#anxiety is cumin

[jyndor]

i love having ocd so much it adds so much spice to the slow cooker vegetarian chili that is my mental health

like a little extra dash of cayenne that makes me question everything i say ever :)

[carmenized-onions]

I Want To. | Wellness Check

logline; Such is life, you go from not being needed at The Bear today to being more needed than you ever have been.

[!!!] series history, this is the fourth; First, Second, Third

portion; 4.7k+

possible allergies; a dash of Tony's former paramedic background (and just medical shit in general) in this one, so, a sprinkle of post-trauma stress (and her usual yikes psyche). Mikey comes up a bit, as usual! despite the ops, we ball.

pairing; Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto & Fem Reader (pretty unavoidably gendered episode, mb non-fem folks)

we'll talk after babe, have a good time w/ this one.

Falling asleep was easy— par for Carmen fighting to keep his 6:30 am alarm on. When he finds out you don’t have a plug on his side of the bed and he has to charge his phone on your side, he turns it off. Cute.

Well, there’s also the part where you had to ask if he was okay because it sounded like he wasn’t breathing and it turns out —He was not breathing— He then pointed out that it sounded like you weren’t breathing —You were not breathing— Both of you thought the sound of your lungs would bother the other, so you opted not to use them at all. Turns out, counterproductive; you notice each other’s absences pretty well.

But besides that, it's easy. Carmen isn’t an awful bedfellow. He’s not super shifty, he doesn’t tug the blanket, he doesn’t roll all the fucking way over to your side, or anything like that. He’s honestly concerningly still. Is he annoyed that you’ve gotta toss and turn a little to get comfortable? Probably. He's probably dreaming of you exploding right now, he’s so annoyed. He didn’t make fun of your ages old build-a-bear plush nor it’s Cubs jersey, so that was nice. Pity, probably.

...If Carmen wasn’t here, he knows he’d be stirring and kicking and probably sleep-walking to his oven to light it on fire. But he is here. Where kicking would hurt. Where stirring would wake you. Where a fire would cause more anxiety than relief because all your plants and projects would die. Where you washed his hair and told him that taking care of people doesn’t feel like a lot of work to you. Was it not a lot of work, to take care of his brother? Was it worth it, to you? Probably not. How could it be?

He wills his body to not fucking move because if he does it's going to ruin everything. He's going to ruin everything.

He wakes up at 6:30 on the dot, alarm or no. He’d be concerned if his body functioned any differently. But he can’t get to his phone while you’re sleeping in his way and you’re so comfortable. You’re clutching a bear that’s undeniably on a losing team and you’re at peace with it. He’s trying not to make a metaphor out of this in his mind; alas, it’s already there. The only thing he can do is go back to sleep and dream about killing the teenage boy in his head before he can escape again and call you pretty.

It's around ten when you wake up, you try not to wake him when you turn to grab your phone, but the split second of motion makes him flinch like he’s about to get jumped. “Relax!” You hiss, but like, soft, whispered. “I’m doin’ the fuckin’ Wordle, not smothering you with a pillow.”

“You do the Wordle?”

“Oh, fuck you—”

“The first fuckin’ thing you do in the morning is the Wordle?”

“And I do the Crossword too, bitch, what of it?”

“…I like Connections.”

“I fuckin' hate Connections.”

“Alright, damn!”

The Chicago accent in both of you is stronger in your rasping morning voices. As is the laughter. You roll onto your stomach to get closer to him and let him see your screen. Neither of you have entirely woken up yet and that means it’s the perfect time to do a puzzle. If you don't focus on this puzzle right now, you fear you will get too comfortable in this idea of domesticity.

“C’s in the right place. Nothin’ else though.”

He’s the one that figures out its Cumin. You pretend not to be mad about this. You’re furious. Of course, it’d be a spice on the day Mr Food Guy sleeps over. Bullshit.

When you finally sit up, stretch, and say, “I’m just gonna shower real quick ‘nd—”

He’s at a breakneck speed to reply, “I’ll make breakfast.”

“Oh, you cook all the fuckin’ time, you don’t have to—”

“I want to.”

You blink, then shrug, the man likes to cook, c’est la vie. “Who am I to refuse?”

He looks far too happy about this, as though he’s won a lottery. A lottery of manual labour. He rolls out of bed, grabbing his back pack stuffed with yesterday’s clothes before leaving you to your own devices. In a literal sense, too, since you get a text. Ugh.

‘Gigi called in, can you reach?’

You would prefer not to reach, but this is capitalism.

‘When's the shift?’

‘6:30 to 12:30’

Why couldn’t something else at The Bear be fuckin’ broken today?

‘yeah i can reach’

‘that’s my girl, red tops today, see u’

You have also won the lottery of manual labour today. Look at you and Carm, luckiest people alive. Something like that. Alright, go shower and be normal about the fact that there’s a Michelin Star Chef making you breakfast in your kitchen. And he’s prett—

“You make your own bread.”

“I do.” You sit at your own little breakfast nook, waiting to be served. Towel hung around your neck post shower. You’d offer to help, but based on his urgency to cook for you, it’s gonna be a no. Plus, the gift on the table you’ve got for him is going to piss him off enough, can't poke this bear too much. He's already given you a mile. Too many idioms.

“I like to think in another universe I am a homesteader who makes her own soaps and renders tallow n’ shit. But I settle for growing basil and making sourdough in my shitty little Chicago apartment for now.”

“I like your apartment.” He hums, though amused. He turns and sets your plate—the one black plate— in front of you with a small smile. This smile immediately falls when he pushes the plate towards you and you push a travel bag of toiletries towards him.

“Fuck is this?”

“I don’t want to hear any complaints, Irish Spring.”

“How d’you know I use Irish Spring?”

“It’s all five of your routine, it’s going to be pungent— Now listen.” You pick up the bag; you’d dug through your sink cabinet and found a dollar store pack of plastic travel bottles, unused from cancelled trips of yesteryear. You've decanted your own products for him. It's fine, you buy jumbo sizes anyways...

“Shampoo, conditioner, face wash—They’ve even got labels.”

He takes the bag from you, setting it down on his side of the counter, begrudgingly. Though he hasn’t particularly paid it much mind, tunnelled on something else entirely, “Do you not like Irish Spring?”

"I didn't give you a body wash, you can still use it for that one purpose."

"Yeah, but do you not like Irish Spring?"

"...I think it's fine."

“Fine?”

“I’m more of an Old Spice fan.”

“You don’t deserve breakfast—” He pulls your plate, you pull it back.

“All I said—” “Thinkin’ I smell like shit—” “Did not say that—!” “Just cause you use the fruity stuff—” “I smell good! Deny that I smell good!” “You smell fine.” “Wowww—Whatever, do the thing.”

“Bruschetta with a breakfast twist.” Ah, that makes him give you the plate back. His kink is explaining food. “Sourdough toasted, topped with fresh basil—”

“Courtesy of me.”

“Courtesy of you, yes. Tomatoes, bacon glazed in balsamic, and you didn’t have parm so I used feta. And then, y’know, over medium egg on top.”

“You’re very good, Carmen.”

“Oh, I—Uh—” You haven’t even tried it yet. You’re telling him he’s good for the sake of the effort he’s given alone. He needs an antacid. “Thank you.”

It’s redundant to say his food is good. But what else can you say? It’s a fucking perfect open face sandwich. But he’s eating it with you, and half of it’s your own handiwork, and all of your pantry, so you leave your praises purely reaction based, unsaid.

You're honestly a little distracted, reading too hard into the act of him giving you the black plate and taking one of your shitty plastic ones for himself. Time to talk.

“Itinerary for today?”

“Gotta talk chaos menu with Syd before opening, then, well, running the restaurant all night… And then I’ll—I’ll go home.”

“Yeah? You can come back here, if you want to.” Thank God you took a bite in time to hide your selfish disappointment. It’s good for him to go home, but then he’s not here. Real Catch-22.

He shakes his head, “I think I’m good now. Thanks, though. What’s—What’s uh, your plans for today?”

“I’m gonna drop you off wherever you’re going, n’ then I’m gonna go shopping for Syd’s gift—”

“It’s her fuckin’ birthday or somethin?” It’s a delight how immediately panicked he is by this. You're also thankful because he's so distracted it means you won't have to tell him the rest of your plans for today. You'd like to keep that life separate. For as long as possible, at least.

“Nono, it’s just, I didn’t get her anything for her opening night and I wanna change that. I’ll get you something too.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I want to.” The very idea of waiting for his response is freaking you the fuck out, so you’re quick to clear your voice and add. “I’ll give you my number, in case you end up needing to crash.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay. Ey, text me your invoice too.”

You take both your cleared plates to the sink, and the lie is swift. You've gotten a lot better at that, in the past year.

“Oh no worries, your sister already covered it.”

It is 6:30 and your life is over. Kidding. Unless? You dropped off Carmen at the train station hours ago and, to use his words, ‘it’s hit’. He’s at The Bear and there’s nothing for you to fix there— So you’re not.

You’ve only been there like three times and yet it started to feel… Like your thing!

Like, like you’d just come in everyday and… Dunno, fix something... But it’s not like they’re gonna have a crisis everyday. Especially not ones that Fak can't handle himself if needed— There's no way he's gonna last at hosting, anyways. You’re now realizing the unrealistic dream— Possibly more unrealistic than homestead you.

Speaking of, Homestead You would probably throw up, if she saw the you you’re looking at in the mirror right now. You look good. Objectively, you know you look good. The mug is stamped. Your pants are black, high-waisted, and give you an ass. The bright red leather corset top is… Chafing, but it looks good! It's a sweetheart neckline so you have to take off your long rope chain necklace from Mikey and shove it in your pocket— Which is fine and doesn't feel bad at all. And listen, listen, being an on-call bottle girl is good money!

And you might get put on bar tonight! You don’t know for sure if you’re gonna have to juggle around lit up bottles for a bunch of fucking geezers!

...

God, fuck, it’s 10:20 and your life is over.

This group of geezers have been fucking annoying and fucking Cherry wouldn’t get off fucking bar even though you literally covered for her last week and these stupid grandpas asked if gratuity is included— No fucking shit! Did you take their card and put a 40% tip? Yeah, maybe. Fuck them! They’re too fucking rich to notice! And they took three hours to leave! Gonna bash this champagne bottle over his bald fucking—

“Ey! That’s a face I remember.”

You hear your name— Not Tony, not Chip, not Cousin. Your name.

You turn to see, oh fucking hell, let God kill you—

��Uncle J!~ Good to see you!~ What a surprise! It’s Jack, here.” Jack of all Trades. It was cute at the time of sign up. Your smile is bright, fake, strained, and beautiful.

“Been too long, really.” Cicero isn’t a bad guy—Correction: Cicero isn’t a bad guy, to you, but as Mikey once put it, he’s a fuckin’ ball buster and in your case, you’re one of the few people beneath him that he asks favours from. Always wants free labour and your expertise. And he always has a habit of asking for favours the second you need one back. But you don’t need one right now! So it’s fine! Everything’s fine!

“Do your Uncle a favour,”—Fully not your Uncle—“Could you pair me and my friends here with a good red?”

You let it go that they’re having fish and asking for a red. Stupid thing to get hung up over right now. You make a commission of it anyways; you just pick the most expensive bottle. He won’t know the difference. The Bear would know the difference. Carmen would notice the difference... Alright, relax.

While pouring glasses, Jimmy whispers to his compatriots and one by one they all peel off. It is almost alarming how quickly this group of men turn and leave without a second thought, taking their glasses with them.

You raise your brows and look at Cicero. “Ah. This is the moment where I sit?”

He nods, gesturing to the booth. “This is the moment where you sit.”

You slip into the booth, sitting across from him. “What do you need?”

“Right to the point with you.”

“I hate suspense.” You shrug.

“You liked Mikey.”

What the fuck?

You bite your inner cheek, hard. “Don’t say that shit.”

“I liked him too,” He says it solemnly, like your mutual grief is a proper apology. He takes a long sip of his stupid red wine. “Did you hear? Cousin Vinnie and Mira are gettin’ hitched, finally.”

“I have no fucking idea who Vinnie and Mira are.” You take the glass when he hands it to you, taking a sip. Small. You gotta drive home, after all.

“Really? It’s a big wedding—Destination too, in New York—”

“I hate to remind you, but I was friends with Mikey, not his family.” Not his biological one, at least. The Beef, sure. But you literally only met his siblings two days ago. “What’s a wedding gotta do with me?”

He bristles, and finally cuts it short. “Around three hundred guests, seven-hour shift, open bar—” “Oh, for fuckssake—” “Listen—”

“It’s an easy gig, I’ll fly you out for it, it’s a month and a half away, you’ll get to attend a big fuckin’ Italian wedding— Which will be a shitshow, certainly, so free entertainment; and Michelin Star level catering, kind of.”

You squint. Kind of? “You got Carmy in on this shit?”

“You know ‘em?”

You nod, pressing your elbows on the table, “We’ve recently become acquainted. What d’you got on him for him to cater a wedding?”

“He’s eight-hundred grand in the hole.” “Fuck!” “He gets thirty off for catering. Smart boy, said yes.”

Christ, you massage the bridge of your brow with one hand and pull out your phone with another to check your calendar, you might as well see if you can even entertain the idea. You don’t need a favour right now, maybe you can bargain and get him to actually pay you for it, this time.

“I dunno, Uncle J…”

Oh.

28 unread texts from Syd.

3 unread texts from an unknown number— Probably Carmen.

9 missed calls from Syd.

Uncle Jimmy, always, always, has a fucking way, of asking for a favour when you need one…

You slam your phone, screen down on the table, straightening your posture in your seat. “I have demands.”

He motions for you to continue, taking his wine glass back. “You always do.”

“You and your friends are gonna tip a hundred percent tonight.”

“That why you give me a 2016 Fisher?”

“I like to think ahead.”

“Smart girl.” He shrugs, palms of his hands out. Which means yes.

“If Uncle Lee comes up to the bar I’m throwing a fork at him and leaping over the counter.”

He chuckles, “Thought you 'didn’t know family'.”

“I remember what I'm told.”

His amusement fades quickly, remembering first hand. He nods. “…You’re allowed to jump him if I’m watching first.”

“And you’re friends with my boss, right?”

“We’re acquainted.”

“I’m gonna punch out now and you’re gonna smooth that out for me.”

He perks up, amused, glancing at your phone, “Somethin’ come up, Chip?”

“Don’t call me Chip.” He wants to poke at you, just a little bit more, but there’s a rattled look in your eyes that he’s so rarely seen that he lets it go.

He waves his hand, shrugging, “Be safe. I'll send you the details. December wedding, remember.”

At the end of the day, Cicero isn’t a bad guy to you, someone who loved his nephew as much as he did.

You’re running to your car while you dial back Syd. You don’t have time to read the texts, all you need to know is that it’s an emergency. She picks up just after the first ring.

“Syd what the—” “Code blue!”

You almost fall on your face and eat asphalt. For a flash, you’re in the back of an ambulance being handed a defibrillator at the age of 22, surrounded by faces just as scared and young as you. Then you’re back in the parking lot, slotting the key into your car door because the fob doesn’t work. It’s never worked.

“S-Someone’s having a fucking heart attack!?”

“What?!”

“That’s what fucking code blue means!”

“Oh my god! Sorry! No, I was just saying the thing that scares doctors the most!”

“Yeah, I’m fuckin’ scared Syd!” You slide into the driver’s seat and slam your car door shut. You take a deep breath, white knuckling the steering wheel. “…I’m-I'm sorry for yelling! Where are you, what’s going on?”

“The—The Bear, the restaurant.” The second you have a location you’re revving off.

“Nat locked herself in the office—” “Like trapped?” This shit again?

“No, no— Like she locked herself in— She did this like two hours ago and I thought she was just taking a breather— But we’ve closed and, and like almost everyone left and she’s still not coming out— And she blocked the door inside— and— And I think she’s trying to hide that she’s basically shrieking in pain every five minutes.”

You take a long time to register anything she’s just said. Her tone is as panicked as you feel on the inside. You’re only now registering the ambient yelling of Richie and Carmen in the background.

“…Did—Can you hear me?”

“Yeah, yeah Syd, I’m just thinking.” You don’t step on the gas on purpose, it just happens. “A pregnant woman is screaming in pain— in intervals— behind a blockaded door?”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Have you called an ambulance?”

There’s a much more distinct yell in the background from Richie, “No cops!”

Then from Carmen, “No coverage!”

“Yeah…” Syd shakily continues for them, “The insurance is a problem, and Richie said— Motherfucker—” You hear a muffled scrap over the phone before Richie continues on for Syd.

“Er, yeah, Cousin, Sugar keeps yelling that she’s fine ‘n blocked the door, if we call the cops they’re gonna ram that shit down and take her to the loony bin.”

“That’s not— That’s not what paramedics do.”

“That’s what they all do.”

“Richie, y’know, I was a paramedic, right?”

“…You a fuckin’ fed, Chip?”

“Richie, if I was a fuckin' narc you would be in prison by now. I, I— I'll be there in like, like eight minutes, everyone stop fucking yelling at Sugar!”

You’re there in four. You almost rear end someone and you run every yellow you get but you’re there in four. You don’t park properly in the back, you just drive your car in and turn it off in the middle of the lot. You don’t bother to be let in, you just punch the code in as you remember it. As Natalie told you.

“Oh good you—Oh my, God?” Syd is no better than a man in this moment, going from grateful for your presence to being one intrusive thought away from whistling.

You did not have time to change out of your ...outfit and someone has been hogging your Carhartt. You pass Syd quickly, waving a hand in front of her face. Goddammit, why do your boot heels have to have that incredibly satisfying femme fatale click right now?

“Alright— Relax—”

“Holy shit, Chippy!” Richie was yelling at Sugar through the door along with Carm, but once alerted to your presence is now snapping his fingers. You'd describe him more as impressed than actually attracted to you. “You clean up!”

 “Cousin, are you—” He grabs Carmen’s face, turning it to you— Carmen does of course, immediately slap Richie’s hand away which of course, means they just start smacking each other's hands. Like preteen girls. “Ey, get the fuck off—” “I just want you to look at a pretty girl, Cousin—!” “Stop fuckin’ touchin’ me!” “Are you looking!?” “I—”

“Everyone shut the fuck up!”

You silence the room. You’re thankful most of the staff has left by now since it’s well after close. It's just Carmen, Syd, Richie, Tina, and Fak for some goddamn reason...You can't be mean you're handymen, you have to stick together.

“I look different from the usual jumpsuit, yes, we get it, can we move on? Pregnant woman?”

Syd is the first to speak, “…Were you on a date, though?”

You blink and roll your eyes all at once, twisting your head to her, “Syd—”

“It’s good to see you getting out there, baby.” Tina, deeply unhelpful in this moment, puts a hand around your shoulder. Oh to have a mother’s judgment when she’s not even your mother.

“O-kay!” You drag on the ‘kay’, clapping your hands together, “Everyone, just get your thoughts out in the next five seconds and then we’re moving on.”

“Chippy, I cannot believe you’ve held this out on me—” “—I meant it like-like a concerned, did we interrupt your date—” “—The red is unbelievable on you, Cousin!” “I need you to teach me how you do your makeup—” “Can you— can you yell again—?” “Fak!” “Oh, so that’s too much?”

A cacophony, it continues on. Your eyes glaze over, and you’re waiting for Sugar to let out a scream so everyone remembers the fucking point of being here. But then you look at Carmen. Everyone’s pivoted from staring at you to yelling at each other. But Carmen; Carmen is still looking at you. Stupid soft scary eye contact. And his voice is so much quieter than the yelling but it’s the thing that you hear anyways.

“It looks tight.”

There’s a possibility that when you killed the teenage girl inside you that you also killed the feminist. Because there’s a small sub-sect of you that’s upset that he’s not objectifying you right now. That his vision is focused on you. Not the changes. He doesn’t seem to look at you any differently than when you’re wearing a jumpsuit and utility belt, covered in toilet water. This should not be annoying and yet it is.

“It is.”

He nods, eye contact unshifting, unblinking, “You wanna change?”

“Maybe after we find out whether or not your sister is in labour.”

He nods. He takes a second but he nods.

You approach him, rather, the door, knocking gently. Everyone quiets down.

You clear your throat, and once more, the persona is put on, you’re a paramedic, putting on that soft but firm reassuring authoritative tone. “E-M Rescue, I got a call for a wellness check on Natalie Berzatto?”

“Tony—” A groan of pain behind the door, “I am perfectly well! Everyone go home!”

You grimace, you motion with your hand for Fak to hand you a screwdriver— He keeps one in his breast-pocket, even when wearing a suit. Hey, you should start doing that.

“Nat, I’m a paramedic— Or I was—will you please let me in?”

“I don’t— Fuck! —Need a paramedic!”

“Never hurts to do a check-up, Nat.” You speak calmly, like you always did. “Listen, lover, if you don’t open the door, I’m gonna have to take it off its hinges, and we're gonna lose medic patient confidentiality.”

When she doesn’t reply after a good beat, you start to unscrew the top hinge; she can hear it, “Wait, wait, wait— Fuck-Fuck— I’m opening it!”

There’s another series of pained groans as she exerts herself to open the door, and once she does, it’s only by a crack, to look at you and you alone. She’s absolutely been crying. She speaks in a whispered tone. “Just you.”

You nod, handing the screwdriver back to Fak without breaking eye contact with her. “Just me.”

She cracks it open just enough for you to come in. And so, you do. Everyone is, for the first time, too worried about her shutting down to interrupt or yell a complaint.

You close the door behind you, pressing your back to it. You note the toppled over chair by your feet that she must’ve blocked it with. Plus the puddle of amniotic fluid beneath her. Oh fuck.

...

“You wanna talk or do you just want me to check your contractions?”

“I’m—” She shakes her head, covering her face. She half sits on the desk. “I’m fucking— I am not ready for this.”

“Yeah.” You nod. You’re not here to convince anyone they’re ready to be a fucking mother. But you’re here to listen, certainly.

“She’s gonna hate me.”

“Who?”

“Her—!” Her voice is choked, another contraction. You’re silently taking the time in your head. She points to her stomach.

“And— And we just opened, and— And I’m gonna have to go on maternity leave, which is the last fucking thing we need and— and— If I could just fucking keep her in!”

“Natalie.” You put a hand on her shoulder, she finally looks at you. “This is happening.”

“Not help—fu—ll.”

“I know it’s not. This is scary and there are no take backs—” “Very unhelp—”

“Nat, your daughter wants to meet you.”

You squeeze her shoulder; she looks like she’s gonna cry all over again for a completely different reason. “She probably won’t hate you. Who’s to say. But I know you’ll love her. And that’s enough, isn’t it?”

She nods, emphatically, but something is still bothering her. You squeeze her shoulder again. You whisper, so even if everyone’s ear is pressed to the door— Which you doubt, she’s screaming after all, they won’t hear.

“Carmen will still know you love him, even when you're not here.”

She immediately goes for a hug, you reciprocate with a shuddered ease. She sniffs, head on your shoulder. She stays there for a while before letting you go, nodding. “Okay.”

You hand her the tissue box next to her on the table, she takes it thankfully, crushing it in her hand. Another contraction. Oh, that couldn't have been more than 2 minutes. Oh fuck.

You kneel down in front of her, and you’re simply no longer in your body as a person but just the paramedic. You could not be more thankful that she’s wearing a dress today. Awkward requests of spreading legs and pulling off underwear aside, Natalie’s daughter does in fact really want to meet her. Oh fuck.

You look up at Natalie, between her knees, you speak cool, professional. “You’re crowning. This is gonna have to happen here. I'll have someone call your husband.”

You’re so calm that it doesn’t give Natalie the feeling or need to freak out, she just breathes. “Okay. Okay.”

You stand upright. “Do you prefer this office or somewhere else?”

“I can’t— Move.”

“Makes sense. Makes total sense. Okay. I’ll go get everything we need, I’ll be right back. I might send some people in, okay, love?”

She just grunts in reply, nodding, now that she’s not in as much emotional pain, she can entirely focus on her brutalizing physical pain.

“Oh, hey, I know—” You grab her purse, pulling out her phone and ear buds, handing them to her with haste, your calm demeanour is faltering just a bit. “Listen to some music, loud, y’know, chill…” You put the pods in her ear for her. She’s again, in too much pain to tell you to fuck off, and just plays her music loud.

You softly open the door, smiling just a bit too much as you leave, and very softly close the door behind you. Looking at the motley crew before you, your persona immediately falls apart. You really only wanted her to play music so you could scream. “Oh, my fucking God.”

“What’s happening, she good?” What a sweet, stupid brother, Sugar has.

You purse your lips together, eyes wide, shaking your head. “She’s going to give birth in like— Maybe six minutes. Max ten.” Everyone goes to speak in an uproar of panic, and then you slap yourself in the face. Hard. That stuns them silent.

“Alright!” You press your hands over your eyes, “Tina!”

She’s been around this block before, “What do you need?”

“Can you go sit in there with her? Tell her all the breathing exercises and shit? Keep her calm? Coming from you it won’t seem so—”

“Condescending as fuck?”

“Yes, exactly, can you?”

“Gotchu, baby.” She claps your shoulder when she walks past and into the office.

You clap hers in tandem, “Thank you, Mama—Okay, Richie!”

“Yeah?”

“I’m gonna need you to call Nat’s husband—”

“Why do I—”

“Because you’re a fuckin’ dad, Rich, and he will need you!” You’re yelling all pissed, snapping your fingers at him, but he does light up when you say it like that. “I don’t care if he wets his fuckin’ bed, tell him to get here!”

He salutes, walking off, “Aye aye, Cap’n Chip.”

You shake off the sting in your hand, God, you really did slap yourself too hard. You turn to the next targets. “Syd, Fak.”

Syd responds hesitantly for the both of them, since Fak is silently enjoying your colonel persona a little too much. “…Yes, C-Captain?”

“I need towels, a lot of clean towels— cloth ones, like sanitized clean— Warm half in water— And then I need a clean sheet— A table cloth or something, I don’t fucking care, something clean and big that you’re fine destroying. I need sterile sheaths, Syd you get those— Other than that, however they get to me, I don’t give a shit— Just scrub in before you touch anything!”

They almost knock into each other the way they run so fast. You yell after them. “Get the big sheet first, she needs to lay down!”

“Yes, Chef!”

You take a deep breath before moving your gaze onto Carmy. The screaming lead EM in you melts off your shoulders, just for the second.

He asks before you can even say anything, “Yes, Chef?”

“I need you to scrub in and get me gloves and an apron—” “On it, Chef—” “And you’re gonna sit in with me for the birth of your niece.”

He cringes, not to refuse, but just the mounting reality of the situation is dawning on him. His sister is going to give birth to his niece in their shared office of his high-class restaurant within it's first week of open.

But you then tag on, “Carmy, she needs you— Frankly, I’m not the one giving birth but fuckin' I need you. T-There.”

He softens instantly, like tranquilizing— Well, a bear.

“Yes, Chef.”

I know the opening probably feels so far away by now, but i do want to note that Breakfast Bruschetta is my own recipe that I used to make like every fuckin' day pre-employment. It's so goddamn good. I highly recommend it, babes. It's balsamic with brown sugar dissolved, btw, Carmy's just a quick explainer.

I wrote like a solid 75% of the labour sequence before deciding it just needed to have the breathing room of it's own chapter, so until next time for that one bbs. But I'm excited for it! And also dreading it! A lot of hard conversations combined with giving birth = nightmare to write, but well worth it, i think. Speaking of: I don't believe at the end of Season 2 that Sugar is at the end of her term of 36 weeks, but in our case here, she is. I'm very much so not interested in a very scary premature birth for our girl!! She's okay!! Dw!! I just wonked with time a little, hope that's okay.

And hey, look at that reveal! Bartender/Sommelier was code for bottle service-- Which is a very respectable career, btw, don't get it twisted-- I was critiquing it only in the way I would critique literally any other job: Misery Under Capitalism. And now we've got that fuckin' wedding in the future midst! Ah!!

Anyways please send me your thoughts ad nauseam, I reload my activity feed every 3 seconds to see what you guys are thinking. If you reblog, tell me what you think in the tags!! Yell at me in the replies!! Send an anon in!! I don't bite, I swear <3

Next Part

[theblackdahliaemporium]

Plant Correspondences:

This is going to be a long post! This is in no way, a complete list. This is Simply some Popular ones! If you have any other plants, herbs, or flowers you’re curious about, List them in the comments below!

Edit to add: Huckleberry! HUCKLEBERRY (Leaves): Good Fortune, Luck, Dream Work

TREES: • ACACIA ~ Clairvoyance, Divination, Visions, Wealth, Protection, Blessings • ALDER ~ Banishing, Transformation, Truth, Power of Water, Intuition • APPLE ~ Dream Work, Enchantment, Fertility, Love, Luck, Harmony • BIRCH ~ Reduces anxiety, Defensive Magick, Increases concentration, Creativity • CEDAR ~ Afterlife, Clairvoyance, Breaks Hexes, Psychic Ability • CYPRESS ~ Binding, Defensive Magick, Comfort, Mental Power, Wisdom • ELDER~ Grounding, Healing, Love, Magickal Power, Success • ELM ~ Intuition, Love, Pregnancy/Childbirth, Stability • JUNIPER ~ Fertility, Happiness, Protection, Optimism, Spirits, Strength • OAK ~ Confidence, Justice, Luck, Money, Success, Independence, Wealth • PINE ~ Beginnings, Blessings, Hope, Prosperity, Self-Work, Releasing • ROWAN ~ Astral Realm, Devotion, Guidance, Psychic Ability, Visions, Spirits • WILLOW ~ Moon Magick, Moon Power, Protection, Knowledge, Fertility • WITCH HAZEL ~ Healing, Inspiration, Willpower, Fidelity, Wisdom

HERBS & FLOWERS: • AGRIMONY ~ Harmony, Healing, Breaking Hexes, Dream Work, Protection • ALLSPICE~ Business, Luck, Success, Kindness, Money • ANGELICA ~ Repels Negativity, Divination, Purification, Success, • ANISE ~ Balance, Energy, Harmony, Purification, Well-Being • BASIL ~ Psychic Ability, Love (Reconciliation), Money, Messages/Omens • BELLADONNA ~ Imagination, Night Magick, Visions, Astral Realm • BETONY ~ Solving Problems, Security, Decreases Anxiety, Protection • BORAGE ~ Beginnings, Business success, Skills, Courage, Awareness • BLUEBELL ~ Kindness, Luck, Love, Manifestation, Overcoming Obstacles • CARNATION ~ Deep Love, Beauty, Communication, Fertility, Harmony, Emotions • CATNIP ~ Love, Luck, Psychic Ability, Spirits, Prevents Nightmares • CHAMOMILE ~ Blessings, Calming, Reduces Anger & Anxiety, Money, Luck • CINNAMON ~ Wealth, Money, Security, Luck, Desire, Attraction, Peace • CLOVE ~ Divination, Prosperity, Psychic Ability, Success, Truth, Visions • CLOVER ~ Grounding, Luck, Marriage, Prosperity, Success, Spiritual Balance • CUMIN ~ Fidelity, Harmony, The Home, Longevity, Love, Repels Negativity • DAFFODIL ~ Afterlife, Fairies, Love (Unrequited), Security, Spirits, Calming • DANDELION ~ Clairvoyance, Clarity, Divination, Communication, Spirits • DILL ~ Defensive Magick, Breaking Hexes, Love, Lust, Sex Magick, Money • FENNEL ~ Blessings, Repels Evil & Negative Energy (from entering the home) • FEVERFEW ~ Healing, Heartbreak, Love, Protection, Strength, Purification • GARLIC ~Banishing, Justice, Protection, Breaking Hexes, Release, Security • GINGER ~ Money, Pregnancy/Childbirth, Moon Magick, Unity, Success • HENBANE (highly poisonous) ~ Astral Realm, Divination, Love (Attract) • HONEYSUCKLE ~ Affection, Destiny, Happiness, Love, Peace, Well-Being • IVY ~ Attraction, Marriage, Love, Stability, Transformation, Fidelity, Omens • LAVENDER ~ Reduces Anger and Anxiety, Love, Manifestation, Luck, Rebirth • LEMON BALM ~ Business Success, Calming, Clarity, Fertility, Relationships • MANDRAKE (Poisonous) ~ Desire, Courage, spirits, Wealth, Omens, Bind • MISTLETOE (Poisonous) ~ Beginnings, Blessings, Business, Luck • MOONWORT ~ Clairvoyance, Divination, Love, Moon Magick, Money • MUGWORT ~ Spirits, Psychic Ability, Astral Realm, Awareness, Psychic Energy • NETTLE ~ Healing, Justice, Luck, Protection, Courage, Confidence • NUTMEG ~ Life, Luck, Love, Money, Power, Attract, Psychic Ability, Divination • ORRIS ROOT~ Astral, Protection, Relationships, Love, Sexual Attraction • PATCHOULI ~ Manifestation, Peace, Luck, Love (Attract), Money, Business • PEPPER ~ Motivation, Lust, Justice, Bind, Security, Strength • PEPPERMINT ~ Dream Work, Divination, Luck, Money, Visions, Healing • ROSE ~ Fertility, Family, Blessings, Love, Luck, Happiness, Beginnings • ROSEMARY ~ Psychic Ability, Psychic Protection, Inner Power, Luck, Afterlife • SAGE ~ Clairvoyance, Cleansing, Visions, Clears Negativity, Business • SANDALWOOD ~ Focus, Concentration, Success, Luck, Moon Magick, Blessings • ST. JOHN'S WORT ~ Strength, Power, Money, Consecrate/Bless, Prosperity • SNAPDRAGON ~ Clairaudience, Emotions, Money, Protection, Assertiveness • STAR ANISE ~ Divination, Psychic Ability, Purification, Consecrate/ Bless • STRAWBERRY ~ Beauty, Desire, Luck, Love, Relationships, Divination • SUNFLOWER ~ Clarity, Dream Work, Solar Energy, Light, Peace, Money, Luck • THYME ~ Healing, Happiness, Increasing, Rebirth, Protection, Calming • WORMWOOD ~ Clairvoyance, Dream Work, Guidance, Psychic Ability, Spirits • YARROW ~ Defense, Banishing, Heartbreak, Marriage, Healing, Release, Strength

[starlit-roman]

What your favorite sanders sides ship says about you in my opinion

I got this idea from @sandersontheside

Logince: Your favorite episode is why do we get out of bed in the morning and you question that too. You’re a fan of those red and blue haired character anime ships, and let’s not mention how much you love enemies to lovers. I feel like you like spaghetti with a shit ton of Parmesan, and sprite or Pepsi.

Logicality: You like sweet, wholesome ships the most and have probably either written a fan fiction about, read a fan fiction, or have thought about them baking cookies together. Also for some reason I feel like you like John Mulaney

Analogical: You like angst, not a crazy amount but you like to dip your ankles in it. Speaking of dip you probably either really like ranch or bbq sauce. And your favorite squishmallow is the bat one.

Loceit: You’re either the most chaotic person I will ever meet or you’re scarily chill about everything. You like it when all sense of right and wrong leave the room and just pure chaos despite how chaotically chill Logan and Janus are. You’ve definitely committed arson, and you’re a fan of tin cans and rainbows.

Intrulogical: You’re special, with love. I bet you watch doctor who while deepthroating packets of fun dip, sweet tarts, and/or hot tamales, I don’t have much else to say (I like this ship btw)

Royality: Opposites attract isn’t a thing that even registers in your brain, and despite what I want to think you’re probably the friend who corrupts the brains of your innocent friends and tells them about god knows what. If that’s not the case though you are the innocent friend who has surrounded themselves with not very innocent people. You like pasta with cumin. You also really like blueberries, soy sauce, and bluey.

Prinxiety: You’re correct. You prefer Ryan Gosling over Ryan Reynolds and you hate honeydew. You also probably have social anxiety.

Roceit: You like longer slow burn fanfictions and not just one shots, that along with enemies to lovers and a lot of tension. You’re definitely a maximalist when it comes to your room and you love rupauls drag race.

Moxiety: You’re a really sweet introvert and you like romance movies with happy endings. You probably like Mac Demarco and Arctic Monkeys and you like the scent of vanilla.

Moceit: (Kiss me) You really like stuffed animals and just fuzzy things in general. You’re a dog person but you like more cuddly cat-like dogs. You also like tomato soup.

Intruality: You’re super chaotic but super sweet, probably an Enfp or Entp. You like pickles and skunks and peanut butter cookies and cars 2.

Anxceit: You’re favorite social media is tumblr and you miss MySpace. You love hoodies and sweaters, your favorite season is winter, and you really like old artwork. You’re also really good at makeup, especially eye makeup

Dukexiety: You’re probably super all over the place and your rooms a mess but you know where everything is. You also really like snake plants and spiders

Dukeceit: You love the whole “He’s an idiot, but that’s my idiot” thing about this ship. If you have a roku it’s not set to the default theme and you probably like 90s-00s hiphop and you despise when your bed has crumbs in it.

Remrom: …

[the-mortuary-witch]

TYPES OF HERBS AND SPICES

ABUNDANCE: anise seed, bay leaves, bay laurel, basil, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, ginger, juniper berry, lemongrass, nutmeg, and St. John’s wort. 

AVOIDING DANGER: bay laurel, garlic, holly, mistletoe, parsley, rue, sage, St. John’s wort, thyme, and witch hazel. 

ACTIVATE ENERGY: ashwagandha, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, gotu kola, guarana, licorice root, maca, muira puama, panax ginseng, rhodiola, schisandra powder, stinging nettle, Siberian motherwort, tribulus, and white peony. 

ANXIETY: ashwagandha, chamomile, California poppy, catnip, golden root, holy basil, kava, lavender, lemon balm, oat straw, passion flower, skullcap, valerian root, wood betony, wild lettuce, lemon verbena, valerian, ginger root, celery, jojoba, and ginger root. 

ASTRAL TRAVEL: blue lotus, Mexican dream herb, mugwort, African dream root, wormwood, skullcap, yopo, belladonna, henbane, sage of the seers, nutmeg, cannabis, kanna, thorn-apple, blue tea, and calamus. 

AWARENESS: blue vervain, brain tonic, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, holy basil, lemon balm, lion's tail, oat straw, rhodiola rosea, and rosemary. 

ANIMALS (TO WORK WITH): catnip, mugwort, parsley, rose, sage, wormwood, devil's claw, dittany of Crete, horsetail, mullein, plantain, thyme, and yarrow.

BALANCING: ashwagandha, chamomile, kava, lemon balm, passion flower, rhodiola rosea, schizandra, ginseng, valerian, wood netony, chaste tree berry, damiana, hops, angelica sinensis, ginkgo biloba, kratom, maca, St. John’s wort, niacin, and Siberian motherwort. 

BANISHING: mugwort, angelica, hyssop, verbena, peppermint, mint, yarrow, wormwood, parsley, oregano, sage, rosemary, lavender, bay leaf, thyme, patchouli, eucalyptus, pine, St. John's wort, and basil. 

BINDING: bindweed, cannabis, rose thorns, stinging nettle, vervain, yarrow, devil’s shoestring, mugwort, catnip, dandelion, dill, skullcap, rose, and cardamom. 

BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT: alfalfa, allspice, basil, cayenne powder, cinnamon, cloves, dill, pecans, rosemary, and turmeric. 

CALM AND SOOTHE: lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, lavender, ashwagandha, kava, valerian, St. John’s wort, holy basil, melisa, rhodiola, hops, skullcap, ginseng, and turmeric. 

CHALLENGES / DIFFICULTIES: skullcap, ashwagandha, bacopa, chamomile, passionflower, rhodiola, valerian, St. John’s wort, holy basil, lemon balm, nettle, oat straw, rehmannia, schisandra, and ginseng. 

CHANGES / TRANSLATIONS: dandelion root, ashwagandha, reishi, holy basil, ginseng, alfalfa, nettle, burdock root, and oat straw. 

CLARITY: ginger, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, rhodiola, green tea, ginseng, dandelion root, holy basil, rosemary, tulsi, brahmi, skullcap, oat straw, and lingzhi. 

CONFIDENCE: peppermint, St. John’s wort, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower, valerian root, bay leaves, cedar, cloves, coconut, ginger, ginseng, hops, honeysuckle, California poppy, fennel seeds, nutmeg, orris root, red clover, rosemary, and yarrow. 

COURAGE: rosemary, calamus, borage, yarrow, sage, milky oats, ashwagandha, cacao, pepper, nettle, basil, chives, horseradish, skullcap, ginger, brahmi, dandelion, St. John’s wort, lemon balm, passionflower, rhodiola, oat straw, lingzhi, ginseng, and tulsi. 

CREATIVITY: damiana, sage, ashwagandha, bacopa, lavender, passionflower, calamus, gotu kola, lemon balm, ginkgo, green tea, mugwort, cumin, ginger, cannabis, basil, and coriander. 

DEATH / ANCESTORS / AFTERLIFE: rosemary, chamomile, lavender, parsley, wormwood, pine, cannabis, mugwort, bay leaves, cedar, belladonna, angel’s trumpet, and wolfsbane. 

DIVINATION: wormwood, mugwort, datura, deadly nightshade, morning glory, valerian, skullcap, blue lotus, wormwood, belladonna, mugwort, and black cohosh. 

DREAMWORK: mugwort, chamomile, lavender, valerian, lemon balm, catnip, yarrow, passionflower, motherwort, and betony. 

FEAR (TO SUBDUE): lavender, chamomile, kava, valerian, passionflower, skullcap, lemon balm, hops, catnip, ashwagandha, and theanine. 

FERTILITY: maca, ashwagandha, black cohosh, red clover, chasteberry, peony, raspberry, cinnamon, shatavari, dong quai, ginseng, liquorice, nettles, saw palmetto, milk thistle, false unicorn, motherwort, and shilajit. 

FIDELITY: bay leaves, chasteberry, white horehound, lady's mantle, jasmine, catnip, vervain, St. John’s wort, damiana, yohimbe, and wood betony. 

FOCUS / CONCENTRATION: ginkgo biloba, rosemary, peppermint, bacopa, gotu kola, waterhyssop, sceletium tortuosum, green tea, and theanine. 

FORGIVENESS: rue, chamomile, rosemary, lemon balm, rose, linden, sage, lavender, valerian, holy basil, yarrow, skullcap, and St. John’s wort. 

FRIENDSHIP: alstroemeria, Adam’s needle, ivy, zinnias, chamomile, tulips, iris, geraniums, calla lilies, thyme, basil, marjoram, dill, sage, bamboo, lemon verbena, hibiscus, jasmine, elderflower, aloe vera, cactus, jade plant, daises, forget-me-nots, sunflower, sweet pea, hydrangea, peace lilies, and yarrow. 

GRIEF / SORROW (TO DEAL WITH): lemon balm, St. John’s wort, valerian, lavender, motherwort, hawthorn, rose, tulsi, passionflower, ashwagandha, basil, milky oats, linden, mimosa, skullcap, and oatstraw. 

GROUND AND CENTRE ENERGY: holy basil, chamomile, passionflower, lavender, rose, ginger root, cinnamon, liquorice root, lemon balm, rhodiola, sage, damiana, kava, rosemary, skullcap, ashwagandha, and valerian. 

GROWTH: shatavari, maca, ashwagandha, alfalfa, kelp, spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, tribulus terrestris, ginkgo biloba, sea moss, dandelion, astragalus, and reishi mushroom. 

GUIDANCE: mugwort, bay leaves, wormwood, rosemary, sage, motherwort, blue lotus, hyssop, St. John’s wort, valerian, damiana, gotu kola, blue vervain, lemon balm, yarrow, rose buds, passionflower, and chasteberry.  

HEALING: garlic, chamomile, feverfew, ginger, echinacea, goldenseal, stinging thistle, ginkgo, calendula, dandelion, ginseng, liquorice, and elderberry. 

HEARTBREAK (TO RECOVER FROM): rose, lavender, motherwort, thyme, linden, hawthorn, skullcap, lemon balm, blue vervain, and passionflower. 

HEXES (TO AVOID/BREAK): thistle, marigold, mullein, nettle, horehound, bayberry, mugwort, yarrow, oak, mint, holy basil, rosemary, pine, black cohosh, thyme, St. John’s wort, garlic, yucca, and vervain.

HEALTH: garlic,chamomile, feverfew, ginger, echinacea, goldenseal, ginkgo, calendula, ginseng, milk thistle, St. John’s wort, saw palmetto, and valerian. 

HOME / FAMILY: lavender, basil, yarrow, chamomile, rosemary, mint, lemon balm, hyssop, vervain, and mugwort. 

INSIGHT: blue lotus, mugwort, wormwood, lettuce, yerba mate, damiana, blue vervain, skullcap, passionflower, sage, juniper, sandalwood, and bay laurel. 

INSPIRATION: rhodiola, ginseng, sage, guarana, peppermint, passionflower, rosemary, ashwagandha, gotu kola, damiana, blue lotus, rose, skullcap, ylang-ylang, mugwort, St. John’s wort, and blue vervain. 

KNOWLEDGE / LEARNING: green tea, rosemary, brahmi, gotu kola, sage, lemon balm, yerba mate, ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, holy basil, hawthorn, linden, chasteberry, dandelion, hyssop, and skullcap. 

LOSS (TO DEAL WITH): ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginseng, fenugreek, cumin, caralluma fimbriata, gurmar, cardamom, dandelion, garlic, lemon balm, peppermint, rose, triphala, tulsi, ashwagandha, hawthorn, and linden. 

LOVE / ROMANCE: damiana, catnip, vervain, rose, yang yang, rose petals, jasmine, ginger, saffron, black pepper, cardamom, sandalwood, bay leaf, lavender, marjoram, linden, bergamot, and fennel.

LUCK: clovers, dandelion, bay leaf, High John the Conqueror, basil, cinnamon, allspice, catnip, St. John’s wort, lavender, lady’s mantle, oak, ginger, mint, chamomile, patchouli, holy basil, mistletoe, marigold, calendula, Irish moss, cloves, and goldenrod. 

MANIFESTATION: basil, calendula, mint, rosemary, sage, lavender, bay leaf, cinnamon, bamboo, mugwort, sandalwood, allspice, yarrow, High John the Conqueror, catnip, and jasmine.

MARRIAGE: rosemary, holy basil, catnip, bay leaf, lavender, marjoram, rose petals, jasmine, bergamot, and linden. 

MONEY: rue, cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, dandelion, catnip, allspice, lemon balm, yarrow, black pepper, wormwood, parsley, nettle, chamomile, sage, basil, and oregano. 

MOTIVATION: green tea, damiana, gotu kola, St. John’s wort, ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, brahmi, sage, liquorice, and ginger. 

NEGATIVITY (TO DISPEL/AVERT/PROTECTION FROM): cedar, sage, rosemary, holy basil, eucalyptus, yarrow, lavender, thyme, peppermint, rue, juniper, mint, hyssop, nettle, bayberry, mugwort, dandelion, clove, basil, and garlic. 

NIGHTMARES (TO WARD OFF/SUBDUE): wormwood, black pepper, skullcap, passionflower, California poppy, valerian, catnip, mugwort, blue vervain, lemon balm, rose, St. John’s wort, lavender, jasmine, yarrow, bay leaf, mullein, bayberry, ginger, and holy basil.

OBSTACLES (TO OVERCOME): hyssop, mullein, gotu kola, lavender, sage, vervain, thyme, holy basil, St. John’s wort, ashwagandha, green tea, brahmi, lemon balm, yarrow, marjoram, rosemary, nettle, chamomile, and bay leaf.

OPTIMISM: damiana, gotu kola, passionflower, skullcap, nettle, black tea, sage, blue lotus, green tea, St. John’s wort, ginger, vervain, mullein, lavender, jasmine, chamomile, bay leaf, lemon balm, ginger, and rose.

PEACE / TRANQUILITY: myrrh, rose, peppermint, chamomile, lavender, skullcap, holy basil, ashwagandha, St. John’s wort, passionflower, rosemary, valerian, sage, Persian silk tree, lemongrass, gotu kola, nettle, thyme, bay leaf, mugwort, and kava.

PROSPERITY / ABUNDANCE: basil, mint, cinnamon, patchouli, chamomile, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, bay leaf, calendula, honeysuckle, clove, Irish moss, thyme, alfalfa, bayberry, clover, dandelion, nettle, oregano, dill, and poppy.

PROTECTION / DEFENCE: aloe, cinnamon, sandalwood, dragon’s blood, rue, eucalyptus, comfrey, rose, chamomile, St. John’s wort, cedar, mugwort, cayenne pepper, nettle, bay, angelica, thyme, sage, peppermint, lavender, basil, and rosemary.

PSYCHIC ABILITIES (TO ENHANCE): frankincense, wormwood, valerian, thyme, nettle, anise, lemongrass, gotu kola, angelica, bay leaf, chamomile, sage, rose, yarrow, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and mugwort.

PURIFICATION / CLEANSING: sage, cedar, rosemary, lavender, palo santo, basil, peppermint, red clover, dandelion, frankincense, mugwort, nettle, bay leaf, burdock, chamomile, juniper, parsley, copal, sweetgrass, angelica, cilantro, eucalyptus, ginger, and cinnamon.

RELATIONSHIPS: rose, spearmint, lavender, jasmine, basil, damiana, catnip, ginger, patchouli, hibiscus, rosemary, thyme, cardamom, lemon balm, clove, jasmine, fennel, bay leaf, sage, dill, vanilla, ashwagandha, black cohosh, ginseng, calendula, meadowsweet, and cinnamon.

REMOVE / RELEASE: rue, black pepper, sage, rosemary, mint, lemon juice, hyssop, mullein, vervain, wormwood, nettle, garlic, dandelion, bay leaf, catnip, lavender, lemon palm, and parsley.

RENEWAL / REBIRTH / NEW BEGINNINGS: holy basil, gotu kola, rosemary, yarrow, ashwagandha, mullein, basil, chamomile, St. John’s wort, rose petals, lemon balm, vervain, mint, nettle, sage, mugwort, and damiana.

SEX / SEXUALITY: saffron, yohimbe, saw palmetto, chavohuasca, pomegranate peel, musli, chasteberry, longjack, chamomile, fenugreek, shatavari, barrenwort, saffron, damiana, ashwagandha, ginkgo, maca, bindii, and red ginseng.

SPIRIT GUIDES: yarrow, thyme, rose, myrrh, sweet grass, bay leaf, peppermint, nettle, mugwort, frankincense, chamomile, angelica, rosemary, cedar, basil, sage, and lavender.

SPIRITUALITY: lavender, sage, basil, rosemary, angelica, cedar, frankincense, chamomile, mugwort, nettle, peppermint, bay leaf, sweet grass, myrrh, rose, thyme, and yarrow.

STABILITY: ginger, parsley, St. John’s wort, lavender, mullein, catnip, rosemary, holy basil, lemon balm, and gotu kola.

STRENGTH: turmeric, maca, ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola, brahmi, shilajit, tulsi, astragalus, cordyceps, ginger, liquorice, gotu kola, astragalus, nettle, schisandra, and green tea.

STRESS: rhodiola, lavender, valerian, brahmi, kava, skullcap, peppermint, milky oats, liquorice, hops, St. John’s wort, turmeric, ginseng, tulsi, passionflower, chamomile, lemon balm, and ashwagandha.

SUCCESS: mint, basil, rosemary, cinnamon, allspice, dandelion, calendula, patchouli, bay leaf, ginger, lavender, chamomile, nutmeg, dill, honeysuckle, Irish moss, lemongrass, nettle, and peppermint.

TRUST: bayberry, lemon balm, rue, marjoram, bay leaf, hyssop, black pepper, damiana, rose petals, yarrow, valerian, wormwood, nettle, lavender, vervain, and jasmine.

TRUTH: mugwort, rue, mullein, skullcap, rosemary, hyssop, bay leaf, holy basil, thyme, and peppermint.

WELL-BEING: green tea, ashwagandha, holy basil, reishi mushroom, lemon balm, chamomile, ginger, liquorice, and turmeric.

[stillbornedprincess]

Hellow miss princess of the stillbornedland. what is your favourite kind of folk medicine for a tummy ache. my mom used to make me drink cumin and myrrh which I still don't like

I do not remember really. As of recent any tummy ache i would had has been 100x worse but less frequent. So no space for folk medicine, just painkilllas. But this aside the best folk medicine for a tummy ache it depends on the tummy ache. Gas ache= hot liquid Anise tea made from boiling one star anise. Anxiety ache= silent area with noise cancelling headphones or ear defenders depending on what’s closest nearby. Stomach bug ache= hot mint and lots of luv. normal period ache= this porridge from Somalia (although it must be noted I do NOT belive in a Somalia, but tis a rant for another day)

sweet, warm, nutritious, etc. It really should be served in woman’s spaces.

(p.s. cumin and myrrh, is it really disgusting? sounds a strange concoction)

[backwoodsmagick]

Plant Correspondences

Trees

♡ ACACIA - Clairvoyance, Divination, Visions, Wealth, Protection, Blessings ♡ ALDER - Banishing, Transformation, Truth, Power Of Water, Intuition ♡ APPLE - Dream Work, Enchantment, Fertility, Love, Luck, Harmony ♡ BIRCH - Reducing Anxiety, Defensive Magick, Increasing Concentration, Creativity ♡ CEDAR - Afterlife, Clairvoyance, Breaks Hexes, Psychic Ability ♡ CYPRESS - Binding, Defensive Magick, Comfort, Mental Power, Wisdom ♡ ELDER - Grounding, Healing, Love, Magickal Power, Success ♡ ELM - Intuition, Love, Pregnancy/Childbirth, Stability ♡ JUNIPER - Fertility, Happiness, Protection, Optimism, Spirits, Strength ♡ OAK - Confidence, Justice, Luck, Money, Success, Independence, Wealth ♡ PINE - Beginnings, Blessings, Hope, Prosperity, Self-Work, Releasing ♡ ROWAN - Astral Realm, Devotion, Guidance, Psychic Ability, Visions, Spirits ♡ WILLOW - Moon Magick, Moon Power, Protection, Knowledge, Fertility ♡ WITCH HAZEL - Healing, Inspiration, Willpower, Fidelity, Wisdom

Herbs & Flowers

♡ AGRIMONY - Harmony, Healing, Breaking Hexes, Dream Work, Protection ♡ ALLSPICE - Business, Luck, Success, Kindness, Money ♡ ANGELICA - Repelling Negativity, Divination, Purification, Success, ♡ ANISE - Balance, Energy, Harmony, Purification, Well-Being ♡ BASIL - Psychic Ability, Love (Reconciliation), Money, Messages/Omens ♡ BELLADONNA - Imagination, Night Magick, Visions, Astral Realm ♡ BETONY - Solving Problems, Security, Decreasing Anxiety, Protection ♡ BORAGE - Beginnings, Business Success, Skills, Courage, Awareness ♡ BLUEBELL - Kindness, Luck, Love, Manifestation, Overcoming Obstacles ♡ CARNATION - Deep Love, Beauty, Communication, Fertility, Harmony, Emotions ♡ CATNIP - Love, Luck, Psychic Ability, Spirits, Preventing Nightmares ♡ CHAMOMILE - Blessings, Calming, Reducing Anger & Anxiety, Money, Luck ♡ CINNAMON - Wealth, Money, Security, Luck, Desire, Attraction, Peace ♡ CLOVE - Divination, Prosperity, Psychic Ability, Success, Truth, Visions ♡ CLOVER - Grounding, Luck, Marriage, Prosperity, Success, Spiritual Balance ♡ CUMIN - Fidelity, Harmony, The Home, Longevity, Love, Repelling Negativity ♡ DAFFODIL - Afterlife, Fairies, Love (Unrequited), Security, Spirits, Calming ♡ DANDELION - Clairvoyance, Clarity, Divination, Communication, Spirits ♡ DILL - Defensive Magick, Breaking Hexes, Love, Lust, Sex Magick, Money ♡ FENNEL - Blessings, Repelling Evil & Negative Energy (From Entering The Home) ♡ FEVERFEW - Healing, Heartbreak, Love, Protection, Strength, Purification ♡ GARLIC - Banishing, Justice, Protection, Breaking Hexes, Release, Security ♡ GINGER - Money, Pregnancy/Childbirth, Moon Magick, Unity, Success ♡ HENBANE (Highly Poisonous) - Astral Realm, Divination, Attracting Love ♡ HONEYSUCKLE - Affection, Destiny, Happiness, Love, Peace, Well-Being ♡ HUCKLEBERRY - Good Fortune, Luck, Dream Work ♡ IVY - Attraction, Marriage, Love, Stability, Transformation, Fidelity, Omens ♡ LAVENDER - Reduces Anger & Anxiety, Love, Manifestation, Luck, Rebirth ♡ LEMON BALM - Business Success, Calming, Clarity, Fertility, Relationships ♡ MANDRAKE (Poisonous) - Desire, Courage, Spirits, Wealth, Omens, Binding ♡ MISTLETOE (Poisonous) - Beginnings, Blessings, Business, Luck ♡ MOONWORT - Clairvoyance, Divination, Love, Moon Magick, Money ♡ MUGWORT - Spirits, Psychic Ability, Astral Realm, Awareness, Psychic Energy ♡ NETTLE - Healing, Justice, Luck, Protection, Courage, Confidence ♡ NUTMEG - Life, Luck, Love, Money, Power, Attraction, Psychic Ability, Divination ♡ ORRIS ROOT- Astral, Protection, Relationships, Love, Sexual Attraction ♡ PATCHOULI - Manifestation, Peace, Luck, Attracting Love, Money, Business ♡ PEPPER - Motivation, Lust, Justice, Bind, Security, Strength ♡ PEPPERMINT - Dream Work, Divination, Luck, Money, Visions, Healing ♡ ROSE - Fertility, Family, Blessings, Love, Luck, Happiness, Beginnings ♡ ROSEMARY - Psychic Ability, Psychic Protection, Inner Power, Luck, Afterlife ♡ SAGE - Clairvoyance, Cleansing, Visions, Clearing Negativity, Business ♡ SANDALWOOD - Focus, Concentration, Success, Luck, Moon Magick, Blessings ♡ ST. JOHN'S WORT - Strength, Power, Money, Consecration/Blessing, Prosperity ♡ SNAPDRAGON - Clairaudience, Emotions, Money, Protection, Assertiveness ♡ STAR ANISE - Divination, Psychic Ability, Purification, Consecration/Blessing ♡ STRAWBERRY - Beauty, Desire, Luck, Love, Relationships, Divination ♡ SUNFLOWER - Clarity, Dream Work, Solar Energy, Light, Peace, Money, Luck ♡ THYME - Healing, Happiness, Rebirth, Protection, Calming ♡ WORMWOOD - Clairvoyance, Dream Work, Guidance, Psychic Ability, Spirits ♡ YARROW - Defense, Banishing, Heartbreak, Marriage, Healing, Release, Strength

[tarzantips]

Magic in Your Pantry: Everyday Items, Extraordinary Remedies

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is easy to overlook the hidden treasures that lie within the confines of our kitchen.

Beyond the daily rituals of cooking and meal preparation, our pantry holds a secret arsenal of everyday items that double as extraordinary remedies.

Let’s discover into the enchanting world of common kitchen ingredients that possess magical properties for health, beauty, and overall well-being.

Magic in Your Pantry

Healing Elixirs

Your pantry might just be the potion cabinet you never knew you had. Explore the healing wonders of ginger, honey, and lemon, a trio that works like magic to soothe sore throats and boost the immune system.

Uncover the ancient remedy of turmeric for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turning your kitchen into a wellness haven.

Beauty Spells with Kitchen Staples

Step into the world of beauty magic as your pantry unlock ingredients that can transform your skincare routine.

Discover the exfoliating powers of oats, the moisturizing charm of coconut oil, and the blemish-banishing qualities of tea tree oil.

These simple yet powerful concoctions will leave your skin radiant and refreshed.

Culinary Charms for Digestive Harmony

Beyond their culinary uses, everyday spices can work wonders for your digestive system.

Explore into the enchanting world of cumin, fennel seeds, and peppermint, as they cast spells to alleviate indigestion and bloating.

Your pantry becomes a potion master's workshop, home remedies for anything that not only satisfy the taste buds but also nurture your gut.

The Sleep Elixir

Bid farewell to sleepless nights with the magical sleep elixirs tucked away in your pantry.

Unlock the calming properties of chamomile tea, the tranquilizing effects of warm milk, and the hypnotic allure of lavender.

Transform your bedtime routine into a peaceful ritual, grasping the restorative power of these simple ingredients.

Read: 7 Pain-Relieving Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Warding Off the Common Cold

With seasonal changes often comes the unwelcome guest that is the common cold.

Fear not, for your pantry holds the key to a potent potion that can help ward off sniffles and sneezes.

Include the power of garlic, honey, and apple cider vinegar; a triumphant trio that can boost your immune system and keep those pesky cold germs at bay.

Stress-Relieving Brews

In the mid of a hectic day you can find solace in the stress-relieving brews concealed within your pantry.

Chamomile tea, known for its calming properties, can be your go-to elixir for moments of tension.

Green tea, rich in antioxidants, not only promotes relaxation but also brings a myriad of health benefits.

Transform your pantry into a sanctuary, where a soothing cup of tea becomes your remedy for stress and anxiety.

Cleaning Concoctions

Your pantry is not just a source of nourishment for your body; it is also a treasure trove for keeping your living spaces pristine.

Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can work in tandem to create powerful and natural cleaning concoctions.

Bid farewell to harsh chemicals as you embark on a journey to transform your pantry into a sustainable cleaning arsenal, contributing to a healthier home and environment.

more >>>

[prettyciggy]

sharing some of grandma's recipes 🩷 she's OUR grandma now. she tends to give simple recipes for easy bases - add whatever you'd like to them!

recipes:

- chicken noodle soup

- chicken salsa soup

- sweet potato curry

- gumbo

- how to make rice

- homemade bread. peasant, flat, and fried

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

- buy roasted chicken. place in pot with water filled about halfway up chicken. leave to boil for 40min-hour [good for walking away and doing things. boiling it makes it super easy to get the bones out. you can also just pick the meat you want off if you're in a hurry)

- pick out bones / add boneless meat to pot with water or broth from store (as much broth as you want)

- 1tb bouillon, bay leaf [i double this for stronger flavor]

- any seasonings you want. my personal favs are creole or yellow curry. parsley is delicious as well and discourages bad breath >:]

- veggies: sliced carrots, celery, chopped onions

- bring to a boil for cooking then turn down heat, leave for 10 min

- noodles! any that you want. grandma's favorite are egg noodles. cook until noodles are desired texture

great granny made this for my gma served on top of mashed potatoes

makes multiple servings! good for easy leftovers

CHICKEN SALSA SOUP

- saute / fry chopped onion in butter. add 1 pint water and 1.5 cup salsa

- 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1-2 tb bouillon, as much garlic as you want (i personally double this)

- when it starts boiling add 1-2 cups of corn (canned or frozen)

- add bite sized chicken. i always buy my chicken precooked bc i have anxiety about it LOL. cook for 5 minutes longer

serve with sour cream, chips, and cheese

SWEET POTATO CURRY

- fry 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped sweet potato together with butter

- add a little water (don't fully cover food) and cover to steam about 10 minutes

- buy bottle of red or green curry sauce. 3 tbs. or about half the bottle. curry paste or powder also works! use same amount and adjust as desired

- add 1 cup of water with 2 tsp bouillon

- i personally add some cooked shredded chicken and a bit of creole seasoning and parsley. not called for in recipe

- add coconut milk once potatos are fully cooked and soft

- low heat until desired temperature

served with rice and flat bread

COOPER FAMILY GUMBO

cook in a big pot

- 1 bag frozen okra. chopped or chop yourself. fry with small amount of oil until it stops being stringy. takes about 10 min depending on amount. add to pot after

- add chopped: onion, green pepper, celery (1 onion, 1 big pepper, 2 celery for base recipe. i do some spicy peppers as well. add more as desired)

- 1 24-32oz can of diced tomatoes

- 2tbs bouillion (i use veggie bouillion, meat kinds are good too) (grandma uses this for an easy roux replacement) (roux recipe: butter and flour in low to medium heated pan. mix until golden brown. add creole seasoning)

- about 1 qts of water (i personally love broth so i just fill until im satisfied) (i will also use 3 32oz containers of broth instead of water for flavor)

- season with parsley, 2 bay leaves, plenty of tonys creole seasoning (i also add curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon black pepper) (creole is main soup seasoning for gumbo) (the brand is just Cooper Family preference)

- once veggies are soft add bite sized cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp (i don't usually include shrimp bc of texture. i use a cooked chicken from the store and just tear it up so it's stringy. creole or beef sausage is my favorite) (i recently found some dried shrimp at my store and added that, good replacement for texture issues)

serve over rice with bread. best breads are garlic french bread or flat bread. normal bread slices also work just fine

creole is a little spicy, so taste test for desired amount as you're adding

FOR RICE IF YOU DONT HAVE RICE COOKER:

- add 1 cup rice or more

- WASH! rinse rice in water, mix with hands, and drain multiple times until water is no longer milky colored (doesn't have to be 100% clear)

- fill water until it's a little above the rice. measure with finger, i usually do a little under the first knuckle

- cover pot and leave to cook on medium heat. if it starts to boil, immediately turn down heat to low.

- once all water is evaporated, add butter and salt! serve with whatever you'd like

for YELLOW rice add 1-2 tb butter and 1 tsp turmeric, throw in some fried onions if you're feeling fancy!

grandma liked adding 1-2 tb of ketchup and fried onions to plain cooked rice. said it gave it a great reddish color LMAO

HOMEMADE BREADS

PEASANT BREAD BASE RECIPE

- 2 cups of warm water

      - for rosemary bread add crushed rosemary at this part

      - add any seasonings you want or leave plain! either way is delicious

- 1 tbs yeast, 2 tbs sugar, 2 tbs salt

let rest until yeast is activated (looks sticky/foamy/expanded)

- add up to 4 cups of flour. mix each cup in as you pour, the dough will be sticky and can be mixed with a fork

- cover with cloth and leave it to rise. will double in size. i usually walked away to leave it for an hour, im not sure if it actually takes that long tho lmao

- preheat oven to 375

- get your baking bread bowl or pan and butter VERY well to prevent the dough from sticking. i tend to cover the dough and pan in butter. if you don't have an oven bread pan or whatever it's called (my gma called it a cereal bowl i DONT think that's correct hahahah), then a flat pan will work just fine! bowl is just for shape. gma divides bread into 2 loafs, i divide into rolls or flatten it for flatbread!

- cover again in rag and let dough rise a 2nd time before placing in oven

loaves take about 20 minutes, but just bake until bread is a golden brown :] grandma likes adding sesame seeds before putting bread in oven

recipe works for pretty much anything! pizza dough, loafs, rolls, flatbread

FLATBREAD

- follow peasant bread recipe up until the 1st rise of the dough

- butter or spray cookie sheet with oil, spread dough thin

- brush top with melted butter, sesame seeds, parsley, and parmesan cheese

- bake at 325 until golden brown

i personally add some sliced chery tomatoes, rosemary, cheese, and creole seasoning to top bread before placing in the oven. then more cheese directly after pulling it out.

FRY BREAD

- after 1st rise, divide and hand flatten dough into thin circles

- paint with melted butter and let rest for 5-10 minutes

- fill a pan about 1/3rd with oil, high or medium heat while dough is resting in butter

- cook in oil until crispy golden brown

delicious with curry or gumbo!

[mindfights]

we got time until the next alpha. i can keep layering post-retribution chargestep drabbles right in between those epilogue slides for years.

For as clever and dangerous as you've come to realize Ortega is, he makes mistakes. Well. You've both made mistakes, but he gave you access to the delivery services and his money.

Not that you couldn't easily bankroll the nefarious idea being cooped up in his apartment inspired yourself, but that could give the game away.

So could answering the door, you think bitterly, anxiety digging in its claws, before shaking the thought away so thoroughly your neck is a bit sore.

No, this is a calculated risk.

Ortega is enough of a clotheshorse that you can pad your physique in his oversized, designer sweatshirt from his closet. Cover up the tattoos, pilfer a pair of his sunglasses, broadcast don't look at me far and wide... it'll work.

It does work.

The delivery guy walks away with the impression he got the signature from one Ricardo Ortega's chunky uncle, and that he narrowly escaped a long, long bout of chit-chat. He walks down the hallway from Ortega's door cloaked in relief.

Once you unpack the box it's an extended game of hobbling around Ortega's apartment, putting back dress shirts and sunglasses and his extended collection of Charge merchandise through the ages, smoothing them down the best you can, stowing parts of the delivery in the fridge and others carefully hidden behind the one picture he has of you all together.

It's clearly a stillframe from a broadcast, Marshal Charge at the front projecting confidence in his more-than-a-little roughed up state while Steel glowers down at you and Anathema in the back for not taking getting patched up seriously. Off regulation. It makes you smile a little sadly as you position your secret weapon behind the cracked and plainly repaired frame.

Then it becomes a waiting game.

Ortega has been trying not to maintain a strict return schedule — one more attempt to keep you hidden — but you've worked out the pattern he's unwittingly created for his Mondays through Fridays, so you know roughly when his keys should open the lock.

You make sure the refridgerated components are ready and prepared just in time, though you admit it was more of a challenge than it would have been on healed legs.

When he comes in, you're seated at the counter with your back to him, looking over your shoulder, wearing one of his dress shirts you couldn't fully unwrinkle with your hair pulled up.

Ortega closes the front door instinctually before greeting you with the single-most uneasy, "Hello?" you've ever heard from him.

"Hi, Richie."

That does nothing to relax his stance, but it does get a lopsided smile, and a questioning, "What are you doing, Ains?"

You can't exactly keep the blush from starting to rise on your face, thinking about actually enacting your plan. It's stupid, incredibly stupid, but you want it to mean something. You want him to see it means something. It's effort you didn't bother with where he could see in the old days. It wouldn't go anywhere, couldn't be anything, after all.

You take a breath and try that ridiculous communicating honestly thing. "You know how you always took me out?"

He kicks his shoes off and braves walking further into his apartment. "Yeah?"

You swallow. nod sharply to the kitchen. Refuse to meet his eyes. "I thought I could return the favor? Like a, uhm..." Motherbitch, it sticks in your throat as he steps closer to peer into the kitchen, curiosity plain on his face. "A date."

If the familiar scent combination of garlic, cumin, pork and peppers wafting from the pot on the stove didn't make his eyes widen, it was definitely you willingly calling this a date.

"¿Una cita?"

You bite down the reflex to be snappish and nod, finally looking up at him from under your bangs, mumbling, "I made... Tía Elena's chili verde." She had taught the recipe to you on one visit to the ranch while Ortega did chores too difficult for his mamá. You had been looking down then too, embarrassed by why you asked. She had only laughed and lifted your chin, thinking so loud and warmly, sweet girl, like she saw your entire agenda.

You slide off your chair with less grace than you want, the skin of your thighs making the softest friction squeak as you go, taking up your crutches to navigate to the fridge and pull out — with a little trouble and careful juggling — the cheap plastic pitcher containing the sangria you made. Not a Tía Elena recipe, but good enough to be served beside one unless your taste buds are as faulty as the rest of you.

You heft it toward Ortega for inspection and that finally seems to knock him out of the odd stupor he's been hovering in. The smile that breaks out could be the last thing you see and you'd be fine with that.

Ortega comes at you like he's going to hug you, pauses, plucks the pitcher of deep red wine and marinated fruits from your hands to set on the counter, and then resumes his approach, wrapping his arms tightly around you and nestling his face against your neck.

"You made me dinner? Not just dinner, my mamá's cooking? You must love me, Ains."

You swallow hard, relaxing in the hold and resting your hands against his lower back, whispering, "And be crazy enough to try recreating her cooking?"

He laughs so warmly against your skin before it turns into a gentle kiss at against your pulse. "Maybe a little crazy, but it smells good. You did all this because you felt guilty about all those greasy burgers I bought us?"

Now or never. You take a breath and manage to keep nerves out of your words. "I did more."

That separates you both just enough to be faced with the full force of the tenderness written on Ortega's features. Because of you.

"Look behind that awful shot of you and some hooligans," you instruct, and follow behind him as he goes digging.

Polaroid cameras aren't inexpensive, but it was a necessary splurge. Certainly one he'll enjoy more than the designer pajamas he decided to get you. And the likely survival rate in the one and only Charge's hands is higher than any other sort.

Ortega turns it over in his hands a couple of times, experimental, curious, before looking back at you for an explanation. You don't really think he needs your help to work it out, but you're not going to deny him. Not tonight. Not when you're hopelessly soft.

"You don't have any good photos of us together, right? I thought... you should have some. Now that you know."

Another risk, but one you can control.

The smile drops from his face at that and for a moment you start rethinking every step in your little plan, wondering where you fucked up. Then he's glassy eyed and pulling you into a one armed hug, raising the camera and pressing a kiss to your cheek.

The shutter noise overlays Ortega's delighted, "This will be a perfect date, chaparrita."

[toto0o]

How many kgs of cumin infused Gouda, do i have to consume to cure anxiety?

[greenbudsfdispensary]

Types of Terpenes

Here are some common terpenes found in cannabis and their associated effects:

1-Limonene Limonene is found in citrus fruits and has a citrusy aroma. It is associated with elevated mood, stress relief, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Some research suggests it may also have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

2-Myrcene Myrcene is commonly found in hops, mangoes, and thyme. It has an earthy and musky aroma. Myrcene is believed to have sedating effects and can act as a muscle relaxant. It may also enhance the absorption of other cannabinoids.

3-Pinene As the name suggests, pinene has a pine-like aroma and is found in pine trees, rosemary, and basil. It is associated with increased alertness and focus. Pinene may also have anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for its potential bronchodilator effects.

4-Linalool Linalool is present in lavender, coriander, and cinnamon and has a floral scent. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects and is often used in aromatherapy for its potential to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Linalool may also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

5-Caryophyllene Caryophyllene is commonly found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. It has a spicy and peppery aroma. Unlike other terpenes, caryophyllene can interact directly with the body's endocannabinoid system. It may have potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

6-Terpinolene Terpinolene has a complex aroma, often described as floral, herbal, and citrusy. It is found in various plants, including apples, cumin, and lilacs. Terpinolene is associated with uplifting and energizing effects. It may also have sedative properties and is sometimes used in aromatherapy for its potential calming effects.

[wrestledwiththegods]

It may sound stupid but I'm curious, how would papas + copia and/or ghouls react to meeting their human s/o's family? Maybe in like a family dinner? By the way I really enjoy your writing! 💜

Not stupid at all! Thank you for your kind words. I'll be going with ghouls for this ask.

The one who is dead set on impressing is Aether. It's hard for people NOT to like him because he's so fun to be around and genuinely sweet- which is why now he's worried that they might not like him. They are your family and he assumes if you're all meeting it's because you're close to them.

He wants to be close to them, too! The idea of getting to make family memories with people you love makes his heart warm. With the role he has with his band mates, he loves the feeling of a loving family even if he's not actually related. He's going to be very gregarious and trying to give attention to everyone at the table. Also if your family has any animals, expect him to be all over them with kissing and hugging. Probably gets a little too tipsy if anyone brings out beer but it makes him a huge lovebug.

Fire is ready for this to be a shitshow. Yeah, he'll TRY to behave and TRY to make a good impression, but he's so impulsive and blunt it can be difficult. At the very least, he's honest and true to himself, there's no hiding who he is from your family. You take it or leave it.

The thing is... he wants your family to like him. If you like them. If not he's more than willing to make it the most chaotic bullshit they've ever seen. But you probably like them so he'll just. Do his best, okay? He might even try to make something and not burn it for the dinner. If nothing else, he wants you to know he cares about something you care about, even if it's in his own special way.

The one who is automatically loved is Rain. Something about him. He is way too good at getting people to fawn over him and charm them. Part of it is he knows himself well and has the confidence to back that up. While he might have had some slight anxiety about meeting the family at first, it smooths out once he starts actually talking.

Not only does he know himself? He presents himself well. He knows what your family might be worried about besides the obvious: are you going to be there for their loved one? Will you hurt them? Can you support them if things went horribly wrong? In a smooth manner, he touches on all of these in conversation throughout the night. By the end of it, he feels... happy. Happy he made his case, happy you wanted him to meet your family and happy at the end he gets to hold your hand.

Swiss, like Fire, is very take him or leave him but for different reasons. He's not going to change or make himself look better to impress anyone, even your family. And he is definitely an acquired taste. Does he hope they like him? Yeah. He more cares about what you think, though.

He shows up super casual and is absolutely gonna pop in the kitchen to see if he can help in any way. Even if they don't know him, he's just "Hey I'm Swiss, this needs more cumin." He radiates cool uncle energy so any young cousins or siblings are going to be hanging off his arms for his attention. Or his horns. Whatever, he's cool, they're having a good time. If no one else leaves here liking him, he knows he has you and the little goblins.

Possibly the most nervous is Mountain- yet also the one who tries his hardest to hide that, to his detriment. Being big and quiet does have a tendency for people to think he's just intimidating or hard to approach. So any type of familial dinner, he wants to get there early and he wants to be useful.

See, hes likeable and not scary- he's helping move the tables! He's putting out the food and the silverware and the plates and whatever you need done- it's pretty likely someone in your family or you is going to have to tell him to sit down and chill out. He's done enough. They think he's sweet. It's so obvious he's nervous it'll be hard for them not to dote on him a little because you can tell he's trying so hard. Hold his hand and tell him they like him. They probably do! And he'll sigh in relief.

Cirrus definitely spent way too much time baking for this occasion but dammit they will like her food and therefore like her. That's just how that works. Normally she'd be so much more collected but she knows how important this is to you- that means she has to do well.

She's the most aware of the differences between ghoul and human culture and wants to adapt for your sake. At least in this situation. You'll likely find her an hour before you're supposed to leave, hair a mess and looking frazzled as all hell. What she doesn't know is that once they meet her, they're probably going to really enjoy her company. And her dessert looks and tastes amazing.

Cumulus goes in sweet and bubbly because she's so excited you want them all to meet! If they say anything shitty or mean to you, though, it's game on. Air ghouls tend to come from tight knit nomadic groups where you defend your position and partners hard-core. Unlike Cirrus, she still holds that close to her chest. It's where that harpy like nature comes out in her.

However, if everyone is cool, she will be, too. She's the life of the party, an eccentric, unique bundle of joy. Where Swiss gives off cool uncle vibes, she gives off cool aunt vibes. If there is a keyboard anywhere in the vicinity, she's the type to start playing showtunes or popular songs to get everyone singing together and having a good time.

Sunshine/Sunny is demure by nature offstage. Brilliant and incredibly skilled, but reserved. This can make it difficult to get to know her as a person based on one meeting. You know this. She knows this. It's a genuine thing to worry about when you tell her you want her to meet your family.

Expect her to be quiet during a dinner, mostly answering questions when asked and being on the sideline of conversation. She's very bright and her smile is... well her name is fitting. Unintentionally being quiet the way she is provides an air of mystery that leaves people wanting to get to know her better.

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Well, during the first week of uni I was really anxious which is why my stomach was upset but now I'm not anxious at all yet I wake up to an upset stomach :(. Nevermind, I'm used to this. You tell us - how's everything ACTUALLY going for you?

-💖 anon

Hm... Ginger tea? Cumin tea? Might help with tummy pain. 🫖 Do keep an eye on it though, darling. ✨🤍

I'm just... honestly? Trying not to have a stroke. I feel like my plate is so full I don't even remember what the first thing that was put on it was. Just anxiety over everything. Plus, an odd looking blood test and chest pains. Kind of feel like I'm falling apart from within but idk how and what to do to prevent it lol... 😅🥲

[elfangel94]

why does anxiety make me so dumb and agreeable

someone could say some shit like “snarfblatt didgeridoo cumin?” and i’d be like “yes ma’am”

if my brain could stop that please that’d be nice.

[energylessartist]

okay. so. given your recent state of posts you seem to be extremely anxious. something is bothering you. you don't have to tell me about it but.

anxiety does not come without a problem. can you do anything about it? if so then do it. you don't have to live in fear.

if not then scream into a pillow. continue scrolling tumblr. concentrate on what the mixture of cumin, thyme and garlic would taste like and whether you would add it to your food. rotate a carrot in your mind and make it increasingly detailed. do something to take your mind off the problem.

this message was sent with the best possible intentions

It's ok, I tend to be a generally anxious person for some reason (I blame childhood trauma) and it's mostly centered around ep 8 of Murder Drones atm, but everything there has been addressed so I think I've mostly gotta ward off them lingering demons in my chest lol