#among many other figurines/dolls

[fantasticalleigh]

i love having and collecting figurines and dolls and knick-knacks and such. i love arranging them around my room and displaying them on my desk and having ones from my different favorite media. i love having a little reminder of my favorite characters everywhere i look. i think they give my room a lot of character and idk they make me happy.

but my god.

the DUST. there will always be dust. no matter how much i dust it always returns. dust is eternal.

[boopshoops]

Ah, how odd. It appears one of the puppets in Playful Land aren't quite like the rest. Almost like it has one of those consciences everyones been talking about, huh?

oc template by ai-kan1!! dividers by dollywons! Sound on!

Name: Isola Pinacirco-Cira

Nicknames: Pin, Pinpin, Goby

Gender: Demiwoman (Though she has not fully realized it yet!)

Pronouns: She/they

Sexuality: Unlabeled

Birthday: May 5 (Taurus)

Age: ??? (She has been asleep for a very long time, but she has been awake for 19 years)

Height: 5'0" or 152cm, though the height of the doll is adjustable.

Voice Claim(s): Lisa Hannigan, Miyuki Sawashiro

Twisted from: Pinocchio, Wendy's Music Box (From Tinkerbell/Peter Pan)

Unique Magic: "I've got no Strings" - The bearer can control and grant practically any unliving, immobile object the ability to move under their command. The more objects are being controlled, the more magic is consumed. However, the generation of blot is shockingly slow, allowing the bearer to use the magic for hours or even days at a time. Depending on the object, it may appear as though it is being haunted by a poltergeist. The magic, however, has a very short range. The object must be within five feet of the bearer, or it is no longer effective. Isola uses this magic to move her body on a day-to-day basis.

Grade: Freshman, though only after the Playful Land Event

Class: 1-D

Job: Playful Land Performer

Hobbies: Dancing ballet, face paint, makeup, putting outfits together, singing, sewing, wood carving, ceramic/pottery/resin repair.

Likes: Feather accessories, being alone, birds, rodents, bugs, performance, applause, classical, soul, and lofi music, animal figurines.

Dislikes: Rain, being alone, excessive heat, winter, bass boosted, fast, or hyper music, too frequent of doll repair jobs, cramped spaces, being unable to eat.

Fears: Being unlovable, never loving someone else, living a life alone, never living in a body they feel comfortable in.

Summary: A quaint performer at the renowned Playful Land, constantly known for putting on a show of elegance and grace. With her unusual cadence, she often struggles to maintain an audience despite her immense talent. Isola frequently scares off certain guests on accident. They have a very hard time handling their emotions, causing them to either come off highly unnatural or lacking facial expressions to a degree that could disturb others.

That's just the cons of being one of the many puppets on the premises, though. She is often mistaken as being one of the other, more robotic workers. Isola's body is detailed and articulated enough to stand out among them, but off-putting enough to be immediately recognized as inhuman. Nonetheless, she remains on the traveling amusement park as what is considered a "highly prized item" by the owner. Of course, you don't come across puppets like her everyday, do you? Might as well put her on display.

When night hits and protocol begins, when the consequences of breaking the many rules of the park take their toll, they can do nothing but watch over it all. It makes her feel sick, quite honestly. Disgusted. Yet, she isn't allowed to help anyone. Her attempts to help usually cause the visitors to flee from her anyway, followed by her own set of serious consequences imposed by the owner. The most she can truly do is make it harder on the other workers: including those she has no choice but to be closest to on the ship: Fellow and Gid- Ah. Wrong Identity. Ernesto and Gino.

CHARACTER PLAYLIST - INSPIRATION - CREATION STORY

Author's Note: holy fuck they have a chokehold on me. hOOOO they have a chokehold on me. she came to me in a vision and did nOT let me go until she was created, holy fuck. UGSDBGSDIUAAAAA anyway, i love her and she is my baby. my slightly fucked up baby.

Note that relationships are up for possible changes in the future- I have thought about possibly involving them with someone romantically, but i feel like I want her to put HERSELF first before that. Her story is one about self love, self discovery, and self care, and I feel like throwing her into oc x canon romance too soon would negate that. ALSO she is NOT a part of my TCOAV au!!! i mean. im probably gonna still do fun stuff where she could interact with my ocs from there since im an au fanatic, but- yeah. tcoav is a story more focused on Yuu Shi, and I feel that would also take away from important parts of Isola's character and growth. tis an excuse to try a new oc profile format too <333

that all being said and on a somewhat less related note. i wanna make a comic of her so badly. fuCK. evaporates into thin air. thank u for coming to my ted talk.

Tag list :D

@lowcallyfruity @skriblee-ksk @cecilebutcher @kitwasnothere @justm3di0cr3

@thehollowwriter @distant-velleity @techno-danger @scint1llat3 @the-trinket-witch

@beneathsakurashade @kathxrat-01 @twsted-canvas @prince-kallisto @qsoap

@sillyslipperybananapeel @tixdixl @twstinginthewind @gimmeurmoneyagh

[pagan-stitches]

In my folkloric Christian practice the beginning of February is an important time. It marks the half way point of winter and is dotted with Saints’ days. My primary altar remains focused on Morana, but the smaller altar is focused on the saints.

February 1 — Saint Brigid’s Day, important to my Irish and Scottish ancestors and celebrated on the altar with a holy card inherited from my great-aunt Sister Margaret Mary (photo 5), a Brigid’s cross (photo 9), and an embroidery (photo 8) featuring a Brigid cross that I use as a dress when I make a Brigid doll. I have also placed Snake ( @graveyarddirt ) more prominently as this was believed to be the day snakes came out of their holes (photo 4).

February 2 — Hromnice/Candlemas/Presentation of Jesus at the temple. The yellow embroidery in the back of many of the photos was designed specifically for this holiday (adapted from a Slovakian folk pattern). There is also an old hromničky (thunder candle, photo 6) that I will probably melt down for this year’s candle. In Photo 3 you can also see the dried mullein stalk that I will also be using in this year’s candle.

February 3 — Saint Blaise’s Feast Day, as he is the patron saint of cattle among other things, I have placed cow figurines (photo 2) and a cattle horn filled with wheat (photo 6). His feast day was important to my Czech ancestors and featured baking of buns (to be blessed by the church and used in folk magic for healing/preventing throat disease) and caroling by teachers and students.

February 5 — Saint Agatha’s Feast Day, also important to my Czech ancestors, this was a day that bread, salt, and water (photo 10) were blessed by the church and saved for use in folk magic.

February 6 — Saint Dorothy’s Feast Day, in Czechia this was once the occasion of Saint Dorothy plays (postage stamp in photo 7) often featuring the Saint, a king, an executioner, and čert (the folkloric devil).

[haggishlyhagging]

The goddesses of ancient Greece also displayed the characteristics of flesh and blood menstruants: Medusa, her hair writhing with vaginal snakes, had an ability that was also imputed to menstruants in some cultures: she turned living things to stone with her gaze. She is the menstruant naked, out of control, without protective cosmetikos. Gaia, the earth, was a chasm guarded by a great python. Long-tressed Demeter was also the earth, and her daughter Kore, or Persephone, the maiden, was portrayed holding the menstrual pomegranate. Kore disappeared and her mother went to look for her—a common menarchal drama for some peoples. Hera was "the bride," dressed austerely in long gowns. Hecate was the dark moon, portrayed as an old woman. At Sumer, alabaster statues of the large-eyed moon goddess Ningal were dressed, fed, and washed; even the urbane goddess Inanna was portrayed in one statuette holding a scratching stick, adorned with the cosmetikos of a temple courtesan.

Frequently ancient figurines portray two women together, sometimes melded like Siamese twins, side by side. Often these "dolls" wear skirts, eye and lip makeup, and hoop earrings. Frequently they are stained red. Similar dolls are still made for girls to play with in North Africa, India, and parts of the Middle East. Some of the modern dolls are of a man and woman side by side. My guess is that the paired icons were originally two sisters, representing synchronous flow. The dolls, I was told vehemently by the import shop clerk, have nothing to do with lesbianism, and I'm certain that in any current patriarchal religious system, that is true. But in more female-centered older societies, the Andean, for example, and in many parts of Western society, homosexual relations have a rightful, appropriate, and even sacred place. It thus seems significant that in the south of India, among goddess-worshiping Tamils of the Untouchable caste, a name for lesbian lover is "sister-sister."

Many goddess mythologies feature two creation sisters. Pele, the Hawaiian volcanic fire goddess who creates the earth's surface, has a sister who is "Sea Mist." Among the Pueblos, sister goddesses Naotsete and Uretsete create objects under a blanket they hold between them. Sometimes one sister dwells in the world below, "in the shade," the place of the dark moon, while the other rules above, as with Egyptian Isis and her underworld sister Nepthys. The oldest known menstrual narrative of the meetings of two such sisters is the Sumerian poem, "The Descent of Inanna to the Underworld," whose metaformic meanings I will decipher later. A Caribbean proverb summarizes an ancient attitude of female "flow": "When a woman loves another woman, it is the blood of the Mother speaking."

-Judy Grahn, Blood, Bread, and Roses: How Menstruation Created the World

[here-there-were-dragons]

non-exhaustive list of interesting things i saw at the store today

-plush doll of lisa simpson with haunted eyes (there were no other simpsons plushes visible anywhere)

-robotic talking krusty klown someone had hidden in a home decor aisle

-a pillow that looked like a realistic wood log

-an unpleasantly scratchy but very aesthetically pleasing pillow that looked like a realistic chicken, with neck scales made out of beads

-the world's most annoying singing animatronic skeleton, whom i very much wanted to smash over the head with it's own guitar

-a giant disembodied shadow the hedgehog head

-scented glitter playdoh

-plastic cyborg dinosaur mask (too small for my head)

-minecraft anniversary enderdragon, which apparently could make sounds

-several different sizes of starlight mint candy shaped pillow (sadly the smaller one was a squishmallow with legs and the smallest one was a foam ornament)

-sonic the hedgehog advent calendar

-fake "carvable" pumpkins made out of plaster

-a knit pumpkin skeleton???? not just like a skeleton with a pumpkin on it's head, it was a pumpkin skeleton???

-functional nerf minecraft crossbow, among other functional minecraft weapons

-"let's hit eachother with fake swords", the world's most self-explanatory toy

-penguin shaped waffle makers

-pillow shaped like a snowflake with embroidered beads

-giant plastic bowser figure

-unsettling animatronic dog (store mascot?)

-exclusively ugly dresses and sweaters, in office carpet grey, old puke orange, tasteless olive, and divorced mother in law cheetah print

-winged dragon onesie for small child

-shark slippers (also for small child)

-small plastic figure of shadow the hedgehog that appeared to have munchkin cat dwarfism

-drone disguised as a fighter jet

-pleasing wooden bowl in which to put medieval soup

-just, so many candles, in increasingly unhelpful scents like "disco orchard" and "winter midnight joy"

-small plush husky my mother spent an hour straight cooing over obsessively

-minecraft pickaxe (hurts to tap head with)

-inexplicably purple minecraft sword

-pack of minecraft figurines the perfect size to use as d&d minis

-similarly sized pack of simpsons figurines

-a collection of extremely ugly decorative birds that appeared to be dressed as various different types of cultists

-a plastic owl, molded to look like it was made out of black wicker, when it was in fact a solid plastic piece

-The Candy Skeleton

-Poseable minecraft steve

-an absurd number of squishmallows (seriously does anyone make or sell literally any other stuffed animals anymore)

-giant plush mario mushroom

-giant plush blue shell to murder your eldest sibling with

-plush bowser holding the plush corpse of his son while a grotesquely oversized bob-omb watches blankly

-sonic the hedgehog crab-bot that we could not determine whether or not it was a functional robot or just an unmoving toy

-empty shelves where halloween candy used to be, with conspicuously only popcorn remaining

-will add if i remember anything else

[dabantam]

Introducing the scraps

I’m working on an original species called the scraps, partially based around tsukumogami from Japanese folklore.

Basic Lore

Starting things off, let’s establish what a scrap actually is. Scraps are inanimate objects that have been infused with souls or fragments of souls(usually by a necromancer, magical mishaps, or by an ascended scrap), transforming them into a new being ranging from just a creature to an anthropomorphic version of the original item to even resembling a humanoid projection carrying the item (or rather, the actual scrap) around and acting as a puppet for the scrap. All these scraps usually retain features from their original selves and usually have some variation among them (oftentimes, no two scraps formed from the same item take on the same form). There are a few exceptions, though, as scraps formed from figurines and dolls are usually just living versions of their base items, while plush toys resemble children wearing pajamas and hats based on their base items, as well as sporting the limbs of their base forms. Also, while scraps tend to be formed from smaller objects, objects as large as trains can become scraps if enough souls are infused into it.

As varied as scraps are, they can also come in a variety of forms depending on their power level. The initial is called the Base Form, basically what all scraps start off as, with a few powers and personalities based on the item they were formed from and the collective personalities of the soul fragments that created them (though scraps formed from a single soul tend to have personalities closer to their original selves). All Base Form scraps can take on a more monstrous form known as a Frenzy Form (originally called “Rage Burst Form” in the old Krockman stories, but I’m honestly torn between the two), which is much stronger and more offensively capable. Overtime, Base Form scraps can gain more powers, including the ability to take on human forms. Eventually, they evolve into a stronger form known as the Enlightened Form, being slightly more humanoid in appearance, as well as having an equally stronger Frenzy Form (though these tend to be used less frequently than the Base Form equivalents, mostly for emergencies). The Enlightened Form is achieved through a scrap becoming more self aware, growing beyond the personalities of its base components and reaching self actualization (this is easier for scraps formed from a single soul, but any scrap can pull it off if they try hard enough). Enlightened Form scraps can evolve even further into what’s known as the Ascended Form after undergoing a ritual. The most human-looking of the scrap forms, they’re also the most powerful of all scraps, essentially being physical gods. When a scrap reaches this point, it usually picks an area in the city or town they live in to claim as their territory and acts as a local guardian deity. This usually entails offering aid to those who live in or near its territory (scrap or otherwise), giving a safe haven for other scraps, and most importantly, creating new scraps. It’s not unheard of of ascended scraps forming alliances with each other, forming city spanning scrap networks.

Setting

Ideally, the scraps would be found in an urban fantasy setting (think Dimension 20’s Fantasy High or Unsleeping City campaigns). While I have a hard time seeing them in a more traditional high fantasy setting like DND or a sci-fi setting like Spelljammer, I do have some ideas on how to incorporate them. For high fantasy, have it so that the spell to create scraps is fairly new, and as such, there really aren’t that many out there yet. As for sci-fi, have it so that while there are several scrap colonies, they don’t really spread too far out from the main planet, with only a few going on space journeys.

[computer-knowledge27]

Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga It involves fasting, feasting. 🌟 Happy Navratri! 🌟

Navratri is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and by Hindus around the world. The word 'Navratri' literally translates to "nine nights" in Sanskrit, and the festival spans nine nights and ten days, dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga and her various forms. Navratri typically falls in the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin , which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar.

Here are some key aspects and traditions associated with Navratri:

Worship of Goddess Durga: Navratri honors the divine feminine energy, particularly Goddess Durga, who symbolizes courage, power, and victory over evil. Each of the nine days is dedicated to one of her different forms, known as Navadurga. These forms include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

Fasting and Feasting: Fasting is a common practice during Navratri, where devotees abstain from consuming certain foods or have strict diets. Some may observe complete fasting, while others may abstain from specific food items like grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. The fasts are believed to purify the body and mind and enhance spiritual practices. At the same time, special Navratri delicacies are prepared and shared among family and friends, including dishes like sabudana khichdi, kuttu ki puri, and singhare ka halwa, made with ingredients permissible during fasting.

Garba and Dandiya Raas: One of the highlights of Navratri celebrations is the vibrant and colorful Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. Garba involves circular formations where participants dance gracefully in traditional attire, often accompanied by devotional songs praising the goddess. Dandiya Raas, on the other hand, involves energetic and rhythmic dance performances with sticks (dandiyas) held in each hand, symbolizing the playful combat between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura.

Golu or Bommai Kolu: In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Navratri is celebrated through the tradition of Golu or Bommai Kolu. During this custom, dolls and figurines representing various deities and mythological characters are displayed on steps or shelves adorned with colorful decorations. Visitors are invited to homes to view the display, and it's considered auspicious to offer prayers and seek blessings during this time.

Vijayadashami: Navratri culminates on the tenth day with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, which marks the triumph of good over evil. This day is significant for various reasons, including the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana. In many parts of India, effigies of Ravana, Megh nath, and Kum bhakarna are burnt to symbolize the victory of righteousness.

[consumergoodslogs]

Kids Toys Market Analysis, Growth, Trends, and Forecast by 2031

The kid's toys market has always been a very vibrant and dynamic market, with a positive and consistent growth record over the years. Ever-increasing recognition of play importance by parents propels the demand for kids' toys. This blog post explores the main trends, market dynamics, and growth prospects for the kid's toys market.

Market Overview

It has a vast range of educational toys, like action figures, dolls, building blocks, games, and electronic toys. The market caters to every age in children, that is, from toddlers to teenagers. It is promoted by the following factors:

Parental Spending: As parents want the best for their children, they are willing to spend on those toys that will enlighten their minds about the entire world, boost their creativity, and help them with social skills as well.

Advantages of Technology: The incorporation of technology into toys has brought new categories and products, including such gadgets as an interactive learning tool and virtual reality experience.

Shifting Consumer Preference: Changing the interests of children demand changing the products offered by toy manufacturers.

The Kids Toys Market size is expected to reach US$ 192.49 billion by 2031 from US$ 129.18 billion in 2023. The market is expected to show a CAGR of 5.1% in 2023–2031

Key Market Trends

Educational Toys: The demand for educational toys that promote cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has increased significantly.

Personalized Toys: With the rise of self-interest and interest-based preferences in children, personalized toys have emerged because they tend to bring kids closer to their activities of play.

Environment-friendly Toys: This environmental awareness creates a boom in the requirement for toys made of environment-friendly materials that are produced ethically.

Virtual Toys: In this category would be electronic toys such as gaming consoles and tablets with interactive learning stuff, which dominate the market, keeping the children busy with their smart play.

Experienced Toys: Bicycles, scooters, and sports equipment are the newly favored toys that encourage outdoor, active play routes to improve physical health and well-being.

Market Segments

Product Type

Building Blocks

Figurines and Dolls

Soft Toys

Puzzles and Board Games

Others

Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Online Retail

Others

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South and Central America

Middle East and Africa

Major Players

Clementoni SpA

Giochi Preziosi SpA

KIRKBI AS

Mattel Inc

Hasbro Inc

Goliath Games LLC

Atlas Games

Giochi Preziosi SpA

Bella Luna Toys

TOMY Company Ltd

Market Conditions

Competition: The kid's toys market is highly fragmented, but many small and medium-sized players are still operating globally. Among the various key market players, are Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO, and MGA Entertainment.

Distribution Channels: Toys are sold through several channels, including brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers, and specialty toy stores. E-commerce has played a greater role in increasing the market reach.

Regulatory Environment: Diverse government systems worldwide have implemented laws to address toy safety and quality so that all products offered are appropriate and meet the specific standards to protect children.

Growth Prospects

More directly, the development prospects for the kid's toys market around the globe will be driven by higher disposable income, increased urbanization, and the growing recognition of early childhood education. However, there are key prospects also in emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific.

Conclusion

Kids' toys constitute a fast-growing, dynamic, and changing market with immense growth potential. Strong demand is expected for innovative and engrossing products, as parents now focus on the development of their children and require fun but instructional toys. The insight into these main trends, market dynamics, and prospects for growth will help businesses position themselves effectively in such a successful industry. Frequently Asked Questions-

What is the size of the market for kids' toys?

Ans- The market size for kids' toys stood at US$ 192.49 billion in 2031 and will grow at 5.1% CAGR during 2023-2031 with technological advancement.

Which region held the largest share of Kids Toys Market?

Ans- North America led the Kid's Toys Market. • What are the categories of Kids Toys market?

Ans- The Kid's Toys Market is segmented into Product Type, Distribution Channel, and region.

Which companies are considered to have a maximum number of shares in the Kids Toys market?

Ans- Clementoni SpA, Giochi Preziosi SpA, KIRKBI AS, Mattel Inc, Hasbro Inc, Goliath Games LLC, Atlas Games, Giochi Preziosi SpA, Bella Luna Toys, TOMY Company Ltd have considered holding the maximum number of shares.

What are the major drivers of the kids toys market?

Ans- Higher disposable income is one of the chief drivers of market demand, while higher and increasing importance for education and early childhood development drive the city trends.

About Us-

The Insight Partners is among the leading market research and consulting firms in the world. We take pride in delivering exclusive reports along with sophisticated strategic and tactical insights into the industry. Reports are generated through a combination of primary and secondary research, solely aimed at giving our clientele a knowledge-based insight into the market and domain. This is done to assist clients in making wiser business decisions. A holistic perspective in every study undertaken forms an integral part of our research methodology and makes the report unique and reliable.

[surri12]

7 Stunning Christmas Manger Scenes to Inspire Your Holiday Spirit

For many, Christmas is the happiest season of the year. It combines love and faith with traditions in ways that are often hard to describe. There are many creative and fun ways to bring the spirit of the holidays into your home. One of the most meaningful elements is a Christmas manger scene. Besides displaying it inside the house, you can even showcase it outdoors. We have prepared a collection of seven stunning manger scenes to use for decorating your home this Christmas.

1. Classic Indoor Christmas Manger Scene

A classic scene set during the birth of Christ is a must-have Christmas decoration. It consists of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the manger, shepherds, angels, and animals. Wooden or porcelain figurines make the most sense and evoke a sense of warmth and comfort in people. If you want to create a more serene and calm space, surround the stage with soft lights and candles.

2. Outdoor Christmas Manger Scene

Perfect for your front yard, the outdoor Christmas manger scene displays the spirit of the season to everyone. These banners may incorporate basic wooden structures with lifelike features that light up. An outdoor setup often includes LED lights to brighten the scene during darkness, creating a beautiful sight. Weapons and garlands can also be used to complete the display.

3. Charlie Brown Christmas Manger Scene

For a comical touch, Charlie Brown's Christmas manger scene includes Peanuts characters. In the present-day conscience, this version showcases Charlie Brown and his unique determination, which can be illustrated by him using his friends to replace traditional nativity figures, which holiday decor would certainly be fascinating and unique. This is great for Peanuts enthusiasts who want a little extra sweetness in their Christmas holiday decorations without taking up as much space or investing in a traditional theme.

4. Christmas Blow-Up Manger Scene

Another alternative is Christmas blow-up scenes of the manger and nativity figures that are likely to attract attention as an outdoor decoration. These inflatable scenes are quite simple to construct and frequently illuminate themselves from within, making them appear bright and pleasant in every yard. Blow-up decorations are made to endure harsh exterior environments so that ideals of Christmas can be introduced into your home with little effort and large effect.

5. DIY Christmas Manger Scene Decorations

You can place dolls, figurines, or other decorative objects in a Christmas manger scene even if you decide to do it yourself. Use materials like wood, clay, or fabric to make the Holy Family and the shepherds, along with angel figures that will be set up on the display. A do-it-yourself idea is a brilliant idea to make your interior decorating unique as well as entertainment for the family. Your unique contribution may be placed on a mantle, near a Christmas tree, or outside.

6. Rustic Christmas Manger Scene with Natural Elements

Silesian?s Russia WI dies of the is another approach to decor Rosanna remnant for a festive period. This style is especially popular among people who prefer simplicity, with scenes often made out of reclaimed wood, burlap and press Patti. A Frame can be built to raise the nativity scene indoors and out without clashing with any themes, all bones. Suitable for styling charisma as well. 

7. Compact Christmas Manager Scene for Small Spaces

It can also be an excellent option for a compact Christmas manger scene that would easily fit into a small room, as it gives a neat outline to the holy family in a larger display. For this, a smaller version featuring Peanuts characters can be employed for decoration as featured in the display.

Tips for Displaying Your Christmas Manger Scene

Add Lighting: 

Alternative Seating for the Christmas Manger Scene to maximize space and achieve better visibility for the Scene Setting

Setting up the elements and recreating a real scene when setting any Christmas decorations, the Christmas cow approach tends to be visually Nepal as snow.

Select a Nice Suitable Place: A wise place to consider is a themed park surrounding the main scene, which shows the scene as its focus mostly; kids especially like to see it. Display your set on the lawn and make it one of the centers of the lower-class flat Cuba.

This Decoration Complements Others: Make your manger scene more interesting in terms of the colors, wise by incorporating the likes of wreaths, lights, or garlands into the color scheme.

 Final Thoughts

A Christmas manger scene represents the deeper significance of the season and is more than just a festive decoration. Every kind adds something different to your Christmas decor, from conventional interior arrangements to wacky Charlie Brown variations and blow-up outdoor displays. 

[diegos-portfolio]

Diego’s Statement of Photography 2023

All my life, as far back as I could remember, I was always a fan of being detailed, of finding stories and making stories, of entertaining people with what I did and made.

When I was around 9 or 10, my father signed me up to a photography class, where I began to learn the ins and outs of a camera, as well as various techniques, such as a shallow depth of field, and the concept of thirds. In that same summer, I had also taken a stop-motion class where I would rearrange lego figurines with my “classmates” and make our theater pieces. The former served as a building block to my artistic style, while the latter helped me understand the concept of a plot. Admittedly, both were a bit underwhelming in terms of what they had to offer. Nevertheless, I did feel their presence in my life was essential.

As I grew older, I would find myself photographing nature (mostly clouds) whether the timing was appropriate or not, and during my last semester before the covid pandemic, I found myself working with what I had to create the scenes I had in my head for my Advanced Videography class. The 2 years afterwards is where I started to create stories, and once again I had found myself making images in my mind and applying them in my stories. Eventually, I returned to Delaware Tech and began applying what I’d practiced and honed into creating new pieces altogether.

My portraits were my representation of everyday people. For the working class, I had to time it correctly, so that I could photograph them without them noticing, so as to get them as candid as possible. For the portrait of the older women, I asked the woman in the pink shirt to pose, whereas the woman in the white “guess” shirt (my mother) was shot in a happenstance moment, so as to create the effect of a movement blur while she was in focus.

My beach photos were taken in early October, and were done to create a sense of peace, of commercialism, and of liminality.

My higher still lifes were photographed in dark lighting to create focus on the lighter aspects of the photos - such as the eye of the spine of the book, the books in the middle of the composition, and the selections of music on either side of the multipurpose record player. The only exception of this, of course, is the wall of crosses, which was well-illuminated by the chandelier light overhead to symbolize the ascension of my aunt and grandfather seen in photographs at the bottom of the photo and who are no longer among the living.

The lower still-lifes are based on the last project of the semester, where he had to tie them together with a theme. As I struggled to think of what I could piece together, I was inspired by the season, and did a collage with the theme being the commercialization of nostalgia. The christmas tree - which is from A Charlie Brown Christmas - serves as both a pandering to nostalgia (since the movie has been around for nearly 60 years), and as a tree to display the “gifts”. The gameboy watch, commemorative Uno deck, and the Coca-Cola bottle were examples of successful nostalgia pandering, while the four-eyed Grimace doll is an example of poor pandering, since many generations - young and old - found the whole series of ads confusing, since older generations didn’t understand the impact of Cactus Plant Flea Market, and younger generations barely remember Grimace - or the other dolls, for that matter - as a McDonald’s character. The Coca-Cola bottle also serves to tie in with the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, since the original movie was sponsored by the Coca-Cola company. The final photo in this collage is a parody of M.C. Escher’s pencil drawing “Hand with a Reflective Ball”, since I felt that by using the ball, he saw a new perspective to art, as did I, when I realized in my drafts that the sphere would give my position away in the photo.

My ad was created by using a commemorative anniversary can of Barbasol shaving cream, which inspired the tagline that accompanied it.

While most of my high-exposure photos were purposeful, the bright ascending line -which was actually the full moon - was a happy accident, though one I am most proud of. The rest were also my proudest pieces of the assignment, and as such, I present them here.

[yandere-daydreams]

very loosely based on this post from @ddarker-dreams.

Scaramouche collects dolls.

He won't admit it's a collection (because a big, scary Harbinger would never actively seek out something as childish as dolls), nor have you ever heard him refer to them as anything other than 'antiques', you have working eyes, and you can see that the objects of his fixation are of a certain type, with a certain pasted, acquired through a certain method - always fished out of gutters or bought off the shelves of run-down pawn shops, repaired by Scaramouche's surprisingly adept hands, and posed in one of his many estates among other members of his collection. You think he sympathizes with them, an abandoned doll in his own right. You know that, despite his protests, he can't stand to see another discarded toy go forgotten.

None of his dolls go neglected, but of course, he has his dearests. He seems to prefer those of cloth and porcelain over wood and clay, favors the softened, simply-dressed babydolls you might find in a child's toy chest to the delicate, life-like figurines who'd be more at home behind glass. His absolute favorite looks quite a bit like you, and you've long since stopped trying to convince yourself that this fact was simply a terrible coincidence, even if you don't think you'll ever find the strength to admit it aloud.

It's the only doll that lives in his personal chambers, on its own little raised platform beside his vanity. You know better than to get rid of it (he'd once had each of a soldier's fingers broken for accidentally tearing the arm off a decaying ragdoll, and while you doubt he'd be so harsh with you, it doesn't seem wise to test your luck when it comes to comparing his sick obsession for you to the protectiveness he feels over his ever-growing hoard), but you try not to look into its glazed-over eyes, to avoid acknowledging the longmoment Scaramouche takes to run his fingers through its hair every morning while you pull a comb through his. On his demand, of course.

He seems to be under the impression that every doll needs a proper caretaker, and he's chosen you as his.

He has clothes tailored for it, too, a hand-stitched wardrobe that eerily mirrors yours. You've never caught him in the act, and you know he'd never let a servant touch anything so precious to him, and yet, it seems to be adorned in a new outfit every day, dressed in miniature kimonos or fur-trimmed coats equipped with every detail of the real garment - down to the red thread you often use to refasten loose button and torn clasps. The likeness is uncanny, the similarities too drastic to ignore. That might be why you loathe it as deeply as you do.

Once, while Scaramouche busy meeting with some nameless Snezhnayian offical, you'd found his doll displaced from its pedestal, left on the center of his bed, lying on its stomach, clothes disheveled and hair in a state of disarray. Out of solidarity with your fellow captive, you'd attempted to move it into a more dignified position, but your fingertips brushed against something cold and slick, your eyes falling to the translucent stains that ran in distinct stains across its fine clothes, and--

And, you hate it. You hate that it's another version of you, made small and helpless and delicate. You hate that it shares your face, and your clothes, and your subjugation underneath a man too cruel to treat even what he holds closest to him with kindness. You hate that there's nothing you can do to protect so much as a toy from Scaramouche.

You hate that there's nothing you can do to protect yourself from so much as a heartless, soulless, unfeeling doll.

[marshallpupfan]

As promised, here it is! The entirety of my Marshall collection!

I started this whole thing in 2019, back when I bought one single figurine to place in front of my computer monitor. Over time, as I became a bigger fan of Marshall and realized just how absolutely crazy I am about him, I ended up buying a few more things until... well, until it eventually became what you see here!

Also, let me tell you one other thing; I never realized just how much I had until I started rearranging/reorganizing a bunch of it! 😅

I figured I’d briefly talk about each section. So, let’s get started!

The majority of the plush dolls I own are on the right. They used to be located on the bottom of the big display case, but after I started to get so many more, I figured I’d transfer them to their own thing.

Some of the larger plush dolls are on the bottom (with some tiny dolls included because I couldn’t find spots for them elsewhere), and above are the ones that often get released during each new sub-series. Hopefully I’ll get to add the Rescue Knights plush soon, whenever it shows up. I just hope I can find a spot for it! lol

Though most of these are plush dolls, I reserved one shelf for miscellaneous items I couldn’t find spots for on the big display case.

Right in the middle is my TV, with a Ready Race Rescue poster above it. I also have some figurines here of various pups, though I’m hoping to add all of them some day (and perhaps others, like Claw). If you’re curious, my laptop is connected to my TV, and the image you’re seeing is my desktop wallpaper. 

I put that wooden wall art on this wall, along with the badges that came with some of the figurines. Things were a bit bare, so I printed off some of my favorite screenshots/pics of Marshall to go along with them! The one with the lucky collar is my favorite, since that smile he has there is simply the greatest thing ever. 😁

Now, onto the big display case.

The bottom two shelves house all of the vehicles I’ve collected. To make them appear nicer, I placed their respective figurines next to them. Some of the smaller ones, such as the True Metal vehicles, reside right below them.

The shelf above the vehicles has most of the figurines that’s released over the years. Can you believe Marshall’s worn so many different outfits? Fireman, EMT, Air Patrol, Mighty Pups, Dino Rescue, Pup-Fu, Moto Pups, Ultimate Rescues... the list just keeps growing!

Above that are other items I’ve managed to find, such as a snow globe, Christmas ornaments, ceramic piggy (puppy?) banks, an alarm clock, bobbleheads, a big color-changing lightbulb (that large head in the back-right), candy dispensers, bubble makers, shampoo bottles, among many other things!

And now, the last two shelves of the display case. 

The bottom one here has other misc. items I’ve collected, including lunch pails, a few Marshall-focused DVDs, Good2Grow Bottle Top heads (still missing one), more Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs, among other things. The thing in the middle is a light-up talking coin bank, which I actually imported from the UK (the first overseas item I added to my collection).

The very top houses some of the bigger plush dolls I couldn’t find room for on the right side. I included some others up there, just to fill up the empty space. There’s a few other jumbo plush dolls I hope to add here, whenever I can find them for a good price.

And last, but not least; this singular plush. It’s one of my favorites, so I like keeping him next to my bed. I suppose you could say I consider him a companion of sorts.

Well, there you have it! Pretty crazy collection, huh? There are still a few more things I’d like to do to spruce up the whole thing a bit, like make some better shelves (the one holding the figurines is starting to bend), and perhaps paint them so they’ll all match. For now, I’m quite happy with it, and I hope you guys enjoyed seeing it!

So yeah, needless to say, I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m totally crazy about Marshall! He really is my #1 favorite animated character of all time, and I feel this collection is a testament to not only that, but just how absolutely awesome/amazing I think he is! 😉

[boopshoops]

The Dolls of the Great Pine Tree

"Once upon a time, there was a great pine tree in the depths of a far off island near the Land of Dawning.

Embedded deep in its roots were magic stones, causing the tree to grow and grow and grow far taller than any of the surrounding forest.

Visitors would often come to the pine tree in order to train their magical abilities: from far and wide. From beast men, to merfolk, to humans and fae. It was even rumored to have healing capabilities.

Even the dead visited the great tree.

One day, two ghosts visited the great tree. Imbued with magical energy just as all the visitors before them, they had never felt more alive. Filled with nostalgia, they were reminded of their years among the living.

When they had first met, fallen in love, met friends, found new sights to see, new experiences to be had. They cherished those moments deep in their hearts.

Now, being among the dead, they wondered, "Would other ghosts, born of the spectral realm without ever having interacted with the living world, truly ever understand such a wonderful feeling?"

For you see, the couple were expecting a child. Quite the miracle, no?

The two were suddenly filled with dread and guilt, feeling as though they were robbing their child of life. They gazed back up at the ginormous tree, imbued with a healthy, ethereal glow. Bathed in beautiful colors. The spectral realm was quite the opposite, devoid of such beauty, or at least the couple thought so.

One of the ghosts asked aloud, "Do you believe it would be possible to give our child something close to the gift of life? I could only wish for it to be so."

...And something stirred, deep beneath the earth, reverberating through the roots of the tree.

A mysterious visitor answered aloud, "Why, haven't you heard? Us ghosts, through the power of the stones, can possess parts of this great wood. We can feel, see, smell, and hear all the wonders of the living realm, why, I'm sure if someone were to somehow gather it's wood, you would have all the power needed to give your child exactly that."

The couple was startled, exchanging glances. Gather its wood? Many have tried, and all have failed! However, they knew the suspicious stranger's words to be true. It was the main reason they had visited the forest, after all. The only struggle was that it was hard to move freely in the entanglement of branches.

As if reading their very minds, the unfamiliar phantom spoke again, "Why, I'm sure it is possible. Over years and years, the branches have shifted. It is difficult to move, but not impossible. Why, I'd even be inclined to help you as long as I could have some of the wood as well."

The couple politely declined.

But the idea stuck in their minds for years to come, even after they had had their child.

But during those years they curiously returned, bringing family and friends alike. Oddly enough, the stranger was there every time, providing assistance, for they gradually and slowly split and took parts of the wood.

The father, a carpenter, found that possessing the wood after refining and shaping it was still possible.

The mother, a maker of trinkets and figurines, found that the wood would take shape to whatever outer shell it was put inside.

With these discoveries, their desire for life was too strong to be put aside. Yet the tree began to warp, twist, and bend unnaturally.

"Don't worry!" The now familiar, suspicious friend began, "I live in these woods and visit the tree every day. Its magic is as strong as the day I first laid eyes on it."

The individual, who had since provided them and their family a lot of aid, was difficult to distrust. After all, they had given them so much. Every time they came, they gave them wood. Every time they came, they offered words of wisdom that always proved true.

However, twigs and branches began to fall to the earth, snatched up by whoever was lucky enough to get to it first. It was discolored and stiff, nearly hard as stone. But alas, they'd come so far now. Surely, with some extra wood working, everything would be fine.

Finally, after six long years. The mother had constructed many beautiful dolls, in which much of the healthy, refined wood fit perfectly.

The father had carved and carved away, ensuring that each joint bent perfectly and smoothly, and that everything was comfortable.

The child simply watched during these many years, awaiting promises of things they could only ever dream of.

When their job was nearly complete, the mysterious friend arrived, speaking up to ask for a puppet of their own.

"You see," They began, "I did not live a long life. I was struck down early. I know it is a lot to ask for, but I would be eternally grateful. Likewise, I would gladly accompany your daughter, teaching her the ways of the living."

The couple was unsure. Their daughter had all their support and love, yet they did not have enough wood to provide for the both of them. They could not teach her everything she needed to know. After all, it was practically unheard of: two ghosts raising a human child.

With the agreement to allow the healthier wood to go to their child and to remain in close contact with her, they crafted another body for their mysterious friend.

When all was well and done, there was only one thing left to do.

"Consider it a blessing," said their friend, "After all, humans can't leave their bodies whenever they please." The couple hesitantly agreed, only ever wanting to give their child the most human experience they could. Now, once a ghost possessed the wooden frame, they could not leave until the spell was broken.

The day arrived soon after. The day the two would possess their new bodies. Crafted only out of love and care: two puppet-like dolls.

However, the couple were not aware at the time that the wooden frames had been swapped: giving their daughter the one that appeared to be on the verge of rot.

When the possession commenced at the base of the tree, their "friend" immediately sprung up, good as new. They leapt and ran and danced about, bathing in the sensations of the living world made new.

Yet, the child's body did not move.

"Do not worry, I'm sure she will adjust soon!" The friend replied.

But days and days passed, without her even blinking an eye.

The couple and their family visited every day, with their "friend" arriving less and less. More and more of the tree began to wither and fall, until there was barely even a tree left at all.

A week went by. A month, a year.

And the ghost's body didn't move an inch, with her spirit stuck inside.

The family went into a period of grieving, thinking to themselves how selfish and foolish they were. How were they supposed to know that a being which was already dead could experience something so close to death?

A small part of them held hope, however, as the years flew by, and the puppet sat sleeping soundly and what was now only a stump.

Grief came and went, a grave was carefully crafted with love. Flowers were offered by the entirety of the family, each as a symbol of an apology.

As years and years passed, the visits became less frequent. Even the tree was eventually forgotten.

Oh, hundreds of years the family visited her for. What started as visiting every day became every month, every year.

Alas, my dear child. Please know that we have not forgotten you. We never will. We are so truly, deeply, sorry.

Sincerely,

Giorno Pinacirco and Viola Cira.

In loving memory of Isola Pinacirco-Cira. 1883-1889"

.

.

.

Marble eyes scanned over the words written in the journal laid at the grave where she awoke.

She could not remember her youth, but alas,

The girl awoke alone, knowing she was loved.

----

MWAHAHAHA SHE'S HEREEEE SHE'S COMING SOON!!! I'll be posting her ref and official introduction when the Playful Land event begins in EN!! Stay tuned!!! reblogs would be appreciated given ihaventwritteninahotsecondugfdbsiguf

Tag list!

@skriblee-ksk @lowcallyfruity @kitwasnothere @cecilebutcher @justm3di0cr3

@scint1llat3 @thehollowwriter @distant-velleity @techno-danger @the-trinket-witch

@qsoap @beneathsakurashade @kathxrat-01 @twsted-canvas @prince-kallisto

@sillyslipperybananapeel @tixdixl @twstinginthewind

[myhauntedsalem]

What’s that in the Window? The Eerie Legend of the Janesville Doll

Janesville, Minnesota is a fine example of small town America. With a population of just over 2,000 people, it’s the kind of community you drive through at an easy pace—or pass by at a distance. Today, Highway 14 sidesteps Main Street Janesville entirely.

Still, until a few years ago, curiosity seekers followed the old Highway 14 route to 1st Street in search of a peculiar local mystery. Their destination? An unassuming house with an eerie figurine framed in the attic window, its blank stare peering out of the glass.

It was known as the Janesville Doll.

What was the secret of the Janesville Doll? Who put him there, and why? Dozens of explanations cropped up over the years—some more fanciful than others. Eventually, the small-town mystery transformed into a full-blown urban legend.

The story of the doll centers on the house’s owner and the death of the owner’s young daughter. Her demise changed depending on which account you heard; in some versions she succumbed to illness or a tragic accident, while in others her end was far grislier.

In one dark tale, the girl was abused and neglected by her family. Neighbors feared her; she soon became a prisoner of her attic room. There she would sit and stare out the attic window as the world passed by without her.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, the girl hanged herself. Her parents, realizing what they had done, placed the doll in the attic window as a memorial.

Soon there after, the Janesville Doll allegedly sprung to life.

Visitors claimed to see that the doll sometimes changed position, or that its placid expression transformed into anger, glaring at onlookers from behind the glass.

Such claims help explain a demonic twist to the Janesville Doll legend. This version also centers on the demise of a little girl in the house, but maintains that it was the result of demonic possession. The child died during an exorcism, and it was the demon itself that entered the doll—threatening to possess anyone who dared gaze into the doll’s eyes for too long.

As for the facts of the Janesville Doll case, they too remain shrouded in mystery. The home that housed the doll once belonged to man named Ward Wendt. Wendt was born in the house, and lived there until old age. He was reportedly a collector of antiques and train memorabilia. He placed the doll in the window sometime in 1976, never telling a soul why he did it.

According to Wendt, the house had belonged to his family since Janesville was founded, and nothing “exciting” had ever happened on the property. There appears to be no record of suspicious deaths or mysterious events associated with the house to give credence to the many tales surrounding the doll. In 2012, at the age of 84, Ward Wendt passed away, taking the secret of the Janesville Doll to his grave.

Or maybe not. One final tale about the doll might hold the key to the mystery. The same year the doll first appeared in the window of Wendt’s home, Janesville buried a time capsule in a nearby park in honor of the United States Bicentennial. In that time capsule, Wendt is said to have placed a note in which he reveals his reasons for putting the doll in the window.

The only catch? The time capsule is not scheduled to be unearthed until 2176.

After Wendt’s death, the Janesville Doll was moved from the attic window to a special showcase in the Janesville Library. A Facebook account and MySpace page have since cropped up in honor of the legendary figurine. Whether it continues to inspire strange stories and paranormal reports among the library stacks, only time will tell.

[buglife]

How about festivals and celebrations? Not only the regal, noble type, but the ones of common bugs too.

Here are a couple I figured out with a quick overview. I may expand on these later with illustrations or more depth depending on time and interest.

PART 1 - Pre-Infection Holidays

The Cast Off Festival: Something akin to a new years resolution. Once a year the citizens of Hallownest make an effigy of something they want to ‘cast off’ of themselves so they can improve. Example, they may make a figurine that represents self laziness or something that represents a nasty temper. Some folks may make tokens or figurines to sell that people can purchase if they cannot or don’t want to make their own. Celebrations include food and rituals indicative of purifying yourself to allow the new you to get a foothold over the old. Everyone gets together at the end of the celebration to throw said effigies into a communal fire and let the wind carry the ashes away. Just like how the Pale King cast off his previous form of a Wyrm to walk among the people and lead them to a much better existence, so too would common bugs follow that example to better themselves as well. Bugs may just have one effigy and some may have a whole box of them, the point is to give yourself a fresh new start and leave your old baggage holding you back as mere ashes. In general, it’s a very happy celebration in that you have a new chance to make the changes you want and if you have to do the same thing again next year, that’s okay. It takes time to change. The important part is that you recognize something about yourself that does need improvement and make a promise to work on it. 

Feast of Fellowship: It’s not far fetched to imagine that even after granted Sapience, some bugs that were regularly preyed upon may have lingering instincts that may make interacting with carnivorous citizens a big nerve wracking. To counter act this, there is a yearly feast where folks are encouraged to share company and food with each other to not only celebrate the bounty from the harvest, but also the fact that many different kinds of bugs worked together to produce it. Spiders, Millipedes, Flies, Moths, ect ect, can all have a feast together and enjoy each other’s company. Takes place after the biggest harvest of the year so there is an abundance of food to go around that can be eaten up fresh before they must be preserved. Entire villages would just have one communal feast where everyone can share and enjoy. In big cities, usually these are more private with friends and colleagues being invited but I wouldn’t put it past a crown funded feast for everyone in the Capital. Citizens that are happy after all, are less likely to cause any trouble when they are busy sleeping off the biggest meal of the year. Lol.

Life Festival: A celebration for those wanting to be parents, those that have children, and those that have parents they love. It’s a day of fond wishes and hopes to be able to have healthy young. Different species have children in different ways, but it all comes down to the same thing, the want to reproduce. The day is spent lighting candles and leaving little offerings in the hopes to become gravid if trying to be. It is also a day for current parents to honor their offspring and be grateful to be blessed with them. Some take this day to grieve and honor any lost children and thank them for being there, even if it was for a short amount of time. Parents to be take the nights to be ‘extra sure’ their wishes will stick, if you know what I mean ;3. It can be rather bittersweet but it is important to many people. Children, however, take the day to honor the parents that gave them life, and there’s usually gift exchanges between parents and children. In general, it’s a celebration of life given and the gratitude of it all. 

Birthdays are dependent on species and specific culture. Some celebrate when the egg actually hatches as a birthday. Some celebrate the day they emerge from their pupa an instar molt as the ‘birthday’. Still, there would be some sort of celebration where a child gets a celebration to mark another year of life. Complete with sweets and presents. It’s a big deal, as bugs before rarely made it past the nymph stage of life. It certainly is something to celebrate. 

Celebration of Flight: For flying species, where the young take their first ritual flight to mark an important moment of their development. Non flying bugs are present as well and participate by offering support to their friends and family taking their first flight without any help. 

Celebration of Weaving: For Spiders to show off their very first silk weavings and crafts and getting the praise they deserve. Primarily a Deepnest holiday. 

Celebration of ____: If a species is known for a thing, you better believe they are going to have a cellebration around it! Digging, rolling, fighting, spitting, climbing, ect ect. There’s so many different kinds of bugs!

Mate Day: Bring your mate offerings so they don’t get cranky and try to bite anyone. Especially you. You better make them feel like the most special bug in existence. 

King/Queen’s Day: Two days at different times of the year to celebrate the King and his lovely tree wife. Queen’s day is in ‘Spring’, and King’s day is ‘Winter’. Think of ‘Captain Picard Day’ in the TNG for the idea. Kids make little dolls and pictures and costumes and run around while parents buy them little King/Queen shaped sweets and participate in events run by the crown. Tours of the Palace take place in order to bring more transparency to the public. Both days would involve charity work depending on the ruler’s taste. Example, the Queen might sponsor a beatification effort by planting flowers and bushes around the kingdom and the King may just ask for groups to go around and clean up litter. Citizen bugs outside the Capital/major cities still would have their own home celebrations, perhaps just saying prayers of thanks or just cleaning around their village. Dolls and plushies are typically sold a lot and it’s not uncommon for children to have at least one doll of either the King, Queen, or both. There is a lottery where any citizen can participate, where winners may go before the Royals without having to fight through normal court to request some sort of help for either themselves or another organization. Royalty and Nobility have a separate feast afterwards, where there is a lot of ass kissing and the monarchs just want to eat their din dins and go the hell to bed please.

Day of Spirits: A day to honor and remember the dead. Offerings are set out for deceased loved ones and graves/memorials are carefully cleaned and put to order. It’s a time to remember those you love that are gone and give them honor by showing that you are continuing to live and remember them. There are usually parties where representations are included so the spirits of those gone are invited to participate in said party. It’s a day for laughter and love, not for grief. It’s said on this day the veil between the living and dead and thin, so you can directly tell your gone loved ones whatever you like and they have the greatest chance of hearing it. 

Honey Festival: All things Honey. The Hive makes SO MUCH GEO during a week long Festival. They may not be part of the Kingdom but boy howdy, does everyone love honey and wax products. 

Remembrance Days: Days to remember any well known person, such as visionaries, inventors, people who generally did a lot of good, and others. Bugs that did a lot of good for bugkind are remembered and honored in their own little celebrations. Usually it means that government offices shut down to give their workers a much needed break. 

OF COURSE: There doesn’t need to be a reason for a celebration. Dances and ‘Ho Down’ style celebrations can spring up for any reason. Some villages have their own little celebration days and all it takes is one person setting up some music and drinks and you got a party.  For moral, it’s common for there to be at least one celebration every ‘month/moon/cycle’ to keep up spirits and have at least a bit of time to relax. 

[skygirl5]

12 Prompts of Christmas - #6 Presents

SIX - Presents

Sipping on his third cup of coffee of the morning, Castle sat patiently on the sofa in his office as he watched his sons squeal with joy as they enjoyed their new Christmas presents. Both wore a Batman helmet that came down just over their eyes, giving them the iconic caped crusader look. The helmets were a bit big and bobbled around on their heads, especially Reese’s, but neither seemed to mind very much. And, of course, they had to get two helmets, because all highly desirable items needed to be duplicated or there would be fighting. At least they’d learned that much in five years.

The boys squealed as they chased each other—Jake after Reese this time—and called out “I am Batman!” in the deepest, gruffest voices they could manage. Sensing he should add a little kerosene to their fire, he stood up and said, “It’s the Joker here, and I’m out to get you Batman!” The boys yelped and ran from the office into the bedroom with Castle nipping at their heels. They circled through the living room area, laughing and screaming as they went, and then finally landed back in the office where they dive-bombed their pile of new comic book figurines.

Castle had really only started introducing them to comics about a year earlier, staring out slow, testing the waters to gauge their interest—and making sure he picked as age-appropriate ones as he could. Though he’d tried not to be bias in any way, Jake had really taken an interest in batman, and of course since Reese seemed to want everything his older-by-three-minutes brother wanted, he decided to like Batman as well. Castle didn’t really care which superhero they chose; he was just so happy to watch them discover and explore new things.

While the boys played with their new Batmobile figurines, Castle finished his coffee and then decided to start picking up some of the toy packaging strewn across the room. He grabbed one of the garbage bags he’d previously set out and then crouched down to pick things up, in doing so felt a pinch in his left hip. He winced, stood upright again, and rubbed it with the flat of his hand. It was the same hip he’d been sitting on that morning as they gathered under the tree to open gifts, so he supposed he might have tweaked something. Everyone had warned him that having young kids in his mid-fifties was never going to be easy, and they were right; it wasn’t, but he wouldn’t have given it up for the world.

After gathering up all he could, he carried the trash bag towards the kitchen, catching a glimpse of Kate and Lily playing with her new American Girl doll and accessories. Kate looked up as he passed and he gave her a wink. She smiled back at him and then lifted up one of her hands to feather through their daughter’s hair.

Their older their children grew, the more interesting the Castle family Christmases became. Well, really, it was just the older the twins became; Lily had always been a relatively calm child. Now that the boys were bigger and louder, they would never have a demure Christmas morning again. In fact, if they managed to get all the kids to only open their own gifts and not slap each other around in the process, it was a win.

Mornings like that one reminded Castle just how starkly different his life was then than it had been when he was growing up. When he’d been a kid, Christmas morning generally didn’t happen, because his mother had been out late performing the night before. That was assuming she was actually home with him and not on tour, which had happened a few times. If she was home, Christmas “morning” was more like Christmas “after lunch”. His mother would get up, sometimes with a paramour in tow, and make coffee and some food. Then they’d sit beneath her plastic, table-top-sized tree and exchange gifts. Not to say that he disliked these days by any means. His mother always made it fun in one way or another. There certainly was no other mother quite like Martha Rodgers. Most importantly: he had always felt very loved and cared for, even if there hadn’t been enough money to buy him more than new underwear and socks and a new book or two.

Castle remembered that he was around the boys’ age when he first started wishing that his father would show up for Christmas. At that point, his knowledge about his father was limited. “He’s not a part of our lives,” was Martha’s token line. He didn’t find out any more details surrounding his conception until he was around thirteen. As a young boy with an unusually creative imagination, Castle had already begun to paint various extravagant scenarios about what his father might have been doing that explained why he couldn’t be a part of their lives. Chief among those ideas were: astronaut, rodeo clown, and spy. Of course, he had no way of knowing at the time, but he’d actually been correct on that last guess.

For most of the year, Castle daydreamed about what activities his father might be up to that kept them apart. Around Christmas, however, those dreams turned to wishes that his father might just show up at their apartment one day around the holidays and they’d be able to hang out. All this friends at school talked about what they did with their fathers and he wanted to experience that too. Sadly, that never came to be. Still, Castle couldn’t be upset, because he knew that he was the man he was because of the fact that he grew up without a father.

With that being said, he was so glad that his younger children were growing up with not only two parents, but many other family members who loved them. Especially for his sons, Castle tried to be a strong male role model who taught them to be kind and gentlemanly even from their young age. He planned to always be there for them and never miss one major event in their life for as long as he lived.

“Daddy!” Jake called out, looking over to his father with his sparkling blue eyes. “Will you play too?” he asked holding up one of the Batmobiles.

Grinning, Castle dropped to his hands and knees and crawled over. He gave Jake a tickle at the back of his neck and the boy giggled happily. “Of course, Jakey—I’ll always play with you. Always.”

~

A/N - this concludes the “canon universe” Christmas fic, but dont worry i still have 6 more prompts to go!!