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alitwebster · 2 years ago

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They say home is a place you can choose to be, and I've decided to carry home inside me.

Full name: Ali Tavish Webster

Faceclaim: Manny Jacinto

Date of Birth/Place/Age : June 21st, 1987/Edinburgh/35

Gender identification: Cis male

Preferred pronouns: He/him/his

Neighborhood: Sutherland Park

Occupation: unemployed when arriving in EH

Positive traits: Calm, open-minded and non judgemental.

Negative traits: He doesn't know what to do with his life, and doesn't know how to work through his anger. He can be quite fussy

Relationship status : Happily in love with Andrew Blythe

In East Haven since: Arrived in March 2023

Biography

(to be updated, I wrote it with the inspiration I had today.)

TW : mentions of abandonment, adoption, homophobia, conversion therapy, near death.

This is the story of a boy who made his dreams come true, and became a man along the way.

Ali Webster was born on a hot first summer day, when the sun had just decided to begin his night routine. You, readers, will probably never know his mother’s name, as she left the hospital without ever looking back. In fact, Ali’s story starts in January 1988, when he was finally adopted by the Webster family, who named and baptized him. He was brought up by his parents’ strong religious beliefs, to become the most perfect boy. Every sunday, he would go to church with gel in his hair, a cute tie or bow tie, and a smile on his face that greeted every person who paid him a compliment. “What a sweet boy”, they said, “making your daddy proud, aren’t you ?” He was. To Mark and Sophia Webster, Ali was a miracle. He was, with his sister, the proof God wasn’t mad at them for not being able to conceive. They were so proud, and so happy, until Ali proved to be a little more challenging.

He met his two best friends when he was very young. He met Hannah, the neighbor’s daughter, when he was 5, and he met Aindreis, a canadian, scottish latino boy obsessed with space, when he was 9.If you know Ali just a little bit, then you know he’s all about the people he loves. He takes mimics, thinks of small gifts, and words of appreciation. Ali lives to meet people. To this day, Hannah is still his soulmate from another universe, the one he could’ve never loved, and Andy, the one he loved but wasn’t allowed to. Ali was 14 when he knew he was in love with his best friend, and he was 14 and a day old when he realized he could never say anything. Andy finally knew, one afternoon when they were looking at the old atlas or doing god knows what. A cute teenage love story was born out of it, but being a teen must come with delusion, must it not ? Shame caught up with Ali when his mother learned the news, then told his father, and then all of this became the shame of the Webster family. There’s no need to tell all the things Ali heard said about him that day, these words will resin engraved in his brain for the rest of his life, and kept echoing in his ears when he was driven to Heaven’s Hope, a conversion therapy campsite, where he was supposed to stay for a while. Of these little trips to Hope’s Haven, Ali kept memories, and souvenirs. Mostly memories he still dreamt about, now at the age of 35. However the one he cherishes the most is certainly the night he escaped, and decided to never see his parents again. He was 17 when Hannah, who still lived at the other end of the street, had her mother prepare what would be his room, until he moved for University. That was the beginning of his life without Andy, whom he never saw again.

He worked as a waiter, as a dogsitter, as a housekeeper and many other things to be able to afford uni. He smiled, and went to class, and discovered life like he never could in the tiny town called North Berwick. Ali discovered he could be himself, work on his dancing, and learn about how the human body worked. In uni, Ali became thirsty for knowledge and adventure, and never stopped to be. So one day, when he’d gathered enough money to buy an old van he could live in, Ali packed his things, quit his shitty job, and left. That was the last time Ali had a stable life. At least it wouldn’t be the case for a while. In his van, he saw the world. From Nice to Seattle, from Florence to Bangkok, Ali never felt more alive than when he drove his van through roads and seas. He drove and led an adventurous life until he couldn’t anymore, until, finally, he had healed and felt the need to go back home, to Scotland. During that time away, he had become a massage therapist, he had become obsessed with meditation, and was sure that he could step foot on Scottish land again without feeling suffocated. In 2019, Ali was finally done escaping.

He came back to North Berwick when he was offered a job at the hospital. At the same time, Ali hoped to befriend the ghosts of his past. And he did. Sort of. He worked, made friends again, finally saw Hannah after years of only seeing her through shitty video calls. He never thought he’d say this again, but North Berwick made him happy. Andy was there, too. That, may have been the hardest part, at the time. Imagine being reunited with the guy you were in love with, but whom you never talked to again in roughly twenty years. As shameful as he could ever be, teen Ali turned his back on his best friend turned boyfriend, and had proceeded to ignore him. Too hard, too weird. Andy would eventually tell him, that it was good to make amends. Something about the steps to sobriety ? Ali wasn’t on the sobriety path, he never needed to to begin with, but he did need to make amends, and so he did, and so history repeated itself. Aindreis and Ali became friends again, and they fell in love again. That’s the end of the story, xoxo, Sam. Kidding. If only. Couldn’t be that easy tho, right ? One thing Ali didn’t learn during his trips, was how to properly communicate his feelings. It took time, for these two to understand that they were meant to be together, and when they finally did, tragedy hit. Well, a storm hit. Just under a year before, Ali had opened a small wellness center. Things were going great, although business had been slow to start. Anyway, the boss was confident things would work out. Although when a storm destroyed a lot of North Berwick’s city center, Ali being almost drowned in the process, the Willow, as it was called, didn’t survive. Not being able to go to work because of mental health issues, Ali closed down his cherished creation, and wanted one thing, and one thing only : leave again, to try and forget again, to try and live again. There was Andy now tho, wasn’t it ? So, once again, Ali went back, and never left. This time, I swear, these two stayed together. And that leads us to january, when Aindreis told Ali he was offered the direction of a communication agency in East Haven. You guessed it, Ali said yes, quit the job he’d taken to pay the bills, and voilà ! They were both finally here mid march of 2023. Beautiful story, right ? Well, to be continued.

#easthavenintro

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charlestonmarketonline · 5 months ago

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: RCAF Royal Canadian Air Force Uplands Military Souvenir Brooch Pin Gold Tone.

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eyssant · 7 months ago

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Whistler's Allure: A Year-Round Adventure Destination

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, lies the charming resort town of Whistler. Renowned for its world-class outdoor adventures, vibrant village atmosphere, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, Whistler stands as a beacon for adrenaline enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a plethora of activities available year-round, Whistler offers an unparalleled experience that captures the hearts of all who visit.

Exploring Whistler: A Playground of Possibilities

Whistler is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an extensive array of activities to suit every taste and skill level. Whether you're seeking the thrill of downhill skiing, the tranquility of a scenic hike, or the rush of ziplining through old-growth forests, Whistler has something for everyone.

At the heart of Whistler's allure lies its renowned ski resorts, including the legendary Whistler Blackcomb. Spanning over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and boasting a vertical drop of over 1,600 meters, Whistler Blackcomb stands as the largest ski resort in North America. With pristine powder snow, diverse trails catering to all abilities, and breathtaking alpine vistas, it's no wonder that skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts flock to Whistler's slopes each winter.

But the adventure doesn't stop when the snow melts. In the warmer months, Whistler transforms into a mountain biking paradise, attracting riders from around the globe to its legendary trails. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers an exhilarating network of trails ranging from gentle cruisers to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, ensuring an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.

For those who prefer to explore on foot, Whistler's extensive network of hiking trails provides endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the region's natural beauty. From leisurely strolls through old-growth forests to challenging alpine treks, there's a trail for every adventurer. Don't miss the iconic Whistler Summit Trail, which offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a glimpse into the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

For thrill-seekers craving an extra dose of excitement, Whistler offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, from ziplining through the treetops to tackling high ropes courses and bungee jumping over roaring rivers. These adventure tours provide a unique perspective of Whistler's rugged terrain, allowing visitors to soar above the canopy and experience the thrill of exploration like never before.

And let's not forget about Whistler Village, the vibrant heart of the town. With its pedestrian-only streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, Whistler Village is a bustling hub of activity year-round. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, browse artisanal boutiques for unique souvenirs, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere as street performers entertain passersby.

When to Visit: A Season for Every Adventure

The best time to visit Whistler largely depends on your preferred activities. Winter, from December to February, offers prime skiing and snowboarding conditions, with ample snowfall and crisp temperatures creating the perfect backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts. As the snow begins to melt, spring brings milder temperatures and longer days, making it an ideal time for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Summer in Whistler is a true delight, with warm temperatures and endless opportunities for adventure. From June to August, visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and more. Fall, from September to November, is a magical time to visit Whistler, as the landscape bursts into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Whistler’s weather is characterized by cold temperatures and abundant snowfall, creating perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Average temperatures range from -8°C (18°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in July, with temperatures varying depending on elevation.

It's essential to come prepared for any weather conditions when visiting Whistler, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers, bringing waterproof clothing, and wearing appropriate footwear are essential for staying comfortable and safe while exploring the great outdoors.

Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure

In conclusion, Whistler, Canada, is a destination like no other, offering a wealth of outdoor adventures against the backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. Whether you're shredding the slopes in winter, exploring scenic trails in summer, or simply soaking in the vibrant village atmosphere year-round, Whistler promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Whistler, where the possibilities are as endless as the mountains themselves.

#Whistler #Travel #Explore

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canadiansnacks · 1 year ago

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Exploring the Best Canadian Flavored Chips - A Taste of Canada in Every Bite

Indulge in the Savory Delights of Canadian Flavored Chips

Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering journey through the flavors of Canada with our selection of Canadian flavored chips. These chips aren't your ordinary snack; they're a delicious exploration of the unique tastes and culinary traditions that make Canada special.

Why Choose Canadian Flavored Chips?

Diverse Flavors: Canada's rich multicultural heritage is reflected in its food. From the bold and spicy kick of Montreal Smoked Meat to the savory sweetness of Maple Bacon, our Canadian chips offer a wide array of tastes that cater to every palate.

High-Quality Ingredients: We source the finest ingredients to create our chips, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. You can savor the natural goodness of real Canadian ingredients in every chip.

Local Authenticity: Our Canadian chips capture the essence of Canada's regional cuisines. Whether you're craving the zing of All-Dressed chips or the comforting familiarity of Poutine flavor, we bring these Canadian classics to your snack time.

Crispy Perfection: Our chips are meticulously crafted to achieve the ideal balance of crispiness and flavor infusion. Each chip is a testament to our dedication to quality and taste.

Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you're enjoying a cozy movie night, hosting a party, or just need a quick snack on the go, Canadian flavored chips are a delightful and satisfying choice.

Unique Souvenirs: For tourists and Canadian enthusiasts, our chips make for an excellent and unique souvenir or gift. Share the flavors of Canada with friends and family worldwide.

At Snowbird Sweets, we take pride in offering the best Canadian flavored chips, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Canada's culinary culture. Join us in celebrating Canada's diverse tastes with every bite.

Ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure? Explore our selection of Canadian flavored chips today and experience the deliciousness of Canada right at your fingertips.

#chips

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college-girl199328 · 2 years ago

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Niagara Falls has been deemed Canada’s top spot for attracting tourists who have money to burn. According to a newly released report by U.S.-based vacation home rental and property management company Casago, the kitschy Canadian border town is the country’s biggest tourist trap. On a global level, Niagara Falls came in seventh place.

Back in January, the team at Casago started doing unfiltered worldwide searches of the phrase “tourist trap” on TripAdvisor. They then gathered the names of attractions and places, addresses, and the number of mentions of “tourist trap” in thousands of accompanying reviews.

The world’s top 10 biggest tourist traps were deemed to be those with the highest number of mentions of "tourist trap" in their reviews. Casago then repeated this process by changing the location filter for each country and each U.S. state, removing entries that indicated that the attraction or place was not a tourist trap.

Worldwide, they set a minimum threshold of 10 mentions of the phrase "tourist trap." In both cases, the threshold was set at five or more mentions.

The data found that four of the 10 biggest tourist traps in the world are located in the United States, with San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf topping the list with 1,049 mentions of the phrase in reviews. Each year, the west coast city’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood attracts roughly 12 million visitors. Barcelona’s Las Ramblas street, which received 793 mentions, was found to be the second-biggest tourist trap in the world, followed by Oahu, Hawaii’s overpriced Dole Plantation (708 mentions).

The Dole Plantation was also the second-place finisher in the U.S., followed by New York’s Times Square. Casago is offering several tips to visitors so they don’t fall into a tourist trap.

The first piece of advice was to shop around for discounts when ticket prices for “must-see places” are exorbitant and to research when the quietest times to visit are, as admission to events and attractions may be cheaper in off-peak periods. “See if you can buy a ticket in advance as well to save on long lines and crowds at the ticket booth,” they said, pointing to advice from Insider that suggests tourists avoid places with long lines, crowded areas, and gift shops, as well as attractions that are popular on Instagram and have their own hashtag.

When it comes to getting something to eat, Casago is urging visitors to stay away from restaurants with employees standing outside trying to draw them in. “One of the best ways to have an authentic experience of a new place is to go off the beaten track, dine where the locals recommend, and take a scenic walk through quieter streets,” they urged.

“If you’re on the lookout for a souvenir, consider skipping the keychain and scoping out locally made crafts instead.”

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canadasouvenirgifts · 4 months ago

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The Most Iconic Canadian Symbols and Their Souvenir Counterparts

The rich cultural tapestry of Canada contains symbols that have established worldwide meaning. These symbols are deeply rooted in national history and culture, and they perfectly reflect what makes the country unique. Souvenirs provide tourists in Canada with a small piece of these Canadian symbols to take home and remember their times in the country. Let's look at some of the best Canadian souvenirs that go with them—each with a fascinating story to tell.

The Maple Leaf

The maple leaf serves as Canada's most defining symbol. It stands for power and solidarity and is widely shown on the national flag. Souvenirs featuring this symbol come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are used on apparel, keychains, best coffee mugs, T-shirts, and accessories, with maple leaf designs. These souvenirs serve as daily reminders of the beauty of Canada's natural surroundings and sense of pride.

The moose

The strong moose shows the strength of Canada. The moose is a popular symbol for souvenirs because of its magnificent appearance and remarkable horns. You can find items like moose-shaped magnets, socks, and toys. These tiny items perfectly convey the majesty of Canada’s wilderness.

The hockey stick

Ice hockey is a passion in Canada. The hockey stick stands for dedication and teamwork and identifies as national pastime. Souvenirs that represent hockey consist of miniature sticks and apparel and accessories with hockey themes. These items connect you to a core element of Canadian culture, regardless of your interest in sport.

The Beaver

The dedicated beaver, which was nearly pushed to extinction before, has been associated with Canada since the early days of the fur trade. It represents determination and devoted effort. Beavers on coins, stamps, and various other items are now common in the country.

Carved wooden sculptures of such items include cuddly toys and stationery with a beaver motif. The significance of animals in shaping the nation's history and economics is recognized by these artifacts when they are used in the best souvenirs from Canada.

The Canoe

Canoes played a major role in Canada's exploration and development from the historical times. They are symbols of exploration, adventure, and a connection to nature. Souvenirs like keychains celebrate this age-old mode of transportation in the form of miniature boats, and artwork with canoe motifs. Such a souvenir enriches your life with a little spirit of adventure that is Canada.

Shop the best souvenirs today by visiting https://canadasouvenirgifts.com/.

Original Source: https://bit.ly/46wuhxq

#best Canadian souvenirs

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souvenirsmontrealgifts · 1 year ago

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Why are Canadian Souvenirs a Big Deal?

Everyone who visits Canada, briefly or for a long holiday, makes sure to take some souvenirs back. These Canadian souvenirs are always appealing to tourists and collectors. But why do people always do so? Are you curious why people have a soft corner in their hearts for the best Canadian souvenirs? Well, we can try reasoning this behaviour.

Reason-1: Cultural Significance:

Canadian cities, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, etc., have unique cultures. When a person visits these cities, he definitely feels enchanted by the culture of these cities. So, when they are about to leave, they try to take a souvenir that helps them remember the unique culture of these cities.

Reason-2: Nature:

Whoever visits Canada feels mesmerized by its natural beauty. The greenery, snow, wildlife, etc., amaze visitors a lot. You can find scenic views almost everywhere in Canada. The country is so beautiful in its own way. However, people want to keep souvenirs with them to recall the beauty of the time when they were surrounded by natural beauty in Canada. Therefore, they take anything they like before leaving the country.

Reason-3: Maple Products:

The first eatable product that amazes tourists in Canada is maple syrup product. Maple syrup is the core of Canadian desserts and beverages. A dash of maple syrup can turn coffee, cookies, pancakes, etc., into a delicious delight. So, when people fall in love with maple eatables, they want to take some of them back home. For instance, they take maple chocolate candy, syrup, and more with them. They want others to taste the maple delight as well.

Reason-4: Gifts:

Why no one goes back home empty-handed from Canada? Well, Canadian souvenirs are always a reason behind this. These products are sometimes for tourists and other times for the people they know. People always take back some souvenirs for others as well. For instance, they take Canada souvenir t-shirts, keychains, mugs, etc., with them for the people they know. Finding gifts for others in Canada is extremely easy. The stores have a wide range of options.

Reason-5: Quality and Craftsmanship:

Canadians believe in offering quality products crafted beautifully. They do not want customers, tourists, or end-users to feel disappointed in the product. Moreover, high quality and excellent craftsmanship also make Canadian souvenirs a must-buy for tourists as well. These are the reasons why Canadian souvenirs are pretty popular.

Souvenir Montreal Gifts brings the finest collection. Check it out at https://souvenirsmontreal.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/47Fx2wd

#best canadian souvenirs

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atlanticcanada · 2 years ago

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Maritimers fundraising to help earthquake relief efforts in Turkiye and Syria

Maritimers are stepping up to help fundraise and deliver aid to areas of Turkiye and Syria that were devastated by the disastrous Feb. 6 earthquake that has killed more than 39,000 people.

More than a week later, as the search and recovery efforts continue and those that have lost their homes are struggling to meet basic needs, business organizations and individuals in Nova Scotia are helping to raise funds for the cause.

Nine Locks Brewing in Dartmouth, N.S., is doing what it does best and canning a new beer to help the Canadian Red Cross deliver humanitarian relief.

"To see the level of destruction and suffering from that part of the world was shocking," said Bill Manley, the general manager of Nine Locks Brewing Company.

On Friday, they will launch the Rise from the Rubble Disaster Relief IPA, with all proceeds from its sales going directly to relief efforts.

Nine Locks has a history of giving back -- they raised more than $20,000 last year to support Ukrainian relief efforts with a beer they called Putin Huylo.

“We’re putting everything we can from that batch into as many cans as we can get, which we will release on Friday, which should give us around 4,000 cans," said Manley.

It's not just businesses doing their part, people are putting their efforts into fundraising as well.

Avery Opalka recently returned from a three-month trip to Turkiye with her partner who is from there.

“Turkish people are so kind and wonderful and welcoming," said Opalka, who is making beaded necklaces from materials she brought back from her trip.

"I had bought these beads while I was in Turkiye and I was actually making these (necklaces) as souvenirs for friends," said the 22-year-old Dalhousie engineering student.

Opalka said seeing the earthquake’s destruction on the news from her home in Halifax was heartbreaking and she knew she had to do something to help.

With the leftover beads, she went to work making beautiful necklaces and selling them online for a suggested donation of $20.

She sold out of the necklaces in one day.

“Everything I have left is already spoken for, but we raised $850 in 24 hours, it was just a really exciting time," said Opalka.

It’s hard to measure how much time she’s put into the beadwork, but she says it’s satisfying, knowing she can take a hobby and make a contribution to the humanitarian effort.

"If you put in some time and dedicate some effort into it, you might actually be able to help people and make a positive impact," said Opalka. "That was my big takeaway.”

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/eo0WHPm

#new brunswick #prince edward island #nova scotia #news #politics #canada #CTVAtlantic

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aroguexenolith · 6 years ago

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Glaciers sure did us rock-hoarders a favor! They dumped all kinds of good stuff from all over, all in one place! So here in Michigan I can find bits of shells and crinoids and beautiful corals fossilized in the local limestone; mylonites with well-developed augen, as well as other deformed rock; gneisses of all sorts of colors, with beautiful, defined foliation; all kinds of intrusive igneous rock, from mafic to felsic and everything in between; and bits and pieces of agate and jasper and chert and chalcedony. I already have so many rocks at home that this year I’m having to be particularly picky with what I’m going to take back with me. It’s so hard...but fun, nonetheless. Good exercise for my rock-IDing abilities!

#most of the igneous and metamorphic stuff is from the Canadian Shield #Oh man me and autocorrect went head to head in this post #it has no respect for geologic terms #rockhounding #Michigan vacation #the best souvenirs #glacial till #rambling

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scabopolis · 4 years ago

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the gift of gab, the gift of you

Here it is @thisonesatellite! your 2020 CS Secret Santa gift. It was a complete and total delight to get to be your gift giver this year. That is not hyperbole - you are a gosh dang delight! Each of your message responses left me in stitches and while I will NEVER try and convince you a movie you think is bunk is good, I am delighted at the opportunity to recommend rom coms that don’t make you want to gouge your eyes out.

This fic is heavily inspired by your love of coffee shops AUs (except...you know, a pub), your travel stories (which I shamelessly incorporated into the fic) and I believe rates about a 4 on the reindeer scale of Christmas cheer. You’re a total eagle eye, so I just need to say I am well aware that Colin O’Donoghue’s accent in no way resembles an accent from Cork, but I just need that to be ignored, please and thank you.

Also, I’ve decided we’re fandom friends now. Okay? Okay! Finally, thank you to @cssecretsanta2020 for organizing this exchange and being the actual best and most patient fandom soul.

*** Title: the gift of gab, the gift of you

Summary: Emma needs an Irish man. Wait! No! It’s not what it sounds like. And then the universe just has to go and provide her with the world’s chattiest, flirtiest, blue-eyesiest Irish man in existence.

Available on AO3. ***

Emma is in no position to complain. From where she sits both literally – (perched upon a comfy barstool in the world’s coziest pub) – as well as existentially – (traveling abroad for the first time in her life) — she is fortunate and blessed.

It’s just –

It’s just it would be easier to enjoy it all if she didn’t have to deal with a rather annoying request from her rather annoyingly persistent mother.

Her headphones are in but Emma still takes great care to speak in hushed tones over video chat. There’s nothing she wants less than to be the loud American who shares her private conversation with an entire establishment. The pub she found is at the end of a quiet lane off of Cork’s high street. The customers within the pub appear to be locals well known by the staff who tend the pub. In truth, she wouldn’t even be having this conversation if it wasn’t for —

“Who have you talked to today?” her mother asks.

“Uh, I’m pretty sure I thanked the barista who made my coffee. And I ordered a pint in this pub.”

“That’s not talking.”

“It is by definition talking.”

“That’s not what I meant. How else are you going to get to know the city?” Her mom interrupts before Emma can properly formulate a snarky reply. “And don’t you dare say ‘guidebooks.’ Your father and I raised you better than that.”

“Mom, please don’t make me do this.”

“You said I could have anything I wanted as a souvenir.”

“What about a mug? I bought Grandma Ruth one with a big fat sheep on it.”

“Sounds lovely, sweetie, but no.”

“Mom.” Emma realizes that as a twenty-six year old woman it is probably unbecoming to whine, but her mother is being absolutely ridiculous. Where is her dad when she needs him to rescue her? All he requested was a bottle of whiskey. What a sensible person!

“No. It’s fine. If you don’t want to get your mother the one thing she asked for on this trip that’s okay. I won’t say one word about paying for this celebration trip, or paying for graduate school, or —”

“Shit, mom. Did you take a Guilt Trip 101 class or just Google how to?”

“Oh, this is natural talent. My present, please.”

“Fine.” There’s a group of bearded men, the ones she pegged as locals, tucked into one corner of the pub. They’re probably her best bet, but she just arrived last night, and the combination of jet lag and travel nerves make her feel not yet up for that. Which leaves the staff working the bar.

One of the two men she’s seen pouring pints and serving up food has gone missing. Besides, Emma wouldn’t trust herself in her sleep-deprived state to not say something utterly absurd to the blue-eyed, dark-haired, scruffy bartender. Probably a good thing he’s gone. Much safer is the other man working the bar – the one who refused to serve her Guinness but was very kind about it. While arguably attractive, he is a decidedly less intimidating sort of handsome. Unfortunately, he is in the midst of a heated discussion with one of the patrons, the two of them gesticulating to something happening with a football match on the screen. Which leaves the blonde haired woman currently polishing glasses.

Emma lightly clears her throat. “Excuse me, ma’am?” When the woman turns to look at her, Emma smiles, and signals her over. She sets aside the pint glasses and tucks the polishing rag into her apron. Her mother, on the other end of the video call, is not satisfied.

“Did you say ma’am?”

“Mom,” Emma whispers.

“I said an Irish man, Emma Blanchard Nolan. Man.”

“No. You said person.”

“The man was implied.”

“Then you should have been more specific.”

“Ready for another?” the woman at the bar asks.

Emma looks down at her half-full pint. “Not quite.” She frowns. “And, uh, you’re not Irish, are you?”

“No. Canadian.”

“Ah. Okay.” Emma lowers her voice again and looks at her phone screen. Her mother remains unimpressed. “That’s foreign. Technically she’s a foreigner.”

The sternness of Mary-Margaret’s expression is evident even over the video call. “Emmaline —”

“Not my name, mother.”

“Emmaline Blanchard Nolan, you promised me.”

“I’ll find an Irish person tomorrow.” It’s about this time Emma realizes she’s rudely ignoring the very kind and apparently Canadian bartender. The one she asked to speak with. What’s more, the very kind and apparently Canadian bartender has been joined by the curly haired bartender. Both of whom peer at her with matching expressions of amused befuddlement. Emma removes her headphones and addresses the man. “You’re Irish, right?”

“Well, miss,” and the gentle brogue of his accent, even with those two short words, is quite evident, “you are in Ireland.”

“Excellent! Can you talk to my mom?” She detaches the headphones from her phone and turns the camera around to face the man and woman. “My mom wants to have a conversation with an Irish person.”

“Irish man,” her mother corrects.

“An Irish man. Out in the wild.” The bartenders stare at her, nonplussed. “It’s her souvenir.”

The woman presses her lips together – an obvious attempt to stifle a laugh.

“Well, uh, aye.” The man tugs at his ear. “I guess I could —” He’s interrupted from his stuttering by the return of the blue-eyed, stubbly bartender, hauling a new keg into the back of the bar.

“Actually,” the woman cuts in. “My husband,” she hip checks the curly-haired man, “needs to replace the keg.”

“I do?” he asks.

“He does?” This from tall, dark, and holy hell! also possesses an Irish accent.

“But Killian is in the middle—”

“Shh,” the blonde woman interrupts her husband.

“Yeah. Killian is—”

She goes on to shush the man Emma now knows to be Killian.

“Oh no,” Mary Margaret whispers over the video call, “there’s two of them.”

“What is happening?” Emma’s not sure which of the two men asked, this whole interaction spinning rather absurdly out of control.

“I don’t know,” Emma says.

The woman ignores all of them. “I’m Elsa, this is Liam, and that,” she points to Killian, frozen with a hand on the keg like he’s uncertain what to do, “is my very single, very Irish brother-in-law.” And all at once it becomes clear what Elsa’s intentions are. “Killian, can you come over here and help our lovely patron and her lovely mother?”

“Oh, Emma, Killian even sounds like an Irish name.”

“Mom!” Originally she found her mother’s request to be silly but harmless. The more people who become involved, however, the quicker it approaches mortifying. Emma watches as Elsa whispers something to her brother-in-law, likely explaining the unconventional request.

“I’m very friendly,” Mary-Margaret reassures anyone who might be listening.

“You are a flirt, is what you are,” Emma scolds. “And what would dad say if he found out about this?”

“He asked for whiskey. I asked for this.”

“Come on, lass. Don’t deprive me of a dashing rescue.” Killian leans across the bar, his hand reaching out for her phone. All that stubble and the blue-eyes and the accent are worse when directed directly at her. “Besides, your mum sounds like a woman after my own heart.”

“If you’re sure—?”

“Absolutely.”

To her abject horror, the moment she hands Killian the phone, he walks away with it in hand.

“As requested, milady,” he says to the screen, “one genuine Irish man.”

Her mother’s delighted giggle is embarrassing for all Americans everywhere but it seems to delight Killian. She can just makeout her mother’s question about where he grew up when he rounds the corner, out of her hearing.

“Where is he going?” Emma asks, craning her neck. “Where is he taking my phone?”

“If I know Killian, your mum is probably about to get the most thorough oral history of Irish pubs she could have asked for,” Liam says, tossing a towel over his shoulder.

“Oh. Okay.” She drums her fingertips on her glass. “I’m sorry about all the trouble.”

“Nonsense,” he waves her off. “This is the most exciting thing to happen in our pub since Seamus and Willy hosted their wedding reception here.” He jerks his chin towards the group of bearded men she noticed earlier, though which one is Seamus and which is Willy she can’t be certain.

After another fifteen minutes, Emma has finished her pint and Killian still has possession of her phone. He crossed through the room once, merrily chatting with her mother as he regaled her with the story of how he got the scar on his cheek.

Elsa is filling a series of pint glasses for a group of women standing at the bar, and Emma feels the need to apologize again. “This isn’t what I expected,” she explains.

“What’s that?” Elsa asks.

“I was kind of thinking, best case scenario, there’d be an exchange of hellos and that would be that.”

Elsa nods, hands the pints off to the women, and then fills one more. “Are you familiar with the legend of the Blarney stone?”

Emma nods. She has absolutely no intention of kissing the dang thing (her research indicates local teens do all manner of ungodly things to the stone, knowing that tourists intend to kiss it), but it’s on her list to go see.

“Well, Jones family legend —”

“I take it your husband and his brother are Jones’?”

“And me by marriage. Jones family legend has it that Killian must have been birthed upon the stone because never has there been a man more endowed with the gift of gab.” Elsa finishes pouring the pint and sets it in front of her.

“Oh, I didn’t order this.” Right at that moment, Liam returns to the bar and sets a turkey sandwich in front of her. “Or this,” Emma says.

“Knowing my brother, you might be here a while,” Liam explains.

“Gift of gab?”

He nods, pleased that the Jones family lore has reached her. “Gift of gab.”

Liam proves to be correct, which means Emma has ample time to get to know both Elsa and Liam. The two of them are freakishly adept at juggling bartending, interacting with their customers, and keeping up a steady flow of conversation with her. The highlight is hearing the full story of Seamus and Willy (she is able to identify them by their matching navy sweaters – sweaters which Willy apparently handknits for the both of them), two men who worked on the same fishing boat for decades before realizing they were in love.

“Once they sorted that bit out, they got married three weeks later,” Elsa says.

“So which one of them is the designated driver?” Emma asks.

“That whole lot lives down the street.” Liam raises his voice so the group can hear them. “And they do nothing but hassle me every day of my life!” The group all raise their pint glasses and cheer, indicating this kind of teasing is something central to the pub’s dynamic.

Killian returns from wherever it was he was busy flirting with her mother and sets her phone on the bartop. She looks down at the display only to find it blank.

“Uh, your mum had to run to the market, but she indicated she’ll call you later.”

“She didn’t even say goodbye? Unbelievable.” As Emma gears herself up for peak mom-annoyance, she gets a text message. “Speak of the devil.”

4:38 PM - Mom to Emma hubba hubba

“Ah, geez, mom,” she grumbles.

“What’d she say about me?” Killian asks.

“What makes you think that text was about you?”

“Because you have roses in your cheeks.” Emma frowns. She what? “You’re blushing,” Killian says.

“No I’m not.”

“It’s getting deeper, I’m afraid.” He takes away her empty pint glass. “Another?”

“Yes, please.”

He sets another pint of Murphy’s in front of her (Liam was the one to inform her that one drinks Murphy’s when one is in Cork). “Your mother is lovely.”

“Yeah, she’s something alright.” She sips the beer and licks the foam off her lip. “What were the two of you talking about for so long?”

“Oh, just having a chat. She wanted to know about the pub and how Elsa and Liam met.”

“The gift of gab.”

“Ah,” he says, “Elsa told you of that, then?”

“Like my mom didn’t tell you anything about me?”

“It was all good, Emma.”

She snorts. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Why a conversation with an Irish man?” Emma frowns at Killian, not quite certain of what he’s asking. “For a souvenir. That’s truly all your mum wanted?”

“Oh, that. In between flirting, did she tell you anything about her and my dad?” Killian shakes his head. “It’s kind of a long story.”

As if waiting for his cue, Liam comes up behind Killian and slings an arm around his brother’s shoulder. “My dear little brother has time.”

“Younger brother,” Killian corrects.

“Shorter brother.” Liam bumps Killian towards the other side of the bar. “Why don’t you keep Emma company?”

“I have another three hours on my shift.”

“I think Elsa and I can handle it until Will arrives.”

“Liam.”

“Don’t make me fire you.”

“You can’t fire me. We’re co-owners.”

“Fine. Don’t make me quit.”

Killian rolls his eyes but slides out from under Liam’s arm. He crosses to the other side of the bar and sits beside Emma. “I’ll take a pint, then.” He raps his knuckles on the bartop. “And make it quick.”

Emma hides her smile in her pint glass. Both Liam and Elsa have been so lovely. There’s no reason to switch allegiances at this point. Regardless of how much she might be tempted by the stubbly-faced, blue-eyed flirty Irish man sitting beside her.

“Between the two of them and my mother,” Emma says.

“Yeah, not the most subtle lot.” Liam shoots Killian a glare as he sets the pint down to which Killian responds with the cheekiest grin Emma has ever seen. The interaction has older and baby brother written all over it. “So, your mom and Irishmen. Go.”

“Oh, that.” Unlike her mother, and even her father, Emma holds the details of her life close to her chest. She’s made the mistake in the past of sharing too much too fast. When people leave her, either by choice or circumstance, it physically pains her to know there are people out in the world with knowledge of her worries, fears and dreams. But maybe it’s the sandwich sitting warm in her stomach, or the jet lag, or simply the buzz of international travel, because she feels inclined to share at least a few details of her life with Killian.

“My mom and dad both took a gap year after high school and met while backpacking across Europe. They met at the Roman Colosseum, decided to match up their itineraries, and by the time they arrived in Budapest five months later they were in love and my mom was pregnant.”

“And they’ve been together ever since?”

“Almost 27 years.”

“That’s quite the story.”

She nods. “They cut their year of travel short, and went to live with my Grandma Ruth, my dad’s mom. They always talked about returning to Europe, finishing their trip at some point, but by the time I was old enough to leave behind with my grandma, dad was in vet school, mom was teaching, and they were running a wildlife rescue from the family farm. They kept making new plans to travel but they just kept getting pushed back and back and back. Until, one day, they decided to put all that money towards sending me on my first trip instead. So, as much as I fight every silly request she has of me, I would do anything if it made her smile.”

“Your mum and dad never made it to Ireland?”

“Nope.”

“Thus the strange request.”

“Well, it gave me a reason to chat with the lovely lass at the bar, so for that I’ll be forever grateful.”

Her Grandma Ruth, Aunt Ruby, and frankly everyone who knows her parents well, routinely comment on the resemblance between Emma and her dad. Apparently in temperament and affectation they are almost identical. But maybe she’s more like her mom than anyone knows because the conversation between her and Killian flows fast and easy. Easy enough that she barely notices when she and Killian finish their pints and Elsa slides new glasses in front of them. Emma’s head is feeling a little buzzy, and that turkey sandwich was more than a couple hours ago. Maybe she can hint at Killian that she wants to go to the Christmas market. Hint even more specifically that she wouldn’t hate if he went with her.

No, she can’t do that. To even think such a thing would be ridiculous.

She can’t possibly ask a practical stranger to walk up and down the stalls of the festive market with her. She can’t expect him to want to sample all the baked goods and food they can handle. Or to hold her hand while they drink spiked apple cider. That kind of thinking is romantic, and hopeful, and not at all her brand.

“This is really your first trip out of the states?” Killian asks.

“I mean, Canada, but that’s so close to home it doesn’t count.” Emma catches herself, eyes darting to Elsa. “Don’t tell your sister.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” Killian angles his body on the stool to face her more directly. Without Emma realizing it, they’ve drifted close enough together over the past hour or so that the move makes it so their knees knock together. Emma could move away, put some distance between them, but everything is foggy and hazy in that delicious way, and she can’t bring herself to move. “What does that make me, then? The ruggedly handsome foreigner you intend to seduce as a notch on your bedpost?”

“Who said anything about seduction?”

“You’re giving me bedroom eyes.”

“I do not make eyes of any kind. Especially bedroom eyes.”

Elsa jumps in, setting glasses of water down for each of them. “Yeah, but Killian does. And he needs to put them away.”

Emma tries to react quickly enough to Elsa’s teasing to evade Killian’s detection, to turn away and hide her smile in her shoulder so he can’t see, but the gentle tug on the end of her braid indicates he caught her.

“Think that’s funny, do you?”

“You and my mom ganged up against me. I deserve to join with your family against you.”

“Your mum is great.” He shrugs. “Well, based on the little I know.”

“I know she can be a little intense. I hope she didn’t—”

“She was as lovely as her daughter.” Before his words can fully sink in, perhaps bringing that blush back to her cheeks, he’s moved on. “You’ll have to bring her with you when you return.”

She rests her chin on palm, blinking up at him. Okay, maybe she sometimes makes eyes. “What makes you think I have any plans to come back?”

“Ireland gets in your blood. You’ll be back.”

This time they’re interrupted by Liam. He swipes away the pint glasses in front of them, remaining beer and all. “That’s about all I can stomach of that.”

“What do you mean?” Killian asks.

“You’ve been flirting with the kind tourist long enough. Time to go.”

Oh. Emma looks down at her boots. A surge of deep embarrassment heating her cheeks and causing her stomach to churn. “Sorry,” she says quietly, her eyes turned down. “I didn’t mean to—”

“No!” The twin cries from both Liam and Killian startle her. She’s not sure which one appears more stricken by her announcement she intended to leave.

“Apologies, Emma, I wasn’t clear,” Liam says. He extends his hand to Killian. “Apron.” It takes Killian a moment to react but when Liam stays in his place, his hand extended, Killian removes his apron and hands it to him. “See you tomorrow, little brother.”

“Younger.”

“Dumber.”

“Stubborner.”

“Not a word.” Liam stalks back over to Elsa who is shaking her head at the whole display. “They’re both idiots,” Liam says, and Emma is just going to pretend she didn’t hear that, thank you very much.

“Have you been to the Christmas market yet, Emma?” Killian’s voice brings her back to the pub, and this particular bar stool, with this particular man. This particular man who has somehow intuited the secret desire of her heart to go to the town’s Christmas market with him.

“No. No. Not yet.”

Killian jumps down from his seat and extends a hand to Emma to help her down. “Come on, love. Let’s sail away.”

There’s 100 ways Emma could respond to that. She could tell Killian she isn’t his love. She could jump down from the stool on her own. She could insist she’s fine going to the market by herself. But she tries to channel a little magic, that particular magic which for her mom and dad turned one day in Rome into a lifetime, and chooses differently.

(Not that she’s saying she expects—)

She takes Killian’s offered hand and his answering grin is all the confirmation she needs she made the right decision.

And so they go to the Christmas market, and at Killian’s insistence she tries mulled wine but quickly trades it in for a cup of boozy cider. They ride the ferris wheel, the cold stinging her cheeks from the top, the lights of Cork spread out before her, and that thrum of love for this place beats loudly in her veins. Suddenly every travel story her parents have ever told her makes sense and maybe Killian is right – maybe Ireland is in her blood.

They walk together side-by-side and at a point Emma can’t remember – somewhere between sampling whiskey, buying several bottles for her dad, and licking salt and malt vinegar from hot chips off her fingers – they transition to walking hand-in-hand. The heat of Killian’s skin, even through two layers of gloves, is what she blames for the fact that she actually starts humming along to Christmas carols. Where’s that deep cynicism she has been committed to for her life when she needs it?

“Told you,” Killian says after the two of them step away from a stall with handmade ornaments. She must have been channeling her mom because she couldn’t stop herself from striking up a conversation with the vendor. Somehow by the end of the interaction she’d agreed to join him and his wife for their annual holiday pub crawl the following night.

“Told me what?”

“That you would fall for Ireland.”

“You get the honor and privilege of keeping me company on my first full night on my first real trip out of the country and all you can say is ‘I told you so’?”

“I believe what I am trying to say, love, is you appear very much at home here.”

The sentiment makes everything in Emma buzz, but she does what she does best and works to diffuse it. “Well, uh, I don’t know. Does it ever snow here?”

“Eh, we get about 50 mm every year?” At her look of confusion Killian smiles. “Not much.”

“Have you ever had a white Christmas?”

“Can’t say I have. They’re pretty rare in Ireland.”

“In that case, I think this means you should come to Maine. We do a great white Christmas.”

“Maybe I will.”

“Great. Next year sound good?”

Killian laughs and squeezes her hand. “Sounds great.”

She hears the faint echo of advice her dad once gave her. It was right when she was fresh off her heartbreak with Neal and wasn’t sure she had it in her to apply for grad school. He said something to her about moments. About the need to notice good moments even in the midst of bad ones.

Standing here hand-in-hand with a man she met only five hours ago, the glow of Christmas lights dancing in technicolor hues against his cheeks and hair, Emma is absolutely certain this is a good moment.

“Emma?”

She answers Killian’s question by rising up on her toes and kissing him. It’s quick and fleeting, barely a brush of her lips against his, but the look on his face as she pulls away, all bright eyed-wonder, deserves to be classified as a good moment all on its own.

It takes self-control Emma wasn’t aware she possessed to not drop their shopping bags to the ground, grip him by the lapels of his jacket, and kiss the crap out of him. Instead she loops her arm in his.

“It’s getting late,” she says. “Want to walk me back to my hotel?”

He swallows, that poleaxed expression still on his face. “Aye.”

The next morning, Emma is woken up by the sound of her video call alert and boy it was a mistake to not extend her do not disturb until noon. She reaches out and blindly bats at the bedside table until she makes contact with her phone. As soon as she swipes up on her mom’s call, she squeezes her eyes shut again.

“Hello?”

“Oh, sweetie. Are you still jet lagged?”

“And a little hungover.”

“Sounds like you had a very eventful night.”

Killian grumbles from somewhere behind her. “What time is it?” he asks.

It’s right about this moment Emma realizes her error. Her mom goes quiet and Emma considers taking the opportunity to end the call. And then maybe ignore every call thereafter for the next five days.

“Emma Nolan. Is there a man in bed with you?”

“No,” Emma answers, though it’s perfunctory and not at all convincing.

Killian presses closer to her, and shifts so his chin rests on her shoulder. “Hello again, Mrs. Nolan. And this must be Mr. Nolan.”

That gets Emma’s attention and she opens her eyes enough to see her mom and dad sitting beside one another on the couch. While her mom is positively gleeful, her dad looks as though he wishes he could melt into the couch cushions and disappear.

“There are certain things I don’t care to see,” her dad says. “Certain things I don’t care to know.”

Emma rotates in bed and onto her back, holding the phone above her head so both she and Killian are still in view of the camera. “Oh hush, Dad, you and mom did it the first night you met.”

“You told her that?”

In response, her mom shrugs. “She asked.”

“And not that it matters, but Killian and I didn’t have sex.”

Though it didn’t stop them from trading long, slow kisses that left her dizzy and wanting more, more, and more. Killian must have felt the same because it took little to no convincing to get him to stay the night. Perhaps most remarkably, after extending the invitation, Emma had no desire to retract it or pretend it didn’t mean anything.

“Your daughter was far too drunk to have sex.” Emma turns her head so fast in Killian’s direction she hears something crack.

“That, for instance, is one of the things I don't want to know about,” her dad says.

Killian cheerfully waves at the camera, ignoring both her father’s indignation and her glare. “I’m Killian, by the way. Happy to meet your acquaintance, Mr. Nolan.”

Emma elbows Killian. The man is a total menace. “I’ll call you guys back when I’ve had coffee,”

“I want details,” her mom says.

“And I want no details.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Emma hangs up the phone and tosses it in the direction of the foot of the bed. She flips over onto her side and Killian mirrors her, reaching out to trace the freckles on the bridge of her nose. “So that was my dad.”

“He seems a charming fellow.”

“Don’t let the responsible tough guy act fool you,” she says, and snuggles closer to Killian. He responds just as she hoped, by wrapping his arms tight around her. “He once spent all his money on a cross country train ride and stole oyster crackers from the dining car for food. And during a California road trip, my mom almost froze to death sleeping in her wet bathing suit on the side of the road.”

Killian chuckles, the vibrations of his laugh making her feel even warmer. “You’re saying they can deal with a half naked man in their daughter’s hotel room?”

“Yeah, they can deal.” After a moment’s hesitation, Emma slips her hands up and under Killian’s shirt. It’s the one he wore to work, and she can still smell the faint aromas of beer and fried food that linger. She presses her palms against his back and bunches the shirt up, up, and then over his head.

“Emma?”

A girl could get used to the way his voice moves over the syllables of her name. “They might have a problem with a fully naked one, though.” She kisses his bare shoulder.

Killian’s hands move under her shirt to span her waist. Goosebumps breakout across her skin. By the slight twist of his lips, Killian notices. “So you’re saying—?”

“I’m saying you should quit gabbing and kiss me before they call again.”

“As you wish.”

And a week later, when she is back in Maine celebrating Christmas with her family and Killian is in Ireland with his, Emma convinces herself she imagined it. She must have. She must have imagined how safe she felt in the presence of another person. Imagined the comfort she felt as he joined her for a quick road trip to Dublin. Imagined that it could feel like your heart was split in two, half residing in the chest of a person you just met.

But the week of New Year’s Eve, when he arrives in Maine to celebrate with her, she’s startled to find it was all real.

The morning after Killian arrives, she sits with her mom in her parents’ breakfast nook, the two of them sipping coffee as Killian and her dad make waffles.

“Not such a dumb souvenir after all, huh?” her mom whispers.

Emma shakes her head, too happy to even react to her mom’s shameless gloating. “No. Not so dumb.”

#csss2020 #cssecretsanta2020 #cs ff #ouat ff #killian jones #emma swan #cs secret santa 2020 #p: emma x killian #thisonesatellite

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gstqaobc · 4 years ago

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🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦STOP THE PRESSES🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧

STOP PRESS: We thought you'd be delighted to hear that, thanks to members’ generosity, our first advertising about the League for many years in La Belle Province appeared today in the leading newspaper of Quebec City, Le Soleil. If you would like to receive a pdf copy of the ad, please request by return email. ECOMM 8.5.21 A JUBILEE BLESSING...OUR THANKS... LEAGUE FLAGS - again available LEAGUE TARTAN SCARF - update and last but not least A SPRING SALE OF MONARCHICAL ITEMS PLATINUM JUBILEE MEDAL Our thanks to the many members who told us they have contacted their MP and the Prime Minister’s office to express their support for the issuance of this Medal in the Canadian tradition. We look forward to hearing of replies any of you may receive; and we ask you keep up the chain of advocacy by thinking of friends to whom you can send our original message, and urge then to participate in our efforts. A BLESSING ON THE QUEEN IN THE IROQUOIAN TRADITION A member of the UEL Association who is a Kanienkehaka Embassador at Large, wrote to the League as follows: Please remember our Mohawk members, who would like to express our good wishes and thanksgivings to our Sister. You may be familiar with our ceremonial blessings, and the thanksgiving address to be offered before all matters; it is an Iroquoian custom:

Next year marks the 70th Anniversary of The Queen’s reign. Our Monarchy has never before seen a Platinum Jubilee! Thus the occasion calls for celebration, thanksgiving and above all, a sense of gratitude and unity. LEAGUE FLAGS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT DISCOUNTED RATE With hundreds of new members in recent months, the League has received a number of requests as to when we will re-issue the League Flag. Part of our Armorial Bearings, it bears a Royal Crown by personal permission of Her Majesty The Queen. Produced for many years by our friends at the Flag Shop, it is ideal for your den or boathouse, a kid's bedroom, college dorm - with grommets so it can if you wish also be flown on a flag pole outdoors Its dimensions are 24 x 42 inches, and it is made of 200d nylon. We order and keep only a limited stock, so as not to tie up funds in inventory, as it is a specialty item. PRE-PRODUCTION SPECIAL: $85 INCLUDES POSTAGE LIMIT: TWO PER MEMBER If you wish to reserve a Flag (we should receive it in around three weeks) kindly access the League’s online store at https://store.monarchist.ca/en/products and make a “Fighting Fund” donation for $85. We will know your purpose, and get a Flag right off to you once we have received them. THE LEAGUE’S TARTAN SCARF Progress Report Thanks to our friend Matthew Rowe, who runs the Prince of Wales-patron Campaign for Wool in Canada, we have located a UK manufacturer who is willing to manufacture scarves in a small quantity by commercial standards. The fine Tartan chosen by you, and designed by our member Carol Martin, will be woven of wool, sized 180cm (app 70 in) X 30cm (app 11½ in) with tassels of 7cm (app 2 3/4 in). We will approve the cloth material this coming week. It appears a custom label may be expensive given the quantity required - we will do our best to resolve that issue and deal with somewhat tiresome but important details remaining, such as the method of shipping to Canada and potential duty and taxes. It is our hope to come up with firm pricing in June, and shortly after to solicit pre-orders within the price range acceptable to the several hundred members who expressed interest in a scarf. All of which is to say - we are on track, and look forward to producing and getting to you the League’s first - and long overdue - piece of apparel suitable for both women and men! AND NOW.... WHAT (SOME OF) YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR... OUR SPRING SALE! These monarchical souvenirs, for one reason or another not suited to our annual Silent Online Auction in September, have been donated to the League in recent months. Many would be suitable for young people to interest them in the Monarchy and history. IF YOU WANT TO PURCHASE AN ITEM/ITEMS, PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHOICES ARE STILL AVAILABLE. WE WILL THEN CALCULATE THE POSTAGE APPLICABLE TO YOUR ORDER, AND GIVE YOU A LIMITED TIME TO PAY ONLINE VIA THE LEAGUE STORE, THE ONLY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR THIS SALE, BEFORE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE TO THE NEXT MEMBER REQUESTING. 1) THREE CORONATION 1953 MAGAZINES The Sphere, Illustrated, and The Illustrated London News, lovingly used condition, each telling the story of the Coronation as only the British can do! The advertising is fascinating, too. These will be enjoyed as living images and texts describing the beginning of a glorious Reign! $20 2) SIX ROYAL SOUVENIR PUBLICATIONS Maclean’s magazine’s tribute to Diana on her death; Pitkin glossy colour booklet Charles and Diana’s Wedding day; The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Pitkin-sized booklet; another similar-sized booklet by Ronald Allison: The Queen - The Life and Work of Elizabeth II; Illustrated London News Royal Year 1986; Illustrated London Newscoverage of The Marriage of Princess Anne, 1973. $25 3) HMY BRITANNIA POSTER Sized app. 16 x 20 inches, a glossy photographic portrait (2002) of The State Rooms aboard Britannia. Especially appropriate now that the Yacht is, in a way, to be replaced by the HMS Prince Philip. In a tube with Britannia-watermarked tissue paper and a gold Britannia seal, we suspect it was sold at the resting place of the ship, now a tourist attraction. Some water stains. Will need to be dry mounted to remove creases from rolling, after which it will occupy pride of place in a den, a kid’s bedroom or a man cave! $25 4) A CRAZY FUN ITEM: COLOUR RUBBER 3-D DIANA KEYCHAIN You will never lose your keys with this app 1 3/4 inch high rubberized moulded Diana key chain! We’ve not seen anything like it previously. You might well use it - or display it as a sure conversation-starter on a shelf, perhaps next to a bobbling Queen! $20 5) SILVER JUBILEE MEDALLION & CHARLES AND “LADY DIANA SPENCER” WEDDING CROWN Both 1 1/2 inch diameter. Gold-coloured Souvenir medallion bears profile of The Queen, 1977, with a surround referencing the Jubilee. The Crown, encased in a plastic holder by the Westminster Bank, is official coinage from 1983, with the usual image of The Sovereign on front, and verso, a profile of Charles and Diana with a surround referencing the occasion and year. $25

(the mark on the Royal Arms is not a defect, but a seller's sticker that is not on our plate)6) UNUSUAL, RATHER-MODERN IN DESIGN, SOUVENIR PLATE FOR SILVER JUBILEE - BY WEDGEWOOD A heavy 10" plate produced by Wedgewood in 1977, respectful and colourful, but, in our view, not really “traditional” and thus of special interest. A deep blue silhouette of Thhe Queen in centre, surrounded by the Garter motto, with tne lancets extending which depict Heralds, Guardsmen and elements of the Household Cavalry and one Royal Shield surmounted by the Crown. Many decorative flowers, Rim references the Jubilee and states “God Save The Queen.” Crimson tracery surrounds the plate. Condition: as new $35 (The picture is the Van Dyke etching of the King, whose image appears in the framed print offered below)

7) A CANADIAN-FRAMED PRINT OF KING CHARLES ENGRAVING After the original by Van Dyke, the engraving from the original owned by the Earl of Pembroke, it is unusually but attractively framed, we believe in pine, ready to hang, with modern “Art handmade Plaque Canada” sticker on back. The entire object is app 10 x 13 inches, with the engraving proper about 5 ½ x 10 inches. Condition - engraving darkened by age but distinct; frame: excellent; print: slight water-stain foxing at bottom adds authenticity rather than detracting from the overall appearance. $50 8) BOOK: CHARLES & DIANA VISIT CANADA Vivid colour pictures, hardback, published by Collins, and covering many moments from the Royal couple’s 17-day first visit to Canada in 1983. Condition: excellent. $15 9-14) LIVING HISTORY: DRY-MOUNTED ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHS From the collection assembled by the federal government in Diamond Jubilee year, these are terrifically “usable” as, hard mounted without “frames” they are light in weight - and ready-to hang in your den, or child’s room, or to fill a wall with multiple pictures! All are app 10 x 14 inches b&w unless noted otherwise. We will advise you of the postage cost at time of your inquiry, as this varies considerably depending on your postal code. If anyone wishes to purchase all seven of these at a favourable price, please contact us immediately. 9. In colour: Prince Edward in his late teens, a broad smile on his face as he leans against an oak and relaxes on autumn leaves with his Labrador Retriever. $15 10. Front cover of Paris Match depicting The Queen returning in the Golden Coach from her Coronation, Orb and Sceptre displayed, and Prince Philip by her side. $20 11. Princess Elizabeth on the telephone in her office at Buckingham Palace, 1946. $15 12. In colour: The Good King, George VI of late, happy and beloved memory, wearing a tan jacket - a reflective portrait on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. $25 13. The Princesses Elizabeth & Margaret Rose, probably just after the war, looking ready to go out for an evening in lovely beaded formal dresses. $20 14. Our favorite of this tranche of pictures. Colour shot of the Royal Family, shortly after the War, in the Palace Gardens. The King, The Queen and the Princesses are seated on wicker chairs - with Elizabeth’s dog beside her. This happy family - “we four” - exemplifies the bequest of a happy, close family life that made our Queen such an extraordinary person. $30 15. Colour 3/4 length study of a beaming Princess Elizabeth, hands clasped in front, on her 19th birthday. $25 16. The shade of the Abdication not yet visible, this 1936 picture shows the future King and Queen as Duke & Duchess of York at the door of their Piccadilly residence, with a serious-looking Elizabeth holding her Mother’s forearm. $25

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING A PROUD MEMBER OF THE MONARCHIST LEAGUE OF 🇨🇦 CANADA 🇨🇦

💜🙏🏻🙂✝️💟PG💟✝️🙂🙏🏻💜

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇦🇺🇳🇿

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