#and sent my friend a picture of the blue ribbon section

[fangirlxwritesx67]

Surprise Christmas

Sam x Reader, Dean.  1500 words. Rated PG, kissing, everything else is implied This story is a half Christmas present for @idreamofplaid​. Thanks for such a fun theme, my friend! *** You loved a good surprise, and nothing was better than a Christmas surprise. It wasn’t easy to set one up for the Winchesters. For one thing, they hardly stayed in one place long enough to celebrate a holiday. For another, their keen hunter instinct seemed to sniff out every hint of a surprise or anything else unplanned. 

You had been hunting alongside them for a few years. At some point, you and Sam had gotten together, although it wasn’t a very traditional relationship. You fought side by side, drank together, lived and died for one another, and shared beds in rundown hotel rooms. It was what you had, and it was enough. 

Christmas was just around the corner. Growing up, you had always enjoyed all the traditions your family had for the season. The last few years, you hadn’t done any of them. It was hard to observe the various days of advent without candles, books, music - all the beloved bright holiday cheer.

You missed it. More than the trappings of Christmas, you missed the spirit of it. You missed taking time to do something special, time to show the people you loved how much you cared for them. You decided it was time for that to change. This year, you would surprise the boys and find a way to celebrate Christmas. 

Of course, a case took you all on the road in late December. Your plans for a holiday in the bunker had to be scrapped. Not that you would’ve had a magazine picture perfect celebration anyway. But even the simple traditions were now out of the question. 

What did it mean, really, to you and to the Winchesters? When you stripped it down, beyond the candles shiny things and sparking lights, what did Christmas really mean to you?

Family, and celebrating what you had. That was what you settled on. It didn’t matter if you were home or if you were in a shoddy hotel room. 

You drove to the nearest Walmart alone. It was crowded on the day before Christmas Eve. Mothers were shopping frantically, wearily, checking off the last things on their lists. Fathers were distracted, eager, looking for gifts and the things their wives had sent them for. Kids were bouncing around, caught up in the excitement but trying to be good for Santa Claus. 

You headed for the holiday decor section, already stripped bare and marked down. You picked out a few rolls of ribbon and a roll of wrapping paper, a string of lights and a tub of ornaments. You debated but ended up grabbing a bag of cinnamon pinecones. You just couldn’t resist. 

Then you loaded up the cart with food. You were on the road, so no traditional Christmas dinner. You didn’t have a way to cook a chicken, much less a turkey, so you bought thick sliced ham and turkey lunch meat. Thank goodness for vegetables that were prepared and seasoned in steamable microwave bags. You got potatoes, broccoli, and sweet potato fries.  A can of cranberry and a dozen dinner rolls filled out your menu. 

At the last minute, you grabbed an apple cinnamon candle and some hot drink mix, both cocoa and cider. This might not be like any Christmas you had ever had, but at least it would smell and taste familiar. 

You hid your bags in the hotel closet before you went to sleep that night. The next morning, the Winchesters headed out. It didn’t matter that it was Christmas Eve, they were still on a case. They had research to do, after all. You made up an excuse to stay back. 

While they were out, you did your best. You covered the desk with a piece of wrapping paper before hanging the lights on the lamp so they trailed over the desk. You tied ornaments to ribbons and hung them on the wall, on the light, even over the curtains. It wasn’t fancy, but it conveyed the idea. 

You dug into your backpack for the gifts you had brought with you. Two plaid shirts, beef jerky, a couple of bottles of whiskey. For Dean, you had picked up some novelty socks with burgers on them. For Sam, you had the newest book from Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars series. It wasn’t something you were into, but you knew he would appreciate it. 

You wrapped them carefully, using blue plaid paper for Dean and red for Sam, so you didn’t need any labels. You tied on ribbons, not that the boys would care, but you really loved curling the ends. When the gifts were wrapped, you piled them on the desk. The burst of color and light in the otherwise dull hotel room made you happy. 

You also had a new pair of green lacey panties, nothing fancy, but you had been limited to shopping at Walmart. Those you didn’t wrap. You would save those for later. 

Just then, Sam texted you. 

Almost back to the hotel. Need anything?

What you needed was more time to warm up the food, so you had to stall them.

Stop and get some beer for dinner, please. Get the good stuff. It’s Christmas Eve. 

You heard the tramp of two pairs of boots just as the microwave went off for the last bag of vegetables. When Sam pushed open the door, you called out. “Surprise!”

Dean rolled into a fighting stance, while Sam drew his gun. 

You backed up, hands open. “No, boys, it’s not a fight. It’s Christmas.” 

Dean squared his shoulders and nodded. Sam took a moment longer, backed up against the wall. He was breathing hard, his shoulders heaving and his chest doing that huffy thing that you found irresistible. His eyes skipped around the room. 

“Sam,” your voice was soft but you stood still. you knew better than to approach him when he was on the defensive. “It’s okay. It’s just me,” 

Finally, his gaze seemed to settle on you. He sucked in a deep breath and stowed his gun as he held out his hands. There he was, the Sam you knew and loved. You walked towards him and let him gather you into his arms. 

“I'm sorry,” he murmured into your ear. “You startled me.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you, only surprise you.” You looked up at his handsome face, watching understanding dawn in his eyes, before he lowered his mouth and kissed you. You took his hand and led him over to the desk where you had set up the gifts and decorations. Both Winchester’s faces lit up when they saw what you had done. 

“Wow, you did this for us?” Sam said, kissing you again. 

When you pulled apart, Dean patted you on the shoulder. “Thanks.” 

Dean cracked open the can of cranberry sauce and Sam lit the apple cinnamon candle you had placed on top of the TV. They opened cold beers as you dished food onto paper plates. The three of you settled onto the hotel beds to eat, plastic forks in hand. It was the farthest thing you could imagine from a traditional Christmas dinner, but it was perfect. 

When all the food was eaten you handed out the presents you had gotten for the boys. They pretended to complain about the abundance of ribbon, but you knew better. Their voices were warm, their smiles wide. They exclaimed happily over the things you had chosen. 

Then, they surprised you with gifts of your own. Dean had gotten you sunglasses and some Gatorade. Sam bought you more Gatorade, chapstick, and a blue stuffed animal of uncertain origin. You were pretty sure they had done their Christmas shopping at the gas station when they bought beer. You smiled broadly. They had thought of you, that was what mattered. 

Dean clicked on the TV and found a classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. He laid back on his bed while you and Sam settled into yours. The two of you forgot the show as you cuddled together, trading sweet kisses.

“Hang on,” Dean cleared his throat as he stood up. “I think, I need to go, uhm, put gas in Baby.” 

Sam probably waved him out. You didn’t look up to see. 

Once you were alone, you showed Sam the gift you had been saving for him: the green lacey panties under your jeans. He enjoyed them more than anything else you had given him. He flicked off the hotel lights so that your bare bodies were lit by nothing but the Christmas lights.

When both of you were more than satisfied, you tugged on pajamas and slipped under the covers together. You yawned and nuzzled back into his embrace. He sighed contentedly and pulled you in close for a soft kiss.  

The apple cinnamon candle was the only light in the room when Dean came back in. He took off his boots as he settled onto his bed. 

“Merry Christmas, you two.” he whispered. 

“Merry Christmas,” Sam answered, the last thing you heard as you drifted off to sleep.  *** SPN First Last and Always: @boondoctorwho @dawnie1988 @deanwanddamons @defenderrosetyler @divadinag @emoryhemsworth @fookinghelljensensthighs @idreamofplaid @kalesrebellion @kickingitwithkirk @maddiepants @magssteenkamp @onethirstyunicorn   @there-must-be-a-lock @tloveswriting Sam Girl For Life: @awesomesusiebstuff @lilsylvia @winchesterxfamilybusiness

[soprano193]

Not a Couple

Chapter 4

Constance:

"Maura, no!" Her cry made her seven-year-old jump, her hand rapidly retreating from the still hot curling iron that rested on the bathroom counter. "What are you thinking? Do you want to hurt yourself?"

Maura's eyes welled up, her hands knotted in front of her stomach. "I wanted my hair to look like yours." Her head fell, her eyes looking at the floor. It made Constance's heart break.

Walking forward, she attempted to soften her tone, plugging in the curling iron and tapping her child on the shoulder. "Next time, just ask for help." It was more blunt than she meant, but in the long run, was a lesson Maura needed to learn. "I would be happy to help you curl your hair like mine." The iron on a low heat setting, she wrapped a section of honey blonde hair around the barrel. Maura's hair curled easier than hers, so it didn't take long for her to have loose ringlets bouncing on her shoulders. Maura was quiet the entire time Constance fiddled with her hair, her hands tapping a rhythm on the sides of her legs. When Constance was satisfied, she turned Maura towards her, twirling the last ringlet around her finger. "All done. Now go pick out a dress."

Maura's hands came up to touch the navy blue strap of her mother's dress. "Is this what you're wearing?"

"Yes. Now go pick out your dress, we don't have much time." This spurred the young girl into action, and she dashed from the bathroom, her feet hitting the floor with a heavy thud as she ran down the hall.

As Maura frantically dressed, Constance switched over her purse and spoke on the phone with the gallery director, apologizing for the need to bring her daughter. "She is very well behaved, you won't even notice she is there." The woman on the other end seemed annoyed, but consented to the added person. As if Constance had any control over the nanny falling ill, or her husband's busy schedule. She yelled down the hall for her daughter one last time. "Maura! We need to leave, now!"

"Coming, Mother!" After a few moments, the young girl appeared in a navy blue dress of her own, and little pink heels. Her dress had short sleeves, and buttons down the front, but the color matched Constance's almost exactly.

"Maura, dear, what happened to your black shoes?"

The you girl's shoulders dropped and she shuffled her feet. "They don't fit. I know I don't match." It was futile to ask her to put on a pink dress instead. She wanted to match her mother, not her shoes, and they were running late.

Constance let out a sigh, but beckoned her daughter to come closer. "Regardless, we don't have time for you to change. Come along." Her daughter grinned, and clomped along behind her, reaching a hand out to walk with her mother.

Art installations always put Constance out of her mind. There was a lot going on, many people to talk to, pieces to sell, and she always seemed to lose track of time. Thankfully, Maura managed to stay close, always within reach, yet silent for the most part. She had always been a shy child, and large groups of strangers could make her anxious. So she stayed close to the one person she knew, and focused on the art pieces she could see.

When the event started to die down, Constance placed her hands on Maura's shoulders and looked up at the piece she was admiring. It almost reached the ceiling, with splatters of red, green, and orange prominently featured. "What do you think of this one, dear?"

The girl leaned back into her mother. "I like it."

"Why?"

There was a moment of silence before she answered. "The colors. They make me happy."

Before Constance could answer, someone walked behind them and tapped her on the shoulder. "Can I get a photo for the newspaper?"

Both of them turned, Constance nodding in the affirmative before walking towards better lighting. "Of course. Maura, stand right there for a moment, dear."

The photographer flashed a soft smile and addressed the girl, who tried her best to put on a brave face as she stood alone. "Hi, sweetie. Do you want to be in the picture with your Mom?" Maura nodded, but waited for her mother to hold out her hands. Constance knelt down and put her arm around Maura's back, careful not to crush her curls. "Beautiful!" The photographer gushed as she sapped a few photos. "Beautiful like your Mama."

"You think I look like her?" The seven year old beamed, turning to face her mother with excitement.

"Absolutely. You even dressed alike." The photographer grinned as she lowered her camera. "I used to dress like my Mom, too." She turned her attention to Constance. "I can get one of just you, if you'd like."

"I think what you have will do. Thank you." She rubbed her hand in circles on Maura's back, who was still beaming from the photographer's compliment.

"She said I look like you, Mom." Her body thrummed with energy. She didn't hear it too often. Most often they guessed that Maura must take after her father, when in reality, she didn't look like him either.

Constance twirled a loosening ringlet around her fingers, meeting Maura's eyes with pride. "She did." She took her daughter's hand in hers. "It's time to head home."

"You aren't usually the type for nostalgia, Connie." Her husband's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, the newspaper clipping of her and a young Maura dropping back into the box. He sat at the table next to her, picking up a picture at random. "I don't remember this one." He passed it over to her, looking for an explanation. Here, Maura was around four, a handful of weeds in her hands, the strap of her yellow dress falling off her shoulder.

"I don't remember this one, either." It pained her to admit it, but she didn't remember a lot of the photos that were currently spread on their dining room table. "I think that the Nanny might have taken this." She moved the photo to the left and picked up another. Maura with bulky safety glasses on, her Halloween costume when she was nine. She laughed as she passed it to Arthur, making a note to put it aside.

"I don't remember this either." His voice was quiet as he sat it down.

"You aren't the only one that missed her life, Arthur." She picked up another unrecognizable picture, with a two-year-old Maura dancing toward the camera. "But we can be there for her now." She reached for that picture with the safety goggles, placing it in a small pile with similar photos.

"So what brought all this on?" Arthur had started gathering piles of photos, leaning back in the dining room chair as he looked at each one.

"Maura's friend, Jane, sent me an email. She needs pictures of Maura as a child, with a preference for 'especially geeky and sciency pictures, please'. I think she said something about a slideshow for a party." Jane was a frequent subject as she worked on reconnecting with her daughter. Maura was always describing some new joke Jane told, or filling her in on the latest Jane gossip. It was clear the woman was a big part of their daughter's life. "You would like Jane, I think. She's very direct, a straight shooter, but very protective and understanding of Maura. They're a good fit." She grabbed her husband's hand, shot him a knowing glance, and pulled the photo of Maura with a ribbon from the science fair off the top of his pile.

It seemed to take a moment for Arthur to get it, but when he did, his eyes widened and he lowered his pile of pictures. "Wait. You don't think…"

"I do."

His brows furrowed as he processed the information. "But she never showed any indication that she might be interested in females."

Constance let out a breath as she picked up her own pile. "I'm not sure that's true." At his puzzled expression, she continued. "Do you remember when Maura came home for her first Thanksgiving break? We were all sitting for dinner, and Maura was going on and on about Biology." She could picture it perfectly, Arthur at the head of the table with a journal open as they ate, while she tried to dab at a cranberry stain on the front of her shirt. Maura was looking in Arthur's direction as she spoke. "She was rattling off facts about all the species they had seen homosexual relationships in. Mammals, birds, fish, she had an example for just about everything. And I made a mistake." Arthur raised his eyebrows, his pile lowering completely as he gave her his full attention. "I asked her what she was trying to tell us. And it came out so harsh, I think she thought we wouldn't approve." Maura protected herself the only way she knew how. She shut down the topic, moving to something else, refusing to be swayed. "I have found out from a source that Maura experimented in college, and she may not have hated it."

"Is that source Jane?"

This made Constance chuckle. "No, Jane doesn't tell me anything Maura doesn't want me to know. Jane's mother told me."

"Wait, how does Jane's mother fit into all of this?"

Constance put her pile of photos down, focusing on her husband. "Angela lives with Maura. They have a good relationship." A relationship she was envious of. But she was trying to do better. "Every time I see her, I try to drop hints about how open-minded I can be, but she isn't picking up on them."

This had Arthur laughing, his baritone bouncing off the walls. "You can't drop hints with Maura, Connie. You have to ask her directly."

"Well how do you suggest I do that? 'Angela told me about your ex-girlfriend, Sam, and now I want to talk with you about her?'"

"Sam?" He stopped laughing, eyes wide, and grabbed her hand. "She talked about Sam, I remember that."

"She talked about Sam in very gender neutral terms. And then stopped, probably whenever they broke up."

They both took some time to take it all in. Constance started putting the photos she wasn't sending Jane back into the box. Arthur's voice made her pause. "Has she dated other women since then? I feel like I've heard about a few guys."

"I don't know."

Arthur started adding photos to the box, looking at a few of them along the way. "What makes you think she is interested in Jane that way?"

She took her time to answer, thinking about what she had noticed as they worked toward rebuilding their relationship. "Well, she trusts Jane completely. And they understand each other. Both drop everything for each other, Maura even cancelled a night out with me because Jane needed her. And you know what I learned from that Thanksgiving night all those years ago?"

"I think you'll tell me."

"I learned how to listen to Maura. Really listen. To watch her face when she talks, to figure out the meaning behind her words. And I'm telling you, she has deep feelings for Jane."

Her husband was silent, holding onto the last picture, his eyes fixated on the young woman speaking at her high school graduation. "So what's the next step?"

"Keep up with her, regain her trust. I hope one day she can talk to me the same way she can talk to Angela, or Jane." Arthur regarded her answer with a nod of his head. He rose from the table and walked toward the front door. "Where are you going?"

He returned a half minute later with his briefcase, and pulled his phone out of the side pocket. "I'm going to reach out. I want to be around when she tells you."

Maura didn't answer. She hadn't spoken to Arthur in years, and never wanted to talk to Constance about it. But he was making an effort, as was she. It gave her some hope that their relationship would mend along the way.

[plumquot-blog]

The Works of Khaled Mattawa, Part 1

HISTORY OF MY FACE

My lips came with a caravan of slaves

That belonged to the Grand Sanussi. In Al-Jaghbub he freed them. They still live in the poor section of Benghazi Near the hospital where I was born.

They never meant to settle In Tokara those Greeks Whose eyebrows I wear --then they smelled the wild sage And declared my country their birthplace.

The Knights of St. John invaded Tripoli. The residents of the city Sought help from Istanbul. In 1531 The Turks brought along my nose.

My hair stretches back To a concubine of Septimus Severus. She made his breakfast, Bore four of his sons.

Uqba took my city In the name of God. We sit by his grave And I sing to you:     Sweet lashes, arrow-sharp,     Is that my face I see     Reflected in your eyes?

                       *

A train whistle and I cling to handlebars as though it were my last chance at birth. In the cabin my thoughts stutter no further than the window, never penetrating the glass. Why did I go see her village? Buffalo carcasses floating on channels and channels suffocating with water hyacinths. Pot bellied grain boats stranded and a boy sleeping on deck, flies swarm his thin face. She lived beside the train tracks. She lived and played and waited for the caboose to shake her home. And the musty smell of the cow stall and the mule, a depository of rage and affection, a whole family of angry kicks, and the boy called to piss on its wound. They waited for the train, for the day to slip like a shovel in the metallic taste of dirt. Weddings and feasts-- oboes and clarinets drift to nearby villages beckoning guests and pariah dogs. And the meals of lentils and rice, the head of a calf hung above the day, a charm, and proof nothing was spared. But who ate its heart and tongue? No one knows.

                       *

We are not in a valley. Cow bells in the afternoon. We are not looking at a river. Fishing boats, miles of nets. We are in a London mall. "Like a mouse in the Pasha's storeroom," she is astounded by the choices, filling bags with dresses and cheap shoes. Her neighbors Her extending tribe. Then she sees the toddler, blue eyes, blonde curls, picks it up, a flurry of kisses and hugs, and God bless and God protect, the father--enraged-- rushing toward her pulling the baby from her embrace-- his face a universal sign of disgust. On the train, her bags at her feet, she is dejected and wants to go home. She turns to me. But I have no pity to give.

                       *

The road a ribbon paralleling the railway, stitches on the desert floor. She rides west now and now is then. Before the cramped resorts. Before the road swelled, shoulders pockmarked by watermelon stalls. And confetti. Millions of black plastic bags. Hollow crows. No, no, I was not the child who wept Let us go back, the one who was laughed at for years. She rides west now in a van, two daughters at her side. They see the train and drive beside it for hours. And for hours the children wave at strangers and strangers wave back at them. After Marsa Matrouh they crane their necks searching for it until someone remembers that at Marsa Matrouh the railway ends.

On her wedding day my sister kissed my cheek and begged me not to grow. It talked to her yesterday on the phone. She said she shows the picture to her children and tells them when I was her slave I ran away aboard a ship to Marseilles. From there I was sent to the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. They gave me to Columbus who traded me for gold to the Indians.

But the Indians had no us for me; they needed neither angels nor slaves. She tells them I live on a street with 22 churches and a synagogue. On Rossville Boulevard I pawned my wings for rent money, and now I man store where poor black women buy their groceries and they pay me with "Sugar," "Darling," "Honey bun."

                       *

Summer, the only time children saw the moon. My father and his friends chat, their white robes, silver flags rippling in the dark.

                       *

In May my mother breaks a twig from our largest fig. She licks the milky sap, the more bitter the taste the sweeter the crop.

                       *

Mosquitoes pop on bedroom walls, white paint freckled with blood.

                       *

Under the grapevine shed my mother roasts ears of corn. Beside her tea water boiling on a charcoal stove. Late afternoon I climb to pick. Clusters. Blue feet, hundreds of toes.

                       *

The gardener stopped drinking coffee. We were alarmed. Serving him tea, we asked about his health. He joined the army one spring. The peppers died, the spinach, parsley, and mint.

                       *

New neighbors moved in. An old couple, seven daughters and a dog. They gave us a puppy, a bitch. We fed her meat from a can. Hungry, she mauled my mother's chicks. Then fled.

                       *

An olive tree bears no fruit the year its owner dies. My grandfather died and a gardener brought a basket. He shook the tree; he shook. Two nests fell with broken blue shells.

http://www.webdelsol.com/mattawa/km-part1.htm

[samuelmmarcus]

Florida Home with a Cottage Farmhouse Twist

  Hello, my friends! How are you doing today? I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. It’s supposed to be sunny around here (hallelujah!!!) and I am hoping to get out and go for a walk on the beach.

Talking about the beach, I am hoping you guys are enjoying my coastal-inspired posts this week. I am a big fan of modern farmhouse but if you’ve read the blog for awhile, you probably know that my heart beats a little faster for coastal interiors. This is why I was so grateful when Lisa Michael of Lisa Michael Interiors, LLC sent this stunning project to be shared with you today.

The Florida home has the best of the coastal and farmhouse worlds because its interior is a true integration of traditional and classic coastal elements with a cottage farmhouse twist. The home was renovated by the former homeowners prior to purchase by these clients in February of 2016. This was a full interior decorating project with finish changes in the kitchen, as well as a custom designed built in for the office. Finish changes were also made to the fireplace by adding Italian black Chicago brick. Beadboard was added in the guest bedroom and many other details which you will see during the post.

The home was fully decorated by Lisa Michael of Lisa Michael Interiors, LLC.

  Interior Design Ideas: Florida Home with a Cottage Farmhouse Twist

“The front door was painted a warm black, and custom copper black painted lanterns were added for a quintessential coastal feel. The back of the home features black and white striped awnings, and a pool, as well as dockage for their fishing boats. Paint color is Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron.” – Lisa Michael.

Chairs: here & here – similar

Outdoor Lighting: here – similar

Beautiful Outdoor Pillows: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Square Footage: 4157 sqft

Bedrooms: 4

Bathroms: 4

Entry

“In the entry, we added a concrete mirror with rust rivets. In order to accommodate the mirror, we cut into the bead board to be able to hang the mirror at the proper height. The result is a mirror that looks integrated and finished in the space.” – Lisa Michael

Console is by Steven Shell from Marie Antoinette – Local store in North Palm Beach, FL.

Mirror: Made Goods Stanley Mirror – concrete with rust rivets – Other Mirrors: here, here, here, here & here.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

The floors were existing in the house – similar here.

Great Room

“The home is situated on a waterfront lot and features an expansive great room that includes a living room, dining space, and game table.” – Lisa Michael.

Wall Color: Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore.

Sofas: Lee Industries in Charcoal Herringbone Lucas Gray (Client owned, designer has new covers made) – similar here & here.

Coffee Table: Custom Driftwood table with Glass Top (Local store) – Available through the designer –  similar here & here.

 Chairs: CR Laine Bradstreet, Fabric by Kravet – available through the designer.

China Cabinet: Client Owned, hand-refinished in Antique White with Black glazing and black interior.

Rug: Custom Braided blue jeans rug – available through the designer – Other Beautiful Rug: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Throw Pillows: Custom

Fireplace

“The fireplace at the center of the great room was originally a cream marble. To freshen it up and add a sense of history we added an Italian black Chicago brick in a herringbone pattern, and white painted Chicago brick for the surround and hearth.” – Lisa Michael

Chandelier

Chandelier: Currey & Co. – similar here.

Galvanized Olive Bucket: Antique – similar here.

Bar

The Great Room opens to a cozy bar custom bar with extensive millwork. Bar paint color is Benjamin Moore 840 Kensington Blue.

Artwork: Custom artwork by Artist Michael Kahn Photography in Sepia tones – Others: here.

Table: Tritter Feefer, custom – similar here & here.

Wicker Chairs: Local store – similar here, here & here.

Dining Room

“This home features extensive millwork. Ship lap, bead board, moldings, casings and custom built ins that add immense character and charm to this home. Sloped tongue and groove ceilings with exposed wood beams add architectural detail, warmth, and a coziness.” – Lisa Michael.

A custom built-in buffet separates the dining area from the kitchen.

Chandelier: Custom – available through the designer.

Dining Table: Somerset Bay – Other Beautiful Dining Tables: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Dining Chairs

The side chairs are Somerset Bay – Other Beautiful Dining Chairs: here, here, here & here.

Wingback Chairs: Lee Industries with custom fabric in Vervain – Charvin on Linen 02 – available through the designer – Similar: here.

Trim Paint Color

The trim and built-ins are painted in a soft white paint color, Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, which beautifully contrasts with the dark walls, in Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron.

Kitchen

“In the kitchen, we painted the existing white island a steel blue. Cabinets are in Benjamin Moore White Dove.” – Lisa Michael

The kitchen island features a Cherry butcher block island countertop.

Kitchen Island Paint Color

The island paint color is Benjamin Moore Abyss.

Lighting: Currey & Co (Discontinued) – similar here – Others: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Counterstools: RH – Other Beautiful Counterstools: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Accent Tile

“Over the range, we added hand painted Carrara tiles with picture moldings.”

Range Tile: Stone Impressions, Sanza Collection – Other Beautiful Tiles: here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Marble

We  installed Carrara marble countertops and a 2×4 Carrara subway tile.

Backsplash: here, here & here – similar

Sink: Rohl – Others: here & here – similar

Faucet: Rohl – Others: here, here & here.

Cabinet Hardware: Existing – similar Pulls & Latches.

Beautiful Pitchers: here, here, here, here & here.

Home Office

The office features Ralph Lauren sailboat wallcovering and custom boathouse inspired built in cabinets and desk.

Wallpaper: Kravet Ralph Lauren Sailboat Wallpaper – available through the designer – similar here & here.

Lighting: Visual Comfort, Large – similar here & here (smaller).

Accessories: Lisa Michael

Paint Color

Cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore White Dove.

Sconces: Visual Comfort Yoke Suspended Sconce – Bronze with Bronze Shade.

Desk Chair: RH (Discontinued)  – Others: here, here, here, here, here & here.

TV Room

This cozy tv room features a combination reclaimed shiplap and tongue and groove wall paneling.

Sectional: Existing from Ethan Allen – Others: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Coffee Table: Existing from Ethan Allen –  Others: here, here, here & here.

Console Table: Tritter Feefer – available through the designer.

Pillows & Decor: HomeGoods

Staircase

“In the stairwell, we designed and ordered a custom Roger Oates stair runner from London.” – Lisa Michael

Wallcoring: Phillip Jeffries Canvas Linens 8061 Marble – available trough the designer – Others: here & here.

Pendant Lighting: Currey & Co – similar here.

Country-Cottage Bedroom

I absolutely love when I see a space where creativity is evident. This cozy bedroom is unique and inviting.

Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries Japanese Woven Jute Cream – available through the designer.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Duvet: Custom, Fabric by Schumacher – available through the designer.

Bed: Client owned – similar: here.

Art: WJC Design (Intaglios) – available through the designer.

Red Baseboard Paint Color

Beadboard Paint Color: Benjamin Moore 2084-20 Maple Leaf.

Bedding: Bedspread & cream shams & sheets: Annie Selke

Green Lamp: Antique

Side Tables: English Farmhouse Furniture – similar: here & here – Beautiful knobs: here & here.

Rug: Custom, sisal ABC Carpet and Home – similar here, here & here.

Boy’s Bedroom

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore 997 Baja Dunes.

Bed, Dresser, Nightstand: English Farmhouse Furniture – Similar: Bed, Nightstand & Dresser.

Butterfly Leather Chair: Wayfair

Table Lamp – Barn Light

Oars: Local store – similar here.

Lake House Pillow: Wayfair.

Bedding: Tommy Hilfiger – similar here.

Rug: Client Owned – similar here.

Fish Decor: Client’s gift to her son.

Kids Bathroom with Window-seat

This is one of my favorite kids bathrooms I have ever shared on Home Bunch! How great is the idea of having a window-seat with storage between the vanities?! This idea deserves a pin!

Bench Cushion & Pillows: Custom, available through the designer.

Cabinetry: Existing

Mirrors: Wayfair

Faucets: Rohl

Sinks: Kohler

Flooring: here – similar

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is Thibaut Wallpaper T5758 Bahamas – available through the designer – Other Fun Wallpaper Ideas: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Coastal Farmhouse Kids Bedroom

Wall Color: Benjamin Moore 1474 Cape May Cobblestone.

Bed: English Farmhouse Furniture – Others: here, here & here.

Bedding: Serena & Lily (highly recommended bedding).

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom suite is the only living space on the 2nd floor.

Bed: English Farmhouse Furniture – Similar: here.

Bench: Antique with custom cushion – Others: here. Pillows: Anne Selke.

Paint Color

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-17 White Dove

Linens: Kerry Cassil from ABC Carpet & Home – Others: here, here & here.

Chandelier: Ro Sham Beaux

Rug: here – similar

Chaise

Chaise is Lee Industries in Schumacher matlesse fabric – available through the designer.

Make-up Vanity

The make-up vanity and chair are antiques, refinished in Benjamin Moore White Dove and hand-painted blue accents.

Master Bathroom

The master bathroom features white shiplap and it feels very serene. Paint color is Benjamin Moore White Dove.

Roman Shades: Custom in Kravet Ribbon Embroidered linen fabric.

Chandelier: Ro Sham Beaux – similar here, here, here & here.

Tub: here.

Stool: Pier 1

Flooring: here – similar

  Project Goals: “I was originally hired to decorate the home utilizing the existing furniture. The clients wanted a coastal farmhouse feel with a Nantucket vibe. It became apparent that in order to achieve the feel they wanted, more changes then anticipated were going to need to be made. We were able to honor their traditional side, while integrating transitional elements as well. The result is a cozy and comfortable home with character and loads of charm.” – Lisa Michael

  Many thanks to the interior designer for sharing all of the details above.

Interior Design: (Instagram – Facebook).

Photography: Jessica Glynn Photography.

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Long Beach, California, Home Design.

Top 5 Affordable Ways to Update your Home.

Florida Beach House Interior Design.

Home Bunch’s Top 5: Cabinet Paint Colors.

Tailored Interiors.

2019 New Year Home Tour.

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Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

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[runawayfridays]

The WINGS Tour in Manila

By Jen

Episode III: The Wings Tour in Manila Day 2, happened on May 7th of 2017, the day when BTS snatched my wig with their live performances. AGAIN. It’s almost 2 months now since they stopped here in the Philippines for their tour, and every time I see updates from their tour in every country they went to, I can’t help myself but to reminisce and go back to that day through looking at the photos and fancams I took at the concert.

I still remember, with arms both raised up high, army bomb on the left and phone on the right. I screamed my lungs out as Bangtan heat up the MOA Arena once again. I guess, if that day wasn’t really that special, I don’t think I’d still be able to write this fanaccount up until now. Well, that’s PCD (Post Concert Depression) for the longest time. Seeing them live for the 3rd time didn’t make that concert experience less exciting. In fact, I was more hyped to see them again that time. Maybe because they happened to be here on my birthday. And another reason would be because I was blessed to be picked for the pulp royalty, giving me the privilege to attend the sound check and see them practice their songs and interact with us, ARMYs, in their casual clothes. Though, my PR experience would be a lot more exciting if I could just take Rej and Erika with me and be in the same section as well. Too bad, I can just hope that we can share this experience again together next time.

So, going back to The Wings Tour in Manila Day 2, here’s how my concert experience went..(according to how I still remember, LOL) Though birthday presents are usually wrapped in colorful gift wrappers and some were with big ribbons, mine came in dashing outfits and cool hairstyles. And I couldn’t ask for more. I swear they all looked so good. I mean, yes I saw them already before but it was all different this time.

THE SOUND CHECK

After the long wait at the PR strapping, our battle preparation(A.K.A stuffing our tummies with food),sending me off at the gate entrance, lining up at the lobby and meeting new friends(Hi Princess, Christine, Lauren, and Karla!), it is finally time to see BTS! We were assisted to enter one side of the arena and locate the best spot for the activity. 

Then, it started. My eyes were so full I didn’t know who to focus on as they come out one by one, but Namjoon took my attention with his flashy neon colored hoodie that he later on posted on their twitter account as his Kim Daily entry. He was so cute wearing that beanie and flashing his deep dimples. It was so deep I could fill it with water and dive in there. 

The first song they sang was Baepsae, and I immediately missed Erika coz this was our jam. So, with her in mind, I jammed and danced to Baepsae not minding other people around me. But then my attention was caught by a very good looking, even in his bare-face, Kim Seokjin, wearing an oversized hoodie. And, I must say, the word HANDSOME was written in bold-capital letters all over his face.

The second song was Dope, and again, I jammed all the way as the boys are roaming around the stage meeting their ARMYs from different sides. I still remember, it was his part when Min Yoongi went in front of us. Wearing a black cap, black shirt and black pants, his milky white skin is glowing and it's so blinding. On the other hand, Jeon Jungkook in specs and oversized white shirt was so manly yet adorable. And I can't help myself to squeal. But then, Park Jimin came to my side just as I was singing and dancing. He was as if memorizing every face in front of him. He just can’t stop staring at us. So, I stared back and tried to lock eyes with him but he's just so sexy in those black sunglasses, making me throw him lots of hearts in different forms.

Talking about sexy, did I already mention Kim Taehyung being so sexy, even while wearing a face mask, in a beret, dark blue long sleeved shirt and his favorite red pants? I still remember the way he just stood there in front of me, and wiggled his eyebrows. I swear, that was the sexiest thing he did that night. The memory was still clear to me until now. And of course how can I also forget how manly and sexy Jung Hoseok in specs, black cap, black shirt and black shorts? I think that was the longest jhooope I ever screamed. He's just so ughhh. 

The last song they rehearsed was 21st Century Girls, and again I missed my girls outside and wished I could dance with them as well, but at least my new found friends are there to join me dance to the song while raising our hands up. If I could just take a photo to share this to Erika and Rej but too bad, phones weren’t allowed inside. Although three songs weren’t enough to feed us, ARMYs, it is enough to make us more hyped for the concert itself. Wooo~

EPISODE III: THE WINGS TOUR

After the sound check we were given a quick break to catch our breaths, take a pic with our new found friends, drink some water, go to the rest room and ready ourselves to be blown away again by BTS. But of course, I also used this quick break to call my girls and share my feels and check if they were already lining up outside. It was so quick that the next thing I knew was that I was already inside the arena again, clinging onto that barrier and gawking at how close I was at the stage. Never mind the pushing and tight space, what's important for me that time was that I.AM.SO.CLOSE.

As the arena is being filled with ARMYs, my excitement rises until the lights were all out signaling the start of the show. And everyone, including me, were screaming and waving our hands and light sticks. This was the moment we've all been waiting for. So I sent a quick text to Erika and Rej saying how close I was and to enjoy the show.

So, dim the lights, play intro VCR, music cue, and drop the white curtain… Not Today, Am I Wrong, Baepsae, Dope

The white curtain falls just as Namjoon deliver his lines from Not Today, and everyone inside the arena went wild joining Bangtan in saying the line Chong, Jeojun, Balsa! This song was really perfect for the opening act. It definitely hyped up my soul. After a quick ment, welcoming the ARMYs, Not Today was then followed by Am I Wrong, Baepsae and Dope. And, I just cant with the feels!

After heating up the stage with powerful choreographies, they proceeded with their solo stages...

BEGIN The solo stages started with the golden maknae impressing all the ARMYs with his footwork and vocals in his own song Begin. I wasn’t really expecting that they prepared a choreo for this song. Just listening to Jungkook delivering the lyrics to this song is already something, but seeing him sing and dance to this song is totally a package I cannot complain and refuse.

LIE Next up is sexy mochi Jimin, performing his song Lie while oozing with sexiness. He dances gracefully even while wearing a blindfold. I was surprised that he even managed to add a lifting in his choreo!

FIRST LOVE Then the piano appears, a sign that it is Yoongi’s turn. His stage is really amazing, just him on the piano doing his thing, rapping his swag out of his heart and piercing through mine.

REFLECTION I still remember how Namjoon pointed his mic to us, ARMYs, while performing his song Reflection just so he could let us shout “Kim Namjoon! Saranghae!”. It was so loud that it really echoes inside the whole arena.

STIGMA Just as RapMon exits through the telephone booth propped at the stage, Kim Taehyung comes out so manly in a glittery coat and sings his self-written song, Stigma. In front of the mic stand, he belted out his most awaited high note. For this song, I just had to stay still to listen to him reach that high note and I was not disappointed. Also, it just made his stage even sexier with that black and white effect on the screen. HIS OVERALL PERFORMANCE WAS JUST SO SEXY!

MAMA For Hoseok’s stage, I, again, screamed the longest jhooope I ever screamed v2.0. I really enjoyed J-hope’s stage for MAMA. With, those back-up dancers accompanying him on the extended stage, he led the whole crowd in singing, dancing and clapping to the a Capella part of his song. I really got goosebumps when I thought he was gonna cry in that part but instead, he flashed his proud smile. And with his baby pictures flashing on the big LED screen, he ended his stage with me having a big bright smile on my face.😃

AWAKE Jin, being the last to perform his solo track, didn’t also disappoint the many ARMYs, including me of course, who sang passionately with him. Just like him, his stage is a true definition of beauty. And that high note with so much emotions while he was being lifted as if he was gonna spread his wings and fly, with glitter-like confetti falling from the ceiling, was the highlight of his performance. I almost asked myself if that is how heaven looked like.

For The Wings Tour, BTS didn’t only prepared solo stages, they also came armed with unit stages that most of the ARMYs looked forward to witness…

LOST The first unit to showcase their prepared performance was the Vocal Line. Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook went up the stage to perform their song Lost. Surprised by the choreography, I found myself literally lost in that moment while absorbing every lyrics of the song. I’ve been wanting to see them perform this song live, and now that all that I have was the memory of me shouting out the words of the song, which is the same exact words I really do wanted to shout to the whole world, all that I can do was to wish to go back to that moment and get lost again.

CYPHER PT.4 How could I even forget the unit stage of our Rap Line, Rap Monster, Suga, and J-Hope? Cypher pt.4 was my most awaited performance that night. Dressed in those fancy robes and sunglasses, they didn’t failed to hyped me up with their performance. It was so lit! I was jumping while shouting the lines “Sorry Bae!” and tried to rap with them. Oh, how I wish I was able to bop to this song with Erika and Rej. 

Other than the unit stages, Bangtan also performed ARMYs’ all-time-favorite hits…

I NEED U, SAVE ME, FIRE These three songs with killer dance routine is definitely a must watch in their concert. When I Need U started to play, I suddenly felt emotional while remembering the time they sang this as their last song for their Epilogue concert. It was the exact same song from a year ago, but with different feels and a new memory. (TRIVIA: I Need U is BTS’s first win on a music show and they won this on the exact date of my birthday.) And, if someone would ask me to list BTS’s best choreographies for their songs, Save Me would be a permanent on my list. J-hope’s “Whoop whoop!” part would always be my favorite. Talking about best choreographies, Fire, would also be in my list. They just took synchronicity, energy and coolness to a whole new level! Defining the lines, “Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot! Hotter!”, they literally burned me with feels that night.

THE MEDLEY (N.O., NO MORE DREAM, BOY IN LUV, DANGER, RUN) Hot, sexy, and wild. Yes, those were the right words to describe this stage. I never knew I needed a medley and a live band version of these songs until that night. I just lost it all when they huddled up at the center and bounce to the intro of N.O.

The crowd went wild when they started to go in different directions. I still remember how Taehyung walked coolly to our side, my heart started beating so fast and I was already trying to catch my breath. I started to panic more when all the members came one after the other. They were just being so rude the whole performance, body rolling, hip thrusting and body waving in front of us. And, I am so lucky to be so close and experience all of that first hand.

The song switched then to No More Dream, and the screaming just got louder. I froze on my spot with my jaw hanging wide open when I realize how close I was to them. So close, that I could actually see the color of Hoseok’s contacts and his sharp jaw that cuts through my soul. I could even poke Jimin’s cheeks if would reach onto him. It was so fluffy, I thought I was gonnna die! And, how could I even forget Jungkook nailing his rap part in this song while bopping with full energy? Gosh, he looked so hot. The chorus came as well as Rapmon went to our side, proving his dancing skills, while doing the “La La Lalala” part while holding his mic up in the air with a satisfied smile on his face.

It just got hotter when they gathered up at the center and started dancing to Boy In Luv, the fanchants were so loud, and the lines “Wae nae mameul heundeuneun gondae..” was ringing in my ears. It went on like this just as the song changed to Danger. And finally, the last song for this medley, Run. They all started running around the stage and jumping in excitement. I was still in awe and couldn’t believe that they were really in front of me. And, that’s when Jin came with a bottled water in his hand and started showering us. The fact that I felt that cold water sprinkling on my face, proved that everything is really happening. I got back to my senses when gold confetti blasted up in the air signaling the end of this segment. It wouldn’t be called The Wings Tour if they won’t perform the hottest songs from their WINGS album so…

21ST CENTURY GIRL, BOY MEETS EVIL, BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS Excitement rushed through my body when I heard 21st Century Girl started to play. This song is really my jam. The choreo was so sexy yet cute and adorable. And, with Taehyung at the center, I started to grin from ear to ear as I watched the dance break part.😁 

After having fun with that song, the lights went off and the spotlight was suddenly on J-Hope. And, he started to dance to his Intro: Boy Meets Evil. I wasn’t able to stop myself from joining him do a body wave while singing the lines “Too bad..But it’s too sweet..” They continued on to perform Blood, Sweat and Tears. And, I got goosebumps all over my body. Band versions would always be the best. And, of course, the super sexy choreo that I just witnessed that night could not be easily erased from my memory.

Of course, they weren’t just dancing and singing all through out the concert. There were VCRs prepared for the ARMYs. There’s this one VCR that really stood out. It was supposed to be the supplementary story of this whole trilogy. The VCR that would end all the theories and confusions of every ARMY. But, how could anyone try to concentrate in watching when they’re, first, so handsome in that VCR. And, second, when it was translated to Filipino? I swear, I wasn’t able to understand a single thing coz I find it so hilarious!

It wasn’t just the VCR that is in Filipino, even in their talks/ments, all the members tried communicating to Philippine ARMYs in Filipino. I can’t stop laughing while listening to Taehyung asking us the questions, in his robot-like accent, “Ang bilis ng oras diba? Sana hindi na matapos itong concert na ito. Kayo din ba? Kayo din ba? Kayo din ba? Maraming salamat sa pagpunta. Mahal ko kayo.” How could I also forget the derp faces he did in front of the camera?😂 Suga, on the other hand, translated his oh so famous line “Kkaepjjang” to Filipino, saying PH ARMYs were “Magaling!” while doing a thumbs up. Being the cheesy maknae he is, Jungkook, told us that “Gusto ko lagi tayo magkasama”. And me, being the sentimental fan, went all “awww”  after he stated those lines. Meanwhile, I still remember how Jimin made me cringe when he asked us if we liked their performance and when we answered yes, he quickly added the question “talaga ba?” with that cute smile. I just wanted to squish him at that moment! The cheesiness and cringing didn’t just stopped there, it continued on when Jin suddenly shouted “gigil nyo si akooo!”, while holding up a paper, he kept in his pocket, with the words Mahal kita♡  Beaming with excitement, J-Hope declared “ARMY ang aming pakpak”, emphasizing the word Pakpak, in which made the crowd answer, Ganern Ganern. And that is the history of J-Hope’s PakGanern ft. PH ARMYs. And lastly, Namjoon ended the talk by saying, “Maraming salamat sa pagpunta, magkita tayo muli.” That last line played over and over again in my head. That was the only thing I needed to hear, that they’ll be back and we’ll see each other again.

Though I never wanted that night to end, there’s nothing I could do but to just enjoy the last few moments I could still see them live and up close...

OUTRO: WINGS Just as the words FLY HIGH PHILIPPINES ARMY lit up at the stage, Outro:Wings started to play. And, one by one, the members came out in those cute striped long sleeves. They wander around the stage again but this time with a soft and light feeling. It’s as if they’re gonna take me to cloud-nine. And, they actually did. It was Taehyung again who came first to our spot, body waving from side to side, looking so cute in that beret. Oh, I live for Tae’s eyebrows. Then, Jimin came and a little VMin moment happened. But, being the rude Jimin he is, he bent down in front of me and leaned in really really close as if he was teasing me. I swear, I almost dropped everything when he did that and I was already in panic mode. It didn’t do me any good when he left coz after that, Jungkook came flashing me those bunny smiles. And he did the same thing Jimin did. He bent down as well and pointed his mic to us. He was so close! The next thing I knew, my whole body was shaking and I can’t control my trembling hands. Imagine being flocked by the maknae line one at a time! Good thing it was time for their little fun time and they started doing dorky dance steps in the middle just before J-hope do his rap part. And when the chorus came, they started running again. Suga came to our side and I saw his breath-taking gummy smile. Jin came as well while blowing kisses to everyone. I was really flying so high for having such a good time and for having a fancam that, I think, would haunt me for the rest of my life.

2! 3! HOPING FOR MORE BETTER DAYS Okay, now I’m emotional. I’ve been imagining how would it felt like singing this song at their concert, with the other ARMYs and with Bangtan, of course. And this is how I felt, it was so soothing. It’s as if all the things I worry would be gone soon. It was really a great song they did for ARMYs. They always made me feel loved and understood.

SPRING DAY 봄날 Spring Day, the last song for their concert, The Wings Tour. I told myself not to cry and get too emotional when they perform this but I  can’t help it. Every word they spoke just hits me and I’m drowning. It was so beautiful hearing the ARMYs sing for bangtan as they take their bows and thank everyone for coming and doing great while the confetti was falling from the ceiling. It was a fantastic experience. I already missed BTS just as they were disappearing one by one on the stage. The concert has ended and I was still standing there beside the barrier when suddenly a VCR played again. I liked that they always have this behind the scene preparation video with the credits every after their concert. It helps me believe that everything I witnessed was real and not a dream, as they even remember to add “Our WINGS, ARMY” to their long thank you list.

After the concert, I got reunited with Erika and Rej. We were all smiling so widely, though I knew we all wished we were together. The experience would be a lot more enjoyable. I also got to see my friend, Kaisha, and her sister, Ayel, with their cousin, outside. And we just can’t get over with the feels. It was truly a whole new experience for me and BTS. And, guess who’s the happiest birthday girl ever? 🙋 It was definitely the best and most memorable birthday I ever had! Everything was so worth it. See you again, Bangtan!

[that-writer-girl5]

Adventures in the Slow Path {Part Eleven//Preparations}

Rose was picked up by her parents’ limo the week before her wedding.  Her mother was nestled inside in some getup she would have never been caught in during her time on Powell Estate.

“Hello, Sweetheart.  Are you excited?  The big day next week!”

“Yes, Mum.  I’m excited.  Where to first?”

“We need to get your dress, flowers, the tuxes, and the cake.  I talked to the Doctor.  He is at the tux shop with Pete, Tony and Adam.  We are going to meet them there and then the Doctor will follow us to the cake shop.  The invitations were sent last week.  Charlie, we will be going to the bridal shop down the street, please.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the Welsh chauffeur said.

As the limo pulled up outside the bridal shop, the owners were outside waiting and holding the double doors open for Rose.  She felt like royalty, although in this moment, she sort of wished they would have taken her modest car and drove there like any regular mother and daughter duo.

She walked in and saw the wavy ginger curls that could only belong to one person.

“Donna!  So glad you’re here!”

“Your mum phoned and said to meet you here.  We’re making a day of it!”

“Brilliant!  Let’s get started, shall we?”

Rose had done some research in magazines and the internet and decided the general look of her dress.  Before she could tell the clerk that, the clerk started spouting off specifications of the dresses they had.

First, she held up a dress with long sleeves and puffy arms.  Rose felt like she was back at her parents’ wedding.  “No, definitely not,” she said.

“How about this one?  It’s a mermaid style, v-neck.”

“No, actually, I did some research.  I liked the style of an A-line, tank style.  Do you have any of those?”

“Yes, of course, Ms. Tyler.”

The clerk disappeared into the back room for several minutes, but then reemerged, carrying three dresses.  “These are the ones that fit your description.  This one,” she said as she held up the first dress, “comes with a sequin area that would cover your cleavage and the straps.”

Rose took the dress from the clerk, deciding she would try on each of the dresses she was shown.

“This one has a bodice.  It’s less flowing, as you can see, the bodice is beaded.  And lastly, this one has spaghetti straps and it has lace that covers the entire dress from top to bottom.  This one is my personal favorite, because it accentuates all the right places, but it’s still modest and timeless.”

“Oh, this one is lovely.  I’ll try all of them on.  Thank you,” she squinted to read the name tag, “Susan.”

She made her way to the dressing area and decided to try on her least favorite first.  It was the one with the beaded bodice.  She walked out to show the dress to Donna and her mum.

“It is pretty, but it doesn’t seem you, does it?  Do you like it?”

“I like the bottom, but not the bodice.  It’s too restricting, I think.  I’ll try on the sequins strapped one.”

She went back to the dressing room and removed the dress she had on, putting it on what she decided was the discard pile.  She put on the next dress and walked out to her waiting party again.

“Oh, my daughter!  Beautiful, isn’t it, Donna?”

“Yes, Mrs. Tyler.  It is gorgeous.”

“Rose, it’s beautiful.”

“I like this one better than the first, but I’m going to try on this last dress to see how it looks.”

Before they could give their opinion, she took the final dress and darted back to the dressing room.  As soon as she put it on, she felt it.  This was the dress she was meant to wear.  It was flowing from top to bottom and because she wasn’t very tall, the back of the dress doubled as a train.  Tears began to fall.  She heard that that was supposed to happen when you found the dress.

She walked out, with tears in her eyes.  She didn’t consider herself a bridezilla by any means, but she knew that the dress was one of the most important things about wedding planning.  She also realized that she could wear a burlap sack and the Doctor would think she was beautiful.

Jackie gasped.  Donna got up quickly to examine the dress closer.  All three women were speechless, which was saying quite a bit for Donna and Jackie.

“This is it.  It’s perfect, isn’t it?”

“Sweetheart, you are the beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.  This is definitely it.”

Rose got Susan’s attention.

“I’ve decided on this one.  It doesn’t seem to need to be tailored, so I’ll take it now, please.”

“Sure thing, Ms. Tyler.  I’ll get it bagged for you.  Will you be needing to look at bridesmaids dresses today, as well?”

Rose looked to Donna, “You still happy with the one you got at Cover Up?”

“Yup!  I’m all set.”

“No, Susan.  Thank you.”

Rose didn’t have anyone in mind to be a flower girl either.  When she first was trapped in Pete’s World, she didn’t find the time to make friends.  She was too wrapped up in finding a way back to the Doctor.  Then, once she found the Doctor, they were so involved in each other, they didn’t try making friends either. 

Making friends had always come naturally to the Doctor, however.  As soon as he started working for the science department at Torchwood, he became friends with everyone in his department.  As a researcher, Rose’s job was a lonely one with only her and her assistant there at any given time.

She didn’t know anyone who had a daughter and Tony went to an all-boy private school, so he didn’t have any little girl friends.  No, it would just be the Doctor, Rose, Adam, Donna and Tony.

“Ready to head to the flower shop?”

“Yeah.”  Rose had her dress draped over her arm.  There was a section in the back of the limo where she could hang it and when they got outside, she carefully did.

The three women entered the flower shop and were greeted by Lili, the owner of the store.

“Welcome to Lili’s Bouquet.  I'm Lili Cooper. What can I help you with today?”

“My daughter here is getting married on Saturday.  She is having a small wedding, only about ten tables, so we will need ten centerpieces, her bridal bouquet, a bridesmaid bouquet, one pin corsage and four boutonnieres.”  Rose and Donna looked at Jackie in amazement.  She hadn’t even needed a cheat sheet for that order.

“Absolutely.  What flowers were you thinking about?”

“Roses,” Rose piped up and looked at her mum, “The irony.  I have to.”

“Okay, and what color?”

“Our wedding colors are blue or black, so I’m thinking white roses and if you have something to add a splash of black and blue that would be great.”

“Sure.  We can do whatever you would like us to.”

“The wedding is Saturday.  That is doable, isn’t it?” Jackie said.

“Absolutely.  We will prepare them on Friday with freshly cut roses and then deliver them to your venue on Saturday morning.”

“Great.”

Lili brought out a book with pictures of all of their required flower items.

“I know you said roses, but we have this centerpiece here with white roses and blue hydrangeas.  We could also do a white rose bouquet for you and a white rose and blue hydrangea bouquet for your bridesmaid.  The boutonnieres can have one of each flower, or maybe one rose and two hydrangeas on either side.  Lastly, the pin corsage can have two roses and three hydrangeas.  For the centerpieces, we can put the flowers in a short glass vase and have a black ribbon around its base.  Does that sound like something you’re looking for?”

“Yes.  That sounds lovely.”

“Okay, and what name shall I put the order under?”

“You can put it under my name, Rose Tyler.”

Lili looked up in shock, obviously not realizing she had been speaking with Rose Tyler for the past ten minutes.  “Of course, Ms. Tyler.  Congratulations, by the way.”

“Thank you." Rose smiled.  “Would you be able to deliver them to the Tyler mansion for us?  Around eight in the morning, Saturday?”

“Yes, ma’am.  We will also set up the centerpieces for you, if you’d like.  On the house.”

“That would be wonderful.  Thank you, Lili.”

They pulled up to the tuxedo shop and the Doctor was sitting on the bench outside with Adam and Tony.  She melted when she saw how well he did with Tony when he didn’t know she was around.

Pete was also outside, off to the side, talking on his mobile.  When he saw Rose and Jackie, he could be faintly heard saying, “Okay, Jake.  The ladies are here.  Keep up the good work and call me if there is a development.  Okay.  Talk to you later.”

“What’s that about, Dad?”

“Oh, Jake caught a nest of Weevils.  Wanted to keep me updated.  How are the most beautiful women in my life?  Hi, Donna.  Nice to see you again and might I say you look beautiful as well.”  Jackie cleared her throat and smiled.

“Hi,” Rose told the Doctor as he approached her.

“Hi.” He grinned.  “Donna Temple-Noble, how’re you today?”

“Perfect!”

“Brilliant!  Are we ready to get our penguin suits?”

“I am, I am!” Tony shouted.  Jackie shot the Doctor a look.

“Remember when Mummy said that you’d have to wear a tuxedo to the wedding?”

“Yeah, but you said I could get a penguin suit too.”

“You have to get the tuxedo first and wear it to Rose’s wedding and then Mummy and Daddy will get you a penguin suit, okay?”

“Okay!”

“Sorry,” the Doctor mouthed to Jackie.

She rolled her eyes.

The group of them made their way inside and the Doctor immediately led them to a layout of tuxedos.

“What do you ladies think of these?  I have this one for me,” he held up a black tuxedo with a TARDIS blue vest and bowtie.  “The smaller one is for Tony, of course.  I figured he should be dressed like me.”

He picked up one with a TARDIS blue long tie and vest.  “This style can be for Pete and Adam.”

“These look great, Doctor,”  Rose said with a smile as she kissed him.

Jackie looked pleasantly surprised that the guys were able to make these decent decisions without her help.

“Nice choices, eh?  I quite like the blue color,” Adam said and Donna nodded, agreeing.

“Right!  Pete, will you make sure these get back to the mansion?” the Doctor asked, sounding relieved that it was over.  “Next up is the cake.  I’ve been looking forward to this bit.”

“My dress too, Dad.  Please,” Rose grinned at her dad.  “Make sure you put it out of sight of prying eyes,” she said, shooting a look at the Doctor.

“I’ll take Tony and Adam and the clothes back to the house.  You guys fancy a game of football?”

“Sure,” Adam answered.

“Yeah!” Tony exclaimed.

Pete, Adam and Tony got into the limo while Rose, the Doctor, Jackie and Donna made their way to the SUV that Pete was driving.  The Doctor took the wheel.

When they arrived at the bakery, the Doctor got out of the SUV quickly.  He walked to Rose and inhaled deeply.  

“Now this is great.  Best part of this whole thing, really.”

Rose gave him a look.

“Other than the actual marrying you part.”

Rose giggled quietly and an oblivious Jackie made her way to the doors and to the nearest table and sat down, waiting to be served.

“Hi, Mrs. Tyler.  I’m Luann.  I believe we spoke on the phone,” said a strawberry blonde woman with a husky voice and a big binder.

Jackie turned to meet Luann’s gaze and extended her hand.  “Yes, Luann.  This is my daughter, Rose, her fiancé, John and their maid-of-honour, Donna.   Thank you for meeting with us so close to the wedding.

“Rose, Luann assures me that she can have the cakes finished and delivered by Saturday morning.”

“Yes, ma’am.  We certainly can.  May I show you some styles?  After you pick a style, we will taste some samples so you can pick your flavours.  I’ll need to talk to Rose privately, of course,” she looked at the Doctor.  “You can’t see the groom’s cake she picks for you, now can you?”

“I get my own cake?  Wow!  Today just gets better and better, doesn’t it?  Sure, sure.  Take all the time you need.”

The women laughed.

Luann laid the binder on the table and sat across from them.

“Your mum has given me some idea about the look of your wedding.  The colors are black, blue and white, is that right?”

“Yes,” Rose said, smiling.  “I’ve looked at a few cakes, but these are beautiful.  I thought I’d have a white cake with mostly black accents but a hint of blue.  The rest could be left up to your creativity.”

She flipped to a page labeled “W70.”  

“As you can see, this cake is a white fondant with a black damask design and a black ribbon, but instead of black, I can make the ribbon out of blue fondant.  The center stone here can be made to look like a black opal or a sapphire.  Or if you’d prefer, we can make the damask and the ribbon black and the center stone holding the ribbon can be made to look like the blue sapphire.

“We also have this design,” she said as she flipped to page W110.  “It’s a quilted white cake.  In this example, which is only three tiers, the top and bottom are quilted and the middle is black damask with a black ribbon.  We can do something like this, but have the quilt points blue instead of black and use the blue sapphire look for the ribbon here as well.”

“Do you mind if we take a look at the rest of the book?”

“Oh, not at all!  Take your time.  I’ll give you a little bit and I’ll be back.”

“Thanks,” Jackie and Rose said.

“What do you think, Doctor?”

“I like anything you pick.  It’s what’s on the inside that matters to me,” he said with a grin.  “Besides, I get my own cake.  This cake is yours.”

Jackie looked at Rose, “You know when I married this Pete, he said the same thing.”

Rose smiled.  “I think I’ve decided.”  Rose looked in Luann’s direction and when she noticed, she made her way back to the table with a tray full of cake and filling samples.

The Doctor licked his lips.

“That was quick!  Have you decided?”

“Yes.  I think we want to go with W110’s design and have each tier the quilted pattern and have the ribbon in the middle with the blue sapphire design as the ribbon center and each quilt point will have a little sapphire design to it.  Is that possible?”

“Absolutely!  Sounds lovely.  How many tiers do you think you’ll need?”

“I think four will be enough.  If possible, I’d like a mini cake for just us, as well.  I read that couples freeze it and eat it together on their first anniversary, but I don’t want to ward people off of the actual cake.”

“Sure, I can make a mini one with just the quilted design that would closely resemble the top tier if it had been.”

“Great!”

“Now, for every groom’s favorite part,” Luann said, looking at the Doctor.

“Oh, yes!” he exclaimed.

“I’ve got here a few of our cake flavors and a few of our fillings.  I do have more in the back if none of these suit your taste buds.  Dark chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and carrot for the cakes.”  

She handed a tiny plastic spoon to each of them. “These are the fillings.  I brought out peanut butter, cream cheese, banana and strawberry.  Mrs. Tyler said that your favorite is banana, John.”

“It is, indeed, but I think Rose will probably choose that for me for my groom’s cake.”

“Of course, I will.”

Donna was being uncharacteristically quiet.  “What do you think of these, Donna?”

“Oh, I love them all.  I’m crazy with cakes.  When Shaun and I were choosing, I think I had a fit over what to choose.  Came here actually.  I believe Olivia served us.”

“Yes.  Olivia is actually on her own honeymoon this week, but I’ll make sure to tell her you were in.”

“That’d be great.  Thanks.  And tell her I said ‘congratulations.’”

Luann nodded, “So, Rose, what do you think?”

“Mum?”

“It’s your cake, Sweetheart.  I’m just here for support and my chequebook.”

“I think I’ll go with the carrot cake with cream cheese filling.  Seems to go together well.”

“Sure.  Great!  So we have your cake all settled.”

“Come on, Doctor.  Let’s let the ladies talk about you,” Jackie urged the Doctor to get up.

The Doctor got up and followed Jackie.  Meanwhile, Rose and Donna stayed behind with Luann to discuss the Doctor’s groom’s cake.

“Okay, so I know he wants banana filling and I’ll say to go with the dark chocolate cake.”

Rose tried to think of what design would best suit the Doctor.  Her initial thought was the TARDIS.  She had her old mobile with pictures she could use and although that was what she would have done if the festivities had only been close friends and family, she decided on something a bit more subtle.  People would still ask questions, but it would be a bit easier to explain than, “Oh, that’s the spaceship he and I used to travel in before we were left here by a Time Lord called the Doctor who looked exactly like the one I’m marrying today.”

“I’d like the cake to look like a fob watch with the words ‘Allons-y’ on it somehow.  He’s a bit obsessed with always being on time and ‘Allons-y’ is ‘Let’s Go’ in French.  He says it all the time.” The Doctor had told Rose about the time he was made human and how Martha was in charge of making sure that if anything happened, she would release his Time Lord self from a fob watch.

“Okay.  Got it.  Looks like we’re done here.  I’ll have these delivered to the mansion on Saturday.  It was a pleasure meeting both of you.”

“You too, Luann.  Thank you.”

As Rose walked to the door, Jackie reentered and went to the counter.  She was asking, “How much do I owe you?” as Rose and Donna made their way outside to the car.  The Doctor was in the back seat with the door closed.

“Next up, the stag and hen, eh?” Donna asked.

“The what?”

“The stag and hen.  I reckon Adam has a stag party planned for the Doctor and I suppose you’d want a hen party.”

“Hadn’t thought about that, really.  Maybe you can call Adam and see what he’s got planned.  If he hasn’t got anything planned, maybe we can do a night out or something.  The guys and the girls down the pub for drinks.  I don’t know if I fancy going out without him, ya know?  Feels sort of...wrong, I guess.”

“Yeah.  I’ll call Adam and see if he’s got anything set in stone.  If not, I’ll suggest what you’ve said.  Shaun and I had ours together too.”

“Okay, girls.  Let’s get going, yeah?  Supper’ll be soon.  Donna, sweetheart, do you want to invite your granddad and mum and Shaun ‘round for supper?  You are more than welcomed, “ Jackie said as she went to driver’s side.

“Sounds wonderful, Mrs. Tyler.  I’ll be right back.”

Donna walked off to the front of the SUV and returned a couple of minutes later.

“They’ll meet us there in an hour.  Thank you for the invitation.”

“My pleasure.  Let’s go home.”