#alicia monk

[expirisims]

Everything is Breaking!

The Chadwick household is up next! If I remember right, Christina wasn't even born the last time I dropped in on either Sharon or Woodrow and here she is a full-fledged child! It looks like it's the full moon judging by that lighting and Woodrow is partying down at Insignia with another destroyed plate in his hand--that's an issue I've been having in several saves lately, I wonder if there's a mod somewhere that's going buggy.

Morning has come and little Jack is in need of some cuddles.

Meanwhile Reggie and Brianna continue to stalk each other! At this point I'm not going to make any more bets on who will end up with who!

Sharon is up and making a fresh meal with a fresh new look!

Welcome to Krystal, baby Baldwin # 2!

Oh great! It looks like the dishwasher is broken and leaking!

Oh dear! This is quite the headline!

Aaand now the sink is broken too!

Well at least there are two adult sims home capable of some minor plumbing and electrical work. But where is Christina? She should be home from school by now...

She was playing games at the java hut of course! Time to head home, it's getting dark and Sharon should be getting home after completing some police work for her investigator career down at the station. Woodrow won't be home until after bedtime.

No chit chat sitter! It's time to get these kiddos fed and ready for bed!

Oh yeeaahh...That outfit had to go!

It was after midnight by the time Woodrow got home. Both he and Sharon were exhausted...well, maybe not THAT exhausted ;)

[mugentakeda]

I lean against the wind, pretend that I am weightless

And in this moment I am happy, happy

[noemitenshi]

Masterlist

Here you'll find all the things I create (all type of fics, gifs, metas), conveniently collected in one place. So far I'm obsessed with Cursed and Fear the Walking Dead (which has one common theme, Daniel Sharman). Enjoy 🧡

Fear the Walking Dead

Fanfiction

Troy Otto

Ghost 2,126 words, WIP, angst, sad, exploration of Troy's headspace immediately after the last scene we see him at the dam, what did surviving this do to him?

Troy Otto x Alicia Clark

s8 AU Troy Otto x Alicia Clark, no official wordcount, WIP, angst and fluff, What if Alicia were Troy's wife instead of Serena

[Series] Sick like you [01 - 02 - 03 - 04 - 05] Troy Otto x Alicia Clark, 9,850 words, finished, smut, so much smut, slight dub-con, D/s undertones, part one is canon compliant, Alicia is done being the good kid, but then she feels bad about it, cheating, enemies to lovers, unhealthy to healthy relationship

Troy Otto x Crazy Dog (Lee) || Troy Otto & Crazy Dog (Lee)

Addicted to mess Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 185,730 words, WIP, (lots and lots of) smut, fluff, angst, wholesome, enemies to enemies with benefits to lovers, watch them turn an unhealthy relationship into a healthy one , also have I said smut yet?

Fool me twice Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 33,449 words, finished, smut, dub con, unhealthy relationship, Troy Otto has a deathwish, Crazy Dog takes advantage

Just around the corner Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 4,185 words, WIP, fluff, AU - no zombies, In a world without zombies Troy finds a different purpose

Love, endless Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 1,029, finished (for now), unhealthy relationship, angst, dark, tragedy, COMIC

Moonlit Kisses Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 32,750 words, finished, fluff, wholesome, sweet, first kiss, first time, smut, canon divergent, teeny bit of angst, some whump

Paint your body in hues of red Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 1,933 words, finished, smut, fluff, established relationship, wax play, facesitting

Sex Worker AU Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, no official word count, no WIP and not finished but a secret third thing (idea I had I'll probably never write), AU - no zombies, Troy sells the ranch after his father dies and decides to have some fun, includes but not limited to hiring a sex worker (Lee), client to friend to lover, imagine

Soup Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 696 words, finished, fluff, Troy loves soup

Surprise Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 625 words, finished, fluff, Troy has a surprise for Crazy Dog

[Series] The easy part is always hardest to see [01 - 02 - 03 - 04 - 04 (alternative version) - 05 - 06] Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 42,204 words, finished, smut, teeny bit of dub-con, a lot of fluff, some angst, pining, whump, enemies to friends to lovers

[Series] The melody of sand and waves and hope and schemes Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 2,629 words, finished (for now?), AU - Royalty, arranged marriage, fluff, cute, pre-relationship, Princess Troy series

The monster that brought me here Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 28,323 words, WIP, dark, angst, hurt, little comfort, sad, Troy is dealing with the trauma of having been raped, Crazy Dog has his own trauma to work through, canon divergent, second part of a series, fallout from 'I'd do it all again'

The moon bathes your face in gentle light no official wordcount, finished (for now) Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, angst, fluff, Troy survives s8, saves Tracy and runs into a familiar face - the two former enemies bond over their similar grief

This insanity you give to me Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 29,551 words, finished, smut, fluff, teeny bit of angst, instead of avoiding Crazy Dog after their initial encounter in 'Addicted to mess' Troy seeks him out. After all, that asshole can't just do things like that to him and then leave, spin-off of 'Addicted to mess'

What's it gonna be, Troy? Troy Otto & Crazy Dog, 8,146 words, finished, oneshot, soulmate AU, angst, fluff, pre-relationship, enemies to friends (soulmates)

You're the sin that I've been waiting for, Troy Otto x Crazy Dog, 19,450 words, WIP, fool me twice... spinoff (fluffier version), angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, Troy and Crazy Dog have been playing a dangerous game with Troy's life. A game neither one is able to (or wants to) put an end to. But maybe they can change it… At least in this version

Troy Otto & Jake Otto

Cozy 353 words, finished, angst, some fluff, what was running through Troy's mind during the hug with Jake in s3ep9 (right before he was exiled)

Troy Otto & Madison Clark

Moral Compass no official word count, no WIP and not finished but a secret third thing (idea I had I'll probably never write), a stab at deepening Troy's and Madison's relationship (really just the beginning of it), a mututal madness

What should've been - Troy's revenge 1,242, finished, angst, hurt, some comfort I guess, fix-it I guess, how s8ep11 should've gone

When home becomes a strange place Troy Otto & Madison Clark, 3,370 words, finished, fix-it, hopeful ending, bittersweet, what would it take for Madison to actually start caring about Troy

Troy Otto x Nick Clark || Troy Otto & Nick Clark

I'd do it all again Troy Otto x Nick Clark, 10,185 words, finished, dark, angst, hurt no comfort, non-con (rape), suicide, not a happy story, what if things at the dam went a bit different - and how will they live with the consequences of their actions?

Sketch Troy Otto & Nick Clark, 337 words, finished, angst, hopeful?, fix-it?

That Crazy Bastard Troy Otto & Nick Clark, 728 words, finished, fluff, Troy had been vanishing for over a week now, refusing to tell Nick what he was up to. Until today

Troy Otto x Crazy Dog X OC

I can't stop imagining hurting you Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 9,424 words, finished, smutt, fluff, Troy gets introduced to the concept of spanking

Lost & Found Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, 32,554 words, WIP, fluff, angst, Troy Otto being saved after the dam, finding his way back to himself, fast-burn, 'Addicted to mess' chapters 1 and 2 happened in this universe too, rest of s3 happened as in canon

No title Troy Otto x Crazy Dog x OC, no official word count, snippet, fluff, angst, abusive!serena backstory

Troy Otto x OC

Earn your keep 131,622 words, WIP, Troy gets a redemption arc, major character death (happens in the first chapter), Troy Otto centric, slow burn, grudging allies to friends to lovers, angst, fluff

Follow me (down the streams of sweat on your body) Troy Otto x unnamed female (could be reader, could be author, could be OC, could even be someone from canon), 5,612 words, finished, smut, slight D/s undertones, bondage, aftercare, fluff, praise kink

Kept 14,893 words, WIP, dub-con, past sexual abuse, AU - no Clarks, dark, angst, suicidal thoughts, bad BDSM etiquette, unhealthy relationship, slow burn to a better place, two broken people trying to figure things out between them, will get worse before it gets better

Unlovable no official wordcount, finished, more an imagine than a fic, angst and fluff, some smut, Troy's girlfriend finds a certain jacket in his closet. She proceeds to show him just how lovable he truly is

Troy Otto & his parents (Jeremiah Otto, Tracy Otto)

Childhood memories 2,084 words, WIP, angst, hurt, dark, child abuse, a study of Troy's childhood, his mother's complicated feelings, what happened with the rabbits

Troy Otto & Tracy Otto (daughter)

Reunion no official wordcount, Imagine, finished, angst, fluff, Troy survived s8 and rescues his daughter

Lark or And silently loom the shadows of my past Troy Otto & Tracy Otto, Troy Otto & Madison Clark, 2,148 words, finished, angst, hurt, some fluff, Troy's daughter loves to cause mischief - but this time she may have just gone too far

Gifs&Lyrics

I will do it again

Who are you to say that?

Asks & Metas

Jake Otto

Jake Otto as a Brother

even more

Troy Otto

...and Boundaries

...and the Horde some more thoughts on his headspace during that moment

...as a father

Favorite Troy scene(s) and why

'I don't drink'

'I'd do it all again'

...in a relationship

...in love

...being hit on

'It's the first time I've felt fear'

On killing Mike

Post s8 thoughts

Troy and Madison

Troy's feelings in his last moments (s3)

Troy's sexuality and more on his sexuality

Virgin Troy

Why Troy didn't get poisoned like the other Militia members

'You stayed at the ranch because you love me'

Cursed

Fanfiction

Empty ways can cloud your eyes The Weeping Monk x Reader, 20,268 words, WIP (though ch 11 is a good place to end things), redemption arc, crisis of faith, friends to lovers, fluff and angst, whump

Madness is a narrow bridge The Weeping Monk, finished, oneshot, angst, dark, no comfort, a heartbreaking glimpse into the weeping monk's mind while he hunts his own

Gifs&Lyrics

The Weeping Monk & Squirrel, AOV by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & Gawain, Custer by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & his faith (i guess), Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons

The Weeping Monk & his guilt, Lech by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & his doubts, The burden by Slipknot

The Weeping Monk & Father Carden, The In-between by In This Moment

Daniel Sharman (rpf)

Fanfiction

You're not really my type~ Daniel Sharman x OC, no official wordcount, WIP, smut, fluff, angst, my kinktober contribution, daniel meets a woman who may be more than he bargained for, sub!daniel

[jacscorner]

I don't know why I keep doing these harem pieces when they take forever and are a pain in the ass to do. I guess I just enjoy doing this, lol. But here Jango is with his 'canon' harem. For the most part, I've drawn & written Jango with various girls of my own design, but it's these seven who I tend to favor the most for one reason or another.

Here, Jango & his girls are dressed in fantasy RPG classes. Or, at least, the best I can manage on (mostly) the fly.

Tara Lynx - Monk

Leigh Rook - Artificer

Ruth Schonau - Cleric

Bernice Baxter - Bard

Jango Fox - Barbarian

Alicia Blackjack - Paladin

Madison Belle - Rogue

Gwendolyn Young - Druid

[birbwell]

hi! I have a kinda unusual question - do you (or any of your followers) know of any good resources about how the everyday life of medieval monks looked like? or anything that discusses gender and/or sexuality questions in the medieval period (especially if it's in a monastery setting)? books, articles, or whatever format there is!

sorry if it's kinda out of nowhere, just you're The™ monkposting blog in my brain so I thought you might know. No worries if not!

I would not know of books ab the everyday lives of medieval monks unfortunately :[ I did recently pick up a book called The Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks Tell Us About Distraction by Jamie Kreiner.. haven't gotten too far into it yet but it is a Fun read so far :]

as for gender and sexuality.. these books I have not read, but found them recommended among people whom I'm sure know better:

John Boswell's stuff, such as Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality

Trans and Genderqueer Subjects in Medieval Hagiography by Alicia Spencer-Hall

monktuals chime in if you've got suggestions u_u

[scotianostra]

On February 24th 1303 the Scots, under Simon Fraser and John Comyn beat an English force at The Battle of Roslin.

Now most of my history is self taught that I have picked up over the years, I was brought up near Roslin and my mum did take us there as bairns and told us all about the Chapel, the Apprentice Pillar and The Holy Grail, this was 30 years before Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code novel, so with all that you would think that I will have been told all about The Battle of Roslin?

Nope not a thing, I knew about Stirling Bridge, Bannockburn and Culloden, as well as other battles but I can't recall my mum ever telling me about Roslin, so what I know is all learned over the past 20 years or so.

Fought between the Scots and English during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was a Scottish victory, but it does not figure in many history books and few people up until lately have even heard of it, yet the figures involved, especially on the English side, make it one of the biggest battles ever on Scots soil.

This was during the Wars of Scottish Independence, according to the stories I have read it was more of a fight over the love of a woman rather than a pure Scotland v England "match".

Lady Margaret Ramsay of Dalhousie, who had become betrothed to the handsome Sir Henry St Clair, they of the Knights Templar folk. Enter your typical English arrogant guy in Sir John de Segrave, a seasoned campaigner in many a Scottish battle. Sir John is said to have fallen in love with oor Lady Margaret on may visits to Dalhousie Castle, on hearing of the impending marriage in a fit of jealousy decided he wanted the Lady for himself so sought out to sweep her off her feet and defeat the Scottish army all in one fell swoop.

It's a great tale and sounds like a Hollywood film, but there never was any Lady Margaret Ramsay and we know that Sinclair married one Alicia de Fenton. So that's the romance bit debunked.

What I have also read out about the battle is that Segrove split his army, of 30,000 troops, into three groups, to me this is more believable, well splitting the army, the numbers in my mind will have been a lot less. Anyone who knows the landscape of Roslin Glen will know that it lends itself to the theory that in battle on big force would find it difficult to gather there. The English army in three divisions was also common in armies at the time. The terrain in Roslin in the middle of winter would have made it very difficult for a large army to manouevre, so with that I am pretty sure the numbers have been exaggerated, put it this way, if 30,000 English were defeated at Roslin it would be bigger than Bannockburn.

This brings me to my third point about the battle, why are no accounts of it from people present at it? Well that is easily explained in the fact that one of the commanders of the Scots was John "The Red" Comyn. It's a well know fact that history favours the winners, and we all know that The Bruce and Comyn were bitter rivals so it would be natural for any records of the battle to have been erased by Bruce. Well that's my take on it.

A couple of other details often written about the battle is that William Wallace was present, Wallace by this time had given up the Guardianship and at some point was said to have been in France, when captured he was in possession of a "safe passage" letter from The King of France, so was he there? Again I refer to my local knowledge in that along the River Esk that runs through Roslin Glen, towards Hawthornden Castle is a cave we know as Wallace's Cave, so there is a connection somewhere down the ages with our favourite Scottish patriot.

One as wee story regarding The Battle of Roslin is about the Cistercian Prior Abernethy of Mount Lothian to the west of Balantradoch, the Templar headquarters in Scotland, it was about 5 miles from Roslin, Abernethy, the monk, had been a Templar, a warrior, who had off his armour and lay down his sword to spend the remainder of his life praising God. Now the warrior priest's blood rose again. The life of prayer, compilation of Gregorian chants was abandoned. God had called the Prior to the defence of Scotland. As men prepare for battle each pray to whatever God he knows "let us be victorious."

Monks on horseback were sent to raise the alarm and warn the Scots of the danger facing them, they would have said a prayer for the Scots troops before the battle, as was normal, but another legend is that as the Scottish Army grew tired during the third stage of the battle. Abernethy is said to have been crucial with his local knowledge of the Glen, he also directed the Monks to erect a huge St Andrews Cross on the Pentland Hills, as the Scots tired the Cross was set alight and the Abernethy pointed towards it, saying it was a sign from God, it rallied the troops and the Battle was won.

You will have maybe heard other versions of The Battle of Roslin, a lot of this is my own take and by no means historical.

[anestofocs]

Yanno the thing that bothers us the second most with the dlc story for 8 is that.

If the monks Really wanted a purehearted Mishima. Jin LARS was right there! Fighting to save the world, treating Alicia as a person and not a machine. Defending the innocent!

A far better choice then fucking praying that Heihachi's easy Amnesia wouldn't be undone.

[reflectionsofacreator]

i forgot how much I like team building in FFT, because i've turned into a little gremlin who's cackling at being able to min/max my stats and become a god of destruction before the end of ch 2

In other news, i'm going to attempt to use the canon characters more, rather than solely rely on my generics. That being said, I'm putting some serious work into Ladd, Lavian, and Alicia, who are primed to become a dark knight, samurai, and ninja respectively.

Ramza is a squire/monk/thief like always.

[ulkaralakbarova]

Painter Francisco Goya becomes involved with the Spanish Inquisition after his muse, Inés, is arrested by the church for heresy. Her family turns to him, hoping that his connection with fanatical Inquisitor Lorenzo, whom he is painting, can secure her release. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Lorenzo Casamares: Javier Bardem Inés Bilbatúa / Alicia: Natalie Portman Francisco Goya: Stellan Skarsgård King Carlos IV: Randy Quaid Tomás Bilbatúa: José Luis Gómez Inquisitor General: Michael Lonsdale Queen María Luisa: Blanca Portillo María Isabel Bilbatúa: Mabel Rivera Ángel Bilbatúa: Unax Ugalde Álvaro Bilbatúa: Fernando Tielve Monk 1: David Calder Hooded Monk: Ramón Langa Pyre Monk: Manuel de Blas Confiscating Monk: Andrés Lima Alicia’s Duena: Concha Hidalgo Mother Superior: Trinidad Rugero Queen: Silvia Kal Churchman 1: Emilio Linder Churchman 2: José María Sacristán Asylum Director: Simón Andreu Chamberlain: Jack Taylor Joseph Bonaparte: Julian Wadham Royal Messenger: Ben Temple Napoleon: Craig Stevenson French General: Scott Cleverdon French Colonel: Carlos Bardem Henrietta Casamares: Aurélia Thiérrée Frame Maker: Eusebio Lázaro Bespectacled Nun: Lola Peno Harlot’s Duena: May Heatherly Money Monk: Víctor Israel Message Monk: Enrique Martínez Familiar 1: Balbino Lacosta Familiar 2: Manolo Caro Dona Julia: Mercedes Castro Inquisition Notary: Jose L. Vasquez Apprentice 1: Tamar Novas Apprentice 2: David Luque Novice: Carolina Petterson Film Crew: Screenplay: Miloš Forman Screenplay: Jean-Claude Carrière Editor: Adam Boome Director of Photography: Javier Aguirresarobe Producer: Saul Zaentz Executive Producer: Paul Zaentz Production Design: Patrizia von Brandenstein Art Direction: José María Alarcón Art Direction: Eduardo Hidalgo Jr. Set Decoration: Emilio Ardura Costume Design: Yvonne Blake Supervising Sound Editor: Douglas Murray Sound Designer: Leslie Shatz Production Manager: Salvador Yagüe Music Supervisor: Josh Zaentz Makeup Designer: Ivana Primorac Key Hair Stylist: Manolo García Makeup Artist: María del Carmen Clavel Original Music Composer: Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer Additional Soundtrack: Arvo Pärt Movie Reviews:

[leanstooneside]

Cargo cults

JULIAN MCMAHON'S NOSE (LOANED OUT)

JADEN SMITH'S NOSE (BURIED AT SEA)

JEREMY PIVEN'S NOSE (POKER GAME)

ALICIA KEYS'S NOSE (MISPLACED)

JAMIE FOXX'S NOSE (LOST)

SOPHIE MONK'S NOSE (RETAINED)

EVAN RACHEL WOOD'S NOSE (TRADED)

CHRIS PINE'S NOSE (MISSING)

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY'S NOSE (PAWNED)

JASON LEWIS'S NOSE (STOLEN)

[littleharpethcrossfit]

Saturday, 20 April, 2024.

It was supposed to be a fine, coolish morning at the Barn. Sunny and between 50 and 60 degrees. But at 0600 it was raining and 45 degrees. By some miracle the rain abruptly stopped at 0700, leaving me time to blow off the mats. The 0930 session was sunny and beautiful.

Warmup #1

Big Shane gave us a mobility session, and then merged with leading the Banded exercises.

Warmup

3 Rounds

10 Light Banded Thrusters

10 Light Banded Pull Aparts

5 Pullups

Strength

20 Minute Cap

(95/75/55)

Accumulate 1 Minute L-Sit

20 Shoulder To Overheads

Accumulate 1 Minute Pull-up Bar Hang

20 Shoulder To Overheads

This unusual STRENGTH WOD was enjoyed by all, with a lot of struggling to accumulate 1 minute each of the L-Sits & Bar Hangs.

Everyone did the two 20 rep STO's. Most did light weights, like 35 to 65 lbs. Smoothie and Chase did 95lbs.

WOD

"KELLY"

A LHCF Variant

10 Rounds

Run 200/Row-Ski 250/Bike 500m

15 Box Jumps..........(24/20)

15 Wall-Balls..........(20/14)

Dana*=25:30 Chase*=26:30 Jon=29:01 Shane*=29:07 Ed=31:41 Rodney=31:47 Tim=31:58 Lew="Faster Than Tom" Tom=32:53 Bernie=33:40 Dyer=37:42 Smoothie*=39:52 Coach/Kayla/Angel/Alicia/S.C./ and maybe others=did it.

Notes:

"Kelly" is a CrossFit benchmark WOD. Although I usually partition it to make it more "digestible", it is still the same amount of total work. As you can see, it takes most guys 30 minutes to do it. Lots of you said you liked it.

Robert, continuing in his funk, only did half, biked 10K slowly, socialized (talked), and stretched (talked) afterwards. He admitted he only comes here to maintain his failing membership. I suspect he comes here because Amy kicks him out of her house. He is already having anxiety attacks about "Memorial Day Murph" (6 weeks away) and planning Miss Linda's menu for the LHCF Memorial picnic. He has ordered white T-Shirts for which BSN will be billed. He says he is getting a new puppy and is considering naming it "BUCK". I think Robert would benefit from a full replacement regimen of Vitamin "T".

The most memorable event of the day was when I dumped the accumulated few gallons of rainwater from the red plastic bucket that lives hanging on the fence. Sadly, there was a long-drowned chick-a-monk (That's how Warren A says it) floating face up in the cold water. It was bloated twice normal size, and from the smell I would guess it was about 10 days dead and full of maggots. Suddenly the odor was everywhere. Ed pulled his shirt over his head and was gagging. Tim stepped up and saved us all, picking it up with a pitch-fork and carrying it all the way to its new home in the river. Otherwise, I would be announcing the closure of LHCF for tomorrow.

Tomorrow should be sunny and cool and lovely. Tomorrow night the temp is supposed to drop to the mid 30's with a chance of frost. Only a dummy has already put out their annual flowers and tomato plants. Although it is nearly the month of May, April 15 has historically (since my childhood) had a 5% chance of freezing cold. The weather changes every day, but not much difference noted in my lifetime.

Sunday at 0730 and at 1 PM.

[expirisims]

A Charmed Life

I'm switching households for the season, so I finally took the opportunity to move the Baldwins from the tiny "lucky" apartment! Looks like the local press is here to see them off to greener pastures!

Summer also means time to send kiddos from split households to their non-custodial parents for the season, so they don't lose touch. I dropped into the different households before moving onto our next household to make sure they had all the cribs etc. they needed. Reggie's place is a mess as per usual.

Here we are! It's time to play the Gillis household and catch up with Andrae, Precious and their children! They have done quite well for themselves as you can see.

Daniella aged into a child and practicing that side eye! She must have taken some lessons from Harold, LOL! She looks so much like Andrae!

Precious was off to work! I just love watching my sims in their cars, through their windows, etc. ...I promise I'm not a creeper!

Look at that! I know a lot of people don't like to miss things when they're in other households while playing rotationally, but I kind of love it! It makes it feel so much more real to me that my sims will develop hobbies and skills on their own. It always gives me something fun to read in my notifications.

Andrae has spent his whole day off in his pjs...I won't judge, LOL!

Umm...Daniella sank into the ground to do her homework and then turned completely invisible. Looks like it's time for a reset!

Andrae's ready for some baby cuddles with Feisal and Daniella is ready for some computer games.

All's quiet in the house. Shana and Feisal are both asleep, Andrae is catching up on the news and Daniella is finishing up her gaming session. Maybe she's heading to bed too.

Or to paint autonomously! Like I said, they all have their own hobbies and skills!

Good job Shayne! Now if you can just keep it that way!

I kept hearing voices outside and went to investigate. There was a protest about squids(!?) at the park right next door!

Precious took over toddler duties when she got home.

Andrae got in one last snack and finished a round of dishes.

And what would a round in Redwood Harbor be without ANOTHER alien abduction!

That's right Shana, I'd hide too!

[memo-irvine-winter-2024]

Alicia Lin

Looking for a LITTLE!

Year: 3rd

Major: Neurobiology

Favorite Color: Green and Pink

Favorite Snacks: Snack: Idaho Potato Fries - Beverage: Wang Lao Ji Herbal Tea

About: I'm from the super-hot n' dry suburbs of SFV (San Fernando Valley), so I am very much used to crazy cramped streets and small towns. I was in a few sports growing up, such as marching band and swim team, but I was usually found either drawing or playing video games at home. I watched a lot of anime and read a lot of manga, which inspired me to draw digital fan art and even start taking online commissions from time to time. My favorite manga of all time is Devilman, and I am currently keeping up with Chainsaw Man. However, I have spent more time playing video games than watching anime, particularly JRPGs like Pokemon, Final Fantasy, and Persona games. I've recently been playing more gacha games as well such as Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail.

In terms of popular culture, two of my favorite TV shows of all time are "Doctor Who" and "Monk". I am also somewhat into a few comic book adaptations such as "The Boys" and "The Sandman", in addition to generally most of the Marvel Universe. I am also very much into the arts, though my experience is as limited as my wallet. I enjoy watching and listening to Broadway musicals such as Hamilton, and I especially love attending concerts ranging from classical performances based on video games ("Final Fantasy VII REMAKE Orchestra" to punk/alt-rock shows ("The Offspring"). Museums are also a nice pastime for me, especially those related to shows I’ve watched (“Studio Ghibli Exhibit at the Academy Museum”) or games I’ve played (“POKEMON X KOGEI at the Japan House”).

Last but not least, if there is ONE fact to remember about me even if you don’t wanna read anything else up there: I LOVE cats. Especially BLACK CATS. Send me pics of small ones, chonky ones, mad ones, cute ones, ANYTHING ABOUT CATS. Thank you

What are you looking for in your future Big/Little?: I am looking for a Little who just really enjoys life! They don’t have to have the exact same interests as me or even the same career path. It makes me happy to see others genuinely happy, and if I can help make that a reality for someone, then all the better. I would also particularly like a Little who enjoys learning. The learning doesn’t have to be academically-related, but rather a personal enrichment kind. Passion for learning is the sign of someone who trusts in themselves, even if they aren’t 100% sure where they want to get to in the future.

[howardhawkshollywoodannex]

Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys in a publicity still for The Secret Life of Bees (2008) written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, based on a novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Gina has 20 director credits from a 1991 short to my highly recommended The Woman King (2022).

[memo-irvine-fall-2023]

Alicia Lin

Looking for a LITTLE!

Year: 3rd

Major: Neurobiology

Favorite Color: Green and Pink

Favorite Snacks: Snack: Idaho Potato Fries - Beverage: Wang Lao Ji Herbal Tea

Favorite Video Game Franchises: Pokemon, Final Fantasy, Hoyoverse

About: I'm from the super-hot n' dry suburbs of SFV (San Fernando Valley), so I am very much used to crazy cramped streets and small towns. I was in a few sports growing up, such as marching band and swim team, but I was usually found either drawing or playing video games at home. I watched a lot of anime and read a lot of manga, which inspired me to draw digital fan art and even start taking online commissions from time to time. My favorite manga of all time is Devilman, and I am currently keeping up with Chainsaw Man. However, I have spent more time playing video games than watching anime, particularly JRPGs like Pokemon, Final Fantasy, and Persona games. I've recently been playing more gacha games as well such as Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail.

In terms of popular culture, two of my favorite TV shows of all time are "Doctor Who" and "Monk". I am also somewhat into a few comic book adaptations such as "The Boys" and "The Sandman", in addition to generally most of the Marvel Universe. I am also very much into the arts, though my experience is as limited as my wallet. I enjoy watching and listening to Broadway musicals such as Hamilton, and I especially love attending concerts ranging from classical performances based on video games ("Final Fantasy VII REMAKE Orchestra" to punk/alt-rock shows ("The Offspring"). Museums are also a nice pastime for me, especially those related to shows I’ve watched (“Studio Ghibli Exhibit at the Academy Museum”) or games I’ve played (“POKEMON X KOGEI at the Japan House”).

Last but not least, if there is ONE fact to remember about me even if you don’t wanna read anything else up there: I LOVE cats. Especially BLACK CATS. Send me pics of small ones, chonky ones, mad ones, cute ones, ANYTHING ABOUT CATS. Thank you

What are you looking for in your future Big/Little?: I am looking for a Little who just really enjoys life! They don’t have to have the exact same interests as me or even the same career path. It makes me happy to see others genuinely happy, and if I can help make that a reality for someone, then all the better 😊 I would also particularly like a Little who enjoys learning. The learning doesn’t have to be academically-related, but rather a personal enrichment kind. Passion for learning is the sign of someone who trusts in themselves, even if they aren’t 100% sure where they want to get to in the future.

Oh, but bonus if they like cats/have one themselves (I may or may not ask to pet them).

[drgreggweidner]

Harmonious Journeys: Exploring Piano Styles from Classical to Jazz and Pop

The piano, a versatile and timeless instrument, has found its place in a wide array of musical styles throughout history. From the refined compositions of classical music to the rhythmic complexities of jazz and the catchy tunes of pop, the piano has adapted to suit various genres. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the diverse piano styles, each with its unique characteristics and charm.

The Elegance of Classical Piano

Classical music, with its centuries-old tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of pianists and music enthusiasts. The piano has been an essential instrument in the world of classical music since its inception in the 18th century. This genre is defined by its intricate compositions, rich harmonies, and adherence to a precise musical notation system.

Notable Composers and Their Contributions

Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven's sonatas are a testament to the emotional depth and technical brilliance of classical piano. Pieces like the "Moonlight Sonata" and "Für Elise" are celebrated classics.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Bach's keyboard works, including the Goldberg Variations and The Well-Tempered Clavier, exhibit mathematical precision and a profound understanding of counterpoint.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mozart's piano sonatas, like the "Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major," epitomizes the elegance and grace of the classical era.

The classical piano style is characterized by its emphasis on form, structure, and adherence to musical conventions. Pianists in this style focus on perfecting their technique, mastering dynamics, and conveying the composer's intentions with precision.

The Improvisational Artistry of Jazz Piano

Jazz piano is a musical genre that thrives on improvisation and spontaneity. Rooted in the African-American community, jazz is known for its rich harmonic language, syncopated rhythms, and intricate melodies. Jazz pianists are often recognized for their extraordinary skill in improvisation, taking the audience on a musical journey with every performance.

Influential Jazz Pianists

Duke Ellington: Ellington's innovative compositions and piano playing, as showcased in pieces like "Take the 'A' Train," have left an indelible mark on jazz history.

Thelonious Monk: Known for his unique and eccentric style, Monk's compositions and performances, such as "Round Midnight," challenged the traditional jazz norms.

Herbie Hancock: A modern jazz legend, Hancock's work in albums like "Head Hunters" and "Maiden Voyage" exhibits his fusion of jazz with electronic elements.

Jazz piano is characterized by a complex harmony, frequent use of improvisation, and the incorporation of blues elements. Jazz pianists must have a strong understanding of scales, modes, and chords, enabling them to navigate the intricate harmonic landscape of the genre.

The Catchy Versatility of Pop Piano

Pop music is all about catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, and the piano plays a crucial role in creating these memorable tunes. Pop piano style is known for its simplicity and accessibility, making it a popular choice for budding pianists and songwriters.

Iconic Pop Pianists

Elton John: Elton John's vast repertoire includes classics like "Your Song," "Rocket Man," and "Tiny Dancer," characterized by their memorable piano melodies.

Billy Joel: Known for his storytelling through music, Joel's "Piano Man" and "New York State of Mind" are enduring pop classics.

Alicia Keys: With her powerful voice and piano skills, Alicia Keys has produced hits like "Fallin'" and "If I Ain't Got You."

Pop piano style focuses on melodic simplicity and the use of chords that provide a strong foundation for vocalists. Pianists in this genre often serve as both accompanists and composers, creating songs that resonate with a wide audience.

Bridging the Gap: Crossover Styles

While each piano style has its distinct features, there are crossover points where the genres blend, creating captivating and innovative music. These fusion styles combine elements from classical, jazz, and pop, resulting in a rich and diverse musical landscape.

Neo-Classical and Contemporary Classical

Neo-classical and contemporary classical music bring classical piano into the modern era. Pioneered by composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Yiruma, these styles retain the elegance of classical music while incorporating contemporary harmonies and a more emotive approach.

Jazz Fusion and Smooth Jazz

Jazz fusion combines the improvisational aspects of jazz with elements of rock and electronic music. Pianists like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock have explored this style, creating exciting, high-energy compositions. On the other hand, smooth jazz offers a more mellow and accessible take on jazz, with artists like George Winston delivering soothing, melodic piano pieces.

Pop-Rock and Pop Ballads

The pop-rock style merges the catchy melodies of pop with the energy of rock, often featuring pianos prominently in bands like Coldplay and Keane. Meanwhile, pop ballads focus on emotional storytelling and are characterized by expressive piano accompaniments, as seen in Adele's "Someone Like You" and John Legend's "All of Me."

The piano's enduring popularity across classical, jazz, and pop music is a testament to its versatility and timeless appeal. Each of these piano styles offers a unique experience, from the refined elegance of classical compositions to the improvisational artistry of jazz and the catchy versatility of pop. While they may appear distinct, the lines between these genres often blur as musicians draw inspiration from multiple styles. Exploring these diverse piano styles can be a rewarding journey for both pianists and music enthusiasts, showcasing the instrument's ability to adapt and shine in various musical landscapes. Whether you prefer the intricate sonatas of Beethoven, the jazz improvisations of Thelonious Monk, or the pop melodies of Elton John, the piano continues to be a captivating and influential force in the world of music.