#amina franklin

[thoughtfulfangirling]

2023 Reads

A new year means a new book list! I don't think I can top my 2022 count, but that's okay! I'm not totally sure what my reading goals this year will actually be, but I guess I'll sort it out on the way! XD For future reads, here's my 2024 list!

Four Treasures of the Sky - Jenny Tinghui Zhang

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass - Frederick Douglass+

The Bear and the Nightengale - of the Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

The Secrets We Keep - Mia Hayes

Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal - Patty Loew+

The First Sister - Linden A. Lewis^

The House of the Seven Gables - Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian - Sherman Alexie

Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury~

Fin Mac Cool - Morgan Llewlyn^

How Long 'til Black Future Month by N. K. Jemisin

Lavinia - Ursula K Le Guin^

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austin*

Black Cowboys of the Old West: True, Sensational, and Littke-Known Stories form History - Tricia Martineau Wagner+

The Mysteries of Thorn Manor - Margaret Roberson%

Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space - Amanda Leduc+

Her Majesty's Royal Coven - Juno Dawson^

She Who Became the Sun~ - Shelley Parker-Chan*

The Witch King - H.E. Edgmon^

Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Legends & Lattes - Travis Baldree*

Mistress of the Art of Death - Ariana Franklin^

The Adventures of Amina El-Serafi - S.A. Chakraborty

Humankind: A Hopeful History - Rutger Bregman+

The Folk Keeper - Frannie Billingsly*%

Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens - (Suzy) Eddie Izzard+

Juniper & Thorn - Ava Reid

Upright Women Wanted - Sarah Gailey%

I Await the Devil's Coming - Mary MacLane+

Slaughterhouse Five - Kurt Vonnegut~

Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers' Rights - Molly Smith & Juno Mac+

The Woman in White - Wilke Collins^

King of Battle and Blood - Scarlett St. Clair

Sarah - J.T. LeRoy^

The City Beautiful - Aden Polydoros^

Freshwater - Akwaeke Emezi

Always the Almost - Edward Underhill

All Systems Red - Martha Wells%

The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller

Nevada - Imogen Binnie

A Dowry of Blood - S. T. Gibson

The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli

The Second Rebel - Linden A Lewis

Get a Life Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert

The Hero and the Crown* - Robin McKinley

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing - Bruce D Perry & Oprah Winfrey+^

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea - Rebecca Thorne

The Eye of the Heron - Ursula K Leguin

Artificial Condition -Martha Wells%

The Kraken's Sacrifice - Katee Robert%

Crown Duel - Sherwood Smith*

Rogue Protocol - Martha Wells%

Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self Involved Parents - Lindsay C Gibson+

Wildcat: The Untold Story of Pearl Hart, the Wild West's Most Notorious Woman Bandit - John Boessenecker+

The History of Wales - History Nerds+%

Ander & Santi Were Here - Jonny Garza Villa

The Glass Castle - Jeanette Walls^

Rosemary and Rue - Seanan McGuire^

The Gilda Stories - Jewelle Gomez

Irish Fairy and Folk Tails - Various+

The Dead and the Dark - Courtney Gould

Haunted Wisconsin - Michael Norman and Beth Scott+

The Other Black Girl - Zakiya Dalila Harris

The Ruins - Scott Smith

He Who Drowned the World - Shelley Parker-Chan

Fledgling - Octavia Butler

Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend - Mark Collins Jenkins+

The Vampyre - John Polidori%

This is Halloween - James A Moore

Sorrowland - Rivers Soloman

The Lamb will Slaughter the Lion - Margaret Killjoy%

Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Love Her or Lose Her - Tessa Bailey^

One Last Stop - Casey McQuiston*

The Last Hero - Linden A. Lewis

Lovelight Farms - B. K. Borison

Reindeer Falls Collection: Volume One - Jana Aston

Currently reading: One Last Stop (Audiobook to help me sleep XD)

Nonfiction is annotated by + A Re-read is annotated by * A book completed from the list below is annotated by ^ A Read with Empty will be annotated by ~ A Novella %

My current, loose and not that interesting goal for this year is to really work on the books I have current access to right now... at the start of this year. Because it's a lot XD This means books currently favorite in Scribd, on my StoryGraph 'to read' pile, or a book I currently own on my shelves. Main goal is at least one of these a month.

For my own personal reference, I'm putting a list of such books below to hold myself accountable.

Edit: Now the end of 2023, and here's a breakdown of my goal to read books I already had access to at the start of 2023:

I didn't read one a month per se, but I got more than 12 done, so I call this a win. These books are:

-Can't Spell Treason Without Tea - Rebecca Thorn -The City Beautiful - Aden Polydoros -Finn Mac Cool - Morgan Llewlyn -The First Sister by Linden A Lewis (proceeded by the other two in the series) -Get a Life, Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert -The Glass Castle - Jeannette Walls -Haunted Wisconsin - Michael Norman & Beth Scott -Her Majesty's Royal Coven - Juno Dawson -I Await the Devil's Coming - Mary McClane -The Kraken's Sacrifice - Katee Robert -Lavinia - Ursula K Le Guin -Love Her or Lose Her - Tessa Bailey -Mistress of the Art of Death - Ariana Franklin -Nevada - Imogen Binnie -The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli -Rosemary and Rue - Seanan McGuire -The Ruins - Scott Smith -The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller -Sarah - J.T. LeRoy -Vampire Forensics - Mark Collins Jenkins -What Happened to You? - Oprah Winfrey -The Witch King - H. E. Edgmon -The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

The books I did not get around to reading from this list are as follows: Black Water Sister by Zen Cho; Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye (o); The Book of M by Peng Shepard (o); Charity and Sylvia by Rachel Hope Cleves (o); The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (a); The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey (s); Fallen by Lauren Kate (o); Fanny Hill by John Cleland (o); Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (s); The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea (s); The Great Hunger by Cecil Woodham-Smith (o); Helping Her Get Free by Susan Brewster (o); The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang (s); Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (o); The Merry Spinster by Daniel Lavery (o); On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (o); The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (s); Radiance by Grace Draven (a); Watching the Tree by Adeline Yen Mah (o); The Willows by Algernon Blackwood (s); Wings of Fire (o); Witches Steeped in Gold by Clannon Smart (o); The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid (s)

23/46 Whoa! That's exactly 50% of the books I had on my list! That's pretty cool! All in all, I consider this 2023 goal successfully done!

[snackerdoodle]

books I read in 2023

I had a huge reading year this year because of my gruelingly long commute. The list below the cut is mostly for my own edification, but I’m a nosy person who supports other nosy people, so if you want to know what I’ve been up to, have at it. Almost everything I read this year was from the library.

1/12 A Charmed Life, Diana Wynne Jones

1/18 The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, Sonora Reyes

1/24 The Life-Changing Magic of 

Tidying Up, Marie Kondo

1/25 Hotel Magnifique, Emily J. Taylor

1/30 Spark Joy, Marie Kondo 

2/2 The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune

2/8 The Golden Enclaves, Naomi Novik

2/8 Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, Ashley Herring Blake

2/15 The Nile, Toby Wilkinson

2/23 The Painted Queen, Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess

2/28 Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine

3/5 Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters

3/12 Lord of the Silent, Elizabeth Peters

3/16 Marie Kondo’s Kurashi at Home, Marie Kondo 

3/20 Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life, Ruth Franklin

3/20 The Art of Simple Living, Shunmyo Masuno

3/26 The Bird’s Nest, Shirley Jackson

4/11 Life Among the Savages, Shirley Jackson

4/12 A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn

4/18 The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories, Charlotte Perkins Gilman

4/21 Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto, Tricia  Hersey

5/1 Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Malinda Lo

5/3 Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, Ashley Herring Blake

5/10 Fight Like Hell: The Untold Story of American Labor, Kim Kelly

5/11 Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings, Joy Harjo 

5/12 Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, Reni Eddo-Lodge

5/15 The Lottery and Other Stories, Shirley Jackson

5/18 The Lives of Christopher Chant, Diana Wynne Jones

5/29 A Little Devil in America, Hanif Abdurraqib

6/3 A Marvellous Light, Freya Marske

6/6 Ducks, Kate Beaton 

6/8 Wild and Wicked Things, Francesca May (awful. Every character was an idiot. Why did I finish this)

6/10 Breathing Lessons: A Doctor’s Guide to Lung Health, Meilan K. Han, MD

6/19 The Three Body Problem, Cixin Liu

6/19 A Fortune for Your Disaster, Hanif Abdurraqib (I liked this even more than the last one I read. Maybe because it was an audiobook read by the author.)

6/22 Disjointed, Diana Jovin (ed) (skipped parts that were totally unrelated to me and some things that were also too technical)

6/22 The Lavender Scare, David K. Johnson

6/26 Enquête au collège, Jean-Phillipe Arrou-Vignod 

6/28 The Thief, Megan Whalen Turner

7/3 Last Call, Elon Green

7/12 Cache Cache Petit Fantôme

7/13 Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint-

Exupéry

7/13 La fille qui navigua autour de féérie dans un bateau construit de ses propres mains, Catherynne M Valente

7/14 Lost in the Moment and Found, Seanan McGuire

7/14 Ich mag dich gesund sagte der Bär, Janosch

7/25 The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch

7/31 The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi, Shannon Chakraborty

8/10 A Restless Truth, Freya Marske 

8/16 Camp Damascus, Chuck Tingle

9/6 The Body in the Garden, Katherine Schellman

9/11 Silence in the Library, Katherine Schellman

9/13 When Things Get Dark, various 

9/19 Death at the Manor, Katherine Schellman

9/25 Sorcery and Cecelia, Patricia C Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

10/3 The Grand Tour, Patricia C Wrede and Caroline Stevermer 

10/6 Murder at Midnight, Katharine Schellman

10/12 The Mislaid Magician, Patricia C Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

10/18 Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies, Elizabeth Winkler

10/18 Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen, JK Rowling

10/25 Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA search for Mind Control, Stephen Kinzer

11/1 Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, Ashley Herring Blake

11/3 Nothing But Blackened Teeth, Cassandra Shaw

11/9 Unfuck Your Habitat, Rachel Hoffman

11/11 Safe and Sound, Mercury Stardust 

11/12 Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD (revised and updated), Susan C. Pinskey

11/18 Red Seas under Red Skies, Scott Lynch

11/20 In With the Old: Classic Decor A to Z,  Jennifer Boles 

11/23 Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating, Lauren Liess

11/24 Vermeer: The Complete Paintings, Norbert Schneider 

11/29 The Conscious Closet, Elizabeth L. Cline

12/4 Leech, Hiron Ennes

12/6 The Star that Always Stays, Anna Rose Johnson 

P12/14 The Republic of Thieves, Scott Lynch

12/15 An American Sunrise, Joy Harjo

12/20 The Wife Upstairs, Rachel Hawkins

12/22 How to Keep House While Drowning, KC Davis

12/30 The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Margareta Magnusson 

Gave up on: The Woman Who Would Be King, Kara Cooney (too speculative/fictionalized)

A Scatter of Light, Malinda Lo (nothing really wrong, it just wasn’t holding my attention at all)

14 histoires pour avoir peur mais pas trop quand même (turned into full cast audio and the music between stories was really annoying)

Manhunt, Gretchen Felker-Martin (not in the right headspace maybe, maybe just not for me)

American Cozy, Stephanie Pedersen (got annoyed at how much of the information hinged on living in a huge suburban home with 18 closets and a husband and multiple children you can make do your chores for you)

The Curated Closet, Anuschka Rees (not bad just not what I was looking for)

[xxsimschallengesxx]

100 Not So Berry Baby Challenge Masterlist - Pt. 2

Pink Generation

Founder

Baby 1: Sarah

Babies 2 - 6: Sean, Ken, Mark, Leah, and Alexander

Baby 7: Jeremy

Baby 8: Dorothy

Babies 9 & 10: Keenan and Taylor

Babies 11-13: Howard, Kendall, and Rose

Babies 14 - 17: Rylie, Bryanna, Ryan, and Mandy

Baby 18: Abigail

Baby 19: Cleo

Babies 20 & 21: Eden

Babies 22 & 23: Oliver and Amina

Babies 24 & 25: Shaelynn and Doug

Babies 26 & 27: Roger and Emerson

Babies 28 & 29: Gem and Theo

Baby 30: Charley

Baby 31: Misael

Baby 32: Ross

Babies 33 - 36: Neal and Marlene

Baby 37: Chasity

Babies 38 & 39: Jimena and Sienna

Baby 40: Chelsie

Babies 41 & 42: Murphy and Karter

Babies 43 & 44: Janelle and Charlee

Babies 45 & 46: Minkz and Judy

Babies 47 & 48: Patrice and Maliyah

Babies 49 & 50: Halle and Hassan

Babies 51 & 52: Tianna and Haeju

Babies 53 & 54: Kasandra and Adelaide

Babies 55 - 59: Genesis, Cherish, and Mila

Babies 60 & 61: Mae and Floyd

Babies 62 & 63: Yusun and Zara

Babies 64 - 66: Cohen, Lucia, and Cale

Babies 67 & 68: Jairo and Estevan

Babies 69 & 70: Poppy and Sonja

Babies 71 & 72: Aleah and Kinsley

Babies 73 & 74: Noe and Terri

Babies 75 & 76: Bradford and Santos

Babies 77 - 79: Frances and Anahi

Babies 80 & 81: Neal and Adrien

Babies 82 - 84: Rowan, Esther, Gabrielle

Babies 85 & 86: Russell and Iris

Babies 87 - 90: Mariela and Rosemary

Babies 91 & 92: Caiphus and Kolby

Babies 93 - 96: Rita, Blaine, Thaddeus, and Chester

Baby 97: Mayra

Babies 98 - 100: Robin, Wanda, and McKenna

Peach Generation

Founder

Babies 1 & 2: Beaux and Clarissa

Babies 3 - 7: Kingston, Leroy, and Mabel

Baby 8: Mason

Babies 9 & 10: Emily and Fernanda

Babies 11 - 14: Dustin, Ellie, Franklin, and Graham

Baby 15: Thiago

Babies 16 - 19: Jane, Kyrie, Lailah, and Max

Babies 20 - 22: Keira, Louis, and Mavise

Babies 23 - 28: Dillon, Efrain, and Frank

Babies 29 - 31: Allen, Brynlee, and Chandler

Babies 32 - 34: Giovanni, Hayden, and Isaiah

Babies 35 & 36: Cierra and Duane

Baby 37: Jamie

Baby 38: Myles

Babies 39 & 40: Kai and Laura

Baby 41: Tate

Babies 42 - 44: Latoya, Mack, and Natalie

Babies 45 & 46: Tariq and Ursule

Baby 47: Julian

Babies 48 & 49: Andre and Bentley

Babies 50 & 51: Niall and Onyx

Babies 52 & 53: Ansel and Bryce

Babies 54 & 55: Daniel and Eli

Babies 56 & 57: Iker and Jameson

Babies 58 & 59: Taffy and Ulysses

Babies 60 - 65: Jaxon, Kobe, and Liam

Babies 66 & 67: Victoria and Winnie

Babies 68 & 69: Eldis and Freya

Babies 70 - 72: Bethany, Cecelia, and Dahlia

Babies 73 & 74: Presley and Quade

Babies 75 - 77: Kylo, Louise, and Mindy

Babies 78 - 80: Florence, Grace, and Harry

Babies 81 - 85: Venus, Winnee, Ximena, Yuna, and Zain

Babies 86 & 87: Chauncey and Diego

Babies 88 - 90: Lincoln, Maxwell, and Natalia

Babies 91 & 92: Cooper and Danielle

Babies 93 & 94: Radley and Sasha

Babies 95 & 96: Amelia and Alexa

Babies 97 - 100: Kat, Melody, Cheyenne, and Gail

[redjaybathood]

Jason gives up on gotham and moves to metropolis to become a doctor (sorry it's not crazy but I'm mostly running on fumes)

Yeah, no, I get you. Besides, you think your idea isn't crazy enough? Well, we just have to make it crazier then.

First things first. When does Jason become fed up with Gotham? I'd say: about the time he almost bled out in the ruins of his old apartment building. He couldn't stop the bleeding himself, but he did manage to make one call: to 911.

Of course, after he had gotten medical attention, there was also police who came looking. So leaving Gotham was a necessity on several levels.

He chooses Metropolis because it's a city Bruce likes the least. Also, it has a good residency program, something to think about on the later date. It also is huge, and there are a lot of weird people, but normal-weird, not "paint the walls with your intestines" weird. So Jason figures he will fit.

Funny enough, he enrolls into the school under his own name, having faked only some of the documentation and backstory. He's looking forward to settling in for a long run, so it's best if his lies were mixed with half-truths. Easier all around.

He's not worried that Bruce will look for him. Both of them can go on pretending that Red Hood died that day, by fire or water. And for the police, what he's got would be enough.

Thing is: after the initial setup - college money, apartment to rent, books, necessities - his stash of drug money isn't looking too good. Seeing how he had to leave most of it back in Gotham and won't be getting anything more.

So he's going to be broke, in the near future. Yeah? No, Jason finds a job. He's EMT now, got his 170 hours of training course, certification. Currently, he's interning with a real nice crew.

Amina Franklin, who, by coincidence, also moved from Gotham, but 10 years earlier; she was stalked by a Russian mobster and had to leave (of course, there's more to it than that, her being the sister of Wayne Franklin/Grotesk, a great inventor of medical robotic technology and a vigilante). She's the paramedic.

Davis Bloome, EMT. Local boy. Never been outside of Metropolis, he will tell you. Grew up in foster care. Could really use friends and some therapy. (It's Doomsday, but Jason doesn't know it yet)

Cody Driscoll, the driver. Seems like has a story to tell, but jokes that then he would have to kill you. When you buy him a drink, would tell you about how he was abducted by aliens. (thing is, Jason believes it)

And it's all good right up until the second week Jason is riding along, the ambulance is hijacked with Jason still in it. He's being held at a gunpoint and made to stitch a gang leader's gunshot. And he can, probably, kill all of them before they notice, but he also totally cannot do that, because there would his civilian life go. So Jason has to allow himself to be kidnapped.

Meanwhile, Cody decides to rescue Jason himself, Amina goes with him just to make sure he won't get himself and Jason killed, and Davis, you know. He has his difficulties connecting with people. But with those particular people, he has rapport. He established a system that is actually very simple. If they do something, he's doing it too, as not to seem and feel out of place. So when everyone goes to rescue Jason? This means that Dooms fucking day goes along to rescue Jason.

Even if even he doesn't yet know that he is the Doomsday.

Look, this idea is so huge, I cannot actually write anything, even a scene, because I don't know characters that well, or how Metropolis operates. But what can I add, it's this:

- besides the hot action scenes, there's human interest stories; little things, like how Jason rescues a person who OD'd, and how it affected him; Davis somehow ending up being the one who talks down a suicidal teenager; Amina having to attend to a teenager who acted as a vigilante and got really badly beat up by criminals.

- there's also a mystery where they step by step finding out new stuff about each other, and sometimes it happens very fast, like Davis turning into this huge monster and eating the criminals who kidnapped Jason, and Jason teaching them how to clean up a scene of murder, and Amina being non-fazed by the whole thing. And Cody, who was indeed kidnapped by aliens, dated one, was on a team with like a lot of them, is looking into all of this and being: how am I the only normal person here? I don't like it;

- there's a subplot where Amina succeeded in proving that a corporation stole her brother's inventions - the last way to restore at least some modicum of justice for Wayne unless she becomes the vigilante herself, of which she - not a fan. Gang helps!

- there's a subplot where Davis tries to figure out his mysterious past and the whole people eating monster thing. He succeeds and even figures out how to control it. Gang helps!

- there's a subplot where Deathstroke comes a knocking for Cody. Cody, being pretty content with his life in Metropolis, knocks him the fuck out. Gang helps!

- there's a subplot where Jason struggles to juggle school and the job and his new friends/family/crew, all the while staying out of the way of local reporters. Which is difficult, seeing as his job puts him often to the same places where the story is. And he somehow gets involved in another hostage situation; bank robbery; regular robbery; cat burglary, and many more. Gang helps!

[girlsofcomics]

Amina Franklin

-Real name: Amina Franklin

-A.k.a.: -

-Publisher: DC Comics

-Type: Human

-Afilliations: -

-Powers: Intellect

[blackfemmecharacterdependency]

BFCD Masterlist: Black Female Cartoon Characters

A

Abbiejean Archer Archer | Agura Ibaden Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 | Aisha The Winx Club  | Alex Magical Girl Friendship Squad | Allura Voltron |  Amber Bennett Invincible | Amina Ramsey Star Trek: Lower Decks | Ana Spanakopita Bojack Horseman | Andra Master of the Universe |  Andrea Star VS The Forces of Evil | Angel Dynamite Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated | April O’Neil Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles |  Ashley Boulet Recess |

B

Babs Pinky Malinky | Beckett Mariner Star Trek: Lowerdecks | Bismuth Steven Universe | Bree James Fancy Nancy | Briar Beauty Ever After High | Bumblebee DC Comics |

C

Candy Dave the Barbarian | Carol Freeman Star Trek: Lower Decks | Casta Fierce Monster High | Catalina Leone (Lioness) Alpha Teens on Machines | Catty Noir Monster High | Cedar Wood Ever After High | Claire Motorcity | Claudia Grant Robotech | Clawdia Wolf Monster High | Clawdeen Wolf Monster High | Cleo De Nile Monster High | Cobra Big Hero 6 Series | Connie, The Hormone Monstress Big Mouth | Connie Rock and Riot |

D

Daria Roselyn Rainbow High | Diana the Acrobat Dungeons and Dragons | Dijonay Jones The Proud Family | Doc McStuffins Doc McStuffins |

E

Elise Abadeer Adventure Time | Enid OK KO! Let’s Be Heroes |  Erica Wang Captain Underpants |  Esther Hopkins Twelve Forever |

F

Felicia Bratz |  Foxxy Love Drawn Together | Francine Frye Marvel’s Spider Man | Francine “Frankie” Greene Transformers: Rescue Bots | Frida Hilda |

G

Gaia Captain Planet and the Planeteers | Garnet Steven Universe | Gigi Thompson Inside Job | Ginger Breadhouse Ever After High | Goo Goo Gaga Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends | Grace Monroe Infinity Train |

H

Helena Troy Spy Groove | Holly Phineas and Ferb | HoneyBee Black Dynamite Animated Series | Honeybee Shaw-Tobin The Great North |  Honey Swamp Monster High |  Howleen Wolf Monster High

I

Indigo Rainbow Brite |  Iridessa Disney Fairies |

J

Jackie Cyberchase | Janai The Dragon Prince | Jane Amphibia | Jane Boolittle Monster High | Janet Dragon Ball Super | Jasmine Total Drama | Jasper Steven Universe | Jenny Pizza Steven Universe | Jessica Gordon Captain Underpants | Jessica Williams Craig of the Creek | Jillian Beanstalk Ever After High | Jo Kid Cosmic | Jodie Landon Daria | Jojo Williams Craig of the Creek | Jupiter Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls | Justine Dancer Ever After High |

K

Kala Mer'ri Monster High | Kat Elliot Wendall & Wild | Keesha Franklin The Magic Schoolbus | Kelly Star VS The Forces of Evil |  Khessa, The Sunfire Queen The Dragon Prince | Kiki Pizza Steven Universe | Kipo Oak Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts |  Koala Princess OK Let’s Be Heroes |  Koki Wild Kratts |  Krystal Bailey Rainbow High |

L

Labarbara Conrad Futurama | Lagoona Blue Monster High | Lana Kane Archer |  Leshawna Total Drama |  Libby Folfax Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius | Luna The Hex Girls, Scooby Doo | Lunella Lafayette Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur | Luz Noceda The Owl House

M

Mae Turner Jurassic World: Camp Cretacious |  Maureen Parker The Proud Family |  Maxine Gibson Batman Beyond |  Maya Craig of the Creek | Megan Gandlym Star VS The Forces of Evil | Mel Medarda Arcane League of Legends | Mia Abara Duncanville | Miranda Killgallen As Told By Ginger | Molly Blyndeff Epithet Erased | Molly Tillerman Central Park | Mona Big Mouth |  Monie Hey Monie |  Muses Greek Mythology |

N

Nefera De Nile Monster High | Nella Nella the Princess Knight | Nessa Pokemon | Netossa Shera and the Princesses of Power | Nichole Daniels South Park | Nina Thumbell Ever After High | Numbah 5 Code Name Kids Next Door |

O

Obsidian Steven Universe | Olivia Pokemon | Orange Blossom Strawberry Shortcake | Ororo Munroe X-Men

P

Penny Proud The Proud Family | Piper Storm Hawks | Princess Ariel Thundarr the Barbarian

Q

Quinn Ergon Final Space | Quinta Foreman Big Mouth

R

Rae Sloane Star Wars Rebels | Rashida Remington Big City Greens | Rhonda Vega Children of Ether | Robecca Steam Monster High | Roberta Tubbs The Cleveland Show | Ruby Steven Universe

S

S.A.M. Cannon Busters | Samantha Monster Buster Club | Sara Over the Garden Wall | Sasha Bratz | Saturn Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls | Shana Elmsford Jem | Sister Helley Wendall & Wild | Skara The Owl House | Sparkle Cadet COTC | Storm Goddess Courage the Cowardly Dog | The Sun Milky Way and the Galaxy Girls | Sunny Madison Rainbow High | Susie Carmichael Rugrats |

T

Tam Ryvora Star Wars: Resistance |  Tamiya Diop Code Lyoko |  Taranee Cook W.I.T.C.H. |  Tiana The Princess and the Frog |  Tip Tucci Home | Trixie Carter American Dragon Jake Long | 

U

V

Valerie Brown Josie and the Pussycats | Valerie Gray Danny Phantom | Venus McFlytrap Monster High

W

Wilhamena Mettle OK Let’s Be Heroes | Wolf Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts | Wydowna Spider Monster High

X

Y

Yvette Hey Monie |

Z

[incorrectbatfam]

Can you try naming ALL of Bruce's lovers

(I might've taken a few creative liberties)

Selina Kyle

Clark Kent

Talia al Ghul

Alfred's cookies

Julie Madison

The Batmobile

Vicki Vale

His secret Justice League LEGO collection

Amina Franklin

The mannequin at Nordstrom

Bekka

The Batcomputer

April Clarkson

Gordon Ramsay

Dinah Lance

His reflection

Charlotte Rivers

A free lotion sample from Lush

Dawn Golden

His third vacation home

Jaina Hudson

Superburgers

Harley Quinn

Tony Stark

Jezebel Jet

A full night's sleep

Jillian Maxwell

Thin Mints

Kathy Kane

A big ol' wad of cash

Julia Pennyworth

A t-shirt that says "Beef"

Linda Page

The euphoric high of a short line at the DMV

Lois Lane

Some pen he found on the ground

Lorna Shore

A keychain with his name on it

Mallory Moxen

Ma Kent's apple pie

Natalia Knight

His childhood teddy bear

Natalya Trusevich

A Batman action figure that Dick bought as a joke

Pamela Isley

Adblock

Rachel Caspian

Medium rare steaks

Sasha Bordeaux

Having a family-sized KFC bucket to himself

Silver St. Cloud

Farting in the pool and blaming it on Damian

Shondra Kinsolving

Expensive wedding stationery

Vesper Fairchild

2% milk

Diana Prince

Lucius Fox

Zatanna

The Snapchat dog filter

Andrea Beaumont

Just a really really good book

Chase Meridian

Watermelon LaCroix

Rachel Dawes

Telling people what to do

Bethany Ravencroft

Sliding perfectly into a parking spot

[hecatemoon87]

Modern Day Forrest Bondurant - Hot Tub

Forrest and Amina were six months into their relationship when Amina asked if she would ever meet his family.

“Meet who? My parents have long since passed,” Forrest said.

“You have brothers don’t you? I could meet them.”

Forrest made a face as if that idea was the worst thing she had ever suggested.

“Are they that bad?” She asked.

“No. It’s just that…you're so classy and they aren’t.”

“Why would that matter? Come on Forrest, introduce me to them.” Amina prodded.

Forrest relented and they picked a weekend to drive the three hour distance to Franklin County.

The couple planned to stay at Howard’s house. When they arrived, Amina got out of the car and gazed upon a large modern home, painted white with black shutters.

A newly paved driveway stretched out from the three car garage and a brick path wound its way to a wrap around-porch. The backyard was fenced in by a beautiful cherry wood fence and the front lawn well manicured. Azalea flowers of red and white grew in full bloom around the house. Amina was impressed by how nice Howard’s home appeared. But of course it would be. Howard and Forrest made a lot of money from their distillery and could afford nice things.

Forrest grabbed their bags from the trunk and he led her up the front porch. He pounded on the large oak door and when the door opened a younger man, probably ten years or so younger than Forrest, stood on the other side. He wore a red polo shirt and blue jeans. He was well groomed and his hair was meticulously combed.

“Hey Forrest!” He said, happily and moved forward to give Forrest a hug.

Forrest gave him an awkward hug back.

“Hey Jack,” Forrest replied and looked over to Amina. "Uh, this is Jack.”

Amina noticed that Forrest’s accent seemed heavier now. He had always had a southern accent, but when he spoke to his brother it was thicker.

"Hello, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jack said, with a nervous smile.

Amina was about to reply to Jack when footsteps could be heard coming from the back of the house. A much taller man with unkempt hair and unshaved face emerged. He wore brown trousers and a blue work shirt. He leaned on the doorframe.

“Forrest,” He nodded.

“This here is Howard,” Forrest mumbled.

“Hello, I’m Amina. It’s really great to finally meet you both.” Amina said.

“Well, come on in, the guest room is upstairs.” Howard said, motioning them to come inside.

They passed through a large living room with a tan leather sofa and 80" flat screen. The home had large windows that allowed natural light to filter in. Forrest took Amina to the guest room on the first floor. The room had a sliding glass door and it led to the backyard. She moved the curtain to the side and saw that there was a hot tub under a pavilion, a patio with a grill and outdoor furniture, and a firepit.

That evening, Howard made hamburgers on the grill. Everyone sat on the patio, enjoying their meal, while the crickets chirped merrily. The setting sun revealed lightening bugs whose gentle light faded in and out of the oncoming darkness.

“You have a lovely place here, Howard.” Amina said.

“Thank you, it ain’t too bad.” Howard replied.

“So, what do you do for a living, Amina?” Jack asked.

“I’m in IT.” Amina said, picking up her ice tea and taking a sip.

“And you are originally from Richmond? Did you go to school there?” Jack continued.

Amina looked at Forrest, then back to Jack. “Jack, did Forrest tell you anything about me other than that I exist?”

“Nah, he only talks about work.” Jack said, shrugging his shoulders.

Amina shook her head and laughed softly. “Okay, well, I’m originally from Germany. I came to the states when I was eighteen. I attended university in Berlin. But I love Richmond, so I came back.”

“Wow, it must be nice to travel. I ain’t never been outside of the US.” Jack said.

“Don’t say "ain’t", Jack.” Forrest said, tossing his napkin onto his plate.

“Howard just said it!” Jack said, looking at Forrest in disbelief.

“Yeah, well, Howard is a lost cause,” Forrest said.

“He ain’t wrong,” Howard said and winked at Amina.

They all stayed up late, talking and playing yard games. Jack and Amina played horseshoes while Forrest and Howard drank beer on the patio. Around 1 a.m. they all turned in, Jack went home, Howard drunkenly went to bed and Amina and Forrest went back to their guest room.

Forrest opened up his suitcase and began pulling his pajamas out when Amina placed a hand on his. She seductively traced her finger up his arm to his bicep.

“You know, we could take advantage of that hot tub.” She purred.

“I didn’t bring a suit and neither did you, Amina.” Forrest said, his accent now lighter.

“No, but who said we needed swimsuits?”

“I’m not getting into Howard’s hot tub naked.” He said.

“Why not? He drank more than what two men could handle. I’m pretty sure he isn’t going to wake up anytime soon.”

Forrest still didn’t look convinced. Amina decided to undress anyway, slipping off her blouse, skirt, then wiggling out of her bra and panties. Walking toward the sliding glass door, she placed a hand on the handle and looked back.

“I guess I’ll get in all by myself,” She said and opened the door.

She stepped out onto the patio and walked across the cement to the hot tub. Amina removed the cover and slid into the warm, therapeutic waters. The lights shone from the bottom of the tub, illuminating the water into a beautiful sapphire glow. She pressed the button for the jets and they rumbled to life, causing the water to bubble up around her.

Moments later, as she expected, Forrest lumbered out of the bedroom fully naked. His muscular frame hulked over to the tub. She waded to the edge and placed her arms on the side, admiring his godlike physique. He climbed the steps to the tub and eased himself into the water.

The full moon was high in the sky, beaming so brightly that there was no need for outside lights. Amina glided through the water toward Forrest, who then laced his arms around her waist. He went in to kiss her and Amina happily felt his full, pouting lips connect with her own. His tongue slowly wandered into her mouth and she allowed him to explore as he pleased. The kiss was slow and sensual. There was no rush, as they were alone and could experience each other completely. Amina slid her fingers through Forrest’s soft brown hair and he deepened his kiss.

Forrest’s strong and slightly calloused hands followed the outline of her glass shaped figure. Starting from her hips he reached her breasts, cupping them in his bear paws. As the water encased their bodies, causing buoyancy to their weight, he easily lifted her up, gently placing her on the edge that lined up with the pavilion wall.

He maneuvered her bottom to sit close to the edge and draped her legs over his burly shoulders. His head now between her legs, he gave her a wink before pollinating her flower with his tongue. She placed her hands on the hard plastic of the hot tub and arched her back, her pert breasts high in the air. The warm night air slowly evaporated the water beads off her skin as Forrest swirled his tongue over the top of her clit.

A loud moan escaped her lips when his tongue slipped up into her supple vagina. Her hands immediately flew to his head, her fingers entangling themselves in his hair once again. Forrest held her firmly in place by her hips as she wiggled around him. He made out with her pussy as if it were her pretty little mouth. Snaking his tongue in and out of her then broadening his tongue upwards, sliding her honey and his saliva over her nub.

Amina could no longer take the over stimulation and she allowed her body to throw her into a fierce orgasm. Her legs tightened around his head and Forrest slowed his intensity and now languidly lapped at her as she came back down. She whined as her sensitive clit pulsated beneath the softness of his tongue.

He finally stopped, giving her a little time to come down from her high. She slipped back into the water and pushed him into the corner seat. He sunk into the water, it coming up to his chest and she straddled her legs around him. The water kept pushing her up from his lap and she giggled when Forrest grabbed her by the bottom to bring her back down.

“I want you inside me, sugar bear,” She whispered over his lips.

Forrest grunted and kissed her as he moved his cock to align with her entrance, he pushed her hips down, burying his manhood into her velvety folds. Amina tilted her head back, giving Forrest access to her erect nipples. His mouth instantly attached to her right nipple and she shivered from his suckling. She rode him with his help as he kept her from floating up off his cock. Forrest let his head fall back, his moan vibrating from his chest as he accepted Amina’s tight core milking him into oblivion.

“Yeah, like that baby girl. Fuck my cock,” He whispered, as he pushed his hips up so he could go deeper into her.

“You know how to open me up don’t you, baby?” She sighed as his thick member pried her walls further open.

Forrest had wanted to endure as long as possible, but Amina was speeding up, bobbing up and down in the water, her ample breasts bouncing in front of him. Her womanly shape and her all encompassing walls swallowing his erection undid him and he grunted his way through an intense release. She stayed on him until she felt him go soft and she pushed off to go settle in the opposite corner from him.

She smiled as she watched his brow furrow and his lips part as he worked his way back from his orgasm. He opened his eyes and smiled, stretching his arms out and resting them on the tub sides.

“Hot tub was a good idea, yes?” Amina asked.

“It was, yeah.” He replied.

“Why do you change the way you speak when you’re around me? You also do it with everyone in Richmond…it’s the first time I’ve heard your real accent, when you talk to your brothers.”

“I dunno, the way we talk, people think we’re slow. Dulling it down helps with business, gives people more confidence in buying our product.”

“Makes sense, I guess. But…you think you can talk like that sometimes, like, in bed?”

He arched an eyebrow. “It turns you on?”

She grinned. “I don’t know why, but it sounds really sexy when you get all country on me.”

The next morning, Jack had stopped by around 7 a.m. He started a pot of coffee and decided to check out the new security camera he’d set up for Howard a week ago. Howard had a suspicion that the neighbors' teenage kids were climbing the fence and using the hot tub. So they stationed a camera over the hot tub to see if they could prove they were trespassing.

Jack logged in and saw that the camera had been activated by movement at 1:10 a.m. If activated the camera would begin recording. He opened the file and hit play. He saw Amina, fully naked climb into the pool, moments later, Forrest joined her. Jack sat frozen as he watched Forrest set Amina up on the edge of the hot tub. Her gorgeous breasts were now fully exposed to the camera.

He jumped when he heard Howard shuffle into the kitchen. He quickly closed the laptop, trying to pretend everything was normal.

“What were you watching,” Howard asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Uh, nothing,” Jack said, but he was a terrible liar.

Howard frowned and came over, grabbing the laptop and opening it. The computer screen woke to Amina riding Forrest in the hot tub, her head back and Forrest nursing her breast.

“Jesus,” Howard chuckled.

“We can’t tell Forrest we watched this,” Jack said.

“The hell we can’t,” Howard said and sipped some coffee.

A few minutes after they watched the file, Forrest entered the kitchen. He took some coffee and sat at the kitchen table with his brothers. Jack was fidgeting with his coffee cup and Howard leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest with a grin plastered on his face.

“What’s wrong with you two?” Forrest asked.

“Ever thought of pursuing a career in porn?” Howard asked.

Forrest narrowed his eyes at Howard.

“What are you talking about?”

“You triggered my security camera last night. We got to see quite a show.”

Forrest’s eyes opened up with shock and he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “God damn it, Howard.”

Howard chuckled and Jack couldn’t help but grin. But when Amina drifted into the kitchen all three men straightened up, trying to be on their best behavior. She rubbed her eyes and sat next to Forrest.

“Do you want any coffee?” Forrest asked her.

“Sure,” She said.

Forrest grabbed her mug and placed it in front of her. As she drank, she noticed they were all silent and that Jack and Howard were looking away from her.

“What’s going on? You boys seem…off.”

“What? Oh, I’m just waking up and Jack, he’s always off.” Howard said.

Jack wasn’t very good at lying or keeping a secret. Forrest watched him closely, his eyes saying “I will kill you, if you say a word.”

Jack shook his leg nervously, trying to hold in his guilt, but it spilled out.

“We accidently recorded you last night,” He blurted out.

“Damn it, Jack…” Forrest growled.

Amina looked confused. “What?”

“Howard has a security camera over the hot tub. It recorded us.” Forrest said, annoyed with his brothers.

All three men waited for poor Amina to run out of the room in embarrassment, but she only laughed.

“Oh, my god. I’m so sorry, I guess we should have looked,” she said.

Then she paused and asked. “Can I see it?”

The brothers looked at her with befuddlement, but Jack slid the computer over to her and she flipped it open and began to watch. Amina then quickly began typing and closed the lid when she was done.

They continued their morning as if nothing happened. When Forrest and Amina went back to their room to pack, Forrest asked her what she had done on the laptop.

"Well, I deleted it of course...and...um..." She said.

"And um what?" He asked.

"I emailed myself a copy of the file," She said, blushing.

[steph-the-4th-robin]

Bruce Wayne's canonical love interests

Selina Kyle/Catwoman

Julie Madison

Linda Page

Silver St. Cloud

Talia al Ghul

Vicki Vale

Kathy Kane, the first Batwoman until she was reconned into being his cousin

Natalia Knight/Nocturna

Julia Pennyworth (yeah Alfreds daughter)

Amina Franklin

April Clarkson/Midnight

Bekka

Charlotte Rivers

Dinah Laurel Lance/Black Canary

Diana Prince/Wonder Woman

Dawn Golden

Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn

Jaina Hudson/White Rabbit

Jezebel Jet

Shondra Kinsolving

Jillian Maxwell

Lois Lane

Lorna Shore

Vesper Fairchild

Mallory Moxon

Natalya Trusevich

Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy

Rachel Caspian

Sasha Bordeaux

Zatanna Zatara

Bethanie Ravencroft

Andrea Beaumont/The Phantasm

Barbara Gordon/Batgirl/Oracle

Chase Meridian

Rachel Dawes

[storiesbyjes2g]

Hey y’all!

If you don’t mind—and even if you do lol—we’re gonna take a brief detour from the Piersons, Franklins, Rodney and them. I have a lot on my plate right now, but when I get moments to get in the game, I’ve been playing a new save! I am SO excited to share it with you. Allow me to introduce, or reintroduce to some of you, Amina Pope! She will be “starring” in my new, casual gameplay story called...

Yes...you pronounce it adulting lol. ISBI stands for I’m Surrounded By Idiots 😄. The goal of this challenge is to make it through 10 generations only controlling ONE sim! I’m sure you can imagine where the idiots part comes in, tee hee hee. I tried this challenge once, waaaay back in the dark ages of my vanilla life. It was fun to a point, but without mods I get bored very easily as many of you do too. 

I created Ms. Pope last year, and I felt like she was really special for some reason. I didn’t want to just throw her in the Pierson’s save and let MCCC have its way with her. I wanted her to have her own thing, and it’s taken all this time to think of something lol. Well, thinking of something wasn’t really the problem. I was making sure I didn’t overload myself as I have in the past. Anyway, I saw someone on Twitter doing this challenge, and talk about throwback?? I hadn’t seen this challenge in ages! Then it hit me. This is what Amina will do! She’s perfect for it! Who is she? Well, I’ll let her introduce herself when we get started. But, I will say she is a blogger, and some of her “episodes” will be her blog posts just so you’re not confused.

So, just to recap, this is a casual gameplay based on the ISBI challenge. Amina will be the only playable sim until her child of my choosing becomes a young adult. I think I’m supposed to go with the firstborn, but I rarely stick to the rules in these things anyway. There are certain situations where I can control other sims, but let me worry about that. You guys just sit back and enjoy the fun! Also, I’m playing on modified normal life, so we’re gonna go a little fast and see how far we get; I’m not committing to 10 generations lol.

Oh! Also here are the mods that control my sims’ behavior the most. I want you to know about them in case they do/say something you don’t recognize.

MC Command Center

Contextual Social Interaction by lumpinou

The Life Decider by kawaiistacie

No Strings Attached  by lumpinou

Open Love Life  by lumpinou

Road to Romance  by lumpinou

Woohoo Wellness & Pregnancy Overhaul  by lumpinou

Wicked Whims

Improved Relationships - Cheating by Zero

[ecreads]

Title: Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

Editors: S. K. Ali, Aisha Saeed

Authors: Randa Abdel-Fattah, Huda Al-Marashi, Sara Alfageeh, S. K. Ali, Hanna Alkaf, Ashley Franklin, Asmaa Hussein, Hena Khan, Rukhsana Khan, Ayesha Mattu, Candice Montgomery, Aisha Saeed, N. H. Senzai, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, G. Willow Wilson

Published: May 5th, 2020 by Amulet Books

Genre & Format: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Verse & Poetry, Folklore/Folktale & Religion, Chapter Book, Graphic Novel

Key Themes: Community, Family, Food, Friendship, History, Holidays & Religious Celebrations, Multicultural, Multigenerational, Muslim Stories, Refugees

Reading Level: Third Grade, Grades 4-7

Language: English

ISBN: 9781419740831

Content Warnings:

Death

Islamophobia

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“A joyous short story collection by and about Muslims, edited by New York Times bestselling author Aisha Saeed and Morris finalist S. K. Ali

Once Upon an Eid is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.

The full list of Once Upon an Eid contributors include: G. Willow Wilson (Alif the Unseen, Ms. Marvel), Hena Khan (Amina's Voice, Under My Hijab), N. H. Senzai (Shooting Kabul, Escape from Aleppo), Hanna Alkaf (The Weight of Our Sky), Rukhsana Khan (Big Red Lollipop), Randa Abdel-Fattah (Does My Head Look Big in This?), Ashley Franklin (Not Quite Snow White), Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Mommy's Khimar), Candice Montgomery (Home and Away, By Any Means Necessary), Huda Al-Marashi (First Comes Marriage), Ayesha Mattu, Asmaa Hussein, and Sara Alfageeh.”

Review: Hijabi Librarians

“For Muslims around the world, the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha), conjure images of joy and community and include celebrations which vary by region and consist of different traditions.

Common traditions for the observance of both Eids often include new clothing, congregational prayers, special foods, and most importantly, time with family and community. Through prose, verse, and imagery, including the vibrant cover art, and a comic selection, authored by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Sara Alfageeh, the stories in Once Upon an Eid capture all of those traditions and so much more.

Consisting of stories by 15 Muslim authors of diverse backgrounds, each selection explores an aspect of human experience with incredible complexity and sensitivity. Characters are relatable, and reflect a range of Islamic practice and identity. Stories are set in a variety of locations, with many taking place in non-Muslim majority countries and communities. Readers are given the opportunity to explore many Eids not just reflecting different cultural ties characters might have but the joys, sorrows, feelings of grief, and love that take place when set against a much beloved and significant holiday.

In Jamilah Thompkins-Bigleow’s “Perfect,” readers meet twelve-year-old Hawa on her way to celebrate Eid with her father’s side of the family in the Bronx. Though she would rather be celebrating with her friends, she is forced to confront a complicated relationship with her cousin, and the comparisons between them, that are tied to expression of identity and authenticity, body image and style, and family structure. In Hanna Alkaf’s “Taste,” set in Malaysia, the protagonist Alia feels alienated because of her mother’s absence and her sense of guilt surrounding that absence. In N.H. Senzai’s “Searching For Blue”, Syrian refugees make a home for themselves and carve a place for celebration in Greece. Thompkins-Bigelow’s poem “Eid Pictures” connects the joy and imagery of Eid in the African American community, the history of how that community was built in the United States, and the first Eid of stolen ancestors longing for their homelands, community, and faith.

The subtleties of each story offer readers familiar with particular communities the opportunity to see themselves, some for the first time in print. Readers unfamiliar with the diversity within the Muslim community are given an intimate look into different communities, challenging the false idea that Muslims are monolithic. On a deeper level, this book gives Muslim readers the opportunity to look at, consider, be in conversation with, and understand complex feelings and how we can improve understanding of each other on a fundamental human level with empathy and compassion. Stories are inclusive of different family structures, socioeconomic backgrounds, relationships between Shia and Sunni Muslims, and recent converts to Islam.

The core of the narratives are examining these familial relationships, expression of cultural, racial, religious identities, self-exploration and self-acceptance and are incredibly intersectional. While Once Upon an Eid centers Eid narratives, its stories are important to share in a library or classroom collection year round and hold universal appeal.”

Additional Resources:

Purchase

Additional Review: Kirkus Reviews

[ucflibrary]

Each December, the UCF Libraries’ Featured Bookshelf celebrates the favorite books of employees of the UCF Libraries. And you know a major thing about librarians and library staff? They love talking about their favorite books. The books listed below are some of the favorite books we read in 2020.

Click on the link below to see the full list, descriptions, and catalog links for our favorite 2020 titles. These 20 books plus favorites from previous years are also on display in the 4th floor Reading Room of the John C. Hitt Library.

And if you find someone has checked the one you’re interested in out before you had a chance, did you know you can place an interlibrary loan and have another copy sent here for you? Click here for instructions on placing an interlibrary loan.

 A Furious Sky: the five-hundred-year history of America's hurricanes by Eric Jay Dolin From the moment European colonists laid violent claim to this land, hurricanes have had a profound and visceral impact on American history-yet, no one has attempted to write the definitive account of America's entanglement with these meteorological behemoths. Eric Jay Dolin presents the five-hundred-year story of American hurricanes, from the nameless storms that threatened Columbus' New World voyages, to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the escalation of hurricane season as a result of global warming. Populating his narrative with unlikely heroes such as Benito Vines, the nineteenth-century Jesuit priest whose revelatory methods for predicting hurricanes saved countless lives, and journalist Dan Rather, whose coverage of a 1961 hurricane would change broadcasting history, Dolin uncovers the often surprising ways we respond to natural crises. Suggested by Megan Haught, Student Learning & Engagement/Research & Information Services

 Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo With beauty, grace, and honesty, Castillo recounts his and his family’s encounters with a system that treats them as criminals for seeking safe, ordinary lives. He writes of the Sunday afternoon when he opened the door to an ICE officer who had one hand on his holster, of the hours he spent making a fake social security card so that he could work to support his family, of his father’s deportation and the decade that he spent waiting to return to his wife and children only to be denied reentry Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

 Dark Matter: a novel by Blake Crouch A mind-bending, relentlessly paced science-fiction thriller, in which an ordinary man is kidnapped, knocked unconscious--and awakens in a world inexplicably different from the reality he thought he knew. "Are you happy with your life?" Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. He awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Before him, a man Jason's never met smiles down at him and says, "Welcome back, my friend." In this world he's woken up to, Jason's life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible. Suggested by Katy Miller, Student Learning & Engagement

 Do Nothing: how to break away from overworking, overdoing, and underliving by Celeste Headlee We work feverishly to make ourselves happy. So why are we so miserable? Despite our constant search for new ways to "hack" our bodies and minds for peak performance, human beings are working more instead of less, living harder not smarter, and becoming more lonely and anxious. This manifesto helps us break free of our unhealthy devotion to efficiency and shows us how to reclaim our time and humanity with a little more leisure Suggested by Katy Miller, Student Learning & Engagement

 Eleanor Roosevelt by Blanche Wiesen Cook A study of the complex and political figure of Eleanor Roosevelt begins with her harrowing childhood, describes the difficulties of her marriage, and explains how she persuaded Franklin to make the reforms that would make him famous. Suggested by Richard Harrison, Research & Information Services

 From Here to Eternity: traveling the world to find the good death by Caitlin Doughty Fascinated by our pervasive fear of dead bodies, mortician Caitlin Doughty set out to discover how other cultures care for the dead. In rural Indonesia, she watches a man clean and dress his grandfather's mummified body, which has resided in the family home for two years. In La Paz, she meets Bolivian natitas (cigarette-smoking, wish-granting human skulls), and in Tokyo she encounters the Japanese kotsuage ceremony, in which relatives use chopsticks to pluck their loved-ones' bones from cremation ashes. She introduces deathcare innovators researching body composting and green burial, and examines how varied traditions, from Mexico's Dias de los Muertos to Zoroastrian sky burial help us see our own death customs in a new light. She argues that our expensive, impersonal system fosters a corrosive fear of death that hinders our ability to cope and mourn. By comparing customs, she demonstrates that mourners everywhere respond best when they help care for the deceased and have space to participate in the process.  Suggested by Katy Miller, Student Learning & Engagement

 Indelicacy by Amina Cain A cleaning woman at a museum of art nurtures aspirations to do more than simply dust the paintings around her. She dreams of having the liberty to explore them in writing, and so must find a way to win herself the time and security to use her mind. She escapes her lot by marrying a rich man, but having gained a husband, a house, high society, and a maid, she finds that her new life of privilege is no less constrained. Not only has she taken up different forms of time-consuming labor - social and erotic - but she is now, however passively, forcing other women to clean up after her. Perhaps another and more drastic solution is necessary Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

 Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu Every day Willis Wu leaves his tiny room in a Chinatown SRO and enters the Golden Palace restaurant, where Black and White, a procedural cop show, is in perpetual production. He's a bit player here too, but he dreams of being Kung Fu Guy-- and he sees his life as a script. After stumbling into the spotlight, Willis finds himself launched into a wider world than he has ever known, discovering not only the secret history of Chinatown, but the buried legacy of his own family, and what that means for him in today's America. Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives. Suggested by Katie Kirwan, Acquisitions & Collections

 Paradise Lost: a life of F. Scott Fitzgerald by David S. Brown In this comprehensive biography, Brown reexamines Fitzgerald’s childhood, first loves, and difficult marriage to Zelda Sayre. He looks at Fitzgerald’s friendship with Hemingway, the golden years that culminated with Gatsby, and his increasing alcohol abuse and declining fortunes which coincided with Zelda’s institutionalization and the nation’s economic collapse. Suggested by Andrew Hackler, Circulation

 Recursion by Blake Crouch Reality is broken. At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery—and what’s in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself. Suggested by Mary Rubin, Special Collections & University Archives

 Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh Brosh’s second book includes humorous stories from her childhood; the adventures of her very bad animals; merciless dissection of her own character flaws; incisive essays on grief, loneliness, and powerlessness; as well as reflections on the absurdity of modern life. Suggested by Sara Duff, Acquisitions & Collections

 Spillover: animal infections and the next human pandemic by David Quammen This work examines the emergence and causes of new diseases all over the world, describing a process called "spillover" where illness originates in wild animals before being passed to humans and discusses the potential for the next huge pandemic. The emergence of strange new diseases is a frightening problem that seems to be getting worse. In this age of speedy travel, it threatens a worldwide pandemic. We hear news reports of Ebola, SARS, AIDS, and something called Hendra killing horses and people in Australia; but those reports miss the big truth that such phenomena are part of a single pattern. The bugs that transmit these diseases share one thing: they originate in wild animals and pass to humans by a process called spillover. As globalization spreads and as we destroy the ancient ecosystems, penetrating ever deeper into the furthest reaches of the planet, we encounter strange and dangerous infections that originate in animals but can be transmitted to humans. The author tracks this subject around the world. He recounts adventures in the field, netting bats in China, trapping monkeys in Bangladesh, stalking gorillas in the Congo, with the world's leading disease scientists. He takes the reader along on this quest to learn how, where from, and why these diseases emerge, and he asks the terrifying question: What might the next big one be? Suggested by Megan Haught, Student Learning & Engagement/Research & Information Services

 Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen It's the height of the Palm Beach charity ball season: for every disease or cause, there's a reason for the local luminaries to eat (minimally), drink (maximally), and be seen. But when a prominent high-society dowager suddenly vanishes during a swank gala, and is later found dead in a concrete grave, panic and chaos erupt. Kiki Pew was notable not just for her wealth and her jewels--she was an ardent fan of the Winter White House resident just down the road, and a founding member of the POTUSSIES, a group of women dedicated to supporting their President. Never one to miss an opportunity to play to his base, the President immediately declares that Kiki was the victim of rampaging immigrant hordes. This, it turns out, is far from the truth. Suggested by Richard Harrison, Research & Information Services

 The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee A year after a whirlwind grand tour with her brother Monty, Felicity Montague has returned to England with two goals in mind: avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor from Edinburgh and enroll in medical school. But the administrators see men as the sole guardians of science. When a doctor she idolizes marries a friend of hers in Germany, Felicity believes he could change her future. A mysterious young woman will pay Felicity's way, if Felicity will let her travel along-- as her maid. Soon they're on a perilous quest that leads them across the promenades of Zurich to secrets lurking beneath the Atlantic. Suggested by Megan Haught, Student Learning & Engagement/Research & Information Services

 The Power of Now: a guide to spiritual enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle Much more than simple principles and platitudes, this book takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light. In the first chapter, Tolle introduces readers to enlightenment and its natural enemy, the mind. He awakens readers to their role as a creator of pain and shows them how to have a pain-free identity by living fully in the present. The journey is thrilling, and along the way, the author shows how to connect to the indestructible essence of our Being. Suggested by Sandy Avila, Research & Information Services

 The Scarlet Sisters: sex, suffrage, and scandal in the gilded age by Myra MacPherson A fresh look at the life and times of Victoria Woodhull and Tennie Claflin, two sisters whose radical views on sex, love, politics, and business threatened the white male power structure of the nineteenth century and shocked the world. Here award-winning author Myra MacPherson deconstructs and lays bare the manners and mores of Victorian America, remarkably illuminating the struggle for equality that women are still fighting today. Suggested by Dawn Tripp, Research & Information Services

 The Shifting Realities of Philip K. Dick: selected literary and philosophical writings by Philip K. Dick Philip K. Dick has established himself as a major figure in American literature. The landscape of his imagination features a wealth of concepts and fictional worlds: Nazi-rule in a postwar nightmare; androids and the unification of man and machine; and an existence that no longer follows the logic of reality. This first-time collection assembles his nonfiction writings essays, journals, speeches, and interviews. In these writings he explores issues ranging from the merging of physics and metaphysics to the potential influences of "virtual" reality and its consequences to a plot-scenario for a potential episode of "Mission: Impossible," to the challenge that fundamental "human" values face in the age of technology and spiritual decline.". Suggested by Sandy Avila, Research & Information Services

 The Wild Heart of Florida: Florida writers on Florida's wildlands selected and edited by Jeff Ripple and Susan Cerulean Coming from a variety of backgrounds--fiction, journalism, poetry, and environmental writing--the writers turn their talent to one thing they have in common--a love for Florida’s natural beauty and a commitment to preserve it. Their essays--some old favorites, most appearing here for the first time--are both a celebration and a pointed reminder of what we stand to lose. Suggested by Rebecca Hawk, Circulation

 There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool The Age of Darkness approaches. Who will stop it... or unleash it? For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations-- until they disappeared a hundred years ago. All they left behind was one final prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world's salvation-- or the cause of its destruction. Will it be a prince exiled from his kingdom? A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand? A once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart? A reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone? Or a dying girl on the verge of giving up? Suggested by Pam Jaggernauth, Curriculum Materials Center

[wikitopx]

Here are the top 500 baby name meaning!

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1. Top 500 baby name meaning

Rank Male name Female name 1 Liam Emma 2 Noah Olivia 3 William Ava 4 James Isabella 5 Oliver Sophia 6 Benjamin Charlotte 7 Elijah Mia 8 Lucas Amelia 9 Mason Harper 10 Logan Evelyn 11 Alexander Abigail 12 Ethan Emily 13 Jacob Elizabeth 14 Michael Mila 15 Daniel Ella 16 Henry Avery 17 Jackson Sofia 18 Sebastian Camila 19 Aiden Aria 20 Matthew Scarlett 21 Samuel Victoria 22 David Madison 23 Joseph Luna 24 Carter Grace 25 Owen Chloe 26 Wyatt Penelope 27 John Layla 28 Jack Riley 29 Luke Zoey 30 Jayden Nora 31 Dylan Lily 32 Grayson Eleanor 33 Levi Hannah 34 Isaac Lillian 35 Gabriel Addison 36 Julian Aubrey 37 Mateo Ellie 38 Anthony Stella 39 Jaxon Natalie 40 Lincoln Zoe 41 Joshua Leah 42 Christopher Hazel 43 Andrew Violet 44 Theodore Aurora 45 Caleb Savannah 46 Ryan Audrey 47 Asher Brooklyn 48 Nathan Bella 49 Thomas Claire 50 Leo Skylar 51 Isaiah Lucy 52 Charles Paisley 53 Josiah Everly 54 Hudson Anna 55 Christian Caroline 56 Hunter Nova 57 Connor Genesis 58 Eli Emilia 59 Ezra Kennedy 60 Aaron Samantha 61 Landon Maya 62 Adrian Willow 63 Jonathan Kinsley 64 Nolan Naomi 65 Jeremiah Aaliyah 66 Easton Elena 67 Elias Sarah 68 Colton Ariana 69 Cameron Allison 70 Carson Gabriella 71 Robert Alice 72 Angel Madelyn 73 Maverick Cora 74 Nicholas Ruby 75 Dominic Eva 76 Jaxson Serenity 77 Greyson Autumn 78 Adam Adeline 79 Ian Hailey 80 Austin Gianna 81 Santiago Valentina 82 Jordan Isla 83 Cooper Eliana 84 Brayden Quinn 85 Roman Nevaeh 86 Evan Ivy 87 Ezekiel Sadie 88 Xavier Piper 89 Jose Lydia 90 Jace Alexa 91 Jameson Josephine 92 Leonardo Emery 93 Bryson Julia 94 Axel Delilah 95 Everett Arianna 96 Parker Vivian 97 Kayden Kaylee 98 Miles Sophie 99 Sawyer Brielle 100 Jason Madeline 101 Declan Peyton 102 Weston Rylee 103 Micah Clara 104 Ayden Hadley 105 Wesley Melanie 106 Luca Mackenzie 107 Vincent Reagan 108 Damian Adalynn 109 Zachary Liliana 110 Silas Aubree 111 Gavin Jade 112 Chase Katherine 113 Kai Isabelle 114 Emmett Natalia 115 Harrison Raelynn 116 Nathaniel Maria 117 Kingston Athena 118 Cole Ximena 119 Tyler Arya 120 Bennett Leilani 121 Bentley Taylor 122 Ryker Faith 123 Tristan Rose 124 Brandon Kylie 125 Kevin Alexandra 126 Luis Mary 127 George Margaret 128 Ashton Lyla 129 Rowan Ashley 130 Braxton Amaya 131 Ryder Eliza 132 Gael Brianna 133 Ivan Bailey 134 Diego Andrea 135 Maxwell Khloe 136 Max Jasmine 137 Carlos Melody 138 Kaiden Iris 139 Juan Isabel 140 Maddox Norah 141 Justin Annabelle 142 Waylon Valeria 143 Calvin Emerson 144 Giovanni Adalyn 145 Jonah Ryleigh 146 Abel Eden 147 Jayce Emersyn 148 Jesus Anastasia 149 Amir Kayla 150 King Alyssa 151 Beau Juliana 152 Camden Charlie 153 Alex Esther 154 Jasper Ariel 155 Malachi Cecilia 156 Brody Valerie 157 Jude Alina 158 Blake Molly 159 Emmanuel Reese 160 Eric Aliyah 161 Brooks Lilly 162 Elliot Parker 163 Antonio Finley 164 Abraham Morgan 165 Timothy Sydney 166 Finn Jordyn 167 Rhett Eloise 168 Elliott Trinity 169 Edward Daisy 170 August Kimberly 171 Xander Lauren 172 Alan Genevieve 173 Dean Sara 174 Lorenzo Arabella 175 Bryce Harmony 176 Karter Elise 177 Victor Remi 178 Milo Teagan 179 Miguel Alexis 180 Hayden London 181 Graham Sloane 182 Grant Laila 183 Zion Lucia 184 Tucker Diana 185 Jesse Juliette 186 Zayden Sienna 187 Joel Elliana 188 Richard Londyn 189 Patrick Ayla 190 Emiliano Callie 191 Avery Gracie 192 Nicolas Josie 193 Brantley Amara 194 Dawson Jocelyn 195 Myles Daniela 196 Matteo Everleigh 197 River Mya 198 Steven Rachel 199 Thiago Summer 200 Zane Alana 201 Matias Brooke 202 Judah Alaina 203 Messiah Mckenzie 204 Jeremy Catherine 205 Preston Amy 206 Oscar Presley 207 Kaleb Journee 208 Alejandro Rosalie 209 Marcus Ember 210 Mark Brynlee 211 Peter Rowan 212 Maximus Joanna 213 Barrett Paige 214 Jax Rebecca 215 Andres Ana 216 Holden Sawyer 217 Legend Mariah 218 Charlie Nicole 219 Knox Brooklynn 220 Kaden Payton 221 Paxton Marley 222 Kyrie Fiona 223 Kyle Georgia 224 Griffin Lila 225 Josue Harley 226 Kenneth Adelyn 227 Beckett Alivia 228 Enzo Noelle 229 Adriel Gemma 230 Arthur Vanessa 231 Felix Journey 232 Bryan Makayla 233 Lukas Angelina 234 Paul Adaline 235 Brian Catalina 236 Colt Alayna 237 Caden Julianna 238 Leon Leila 239 Archer Lola 240 Omar Adriana 241 Israel June 242 Aidan Juliet 243 Theo Jayla 244 Javier River 245 Remington Tessa 246 Jaden Lia 247 Bradley Dakota 248 Emilio Delaney 249 Colin Selena 250 Riley Blakely 251 Cayden Ada 252 Phoenix Camille 253 Clayton Zara 254 Simon Malia 255 Ace Hope 256 Nash Samara 257 Derek Vera 258 Rafael Mckenna 259 Zander Briella 260 Brady Izabella 261 Jorge Hayden 262 Jake Raegan 263 Louis Michelle 264 Damien Angela 265 Karson Ruth 266 Walker Freya 267 Maximiliano Kamila 268 Amari Vivienne 269 Sean Aspen 270 Chance Olive 271 Walter Kendall 272 Martin Elaina 273 Finley Thea 274 Andre Kali 275 Tobias Destiny 276 Cash Amiyah 277 Corbin Evangeline 278 Arlo Cali 279 Iker Blake 280 Erick Elsie 281 Emerson Juniper 282 Gunner Alexandria 283 Cody Myla 284 Stephen Ariella 285 Francisco Kate 286 Killian Mariana 287 Dallas Lilah 288 Reid Charlee 289 Manuel Daleyza 290 Lane Nyla 291 Atlas Jane 292 Rylan Maggie 293 Jensen Zuri 294 Ronan Aniyah 295 Beckham Lucille 296 Daxton Leia 297 Anderson Melissa 298 Kameron Adelaide 299 Raymond Amina 300 Orion Giselle 301 Cristian Lena 302 Tanner Camilla 303 Kyler Miriam 304 Jett Millie 305 Cohen Brynn 306 Ricardo Gabrielle 307 Spencer Sage 308 Gideon Annie 309 Ali Logan 310 Fernando Lilliana 311 Jaiden Haven 312 Titus Jessica 313 Travis Kaia 314 Bodhi Magnolia 315 Eduardo Amira 316 Dante Adelynn 317 Ellis Makenzie 318 Prince Stephanie 319 Kane Nina 320 Luka Phoebe 321 Kash Arielle 322 Hendrix Evie 323 Desmond Lyric 324 Donovan Alessandra 325 Mario Gabriela 326 Atticus Paislee 327 Cruz Raelyn 328 Garrett Madilyn 329 Hector Paris 330 Angelo Makenna 331 Jeffrey Kinley 332 Edwin Gracelyn 333 Cesar Talia 334 Zayn Maeve 335 Devin Rylie 336 Conor Kiara 337 Warren Evelynn 338 Odin Brinley 339 Jayceon Jacqueline 340 Romeo Laura 341 Julius Gracelynn 342 Jaylen Lexi 343 Hayes Ariah 344 Kayson Fatima 345 Muhammad Jennifer 346 Jaxton Kehlani 347 Joaquin Alani 348 Caiden Ariyah 349 Dakota Luciana 350 Major Allie 351 Keegan Heidi 352 Sergio Maci 353 Marshall Phoenix 354 Johnny Felicity 355 Kade Joy 356 Edgar Kenzie 357 Leonel Veronica 358 Ismael Margot 359 Marco Addilyn 360 Tyson Lana 361 Wade Cassidy 362 Collin Remington 363 Troy Saylor 364 Nasir Ryan 365 Conner Keira 366 Adonis Harlow 367 Jared Miranda 368 Rory Angel 369 Andy Amanda 370 Jase Daniella 371 Lennox Royalty 372 Shane Gwendolyn 373 Malik Ophelia 374 Ari Heaven 375 Reed Jordan 376 Seth Madeleine 377 Clark Esmeralda 378 Erik Kira 379 Lawson Miracle 380 Trevor Elle 381 Gage Amari 382 Nico Danielle 383 Malakai Daphne 384 Quinn Willa 385 Cade Haley 386 Johnathan Gia 387 Sullivan Kaitlyn 388 Solomon Oakley 389 Cyrus Kailani 390 Fabian Winter 391 Pedro Alicia 392 Frank Serena 393 Shawn Nadia 394 Malcolm Aviana 395 Khalil Demi 396 Nehemiah Jada 397 Dalton Braelynn 398 Mathias Dylan 399 Jay Ainsley 400 Ibrahim Alison 401 Peyton Camryn 402 Winston Avianna 403 Kason Bianca 404 Zayne Skyler 405 Noel Scarlet 406 Princeton Maddison 407 Matthias Nylah 408 Gregory Sarai 409 Sterling Regina 410 Dominick Dahlia 411 Elian Nayeli 412 Grady Raven 413 Russell Helen 414 Finnegan Adrianna 415 Ruben Averie 416 Gianni Skye 417 Porter Kelsey 418 Kendrick Tatum 419 Leland Kensley 420 Pablo Maliyah 421 Allen Erin 422 Hugo Viviana 423 Raiden Jenna 424 Kolton Anaya 425 Remy Carolina 426 Ezequiel Shelby 427 Damon Sabrina 428 Emanuel Mikayla 429 Zaiden Annalise 430 Otto Octavia 431 Bowen Lennon 432 Marcos Blair 433 Abram Carmen 434 Kasen Yaretzi 435 Franklin Kennedi 436 Royce Mabel 437 Jonas Zariah 438 Sage Kyla 439 Philip Christina 440 Esteban Selah 441 Drake Celeste 442 Kashton Eve 443 Roberto Mckinley 444 Harvey Milani 445 Alexis Frances 446 Kian Jimena 447 Jamison Kylee 448 Maximilian Leighton 449 Adan Katie 450 Milan Aitana 451 Phillip Kayleigh 452 Albert Sierra 453 Dax Kathryn 454 Mohamed Rosemary 455 Ronin Jolene 456 Kamden Alondra 457 Hank Elisa 458 Memphis Helena 459 Oakley Charleigh 460 Augustus Hallie 461 Drew Lainey 462 Moises Avah 463 Armani Jazlyn 464 Rhys Kamryn 465 Benson Mira 466 Jayson Cheyenne 467 Kyson Francesca 468 Braylen Antonella 469 Corey Wren 470 Gunnar Chelsea 471 Omari Amber 472 Alonzo Emory 473 Landen Lorelei 474 Armando Nia 475 Derrick Abby 476 Dexter April 477 Enrique Emelia 478 Bruce Carter 479 Nikolai Aylin 480 Francis Cataleya 481 Rocco Bethany 482 Kairo Marlee 483 Royal Carly 484 Zachariah Kaylani 485 Arjun Emely 486 Deacon Liana 487 Skyler Madelynn 488 Eden Cadence 489 Alijah Matilda 490 Rowen Sylvia 491 Pierce Myra 492 Uriel Fernanda 493 Ronald Oaklyn 494 Luciano Elianna 495 Tate Hattie 496 Frederick Dayana 497 Kieran Kendra 498 Lawrence Maisie 499 Moses Malaysia 500 Rodrigo Kara

2. Meaning of name "Liam" and "Emma"

Liam:

Liam's name is the name of a boy of Irish origin meaning "resolute protection".

Liam originated as the nickname of Uilliam, the Irish variant of William. William is an English name from German origin brought to Ireland when the British fled England after the conquest of Norman.

The Irish began to use English names, including William, which led to the development of Uilliam and its short form, Liam.

Liam is the top US boy's name for 2018, joining the elite group of names to top the list. Liam started out as a short form of William but has long stood on his own and for several years has become one of the most popular baby names for boys.

Now it is the fastest-growing Irish name in the United States, first entering the Top 10 in 2012 and before climbing to No. 1, holding No. 2 for four consecutive years.

Emma:

Initially, a short form of the German name beginning with the ermen element meaning "whole" or "universal". It was introduced to England by Emma of Normandy, who was the wife of King Ethelred II (and by him the mother of Edward the Confession) and later King Canute.

After the Norman conquest, this name became popular in England. It was revived in the 18th century, perhaps in part because of a poem by Henry Prior Henry and Emma (1709). In the United States, it ranked third in 1880 (after Mary and Anna were omnipresent).

It declined steadily over the next century, beginning another rise in the 1980s and eventually becoming the most popular name for girls in 2008.

At this time it also experienced similar levels of popularity elsewhere, including the United Kingdom (where it began rising a decade earlier), Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands.

More ideals for you: Top 500 Arabic Names

From : https://wikitopx.com/name-meanings/top-500-baby-name-meaning-711994.html

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SO ABOUT BRUCE’S LOVE-INTERESTS

First of all I think we need to address why he has so many compared to other DC characters. Well, my good people, this is very simple: his writers are bad. A lot of his love-interests simply existed for the sake of a story and most of the time the reason they don’t work out is because, and I’m not bullshitting here, it’s part of Batman’s nature to be so obssessed with solving crime that he can’t maintain a serious relationship with women. And Bruce Wayne’s relationships fail because of his constant absences and secrets.

That being said, sometimes his relationships fail for other reasons. So let’s get this started shall we?

Category One: His Major Relationships

These are his relationships that have consistently shown up in many continuities and were, in fact, attempts on giving him some kind of serious girlfriend, regardless of how the writers failed.

1: Julie Madison. Julie’s character has changed a lot in the different continuities but originally she was an actress who broke up with Bruce because he refused to stop his “playboy ways” even when she confronted him about them. In one version she goes on to marry a man in Europe. In New Earth her hair was changed from black to auburn and, instead of being an actress, she was the daughter of an entrepeneur. 

She broke up with Bruce when she learned he was Batman and that her father had been killed as a result of Batman’s action. She moved to Africa and became a missionary. In current continuity, Julie is an artist and her father is an arms dealer who sold the gun that was used to kill Bruce’s parents. They first dated as teens but met again when Bruce lost his memories (amnesia stories yaaay). Bruce was so passionately in love with her, that he was even ready to settle down and marry her. Unfortunately, in his absence, Gotham’s crime had skyrocketed and Alfred and Julie had to, regretfully, give him his memories back so he could be Batman once more. This also erased his memory of being with Julie.

In The New Batman Adventures comics, Bruce and Julie dated right up until Bruce found out she was only after his fortune. That’s just how it be in comics sometimes. She also appeared in the Batman And Robin movie but her character added little to the plot and most of her scenes ended up being edited out in the final cut.

2: Victoria/Vicki Vale. Vicki Vale was created to be Bruce’s version of Lois Lane (yeah it’s no wonder this never worked). They got involved because she made it her life’s mission to expose Batman’s identity and ended up dating Bruce in the process (it’s also worth noting she was already suspicious of him being Batman). Her character hasn’t had a lot of changed over the years and, surprisingly, has managed to keep most of her original characterization. 

She disappeared from the comics when Julius Schwartz took over the editorial office in 1964. She was re-introduced in the early 1980′s by Gerry Conway but idea was ill-advised as her character had very little development and was instead the same old concept of someone finding out Bruce’s identity. Doug Moench was mainly responsible for slowly removing her as Bruce’s love-interest, though she has since returned to that role. In Batman: The Road Home, Vicki finally got proof that Bruce was Batman but decided to keep it to herself and instead became a confidante and ally of the batfamily, rather then Bruce’s girlfriend.

She appeared in Tim Burton’s Batman as well, but was a damsel in distress throughout the film and only learned his identity through happenstance rather then because she was seeking it out.

In various other continuities, she’s been shown as an occasional date for Bruce Wayne.

3: Selina Kyle needs to introduction but her influence in his life is so long and extensive she’d need a post of her own to cover it all. You’ll be pleased to know that there have been quite a few stories where they’ve managed to sustain a relationship and be happy together.

4: Talia Al Ghul. Obviously we all know her for being Damian’s mother, whoever Ra’s himself has encouraged her relationship with Bruce, because he wants to try and recruit Batman into the League of Assassin’s.

Originally, Talia was very devoted to Bruce and loved him as much as she loved her own father, even saving his life on multiple occasion’s, though she always returned to her father’s side afterwards. They had a sexual encounter that lead to the birth of Damian, as we all know, but over time Talia became more antagonistic towards Bruce, seeking to fulfill her father’s goals and rule with Batman by her side instead. However, he rejected her proposal and she declared war on him (yikes.)

In Batman: The Animated Series, her character was practically the same as her comic iteration. She returned in Batman Beyond where Bruce was horrified to learn that she’d given up her body for her father (yeah. That’s a thing).

In Batman: Arkham City, Talia and Bruce had a romantic background and cared very deeply for eachother, even willing to risk their lived to save the other’s.

On Earth-16, Bruce broke all ties with Talia due to her conflicting morals; her love for Bruce vs her loyalty to Ra’s. 

In the Dark Knight Rises film, Talia is an executive member of Wayne Enterprises who becomes romantically involved with Bruce. She eventually takes over the company and tries to destroy Gotham per her father’s mad design.

Category Two: Minor Relationships

These are his love-interests who have only appeared sporadically as options for him over the years, rather then being a consistent thing.

1: Amina Franklin. Originally someone who worked as a nurse at Leslie Thompkins’ clinic, Amina met Bruce at a party and they started dating shortly after. Her brother, Wayne Franklin (I know), was the villain called Grotesk (original name there buddy) and Amina was killed during a confrontation between him and Bruce.

2: April Clarkson (Midnight). If the name Midnight strikes any familiarity to you, then you’ll know who April is. She was a GCPD officer who briefly dated Bruce and helped Batman track down the gruesome murderer Midnight (yeah his track record is great isn’t it? In her defense April only killed the corrupt dudes but like. Still). Bruce was pretty torn up when he learned this because he had very strong feelings for her! Alas what can ya do, right?

3: Bekka. Bekka saved Batman’s life from Darkseid’s forces on the planet Tartarus and the two shared a mutual attraction (Bekka is also Orion’s wife. Yikes.) She was later murdered (in my mother’s own words “another one bites the dust”).

4: Black Canary. Yes seriously. Despite her long-standing romance with Green Arrow, Dinah has shown attraction to Bruce on numerous occasion’s and the two have even shared kisses before (Batman: Brave and Bold #166 and Birds of Prey #90). On Earth’s 31 and 37 this attraction is way stronger.

5: Charlotte Rivers. A news reporter in Gotham, Charlotte wanted to leave the city which put a rift between her and Bruce. After her twin sister, Jill, made an attempt on her life, Charlotte dumped Bruce and took a job offer in Paris. Ouch.

6: Dawn Golden. Dawn was the daughter of cult leader Aleister Golden, who practiced Dark Magic. Dawn was a childhood friend of Bruce’s who dated him in college and apparently broke his heart (lmao). She became a socialite and then her dad murdered her as part of a dark ritual to give himself eternal life. Yeah.

7: Harley Quinn. YEP HERE’S ANOTHER ONE. Harley has had occasional romantic encounters with Batman over the years, specifically in the Animated Series when she kissed him in the episode Harley’s Holiday. In recent N52 canon, there’s been a couple of stories where Harley has ended up infatuated with Batman or Bruce Wayne. They’re all one-sided feelings as far as we know, however.

8: Jaina Hudson (White Rabbit). Another name that might be familiar to those who know Bruce’s villains. Jaina was a socialite of Indian descent who met Bruce at a charity fundraiser. Later Bruce found out she could duplicate herself into two beings: herself and the scantily clad (its comics what do we expect?) criminal White Rabbit, who had, more than once, lured him to other villains like Joker and Bane.

9: Jezebel Jet. A wealthy woman of African descent, Jezebel was a model who owned an African province and secretly worked for Black Glove. She gained Bruce’s love as a ploy to destroy him during Batman R.I.P and was later killed on Talia’s orders. 

10: Jillian Maxwell. Jillian met Bruce at a costume party in Batman: Legends of The Dark Knight Halloween Special #1 (wow thats long). It turned out, however, that she was actually a woman who used many different personas to seduce wealthy men before orchestrating events that led to their deaths so she could take their wealth. Wild. When Alfred told him this, Bruce was heartbroken. Jillian used the name Aubrey Marguerite in Brazil and Bruce, as Batman, tracked her down and left a note ordering her to confess her sins. 

11: Julia Pennyworth. Daughter of Alfred and French Resistance fighter Mademoiselle Marie, Julia was introduced to the comics in by Doug Moench in the early 1980′s. Efforts to make her a romantic partner for Bruce proved difficult with the presence of Noctura and Vicki Vale (guess why he writ her out of comics lol).

12: Kathy Kane (Batwoman). Strap in lads this one gets Weird. Kathy was made in the Silver Age to be Batman’s female counterpart and romantic partner. Many stories showing the two getting married were published though in the main canon at the time her feelings for him were one-sided. On Earth-Two, Kathy resigned herself to live without his love and on Earth One she was murdered by the League of Assassins. Grant Morrison wrote stories featuring her in New Earth canon bc he liked using Silver Age comics for inspiration. She was eventually replaced by Katherine “Kate” Kane, a lesbian who got discharged from the military for homosexual conduct (in New Earth as well). In Prime Earth canon, Kate Kane is Bruce’s cousin. So yeah. There’s that.

13: Linda Page. Adapted from Batman serial (1943), Linda came into the comics during the Golden Age and was a former socialite who worked as a nurse for the elderly, disproving the idea that rich women were lazy and spoiled. She dated Bruce for a few issues but fell through the cracks and disappeared.

14: Lorna Shore. Lorna is a Museum Curator from the Lovers and Madmen story in Batman Confidential. Her relationship with Bruce was love at first sight and he was able to find peace with her for the first time since his parents’ murder (look. I know). However, after his first encounter with Joker, Bruce broke off their relationship to keep her safe and Lorna left Gotham soon after feeling that the city was no longer safe bc of Batman and Joker.

15: Mallory Moxon. Daughter of mob boss Lew Moxon, Mallory was a childhood friend of Bruce’s who dated him for a short time when they were kids (I know) before they drifted apart. They dated again as adults even while Bruce suspected her of continuing her father’s criminal operation. He never found conclusive proof.

16: Natalia Knight (Noctura). Another character created by Doug Moench in the early 1980′s, Natalia was the most remarkable of Batman’s love-interest’s at the time. A jewel thief who briefly adopted Jason Todd and knew Bruce’s identity, Natalia had a rare light sensitivity disease that bleached her skin white. She used a special narcotic perfume that caused men to fall in love with her and Bruce was no exception (yeah...). They started dating because they were both “equally fascinated” by eachother (Y E A H). Bruce realized his love for her was because of the perfume and struggled to stop thinking about her. Nocturna was stabbed by her brother during Crisis on Infinte Earths and floated into the sky on her balloon, presumed to be dead. Other versions of her character have appeared since but none of them are the same as the original pre-Crisis version. 

17: Natalya Trusevich. A Ukranian pianist, Natalya grew frustrated with Bruce’s closed-off demeanour until Alfred had him reveal his secret to her. Abducted by Mad Hatter soon after, Natalya was tortured in an attempt to get her to spill Batman’s identity. When she refused, Mad Hatter threw her off the helicopter to her death.

18: Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy). Here we go again lads. Ivy, as we all know, uses seduction and pheromones to get men to fall for her and obey her commands. This is no different with Batman, who initially confused the lust caused by her methods for love. Ivy has a love/hate relationship with him: sometimes she claims to love him and desires his affection and other times she has no problem wanting him dead. They had a brief but genuine relationship when Bruce cured her condition but this ended when Pamela seemingly died trying to turn herself back into Poison Ivy. Yikes. 

19: Rachel Caspian. In Batman: Year Two, Bruce fell in love with Rachel. Unfortunately her dad moonlighted as a murderous vigilante who committed suicide. Bruce was prepared to end his crime-fighting career to marry her but Rachel broke off their engagement and enrolled into a nunnery to pay her father’s penance after learning of his evil deeds.

20: Sasha Bordeaux. Assigned as his bodyguard, Sasha deduced Bruce’s identity as Batman and briefly fought at his side. Framed for the murder of Bruce’s girlfriend, Vesper Fairchild, Sasha later joined Maxwell Lord’s Checkmate Organization. She was turned into a Cyborg during The OMAC Project but this was resolved later. Though she did kiss Bruce near the end of OMAC Project their relationship passed on.

21: Silver St. Cloud. Appearing in the late 1970′s in the story Strange Apparitions, Silver was a socialite who, despite deducing Bruce was Batman, couldn’t handle dating someone with such a dangerous life-style (fair enough actually). She left Gotham but returned years later in Batman: Dark Detective where she and Bruce tried to make a serious romance work. This fell apart after she was kidnapped by Joker and later on Silver was murdered by the criminal Onomatopeia.

22: Shondra Kinsolving. A psychic and half-sister of Benedict Asp, Shondra had a brief romance with Bruce when she helped heal him after Bane broke his back. Before they could fully commit to eachother, Benedict kidnapped her and turned her abilities to evil use. Batman defeated him but the damage to Shondra’s mind was too great and, after healing Bruce’s injuries, her psyche regressed back to childhood. Bruce paid for her to have the best intensive care for the rest of her life in a psychiatric institution.

23: Vesper Fairchild. A popular radio host in Gotham, Doug Moench (jeez dude chill) established her romance with Bruce during his second run of Batman in the 1990′s. During the No Man’s Land Crisis, Vesper left Gotham and was killed by David Cain on Lex’s orders. This started the Bruce Wayne: Fugitive storyline.

24: Diana Prince (Wonder Woman). Briefly dating in the comics, nothing actually came of their romance and they both decided to simply stay good friends. They did, however, still care deeply for one another and it was this love that allowed Diana to become a Star Sapphire during the Blackest Night storyline. They were also paired together in Justice League Animated. 

25: Zatanna Zatara. Bet you weren’t expecting this one huh? The first time they had romantic interest was in Batman: The Animated Series where they met in their youth. Bruce gave priority to pursuing his training to becoming Batman and they met again as adults but nothing came of their interest. This was later introduced in the comics. They had a major falling out when Bruce discovered Zatanna had windwiped him after he’d caught her mindwiping Doctor Light at the JL’s instruction. Bruce made it clear he didn’t trust her anymore but they later resolved the issue and became close friends again.

Category Three: Other Media

These are still minor relationships but as a whole they didn’t really happen during main continuities. Basically these are romances specifically from films, crossovers and the DCAU.

1: Andrea Beaumont. In Batman: Mask of The Phantasm, Andrea was engaged to Bruce before he became Batman but she broke off said engagement when she fled the country with her father to escape the mob. She then became the title villain of the film.

2: Barbara Gordon (Batgirl). Probably the most infamous for making everyone go “wtf”, Barbara had a heavily implied past relationship with Bruce in Batman Beyond and had sex with Bruce on a rooftop in the animated Killing Joke adaptation.

3: Lois Lane. In a crossover between The New Batman Adventures and Superman: The Animated Series, Bruce and Lois dated eachother to Superman’s annoyance but Lois broke up with him after learning his identity as Batman. During a 3-4 issue long amnesia storyline in the Batman/Superman teamup comic, they also shared romantic feelings for eachother and kissed right before Bruce restored his own memories (dont. Ask).

4: Rachel Dawes. She was his childhood friend and love-interest in the Dark Knight Trilogy. Like. That’s it. 

And there you have it! All of Bruce’s gf’s aired out for everyone to screw their noses over! This wasn’t worth any of my attention but fuck it! It’s done!

[hangingfire]

“Proposed Magnetic Expedition to the North Pole”

I’ve gone down a deep, deep hole of the HathiTrust archives of Punch, or the London Charivari, and have been rewarded with much, including some contemporary texts related to the Franklin Expedition. One of the better ones I’ve seen so far is from Punch vol. 24, from 1853: “Proposed Magnetic Expedition to the North Pole”, in which one of the cranks purporting to find Franklin via clairvoyant means is skewered.

Because I’ve apparently got nothing better to do with my time, here’s a transcript.

PROPOSED MAGNETIC EXPEDITION TO THE NORTH POLE.

Under the Patronage of the Mesmeric Exclusive Circles

Somnambulists are very bold. They do things in their sleep which they would have never dreamt of doing in their waking moments. Since we last saw Amina walk the plank in the Opera, however, we have not known an instance of greater daring exhibited by a Somnambulist, than the following, addressed lately to the Morning Post: whether when the writer was asleep or awake, he does not say. The Post heads it “Mesmeric Divination:”—

“Sir,—Fully aware of the impartiality of your Journal, and of the encouragement which you extend to all who desire to avail themselves of the means your widely-circulated paper affords fro the promulgation of useful ideas, I feel confident that you will accord to this letter a place in your columns.

“Up to the present moment, all the attempts made to find the whereabouts of SIR JOHN FRANKLIN have been fruitless, and his family and all are interested in the fortune of himself and companions in danger are still left in painful doubt respecting their fate. Every possible means have been adopted—the experienced have been by times consulted. Everything has been tried, with the exception of a Clairvoyant possessing in a high degree magnetic lucidity.

“Thirteen years of my life have been devoted to Mesmerism, and my proofs of the fact of lucidity at a distance have been cosntant, having myself been the subject of experiments always successful. I am convinced that, by being identified with SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, I shall be enabled to afford valuable information to those who are now anxiously searching for him. In the prosecution of this object, I shall neither regard trouble nor fatigue. Actuated by disinterested motives alone, I am above criticism and beyond the influence of prejudice. To arrive at ths result so much desired would afford me the highest satisfaction, as I shall advance by another step the progress of science.

“I am, Sir, your humble servant,

“ADOLPHE DIDIER” 16, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square

Now this is indeed a most courageous offer. It beats any instance of bravery recorded of the DUKE OF WELLINGTON. It beats, indeed, any conceivable act of heroism except one: that of fearlessly declaring to the British public, outright, at once, without preamble or equivocation, where SIR JOHN FRANKLIN is.

The reward of the valour exerted in a declaration so venturesome would be very great. Could a generous nation be too grateful to the seer who had proved the means of rescuing and liberating our brave navigator and his companions from the “thrilling regions of thick-ribbed ice?”

All that MR. DIDIER would have to do—according to mesmeric authorities—would be to procure a specimen of SIR JOH FRANKLIN’S handwriting, or a lock of his hair, or some other personal chattel or appurtenance of his, and thereby, having had himself mesmerised into the lucid state, communicate with the missing officer, and ascertain his wherabouts. To take such little trouble for so great an object would be worth his while; if only for the sake of the pleasure which attends a benevolent act.

Perhaps MR. DIDIER’s letter in the Post was an intimation to the friends of SIR JOHN  FRANKLIN that he wished to be furnished with the wherewithal to be placed n “rapport” with him. He means, may be, to say that on receipt of the requisite lock of hair, letter, or pocket-handkerchief, he will set out at once on his mesmerical Arctic voyage of discovery; and publish the results of his expedtion as soon as he returns.

But MR. DIDIER is mistaken, in spite of his clairvoyance, in supposing that for the exploration which he proposes to undertake, no trial has been made “of a clairvoyant possessing in a high degree magnetic lucidity.” DR. HADDOCK’s celebrated clairvoyante, “E.,” went after SIR JOHN FRANKLIN everal times, and found him; though she has not enabled anyone else to find him. MR. DIDIER may convince himself of his fact by shutting his eyes, and applying DR. GREGORY’s book upon animal magnetism, at page 410 and the following pages, to the nape of his neck, or whatever other part of his person than the regular organs of sight, he is in the habit of reading with.

If any expense is involved in fitting out the mesmeric expedition into which MR. DIDIER offers to resolve himself, and some difficulty should be occasioned by that circumstance, we are quite sure that, provided MR. DIDIER will, in the presence of competent witnesses, accurately describe what LORD BROUGHAM is about and where he is, at any particular time, in his Lordship’s absence, the noble Lord will readily, in his zeal for science, verify the statement: on the strength whereof, the successful somnambulist may confidently appeal to public liberality.

MR. DIDIER is convinced that by being identified with SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, he will be enabled to affor dvaluable information to those who are looking for him. We should rather think so. But his conviction is too modest, it has reason to extend very considerably beyond that. If MR. DIDIER can be identified with SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, then SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, alias MR. ADOLPHE DIDIER, will be found at 16, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square.

[problemsandsituations]

Who We Introducin'?

Ralph and I have been seeing a lot of each other over the past few weeks. With patience and consistency, he’s managed to win me over. We’re not an official couple yet, but he definitely has my attention.

Amina and I were invited to the Conner family’s annual end-of-spring reunion. I’m really looking forward to it; poor Amina is a ball of nerves. All morning long she’s been pacing the floor and coming up with every possible worst case scenario.

“What if they don’t know Farren’s out yet and they completely disown her when they see us together?” she asks, still in a panic.

“You were the one who told me she’s been out for two years; why wouldn’t they know? Even if they don’t, who’s gonna step to Farren with her brothers around? They’ll get swung like a ragdoll, family or not,” I tell her.

“Okay, but what if they don’t like me? What if her cousins corner me and try to fight me?” she asks.

“Farren would never put you in danger like that, come on now.” Amina’s meltdown is interrupted by the sound of a horn honking outside.

“That must be them,” I say, getting up from the couch. I open the door and see Franklin behind the wheel of a green van. Farren, Frederick and Ralph climb out of the side door with smiles on their faces.

“Ya like our family van?” Frederick asks me. He says that they use it to pick up any family members who need a ride to the reunion, or anywhere else during the year. Ralph walks up to me, hugs me and kisses me softly on the lips.

“Oh we kissin’ now? Aight bro, I see you!” Frederick says, slapping Ralph on the back. We all climb into the van, and as we pull off, Ralph reminds Franklin that they have to stop at the store to get soda. When we get there, he asks me to come in with him.

“I’ve got a question for you,” I tell Ralph as we walk through the aisles.

“Ask away sweetheart,” he replies.

“How come all of your sibling’s names start with an F, but yours starts with an R?” I ask.

“Well as you know, I’m the youngest of the Conner clan. I came as a surprise to my Mama and Daddy and they had trouble comin’ up with another name that starts with F. My granddaddy’s name is Ralph, so they just named me after him,” he answers. “When people ask me why I’m so carefree, I tell ‘em it’s because I wasn’t given an F at birth. It’s the truth, and it’s funny. At least to me it is.” Ralph’s joke is funny to me too. His carefree spirit is one of the many things I love...I mean really like about him.

We find the soda aisle and Ralph grabs several different 12 packs. As he’s putting them in the cart, I look up and catch a glimpse of Rasul walking by. He sees me with Ralph and turns down the aisle we’re in. As he walks past, Ralph greets him having no idea who he is. Rasul doesn’t respond. He just looks at me and keeps walking. 

“What was that about?” Ralph asks me. I remind him of our conversation that night at the club nad tell him that that’s who I was referring to. Ralph smiles, wraps his arm around my neck and says, “ay bruh, thanks for messin’ up” with a smile.

“What was that?” Rasul asks, walking back towards us.

“I was just thankin’ you for messin’ up your opportunity with this lovely lady here. Because of you, I get to show her how a real man should treat her,” Ralph replies proudly. “You walked by tryin’ to be seen and we saw ya. Now if you’ll excuse us, me and my lady have somewhere to be.” Rasul shakes his head as he walks away in the same direction he came from. Once he’s out of sight, Ralph and I go to the self checkout. When we get back in the van, he asks me if I’m okay.

“What happened?” Amina asks.

“We ran into Rasul,” I tell her, rolling my eyes.

“Who’s Rasul?” Frederick asks.

“Old news,” Ralph answers. “And you already know I handled mine.”

“Already,” Frrederick responds, dapping his brother.

Franklin turns on some music to lighten the mood. We all spend the rest of the ride happily singing along.

The Conner family really knows how to throw a reunion! There’s music, games, a small petting zoo, and an abundance of food. As we get out of the van, we’re approached by four young people: two males and two females around the same age as us. Ralph tells me that these are their favorite cousins. One of their female cousins asks Franklin & Frederick where their dates are.

“We ain’t got time for all that! We wanna be free men,” Frederick says.

“That means they ain’t found nobody,” the other female cousin replies playfully.

“Oh God, here come Uncle Gerald,” one of their male cousins says. The cousins start walking away one by one until it’s just me, Amina, Farren and her brothers. 

“Well well well, look who it is!” their uncle says, waddling towards us. He’s an angry-looking old man: potbellied, walking on a cane, glasses hanging on the bridge of his nose. His brown skin is covered in freckles just like the rest of the conner family.

“Hey Unc, how you feelin’ today?” Franklin asks him.

“I’m good, I could just use a couple dollas,” Uncle Gerald answers.

“We ain’t givin’ you no money, man,” Frederick replies. Uncle Gerald ignores his nephews and turns his attention to Farren.

“I see you still likin’ them girls Farren. You done brought one witcha!” He says loudly. A few nearby family members turn around and look at us. Farren looks away, embarrassed.

“Gerald! Leave them children alone!” we hear a woman yell from behind us. I turn around and see an elderly woman standing in the doorway of the house. She’s a beauty. The only wrinkle in her skin is her currently furrowed brow. Her long silver hair blows in the breeze as she steps onto the porch.

“Grandmama!” Ralph says happily. He grabs my hand and leads me in her direction; the rest of the group follows. She’s all smiles at the sight of her grandchildren.

“Y’all come on in here and get out the sun for a little bit,” she tells us. We sit down at the table and she brings out a large pitcher of homemade lemonade.

“Did he ask y’all for money again?” she asks.

“Yes ma’am,” Frederick replies.

“I thought he kicked the habit,” Franklin adds.

“Addictions don’t just go away, baby. It’s a process. A long, tiring process,” their grandmother replies with a sigh. “By the way, I’m Grandma Betty,” she says to me and Amina.

“Grandmama, this is my lady. The one I been tellin’ you ‘bout,” Ralph says with a smile.

“Oh, she’s gorgeous!” Grandma Betty looks at me, beaming with pride. Farren nervously introduces Amina as her “friend”. Grandma Betty walks over to Farren and wraps her arms around her.

“Don’t let your Uncle get to you baby. Remember what I told ya, everybody won’t understand,” she assures Farren. The four cousins who greeted us when we first arrived come inside and join us at the table.

“Thanks for leavin’ us like that,” Ralph says to them. “Ya dipped so fast I didn’t get to introduce ya proper!” The two female cousins’ names are LaTanya and LaToya. They’re identical twins and also the oldest, just like Franklin & Frederick. Next is Lyle; after him is Luke. Their family has some really strong genes. They all look more like siblings than cousins to me.

“We don’t deal with Uncle Gerald no more! Ever since he showed his tail at the funeral we ain’t want nothin’ to do wit’ him; y’all shouldn’t either,” Latoya responds. Grandma Betty quickly shushes her. Farren, Franklin, Frederick and Ralph all suddenly look sad. What did I just miss? I look around waiting for someone to explain, but no one speaks up. Grandma Betty silently goes around the table pouring everyone a glass of lemonade. At first the silence is awkward, but once everyone takes a sip of Grandma Betty’s lemonade, the awkwardness turns peaceful. It’s the little things Grandmothers do that can always lift your spirits.

The rest of the day goes off without a hitch. I find out that all the guys are extremely competitive. They establish some kind of bet or wager before every game and they play like their lives depend on it. The petting zoo is my favorite part. I’m such a sucker for animals. I see a baby goat and consider for a moment if anyone would notice if I took it home.

As the sun is about to set, Ralph tells me he has something to show me. I follow him to the backyard of Grandma Betty’s house. In the middle of the yard is a large tree with a small white fence around it. As we get closer to the tree, I see two portraits: one of a man, the other of a woman. The portraits are surrounded by small white candles.

“Sweetheart, I’d like for you to meet my parents: Woodrow and Irma-Jean Conner,” Ralph says to me with his hand stretched towards the portraits. I bend down to take a good look at them and see the resemblance of Ralph, his brothers and his sister. They’re all a perfect blend of these two individuals.

“That funeral Latoya was talkin’ about was theirs,” Ralph informs me. “Right here is where they fell in love, had their first kiss and got married. Under this tree.”

“Wow, that’s beautiful,” I reply.

“They were such good people; you woulda loved ‘em. And I know they woulda loved you,” he says with a smile. I hear the grass rustle behind us and turn around. There’s an older, dark skinned man slowly walking towards us. Ralph turns around and says, “hey granddaddy”. He tells me that this is his Grandpa Ralph, the one he’s named after. When Ralph introduces me to him, he nods his head at me and smiles. Ralph explains to me that his grandfather is mute. He can hear very well, he just can’t speak. Grandpa Ralph walks over to the portraits of his son and daughter-in-law and lights the candles in front of them. He kisses his hand then gently touches both portraits. Ralph tells me that his grandfather does this every evening at sunset. He lights the candles and lets them burn until morning. It’s his way of keeping their memory alive. Ralph and I stand aside while his grandfather has his moment at the tree. When he’s done, he walks over to me and Ralph and gives each of us a hug. Before returning to the house, he pats Ralph’s shoulder and winks at him. I think I’ve just gotten his approval.

Ralph and I return to the front of the house with everyone else and his cousins can’t resist teasing us.

“Did you two have yourselves a good time?” LaToya asks playfully.

“Stop it! You know good & well why they went back there,” LaTanya replies seriously.

“Oh my god Tanya, it’s a joke! You ain’t always gotta be so serious,” LaToya says, rolling her eyes.

“Right! You ain’t always gotta be so uptight,” Luke adds. Everyone laughs except for LaTanya.

“You all have no respect. Shame on you. All of you!” LaTanya gets up from the table and storms off towards the house.

“Is she alright?” I ask.

“She’s fine, it’s just that my parent's death is still a sore subject for her. She was close to ‘em; she took it really hard,” Ralph explains to me.

“We were all close to your parents, Ralph,” LaToya replies.

“But you know how bad Tanya’s been goin’ through it lately,” Farren reminds her. Ralph says he’s gonna check on LaTanya and asks me if I want to go with him. I decide to stay outside with everyone else.

“So, how’s ol’ Ralph been treatin’ ya?” Lyle asks me.

“He’s been great. He’s a perfect gentleman,” I tell him with a smile.

“My man!” Lyle responds proudly. “You know I taught him everything he knows, right?”

“Boy shut up! You know ya game is weak!” Luke responds. While the two of them go back & forth the ladies and I start our own conversation.

“So what’s the deal with your Uncle Gerald?” I ask. LaToya volunteers to tell me the story. Grandma Betty and Grandpa Ralph had three sons: Gerald, Woodrow and William. Gerald is the oldest; Woodrow & William were twins. Growing up, Woodrow and William stayed on the straight & narrow; Gerald was the one who took a different path in life. He spent most of his time in the streets. He became addicted to drugs, and later, gambling. His condition got so bad that he started stealing from his own family to support his habit. When he couldn’t get to his family, he turned to robbing strangers. Woodrow did his best to help Gerald get clean every time he relapsed. He couldn’t stand to see his brother in that state. The rest of the family had completely cut Gerald off. Even Grandma Betty, as sweet as she is, removed him from her will. She said she didn’t want everything she worked so hard for going to waste. Her entire estate was split evenly between Woodrow and William. When Woodrow died, she decided to split his half evenly between his children instead of leaving it to Gerald. Gerald’s addiction took a turn for the worst when he learned of his brother’s passing. Woodrow and Irma-Jean had a joint funeral service. Gerald showed up as high as a kite. In the middle of the eulogy he stormed the pulpit, took the mic from the pastor and began ranting about how terrible his family is. He said he hated them all for turning their backs on him. He told Grandma Betty that he deserved to be in her will instead of her spoiled grandchildren; he said that one way or another, he was going to take what belonged to him. William tried to get him to sit down, but Gerald pushed him out of the way and proceeded to Woodrow’s casket where he tried to remove his and Irma-Jean’s jewelry. The family ultimately had to call the police on Gerald and have him escorted out of the service.

“That day was crazy,” Farren says, shaking her head.

“Now do you understand why I said what I said?” LaToya asks me. “The only reason Grandma still lets him come around is ‘cause she knows that’s what Uncle Woody woulda wanted.”

“And she’s right. Our daddy never stopped lovin’ him, so we won’t either. He would always tell us that he deserved just as much love as everyone else in this family,” Farren adds. Just then, Ralph returns to the table we’re all sitting at. He sits behind me on the bench, grabs me by the waist and asks us what we’ve been talking about.

“We told her ‘bout Uncle Gerald,” Farren tells him.

“Lawd,” Ralph replies, shaking his head. “Unc is a work in progress. Daddy was never the type to throw people away so we won’t be either.”

“Speak for yourself,” LaToya chimes in. Luke and Lyle both nudge her forcefully. LaToya is definitely the most outspoken out of the whole group. It’s starting to get dark, so we make our way inside. I see LaTanya sitting on the couch in the living room; she’s still visibly upset. While everyone else files into the kitchen, I decide to check on her.

“Hey LaTanya. Are you okay?” I ask carefully.

“I will be,” she replies. “I’m sorry for stormin’ off, it’s just my sibling’s humor isn’t funny to me. At least when it comes to my late auntie and uncle.”

“Everybody handles grief differently. Your brothers and sister may not show it, but I’m sure they’re just as hurt as you are,” I assure her.

“Ya know, I’m glad you and Ralphie found each other. You’re alright in my book,” LaTanya tells me with a smile. Suddenly I feel the room start to spin and I lean on the arm of the couch for balance.

“What’s wrong?” LaTanya asks me. I can hear the panic in her voice.

“Nothing, I’m okay. I just need to sit down,” I tell her. LaTanya helps me onto the couch and tells me to stay put while she gets me a glass of water. She must have said something to Ralph, because he comes rushing around the corner frantically asking me if I’m okay.

“I’m fine babe, I just had a dizzy spell,” I tell him.

“Babe? You’ve never called me that before. How dizzy are you?” he jokes. LaTanya returns with the glass of water. She and Ralph watch me carefully as I drink it. Ralph suggests that we leave so I can go home and rest. I try to convince him that I’m fine but his mind is already made up. He gathers his siblings and Amina, we say our goodbyes then head out. We’re about fifteen minutes into our commute when a strong wave of nausea hits me. I ask Frederick to pull over and in a matter of seconds I’m blowing chunks on the side of the road. Ralph is right next to me holding my hair and rubbing my back. He asks me if I want to go to the hospital; I tell him I just want to go home. For the rest of the ride he holds me close and tries his best to soothe me.

When I get home I’m still feeling queasy so I clean myself up, then climb into bed. Amina promises Ralph she’ll look after me and keep him updated. I spend the rest of the night buried in my blanket watching tv until I fall asleep.