about my pixel kitty cats. right now i’m updating daily because i’m hyperfocused on this clan and have enough free time to do so but that’s subject to change

see bottom of post for tw tags. anyway, i am not used being super organized with tags so i will definitely fail at being consistent, but the general idea is this:

#songclangen - literally all posts surrounding songclan. other people are allowed to use this as well if they want to post fanart or anything like that! but yeah all events, extra art, memes about songclan etc are in there.

#songclan events - these are the moon event updates based on the game!

(here they are in chronological order, though this works best on desktop!)

#songclan sprites - sprites for characters in songclan. i usually add sprites of new characters than join directly on the event post, but feel free to ask for any sprite you’d like to see anytime, and it will also be under this tag

#songclan lore - i haven’t added much in this tag yet, but it’s basically just canon or headcanons that i write, potentially stories about songclan’s past or present. if anyone sends in an elaborate theory, fanfic or anything of the sort, i might remember to put it here

#songclan allegiances - will add to this one when the time is right (when we get to moon 50)

#songclan polls - i like polls

#songclan art - art of songclan characters that i or someone else makes that isn't an event post

#songclan fic - little stories i write.....and if anyone wants to send some in it'll be here!

#not songclan art - art that i make that isn't of songclan characters

#songclan memes - that sort of thing

#asks - yep. asks. 

HERE is a link to the big prongsloe family tree!

clangen is a game with occasionally quite gruesome events surrounding animal death, sickness, abuse and injury. i assume that most people following my account are familiar with warrior cats and are relatively comfortable with how dark those books can get, so i usually don’t tw tag unless it’s like…pretty darn bad. 

TW tags:

#animal injury - if it’s a relatively gnarly injury with blood and such i’ll most likely tag it, but scratches, dislocated joints and stuff like that most likely won’t be tagged

#animal death - any post where a cat character dies, or if there’s a drawing of a dead fox for example (haven’t drawn anything like that yet but maybe at some point), it will be here. dead prey will not be under this tag

#animal abuse - sometimes there are events where humans hurt cats, posts mentioning that will be under here

if i forget to tag something you definitely think should be under one of these let me know, but yeah warrior cats is occasionally dark. so...expect some occasional darkness.

[tulipsstudyblr]

How to Make it Through to the End of the School Year

I myself am pushing through to the end of my spring semester (gotta make it to finals week 😅) and it's rough, for sure. I'm rounding out my junior year of college and it's quickly hitting me that after this, I'll only have one more year left of school (as of right now).

I know I listed in the bio of this blog that there would be advice/study tips and while I am no expert, I can speak from my experience and what has worked for me. DIsclaimer: everyone is different and what I may or may not list here is not a cure-all for everyone, this is just how I stay productive and efficient.

Taking breaks! - I struggle a lot with recognizing my limits and taking healthy breaks so I can work best. Recently, a friend and I have been having outside study times ("picnics") where we sit and do some work and/or color. One evening, we even made chai lattes on the lawn to have while we colored. Personally, I love simple coloring books (like Disney, but I'm currently working in a Bluey book). Also, this past weekend, I made time in between my textbook readings to rewatch a favorite movie of mine, Ella Enchanted. I haven't taken the proper time to watch TV in a while, so it was a nice change of pace.

Properly eating and hydrating - This is also something I struggle with. I understand how easy it is to get hyperfocused and forget about food in the midst of studying. I am thankful to have a girlfriend who will check in on me when she can to make sure my water bottle is filled if I have been busy throughout the day, but I have also set an alarm on my laptop to ding every 20 minutes. I'm using the Google Chrome extension "Water Reminder", which has been super helpful for me! It's not super cutesy and aesthetic like other Chrome extensions, but I like the simple ding that reminds me to drink water in case I haven't in a while. Hearing a reminder to drink water also allows me to check in with myself to see how I'm feeling in terms of hunger. I try to schedule meals times specifically for myself so that I can remember to eat. Some people are really great about intuitive eating, but I am unfortunately not one of those people. Keeping track of the time and keeping meals times at 7:30 - 8:00 am (breakfast), 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (lunch), and 5:00 pm (dinner/supper), I find it easier to keep up with eating so that I can stay healthy and nourished.

Studying - probably a more obvious "tip", but with my own addition. I like to romanticize the idea of studying. I use specifically colored pens, marker, and highlighters to make each of my notes in class and outside of class to keep myself focused. I love things that are artsy and colorful, so using lots of colors keeps my attention on the material.

Self care - I love face masks, body lotion, and moisturizers. I can't afford the super expensive skincare that you see on TIkTok and Instagram, but I have found some products that work well for me. I like the non abrasive Neutrogena face wash, Nivea body lotion (with shea butter - this also helped heal my tattoos!), and peach slices acne patches (my current lifesavers). Freeman is a brand that makes some really good face masks that have worked for my somewhat senstiive skin and they have a good variety so that you can find what you may be looking for you. They're an inexpensive brand (I think) that works pretty well. Even my sister who is into cosmetology and skincare and knows all the nitty gritty details about what ingredients are good recommended the brand to me so I definitely love to use those when I can (no more than twice a week, though; no need to wear down my face)

Get a study buddy - if you're like me and you find it easier to be productive with another body around, see if you can find someone to study with you or to at least hang around you while you work. As I saif before, a friend and I have been having little picnics outside in the nice weather to work, but I have also met up with others in a library space or a study room to keep myself prodcutive. Some days, I am really productive on my own and in my room, but other days, I really need a change of scenery. Being outside of the space where my lovely bed is and having someone else bear witness to how productive or not I am being is certainly a motivator.

I may discover new habits that can help me as I progress through the next month, but as of right now, these are the main things that are helping me.

[sirwow]

I have written an essay about why i don't like act 4 (and how i would fix it) and you can read it right here under the cut! Warning its. long again.

Why Act 4 isn’t very good and how I’d fix it. A stupid essay by Wally / SirWow —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER!This is going to be a bit of an over exaggeration when it comes to how I feel about act 4. I think it’s serviceable and all the music and all* of the gameplay is very well done. (*4-2n has problems but I'll get into that.) This is out of a place of absolute adoration for this game and how much I’ve come to love it in the past few months. Also if you don’t know anything about RD this will make no sense <3 With that out of the way, take it away insane Wally. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rhythm Doctor’s acts all have a speciality of being completely unique and different from the last. Act 1 is a basic introduction to the tone and feel of the game; Fun, a bit goofy, heartfelt and even dramatic at times. Act 2 feels almost like the start of a slice of life romance. The dumb guy with a coffee addiction and the sarcastic barista that serves him with an energetic secret side. Act 3, what it lacks in one settled idea it makes up in a jam packed and fast story that expands the scope of this at first basic story. Act 5 is the king of acts (as of writing this!) a single focused story on Lucky that doesn’t forget the ones going on around it unlike in say act 2’s hyperfocusing of Cole and Nicole. A grand slam story that pays off its build up with a spectacular final level.

Then there's act 4. The confused and uncertain child of the lot. It’s plot jumping around yet not accomplishing literally any story development, repeating points that have already been made and forgetting the ones it introduces. Not only this but it fails to be what it sets up to be and even sidelines it’s own chapter with a sudden unprompted return to the hospital! So let us go step by step, level by level why act 4 falls behind all the rest.

4-1 & 4-1nNow these two levels are actually great, but understanding what makes them so good is important to understanding why the rest is so bad. 4-1 follows us just now getting on the train with Cole and Hailey and meeting Miner. We’re immediately thrown into action as Miner gets a heart attack on the spot, a classic western jig that is perfectly in keeping with the new held beats mechanic. Sets up the feel of the chapter to be a good ol’ western-esk adventure with a bit of a playful lightheartedness to it. 4-1n takes this up a notch by playing off the idea of western and how it was popularized in the 80’s with a midi jam and level literally called Roller Disco Rumble. The level design is also impeccable for both. 4-1 is purely focused on the held mechanic to warm you up to all its kinks and bits. 4-1n is a difficulty spike but in a good way. Teaching you how helds function with other beats (specifically SVT’s) in a difficult but not hard to understand way. Introducing the helds then the SVT’s then combining them during mid and end of the song. Both are wonderfully done introductions to helds for the rest of the act. Keep this in mind for later. 4-1 gets a 8/10 and 4-1n gets a 9/10

4-2 & 4-2n This is where the problems start rearing their ugly heads. 4-2’s story context is that there's a sandstorm and they’re all having a bad time about it. This is… Fine when it comes to a plot but serves zero plot progression in the chapter. By the end nothing has changed and nothing new was learned, merely serves as filler plot wise and makes for a somewhat forgettable story. Then there's the level itself. For what the gameplay is it’s good! Snappy patterns but somewhat reminiscent of 3-2N’s gameplay. The music works well enough but I could definitely not hum the song off the top of my head after spending a good 2 hours S ranking it and 4-2n. It is a bit strange why Samurai and Logan would be there of all people but from a gameplay point of view I completely understand. Overall, a serviceable but filler and forgettable level. Then there is 4-2n. A CRIME TO LEVELS!!!! 4-2n has the exact same song and plot as 4-2 which is already pretty bad considering both of those are middling at best, but now the plot makes less sense and the song is RUINED by WORSE gameplay!!!!!! Richard’s beat is fine and good for making the song harder but the bird? THE BIRD????? Crime. The bird follows none of the beats of the song, it’s frustrating to learn consistently and is more of a game of tying it to the other beats to know when to hit it. Then there’s an extension of the song and for what? So we can be tortured further by this feathered beast??? 4-2 is a 4/10 and 4-2n is a straight 1/10 4-3 & 4-3n Or as I like to call them- “Wait this is act 4? This feels like act 3!” suppose thats why its the third level but regardless- 4-3 is yet another filler story beat and somehow even worse than the last one. The point of act 4 as we were introduced to it in the pre-act cutscene was we were gonna get away from the hospital for a while and see what it was like outside! But nope! This level pulls you back to the hospital to deal with the birds and Mrs. Stevenson. At least with 4-2 we were still on the train. The music is good and the gameplay fun but that doesn’t excuse the fact that it takes you out of the experience of the train. It also straight up doesn’t have the helds anymore and if you think we will be seeing them again after this filler you are WRONG! There are more levels in act 4 WITHOUT helds then there are with helds. In the chapter that introduces them mind you. My general review of this level is basically identical to 4-3n. There's basically no difference between the levels other than Ian doesn’t take over some of the other lines for you. In isolation both these levels are fine and inoffensive but in context of this being a chapter about getting away from the hospital and containing all stuff that was important in the act prior to this this level would have just been better made the night level of 3-3. 4-3 & 4-3N both get a 4/10

4-4 “Wait, where's 4-4n?” I am splitting these levels apart because they’re extremely different from each other. Now then- 4-4 is basically just continuing the filler trend of no story happening and being pretty ill fitting to what the long forgotten original set up of this chapter was supposed to be. 4-4 follows Cole showing off some of his music to Hailey so she can send it to Logan later. (which is pretty passive aggressive but that's an essay for another day.) Nothing new is realized or discovered in this level, we already knew Hailey was longing for Logan and that Cole makes romantic and heartfelt music. Most you can say about this level is that it establishes Hailey and Cole as friends thanks to what Cole says after the level is completed. The music is again good and gameplay alright but still gets lost in the “This could have just been a act 2 level” fog. It is memorable thanks to it’s distinct song and vfx-es. Speaking of which- absolutely no offense to the vfx in this entire act! It’s fine enough and even really good on 4-1n and the last level. 4-4 gets a 6/10 4-4N This level gives me extremely conflicting feelings. Yes it repeats the same ideas as 4-4 but done with far more grace and introspection to the characters up to this point. Cole and Hailey are chatting again and she asks him about who he wants to play the guitar for. (Which also its kinda silly that she’s surprised he plays the guitar. He had to have carried on the guitar case to have it on the train, she was there during 2-1n, and according to 2-2n, Cole and Samurai blast their music playing throughout the entire hospital. ANywhays.) Cole is hesitant to answer and then we flip back to the hospital with Nicole and Logan. We get massive development with Nicole, her picking back up the guitar because of Cole and wondering if he’d like acoustic when she hasn’t really shown any obvious feelings back to him up until now. The song is also fantastic with great leitmotif call backs and being a calm night level to fizzle off. Despite all of this praise however… I can’t bring myself to ignore the fact that this level still probably shouldn’t have been here. If the rest of the levels had a focus on what the act was established to be about then I’d let this level slide but they’re not. It continues the issue of not using the established chapter mechanics, going over pre-established plot points we already know, and really not serving the already hurt story of this act. It is perfectly fine to have a level to develop side plots like 2-4n or 3-1n, the issue is when the rest of the act is failing to say anything. 4-4n is fantastic in isolation, probably the 2nd best of the act in isolation but this is a broad review of the whole act and I can’t ignore that. 4-4n gets a 7/10, 9/10 were it isolated from this. Intermission talk (not about any level) So this is the 8 levels we get for the act. Half fall under a 5/10 and there is a repeating issue that is found throughout this whole act. The writer's curse of filler plots. Filler in Rhythm Doctor is not something that can be indulged in much- maybe 1-2 filler levels in an act. The reason that filler can’t really be indulged in that much is just due to how all the acts get at most 9 levels, usually more like 7 or 8. As a result of the majority of act 4 being complete filler, the act doesn’t leave any impact. Act 1 I can let slide (somewhat. Maybe I might write an angry act 1 short essay) when it comes to not making an impact because it’s the first levels, we just need a basic foundation. Act 4 not so much seeing as the last two acts left far more of an impact. Also there is a notable lack of any act boss like every other act. “But what aboutttt 1-Xn???????” that don’t even got the 4 in it!!!! So let's get on with the final level of act 4. At least when you first play through the game.

1-Xn The second case of being very conflicted about a level in this act. Positives first; This is a brilliant way of getting back to the hospital and really getting across the impact Connectifa can cause. The level visuals I don’t even need to tell you are fantastic and letting Insomniac get more than a single appearance is nice. (#justiceforInsomandLucia) However this is where my praise has to end as much as I adore this level in isolation. No level is truly isolated from the rest of the game and the way this level fits into the rest of the story and flow of things is. Not great!!! First off 1-Xn has zero build up to it happening in the story, it just kinda does. This I can let go a little bit since it’s supposed to be a woah! Twist moment but it’s still not great. Then since this is acting as the boss of act 4, it really fumbles that. I harpped on at the start of this essay that 4-1 and 4-1n are fantastic set up to what's supposed to be happening but this is the ultimate showcase of act 4 not knowing what it wants to be. Why are we back at the hospital? We aren’t using the main mechanic we were introduced to at the start of the act and in fact have regressed back to act 1 mechanics purely. There’s no multiple rows, no SVT, not even skip beats,  just the same 7 beat gameplay from the start. This drives me up the wall- I love you Insomniac but this should not have been the act 4 finale. Lastly there's the post stuff after the level is finished for the first time. I don’t know how to sum up my feelings on it much better than it feels hollow, forced and unnecessary. The info and story we get from it feels less like a payoff and more of a forced reminder that the doctors are appreciated and respected n that you are too. I think that's a good thing to say of course! But we already know this like a lot. 3-X was literally to get this point across, Miner thanked you on the train, Insomniac already thanked the doctors once and now he’s doing it again making him continuously flat as a character. Having Insomniac thank them again would be fine but the whole cast doing so is forced. HELL some of the character interactions that actually did give some development to others got CUT from the current version of the game. Things like Logan being scared of the dark n Hailey poking fun at that or Cole looking for a welcome back and just getting it from Samurai. It’s all just… such a fizzle to the end of what I guess is a mid game act. Worst part? Miner doesn’t even show up in his own act ending </3 Whew ok I had a lot more to say about 1-Xn then I thought I did and I feel too negative now so let’s move on to what to do now. —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixing Act 4 (The Wally Way) So what have we examined about act 4 up to here? Its; - Unsure to what it wants to be - Filler bloated - Fails to help the player master the helds and as an introduction to Miner - Somewhat forgettable SO let’s try and do a bit of a rewrite here shall we? Or I guess just me I don’t know why I keep saying we, I’m the one writing this. Anyyyyywho!

Story intro, 4-1, 4-1n I won’t be changing any of these, they’re perfect as is. A new 4-2 and 4-2n Now then the first of the rewrites, 4-2 I don’t believe the actual story itself needs to change for this one but I feel it be a good way to start introducing aspects of Miner we see in act 5 here! He’s a caring dude and loves to help out so why not have him help Hailey with not being spooked by the sandstorm before the level starts and maybe a little conversation after the level is done. 4-2n is where the first of the very big changes happens. Throw out the copy paste of the day version level and story and instead we have a level of Miner and Hailey star watching now that the sky is clear. We can still have the beat going on but instead it’s just Hailey and Miner’s- Instead the challenge comes in having an internal rhythm rather than visual as both their bars can’t be completely seen. It’s far more laid back then the hectic day in a sandstorm and focuses more on learning more about these two characters. What would we learn? Idk man I don’t wanna insert my own headcanons if they’re wrong, that's up to the devs to figure out. Unless they hire me /j 4-3 & 4-3n (aka throw it out) That's a nice level you got there. It shouldn’t be there tho. Live by the advice of kill your darlings and kill this level entirely to replace it with a new pair of levels that pays off the setup we were given in the act intro when Hailey said she needed to deliver some things. 4-3 rewrite follows Miner, Hailey and Cole all arriving at the actual town they were heading to and doing town things! In keeping with the silly but heartfelt set up of 4-1, Hailey wanders around town to do things and Miner has to save her from the many dangers of the wild west- cacti, heat, rock slips and snakes. If you want a backing SVT beat or even one in swing then Cole is busy off at another local cafe getting a coffee but having adverse effects because it’s a local brew he did not check the contents of before downing. A story end of Hailey’s ended and potential development for everyone on the train if they so choose to. 4-3n’s rewrite is the gang all done for the day but now stuck at the train station waiting for their train to arrive. Cole starts playing his keyboard bored and Miner n Hailey join in making a little jig! Clapping/stomping from Hailey, Whistling and then a harmonica for helds from Miner. Technically filler but it still gives development to this dynamic and a smooth inbetween to them heading back. 

4-4 & 4-4n Now these levels I’m not actually going to be changing despite my critiques of them. I think they still work in this context- Maybe 4-4 could have a bit more focus that Hailey is getting these anxieties about Logan now that she’s heading back instead of just having them for no definitive reason then she does. 4-4n is still a great level. Maybe add a story reason why Miner isn’t around during this level- perhaps have him say he needs to go check on something and this could be setup for what I have next- 4-X (but for real this time) A final boss level where our chilling cruising state is suddenly thrown off the rails- and literally! I’m a bit indecisive about which I would go with but my two thoughts are both classic western train shenanigans: The train gets derailed somehow and the gang gotta deal with it and hold on. Alternatively, the train gets attacked by bandits and loonytoon-esk fighting ensues. Regardless of which you gotta treat them to make sure they also don’t have a heart attack from the stress. The three can all have their moments and can act as a proper ending to the 4th act. 1-Xn (wait what) We’re not leaving behind 1-Xn though! Seeing as this is still an important level to the story we’re not gonna ditch it. Instead now 4-X acts as a subtle cause to why Insomniac got so bad in this level. Ada got back right as boss level occurred so her, Ian and the intern were all hands on deck when it came to monitoring and treating Cole Hailey and Miner. Besides, if Edega found out they let their patients get injured on a non-approved adventure they’d have their jobs on the line! Unfortunately being hands on deck with the three outside, they ended up missing Insomniac having a Connectifa episode and it got worse. They were just calming down the train gang after the boss level when the power suddenly cut off and cut off the intern’s connection with the train gang. 1-Xn ensues as usual and the situation is handled. The post conversation instead has them all at first checking on Insomniac when the train gang is finally able to arrive at the hospital. Miner gets to be part of the end and properly transferred to his role in the next act as Lucky’s support. Cole and Hailey are able to get their welcome back conversations and they can all still thank the doctors but with a more justified reason now! You just took on boss levels back to back and before they could thank you for the first one they all got cut off. A much more impactful end to Act 4 while still keeping intact a majority of the already existing things set out.

Conclusion and Extra things n doodads So thats my essay on act 4, it kinda sucks and I sound pretty mental at some parts but that's the Wally brand for you! I really love what the rest of Rhythm Doctor has done so far and I know act 4 has potential if it was rewritten. I still hate that fucking bird tho. Uhh now some other stuff i didn’t know where to put: “What about 2-1n’s skips? That's a mechanic not built on like helds!” 1. It’s a night level and 2. It shows up only thrice so far in the entire game and you even get told to go play it if you haven’t yet during act 5. “This sounds like a lot of work to change it to this.” I am well aware. If someone doubts me on this then I can make all the backgrounds and animations myself. I’m no composer admittedly but I can write, sprite, concept and draw! “Wally what even prompted you to write 10 pages about an act you don’t like” I wrote an act 4 fic and got on a tangent about act 4 to Mochii n Jenn and how I'd change it so I decided I'd just go ahead and write it. Nothing better to do (lie he had much better things to be doing like SLEEPING IT'S 1 AM WHEN YOU’RE FINISHING THIS DUDE) And I think that's all? If anyone has any more questions of me then like. Shoot my tumblr with an ask or ping me oke doke? Wally signs off and probably gonna die inside if any dev actually reads this. Hi if you are… I’m more normal than this I swear…

[jpitha]

Remember, fellow ADHD havers: when you get almost middle aged like me (I refuse to call myself middle aged until I’m 50) all the different hyperfixactions you have had through the decades will parlay themselves into being “that person with the weird knowledge”

For example:

I was into coffee for a long time, so now I have lots of different ways of making coffee and brewing knowledge so I can make a coffee drink for just about anyone that wants one.

I was into tea, so now I have lots of tea ware and different teas of all different types so if they don’t want coffee I can make them a yummy tea!

I got into wine for a while too, so now I know the basics of terroir, most of the major wine regions of France and a decent idea of good wines to recommend to folks based on their likes (top tip: Viognier is an underrated gem. It’s tasty and usually cheap.)

I got hyperfocused on video games - specifically the games I played when I was a kid, so now I’m accidentally knowledgeable about Roms, Emulators and handheld vintage gaming

I’ve always liked cars so I can usually tell you a little bit about any make and model you see driving along and I’ll go with all my friends car shopping to help them get a good deal on a car they want (and tell them what to avoid)

Additionally, you wind up building coping mechanisms to help you navigate the world. These are things you do to be able to function, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad or wrong. For just one example, I live out of my reminders app. Without it I’d forget just about everything

All these piles of knowledge were acquired over 42 years of life with ADHD and they have all proven themselves useful outside of the initial dopamine hits of discovering and learning and getting lost in them.

What I’m saying is: Don’t despair about your neurodivergence. Chances are you’ll put it to good use by the time you’re my age!

[yuma-tsukumo]

oooo you wanna think about yuma tsukumo so bad oooo

you wanna see how depression / adhd / autism coded he is!! him struggling to wake up on time every morning is a possible sign of depression n autism since sleeping problems are common in both!!

he keeps his feelings down and puts on a happy face pretty much all the time because he doesn't want anyone to worry about him and his possible depression!! he doesn't want to bring down others with him so he masks it CONSTANTLY and copes with his boundless optimism and positivity!! he genuinely believes in these things but they obviously don't change how he struggles to get up or how he feels!!

he has his special interest which is dueling!! he has his comfort item which is his key, he never takes it off unless he has to keep it safe!! he genuinely struggles with math and takes MUCH longer than most people to do even basic equations because it's just not his strong suit!! he doesn't like being told how to think or act because he knows his own methods, he's not receptive to that type of change!!

he struggles to find the motivation to do schoolwork unless it's a subject that inherently interests him!! he's easily distracted but also hyperfocuses on his own goals!! he's highly reckless and impulsive, people usually keep him in check because of this!!

his sister and grandmother are always reminding him about things he'd normally forget about such as eating and doing his responsibilities!! bro probably doesn't even do his homework at home, he either pulls an all-nighter on the day before its due or he does it IN CLASS when the teacher's taking the homework!!

yuma is NOT neurotypical WHATSOEVER!!

[uponawhitehorse13]

Lambda-11 SFW alphabet

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

She's a bit stiff but she'd show affection by learning about your interests.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Very helpful, always offering solutions to your problems.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Really enjoys cuddles but doesn't really know how to cuddle back.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

She'd be great at organizing things in the home or managing your budget. Her cooking is incredibly bland though. You can teach her to cook however she will always perfectly replicate what you taught her including the mistakes leading to you needing to teach her all over again.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

She'd be very formal about it and harbor no resentment.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

She doesn't really get it. Needs a lot of different people to explain how meaningful it is.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

She's very blunt with her comments but she means no harm.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

She loves hugs but also doesn't really know how to hug back. Squeeze her hard she loves it.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

She'd say it rarely, at very quiet conntemplative moments.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Don't think she can get jealous. Doesn't pick up on flirting unless someone is very direct and even then she'd just bluntly clear up the situation.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

She gives simple, short and chaste kisses. Except that one time when she stumbled upon some questionable literature and ended up licking your face and drooling all over you leaving you very confused.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

She'd be kinda boring to children but she'd always have an answer to any question no matter how dumb or ankward.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

She usually wakes up earlier and watches you while you're sleeping. It calms her for some reason.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

She likes to cuddle and watch nature documentaries before going to bed or sometimes she reads to you. However she doesn't like space documentaries. They make her feel gloomy.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

She wouldn't bring up anything by herself but if you asked her anything she'd answer with complete honesty.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Don't think she can get angry? And even if she could she could never be mad at you.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Great memory, remembers every detail you ever share about yourself.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Strangely enough it was your first hug. She didn't know why but it mad eher feel something she never felt before and it pushed her to get closer to you.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Seemingly not that bad but when even something as small as a wasp approaches you she's in combat mode.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

She'd never know what to do so she'd go to Noel and her friends, Kokonoe and Tager or even Nu for advice. Sometimes it turns out great and sometimes the results are " confused"

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Often hyperfocuses and forgets about her and your needs. You need to remind her to take a rest, have a snack or drink etc.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Doesn't really care much but will let you pick her outfit if you want to match.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

She doesn't know it but if you were gone she'd be left with a massive hole inside her.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

She has a little bug terrarium she takes care of.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

She doesn't like when you give her conflicting information it confuses her.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

When she's sleeping alone she has a plushie and a weighted blanket so she feels like she's with you.

[skyloftian-nutcase]

So any advice to stay focused on basic tasks? I have currently untreated ADHD and as a result, have a lot of trouble focusing and remembering things. Not only is this really a pain for school (I forget any work I have to do or sometimes where my class is) but sometimes I will literally forget to eat or drink water (sometimes forgetting water for up to a day and a half and food for up to 3 days). I am looking to try medication to see if it helps soon but I keep forgetting to start the whole process so Anya device for how to remember stuff and stay focused?

I don't know how helpful I'll be, but I've been told I have ADHD so here's the ways I've managed over the years when I was in school:

I too forget due dates all the time, so I write them down. In a planner, on my phone, in a different planner, on a calendar, highlight them on the syllabus which is then placed in a pocket for the folder dedicated for that subject specifically. I used to carry a teacher's planner in my backpack, and since I took that backpack everywhere I went, I always had it with me. Put reminders on your phone. When you first get the syllabus, write down the important dates and put reminders on your phone immediately.

I used to keep boxes of protein bars and ramen and instant mac cups on a shelf in visible sight. Since I lived in a dorm that was essentially a closet, I could always see the food as a reminder. I would keep my water bottle on my desk, which was the only piece of furniture in the place where I could sit and do anything since all the furniture I had was a shelf, desk, bed, and dresser in one room. If you live in a bigger space, put snacks everywhere you usually hang out. My mom has a trick where she puts reading glasses in every single place of the house where she might be, so I recommend doing that with food and maybe even cups to remind you to drink. Also, you can set alarms on your phone! Like a daily reminder: Eat and hydrate!

As for the actual act of hunkering down and studying and being able to focus, I don't have a foolproof way, but what worked for me was this: I set up environments that were dynamic enough to keep me hyperfocused. What I mean by that is I get antsy sitting still for too long, so I would put on a playlist or a video game and just use the location ambience to help me feel like I was somewhere else. Whenever I would start getting antsy, I would move locations in the game or go to the next ambience video. And then boom! You've moved. Different setting, new environment, let's settle back in and study again. I also had multiple, multiple documents and tricks to motivate myself. When I was in grade school, it was Harry Potter. I would assigned Hogwarts houses to subjects and create a competition, and whichever subject I did the most work in won. I can go into more detail if you want, I'm about to do something similar tonight to get some work around the house and studying done. We can study together tonight if you want! :)

Lovelies who have ADHD, care to pitch in? Anon, make sure to read any reblogs/comments!