#again i very much appreciate all the guest dailies recently and all the kind messages <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[daily-grian]

Hello! Hope you feel better soon, and Grian hopes so too!

Always love to see your Grians in the morning, this blog is best blog!

the sweetest roundest grian

[asthmark]

❝ chemistry ❞ o.st

synopsis → osaki shotaro moving to town means trips to the dance studio, boba dates, and the perpetual teasing of lee donghyuck. 

pairing → shotaro, reader

requested? → yes! based off @onlyjihoons​​’s shipping game answer ♡

word count → 5.5k (this was supposed to be 1k.... goodbye.)

a/n → i enjoy writing texting scenes WAY too much ;; tbh this is like 50% texts im cryign but i had to convey how much i love 00 line .... and also how firmly i believe in lee donghyuck devil supremacy. as always, feedback is greatly appreciated and enjoy! 

+

if someone were to ask you how you felt about your friends, you would without any hesitation, answer that you loved them to death. of course, if you were being completely honest, you would also have to add that you experienced the urge to strangle them from time to time. that might earn you a couple odd stares but you’re sure people would be more understanding if they knew who was in your inner circle to begin with.

for starters, there was lee jeno — tall, handsome, and the textbook definition of a gentleman. then, na jaemin, who you would consider to be the yin to jeno’s yang. an extremely energetic guy and, in your book, a total freak of nature ever since you found out that he inhales four shots of espresso on the daily. liu yangyang was a more recent addition to your group but, being as quick-witted as he was, he quickly fit right in. he also had a habit of going on somewhat aggressive rants in german which renjun found to be extremely amusing. speaking of, huang renjun was another one of your close friends — the shortest of the group, actually. (and, much to renjun’s dismay, that’s exactly how donghyuck liked to introduce him to people.) he was the type of guy you could trust to keep everyone in check which consequently made you mildly terrified of him.

however, it could never compare to the perpetual fear you have of lee donghyuck. 

of course, you love him to pieces but sometimes you really wish he didn’t find so much joy in, well, making everyone miserable. you couldn’t deny it was funny to watch him tease and taunt your other friends. you still remember him purposefully messing up renjun’s game at the local arcade just when he was about to reach his high score — and also the way renjun had tackled him to the floor right then and there, resulting in the six of you being banned from the place. or, that time he offered to pay for everyone’s starbucks orders only to tell the barista that jaemin’s name was ben dover. (to no one’s surprise, yangyang had found that joke particularly hilarious.) you can also clearly recall how hard you had laughed in both of those situations.

but, donghyuck never let anyone laugh for too long.

according to him it was ’only fair’ to make sure each of his friends was at the receiving end of his gags. so, despite laughing at his latest victim’s expense, each of you knew that donghyuck would make sure you were in the same position sooner or later.

you definitely weren’t expecting it to be your turn one dull friday evening.

things are going slow for you as you sit at your desk, typing away on your laptop. school has been out for hours and your professors have decided to be saints and leave you little homework for the weekend. beside you, your phone dings, alerting you of the new text message in your group chat.

[4:23 pm] hyuck: i’m bored 🥺

[4:23 pm] you: plz never use that emoji again

[4:24 pm] nana: it’s misleading dude

[4:25 pm] yangx2: yeah like when have u ever made a face that isn’t this 😈

[4:25 pm] renjun: donghyuck is the devil = confirmed

[4:25 pm] nana: CALLED IT

[4:26 pm] hyuck: u guys are literally so evil

jeno laughed at “u guys are literally so evil”

[4:27 pm] jeno: look who’s talking lol

[4:27 pm] you: dangg u know it’s bad when lee jeno disses u

[4:28 pm] jeno: ...ngl it kinda feels like ur shading me rn

[4:28 pm] you: u would be correct :)

[4:29 pm] hyuck: um HELLO can u guys go back to paying attention to me???

[4:29 pm] renjun: what do u want, diva?

[4:29 pm] hyuck: i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(

renjun disliked “i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(”

yangx2 disliked “i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(”

you disliked “i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(”

nana disliked “i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(”

jeno disliked “i just wanna spend some quality time with my best friends ;(”

[4:30 pm] hyuck: OH COME ON

[4:30 pm] yangx2: i think what u meant to say is that u wanna make one of us very miserable today, right?

[4:30 pm] hyuck: .....no comment

nana renamed the group chat “hyuck hate club”

[4:31 pm] hyuck: ok i’m honestly feeling so attacked right now

[4:31 pm] jeno: well now u know what it’s like to be friends with u

[4:31 pm] you: so true king omg ur on a roll

[4:32 pm] hyuck: hmm okay so either jeno or y/n is gonna be today’s target, got it

[4:32 pm] hyuck: anyway can u guys come down to the dance studio now??

[4:32 pm] you: what makes u think i would go anywhere near u when i know ur plotting ur revenge on me as we speak

[4:32 pm] hyuck: because maybe i’ll have mercy on u and just terrorize jeno instead

[4:33 pm] you: good enough for me! thnx bestie, see u soon!!

[4:33 pm] jeno: HEY

nana laughed at “good enough for me! thnx bestie, see u soon!!”

[4:34 pm] yangx2: u literally cannot trust anyone in this friend group

[4:34 pm] renjun: ikr isn’t it great???

you might have been slightly out of your mind to willingly go see donghyuck knowing you had teased him in your group chat earlier. although, if there was a slight chance he would show you mercy if you did hang out with him, you were going to take it.

the studio was where you had first met donghyuck, along with the rest of your friends due to the dance classes you attended. after bumping into each in between classes and during practice, you began to get well acquainted. turns out, the six of you actually got along incredibly well and after a while, you began to share routines and tips, even choreographing together from time to time. obviously, this led to the infamous group chat being formed and lots of time spent outside the studio as well.

but, none of you had lost that love for dancing. in fact, forming your little clique had only made it grow. as you opened the front doors of the building you had made so many memories in, you wondered if donghyuck wanted your insight on a certain routine or needed some help choreographing. of course, there was also the possibility that he really was just bored and wanted you to suffer with him.

what you did not expect, however, was to see him caught up in conversation with another person. you couldn’t clearly see them with donghyuck in the way; all you knew for certain was that your best friend’s mouth was moving a mile a minute. you tentatively tiptoe into the room, hoping to not intrude on their discussion. but, at hearing the doors creak open, donghyuck puts his rant on pause to enthusiastically wave you over.

you sigh, putting your belongings down and approaching the pair. as you near, you notice that hyuck has a huge smile — no, smirk — on his face. you internally curse yourself for believing that he would ever pass up an opportunity to torment you, especially in front of a stranger.

“this is a very dear friend of mine,” you hear him introduce to his acquaintance. “her name is y/n. she dances, too.”

“oh, that’s really cool!”

the stranger’s unusually cheery tone prompts you to finally peek behind donghyuck and put a face to the voice.

and what a face he has.

“this is shotaro,” donghyuck informs you. “he’s new to town and quite the dancer. caught him in the middle of a routine.”

your knees almost wobble as you take in the stranger — shotaro’s — kind eyes that almost sparkle. (you aren’t sure if it’s because of the fluorescent lights of the studio or just part of his charm.) his lips are curved up into a friendly smile that makes you feel slightly giddy. his hair falls into his face almost perfectly, not a strand out of place and you’re uncertain as to how that’s even possible since, as donghyuck had said, he was dancing. not to mention, there’s not a bead of sweat on his face. did this guy come straight out of a disney movie or something?

“excuse her,” donghyuck chuckles. “good looking people tend to make her freeze up. don’t worry, this happened when she met me, too.”

you offer your friend a glare and an elbow to the side and you swear you hear shotaro chuckle. you turn to him instead, putting on a welcoming smile.

“my bad, i just—”

“got lost in his eyes?”

you pinch the bridge of your nose. “donghyuck, please don’t make me have to attack you in front of our guest.”

more giggles escape shotaro. (you swear it’s the prettiest thing you’ve ever heard.) you curiously tilt your head at him.

“sorry, it’s just that, you guys are too funny,” he admits with a sheepish smile.

you mirror his grin, slightly relieved he was amused instead of weirded out. “yeah, well, just wait ’til you meet the rest of us. it’s like a circus show, you’ll love it.”

“hello, clowns!”

“speak of the devil,” donghyuck murmurs, watching as yangyang and renjun enter, followed by jeno and jaemin.

“woah, who’s the cutie?” yangyang asks renjun, in what you presume he thinks is a whisper. however, yangyang has never spoken quietly a day in his life. renjun simply shrugs at his question.

having clearly heard the compliment, a faint blush creeps onto shotaro’s cheeks.

“guys, this is shotaro,” donghyuck answers, tugging the sandy blonde forward.

he gives a somewhat shy wave. “hi, y/n’s friends.”

jaemin erupts into laughter. “uh oh, looks like he likes y/n more than hyuck.”

“don’t blame him,” jeno mutters.

shotaro’s forehead creases, face suddenly twisted in worry. “oh, i’m sorry, was i not supposed to say that?”

“oh no, don’t worry,” donghyuck denies, quickly. “i’m sure y/n doesn’t mind at all, right?”

if you could crawl into a hole to avoid the embarrassment, you would. of course, donghyuck was 100% right; you really didn’t mind shotaro calling the group that if it meant you could hear him say your name over and over again. in fact, his sweet voice could probably make the dictionary sound like the most addictive song. but, donghyuck had no right putting you on the spot like that.

jeno suddenly speaks, catching on to your flustered state and donghyuck’s evil grin. “so, it’s y/n’s turn today? sweet, i’m off the hook!”

shotaro furrows his brows slightly. “huh?”

“oh, it’s just an inside joke,” jeno says, smile reaching all the way up to his eyes.

you wish you could strangle him right then and there for finding amusement at your expense but the last thing you want is for shotaro to think you’re some sort of psychopath. (although, with a friend group like this, you’re definitely beginning to think that’s where you’re headed.)

“got it,” shotaro responds, breaking out into a grin himself. “you guys seem like a really close bunch!”

“the closest,” donghyuck corrects, overly sweet, as he wraps an arm around you. (you resist the urge to shove him off.) “you’ll fit right in!”

+

you believed that the torture was over the day donghyuck introduced shotaro to your group. you would probably just see him from time to time and the studio (hopefully without hyuck around) and it would all be downhill from there, right? the latest notification on your phone alerts you that you are absolutely wrong.

hyuck has added one (1) user to the group chat

[1:05 pm] hyuck: welcome shotaro!!

[1:06 pm] unknown: oh hey guys! :]

the emoticon almost makes your heart beat right out of your chest. you roll your eyes in frustration at how easily affected you were by this guy. seriously, why did everything he do have to be so cute? regardless, you quickly add his number to your contacts.

[1:06 pm] hyuck: why don’t we do a little roll call so shotaro can save ur numbers to his phone

[1:07 pm] yangx2: YANGYANG

[1:07 pm] yangx2: HA I WAS FIRST

[1:07 pm] jeno: ...

[1:08 pm] jeno: anyway this is jeno :)

[1:08 pm] nana: jaemin present!

[1:08 pm] renjun: hi shotaro, this is renjun

[1:10 pm] shotaro: haha cool thanks a lot, i just saved all ur numbers!

[1:10 pm] shotaro: but quick question, is y/n in this group chat? :0

you almost drop your phone at reading shotaro’s message although you’re unsure why. he just typed your name, get it together, you urge yourself.

[1:11 pm] you: heyy shotaro! i’m right here :)

[1:11 pm] shotaro: oh yayy! i’m so glad ^^

hyuck disliked “oh yayy! i’m so glad ^^”

[1:12 pm] hyuck: shotaro plz return my love what does she have that i don’t T-T

[1:12 pm] nana: a heart

[1:12 pm] yangx2: a brain

[1:12 pm] jeno: a conscience

[1:12 pm] renjun: a functioning moral compass

[1:13 pm] hyuck: wtf

[1:13 pm] shotaro: ahahaha it’s like i’m watching a comedy

[1:14 pm] you: told u it’s a circus

[1:14 pm] you: i say get out while u still can

[1:14 pm] shotaro: whaatt and leave u behind? no way!

nana renamed the group chat “shotaro x y/n supremacists”

[1:15 pm] jeno: my thoughts exactly

[1:15 pm] renjun: took the words right out of my mouth

you cringe at your friends’ blunt behavior, praying shotaro didn’t find their antics to be too strange.

[1:16 pm] shotaro: 😳

[1:16 pm] nana: aww someone’s shy

[1:17 pm] renjun: he wouldn’t last a day in itzy

[1:17 pm] yangx2: HELPP

you shake your head, laughing silently to yourself as you mute the group chat and place your phone back down. although, moments later, you receive a direct message. you presume it’s one of the boys trying to rope you back into the chat but the moment you see the contact name, you’re forced to do a double take.

[1:21 pm] shotaro: i hope i’m not bothering u but i just wanted to make sure ur okay .. you kinda went quiet in the gc :>

[1:21 pm] shotaro: it’s shotaro from the dance studio btw!

you can’t help but find the fact that he seriously thought you wouldn’t remember him adorable. how could you ever forget a face like his?

[1:22 pm] you: that’s so kind! i’m okay, i promise. i’ve just had to put up with those dorks for way too long, sometimes i just ignore them haha

[1:22 pm] shotaro: lol yeah they do seem like a handful! but i look forward to getting to know them better!!

[1:23 pm] shotaro: and u too ofc~~

it takes all your willpower not to spam dozens of heart emojis in an attempt to show shotaro just how he has reduced you to a lovesick fool. instead, your response is short and sweet.

[1:23 pm] you: right back at u, taro! ♡

+

“okay, take five,” donghyuck pants, pausing the music blaring from the speakers.

you gladly obey, wiping away the light sweat you had worked up from the latest routine you and hyuck were constructing.

you both belonged to the same dance class and frequently paired together for partnered projects. the rest of your friends attended different classes, which you constantly joked was for the best since there was no way one dance instructor could possibly handle the six of you together.

“how do you feel?” donghyuck asks you, running a hand through his tousled hair.

“the choreo’s great, i’m proud of what we got so far,” you reply. “of course, i would be happier if i didn’t have to get so up close and personal with you.”

donghyuck scoffs at your joke. “i can’t do anything about that. the teacher said the whole concept of the routine is supposed to be is intimate.”

you fake a gag, failing to contain a laugh when hyuck playfully shoves you in offense.

“i’m sorry i can’t be shotaro,” he adds, a smirk forming on his lips.

you roll your eyes. “oh, very funny.”

“c’mon, you’re acting like you wouldn’t kill to have him as your partner, especially with choreo as spicy as this.”

“well, it would beat being paired with you,” you remark, picking up your water bottle and taking a swig.

“hm, then looks like today might be your lucky day,” donghyuck replies, eyes trained somewhere behind you.

you follow his gaze, nearly choking on your water as soon as you catch sight of shotaro entering the studio. he meets your eyes, plucking out his earbuds and offering you a small wave.

“oh, hey guys!” he exclaims, cheerfully.

“hey ’taro,” you greet, rather quickly, earning you a knowing glance from your partner.

“’taro?” hyuck repeats, amused, as he folds his arms over his chest. “you guys are already on cute nickname basis?”

shotaro giggles, eyes squinting adorably as he does so. “it is a pretty adorable nickname, right? she’s the only one who calls me that!”

your heart beats faster when you see how oddly excited that seems to make him. did he somehow find it endearing?

“seems like the two of you are becoming quite close, hm?” continues hyuck.

shotaro nods enthusiastically before glancing at you tentatively, as if to check for confirmation.

“yeah, you could say that.”

your agreement causes yet another smile to grace shotaro’s lips — this time he seems relieved. you briefly wonder if the kid ever stops flashing those pearly whites of his. you certainly hope so, or else your heart may never catch a break.  

“well, since you’re comfortable enough with each other,” donghyuck begins, flashing you a grin.

you’re not even sure what he’s gonna say but you already feel the need to put an end to it. after all, nothing good has ever come of donghyuck’s mischievous grins. you subtly purse your lips and narrow your eyes in an attempt to get him to stop whatever chaos he’s planning to ensue.

nevertheless, he proceeds. “maybe you could help me out with this choreography?”

you want to facepalm at donghyuck’s lame excuse of a lie. however, on the other hand, shotaro’s face lights up in delight.

“you’re working on choreo? what for?” he inquires, curiously.

“for our dance class,” hyuck explains, motioning towards you. “i have a couple ideas so i was thinking you two could maybe try out some steps i’m planning to include. you know, to help me... visualize.”

“that sounds awesome,” shotaro responds, oblivious to your friend’s untruths. “i would love to help you guys out.”

“great!” donghyuck claps his hands together. “just a heads up, the theme of the routine is intimacy, so i wanna see all that charm of yours, shotaro. it’ll, uh, help me choreograph.”

you cringe at the obvious fib. meanwhile, it’s as if a switch has gone off in shotaro’s mind. his smile fades and his eyebrows knit together. “hold on, i-intimacy? does that mean—”

“that you’ll have to get a bit touchy-feely with her? yeah,” donghyuck interjects, innocently.

“y’know... i’ve really been wanting to dance with her.” he faces you, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. “just never thought it would be like this.”

you offer him an apologetic smile. “i know, it might be a bit... uncomfortable. you can back out if you’d like. i promise hyuck and i won’t mind.”

shotaro’s head shakes, vigorously. “no, of course not!” he must realize how quick he was to deny your offer, making him suspiciously eager to be close to you as he immediately adds, “i mean, it’s good practice.”

you suppress a giggle. “sure thing. hyuck, should we get started now?”

the boy in question dramatically picks at his nails, acting as if he had been waiting on you both for hours. “if you guys are done flirting, then, yeah.”

you roll your eyes, shooting shotaro a mildly annoyed stare. he grins, finding it to be equally amusing as it is endearing. (what can he say, the faint pout that appeared on your face was cute.)

“shotaro, how about you get in position right behind her.”

shotaro obeys, making sure to leave a significant amount of space between the two of you. however, donghyuck doesn’t seem to approve.

“closer!” he commands. “the concept is intimacy, not social distancing!”

shotaro shuffles forward, pressing his front into your back. you can’t help but notice how firmly toned his chest is. curse his dancers body, you think.

“okay, now, lemme see your hands on her waist!”

you feel the breath of shotaro’s shaky exhale on the back of your neck as he obeys, sliding apprehensive hands around your midsection. there’s silence on donghyuck’s end and through the mirror you watch him observe the two of you, no doubt acting way more pensive than he truly is. you know he’s just prolonging your flustered state by keeping you in this intimate position with the younger boy.

although, shotaro himself might know it too, considering the fact that he begins to rub comforting circles into your sides that he’s currently gripping, as per donghyuck’s request, in an attempt to calm you down. you nearly melt right then and there. at the same time, you hope he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

donghyuck calls out your name, successfully startling you and putting an end to the peaceful atmosphere. “why don’t you go ahead and lean on his shoulder. just lay your head back nice and easy— good, very good! look at that chemistry!”

if you’re being sincere, reclining on shotaro feels way more natural and enjoyable than it should. he steadily holds you in place, almost as if he secretly wishes to never let go. you wouldn’t be completely opposed to the idea either.

“alright, last thing, guys! y/n, how about you hook your arm around shotaro’s neck?”

you do so, fingers brushing softly against his jaw. he shivers beneath your touch, erupting into giggles when you shoot him an odd stare.

“i’m ticklish,” he confesses, in a whisper.

you can’t help but smile widely. “is that so? hm, i might have to exploit that information sooner or later.”

“as long as donghyuck doesn’t find out,” he replies.

his comment certainly gets a chuckle out of you. “did you finally realize how evil he is?”

“if the torture he’s putting you through right now is anything to go by, then absolutely.”

“only a matter of time before it’s your turn,” you reply. you lean into his ear to add, “by the way, this is anything but torture for me.”

“hey! no whispering!” donghyuck reprimands.

for the first time, shotaro goes against the older boy’s orders to whisper back, “it’s mutual. if anything, i think this is the best thing i’ve done since i moved here.”

your heart melts at the sincere admission. you stare at shotaro in what you’re sure is a very obvious case of heart eyes. you’re taken aback to find that he, too, returns the lovesick look. perhaps he was immersing himself a bit too much in the intimacy concept...

“stop! pause! cut!”

you and shotaro (reluctantly) untangle yourselves from each other to face a seemingly unhappy donghyuck.

“can you guys please just focus on my instructions without falling in love with each other?” he pleads. “i mean, you haven’t even gotten out of the starting position yet.” he groans, exasperated. “actually, you know what, just take five.”

+

[2:03 pm] hyuck: good morning

[2:03 pm] nana: it’s 2 o clock in the afternoon but ok

[2:03 pm] hyuck: i just woke up, therefore it’s morning

[2:03 pm] shotaro: good morning :3 did u sleep well?

[2:04 pm] hyuck: i slept a wonderful 27 hours, thnx for asking!

[2:04 pm] yangx2: ?????? THERES NOT EVEN 27 HOURS IN A DAY IM SCREAMING

[2:04 pm] you: LOLLL WHY WAS HE HIBERNATING

[2:05 pm] renjun: i was just gonna ignore him but i am genuinely concerned now

[2:05 pm] shotaro: woww,, well at least you’re well rested now! :]

[2:04 pm] nana: shotaro, i am begging u not to encourage him

[2:04 pm] you: all it takes is one (1) supportive person and he becomes an unstoppable force of evil

[2:04 pm] shotaro: o_0

[2:05 pm] jeno: besides ur like the only other person here with common sense besides myself and maybe renjun. i can’t lose u to donghyuck :(

[2:05 pm] renjun: ykw i’m not even gonna argue with that

[2:05 pm] yangx2: yeah shotaro is a good guy™

[2:06 pm] hyuck: i hate u guys and ur goldfish attention spans

[2:06 pm] you: sigh what do you need hyuck?

[2:06 pm] hyuck: i want boba :(

[2:07 pm] you: that actually sounds really good but idk if it’s worth being around u

[2:07 pm] hyuck: i’ll pretend like u didn’t just say that <3 what if i paid?

[2:07 pm] you: ....

[2:08 pm] yangx2: LMAO HYUCK BEING NICE IS SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR

[2:08 pm] renjun: ikr it’s making me super uncomfortable rn

[2:08 pm] hyuck: can’t i do something nice for my friends? :/

[2:08 pm] jeno: no

[2:09 pm] nana: nope

[2:09 pm] yangx2: nah

[2:09 pm] renjun: absolutely not

[2:09 pm] you: never seen it happen before so no

[2:10 pm] hyuck: u guys are so fake :( shotaro do u wanna hang out with me? if u say no i’ll scream :)

[2:11 pm] shotaro: yeah i guess i could :]

[2:11 pm] renjun: oh this just got interesting.. i guess i could tag along

[2:11 pm] yangx2: me too, i gotta be there to record whatever happens

[2:12 pm] nana: i’m in

[2:12 pm] jeno: same

[2:12 pm] you: hhhhh okay fine.. only to ensure taro’s safety

[2:13 pm] shotaro: (^з^)-︎♡

+

due to the fact that you believed donghyuck was going to try and officially initiate shotaro into your friend group with one of his infamous pranks, you decided to head to the boba shop. you hoped that if you showed up, you would be able to prevent whatever mayhem he had planned or at the very least, provide some damage control.

you pushed open the door to the quaint building, the bell dinging to announce your arrival. your eyes immediately lock onto the table in the far back since it was where you and your friends always sat — you had practically claimed it. you expect to see all the chairs filled but, to your surprise, only one person occupies the space.

osaki shotaro.

he beams, probably relieved to finally have some company in the otherwise empty shop. (after all, you weren’t sure how long he had been sitting there all alone.) nevertheless, you allow yourself to wonder — just for a second —  if maybe he was just that ecstatic to see you. the way he enthusiastically waves you over seems to be in favor of that theory. it’s almost confirmed when you reach he table and he pats the chair beside him.

you let out a soft laugh. “the whole table’s empty, ‘taro.”

“i know,” he admits. “i just really want you to sit next to me.”

you swear you could break down in tears simply from the way he’s looking at you; like you’re all he needs. it’s pure adoration.  you wonder if that’s how you look at him too. you can’t help but ask yourself if he, too, notices your longing stares.

you decide that you would be a monster if you denied shotaro his wish, so, you internally prepare yourself to sit next to possibly the sweetest boy you’ve ever known. yet, that proves to be difficult as said boy stands up to pull out your chair like the gentleman he is. you shoot him a grateful smile, mentally dethroning jeno as the most well-mannered person you know and passing the crown on to shotaro.

“so, how long have you been waiting for?” you ask, resting your elbow on the table and leaning into your palm to stare attentively at the boy to your right.

“actually, i only got here a couple minutes before you. we did agree to meet up here a quarter before three, right?” he asks, slightly confused.

you nod in confirmation. “honestly, i think we got set up.”

shotaro tilts his head. “really? why would they do that?”

“might have something to do with our ‘chemistry’,” you explain, quoting donghyuck.

the japanese boy’s mouth falls agape, as he comes to the realization. “oh, so they literally set us up.”

“mhm,” you agree, smiling ever so slightly.

shotaro must be paying closer attention than you thought because he picks up on your grin. “what’s with the smile?”

you shrug, feigning uncertainty. “i guess i just don’t feel so bad about being set up if it’s with a certain cutie i know.”

“oh?” he raises a brow, cheeks growing as he too mirrors your lovestruck look. “should i be worried about this guy?”

“certainly not,” you reassure him. “i’ve only got eyes for one.”

you see a faded tint of pink rush to his cheeks and you find it adorable how your confession flusters him. you can’t help but caress the supple skin as gently as possible. shotaro leans into your touch, his own hand coming up to cup your own, almost as if he were holding you in place. after a couple moments of basking in the intimate moment, you retract your hand.

“maybe we should try and get hyuck to include that in the choreo, huh?” you suggest, a teasing smile on your lips.

shotaro chuckles, “sounds good to me. i might even ask if i can fill his position, too. if not, i just might get jealous.”

you playfully shove him and he raises his hands in surrender. you chuckle, grabbing one of the menus that litter the table, planning to offer shotaro some help choosing an item from the list that is surely unfamiliar to him but it seems something outside the window behind you has caught his focus instead.

“looks like we have an audience.”

you take a deep breath at his words, preparing yourself for whatever it is you’re going to see upon turning around. when you finally do, all you manage to catch is five heads ducking beneath the windowsill, in a weak attempt to not get caught.

“of course,” you nearly laugh. “they’re so predictable.”

shotaro seems to find the situation humorous as well, if his amused tone is anything to go by. “to be honest, we should be thanking them. they got us together.”

“oh, so we’re together now?” you inquire, raising a brow.

“w-well, i mean, if you want to. i-i definitely want to.”

“no need for stuttering,” you reassure him, reaching over to stroke that one ticklish spot on his neck. “to quote a very wise — and handsome — young man, ‘it’s mutual.’”

he smiles at his own words being recited to him. “i don’t know about you, but i think we should seal the deal.”

“interesting. how do you suppose we do that?” you ask with faux curiosity. you certainly had some ideas of your own.

“maybe... a kiss?” shotaro leans forward, eyes closed expectantly as he taps his cheek. you resist the urge to pinch his lovely, round baby cheeks. he peeks one eye open to add, “for the audience, of course.”

you giggle, completely and utterly love-struck by the boy before you. in fact, you are so enamored by him that you decide to go the extra mile and press a sweet, chaste peck to his lips.

it seems as if he himself didn’t expect it as his eyes snap open, hand coming up to cup his lips in shock. when he finally uncovers his mouth, you see there’s a dazed, giddy grin on his face that let’s you know the smooch was very welcome pleasant surprise.

your phones simultaneously go off, alerting you of incoming messages. it’s a given that it’s none other than the group chat.

[3:15 pm] nana: that smooch was romcom worthy i’m so impressed right now

[3:15 pm] jeno: shotaro is living proof that being a gentleman has its perks! everyone in this gc should take notes!

[3:15 pm] yangx2: HERE IHAVE THE VDIEO OF THE WHOELE THIGN IF ANYOEN WANTS IT

[3:16 pm] yangx2: attachment: 1 video

[3:16 pm] yangx2: SORURY FOR THE TYPSO MY TEARS ARE BLURRIGN THE KYEBIOARD

[3:16 pm] renjun: can we get boba now?

[3:16 pm] renjun: oh wait my bad, congrats to the new couple :-)

[3:16 pm] renjun: to celebrate they should pay for everyone’s drinks.. just a thought

[3:17 pm] hyuck: ur welcome, y/n and shotaro ;)

[lifeofa-fangirl]

I don’t want you like a best friend

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x OFC

Summary: Taylor Swift causes OFC to put her friendship with Tom on the line

Word count: 3.3k

Warnings: A few swear words, a tiny bit of angst maybe? Mostly fluff

A/N: I was stuck on my Damiano David x Reader piece, so I decided to take a break and finally finish this one. I have nothing against Taylor Swift, just used her as a plot piece to move the story along. As always, likes, comments and reblogs are much appreciated!

‘Please come to the BAFTAS with me?’

Lauren scrunched her nose together in slight confusion when a text from her best friend appeared on her phone. The words were simple enough. It was a plea to hang out, similar to the ones where he insisted that he needed to come to Edinburgh again soon. He was constantly begging her to keep the guest room ready, so he could hop on a train and come visit. It had always been too long in his opinion. She never disagreed.

They knew each other a little over a year now and Lauren was still surprised how they’d grown so close so quickly. She always felt like she still hadn’t fully recovered from their first night out together. 

Thinking back at how she’d actually gotten to meet Tom, it still felt like a dream. She still didn’t get how she of all people had gotten lucky enough to win the Omaze raffle that Mark Ruffalo had done. The winner was flown out to LA to hang out with Mark for the weekend and attend the Thor Ragnarok premier. By some lucky strike from the faiths, that had been her. 

She also still didn’t know the exact details of how or why the faiths had written Tom into the story. But the fact was that she had reminded Mark of Tom, he’d introduced the pair, insisting that they would click immediately and they should walk the red carpet together. Lauren still suspected him of setting this up on purpose to distract the press from any spoilers that he would almost definitely be giving away by accident. 

It hadn’t helped Mark much, as he had practically live streamed 20 minutes of the movie, but he hadn’t been wrong on the other front. Lauren had never heard or read a story about Tom that had anything bad to say about him. Charismatic, funny, intelligent and so very kind, was the vibe that clung to him. Lauren had been nervous about meeting him, she believed in never meeting your heroes, and had been scared that he wouldn’t live up to the picture she had painted of him in her mind. But Tom turned out to be exactly as amazing as all the stories deemed him to be. And Lauren had taken an immediate liking to him.

Mark had also been right about the press attention. When Tom had showed up with a date on the red carpet in the first time in forever, the press had had a field day. The constant flashes and questions, all the attention on her, Lauren hadn’t liked it one bit. But Tom had been the perfect gentleman. He constantly had had an arm around her to keep her steady and make her feel safe. He had handled all the questions with patience and grace, never once making her feel uncomfortable. 

And in the end, all the attention had been worth it. They had a lot of fun at the premier, so much that Tom and her had spend most of the reminder of their time in LA hanging out together. As the faiths would have it, they had even been on the same flight back to England, on which he definitely hadn’t boother her up to first class and she definitely hadn’t fallen asleep on his shoulder. 

Lauren had always felt like there could have been something more, but they both had busy lives and had gone their separate ways after the plane had touched ground in London.

They had, however, exchanged phone numbers early on during their stay in LA. To arrange any practical details of whatever they were going to do together of course, no other reason. 

But in the year that followed, the exchange of numbers had led to an almost constant stream of texts. Tom would share snippets of the stuff he was working on, cute pictures of his dog or just something beautiful he had come across on his daily run that he insisted made him think of her. She would vent about the trouble she came across during her shifts in the hospital or send funny pictures of her deeply loved godson.

They had become quick friends, but after twelve months Lauren still wasn’t sure what exactly they had going on. Whether they were bound to stay friends or if there could be something more on the horizon. Every now and then, Tom’s texts would take a flirty turn. But even though she always tried to send a cheeky return, she wasn’t sure what it meant. She knew that, even without realizing he was doing it, Tom tended to be a big flirt with everyone. 

And nothing else had ever happened. She had gone to London a few times, but mostly he came up north to Edinburgh whenever he had the time. She had quickly come to realize he liked how peaceful it was compared to buzzing London. They would hang out in their little cocoon and that was that. 

Every now and then some pap shots would appear of them. Walking Bobby, going for a coffee or grabbing dinner. Friends would always tell her they looked like a couple, the way they stood huddled together, how he had his arm around her lower back or hers was linked through his. But that’s what friends did, right? They hung out together and that’s all there was to it. They were imagining the extra sparkle they claimed to see in his eyes when he was looking at her. Because there was no way Tom was returning the feeling she told everybody she definitely hadn’t developed for him. 

And strangely, most of the time she was content about that. Because she wasn’t seeking any attention and she definitely didn’t want to be known just as ‘Tom’s girlfriend’. And Tom knew that. He respected that and liked it. Because it also meant that in return, with her he could be just Tom, instead of the A-list superstar. They had their own little safe haven together. It was the reason Tom had never asked her to attend an event with her again. And it was the reason she was confused that he was asking her now.

‘Pretty please? Put your loving hand out baby, I’m begging. Begging you.’

Another text brought Lauren back to the present and out of her thoughts. She snorted when she noticed he gave her a taste of her own medicine. Working lyrics into a text or conversation was her specialty, but apparently Tom had taken to drastic measures. She was still confused as to where this was coming from, but also knew she couldn’t say no to Tom, especially not when he was begging. 

“Sure, I guess that could be fun,” she agreed.  She pushed away all thoughts of this being a bad idea and decided to try and just make a fun night of it.

And fun she had. She accompanied Tom to the red carpet, the preshow dinner and the public ceremony. And while she hadn’t expected it, Lauren ended up having a phenomenal time during all of it. She cheered along with Tom when Guillermo De Torro won best director. She got to meet the wonderful Karen Gillan and Tom introduced her to Hugh Laurie, whom she had adored ever since watching Black Adder as a kid.

And she finally found out the actual reason why Tom had begged her to come along with him. Tom had insisted that he’d just wanted her there and wanted to have a good time and that it was time the world got to know the fabulous person Lauren was. But the moment they were on the red carpet and she saw the look on his face when he saw his ex girlfriend step into the spotlight, she knew.

It had been almost 18 months since Tom and Taylor had broken up, but surprisingly it was the first time they attended an event together. Tom managed to give Taylor a polite nod when she passed them, a motion that Taylor didn’t bother to copy. Lauren was suddenly very aware of the cameras around them and she deeply hoped they captured the once over that Taylor gave her, which ended in a look of disgust. Tom certainly had, as Lauren felt his arm slip around her waist to pull her closer to him and felt his lips press a quick kiss on the top of her head. She did her best to ignore the beat her heart skipped.

Things went back to normal, or as normal as the red carpet of an award show could be, after Taylor entered the venue and was out of sight of the cameras. Tom relaxed again, did his best to be his charming self for the interviewers. They enjoyed the show, loved Stephen Fry’s jokes while presenting and overall had fun together. It was a great night. Until Taylor arrived at the after party they were attending.

Much later she would learn that Taylor’s most recent boyfriend had called it quits a day or two before, but the night itself Lauren just knew there would be trouble the moment she spotted Taylor. The singer clearly was more than a little tipsy and despite the loud music, Lauren could almost hear her snarl the moment she spotted Tom, whose arm was hanging loosely around Lauren’s shoulder.

She should have warned Tom, because he hadn’t noticed the singer walk in yet and was happily chatting to the friend besides him. Instead, Lauren felt slightly hypnotized as she watched Taylor. They stared at each other for a moment and in the next, Taylor was walking up to the DJ booth with determination in her step. Lauren watched her greet the man. She shot him a fake smile, gave him a hug and then told him something. The DJ nodded with what looked like a loud laugh and gave her a thumbs up.

As Taylor walked away, Lauren immediately got a bad vibe. She turned her attention to Tom, wanting to inform him about his ex girlfriend just walking in and how she thought she was up to something. But before she could get a word out, the DJ’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Next up we have a request from none other than miss Taylor Swift herself. She asked me to pass along a message. So here it goes: this one is for you, Tom!”

It took a few moments, but when Taylor’s voice sounded through the speakers and she murmured, “No, nothing good ever starts in a getaway car,” all heads in the room seemed to turn in Tom’s direction. 

Lauren was still staring at Taylor, her mouth slightly agape, when she realized Tom’s friends around them had started fussing. She turned around to get a glimpse of Tom’s reaction and found him red-faced and clearly embarrassed. 

Nobody around them seemed sure how to handle the situation and Tom’s face now seemed to drain from all color rather fast. In a split second Lauren decided she needed to distract him and did the first thing that came to mind. She grabbed him by his suit jacket to pull him closer and get his attention and yelled, “Well we’re just a wet dream for the webzine!”

Tom’s face immediately told her the tactic had worked. It scrounged up in confusion. He stared at her for a few long moments and then he yelled back, ”What?”

“It’s a Panic at the Disco song,” Lauren explained, doing her best to be heard over Taylor’s song still blasting through the boxes. Straining her voice, she continued, “It goes: Well we’re just a wet dream for the webzine, make us it, make it hip, make a scene.” She let out a small snort when she realized, “Coincidently the song is called London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines. It continues: Or shrug us off your shoulders don’t approve a single word that we wrote. And then the next verse goes-“

Before Lauren could get out any of the next verse, Tom interrupted her. “You really have a song for every occasion, don’t you?” he wanted to know. He was smiling and seeing him happy again made Lauren’s heart jump more than just a little. She felt so proud she was the reason he was smiling again.

She did her best not to give away what Tom’s reaction was doing to her by simply shrugging in response. “It’s kind of my thing I guess,” she allowed him. Then, not able to help herself, she continued, “As I was saying, in case you are interested, the song continues: just for the record, the weather today is slightly sarcastic with a good chance of A indifference or B disinterest in what the critics say.” 

Her words caused Tom to let out a loud laugh. “You’re more than a bit crazy, you know that?” he told her. But his words didn’t carry any venom to it and his actions confirmed that he was more than happy to have her around: without another word, he pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, love,” he whispered, loud enough for only her to hear.

Lauren’s heart made another jump when she felt Tom press a light kiss against her hair and the smile that was already present on her face only grew wider. ‘Mission accomplished,’ the voice in her head silently confirmed. 

Tom’s smile considerably lifted the mood of the people surrounding them and the rest of the night Lauren and Tom spend dancing with their friends and having a good time. And Lauren couldn’t help but feel a little bit proud about the fact that every time she looked at Taylor from the corner of her eye, she could see her staring at them green with envy.

Quite some time after midnight, Tom and Lauren were both still high on adrenalin from the evening, but the party had started to die down and they too decided to call it a night and drive home. 

Not completely ready to quit the party just yet, Lauren plugged her phone into the sound system and put a playlist of her favorite songs on shuffle.

They had just jammed out to Fleetwood Mac, pulling out their best carpool karaoke moves, when a new song started and a too familiar voice filled the car. “I don’t like your little games, don’t like your tilted stage, the role you made me play -“

“Shit, sorry, sorry!” Lauren grabbed her phone and stopped the song as soon as she heard the first lines, but it was already too late. Tom had obviously recognized Taylor’s voice. The mood in the car went from ecstatic to ice cold in three seconds flat.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Tom’s voice was void of emotion, his knuckles were white from tightly gripping the steering wheel and Lauren could easily tell he was angry. She couldn’t blame him either.

“I’m sorry, I really am,” she apologized. She switched to another song in a desperate effort to change the mood again. “I should have thought about this.”

“Well clearly you didn’t,” Tom answered in a flat tone. “I cannot believe you actually have that CD.”

Lauren understood why Tom was mad, of course she did. After tonight she didn’t blame him. But the whole Taylor story had happened before they knew each other. The record came out before they met and started caring about it each other. Back then it had just been good music to Lauren and she hadn’t really cared what the inspiration behind the songs had been. “I got it before we met,” she tried to explain. “Back then I just thought there were some good jams on there, that’s all.”

Tom scoffed. “Well, if you like it so much, maybe you should play Getaway Car again?” 

Lauren was sure a little crack had just appeared in her heart from all the ice in his voice. She blinked a few times in an effort to keep the tears at bay. “You know that song means nothing to me!” 

She cringed at the desperation in her own voice. But it hurt to see him angry at her and she needed Tom to understand that this had been a stupid accident and she would have never played a Taylor song to him on purpose. 

Emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She needed an outlet for them and she almost literally felt her brain to mouth filter short-circuit. And before she realized what was happening, she heard herself say, “Besides, if we are talking about Taylor Swift songs that remind me of you, let me tell you that Getaway Car was never it for me. There’s a whole other song on that album that I link to you. That I can’t get out of my head when I’m with you.”

“And what would that be?” Tom sounded skeptical, as if he couldn’t believe they were having this conversation.

“Dress.”

“Dress?” Lauren could hear the confusion in Tom’s voice. When he briefly glanced over at her, she noticed a frown on his forehead. “Isn’t that the one that is supposedly about Ed Sheeran?”

It seemed like the surprise of Lauren’s confession had calmed Tom down a bit. The effect she had hoped for, but at the same time, it also meant he wanted an explanation. He deserved one. 

Lauren closed her eyes for a few moments and took a deep breath. She realized that this was it. She just ruined their friendship. And she wasn’t sure if it was in the worst or the best way possible. But she did know there was no going back now. 

Another deep breath and there she went, diving of the deep end and changing their friendship forever. “I don’t know. But… earlier tonight you asked me if I have a song for every occasion. And well, I guess that maybe I do. And this is the one I have for every occasion I’ve spend with you.” A small pauze as she figured out how to best continue. “I think… maybe you should just listen to the song.”

Lauren could tell Tom had a hard time dividing his attention between her and the road when she felt the car swirl slightly. The movement only made her nervousness worse. She fumbled with the controls of her phone until she finally found the song. 

Neither of them said anything while the song played and they drove through the darkness. Only when the chorus played for the last time, Lauren somehow, somewhere found the courage to sing along. “Say my name and everything just stops. I don’t want you like a best friend. Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off.”

The silence that filled the car after the song stopped was deafening. It felt like the longest couple of minutes in in Lauren’s life. When she risked a glance at Tom, she could tell his grip on the steering wheel had tightened again and he was staring at the road ahead with a blank expression. 

“Are you not going to say anything?” Lauren eventually needed to know. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she needed a reaction from Tom, good or bad.

“I’m trying to find a spot to park this car.” For one fleeting moment Lauren was sure she had ruined everything. Tom was going to stop the car and throw her out. And then he continued, “Because I desperately want to kiss you right now, but I don’t think driving and kissing at the same time is a very good idea.”

And Lauren had never been more grateful than that moment that her superpower was having a fitting song lyric for every occasion. 

[kingdomoftyto]

Definitive ranking of late night shows based on my current grumpy-ass personal opinion

1. Seth Meyers is freakin killing it as always, but his writers are really taking their recurring quarantine jokes and running with them, building on them each night so that I end up cracking up at least once per episode. On top of the stellar, lighthearted, nonsensical jokes, his show is in my view the most consistent in not beating around the bush when it comes to calling out the evils and hypocrisy in the government/news. They still frame it in comedy, but he’s the one host not afraid to get serious for a moment just to say what needs to be said (before usually following up with something witty that--importantly--doesn’t distract from the message at all). He supported Warren in the primaries and it shows. 

2. Trevor Noah is out here absolutely THRIVING with his Daily Social-Distancing Show, combining a laid-back, friendly atmosphere (just how many cozy hoodies does the man own?) with wit, silly (but skilled) voices, and simple but snappy special effects that make the show feel like it’s actually native to Youtube rather than a big-budget TV show being temporarily forced to tone things down. As always, he also injects his own point of view as an immigrant and a person of color, which is so valuable to see on such a large platform, especially right now, and the insights he brings are often heartfelt and informative. AND... half the reason I’m making this post is to praise him for finally FINALLY being a late night talk show host to condemn fat shaming, admitting that he makes mistakes too sometimes but asserting that mocking Trump’s weight only hurts regular people struggling with their own body image. Fucking bravo, Trevor.

3-5ish. Honestly I don’t follow some of the other late night shows as much but I’ve always been kind of ambivalent to the Jimmys, Samantha Bee, etc. They all have really good segments sometimes but they’re often just a little too corny or (in Sam Bee’s case) leans too hard into edgy shock-value “humor” that often just serves to distract me from the points they’re making. I do appreciate Kimmel’s frankness and casual attitude, though, and I very much value Bee’s deep dives on lesser-discussed topics involving feminism, minority issues, and more progressive policies that don’t otherwise get a lot of mainstream coverage.

6. Stephen Colbert is.... he’s still funny, I still watch the show, but man am I just... tired. I don’t do “cringe culture” but the cartoon thing got old for me not long after he first debuted the whole “Donald Trump acts like a cartoon character so tonight we have Cartoon Donald Trump as our guest” thing. (Which for the record was right after he took office, so I’ve been suffering quietly through those segments for years... and now they’re making a whole spinoff series about it??) ANYWAY all that aside he’s obviously struggling the most with not having an audience which is not surprising to me but he still manages to have a few somewhat-funny running jokes and his interactions with his family just off-camera are fairly cute. Again I’m mostly making this post to gives kudos to the Daily Show for addressing the fat shaming thing Pelosi said, so Colbert literally making a “Yo Mama” joke in response was extremely grating to me even if it’s pretty much what I expected. His writers just aren’t as talented or as trustworthy with delicate material as those of some of these other shows.

7. John Oliver makes such good, informative content most of the time that I’m even more furious about the most recent episode. I’m just... I can almost always roll my eyes and move on when he makes a joke that doesn’t land (he somehow combines the worst of the Corny Joke and Edgy Joke spectrum, though he can also have absolute gems that usually make them worth it), but I’m legitimately thinking about formally complaining to HBO about the latest Adam Driver bit because that was NOT okay (and it was already increasingly uncomfortable the first five times he used the gag). John Oliver, you can do better than this. We’ve SEEN better than this from you. Right now though you’re firmly on my shit-list.

....Anyway that was my rant lmao 

[wr1tersblock42]

Variable - A Vegebul One Shot

Bulma gives in to the sexual tension between her and her alien house guest. Set in the three year gap. One Shot. 

Despite his demanding, uncouth manner, Bulma found herself fascinated by her house guest. If anyone else had pulled the kind of shit Vegeta did on a daily basis they’d have been out on their ass, but with the Saiyan Prince, she usually let his rude attitude slide with only a few sharp comments.

Maybe it was because he wasn't human, despite his physical similarities, but she found herself studying him at every opportunity, mentally taking note of every little titbit she could learn about him and storing it away in her impressive (if she did say so herself) memory. Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans, was a mystery who continued to surprise her with each encounter.

Right now, he stood before her, hands balled into fists at his sides, cheeks flushed red, his bare, exceptionally well-defined chest (like, seriously, the man did not have one gram of fat on him) heaving with each furious breath. Bulma had an on-again off-again boyfriend, but she could appreciate a good-looking man when she saw one and Vegeta could make a woman melt like ice cream on a summer’s day. Until they got wind of his personality, that is.

"What do you mean, no?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"No. N. O. The opposite of yes," Bulma replied, stretching her legs out to rest her combat-styled boots on top of her desk. "I will not build you five more bots. The three you have is enough."

The man's face darkened further, and he stomped towards her. With a sweep of his hand, he knocked her feet off her desk, spun her chair around, and slammed his palms on the desk behind her, trapping her between arms thicker than her legs.

"No is not an acceptable answer," he growled, lifting his lip to reveal a white set of teeth which would have looked identical to a human's if not for the slightly sharper incisors.

Bulma fought the urge to twist her head and bite down on one of the biceps currently encasing her to test how hard they really were. "No," she said again, matching his scowl with one of her own.

Vegeta blinked, confusion flashing over his face before returning to his usual resting angry face. "I could kill you."

"I know." Bulma nodded in agreement. "But you won't." She reached out her forefinger and prodded his left pectoral. Fuck, it was like a rock. A warm, sexy rock. She would have felt guilty for thinking that if Yamcha hadn’t ignored her last three messages (which she took to mean they were currently off-again even though she barely remembered the cause of their latest argument), but he had, so yes. Sexy. “You need me.”

To her surprise, Vegeta flinched, his gaze dropping to her finger and not returning to her face until she'd withdrawn the offending appendage. The moment contact was broken, he recovered. "I need you to build me more bots. If you aren't helping me with my training, then what good are you?"

The scientist in her wondered if his skin was salty from his recent workout or if that was a human excretion because Kami above he never, ever smelt bad. At the moment, he smelt like damp soil (without the fertiliser) and mown grass, as if he'd been rolling around in the garden, but it was by no means unpleasant. To tell the truth it was alluring, and it took all her mental strength not to lean closer and take a deep breath in.

"You can train with three bots," she said firmly. “I will not make you more unless they break.”

Vegeta’s muscles tensed further, which should have been impossible, and he leaned in slightly closer. “You are acting like you have a choice in this. You will make me more. Don’t think you can hamper my training to prevent me from killing your third-class clown of a friend. I will defeat Kakarot no matter what you do.”

“Hamper your training?” Bulma heard her voice raise an octave, but the fury rushing through her was too much to control. She placed both hands on his chest and shoved as she stood up, and what should have been an immovable mountain straightened and stepped backwards. “I’ve done nothing but help you on your quest to become a Super Saiyan! I’ve given you a place to stay, food to eat, and access to Earth’s best training facilities.” They were the same height, she realised even as she chewed him out, meeting his unblinking stare with one of her own. “Don’t talk shit about me preventing you from going blonde, when all I’m doing is trying to prevent you from killing yourself by taking on more bots than the gravity room can handle. If you’re failing at your “legendary birth right”, it’s because of you not me.”

She clamped her mouth shut at the end of her last sentence, realising even as the words flew out that she may have pushed the Saiyan prince too far this time. He looked stunned, his eyes wide. Bulma knew that her words probably hadn’t sunk in and that she really should run because Vegeta was dangerous, she knew that. Implying that a man like him was a failure was suicide, but she found her feet were rooted to the ground.

She could tell the exact moment her remark registered. He blinked slowly, and when his eyes opened again they were filled with fire. He moved so fast all she saw was a blur. One moment she was standing in front of her desk, the next he had her against the wall, one hand against her throat - firm enough to be inescapable without hurting her - while the other gripped her arm. His torso smothered hers and his right leg pushed into her skirt, sliding between her legs, pinning her to the wall in a manner that would have been terrifying… if she’d actually thought he would hurt her.

“Why the fuck do you give a shit if I live or die?” he bellowed, his face contorted into an odd expression of what looked like fury and confusion.

Bulma stared back at him, puzzling over what exactly he meant before finally landing on the fact that he’d completely ignored that she’d implied that he was a failure, and had settled on her admitting she wanted to prevent him from killing himself with her bots.

When she didn’t respond, Vegeta’s eyebrows narrowed even further. She tried to think of an answer, of something that would make him back off but honestly his mouth was close enough for her to kiss (if he hadn’t been holding her neck to the wall), and he smelt really fucking good, and having him this close was so distracting all her thoughts had turned to mush.

“I’ve put a lot of effort into your training, so you can assist with the androids,” she said finally, swallowing hard against his palm - not from fear, but in an effort to push down the warm fluttery feeling she had thanks to his leg pressed against parts that most definitely should not be reacting to her alien house guest. “Why would I want you to die?”

Vegeta sucked in a sharp breath at that, and his tongue shot out and licked his lips. The urge to find out if those lips tasted like a human’s was almost irresistible. Not because she had any feelings for him of course, but purely for scientific purposes. Delicious, sinful, scientific purposes…

Vegeta withdrew the hand from her neck slowly, and before she could feel oddly disappointed at the lack of his touch, he slid his hand down to her waist, resting on the skin showing between her skirt and her short t-shirt. “I want those bots,” he growled, his hot breath a whisper against her cheek.

“And I want to eat ten blocks of chocolate a day and not get fat, but we can’t have it all,” Bulma retorted almost automatically as she struggled to look away from his mouth.

“Can’t we?”

Bulma finally glanced into his eyes and saw the heady glaze in them and knew that his question was more of an invitation.

His lips were slightly parted, his breath a little heavier than normal… oh yes, he was as curious about her as she was about him.

Bulma lifted her free hand and placed it on his chest, intending to push him away like she had before. This was wrong, so very wrong. A man like him shouldn’t be making her feel this way. Forget the fact that he was an alien. He was a murderer. He wanted to kill her best friend and would happily destroy Earth and go on his way without thinking twice.

Still… she could feel his heartbeat pounding beneath her palm, and he suddenly seemed so very human. His eyes dilated and nostrils flared as her hand strayed up a little higher, until her fingers danced along his collarbone. Vegeta didn’t move, didn’t claim as another man would have. He waited, perhaps sensing her indecision, his dark eyes scorching her until she finally slid her hand around the back of his neck and tugged him closer.

His lips met hers with no resistance. They were softer than she’d expected, and they did indeed taste human although she could feel a sparking of energy between them - his ki maybe. When he deepened the kiss, sliding his hand up from her waist to bury itself in her hair and pull them even closer together, the hairs on her arms stood on end and a low moan escaped her throat as she ground herself against his leg, aching desperately for something more.

Vegeta responded with a growl and brought his hands to her thighs, hoisting her legs up. She wrapped them around his waist with a gasp, wondering when exactly his training shorts had dropped, and after a brief fumbling of his hands and her underwear he was inside her and filling her with a mix of pleasure and pain that had her throwing her head back with a scream.

At the sound, he moved one of his hands over her mouth and continued to ram into her relentlessly, not even flinching when she swore into his palm.

Her annoyance at him effectively gagging her disappeared as he continued his onslaught, and behind his hand her muffled cries grew louder, and she felt her release build to an almost painful height.

Vegeta let out his own ragged groan, finally moving his hand away to better hold her, pumping so furiously she was certain her back would be covered in bruises from hitting the wall.

Despite the awkward position, pleasure washed over her in waves as he hit that perfect spot over and over, driving her to madness with its dizzying intensity until finally, finally, she came with a scream.

Vegeta smothered the sound once more, but this time by slanting his mouth over hers and kissing her as his movement became frantic. Although, it was so much more than a mere kiss. His teeth dragged over her bottom lip, bruising the flesh, and his tongue tasted hers, gentle but demanding, while his hand found its way to her hair and tugged at her roots, forcing her to submit.

But Bulma Briefs didn’t submit to anyone.

She bit down on his lip as hard as she could, a thrill rushing through her as he reared back and the metallic tinge of blood filled her mouth.

Far from looking upset, Vegeta’s eyes flashed with pleasure, and he kissed her again, groaning into her mouth before pulling back from their rough kiss to let out a shout that would have put any of the Z-fighter’s battle cries to shame.

He shuddered and fell against her, breathing as erratically as he did after one of his training sessions. They remained pressed up against the wall, curled into other until their breathing slowed in time with one another. As Bulma started to gain feeling back in her jelly-like limbs, Vegeta pulled out gingerly and helped her get her feet on the ground.

“I still want those bots.” Vegeta yanked up his training shorts so damn casually, as if he hadn’t just been moaning in ecstasy moments ago.

“Fuck you.” Bulma straightened her skirt and glared at him, but her words didn’t contain any real malice – she just couldn’t think of a better comeback in her post-orgasm haze.

“We can do that again later,” Vegeta said with a smirk, licking his blood-stained bottom lip. “After I get those bots.”

“Not going to happen, buddy.”

Vegeta just laughed - the sound of someone who knew they’d won - and left the room, the door sliding shut behind him.

Bulma stared at it blankly before sinking into her chair in defeat, her shaky legs unable to keep her standing any longer. Well, shit. Now she was going to have to figure out how to make the extra bots and prevent the gravity room from exploding.

After all, any good experiment needed every possibility tested, and there were so very many er… variables, that she wanted to trial with the Saiyan prince.

[in78weeks-blog]

Solo Trip to Bogota

Nervous about my first international solo trip, I landed at the El Dorado International Airport and worked up the courage to use my very limited and very broken Spanish to acquire a SIM card, exchange some cash, and grab a taxi to head to my hostel. I gave the driver the address to the hostel, which he did not recognize, and after telling him it was in the La Candelaria neighborhood and setting my google maps GPS to direct us to the hostel, I let out a sigh of relief. While he was driving me to my hostel and occasionally getting lost, I directed him by telling him “derecha aqui”, “izquierda a la calle once”, etc. With 15 minutes remaining on our drive to the hostel, I looked down at my phone to the terrifying realization that my phone only had 9% battery remaining. I thought to myself, “if my phone battery dies now, I have no way of knowing where to go, and neither does my driver”. Luckily, I made it to my hostel with 3% battery remaining, and again, I let out an even deeper sign of relief.

I put my belongings down in my aesthetic and quaint hostel, plugged in my phone, and let my mind rest. As I was hanging out on the hammock in the shared space, figuring out my plan for the rest of the evening, two guys arrived at the hostel named Colin and Luke. Talking to Colin for a bit, I learned that he was a coffee roaster for a small company based out of Chicago.

I started to wander toward the Botero Museum, but got distracted by the large crowds down the street. I wandered past artists selling their handmade jewelry and handwoven bags and into a wide open square covered in pigeons. Looking at google maps, I realized I had wandered into Simon Bolivar Square - a popular tourist destination. I sat in the middle of the square and watched as vendors went around trying to sell jewelry, selfie sticks, fruit, and corn kernels - used to feed the pigeons in the square. I scanned the square and laughed as tourists tried to stay still and pose for a picture as pigeons flocked to their corn kernel-filled hands.

After being approached many times by vendors and being satisfied with the photos I captured in the square, I made my way back up the street to the Botero Museum. Fernando Botero is a famous Colombian artist, made known for his unique painting style of chubby subjects. In addition to artwork from Botero, the museum was also scattered with paintings of Picasso, Monet, and Degas.

The Museum was closing soon so I decided to head back toward the hostel to find a place to eat. I stumbled in on a restaurant called “De Una Travel Bar” and used my best Spanish to order myself a meal and two local Colombian beers. Satisfied with my first meal in Colombia, I made my way back to the hostel, hoping to meet and spend time with some of my hostel mates.

Oscar, who was originally from Sydney, Australia was already hanging out on a hammock in the common room and he was quick to start up a conversation with me. Soon after, Shaun and Emily, a couple from Perth, Australia joined us in the shared space. Emily was originally from the states but recently moved to Perth to be with Shaun. Later, Marcel joined us.

We went around the table and answered the following questions: How long have you been traveling, how long are you in Colombia, where have you been and where are you going? Most of the people around the table had some wild travel stories, and had been on the road for quite some time. I was the odd one out, admitting that I was only in town for the weekend.

We quickly exhausted the conversation about the logistics of each of our travel plans, and began talking about the different places we call home. I was most curious about Emily and Shaun’s story, of how Emily who grew up in the United States learned to live in Australia, whose seasons are opposite to what she was used to. Curious about what mysteries lie on the opposite side of the planet, I eagerly listened to the stories that Emily, Shaun and Oscar had to share about Australia.

Soon it was getting dark so we made plans to go to a nice coffee shop in the morning and went to bed.

I’m not sure if it was the sun or the sound of cars driving by on the cobblestone roads just outside of the window that woke me up in the morning. Coffee is one of my big passions so I sprang out of bed, excited to get going to this nice coffee shop other hostel mates were buzzing about. We gathered our crew and walked to the highly aesthetic coffee shop down the street.

Luckily, this cafe had a cupping (coffee tasting) option where they brought out three different coffees in little taster cups. In addition to the coffee, we also each ordered avocado toast. As the food came to our table, we were blown away at how beautiful and delicious the breakfast looked and joked about how much this delicious breakfast would have cost in our respective countries.

Marcel, David and I planned to do the “Bogota Graffiti Tour”, a local walking tour that took us around the streets of Bogota so we could learn about the graffiti of the region, the history of the artist, and the political and social message behind the artwork. As a solo female traveler, I was nervous about venturing too far from the comforts and safety of the tourist areas, but this tour was a great way for me to comfortably explore more of the city of Bogota without risking my safety.

Our tour guide was very informed about the graffiti in the city, as he was a graffiti artist himself. He explained that many of the pieces in the city were politically motivated and made me appreciate the power of art in cultural and social movements. In addition to having the opportunity to learn about the public artwork, I was also glad to have the opportunity to witness the daily lives of the local people.

Unlike any North American city I have ever been in, I felt as though each of the neighborhoods in Bogota were wearing the emotions of the people that resided in them. In the urban, residential, and economically unstable areas where the effect of the government is palpable, the political and social frustrations of the people manifested in powerful murals that could be found along every main street. In the La Candelaria neighborhood, home to tourism and the international youths, the walls were vibrant, fun and whimsical. The political messages did not adorn the walls of this neighborhood as to not upset or confuse the guests. In the business district of the city, the walls resembled that of a North American metropolitan center - plain, simple as if trying to keep up with other technologically advanced cities.

After two hours of walking around the city of Bogota in the heat of the day, we returned to the La Candelaria neighborhood and found a restaurant with local food. We all ordered the meal of the day, which was a humble coriander soup, rice, salad and a single fried plantain. It was exactly what I needed before returning to the hostel to recharge for the remainder of the day.

I took an hour to recharge - both myself and my phone, and soon after ventured out on the streets of La Candelaria on my own, exploring the architectural details of this colorful town. The lights and shadows of the day played well on the brightly painted walls and the warm sun and Latin American humidity was a treat for my dry and weathered skin.

The sun was beginning to set so I took toward Cerro Monserrate - the mountain that towers over the city of Bogota. I was told that the view from this mountain top would put into perspective the size of the Latin American metropolis. There are three ways to reach the summit - a 2,000 ft vertical hike up the side of the mountain, a cable car (which was currently undergoing repairs), and a funicular - a train like vehicle that slowly trails up the side of the mountain. I didn’t have the proper attire for a hike so I opted out of the active option, which left me with a ride up the funicular. As we climbed to the top of the mountain, I started to grasp the size of the city of Bogota.

Latin America is heavily influenced by the Catholic Church and the city of Bogota is no different. At the top of Monserrate Mountain was a giant Catholic Church that was built to honor God in the highest and most visible place in the city. Looking across to the neighboring mountain, there was a gigantic status of Jesus Christ much like the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil though this one was not available to the public.

I was expecting to meet up with David, Marcel, and Bella at sunset so I killed some time by venturing around the tourist market while I waited. Time after time I turned down the vendors trying to convince me to buy their souvenir trinkets.

About half an hour before sunset, David arrived and together we looked out on the city in silence. Having just met and both of us being relatively introverted, we didn’t have much to talk about. It brought me joy to look around and see all kinds of people and groups enjoying the sunset on this particular evening. Next to us was a very intimate and well-dressed couple, and if I had to guess, this was one of many romantic stops for the evening. Families with crying babies huddled together s the temperature began to drop. International groups of high schoolers couldn’t contain their excitement to be in a foreign country with their 25 “closest” classmates. And then there was David and me, silently appreciating each other’s company without necessarily needing to fill it with words.

A couple minutes before the sun tipped below the mountains in the distance, Bella showed up with her signature bubbly personality and Marcel quietly tagged along behind her. We enjoyed the final moments of the daylight and as the temperature quickly dropped, we started back toward the funicular and down the mountainside.

We went to a restaurant near the hostel called Gato Gris, another recommendation from a fellow traveler. It was a nicer, more expensive restaurant, but it was my last night in Bogota so I decided to let myself splurge. We were seated in a tiny room in the upstairs corner of the restaurant and I admired the decor in this space. The first thing I realized was that an old door had been fashioned into a dining table, and the space was dimly lit with a uniquely boho light fixture.

As we sat around the table waiting to order, I was surprised at how much our time together was dominated by silence. As a group of travelers with a royal collection of unique experiences, I was expecting our time together to be filled with conversation, jumping in and out of stories and never finding enough time to tell the best stories from each of our travels. Instead, our group tended toward silence, over dinner, while waiting in line to buy tickets for the next tourist attraction, and this uncanny silence took me by surprise.

I woke up bright and early in anticipation for my last day in Colombia. Looking around at the other bunks in my room, it was only me and one other person in the sleeping quarters, and everyone else had continued on with their travels. I was on my own for my last half day in Bogota so I decided to go and explore as many coffee shops as I could. Unfortunately, it was Sunday which meant that most of the cafes were closed, but I had a plan to visit two different ones.

I returned to the cafe we went to the day before - Azahar cafe and in my best Spanish, I ordered another cupping plate, but asked for different coffees from the ones I had the day before. The barista seemed to understand my request and brought me different flavors from the ones I had the previous day. I enjoyed the avocado toast from the day before so I decided to order that as well. After filling up on breakfast, I bought a bag of coffee beans to bring home and went on my way.

I stopped in at the Simon Bolivar square again to see it in a different scenery. Since it was Sunday, there was an ongoing Catholic mass that I got to sit in on for a couple minutes. Though many elements of my faith align with that of the Catholic church, the liturgy and catholic priests performing ceremonial acts made me feel very far from God.

I only had a couple hours remaining so I began to wander over to the next coffee shop. I located the coffee shop on google maps but was unable to find the storefront anywhere. Again in my best Spanish, I asked the security guard of the library if they had any idea where this coffee shop was. In very fast Spanish and some vague hand motions, they directed me into the library, through the hallway and around several corners. After asking several other guards inside the building, I eventually found my way to the very kind cash register who made me a fresh cup of coffee and helped me pick out two more bags of beans to bring home.

I sat on the couch in the silent library hallway, sipping on my coffee when a stranger joined me and began to talk in very fast Spanish while pointing at my camera. I regretfully told him that I didn’t speak Spanish “lo siento, no hablo Espanol” and he lit up and responded in very good English “Oh, do you speak English”?

He told me that he was planning on buying a camera but wasn’t sure what kind he wanted. I walked him through different types of cameras, the different models available, but after a short while, I realized that this all seemed to be going over his head, and I wasn’t sure if that was because of the language barrier or the content of our conversation.

It was time to head back home, and a part of me was glad. I felt like my mind was being pulled in so many directions and I had so much to think about.

On the flight home I had a lot to think about. As my first international solo trip, I carried with me excitement, and fear, and had a mind full of doubts. Being able to explore Bogota with the company of other foreign travelers, I felt much more at ease about my own safety, but felt like sticking to my comfortable, English-speaking bubble limited me from truly experiencing all that Bogota had to offer. Spending time with these carefree, fearless travelers unexpectedly stirred up emotions about a topic I feel so passionately about - the purpose and intention of travel. I once envied the boldness and bravery of people who choose to put their lives on hold to travel the world for several months, but after spending time with these people, I was confronted with the reality of this glamorized life choice.

I still have much to process about my reasons for traveling, and hope to one day be able to develop cohesive thoughts about the value of modern day travel.

[thedivinefish]

TGIWednesday and a download for having thankfulness

TGIWednesday News

Some people will never like you because you irritate their demons.  Re-read that again if you need to.  My mother always said, “Kill them with kindness.”  More often than not it’s better to say nothing and let things slide.  Ask yourself will this matter 5 or 10 years from now?  If it’s not a birth/life or death or mortgage signing - chances are it will not matter.  Do your best even in adversity to show a good attitude and to remain thankful for what you do have knowing that tough times don’t last but tough people do. Stay tuned for an announcement next Wednesday for how you can join the next Live 30-minute Zoom call I'll be hosting on December 11th at 8pm EST all about Turning on Your Abundance Switches.  We're calling them MySwitchWorks calls and these are different from the audio mp3s as they are super-charged live clearings to create the foundation for your ability to allow abundance and prosperity. We'll work on turning On and Off your Switches and creating reference points - it will be fun AND you can send me a BRIEF email with a specific abundance related issue YOU want addressed.  This is a paid call including replay (around $22) Registration link will be available soon!

TGIWednesday Download

~ HAVING THANKFULNESS~ (Press play to watch and listen as I fish this for you) Today I will acknowledge being thankful for the little things. I believe, think, know and feel that I have spirit's definition of thankful. I am ready, willing and able to be thankful so that I can actually increase my good. I know when, where, how and why via spirit's direction to remain steadfast and thankful this time of year and always and so it is in all languages and throughout all time lines.

From the Fish Box

"Thank you !! Jimmy guess what? This week I hit the lotto for 8,000 dollars and I know it’s all because of the Gold Coin audio !!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻" - D.J. / Hawaii  ​"Hello, I am saying thank you so much Jimmy Mack. I recently bought one of your packages (with the Gold Coin) and the results are amazing! The liquid fish really works! Blessings to you and your staff! I also grew up Episcopalian and had an interest in things you studied. Thanks for validating as I was torn between the two.​" - M.G. / California

Featured Audios for November

DEAL ENDS THIS SATURDAY!

This time of year is the trifecta for dealing with family drama, holiday stress, and traveling hassles.  This 3-pack is put together as a very special low-priced seasonal item and they go together this way for a reason as these 3 audios layer the clearings on top of the other for maximum impact. They each come out to $33 a piece instead of the usual $57 so it's a great savings!

1) Healing Family Relationships  2) Relieving Holiday Stress  3) Traveling With Ease  

This audio bundle gives you the help you will need at one time or another as you go through the next few months and things come up.  They are easy to download & play on your mobile device and can even be played in the background at the family gathering, airport, or shopping mall at low/no volume to change the energy for all.  

 Download all 3 for just $99   90 mins | 350+ clearings   

Purchase Here!

FREE Weekly LIVE Healings and Messages

EVERY TUESDAY at 9pm EST - JIMMY MACK HEALING SHOW 

** NEW CALL NUMBER, NEW LINK ** CALL (206) 806-9965 https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions

Click Here for Last Week's Show and a full archive of past guests & replays.   UPCOMING GUESTS:

November 26th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

December 3rd.  Joanne Psychic Leo Numerology, Astrology, Angel Cards and soul readings from the heart https://psychicjoanneleo.com/

December 10th  Janet The Psychic https://bluefeather.net/

December 17th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show will have a BRAND NEW call in number & online listening link starting on November 5th.  Shows will still be LIVE on Tuesday Nights at 9pm EDT w/replays  If you want to Listen in only, go to this website: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions OR If you want to call in & ask a question CALL (206) 806-9965 No need to press #1, just dial in and you'll be in the queue. If the Call in Number above doesn’t seem to work, please use this back up Call in Number: (425) 535-9149 when prompted, enter 206.806.9965 followed by #  International Callers, click the link below for the International call in list for your country.  If you're using the Free Conference Call App, it automatically re-routes the best call In number for you.  Please unblock your phone number if you wish to speak with Jimmy and or his guest host. Blocked, Restricted and Private Callers are not brought on air.

Sessions at the Tampa Office 

SEE ME AT KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS TAMPA

I'm scheduling 15 and 30 minute appointments at Kodawari Yoga Studios from 10am-2pm EVERY FRIDAY. UPCOMING DATES 

December 6th December 13th December 20th January 10th Call Kodawari's front desk directly to schedule (813) 773-4017 and pay at the concierge desk... 15 minutes 38$ or 30 minutes 68$. 3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa (813) 773-4017 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! All Mastery Students:  Check your email & Login to view all the newly upgraded content including new books and audios!    

"Jimmy's My Liquid Fish Change Made Simple program is AMAZING!!! He gives you not only videos so you can see the changes within people, but also the books he's written as well! On top of that he's provided all the links and visuals you need so ANY type of learner can do it!!  I appreciated having it to download in a PDF so I can go back to it any time, plus the books and ACTUAL healing sessions so you see, know and understand the whole process even better!!Highly recommend to ANYONE looking to change and make not only their life... but everyone's around them better as well!!" - E.J. / Florida

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN MORE HERE

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You will send me a list of the members of your immediate household, and yes even pets, and I will add them to my daily prayers. I will arise daily before you are even awake to start my prayers and also run my intelligent computer software 24/7 deleting the negative and increasing the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of outcomes for you and the family.  Each comes with a one-time email analysis print out via the intelligent healing software that I use on your behalf.  Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes and I get emails of thanks each and every week!

I will dial into you daily in the wee hours and make certain that you are a CLEAR YES, UNCLEAR to NO and RUNNING FORWARD before you start your day.

                     Choose 7 days @$33              Choose 14 days @$66           Choose 30 days @$99

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Fish Food 

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell The Fish: 365 Daily Inspirations & Affirmations

NOVEMBER 27th "Today I press on past what cannot be changed.  I will change what I can and I will weave and bob my way through the myriad of stupidity that is sometimes rampant around the globe.  I will see it for what it is and plow through it all and keep moving."

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library. 

Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better.

Abundance Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives The Gold Coin Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition IRS & Tax Time Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Sex Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss Youth & Vitality

TGIFunny

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Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session ​ ​​Transformational Healing of Body, Mind​ & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!​ ​ Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit (*Updated May 2019) Audio MP3 Downloads​ and books​ to improve your life! Get Certified in ​My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for ​Supplements ​ http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2019 All Rights Reserved  

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Stay connected!

  Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

[divinefishingtips]

TGIWednesday and a download for having thankfulness

TGIWednesday News

Some people will never like you because you irritate their demons.  Re-read that again if you need to.  My mother always said, “Kill them with kindness.”  More often than not it’s better to say nothing and let things slide.  Ask yourself will this matter 5 or 10 years from now?  If it’s not a birth/life or death or mortgage signing - chances are it will not matter.  Do your best even in adversity to show a good attitude and to remain thankful for what you do have knowing that tough times don’t last but tough people do. Stay tuned for an announcement next Wednesday for how you can join the next Live 30-minute Zoom call I'll be hosting on December 11th at 8pm EST all about Turning on Your Abundance Switches.  We're calling them MySwitchWorks calls and these are different from the audio mp3s as they are super-charged live clearings to create the foundation for your ability to allow abundance and prosperity. We'll work on turning On and Off your Switches and creating reference points - it will be fun AND you can send me a BRIEF email with a specific abundance related issue YOU want addressed.  This is a paid call including replay (around $22) Registration link will be available soon!

TGIWednesday Download

~ HAVING THANKFULNESS~ (Press play to watch and listen as I fish this for you) Today I will acknowledge being thankful for the little things. I believe, think, know and feel that I have spirit's definition of thankful. I am ready, willing and able to be thankful so that I can actually increase my good. I know when, where, how and why via spirit's direction to remain steadfast and thankful this time of year and always and so it is in all languages and throughout all time lines.

From the Fish Box

"Thank you !! Jimmy guess what? This week I hit the lotto for 8,000 dollars and I know it’s all because of the Gold Coin audio !!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻" - D.J. / Hawaii  ​"Hello, I am saying thank you so much Jimmy Mack. I recently bought one of your packages (with the Gold Coin) and the results are amazing! The liquid fish really works! Blessings to you and your staff! I also grew up Episcopalian and had an interest in things you studied. Thanks for validating as I was torn between the two.​" - M.G. / California

Featured Audios for November

DEAL ENDS THIS SATURDAY!

This time of year is the trifecta for dealing with family drama, holiday stress, and traveling hassles.  This 3-pack is put together as a very special low-priced seasonal item and they go together this way for a reason as these 3 audios layer the clearings on top of the other for maximum impact. They each come out to $33 a piece instead of the usual $57 so it's a great savings!

1) Healing Family Relationships  2) Relieving Holiday Stress  3) Traveling With Ease  

This audio bundle gives you the help you will need at one time or another as you go through the next few months and things come up.  They are easy to download & play on your mobile device and can even be played in the background at the family gathering, airport, or shopping mall at low/no volume to change the energy for all.  

 Download all 3 for just $99   90 mins | 350+ clearings   

Purchase Here!

FREE Weekly LIVE Healings and Messages

EVERY TUESDAY at 9pm EST - JIMMY MACK HEALING SHOW 

** NEW CALL NUMBER, NEW LINK ** CALL (206) 806-9965 https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions

Click Here for Last Week's Show and a full archive of past guests & replays.   UPCOMING GUESTS:

November 26th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

December 3rd.  Joanne Psychic Leo Numerology, Astrology, Angel Cards and soul readings from the heart https://psychicjoanneleo.com/

December 10th  Janet The Psychic https://bluefeather.net/

December 17th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show will have a BRAND NEW call in number & online listening link starting on November 5th.  Shows will still be LIVE on Tuesday Nights at 9pm EDT w/replays  If you want to Listen in only, go to this website: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions OR If you want to call in & ask a question CALL (206) 806-9965 No need to press #1, just dial in and you'll be in the queue. If the Call in Number above doesn’t seem to work, please use this back up Call in Number: (425) 535-9149 when prompted, enter 206.806.9965 followed by #  International Callers, click the link below for the International call in list for your country.  If you're using the Free Conference Call App, it automatically re-routes the best call In number for you.  Please unblock your phone number if you wish to speak with Jimmy and or his guest host. Blocked, Restricted and Private Callers are not brought on air.

Sessions at the Tampa Office 

SEE ME AT KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS TAMPA

I'm scheduling 15 and 30 minute appointments at Kodawari Yoga Studios from 10am-2pm EVERY FRIDAY. UPCOMING DATES 

December 6th December 13th December 20th January 10th Call Kodawari's front desk directly to schedule (813) 773-4017 and pay at the concierge desk... 15 minutes 38$ or 30 minutes 68$. 3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa (813) 773-4017 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! All Mastery Students:  Check your email & Login to view all the newly upgraded content including new books and audios!    

"Jimmy's My Liquid Fish Change Made Simple program is AMAZING!!! He gives you not only videos so you can see the changes within people, but also the books he's written as well! On top of that he's provided all the links and visuals you need so ANY type of learner can do it!!  I appreciated having it to download in a PDF so I can go back to it any time, plus the books and ACTUAL healing sessions so you see, know and understand the whole process even better!!Highly recommend to ANYONE looking to change and make not only their life... but everyone's around them better as well!!" - E.J. / Florida

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN MORE HERE

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You will send me a list of the members of your immediate household, and yes even pets, and I will add them to my daily prayers. I will arise daily before you are even awake to start my prayers and also run my intelligent computer software 24/7 deleting the negative and increasing the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of outcomes for you and the family.  Each comes with a one-time email analysis print out via the intelligent healing software that I use on your behalf.  Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes and I get emails of thanks each and every week!

I will dial into you daily in the wee hours and make certain that you are a CLEAR YES, UNCLEAR to NO and RUNNING FORWARD before you start your day.

                     Choose 7 days @$33              Choose 14 days @$66           Choose 30 days @$99

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Fish Food 

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell The Fish: 365 Daily Inspirations & Affirmations

NOVEMBER 27th "Today I press on past what cannot be changed.  I will change what I can and I will weave and bob my way through the myriad of stupidity that is sometimes rampant around the globe.  I will see it for what it is and plow through it all and keep moving."

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library. 

Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better.

Abundance Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives The Gold Coin Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition IRS & Tax Time Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Sex Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss Youth & Vitality

TGIFunny

Share

Tweet

Forward

Pinterest

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session ​ ​​Transformational Healing of Body, Mind​ & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!​ ​ Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit (*Updated May 2019) Audio MP3 Downloads​ and books​ to improve your life! Get Certified in ​My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for ​Supplements ​ http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2019 All Rights Reserved  

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com  

Stay connected!

  Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

[365dailyaffirmations]

TGIWednesday and a download for having thankfulness

TGIWednesday News

Some people will never like you because you irritate their demons.  Re-read that again if you need to.  My mother always said, “Kill them with kindness.”  More often than not it’s better to say nothing and let things slide.  Ask yourself will this matter 5 or 10 years from now?  If it’s not a birth/life or death or mortgage signing - chances are it will not matter.  Do your best even in adversity to show a good attitude and to remain thankful for what you do have knowing that tough times don’t last but tough people do. Stay tuned for an announcement next Wednesday for how you can join the next Live 30-minute Zoom call I'll be hosting on December 11th at 8pm EST all about Turning on Your Abundance Switches.  We're calling them MySwitchWorks calls and these are different from the audio mp3s as they are super-charged live clearings to create the foundation for your ability to allow abundance and prosperity. We'll work on turning On and Off your Switches and creating reference points - it will be fun AND you can send me a BRIEF email with a specific abundance related issue YOU want addressed.  This is a paid call including replay (around $22) Registration link will be available soon!

TGIWednesday Download

~ HAVING THANKFULNESS~ (Press play to watch and listen as I fish this for you) Today I will acknowledge being thankful for the little things. I believe, think, know and feel that I have spirit's definition of thankful. I am ready, willing and able to be thankful so that I can actually increase my good. I know when, where, how and why via spirit's direction to remain steadfast and thankful this time of year and always and so it is in all languages and throughout all time lines.

From the Fish Box

"Thank you !! Jimmy guess what? This week I hit the lotto for 8,000 dollars and I know it’s all because of the Gold Coin audio !!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻" - D.J. / Hawaii  ​"Hello, I am saying thank you so much Jimmy Mack. I recently bought one of your packages (with the Gold Coin) and the results are amazing! The liquid fish really works! Blessings to you and your staff! I also grew up Episcopalian and had an interest in things you studied. Thanks for validating as I was torn between the two.​" - M.G. / California

Featured Audios for November

DEAL ENDS THIS SATURDAY!

This time of year is the trifecta for dealing with family drama, holiday stress, and traveling hassles.  This 3-pack is put together as a very special low-priced seasonal item and they go together this way for a reason as these 3 audios layer the clearings on top of the other for maximum impact. They each come out to $33 a piece instead of the usual $57 so it's a great savings!

1) Healing Family Relationships  2) Relieving Holiday Stress  3) Traveling With Ease  

This audio bundle gives you the help you will need at one time or another as you go through the next few months and things come up.  They are easy to download & play on your mobile device and can even be played in the background at the family gathering, airport, or shopping mall at low/no volume to change the energy for all.  

 Download all 3 for just $99   90 mins | 350+ clearings   

Purchase Here!

FREE Weekly LIVE Healings and Messages

EVERY TUESDAY at 9pm EST - JIMMY MACK HEALING SHOW 

** NEW CALL NUMBER, NEW LINK ** CALL (206) 806-9965 https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions

Click Here for Last Week's Show and a full archive of past guests & replays.   UPCOMING GUESTS:

November 26th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

December 3rd.  Joanne Psychic Leo Numerology, Astrology, Angel Cards and soul readings from the heart https://psychicjoanneleo.com/

December 10th  Janet The Psychic https://bluefeather.net/

December 17th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show will have a BRAND NEW call in number & online listening link starting on November 5th.  Shows will still be LIVE on Tuesday Nights at 9pm EDT w/replays  If you want to Listen in only, go to this website: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions OR If you want to call in & ask a question CALL (206) 806-9965 No need to press #1, just dial in and you'll be in the queue. If the Call in Number above doesn’t seem to work, please use this back up Call in Number: (425) 535-9149 when prompted, enter 206.806.9965 followed by #  International Callers, click the link below for the International call in list for your country.  If you're using the Free Conference Call App, it automatically re-routes the best call In number for you.  Please unblock your phone number if you wish to speak with Jimmy and or his guest host. Blocked, Restricted and Private Callers are not brought on air.

Sessions at the Tampa Office 

SEE ME AT KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS TAMPA

I'm scheduling 15 and 30 minute appointments at Kodawari Yoga Studios from 10am-2pm EVERY FRIDAY. UPCOMING DATES 

December 6th December 13th December 20th January 10th Call Kodawari's front desk directly to schedule (813) 773-4017 and pay at the concierge desk... 15 minutes 38$ or 30 minutes 68$. 3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa (813) 773-4017 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! All Mastery Students:  Check your email & Login to view all the newly upgraded content including new books and audios!    

"Jimmy's My Liquid Fish Change Made Simple program is AMAZING!!! He gives you not only videos so you can see the changes within people, but also the books he's written as well! On top of that he's provided all the links and visuals you need so ANY type of learner can do it!!  I appreciated having it to download in a PDF so I can go back to it any time, plus the books and ACTUAL healing sessions so you see, know and understand the whole process even better!!Highly recommend to ANYONE looking to change and make not only their life... but everyone's around them better as well!!" - E.J. / Florida

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN MORE HERE

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You will send me a list of the members of your immediate household, and yes even pets, and I will add them to my daily prayers. I will arise daily before you are even awake to start my prayers and also run my intelligent computer software 24/7 deleting the negative and increasing the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of outcomes for you and the family.  Each comes with a one-time email analysis print out via the intelligent healing software that I use on your behalf.  Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes and I get emails of thanks each and every week!

I will dial into you daily in the wee hours and make certain that you are a CLEAR YES, UNCLEAR to NO and RUNNING FORWARD before you start your day.

                     Choose 7 days @$33              Choose 14 days @$66           Choose 30 days @$99

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Fish Food 

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell The Fish: 365 Daily Inspirations & Affirmations

NOVEMBER 27th "Today I press on past what cannot be changed.  I will change what I can and I will weave and bob my way through the myriad of stupidity that is sometimes rampant around the globe.  I will see it for what it is and plow through it all and keep moving."

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library. 

Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better.

Abundance Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives The Gold Coin Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition IRS & Tax Time Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Sex Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss Youth & Vitality

TGIFunny

Share

Tweet

Forward

Pinterest

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session ​ ​​Transformational Healing of Body, Mind​ & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!​ ​ Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit (*Updated May 2019) Audio MP3 Downloads​ and books​ to improve your life! Get Certified in ​My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for ​Supplements ​ http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2019 All Rights Reserved  

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com  

Stay connected!

  Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

[advancedthetapractitioner]

TGIWednesday and a download for having thankfulness

TGIWednesday News

Some people will never like you because you irritate their demons.  Re-read that again if you need to.  My mother always said, “Kill them with kindness.”  More often than not it’s better to say nothing and let things slide.  Ask yourself will this matter 5 or 10 years from now?  If it’s not a birth/life or death or mortgage signing - chances are it will not matter.  Do your best even in adversity to show a good attitude and to remain thankful for what you do have knowing that tough times don’t last but tough people do. Stay tuned for an announcement next Wednesday for how you can join the next Live 30-minute Zoom call I'll be hosting on December 11th at 8pm EST all about Turning on Your Abundance Switches.  We're calling them MySwitchWorks calls and these are different from the audio mp3s as they are super-charged live clearings to create the foundation for your ability to allow abundance and prosperity. We'll work on turning On and Off your Switches and creating reference points - it will be fun AND you can send me a BRIEF email with a specific abundance related issue YOU want addressed.  This is a paid call including replay (around $22) Registration link will be available soon!

TGIWednesday Download

~ HAVING THANKFULNESS~ (Press play to watch and listen as I fish this for you) Today I will acknowledge being thankful for the little things. I believe, think, know and feel that I have spirit's definition of thankful. I am ready, willing and able to be thankful so that I can actually increase my good. I know when, where, how and why via spirit's direction to remain steadfast and thankful this time of year and always and so it is in all languages and throughout all time lines.

From the Fish Box

"Thank you !! Jimmy guess what? This week I hit the lotto for 8,000 dollars and I know it’s all because of the Gold Coin audio !!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻" - D.J. / Hawaii  ​"Hello, I am saying thank you so much Jimmy Mack. I recently bought one of your packages (with the Gold Coin) and the results are amazing! The liquid fish really works! Blessings to you and your staff! I also grew up Episcopalian and had an interest in things you studied. Thanks for validating as I was torn between the two.​" - M.G. / California

Featured Audios for November

DEAL ENDS THIS SATURDAY!

This time of year is the trifecta for dealing with family drama, holiday stress, and traveling hassles.  This 3-pack is put together as a very special low-priced seasonal item and they go together this way for a reason as these 3 audios layer the clearings on top of the other for maximum impact. They each come out to $33 a piece instead of the usual $57 so it's a great savings!

1) Healing Family Relationships  2) Relieving Holiday Stress  3) Traveling With Ease  

This audio bundle gives you the help you will need at one time or another as you go through the next few months and things come up.  They are easy to download & play on your mobile device and can even be played in the background at the family gathering, airport, or shopping mall at low/no volume to change the energy for all.  

 Download all 3 for just $99   90 mins | 350+ clearings   

Purchase Here!

FREE Weekly LIVE Healings and Messages

EVERY TUESDAY at 9pm EST - JIMMY MACK HEALING SHOW 

** NEW CALL NUMBER, NEW LINK ** CALL (206) 806-9965 https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions

Click Here for Last Week's Show and a full archive of past guests & replays.   UPCOMING GUESTS:

November 26th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

December 3rd.  Joanne Psychic Leo Numerology, Astrology, Angel Cards and soul readings from the heart https://psychicjoanneleo.com/

December 10th  Janet The Psychic https://bluefeather.net/

December 17th - Rev Debbie Dienstbier our resident trans medium specializing in communications with your loved ones in spirit. Visit Facebook page.

The Jimmy Mack Healing Show will have a BRAND NEW call in number & online listening link starting on November 5th.  Shows will still be LIVE on Tuesday Nights at 9pm EDT w/replays  If you want to Listen in only, go to this website: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/goldylocksproductions OR If you want to call in & ask a question CALL (206) 806-9965 No need to press #1, just dial in and you'll be in the queue. If the Call in Number above doesn’t seem to work, please use this back up Call in Number: (425) 535-9149 when prompted, enter 206.806.9965 followed by #  International Callers, click the link below for the International call in list for your country.  If you're using the Free Conference Call App, it automatically re-routes the best call In number for you.  Please unblock your phone number if you wish to speak with Jimmy and or his guest host. Blocked, Restricted and Private Callers are not brought on air.

Sessions at the Tampa Office 

SEE ME AT KODAWARI YOGA STUDIOS TAMPA

I'm scheduling 15 and 30 minute appointments at Kodawari Yoga Studios from 10am-2pm EVERY FRIDAY. UPCOMING DATES 

December 6th December 13th December 20th January 10th Call Kodawari's front desk directly to schedule (813) 773-4017 and pay at the concierge desk... 15 minutes 38$ or 30 minutes 68$. 3965 Henderson Blvd Suite C Tampa (813) 773-4017 http://www.kodawariyoga.com/

Go deep sea "fishing" with Jimmy!

Level 1 is open to ANYONE at anytime! All Mastery Students:  Check your email & Login to view all the newly upgraded content including new books and audios!    

"Jimmy's My Liquid Fish Change Made Simple program is AMAZING!!! He gives you not only videos so you can see the changes within people, but also the books he's written as well! On top of that he's provided all the links and visuals you need so ANY type of learner can do it!!  I appreciated having it to download in a PDF so I can go back to it any time, plus the books and ACTUAL healing sessions so you see, know and understand the whole process even better!!Highly recommend to ANYONE looking to change and make not only their life... but everyone's around them better as well!!" - E.J. / Florida

The Certificate of Mastery Program includes 2 best-selling ebooks and 2 clearing audios plus written & video instructions, AND one-on-one time with Jimmy ALL for about the cost of a single 1-hr session! This online course is for anyone who is familiar with OR new to "fishing" and is ready to dive into the deep end & get results that are beyond the ordinary! It includes The Tackle Box & The Dowser's Handbook ebooks PLUS 2 MP3s "Clearing Dark Energies" & "Increasing Your Intuition" to help clear, strengthen and prepare your energy field for optimal “fishing” results. This is a work-at-your-own-pace curriculum that will TEACH & CLEAR you at the same time! In under 2wks you will be finished with the program and ready to fish on your own with greater results! Level II offers Practitioner Certification for those who qualify.

LEARN MORE HERE

Receive 24/7 Prayers from Jimmy

You will send me a list of the members of your immediate household, and yes even pets, and I will add them to my daily prayers. I will arise daily before you are even awake to start my prayers and also run my intelligent computer software 24/7 deleting the negative and increasing the strength of the positive creating a higher probability of outcomes for you and the family.  Each comes with a one-time email analysis print out via the intelligent healing software that I use on your behalf.  Most clients have had amazing results and outcomes and I get emails of thanks each and every week!

I will dial into you daily in the wee hours and make certain that you are a CLEAR YES, UNCLEAR to NO and RUNNING FORWARD before you start your day.

                     Choose 7 days @$33              Choose 14 days @$66           Choose 30 days @$99

**Can't See The Full Email? Click Here to View Online**

Fish Food 

The Daily Bread To Feed The Fish

Tell The Fish: 365 Daily Inspirations & Affirmations

NOVEMBER 27th "Today I press on past what cannot be changed.  I will change what I can and I will weave and bob my way through the myriad of stupidity that is sometimes rampant around the globe.  I will see it for what it is and plow through it all and keep moving."

For those who aren't familiar, here's the list of the MyBeliefWorks™ audio library. 

Find a topic that addresses your issue(s), click on the link to read more. We had a lot of help downloading & channeling these over the years & they keep getting better.

Abundance Abuse Addiction Body Scan: Head to Toe Daily GPS Reset Dark Energies/Fears Decision Making Diet & Exercise Education & Learning Family & Relatives The Gold Coin Healing Physical Body Healing Mental Stress Holiday Stress

Increasing Intuition IRS & Tax Time Love & Romance Money Mindset Moving Forward Pain Relief Pet Healing Sales & Success Sex Sleep Traveling w/Ease Work & Career Weight Loss Youth & Vitality

TGIFunny

Share

Tweet

Forward

Pinterest

Jimmy Mack | Appointments Skype: Jimmy.Mack55 Clearwater Florida USA Book a 15 minute session Book a 30 minute session Book a 60 minute session ​ ​​Transformational Healing of Body, Mind​ & Spirit, People, Places, Pets & Situations!​ ​ Download the My Liquid Fish® Starter Kit (*Updated May 2019) Audio MP3 Downloads​ and books​ to improve your life! Get Certified in ​My Liquid Fish® Change Made Simple® Watch Free Videos on YouTube Weekly Radio Show Archives Shop for ​Supplements ​ http://www.jimmymackhealingshop.com www.jimmymackhealing.com Copyright ©1998-2019 All Rights Reserved  

-------------------------------------------------- TGIW newsletter managed by: Sandy Bidinger Digital Marketing Specialist at SMBeConnected Solutions www.smbeconnected.com  

Stay connected!

  Our mailing address is: Clearwater Florida 33756 USA

[weepingstar]

Irregular Lovers - Chapter One

[ hey everyone! so this is my new AU i’m excited/NERVOUS about - please check the tags! let me KNOW if you’d like me to tag anything more, or if you appreciate it, or if you’re confused lol - i’ve been thinking about this AU for a long time, so if i make any assumptions/leave things out let me know. missed you all <3 ] 

Read on AO3 

Kenopsia: The eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that is usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet.

Graves saw the word, let his thumb rest against the thin paper of the book Unused and Useless Terms for Those with Nothing Else To Do and felt that he himself knew its effects. His heart, a place which was once filled by one very specific person who ambled around happily - leaving her things here and there, sleeping in warm corners - was empty. The occupier had flown away unhappily to the other side of the world, keeping busy with charity dinners and balls, whilst the two of them remained miserable and separated.

Graves flicks the pages for a while longer until he happens across another.

Apricity: the warmth of the sun in the Winter.

He thinks again of Credence

Percival Graves had been irritable for days. Celestia had noted that from the moment her fiance had received the telegram informing him that his sister wanted to meet, he’d been insufferable and moody, irritable to the extreme. He glimpsed at the clock much more than she thought necessary, tapped his quill in an incredibly annoying manner and snapped at the slightest thing. She didn’t quite understand the dynamic between the two siblings and Percival didn’t welcome questions about the two of them either.

The facts that Celestia knew were these:

Miss Credence Graves had been adopted by Graves’ father - her mother an attractive dancer named Caroline who performed at a gentleman’s club he frequented, her biological father unknown, and absent. The fact of Graves’ recently deceased wife did not however serve as a deterrent for the young Caroline, but spurred her on that much more. The marriage between the eldest Graves and his dancer had lasted, their quick love hadn’t.

As to how Credence had come to live with her brother - it was some kind of taboo to speak of it or ask any questions, so she didn’t. All she could understand was that something must have happened in the home of the eldest Graves for Percival to finally be able to move his sister in with him. Celestia vividly remembers the one occasion Percival had invited her in for a late night drink and Credence had been stood silently at the stairs in her white nightgown, staring with large, dark eyes. Percival had quickly ushered Celestia out again, while soothing Credence for some unknown reason.

From what Celestia could gather, the two had been inseparable until the short period of time before her and Percival’s engagement had been announced. Aurors in Graves’ department had shared their stories of Graves coming into work with a sulky younger Credence, holding her hand and using the other to practice his wandwork. From her own experience, she could tell that the pair were utterly devoted to one another, at first something she had found rather sweet. She could imagine Percival caring just as much for their own children, could see how patient and attentive he was and found it to be a surprising but very agreeable trait. Her meetings with Credence always left her knocked off centre - just old enough now to be married herself, but still acting like a little girl with her doting brother - she was quiet and cautious. Her large eyes tracked people about the room, she often kept closely to Percival and could be found under his arm at whatever society event they were attending. Celestia would quite like to have disliked her, hated her even, just to make the situation a little easier when she’d run away and Percival had all but ignored his wife to be. However, the truth was that she couldn’t quite find anything to hate the girl for, she didn’t talk very much, and she was rather shy and nervous. Hating her would be an unpleasant and unnecessary thing.

Celestia knew they must have had quite a disagreement about something or other during the brief time her and Percival courted because she remembers his desperation to see Credence before she suddenly ran away, and then his intense silence once he’d gotten back having not caught her, holding a letter in his hand that he crumpled in one moment and smoothed over the next.

The two rarely fought, in fact, Celestia couldn’t think of only one occasion she’d witnessed even a tiff - Percival certainly spoke to her sternly at times, and the girl might pout a little, but otherwise they lived in absolute harmony it seemed. So when on one balmy evening in June, Grave returned with a defeated slump to his shoulders and a hard set to his jaw. Celestia was quite worried. As for the letter, Celestia hadn’t asked to read it because she knew it was bad news, knew it wasn’t her place. She eventually asked him where Credence was, said that she was looking forward to seeing her at the wedding, surely, Percival had looked straight through her and simply said, “She’s gone.”

Graves and Celestia were meant to be joined in matrimony in July, but Credence having run away just short of their ceremony halted all the proceedings. Graves was loathe to even speak of marriage and shut himself away in his study or busied himself at work. No matter how gently Celestia tried to coax him he wouldn’t be moved on the subject, refused to marry until Credence returned and things were made right. Guests were disinvited, dresses left half completed, flower orders turned up on their front doorstep when no one had thought to cancel them. Celestia felt terribly about it, held her tongue when it came to Credence and decided she’d act coldly towards the girl on her return. She didn’t quite understand why it was that her going away so suddenly delayed her and Percival’s marriage, or why it affected him so, all she knew was that there was no point in pushing Graves, because nothing good had ever come of that. Time passed slowly, and what first looked to be only a few weeks of delay turned into months, and then half a year had passed with Credence still gone and no ring on Celestia’s finger.

The extended period of Credence’s travels hadn’t gone by unnoticed, Celestia sometimes felt she knew more about her (soon to be) sister in law’s plans than Credence herself did. Percival mapped them out, had his underlings keeping track of her and his own privately employed spies following her around. Celestia told him that he might be going overboard, that he should give her a little space, don’t suffocate her she said, she’s a young woman, a little independence will surely be appreciated by her. Graves had looked down at a memo from his office, stating that his sister was in Belgium and said, “She’s no good at looking after herself, you don’t understand-” Celestia had kissed his mouth to hush him in what she thought was an endearing way, Percival tensed up and didn’t return the affection. He wasn’t ever particularly amorous, but that was just what Celestia was used to from him.

~

Several months into his sister’s departure from the USA and the halting of their… whatever it was, Graves receives the telegram. Puzzled at first with such a no-maj form of communication, it suddenly dawns on him and he rips the envelope open. It’s from her. She wants to meet.

Graves strokes the ‘X’ at the end of the message, something that makes him happier than he’d been in months, and gives him hope, makes him smile at the fact his little sister told the telegram office in her soft, sweet accent to please put a kiss on the end.

Unfortunately for Graves, his sister specifies a day a week from now, being impatient already he begins pacing daily, growling at anyone stupid enough to enter his office at MACUSA, a giant angry dog barely caged.

When the day finally comes, Celestia barely has the chance to ask where he’s going before he’s out of the door, coat tails whipping around him, door slamming shut. Celestia was very aware when she agreed to marry Percival that he was ultimately devoted to his sister, however strange that might be, and that she mustn’t become jealous, as it wasn’t any use to her. This in mind, it doesn’t help the sting she feels when he up and leaves without a moment’s notice for her, without a kiss, without a goodbye. She’d overheard hushed telephone conversations between the two of them - infrequent as they were - and she burned with envy at his sweet voice to his sister, his careful enquiries.

Graves is early, of course. He stands in Berlin train station, watches people in their trench coats pass by, burdened with luggage. Doesn’t see a slight figure with a mink stole and no luggage in hand, a trolley following her with monogrammed cases. Not yet. The long windows of the building let in columns of light that illuminate passing figures, but none that he has any interest in.

He taps out a slim cigarette from a gold case, lights it and takes a deep drag to calm his nerves, his limbs feel looser now, more so than they had for months, his face feels relaxed and lacks his now signature frown. He sees a flash of white, fur, black glossy hair and is suddenly overcome with an armful of his little sister.

As usual, she was late.

To anyone else in the station, they would look like two lovers meeting again after a long time had passed, the small girl wrapped up tightly and the two embracing like the world was about to end, she was on tiptoes to reach up farther in her enthusiasm, when the older man picked her up and held her close, a kiss pressed carefully to her lips.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Flames of Gratitude

Miracle Moment®

“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” Carl Jung, psychologist

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director

October was a frightening and challenging month for residents of California. Rampant power black outs and raging fires throughout the state required thousands of people to evacuate their homes. After producing our radio broadcasts, I went to bed on a Wednesday night and  at 2:15 am, my husband and I were awoken by firefighters pounding on our door shouting “evacuate now!” We were given 60 seconds to leave as the fire was flaming near our fence less than 100 feet away. Feeling immense gratitude for surviving the inferno, I quickly penned what I had learned during that frantic flee: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1317/One-Minute-to-Evacuate-a-personal-perspective-from-the-Oct-10-fire.html . 

November is the month to express our thanks. First responders deserve major credit and gratitude for saving property and lives. Both fire and police personnel have been working tirelessly throughout California during these unprecedented times. 

Climate change is rapidly fueling natural disasters. Be the Star You Are!® continues to spearhead Operation Disaster Relief and we encourage you to contribute. No longer can we start a campaign only when tragedy strikes. Disasters have become a part of daily life and Be the Star You Are!® must be ready to assist at a moments notice.  All donations are greatly appreciated to help us help those in need. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. 

Or send a check to BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556. Give to this favorite 501(c)(3) and receive a deduction on your 2019 taxes if you itemize. 

The power black outs continued throughout the month and it may be wise to take the steps to be self-sufficient or off the grid as we are living in a new environment. I’ve published two important articles for the newspaper where I work to help others know how to prepare for an emergency. Make sure to read these as they may save your life and that of your family and friends. Send these links to those you love to help them prepare for whatever disaster lurks in our future.

Safety first: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1318/Safety-First-Emergency-Preparation-and-the-Go-Bag.html

Scary, scary night: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1318/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Scary-scary-night.html

As we prepare for the holiday season of gifts and giving, we want to introduce you to books that will inspire and thrill you. Make sure to check out our Spotlight book, I am Me, a powerful book by teens with original art and poetry expressing the importance of being your authentic self. Also, order copies of our three signature books in the Be the Star You Are!® series for true stories, adages, and exercises to help you live, laugh, learn, and love more fully with 100% of the profits benefiting this charity. Giving Tuesday is December 3rd this year, so please mark your calendar and ask your company to match your donation.

Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, checking in, and love. We are very appreciative. Be safe and sound. Let’s hope no one has to walk through the fire to have a great life,

“Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate!”  Join us! Thanksgiving is TODAY and EVERYDAY!

Blessings and Gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

RECOGNITION FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Be the Star You Are!® Receives Congratulations from California Legislature

Recently, we received a lovely letter and Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature congratulating Be the Star You Are!® on 20 years of service to the community. What an unexpected honor for which we are grateful to Assembly member, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan . We share this commendation with all of our dedicated volunteers and supporters. With your assistance, Be the Star You Are!® continues its imperative mission to empower women, families, and youth through increased literacy, positive media messages, and tools for living.

SPOTLIGHT

I Am Me: Teen Artists and Writers Speak Out on Being Yourself 

This is a powerful book that helps young people believe that you don’t have to achieve “perfection” to be “perfect.” 

  “Edgy, powerful, insightful, and honest.” 

The pages in this book pairs award winning art and writing to empower teens to shake off negative influences to realize it is okay to be themselves. Each piece of art is skillfully matched with writing to reflect the attitude of a generation of teens who want to fit in but feel inadequate due to societal pressures.

www.i-am-me-teen.com or order on Amazon.

Listen to Editor, Tom Worthen, Ph.d interviewed on Express Yourself! Teen Radio about this poignant message. https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118745/optimism-with-i-am-me

SUCCESS AT PEAR AND WINE FESTIVAL

Our Teen Event Director, Siri Phaneendra, did a fabulous job of putting on the BTSYA booth at the recent Pear and Wine Festival. Her mother and sister helped her with the new henna activity. Express Yourself!® radio hosts Kenneth Jeon and Jack Pawlakos were on hand to work in the booth. Thanks to Lamorinda Weekly newspaper for sponsorship and lending us the great canopy. What a fantastic family day of fun!

We have been honored with a Top-Rated Award for 2019 from GreatNonprofits! We appreciate all of your contributions! https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

RADIO BROADCASTS TO INSPIRE

Cynthia Brian was thrilled and honored to be a guest on Dr. Davon James LIVE radio broadcast on Veteran's Day focusing on passion. Cynthia and Dr. James share how everyone can create success by living and working with passion. You are enough! Listen now! https://www.unityonlineradio.org/everyday-peace/living-and-working-your-passion

Express Yourself!® Teen Radio (https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio)  host Henna Hundal (also host of syndicated The Henna Hundal Show, https://www.thehennahundalshow.com) facilitated an impressive broadcast about the critical importance of mentorship and coaching. Nicholas Donzelli, a ten year veteran of volunteering coaching of an award winning water polo team shared his insights along with Be the Star You Are!® founder and StarStyle® coach, Cynthia Brian. Having a coach and/or mentor in your life can help you launch your dreams. Be authentic. Tune in https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118595/mentoring-with-henna-hundal-nick-donzelli-and-cynthia-brian

GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 3, 2019 

GivingTuesday​ started as a day for anyone, anywhere to give, and it's grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Celebrated each year on the Tuesday following U.S. Thanksgiving, and fueled by the power of social media, GivingTuesday inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them. The goal is to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day, and touches every person on the planet. GivingTuesday takes place on December 3, 2019 this year. Create a fundraiser and ask your employer to match donations. Be the Star You Are!® will use your contributions for our ongoing outreach programs, disaster relief (https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-hurricane-fire-disaster-rel), and positive message radio broadcasts. Donations can be made to Be the Star You Are! via PAYPAL GIVING FUND with no fees. https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. You will receive an instant tax receipt.

Then, continue being kind and doing good all year round.

VISIT WITH SANTA IS DECEMBER 14TH

Mark your calendars for a jolly journey to the north pole on December 14th.  Be the Star You Are!® volunteers once again collaborate with 5 A Rent a Space in Moraga to bring Santa and his elves to the neighborhood. Kids can write a letter to Mr. Claus, get a FREE photo sitting on his lap, get creative with festive art projects, and enjoy hot chocolate and special treats. Holiday cards and books will be available for sale as a donation to BTSYA. The event is FREE for the entire family. 11am-3pm. Come enjoy holiday cheer with all of us.

HOW DO YOU THANK SOMEONE?

     By Karen Kitchel

You know the feeling deep within. Someone just came to your door with a basket of warm cookies because they know you’re having a tough day.  You narrowly escape your burning home while a firefighter goes back in to save your puppy. Or maybe it was a stranger who picked up all the spilled candy that your little darling scattered on the supermarket floor.

Sometimes we wish we had a word much stronger than “thanks” to convey our heartfelt appreciation.  Perhaps by adding a sincere look or a tap on the arm, we can transfer our feelings of gratitude. 

What else can we do to say thanks?  I once gave a co-worker a post-it note with a word of thanks, and ten years later she told me it still could be seen on her refrigerator. Think back to a time when you really felt thanked for something you said or did.  Why do you still remember that feeling?

While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy the power of thanking someone every day.

BTSYA volunteer Karen Kitchel serves meals to the homeless, is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. She wrote the chapter, The Gift of Adoption, in our book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. www.scatteringkindness.com

SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?  ENJOY DISCOUNTS & MORE

Other easy ways that assist our mission and don’t cost you a penny!

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash back at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

& buy from your favorite stores. 

4. Search and Shop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too!http://www.goodsearch.com/goodto-go/be-the-star-you-are

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net

7. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link

8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop

9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

___________________

Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

____________

Classified Ads:

If you’d like to advertise your service or product while supporting Be the Star You Are!®, we are now accepting approved ads that will benefit readers. Contact info@BetheStarYouAre.org for details. 

A NOTE WE LOVED!

”I admire you because despite your fears you face destiny as a beast and manage to reverse the worst situation. You don’t believe in dramatic forecasts and wake up every morning wanting to give the world the best. Thank you!” Nico Ficarelli, Decendiente de Manuel Creador De Argentina

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

All donations are 100% Tax Deductible according to law. Thank you!

https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Read our newsletter:  http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/fe82bef3f1/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

[goddessgardener]

Fire of Gratitude

Miracle Moment®

“The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” Carl Jung, psychologist

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director

October was a frightening and challenging month for residents of California. Rampant power black outs and raging fires throughout the state required thousands of people to evacuate their homes. After producing our radio broadcasts, I went to bed on a Wednesday night and  at 2:15 am, my husband and I were awoken by firefighters pounding on our door shouting “evacuate now!” We were given 60 seconds to leave as the fire was flaming near our fence less than 100 feet away. Feeling immense gratitude for surviving the inferno, I quickly penned what I had learned during that frantic flee: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1317/One-Minute-to-Evacuate-a-personal-perspective-from-the-Oct-10-fire.html . 

November is the month to express our thanks. First responders deserve major credit and gratitude for saving property and lives. Both fire and police personnel have been working tirelessly throughout California during these unprecedented times. 

Climate change is rapidly fueling natural disasters. Be the Star You Are!® continues to spearhead Operation Disaster Relief and we encourage you to contribute. No longer can we start a campaign only when tragedy strikes. Disasters have become a part of daily life and Be the Star You Are!® must be ready to assist at a moments notice.  All donations are greatly appreciated to help us help those in need. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. 

Or send a check to BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556. Give to this favorite 501(c)(3) and receive a deduction on your 2019 taxes if you itemize. 

The power black outs continued throughout the month and it may be wise to take the steps to be self-sufficient or off the grid as we are living in a new environment. I’ve published two important articles for the newspaper where I work to help others know how to prepare for an emergency. Make sure to read these as they may save your life and that of your family and friends. Send these links to those you love to help them prepare for whatever disaster lurks in our future.

Safety first: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1318/Safety-First-Emergency-Preparation-and-the-Go-Bag.html

Scary, scary night: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1318/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Scary-scary-night.html

As we prepare for the holiday season of gifts and giving, we want to introduce you to books that will inspire and thrill you. Make sure to check out our Spotlight book, I am Me, a powerful book by teens with original art and poetry expressing the importance of being your authentic self. Also, order copies of our three signature books in the Be the Star You Are!® series for true stories, adages, and exercises to help you live, laugh, learn, and love more fully with 100% of the profits benefiting this charity. Giving Tuesday is December 3rd this year, so please mark your calendar and ask your company to match your donation.

Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, checking in, and love. We are very appreciative. Be safe and sound. Let’s hope no one has to walk through the fire to have a great life,

“Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate!”  Join us! Thanksgiving is TODAY and EVERYDAY!

Blessings and Gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

RECOGNITION FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

Be the Star You Are!® Receives Congratulations from California Legislature

Recently, we received a lovely letter and Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature congratulating Be the Star You Are!® on 20 years of service to the community. What an unexpected honor for which we are grateful to Assembly member, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan . We share this commendation with all of our dedicated volunteers and supporters. With your assistance, Be the Star You Are!® continues its imperative mission to empower women, families, and youth through increased literacy, positive media messages, and tools for living.

SPOTLIGHT

I Am Me: Teen Artists and Writers Speak Out on Being Yourself 

This is a powerful book that helps young people believe that you don’t have to achieve “perfection” to be “perfect.” 

  “Edgy, powerful, insightful, and honest.” 

The pages in this book pairs award winning art and writing to empower teens to shake off negative influences to realize it is okay to be themselves. Each piece of art is skillfully matched with writing to reflect the attitude of a generation of teens who want to fit in but feel inadequate due to societal pressures.

www.i-am-me-teen.com or order on Amazon.

Listen to Editor, Tom Worthen, Ph.d interviewed on Express Yourself! Teen Radio about this poignant message. https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118745/optimism-with-i-am-me

SUCCESS AT PEAR AND WINE FESTIVAL

Our Teen Event Director, Siri Phaneendra, did a fabulous job of putting on the BTSYA booth at the recent Pear and Wine Festival. Her mother and sister helped her with the new henna activity. Express Yourself!® radio hosts Kenneth Jeon and Jack Pawlakos were on hand to work in the booth. Thanks to Lamorinda Weekly newspaper for sponsorship and lending us the great canopy. What a fantastic family day of fun!

We have been honored with a Top-Rated Award for 2019 from GreatNonprofits! We appreciate all of your contributions! https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

RADIO BROADCASTS TO INSPIRE

Cynthia Brian was thrilled and honored to be a guest on Dr. Davon James LIVE radio broadcast on Veteran's Day focusing on passion. Cynthia and Dr. James share how everyone can create success by living and working with passion. You are enough! Listen now! https://www.unityonlineradio.org/everyday-peace/living-and-working-your-passion

Express Yourself!® Teen Radio (https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio)  host Henna Hundal (also host of syndicated The Henna Hundal Show, https://www.thehennahundalshow.com) facilitated an impressive broadcast about the critical importance of mentorship and coaching. Nicholas Donzelli, a ten year veteran of volunteering coaching of an award winning water polo team shared his insights along with Be the Star You Are!® founder and StarStyle® coach, Cynthia Brian. Having a coach and/or mentor in your life can help you launch your dreams. Be authentic. Tune in https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/118595/mentoring-with-henna-hundal-nick-donzelli-and-cynthia-brian

GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 3, 2019 

GivingTuesday​ started as a day for anyone, anywhere to give, and it's grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Celebrated each year on the Tuesday following U.S. Thanksgiving, and fueled by the power of social media, GivingTuesday inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them. The goal is to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day, and touches every person on the planet. GivingTuesday takes place on December 3, 2019 this year. Create a fundraiser and ask your employer to match donations. Be the Star You Are!® will use your contributions for our ongoing outreach programs, disaster relief (https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-hurricane-fire-disaster-rel), and positive message radio broadcasts. Donations can be made to Be the Star You Are! via PAYPAL GIVING FUND with no fees. https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504. You will receive an instant tax receipt.

Then, continue being kind and doing good all year round.

VISIT WITH SANTA IS DECEMBER 14TH

Mark your calendars for a jolly journey to the north pole on December 14th.  Be the Star You Are!® volunteers once again collaborate with 5 A Rent a Space in Moraga to bring Santa and his elves to the neighborhood. Kids can write a letter to Mr. Claus, get a FREE photo sitting on his lap, get creative with festive art projects, and enjoy hot chocolate and special treats. Holiday cards and books will be available for sale as a donation to BTSYA. The event is FREE for the entire family. 11am-3pm. Come enjoy holiday cheer with all of us.

HOW DO YOU THANK SOMEONE?

     By Karen Kitchel

You know the feeling deep within. Someone just came to your door with a basket of warm cookies because they know you’re having a tough day.  You narrowly escape your burning home while a firefighter goes back in to save your puppy. Or maybe it was a stranger who picked up all the spilled candy that your little darling scattered on the supermarket floor.

Sometimes we wish we had a word much stronger than “thanks” to convey our heartfelt appreciation.  Perhaps by adding a sincere look or a tap on the arm, we can transfer our feelings of gratitude. 

What else can we do to say thanks?  I once gave a co-worker a post-it note with a word of thanks, and ten years later she told me it still could be seen on her refrigerator. Think back to a time when you really felt thanked for something you said or did.  Why do you still remember that feeling?

While we celebrate one special day of giving thanks this month, we can enjoy the power of thanking someone every day.

BTSYA volunteer Karen Kitchel serves meals to the homeless, is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. She wrote the chapter, The Gift of Adoption, in our book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. www.scatteringkindness.com

SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?  ENJOY DISCOUNTS & MORE

Other easy ways that assist our mission and don’t cost you a penny!

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash back at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA :https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

& buy from your favorite stores. 

4. Search and Shop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too!http://www.goodsearch.com/goodto-go/be-the-star-you-are

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net

7. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link

8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop

9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

___________________

Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

____________

Classified Ads:

If you’d like to advertise your service or product while supporting Be the Star You Are!®, we are now accepting approved ads that will benefit readers. Contact info@BetheStarYouAre.org for details. 

A NOTE WE LOVED!

”I admire you because despite your fears you face destiny as a beast and manage to reverse the worst situation. You don’t believe in dramatic forecasts and wake up every morning wanting to give the world the best. Thank you!” Nico Ficarelli, Decendiente de Manuel Creador De Argentina

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

All donations are 100% Tax Deductible according to law. Thank you!

https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Read our newsletter:  http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/fe82bef3f1/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

[timestamp-renegade-universe-blog]

Follow Through

Or, “If I had the money, I would put it where my mouth is.”

In my last post, I described the difficult set of circumstances that led me to the necessary time-out on Timestamp for a few weeks, as well as my difficult decision to throw in the towel and search for a stable income in tandem with my art efforts. In a nutshell, there is a lot of stress in this household between unstable finances, unsorted mental illness, unfounded child custody cases, and all the other normal stuff that 20-somethings deal with these days. And, as usual, I have done a poor job finding the time for self-care in order to handle it. That’s why I’ve vowed to make it a bigger priority to write on a daily basis, largely using my Timestamp blog to keep myself accountable, though I will not realistically be able to create a full post every single day. For me this will be an exercise in acknowledging and discussing mental health issues that I have previously avoided for fear of social stigma. For you, this may just be the inner dialogue of a traumatized introvert, but I hope that it would one day find community. While I am nervous to work through these issues in a public forum on my business page, I also have to stand by the fact that I am Timestamp, and my mentality/ mental health is a huge part of what and how I create.  

So here’s my start.

Took time to reduce my anxiety before getting out of bed? Check. Been in contact with my therapist this morning? Check. Working on processing my situation through writing? The time has come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two posts ago I was talking a big game about the methods that I use to reduce some of my anxiety and increase mindfulness when I’m continually working from home like an isolated loser for 14 hour days. Although I have a lot more to deal with than anxiety, I’ve recently found out, these have been instrumental tools in keeping my head on straight when there’s no one around to lean on.

As much as I love my alone time and find energy in working in my own environment without interruption, I also have to say that it can be really demoralizing and lonely to be manically working at home all day every day. With all of my best friends and family still residing in Illinois, the only human I have around here is my significant other, who has a very demanding schedule outside of the house (thank god, because having another party in my space 24/7 is also not the solution for me).

Without social support when I’m starting to feel the tickles of anxiety growing, I realized early on in my small business adventure that I needed to find other instruments to lean on when I’m losing my grip. These are the ways I’ve reliably used to contend with my loneliness and generalized anxiety:

Podcasts  - You know how when you haven’t seen or spoken to another human being in about two days, and you start to talk to yourself, your dog, and your guinea pig instead? Yeah, right, me either… but if I did, I would recommend that you switch to hearing other people talk on these podcasts.  I spend most of my days continually streaming podcasts in the background, whether I’m writing for my day job or hand painting a new piece of furniture. They are amazingly comforting, not only for reducing the uncomfortable silence in an empty house and stimulating your brain with subtle conversation, but also for addressing mental health and philosophical life issues if you tune into the right programs. Here are my favorites:

On Being – Good god, I wish I could have Krista Tippett in my life, calmly narrating my existence and bringing up the most thoughtful, perspective-changing questions known to man. This program is life-changing. My only regret is that it took me so long to find On Being, when I have been individually questioning the meaning of it all for 20 years at this point. Every episode is 53 minutes long edited, and about 120 minutes long unedited, if you want to hear both versions of the conversation like some people do… cough. The premise is simple, ex-journalist, theologian, and author Krista Tippett has long, organic conversations with the most interesting humans you never knew you needed to have in your life. The conversations tackle issues of mindfulness, psychology, individual spirituality, and philosophy, with a dabbling of current science for good measure. The interviewees come from hugely diverse backgrounds, some of which you might expect, including a prevalence of poets and social change leaders. However, you won’t get off that easy; often the guests are quite unexpected for a left-wing public radio show, and can be challenging to approach with an open mind such as the episodes with Glenn Beck or a panel of pro-life pastors. No matter the topic, every episode is thoroughly surprising and grounding. I gain such a sense of peace and perspective from the wisdom of these enormously influential people. I can’t say enough about the grace and depth of the conversations, or the appreciation I’ve developed for thoughtful pauses before profound answers. I want to be Krista Tippett when I grow up.

The Mindset Zone – This one is fairly self-explanatory, although the host’s voice is anything but. Ana Melikian, a Psychologist and business coach with the most unique “generally European” accent I’ve ever heard, leads these short episodes that tackle the issue of mental health in small business. Finding this podcast felt like a message from the heavens, and it came during a time when I was fully losing my battle with business anxiety earlier this year. Each episode tackles a specific issue or guest relating to the mental health management that must take place to open a new business. I’ll be honest when I say that the programs are a bit hit or miss for me. Occasionally they can be redundant or feel like advertisements for her business coaching techniques, but often they are full of the exact insight I need to hear. Is it normal to be completely overwhelmed and disgruntled about the vast number of hats you must wear in small business? Yes. Does everyone doubt what they’re doing and feel the drive to retreat to a safer option? Sure do. Is failure a necessary event to be accepted and learned from, rather than feared? Yep. The messages of the episodes are simple, eye opening, and unifying. As is always the case with mental health, just hearing that what I’ve been experiencing is normal was a huge relief; in fact, this podcast is what inspired me to begin writing more openly about the issue of mental health management in my own small business. It is a topical and useful journey, with plenty of unintended laughs at Ana’s pronunciations. Sorry Ana.

Sex and Other Human Activities – Oh man, do I love the Cave Comedy Radio/Last Podcast Network. These guys are meant to be my best friends and my best friends’ best friends; they just don’t know it yet. We’re mildly obsessed, and diligently plotting ways to prove our worth as the next generation of SOHA hosts, since these two have taken a break from the program to work on other projects. Anyways, this particular show features two of my favorite CCR/LPN hosts, Jackie Zebrowski and Marcus Parks, who openly and honestly discuss their battles with mental illness, as well as answering listener questions on the same topics. Both hosts are fantastically hilarious in my exact style of humor, and very transparent when it comes to the relationship, work, and general life difficulties that come hand in hand with attempting to better understand and control your own psychology. They are incredibly relational, and speak honestly about their successes as well as failures in sorting out depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, self-doubt, and anger. Though there are plenty of laughs, it’s also clear that Jackie and Marcus care a great deal about the topics, and there are many difficult episodes that took considerable courage to record. Again, there is enormous power in this program simply from hearing that you aren’t alone in your battles. Listening to the accounts from two people of similar age and mentality, working through their issues and preaching the importance of self-kindness and professional care feels like receiving guiding support from my best friends, on-demand.  I could talk endlessly about my love for all the CCR/LPN guys, but I’ll hold off for an inevitable road trip entry.

Walks – An oldie but a goodie, exercise is a crucial way to work through my emotions and ground myself when my stomach starts to tighten up in a knot. A huge part of mindfulness is observing the breath and bodily sensations, and for me the best free version of this is going on a brisk hike. There’s nothing like getting out into uninterrupted nature and connecting with my feet in order to let go of the rushing thoughts in my head. I gain so much peace from a long solo walk, where I can connect with my worries and allow myself the space to process them. This is a tool I’ve used for many years, though back in Illinois it was fulfilled through walking to and from work each day, long walks around campus on every break, and usually ending with a late evening walk either alone or with my sidekick Jacq. When my dog Jake came into my life, he became a huge motivator to keep up the practice even during dark times when I had trouble executing this style of self-care. Nowadays, the truly amazing part is our proximity to beautiful and dynamic hiking trails in Stone Mountain, which far outweigh the residential streets I used to stomp down in Urbana, Illinois when it comes to peace-bringing. The difficult part, however, is managing my anxiety long enough just to get to the park. Any deviation or distraction from my work each day carries an enormous stress load with it, so the act of going out and reducing my anxiety actually inspires a mountain of distress in the hours leading up to my departure. I do my best to remind myself that this is a critical tool for mindfulness and I need to address my issues rather than working as a means of distraction, but it’s always difficult to permit myself time for self-care. Acknowledging these difficulties in my personality, I’ve come up with three strategies to reduce the likelihood of ditching my park plans;

Arrange with a friend to chat during the walk. When there is a sense of duty, i.e. a promise I made to someone else, I have no problem following through with my plans. I’ve found it helpful, and socially positive, to talk on the phone with my friend during her lunch break as I get my exercise in. This gives me a set time to take a break from my work, prepare, and get to the park on time with a party holding me accountable. I can disappoint myself, but I can’t disappoint other people.

Leverage “shitty work days” to promote breaks at the park. There are days when I work exclusively on Timestamp projects, and I’m happy as a clam from sunup to sundown. Then there are days when I have to write and edit endless articles to pay the bills. These are the days that my brain struggles the most. Without working towards something I’m passionate about, my mind tends to get restless and wander. I have a hard time keeping my head in the game, and instead it can begin to slide into some hefty doom and gloom thinking. Sometimes, there are so many external thoughts flying around in there that I can’t concentrate on my arduous and boring task at hand any longer. I begin to lose my focus, become exhausted, and slip into a depressive state. That’s when it’s time to allow myself the luxury of a walk, in order to reset and reapproach the rest of the work day with newfound productivity.

Set a nighttime walk intention. I’ve found that there is far less anxiety and guilt associated with taking my walk at night, rather than in the middle of my day. This allows me to get all the work done that simply can’t wait before I attempt to pull myself away from the project. If, for whatever reason, I haven’t made as much progress as I wanted to by the time evening falls, I still have less guilt giving myself some space when it’s already 8pm. Of course, I’ve considered switching this to morning walks so I could calm down before my work day even started, but have yet to make this attempt, as I currently use my early mornings to get unwanted writing jobs out of the way.

Social support – We all know, your support network is the most important tool in living with mental illness. That being said, for someone with a tendency to avoid and isolate when they need help the most, it can be a huge challenge to even go and seek social support. As a verified introvert, masochist, and devotee to the idea that my existence is a burden to everyone I know, I generally do the wrong thing in these situations. In the past two or three months, I’ve made a big push to get over my fear of bothering people, and attempt to contact folks when I’m having a hard time. It can be my best friend, my therapist, or even my mother if I’m feeling desperate enough. 9 times out of 10, it results in an honest and caring conversation that helps me greatly in working through whatever problem is at hand, and I have a lasting boost of self-esteem from the interaction. Even if we can’t resolve the issue, just having the reassurance that my friends and family haven’t forgotten about me and still care about my well-being from hundreds of miles away relieves many of my greatest fears. As a bonafied one-man island in bad times, my saving graces for forcing social support on myself are:

My outgoing and extroverted boyfriend. Even though he may not always understand why I’m so crippled by imaginary worries, he’ll always listen to them. At times he can do the unthinkable and convince me to do better with his own social and optimistic nature. He always wants to spend time together and to get out of the house, and this social insistence can be a gift.

My best friends who have their own battles and insights on mental health. Not only do I have a best friend who works professionally as a clinical therapist, but most of the people I surround myself with have similar struggles. We understand one another and feel less judgement talking about the things we deal with, besides the fact that their own needs for support often keep me accountable for their sake, if not my own.

My group messages with friends back home. Reaching out and talking is hard when you feel like your life is empty and depressing. If there’s no news to share, it’s hard to call someone up just to chat. That’s why these stupid facebook messenger groups are such a helpful tool for feeling social without the pressure of actually being social. The continual chatter amongst friends helps me to feel connected to my old crew on a daily basis, even when I personally don’t feel like I have anything to talk about.

Creativity - Clearly, this one rings true for me. As I’ve stated earlier, I can work on my artistic projects from dawn til dusk without feeling an inkling of anxiety or mental duress. I realize that not everyone is as enthusiastic about making things as I am, but I believe there is some real power in accessing this part of the brain. Maybe doodling, instagramming, or zen coloring is more your style - there are plenty of options. Something about the process of thinking creatively seems to be incompatible with the pathways that cause my stress and anxiety, so one can’t happen in tandem with the other. This is great when I’m in a creative mindset and naturally fend off looming anxiety; conversely it’s very difficult when I’m in a negative mindset and battling to reach a place of creativity. Here are the ways I’ve found to get past the mental gymnastics, and get into the artistic zone:

Having some sort of a schedule. As I mentioned a bit earlier, I’ve realized that it makes sense for me to get my writing assignments completed in the morning. This allows me to set aside the stress of looming busy work, earn myself a sense of achievement, and open my mind to other tasks I want to complete. Now, I don’t rigidly schedule my writing work because just as there are times I feel creative and times I do not, there are also times I feel like writing and times I simply can’t. Maybe my head hurts too badly to look at the computer screen, or maybe I’m not feeling the creative juices flowing that particular time of that particular day. That’s when flexibility is important, so I can find fulfillment in accomplishing the tasks that best mesh with my mental state, and I can achieve the most productive day possible.  

Setting my intentions for the day one on the night before. Sometimes, it’s anxiety inducing just to wake up in the morning and look at my long list of business to-do’s. Should I be wrapping up this big desk, working on my newest set of prints, posting to Instagram, writing a blog, fixing my website bugs, posting new items to Etsy, checking on my sales around town, etc, etc, etc. It never ends. If I can just work through these options in the evening beforehand, coming up with a general list of priorities to focus on, I can hit the ground running the next day. Sounds simple, but usually it’s easier to finish up a long day of work and push the topic to the backburner for the rest of the night, than to begin planning the next busy day.

Writing. I huge problem I must overcome regularly is my brain’s penchant for repetitive thinking. If something is on my mind, I have a difficult time pushing it aside to focus on new tasks. My mind cycles through what’s bothering me again and again, bringing up the same physical reactions each time the sentiment goes passing through. This is why writing has so much power for me. Putting these concerns down on paper or keyboard is an excellent release from the merry-go-round of worry. It allows me to process exactly what I’m feeling about the issue, to solidify the issue as something that I am acknowledging, and to form a plan on how to deal with it. After that, I can move on from the problem with greater ease, and apply all that brain energy to another item.

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All I’m meaning to say here is, it can be difficult to allow yourself the “luxury” of caring for yourself and your mental health, especially when your focus is always on taking care of business. There’s nothing to stop you from putting your own physical and emotional needs aside when things are stressful, at the times when you need self-care the most. I’m no expert in the field of personal kindness, but I increasingly recognize that it’s important to improve these skills as necessary tools for a functional life. It’s certainly something that takes practice and a mindful outlook to make some of these changes reality, but the continued exercise only cements the positive effects further each time. I’ll be working on and expanding these practices for the rest of my life. I can only hope that my self-compassion continues to grow, and I can help another restless soul or two just by sharing how difficult it can feel to tackle these small measures, but how relieving it feels afterwards.

And remember, you’re alright kid, I don’t care what other people say.

[bluebookweb]

Pizza Hut at 60, Delivering Chipotle and The Dapper Doughnut Debuts

This edition of MRM’s Daily Bite has news from Pizza Hut,  Chipotle and DoorDash, The Dapper Doughnut, MR.SUB, P. F. Chang’s, Chicago Meat Authority and City Harvest.

Send news items to Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com.

Happy 60th Birthday, Pizza Hut!

In celebration of its birthday, Pizza Hut  is introducing a new pizza that combines two of the brand’s most iconic menu items into one great new innovation called Double Cheesy Crust Pan Pizza.

The new, limited-time pizza pays homage to Stuffed Crust and Original Pan by baking a ring of cheese just inside the unmistakably golden edge of Pizza Hut Pan crust. An additional layer of toasted parmesan is baked on the crust edge and the pizza is topped off with a blend of parmesan and oregano. 

“In addition to winning over pizza fans with innovations like the Double Cheesy Crust Pan Pizza, Pizza Hut has also become part of the fabric of American pop culture,” said Zipporah Allen, CMO, Pizza Hut.  “Whether it’s making an appearance in iconic movies or changing the way we order food by being the first pizza ordered online, Pizza Hut has proven time and time again that No One Out Pizzas the Hut.” 

Did you know that Pizza Hut:

Made appearances in more than 19 movies

Created the nation’s largest reading-incentive program with BOOK IT!

Was the first pizza delivered to the White House

Was the first physical good ever purchased via the internet

Started with one store in Wichita, Kan., in 1958, opened in part thanks to a $600 loan from “mom” to the founding brothers Frank and Dan Carney

Choreographed the longest pizza delivery in history, sending an order via rocket to the International Space Station

Set a World Record for highest pizza delivery to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

For many years was the largest global purchaser of kale

Created one-of-a kind Pie Tops sneakers that order pizza with a push of a button

Forged a global partnership with Toyota to explore the future of autonomous vehicle pizza delivery and other initiatives to improve mobility around the world

Earlier this year, Pizza Hut released the Pie Tops II, Bluetooth-enabled sneakers that order pizza and pause the TV with a push of a button. Recently, the company also launched voice command ordering, the first pizza tracker that includes text messaging and Hut Rewards, the only national pizza loyalty program with a faster way to free pizza through points for every dollar spent on food online.

“Over the past 60 years, Pizza Hut has become so much more than just a pizza company,” said Allen. “We are proud of the achievements made in the last 60 years and are looking forward to what the future holds.”

Chipotle Teams with DoorDash

Chipotle Mexican Grill and DoorDash teamed for a national delivery partnership that makes Chipotle delivery available from more than 1,500 Chipotle restaurants across the country, the company’s largest delivery footprint to date.

“Delivery is an important way we are making Chipotle even more convenient and accessible to our customers who want to get Chipotle delivered right to their home, office, or wherever they are,” said Curt Garner, chief digital and information officer at Chipotle. “By partnering with a delivery leader like DoorDash, we are making it even easier for customers to enjoy all the real ingredients that make up our delicious food.”

To launch this partnership, Chipotle customers are eligible for free delivery on Chipotle orders of $10 or more placed through DoorDash to Sunday, May 6, including May 5 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Chipotle customers in areas across the U.S where DoorDash is available can place their orders on the DoorDash mobile app or website. Delivery on qualifying orders will be free during regular Chipotle operating hours for the entire week using the promo code GETCHIPOTLE at checkout. 

“We strive to offer our customers the best selection possible,” said Christopher Payne, chief operating officer of DoorDash. “Our ability to deliver such delicious and requested food from restaurants like Chipotle, while keeping quality at the forefront, has enabled us to become a leader in this industry.”

The Dapper Doughnut Debuts

Beavers Coffee + Donuts is re-branding to The Dapper Doughnut, the name of their franchise company, and aggressively rolling out new locations nationwide. Childhood friends who shared an entrepreneurial spirit, strong worth ethic and passion for food, Gabriel Wiesen and James Nuccio started Beavers Coffee + Donuts in 2011. Making fresh, fried to order mini donuts and serving locally roasted coffee on Chicago’s first cooking food truck, the pair grew their business in Chicago to include five additional food trucks and a permanent location inside the Chicago French Market.

 Over the past year, they have opened up a new flagship store inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and started franchising their made to order mini donut concept, which has turned into a runawayhit. To date, they have more than 30 franchise locations currently awarded and many more coming on board each month.

“We put it all on the line, and are so blessed with what has happened,” said Wiesen. “We are thrilled to have the ability to share our success with so many others who are also chasing their dream of owning a small business.”

In less than seven years, the company evolved from a “garage-born” startup, to an award-winning brand that franchisees want to be part of. Today, the franchise is available as traditional stand-alone storefronts, food trucks, and kiosks.

“Jimmy and I have poured our hearts and soul into this business- from physically doing every element of the operations when we first launched, to leading a staff of more than 50 currently. You might say Jimmy and I have donuts in our blood and coffee running through our veins,” added Wiesen. “We are incredibly proud of the Beavers Coffee + Donuts brand and all that our team has achieved. But as we grow further beyond Chicago we are adapting and appealing to a new national audience. We know our reputation for amazing donuts and customer service will follow us as we transition to The Dapper Doughnut, and we could not be more excited for what is to come.”

The Dapper Doughnut locations started opening outside of Chicago beginning roughly a year ago with stores currently open or in development in Reno, Dallas, Houston, Creve Couer, Missouri, Cincinnati, Nashville, Atlanta, New Stanton, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Boston, Denver, and Greenville, South Carolina with their flagship store at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and another flagship store to open this summer at the Fulton Center located in the financial district of Manhattan.

“Our goal, that we are on pace to reach, is 100+ franchise territories awarded by the end of 2018. We have also begun discussions with several large franchise development companies who are interested in potentially adding hundreds of locations both nationally and internationally this year. Those deals aside, we are experiencing tremendous growth, and we are honored and ready to work with so many great franchise partners,” said Wiesen.

 MR.SUB Turns 50

The first in its category in Canada to introduce RWA meats, MR.SUB  is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since 1968, when MR.SUB first opened its doors in Yorkville, Toronto, it has been serving sandwiches, to over 270 locations across Canada and internationally. MR.SUB is now introducing meats raised without antibiotics to the menu.

“We are constantly evolving and remain dedicated to providing Canadians with fresh, quality ingredients, which is why we are excited to share that MR.SUB will now be serving our most popular proteins all raised without antibiotics,” said Jason Brading, Brand Vice President, MR.SUB.  “As we look back at the past 50 years and the opportunities that we’ve had to share our meals with Canadians, it’s easy to see that we did not get here alone. We’re dedicating our 50th anniversary to all who helped us grow and made our restaurants their home away from home. We’ve made the food, but it has been Canadians who have made MR.SUB, and we are proud to demonstrate our sincere appreciation by offering healthier choice options to our guests, like our new raised without antibiotics line up.”

MR.SUB will be the first National sub sandwich restaurant in the QSR industry in Canada to serve meats raised without antibiotics, including turkey, salami, ham and luncheon meat.

P.F. Chang’s Opening in China

P.F. Chang’s is opening  its first restaurant in China at the No1 Mall on the iconic Nanjing Road in Shanghai. P.F. Chang’s currently owns and operates more than 300 restaurants in 23 countries and territories.

“We’re thrilled to bring P.F. Chang’s to China,” said Michael Osanloo, P.F. Chang’s CEO. “We have been very successful in 23 other countries and are confident our unique Asian-inspired offerings will resonate with the sophisticated Chinese consumer. Our food is made fresh, from scratch every day in every P.F. Chang’s restaurant around the world. We’re honored to offer this unique experience to Shanghainese consumers and travelers to this amazing city.”

P.F. Chang’s plans to open six to eight restaurants in the U.S., and an additional 12-15 restaurants globally in 2018.

CMA Wins Organic Certification

Chicago Meat Authority (CMA)  is certified to begin producing cuts of pork with the option to produce other meats such as beef and poultry for customers who want organic products.

Chicago Meat Authority has been certified by MOSA as a handler under the USDA National Organic Program. As a handler, CMA is required to have a program in place to ensure that organic products remain pure and are not cross-contacted with non-organic products or prohibited substances.

“We are delighted to provide the organic option to our customers,” said Lisa Rabe, director of technical assurance at CMA. “Our customers are requesting organic meats and clean labeling. We are looking at ways to provide all these potential items in the coming months. We are testing different marinations and other quality control options to satisfy all of our customers’ needs.”

As a certified handler, CMA stores organic raw material and finished products separately from non-organic products in keeping with the company’s rigorous quality control procedures. All procedures and processes are monitored and verified to ensure that all requirements are followed.

CMA currently has been certified to produce organic pork butts and picnics. To produce beef and poultry, MOSA can amend CMA’s certification to include those proteins and any other pork products the company wants to produce.

Products are certified USDA organic when they are produced using exclusively organic methods containing only organic ingredients. The organic requirements include the collection of information on the history of every animal including the breed history, veterinary care and feed plus the animals must be raised on certified organic land that is not subject to most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sewage sludge or genetic engineering for at least three years and animals must have outdoor access.

Organic farms tend to be smaller than so-called factory farms and farmers and ranchers have to manage their herds for longer times before slaughter because they do not use synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. While all of these factors add to the cost of each product produced, consumers have shown a willingness to pay a premium for food that is grown and produced according to the USDA National Organic Program.

Since 1990, the Midwest Organic Services Association says the organic food industry has grown by more than 20% per year. In 2014, organic sales reached $39 billion and represented five percent of all food sold in the United States. Americans increasingly are showing more of an awareness and interest in adding organic food to their diets. Approximately 70 percent buy organic food occasionally and nearly 25 percent buy some organic food every week.

Chicago Meat Authority began in 1990, encompasses 80,000 square feet and produces sales of $125 million per year. The company sells to the hotel, restaurant and institutional markets in addition to meat purveyors and multi-unit regional and national chains. CMA also specializes in custom cuts for further processors including grinding operations, deli manufacturers and the meat snacks market. The company employs 200 specialty butchers who customize meat for selective chefs.

City Harvest Commemorates 35th Anniversary

This year, City Harvest commemorates a major milestone: 35 years of fighting hunger and food insecurity across New York’s five boroughs. The organization rescues nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste, and redirects it to help feed the nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers, including one in five children, who struggle daily to put meals on their tables.

Since December 1982, the organization has rescued and delivered more than 600 million pounds of food, and this year alone, will rescue 59 million pounds of food, delivering it to 500 soup kitchens, food pantries and other community food programs across the five boroughs. By redirecting nutritious food from farms, grocers, restaurants, manufacturers and farmers’ markets to New Yorkers in need, City Harvest has created an unprecedented way to address food waste and hunger. This “neighbor-helping-neighbor” model has been replicated across the country and around the world, from Houston, Texas to Athens, Greece.  

City Harvest’s work has always focused on serving vulnerable populations through pioneering solutions that also foster community engagement. When its first Executive Director Helen verDuin Palit was eating a potato skins appetizer at a local restaurant, she saw the practical value discarded potato insides could have in the soup kitchen where she was volunteering at the time. After speaking with the chef, verDuin Palit got the restaurant to donate 30 gallons of cooked potatoes. In that defining moment, City Harvest—not to mention the simple but revolutionary idea of food rescue—was born.

“New York is a city that has so much, and it is unthinkable that so many of our neighbors do not have enough food for themselves and their families,” said current City Harvest Chief Executive Officer Jilly Stephens. “Nearly half of all households in our city don’t earn enough income to make ends meet. Many New Yorkers we serve have homes and jobs. In one of the most expensive cities in the country, it’s not easy to pay fixed expenses like rent, utilities, childcare, and transportation—and still have enough to put food on the table. City Harvest was founded by neighbors helping neighbors, and that principle will always remain at the heart of our mission.”

Adapting to and evolving with the needs of New York City’s diverse, ever-changing, and growing population has been central to City Harvest’s history—in good times, and in bad. From distributing hot meals to first responders in the weeks immediately following 9/11, to quickly delivering more than one million pounds of additional food when families were struggling during the 2008 financial collapse, to providing seven million pounds of relief food in response to Superstorm Sandy, City Harvest has helped New Yorkers through some of our darkest hours. The organization also stepped up to aid in hurricane relief efforts in Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico this past year, sending food and supplies to neighbors in need across the nation.

Through the Healthy Neighborhoods initiative, City Harvest has become a model for how to meet immediate food needs while also promoting wellness and the prevention of diet-related illnesses. The organization works hand-in-hand with communities in need through innovative programs such as Mobile Markets, which bring free, fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income communities, and nutrition education workshops, which help New Yorkers of all ages use fresh produce and create health-oriented dishes.

“Thanks to City Harvest, people in my neighborhood have access to fresh produce and food – especially fresh vegetables that they can’t afford in the supermarket,” said Belinda Ebanks, a participant in City Harvest’s Mobile Market in Queens. “City Harvest encourages people to eat fresh fruit and vegetables as opposed to canned, or not eating them at all. City Harvest means we have food to feed our families.”

As City Harvest marks 35 years, it is stronger than ever before, thanks to the support of thousands of volunteers, food donors, individual and corporate donors, restaurant and chef partners, soup kitchens, food pantries, and community partners who work together to ensure that all New Yorkers, no matter who they are or where they come from, have access to nutritious food.

Pizza Hut at 60, Delivering Chipotle and The Dapper Doughnut Debuts posted first on happyhourspecialsyum.blogspot.com

[davidchill]

Ghosting, friending, and defence mechanisms

I’ve been feeling quite introspective lately, especially since moving into my new abode. Much has changed, so there’s undoubtedly going to be a period of instability and transition. The house doesn’t quite feel “homely” yet, possibly because I’m still perusing a popular online auction website for items of furniture, and I haven’t had an influx of guests like I had when I first moved into my flat. Although that’s what happens when you move away from the vast majority of your friends.

Fortunately, I’ve been doing a lot of writing, and I use the word “fortunately” because it’s been tremendous therapy. I’m not sure how my brain would cope if I couldn’t let things out, either in written or spoken form. Although I’m not sharing the writing just yet as it’s taking the form of a long-awaited book called “Lunakita”. I’m absolutely determined to nail this baby within the next few weeks, so if that means little contact with the outside world then so be it.

The book was originally about my struggles with Luna, but the more I write it’s becoming clear that it’s equally about my struggles with human beings - including myself. It’s had me reading quite a lot of articles on psychology, particularly on coping mechanisms and how they manifest in individuals. Avoidance, denial, displacement, humour (nailed that one).

Although my humour is really an acquired taste. Like Marmite, blue cheese, or gin. So not for everyone. I think this brings me to ‘avoidance’, where I’m actually dreading the idea of sharing my book. Deep down I know some people will hate it, but I also know others will love it.

For me, I suppose my worry is “What if people hate the one thing I think I’m any good at?” Yes, it could be universally lambasted, but we’ll cross that bridge if or when we come to it…

As I’ve been reading, one particular psychological phenomenon caught my eye, and that was “ghosting”. For those not familiar with the term, it basically means “the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly, and without explanation, withdrawing from all communication”.

It sounds harsh, and extremely unkind, but apparently it’s quite a common occurrence in this day and age. I have to say that I’ve never been in a “relationship” only to be “ghosted” but you’d be surprised at how many of my “friends” have gone off the radar over the last few years, and up until very recently. Well, maybe that doesn’t surprise you, and in which case you’re probably reaching for the plug…

I first noticed this shortly after I got a dog (and if you didn’t know I had a dog then you probably unfollowed me on social media a very long time ago) and then posted a blog about my anxiety and depression. Although at first there was a steady stream of supportive messages, after a while things petered out and went a bit peculiar…

A couple of people who regularly “liked” and commented on my posts suddenly stopped “liking” them... and as the silence grew more obvious I thought to myself… “I wonder how X is doing?” “Oh, they’ve unfriended me…” “Nice”

One prime example is a guy who sent me a message informing me that he was about to unfriend me on Facebook because I shared too many photos of my dog.

Yes, that actually happened.

At the time he said I should “mix things up a bit”, and used these exact words; “Give me the zest that you used to have!” “Where is the spark nowadays?”

I tried to explain that I’d actually been suffering with a bit of depression, and wasn’t really at my creative peak. Also, I didn’t mention this (because he clearly disliked Luna) but I’d actually just returned from a dog walk where some ignorant, screaming woman threatened to call the police because Luna pawed her border collie. So, to be blunt, I wasn’t in the mood for this crap.

Anyway, he “kindly” gave me a “stay of execution” (again, his exact words) whereby he’d monitor my antics to see if I “cheered up” a bit. I started to wonder if anyone actually cared about me as a human being, or if they were my Facebook friend because they wanted to be “entertained” by my status updates.

That particular Facebook friendship continued for a while, but it slowly ebbed away, and, quite recently, he finally pressed the button to terminate the “friendship”. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the guy as a person, and appreciate his own wit as I’m sure he once appreciated mine… but I certainly won’t be losing any sleep over it.

However, this wasn’t “ghosting” as he gave an explanation, and in all honesty, I have more respect for him than someone who just suddenly stops communicating.

Sadly, he had company. Someone else unfriended me over Luna posts, and I only know that to be true as her partner actually told me she didn’t like dogs. Yet every time I see her she gives me a big smile and enthusiastically asks how Luna is getting on. I do find that the people who moan about me behind my back are usually those who are the most “chirpy” when they see me… possibly because they’re overcompensating for their actual cold indifference against me.

I’m not entirely sure why some people choose to treat me with cold indifference, or whine about me to their spouse/partner. I’d consider myself to be a kind person, but that’s not a boast as kindness isn’t always appreciated. I’m also painfully honest and open, and not everyone appreciates that either.

I think some people, and I include myself in this, don’t believe they deserve kind acts bestowed upon them. It makes them uncomfortable, and they then feel a degree of pressure to return that kindness. It’s a bit like when that “annoying” neighbour slips a Christmas card through your door at 11pm on Christmas Eve… and it didn’t even cross your mind to send them one. I’m sure some people actually end up resenting people who are kind and giving. They end up resenting them so much that they then look for excuses to press the eject button on the friendship.

For the record, I’m never kind to people because I want an act of kindness in return. Yes, it’s nice to know that people care, but I could quite happily continue being the “instigator” when it comes to writing to someone I care about to see how they’re keeping. If you’re kind to someone because you want something in return, then that’s not kindness. That’s more along the lines of manipulation, which is not something I endorse.

I don’t think it’s a crime to want to spend time with people you actually like, but I sense that friendship in 2017 is often measured by how many times we actually “like” their status updates, as opposed to real, quality time, like going for a coffee or taking a dog walk together.

Everyone seems to be so insanely “busy” these days that we don’t make time for small acts of kindness anymore. We become so set in our ways, and engrossed in our daily bubbles and routines that we struggle to actually communicate with people we could really share a quality friendship with. This is why I’m going to make an exerted effort to be more open and affable with people.

The problem is that I can read people like a book. I know exactly when people are being evasive, especially in written form. To be honest, I think people know that… so they probably just find it easier to gradually cease communication, and quietly slip away, rather than be more “direct” (like Luna-hating guy) and risk ending up as a character in one of my books. 

Speaking of books, it’s time for me to get back to the grindstone (book) and also take multiple photos of my pooch to share all over social media.