#but also. ‘it may not be good but it’s Canadian’ is such a deeply Canadian sentiment lmaooo

[tomwambsmilk]

Prof introduced today’s film by saying “it may not be good but it’s Canadian” which. Man is that a whole-ass mood 😭

[glasskey]

Nick & June's Mix tape Vol. 3

With volume 3 comes the battle for Holly, separation and the unveiling of painful secrets. Season 3 was notoriously poor to our 2 lovers with June becoming seriously twitchy without Nick, Hannah or Holly. Gilead is Hell.

What Are You Good For?

Love in Gilead is less than ideal. One day you’re dreaming about a beautiful beach with your beloved and the next he’s been promoted to Top Boy at the local horror show. Granted he looks great in the suit but Nick doesn’t seem to like the new tie, grabbing at it like the tightening noose that it actually is. Fred was obviously pissed about the baby snatching and his “reward” for Nick was to arrange a promotion complete with a quick trip to the front, undoubtedly to die.

I’ve often said that Nick sometimes DOES listen to his better angels and sometimes he takes the easy way out. Granted it’s difficult he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place, but when June asks him to take the high road, hightailing it with her and Hannah for the border, and he doesn’t, it earns him a brutal verbal slap.

“What are you good for?” she demands and I was instantly reminded of S1 when June confronted him with his lowly aspirations: “Is this it? You’re just gonna polish his car and once in a while get a Handmaid pregnant?” In both of these moments Blaine looks deeply shamed, June has shown him that while she loves him she’s also acutely aware of his shortcomings.

It’s a justified blow to his ego, particularly given his newly acquired power and his reluctance to use it for good. As she demonstrates her willingness to risk so much more for freedom, he’s left feeling like a small and suitably chided man, instead of the patriarchal Gilead’s new Big Commander. “You’ll get killed” June says with a cold finality as he tells her that he’s been sent to the front, confronting him with the reality that his unquestioning loyalty to Gilead will now surely cost him his life. It’s madness.

This is one of the only scenes where Nick and June are not depicted in a glowing light, it’s difficult to ignore that Nick is now almost swallowed by the shadows. Over the last 2 seasons, they’ve become one another’s beacon of joy and hope and there’s a palpable air of desolation and sorrow here, as these two bid each other goodbye, possibly forever. The camera reveals Nick and June divided by a wall, Nick unwilling to leave her, his back literally pinned to the wall by the heavy weight of Gilead.

June opens the door, gently reaches around, sensing him waiting, somehow their hands finding one another and she leads him out of the dark hallway and back into her room. Doors often represent entrances to other worlds and here we see June reach across the divide to return him to her side, once again. The lock snaps shut signalling an almost unheard of privacy. There’s a sense of finality in it too, as though it may be the last time these two see sanctuary for a long time, if ever again. It’s no more than 10 seconds of screen time and yet it encapsulates their relationship so perfectly. Nick constantly waiting in the shadows, bound by duty, and June always reaching across the divide to bring him in from the cold.

Nice Girl Like You in A Place Like This

The DC episode ranks right up there with the Boston Globe episode as one of the most important and insightful for this entire series. In Ep 6 June witnesses for the first time the absolute devastation this dictatorship has unleashed on her countries seat of power. Fittingly Fred has selected new wave DC as the location to construct his own personal piece of propaganda in an attempt to force the Canadians to hand Nicole back. June’s depicted glowering with vast angel wings, a monolith of power and holy vengeance. In the middle of Fred’s little directorial debut, Nick strolls in and June does the trademark jaw drop. Fred wants to know what he’s doing there, after all he had arranged for him to be shipped off to the front after the whole holding him at gun point / baby napping thing. Despite Fred’s best efforts though, it seems that not only does Blaine continue to breath, but he’s also shown up to visit his girlfriend.

Now if you thought Blaine looked good in a suit, wait till you see him draped in long, dark, tailor made, hotness. It’s obvious there’s a new kind of swagger to him and as he steps up next to June he brushes her hand and drops the line “Nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” It’s a line lifted from a Scorsese film of the same name and Blaine’s used it to flirtatiously lighten the intensely grim mood. He knows DC is Hell but he also knows June is anything but a “Nice Girl”, she blushes barely containing a smile and he smirks.

Fred and Serena can’t help but notice it and Fred’s seething with jealousy. There’s a close shot of Serena’s false finger clenching, a sign of the love lost between her and Fred, that contrasts directly against Nick and June’s hand brushing. Exchanges between Fred and Nick reek of power and control. Fred directs Nick to do his bidding, maneuvering him across the stage and verbally leashing him by calling him son, once again reducing him to a subordinate. Fred makes June kneel down for the camera, and Blaine looks away unable to watch. Unbeknownst to Fred, this will be the last time he ever exercises this type of control over Blaine.

This is Your One Chance

Here we got our epic movie moment for the series, It was like Gone with the Wind and Dr Zhivago all rolled up into one big romantic snow globe. June runs out to meet Nick her hair and cape fluttering behind her freely, a stark contrast to the DC handmaids brutally silenced. It demonstrates the freedom she feels he brings her. Nick, however seems to want nothing to do with June’s gamble on the Swiss that involves him laying his neck on the line and entwining himself in yet another Governments manoeuvrings for power. I, for one could hardly blame him; the last time he got involved with politics he ended up in the bottomless pit that is Gilead and he’s been unsuccessfully digging his way out ever since.

Add to this the fact that the last time he tried to help June, a multitude of people risked their lives and most certainly died, and you have one understandably reluctant Commander. But he’s helpless, she forces him to look in her eyes, tears streaming down her face and tells him that it’ll be his one opportunity to truly show his love and fealty for his daughter.

Now while some may doubt that Blaine ever showed up to speak with the Swiss, I can guarantee that this little exchange ensured that he did. The fact is, Blaine is a sucker for the loyalty card and once June played it, it was a done deal. Scenes are cut and included for a reason and as we know, in The Handmaid’s Tale, even the smallest scene is there for a reason. Show runners went to the effort of showing Blaine at the embassy being called to give information; he showed up, albeit reluctantly, and despite the fact that it all went sideways, writers still wanted you to know that. Unfortunately the reality is, he just couldn’t face her after it did all go to shit, and as a result he beat a hasty and somewhat cowardly exit to the front.

He knew the Swiss would soon tell her he’d been part of the Sons of Jacob who’d been integral to the inception of Gilead, something he’d kept hidden from her for some time now, and she’d be suitably mortified. June IS devastated, she looks out on the glowing playroom once filled with happy children that lies noticeably empty and silent. It reflects her isolation and sense of abandonment; perhaps the family she envisioned with Blaine was just a fantasy.

DC was an episode designed to illustrate the total destruction of all of our personal and societal freedoms under Gilead. To properly demonstrate this writers pulled the rip cord on any emotional support June may have previously had, this included breaking her and Serena up and having Nick leave her somewhat high and dry. It was essential to illustrate Nick was manipulated and part of the Gilead machine from the beginning. It was difficult to watch, given his devotion, but from the moment I saw him cloaked from head to foot in black, practically swallowed by his uniform, I knew it was inevitable that at least for now, Gilead pulled the strings.

In our next 2 Nick and June Mix tapes I’ll be covering Season 4, which was somewhat kinder to the Osblaine fans. Back soon.

[absolutepokemontrash]

Why do you care about American politics if you're Canadian? /gen

Note: I know this question was not asked in malice, so don’t take this as me being upset at the person who asked this.

I care about American politics because

1. My girlfriend is American, and they’re a queer person who falls under the trans umbrella in a time where it’s sometimes dangerous to be visibly queer in America. I care deeply for her safety, I care about her ability to pay for school, I care about her health while she lives in a country that basically EXTORTS people who are ill or injured, I care about her right to not have a religion that isn’t her own shoved down her throat and in her face at all hours of the day, I care about our ability to be seen and recognized in a country who’s Supreme Court walked back abortion rights and said they might try and do the same for gay marriage and a HOST of other shit, and I care about her ability to enjoy her fucking life and live as an independent adult in a country that is ridiculously expensive and inhospitable to people young and old just trying to get by.

2. I have friends who live in America. I’ve met some wonderful, truly amazing people through this absolute hellsite, and some of them are American. Now Canada isn’t a complete health paradise by any stretch of the imagination, but the fact that the majority of my American friends can’t get needed mental health interventions when they are really in danger, can’t get necessary cancer screenings so they can not die, and even stuff as simple as regular doctor’s visits even after working two jobs and going to college because they can’t afford it is disgusting.

3. America is a global superpower. America is constantly in the global spotlight, and like it or not, people from other countries absorb what it spews. I have a friend in the fucking Caribbean whose parents and grandparents parrot Trump and Republican talking points. Also, on the topic of being a global superpower, they’re also a global target. If the American president decides to… I don’t know… piss off another world leader who has access to nuclear weapons, my country is going to feel the impact of those bombs too, especially since many of our major cities are close to the border, and I’m sure I’ll be really upset about nuclear winter rolling in once I’m done mourning the deaths of my friends and family in the states because of a war they (innocent citizens) didn’t start :) I also have friends in Europe who are dangerously close to certain other superpowers who may be put in actual real danger if a war starts even if they aren’t directly involved!

4. Oh yeah, on the topic of war, I CARE ABOUT THE SHIT GOING ON IN THE MIDDLE EAST RIGHT NOW???? AMERICA IS FUNDING A GENOCIDE????? AND TRUMP WANTS ISRAEL TO “hurry up and finish the job”???? FUCK NO.

5. I care about global warming and climate change. You guys can see what Hurricane Helene did, right? Climate change fostered an environment that allowed that storm to get so big and so deadly. I also care about how California is like- perpetually on fire???? It shouldn’t be like that, guys.

6. Global trade. American trade policies are going to affect the prices of food, and other goods here in Canada, and I’m a university student with a part time job with some members of my family who can’t work, or who work over 40 hours a week who can barely afford to live right now, let alone after the prices of things get inflated more.

7. People are human beings. American citizens who are going to suffer under another republican presidency are human beings. The people in the Middle East who are dying right now are human beings. My friends and family who are affected by the actions of a country that isn’t even close to them right now are human beings. I can’t just artfully look away and think what my country’s next door neighbour is doing is okay.

[nicolesainz]

True soulmates (BC 21)

Ben Chilwell x reader

Warnings: mostly fluff, mentions of sex, angst, (Lance Stroll is mentioned as the ex boyfriend, sorry to all my Lance girlies)

Summary: what can a footballer give you more that your ex boyfriend couldn’t? what can one find in the arms of an childhood friend?

“Either you tell me the truth or you’ll never see me again!” Lance’s hand was on the door knob, waiting to be unlocked.

“What can’t you understand? Me and Ben are simply friends. I’ve known him my whole life!” I shout to his face, clearly being pointed as the liar once again.

“And that’s the problem! He’s too comfortable around you that thinks he can flirt with you even when I’m in the same room!” He is pulling his hair from frustration, trying not to scream.

“He isn’t flirting! Lance, come on. We’ve been together for two years. Ben is old enough to know what’s right or wrong”

“I tolerated him for two years and that’s enough. If I can’t reason neither of you, then there’s no point in us being together anymore” Lance’s words are bitter. They instantly hurt.

I don’t move. I only let my hot tears run down my cheeks, pooling my eyes and causing them to take a light shade of red.

“Even when we are away at races, he still somehow manages to capture your attention more than I do.”

His words may stab me like a knife but are true. Me and Ben were attached to the hip ever since I can remember. If I am not spending time with my family or Lance, it's definitely around Ben or along with his teammates. When I am with Lance on a race weekend, Ben and I tend to FaceTime a lot, because I skip a lot of his games with Chelsea.

That's when Christian's words echo once again in my brain

"You two are the definition of true soulmates. Completing each other."

"Do I lack in something? Is there something I can't give you that he can? Please tell me, Y/N!" the pleading Canadian's eyes were full in pain and lost all possible faith in me.

Lance has been nothing but an absolute sweetheart to me all those years. Introduced me from the very first moment to his friends, family, fellow f1 drivers. He has made me feel so many wonderful emotions, such as happiness, joy, pride, excitement.

And many more emotions but not one...that is love.

“I’m sorry Lance. I truly am.” I lower my head and let the tears drop on the floor. Why did this had to happen?

I can see his shadow approaching me and his fingers under my chin, raising my head so I can look him in the eyes. He isn’t mad. He looks disappointed and also sad. I feel awful for causing him pain.

“I didn’t want to make you feel like this! I swear if I could turn back time, I-“

“It’s okay. I am the one who’s sorry. I feel like you were wasting your time with me, when you should have been with someone else.”

“That’s not the case Lance! I love you. So very much.”

“Just not the way you love him”

It was the bitter truth. The comfort and security Ben made me feel was like no other. I always knew that my love for him was something special. I just had to bury it deep down and lock it up for the sake of our friendship.

“I know you love me Y/N. And I do too. I’ve spent two amazing years with you. You’ve been immense support to me. When everyone talked shit about me, you were the one to talk them down and defend me. That’s something I’ll forever cherish”

“And I will continue doing so. Whoever ends up in your arms, I hope she’s the one. No matter what, I will be a call away”

Lance wraps me into a final hug. I inhale deeply and close my eyes as I exhale. The pain was out of my body. If I could repay him in any way, I would do it in a heartbeat.

“If you ever feel like coming to a race again, hit me up. I’ll be more than happy to see you around. The guys too.”

“Of course. Keep an eye for me on the paddock. Good luck on everything. Goodbye Lance”

“Go tell him the truth. I’m sure there’s a happy ending awaiting”

————————————————————————

I look the time at my phone, 15:30. Since I was still in Silverstone, I had to travel all the way back to Cobham. He was still in training. I couldn’t show up at his house unannounced.

On the way back, silence is almost deafening so I decide to call the player I know is in practice but will surely pick up

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m coming over Chris. Don’t tell it to anyone and especially Ben”

“Uhhh, aren’t you supposed to be in Silverstone with Lance? What happened”

“I made a huge mistake. To which you helped me realize and Lance”

“Wait, did you guys brake up? And what did I do?”

“Nothing bad Puli. Don’t worry. Just helped me realize the truth”

“Oi, who’s on the phone? New girl captain?” I can hear Ben from the other side of the line, approaching Christian

“I’m hanging up. Don’t tell anyone!” And I immediately close the line. If Ben knew I was coming back he’d start calling me, asking questions I can’t possibly answer from the phone.

There are a million questions going back and forth in my mind right now.

What will Ben say?

Will he laugh at me?

Will he ever talk to me again?

Will we even be friends after this?

Will he hate me?

The list goes on as I finally reach the training center. Now it’s 17:00 and about time they finish practice.

I see Mason with Christian and Ben in the middle of their group. Christian is the first one to eye me, nudging Mason, who has a questioned look on his face.

Finally, Ben realizes his friends have gone quiet and raises his head and my heartbeat too.

“Y/N? Are you okay? What happened?” Ben rushes towards me, abandoning Mason and Christian.

“Aren’t you supposed to be two hours away in Silverstone?” Mason asks but before I could answer Christian drags him away

“We will talk later Ben. Text us when you get home” the American says as he walks away with his fellow British footballer, whispering something in his ear

I can’t feel my legs. My throat and mouth are all dried up. My stomach is tangled and my heart is racing faster than any car.

“You’re literally shaking. Did something happen between you and Lance? Did he hurt you?”

“No” is the only word I manage to utter. Great!

“No he didn’t hurt you or no nothing happened?”

“He didn’t hurt me” I can’t even look him in the eyes

“So something else happened?”

It’s now or never!

“We broke up. We had a fight. We ended things in good term and he told me to come here.”

“Why did you guys break up? And is he stupid? He kicked you out?”

“He didn’t kick me out. He suggested I came here and give you some explanations”

“Me? What did I do? Why do I need explanations?”

Oh god. This is horrifying.

“Ben, the reason we broke up is because i don’t love him”

“Oh”

“I love you”

And terror rushes all over my body.

He isn’t saying anything.

I am starting to get even more scared.

“Y/N..”

“I’m sorry Ben. You had to know. It’s totally okay if you don’t feel the same way. First and foremost I want us to remain friends. We’ve known each other so many years that I’d be a pity to ruin everything over a silly thing I said”

“I don’t find it silly at all” he finally says

Ben raises my head by placing two fingers under my chin. Once he takes a look at my teary red eyes and quivering lips, he brings his lips onto mine, placing a soft kiss on them. He deepens the kiss, wrapping his arms around my waist. Instead of feeling suffocated, I feel even more alive than before.

It’s a kiss I’ve been dreaming of having with him. No one else but Ben. Years of anticipation and now this happens. Like a dream came true.

“This will sound extremely selfish but I couldn’t wait for the day you’d finally land in my arms” he whispers in my ear as I have my face cupped by his hands

“I couldn’t let myself fall in love with anyone else. Not when you are here. It felt so wrong and unfair.”

“You can’t even imagine how many nights I’ve spent sleepless, wanting to say those three words to you, Y/N”

“You can now”

“I love you. I will love you for as long as it takes. And will continue to do so. I’m sorry for not saying how I feel sooner. I could have had you in my arms way sooner”

“Well, as Christian said, we are true soulmates, so one way or another, we always were together.”

[rhey-007]

Drag Queen Lance x Fernando Headcanons + Art

(Onedrive fucked the quality TwT)

Just had this little idea for a Drag Queen Lance cause another season of Drag Race came out recently, I hope you'll like it :))

It's just something light, to get me going on to the next things I want to write, an exercise I may say.

Also it's the first time I write actual strollonso so it might be wonky + please tell me if I should add any # cause I sure missed something TwT

• Lance didn't tell Fernando about his second passion neither before nor after they started dating.

• He was worried Fernando wouldn't understand, laugh into his face and leave him.

• But Fernie wasn't like that.

• Lance wanted to tell him way further into their relationship,

• But when Alonso stayed over at his boyfriend's apartment he accidentally stumbled upon an expensive dress.

• At first he thought Chloe left it there, but it was way too big for the woman.

• So he started to question Stroll until he revealed the truth.

• "Why didn't you tell me... There's nothing to be ashamed of cariño"

• "It's just that- You're- Ugh... You're older, I was afraid you wouldn't understand because most people from your generation see it as something weird, not normal... And I wanted you to get to know me waaay better to make a good decision after I tell you... Does- Does that even makes sense?... "

• Fernando sighed hugging Lance tightly and placing a sweet kiss to his cheek.

• "Of course it does. But you had nothing to worry about. Sure, I don't understand but it doesn't mean I'm gonna leave you right away. I'll never leave you. Now, show your old man what it's all about"

• And with huge smiles plastered on both faces Lance proceeded to explain what drag was.

• Fernando was visibly very interested in what his lover was saying, even making notes on his phone to remember some terms.

• He really wanted Lance to show him at least some photos of him in drag, but figured it could be too early for the youngster and didn't insist.

• Instead, he waited for Lancy to do it himself. And he didn't have to wait long.

• After a few months, the Canadian send Fernie some photos from a recent drag brunch.

• "Wish you could be here 😘"

• Fernando saved that photo immediately then commented on how beautiful the man looked, consciously causing Lance to blush on the other side of the phone.

• And it kept going. Lance sent his lover sweet pics and Fernando sent back a paragraph of praises and love emojis, and over and over again.

• One day, the Spaniard was able to attend one of Stroll's performances.

• He was astonished by the show and the other drag queens, to whom Lance later introduced him, but most importantly he was amazed by Lance.

• With time, when Fernie's grey hair started to peak through his dark locks and beard, Lance started to request grey strands in the wigs he ordered.

• It was a way to not only show his lover that it was normal to have grey hair, but also to thank him for the big support on his passion.

• One of the things the "big support" was, was the Spaniard buying Lance expensive dresses, shoes and accessories along with other gifts.

• The Canadian felt a little stupid cause he could afford them himself, but eventually gave in as Fernie was too stubborn and insisted on spoiling his sugar.

• The older man just loved to spent his money on him, no matter the amount.

• After some time Lance was brave enough to announce it to his paddock coworkers and fellow drivers.

• To his surprise, everyone was okay with it, some even getting very excited by the information, begging to see his in action.

• And if someone wasn't, they soon became after Fernando's little threats Lance had no idea about.

• Even when Esteban, or anyone else, just joked about it fire appeared in Alonso's eyes, his brows furrowed deeply and then everyone knew it was time to drop the topic before he exploded.

• He couldn't let anyone to hurt his baby even a little bit.

And that's it as for right now!

Maybe I'll add something later, or maybe you have some ideas? Let me know :))

Thank you for reading! 💞

[wonderlandleighleigh]

I don’t know how y’all are feeling, but I’m so grossed out by streamers right now

So I’m going to give you some smaller youtube creators to watch who are so fun, and not owned by a studio that is refusing to pay their workers.

Watcher Media - Do you like ghost hunting, puppets, and food? These three former Buzzfeed employees started their own video company and they are a true delight. Shane, Stephen and the Bergooz talk about ghosts, history, food, and murder. Worth a watch!

Tasting History - Max Miller, former Disney employee, started a food history podcast that teaches you about what people ate in ye olde times, and why. You can tell how passionate he is about his subject matter. A very chill time.

Mythical Kitchen - Do you like gremlins and food and gremlins who make food? That’s basically Mythical Kitchen. It is Good Mythical Morning’s bizarre, anxious kid sibling who may have sniffed bath salts last night, but has the best of intentions. If Nicole didn’t constantly remind him that it would kill him, I’m pretty sure Josh would eat wood glue.

Disney Dan - If you’re a Disney human, Disney Dan is a great way to scratch that itch. He does deep dives into park costumes and touring show costumes, including some deeply terrifying showings from the dawn of Disneyland. He’s so much fun. He has a great laugh, and you can tell he’s having such a good time.

Defunctland - Short form documentaries about all sorts of both well-known, and very little known subjects in pop culture. He does such compelling work. I cannot recommend this channel enough.

Ask a Mortician - Do you think about dying, and the ethics of the death industry? Get onboard with the Order of the Good Death. There is something really interesting and refreshing about death positivity, or, being well informed about the industry that your family will invariably have to deal with once you die. Being unafraid to tackle the idea that we all gotta go sometime, and we can make good choices about what happens to our bodies when that happens. 

Be Kind, Rewind - A super solid Hollywood history channel, tackling a lot of topics pertaining to women in the industry.

Fundie Fridays - I knew nothing about fundamentalist religion before I started watching this channel. Jenn and James are so informative, and they do their best to show empathy to those who truly need it amongst subjects that are truly horrifying sometimes. TW for information about sexual abuse and other disturbing subjects, but so informative and so important to know.

Food Wishes - Join Chef John as he cooks up delicious dishes. So chill. Such good vibes.

Demystifying Chinese Cooking - Traditional Chinese food is an entire world all it’s own, and you should know about it!

Girl with the Dogs - Canadian Animal Groomer who tells you all about the breeds she grooms, and also how to handle difficult animals with compassion and safety. She also uses a lot of her funds from youtube to give free grooms to animals in need, and promote animal adoption.

Shipwrecked - They describe themselves as stupidly smart comedy, and that’s very true. They’re an indie film company, creating historical fiction that is really lovely and funny.

Kittenlady - Hannah and Andrew run Orphan Kitten Club, a non-profit dedicated to caring for abandoned neonatal kittens. They’ve been doing a lot of traveling to learn about kitten and cat care around the world, and shine a spotlight on shelters and colony caretakers internationally.

I could literally go on forever. But these are the ones that are super standout for me at least right now!

[scotianostra]

30th May 1889 saw the birth near Kirkliston of Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

This is a great tale of a remarkable strong willed woman bucking the trends and behaviour expected of a lady back in the mud 20th century.

Isobel Wylie Hutchison was an Arctic traveller during the 1920s and 1930s. She was also a botanist, a writer, a poet, an artist and speaker of numerous languages, so a bit of a polymath.

Carlowrie Castle a Scots baronial mansion was the comfortable upper-middle class home into which Isobel Wylie Hutchison was born in 1889. It was there her father, Thomas Hutchison, a successful wine merchant in Edinburgh, looked after his gardens, and passed on to Isobel his fascination for plants and his habit of meticulous note-taking. Although called a castle, Carlowrie was built between 1852 and 1855, so was never a defensive structure, but a luxurious home.

Isobel’s father, Thomas Hutchison, was a successful wine merchant in Edinburgh, he was a keen gardener and passed on to Isobel his fascination for plants and his habit of meticulous note-taking.

From 1917-18, she studied at an agricultural college, after which, she visited a number of countries around the Mediterranean region. But the sudden death or her father was subsequently followed by the loss of both her brothers. Isobel was left in a darkened place with a deeply grieving heart. Walking became her escape.

At a time when women were expected to stay at home, dressed in petticoats and tending to domestic duties, Isobel would often leave home for several days – much to the despair of her mother!

A Gaelic speaker, she had soon covered Scotland, including a trek from Blairgowrie to Fort Augustus, and began to look at bigger challenges. She wanted to spread her wings and fly away, and Iceland seemed like a good place to start.

Iceland, which she visited in 1925, was both a test and a revelation. She was told that she couldn’t walk the 260 miles north from Reykjavik to Akureyri because there were no maps, no guides, and it was far too dangerous. But she proved everyone wrong and then set her sights on another goal: Greenland.

By now, Isobel was making a name as a traveller in the Far North. She had written books about her experiences in both Iceland and Greenland. However, she hadn’t quite finished her Arctic adventures! She made arrangements to travel to Alaska and Northern Canada to explore and again, collect plant specimens. In May 1933, Isobel left Manchester and went by ship, riverboat, train and also plane, to reach Nome in Alaska.

Eventually, she arrived in Barrow, in the north of Alaska, where she transferred to another small vessel before the Arctic Ocean ice began closing in, making it impossible to travel any further. Isobel was forced to stay in a migrant Estonian’s hut for many weeks until the weather situation improved. Although her journey had come to a halt, it was an opportunity for her to visit local Inuit families, walk, travel by dog sled and stay in igloos. Eventually, she continued her Arctic trip with a 120-mile dog sled journey and crossed over into Canada. After many months in the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic she eventually returned to Scotland, having been away for around a year.

Unable to obtain permission from the Soviet authorities to visit Eastern Siberia, Isobel’s next northern journey was in 1936, to the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of Alaska. This thousand-mile long archipelago of both large and small volcanic islands draped like a gigantic necklace between Alaska and the Kamchatka Peninsula in the far east of the USSR. These islands were inhabited by Aleut people on treeless terrain and were exposed to continuous windy, foggy and stormy weather.

The Aleut people of the islands were able to live in such extreme conditions because they managed to catch a range of marine life. Fortunately, she was able to visit many of the inhabited islands by way of US government vessels. Invariably, landing on the islands involved negotiating heavy seas in wild conditions. However, when she did make land, she met with the local inhabitants, generally explored and was able to collect her plants.

The onset of World War Two curtailed any plans for further journeys into the Arctic. After the war, she completed a number of long treks, including walking from her home in Scotland to London, from Innsbruck to Venice, and from Edinburgh to John O’Groats. Isobel Wylie Hutchison passed-away at her home in Carlowrie Castle in 1982, aged 92.

The Arctic journeys of Isobel Wylie Hutchison were extraordinarily daring during a time when such trips were unheard of for a single woman. She developed a real passion for the North as she explored various regions of the Arctic world. Isobel was a true adventure traveller, enjoying the uncertainty of her journey, taking calculated risks, but being utterly intrigued by all she saw in the Far North.

[keepsmagnetoaway]

Logan: Shadow Society (February 1997)

Howard Mackie/Tomm Coker

Another day, another deeply non-essential Wolverine story. This is a full graphic novel first published as such and written by Howard Mackie, just like Logan: Path of the Warlord that we read the other day. It suffers from much the same issues as that one did: a muddled and overlong story and a total absence of Wolverine claws. The "new" element here is Carol Danvers.

Carol and Logan have long had an implied backstory that isn't explored much, although we looked into it a bit with the (bad) series that also involved Ben Grimm. This is another go at that, I guess: implicitly it's set in the 50s but it very much feels like an X-Files comic rather than an X-Men one. Also, check out these glasses.

And this is an Indiana Jones gag, I guess? This whole book is smugly full of cutesy references.

Also, relentless gags about Wolverine's Canadianness.

And a cameo by a kid Angel, being taken to the Hellfire Club by his dad.

And and and and and. None of this really adds up to anything, and much of it is deeply confusing. Sabertooth shows up at the end, but this is before he and Logan have actually met, I'm pretty sure (you may recall Sabertooth's debut in Iron Fist, of all places): but they act like they're old foes.

And then it ends on another incredibly pleased with itself note. Unclear what the point of any of this was. But good news, we're finally going to move onto something that isn't about Wolverine!

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Ian Kingsbury

Published: Jan 9, 2024

New studies raise more red flags on pediatric gender medicine.

American medical associations are doubling down on their support of so-called gender-affirming care for children even as lawsuits mount and European countries reverse course. America’s public reckoning with the harms inflicted on kids by pediatric gender medicine ticks closer by the day, and indeed several studies published in recent weeks bring the tragic and profound risks into sharper focus.

A study headed by Finnish researcher Riittakerttu Kaltiala examines the psychiatric needs of gender-dysphoric individuals in Finland. The researchers observe that the dysphoric population was substantially more likely than age-matched peers to have received specialist-level psychiatric contact before their first visit to a gender clinic. Worryingly, mental-health needs intensify after they begin the process of medical transition. Whereas 15 percent of patients who underwent gender-reassignment interventions had received psychiatric treatment before visiting a gender clinic, 53 percent had psychiatric contact after their first visit.

“Experts” profess certainty that “gender-affirming care” alleviates mental-health distress. They arrive at this conclusion through deeply flawed studies that rely on patient self-reports of mental health. But other clinical indicators suggest that medical transition in fact exacerbates mental-health distress. A 2021 study found that prescriptions for psychotropic medications increased after kids initiated medical transition. A 2011 study from Sweden meanwhile found that those who underwent sex-reassignment surgery had an appreciably lower life expectancy than the general population, in part due to an increased incidence of suicide.

Lower life expectancy among those who medically transition is also likely attributable to the regimen of cross-sex hormones that transitioners take. Previous research has documented that cross-sex hormone therapy is associated with increased risk of heart disease and obesity. A new study published by University of California, Davis, researchers also hints at greater cancer risk. Specifically, the researchers observe that natal male veterans who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria and/or prescribed estrogen or estradiol have almost double the incidence of thyroid cancer compared with other male veterans. The researchers note that “estrogen probably has a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer,” a good indication that the higher incidence is not simply correlational or coincidental but a direct result of hormone therapy.

It is unclear whether doctors are advising teenage boys that cross-sex hormones potentially increase their risk of thyroid cancer, and another matter altogether whether teenagers possess the mental maturity to provide informed consent to such weighty medical decisions.

Two other studies drive home the enormous risks of making “gender-affirming” medical interventions available to children. A study in PLOS One features interviews with Canadian detransitioners. Canada, like the United States, has remarkably low guardrails around “gender-affirming care.” Interviews with 28 detransitioners reveal a consistent theme that they were not properly informed of the risks, complications, and limitations of the treatments. “Reflecting back, they felt they lacked insights such as the extent to which their sexual orientation, mental illness, or neurodivergence may have intersected with dysphoria or desire to transition and many said they would have benefitted from ‘neutral’ therapy.”

Disturbingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that watchful waiting is “outdated” and that expressions of gender diversity in children should be immediately affirmed by parents and clinicians. The experiences of these detransitioners prove why watchful waiting and differential diagnosis is in fact pivotal for child safeguarding.

In another study, Lisa Littman and co-authors revisit the topic of “rapid onset gender dysphoria.” Littman coined the term in a previous study to describe the phenomenon whereby kids suddenly arrive at a trans identity because of trauma, mental-health challenges, or social contagion rather than persistent feelings of gender dysphoria. Trans activists deny the rapid-onset phenomenon, but the new study provides good evidence of its existence. In the study, Littman and colleagues interviewed 78 Americans who previously identified as transgender but desisted in that identity. The researchers find that by retrospective reporting, fewer than 17 percent of participants met clinical diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria in childhood. Moreover, 53 percent of participants responded affirmatively when asked if their dysphoria appeared “suddenly�� during or after puberty.

Activists insist that trans-identifying kids simply “know who they are” and that medicalization of their expressions of dysphoria is a sensible and compassionate intervention. Littman’s new study indicates the opposite: Many trans-identified children are vulnerable and confused. Pushing them into receiving irreversible medical interventions is irrational and cruel.

[ Via: https://archive.md/yXOwJ ]

[annieqattheperipheral]

ok i got thoughts on leafs contract negotiations and they may be unpopular... or you're just not interested, which is actually v smart bc it only ever makes ur blood boil to get riled up over something u have 0% control over. Just not a smart way to live life

AM34 does not deserve to be the highest paid player in the league. puhleeeeez *rolling my eyes in natemac* this is a salary cap league and he barely comes in clutch in the playoffs. Like what nonsense world are we operating in rn dude

Bunts isn't going to get re-signed by Leafs and i think that's a good thing for him. He got more eyes on him here in Toronto after arizona and now needs to go build his own rep outside of here cuz rn he gots leafs stank on him practically a stigma. His style of play and willingness to defend his teammates is seen as a negative by the league when that's a prized trait on any other team. So yea time for him to fly the coop he needs to go off into the land and show the refs and league what a dedicated and devoted team player he is and stop fuckin picking on him (that playoffs 3-game suspension would've been 1-2 anywhere else; that was penalization for being a leaf. george parros career ended vs the leafs so we get pigeon-shit on at every turn)

Willy deserves to think he should be in the range of the salaries of am, mm, jt. Only gd fella who shows up for the playoffs and continuously improves and just had his best season and scored on par w AM. If he doesn't get it here its leafs own fault for having set their stars' salaries that high compared to other teams when u know you're operating under a salary cap (yes yes i know it's harder to attract & keep stars on Canadian teams). I want the best for willy and if he doesn't get it here then yes go get ur bag elsewhere styles. This unbothered king will not be affected and will give it his all wherever he is. But he is thru n thru Toronto style and loves it here and i hope we get to keep him bc i love him and want to keep him in my tiny Toronto condo

Mitchy is our best player. Anyone in any of the comments of any post/tweet/article on leafs contracts who says mm should be traded for the cap relief-- why would we trade the singular player who makes everyone else on the ice better omfg with u idiots i cannot anymore pls gtfo

JT is only now returning to form after that scary injury. 21-22 season was a wash for him returning from that and no one should've been saying shit about him. 22-23 he showed his worth. Truly beautiful stuff. Yes he's overpaid but yea we're stuck w that. Idk. Also he needs to step up on the team culture side of things and get his ducklings in a row; he may be too much of a disciplined parent to be in the loop w the core. Maybe this season connecting w knies in his basement will get him back down w his ppl [insert "how goes it fellow teens" skateboard meme]

There's a 50/50 chance of keeping ROR and my goodness that would be an enthralling coup. His entire short leafie stint he maintained an outsiders perspective and w his keen experienced eye observed shit. The leafies have a history of learning from and bonding deeply w these short-term elders dubas would bring in for playoffs... It would be incredibly useful for the core to become one w ROR and truly embrace his drive on the ice. (also ror u haven't kissed jt firmly on the lips yet after winning the cup together so like idk where u think ur going)

Schenn... All i can say is ty ty ty for coming in embracing this place like the home its always been for u and instilling such a sense of family and comraderie. Like wtf do u mean these dumdum idiots never before did team dinners during playoff away games until u came along????!??!???? They never heard of getting on the same page???? That kinda stuff translates right to the ice. Like i don't even play team sports anymore and i could tell u that. Pls stay. Pls let treliving & shanny understand how valuable u are to team culture. And you're the other half of Mo🥺🫶😭

I love Mo and he should never be let go ever and i fear the day will come when we are all old and graying when they will set him free on an ice drift a la Avs EJ and i will cry enough to shut the city down from flooding and the subway will go out of order.

Ok phew glad to empty my brain of these idiots for a bit while we wait for news instead of speculation. ty for reading if u did💙 GLG😭

[joannanora]

First review I’ve seen in Norwegian so I copied the text in Google translate 😄

You really have to love Céline Dion to put up with this trash.

IN THEATER MAY 12, 2023: I have absolutely nothing against romantic comedies, as long as they are genuinely fresh, sweet and funny.

"Love Again" is neither, but leans on tired clichés, chemistry-less leads and a silly story that will cause frequent rolling of the eyes.

In addition, it cultivates Céline Dion, the Canadian superstar who both plays herself and is one of the film's producers. If you are one of Dion's followers, and are deeply moved by her songs and lyrics, it can be thought that "Love Again" has its mission, because it is shaped by the same reading.

If, on the other hand, you find her music intolerable, this will feel like torture, because the film is like a Greatest Hits cavalcade of it. She even mentions the Eurovision Song Contest, which she won for Switzerland in 1988, which perhaps explains the film's strategic release date the day before this year's final?

"Love Again" has no ironic distance from either the genre or the music, and maintains such a low quality that it is difficult to see what this has to do with cinema. You really have to love Céline Dion to put up with this moth.

Sending text messages to deceased boyfriend

The premise of the story could have been used for something halfway interesting. The children's book author Mira (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) witnesses the death of her boyfriend John on the streets of New York - in a scene with a comically bad presentation of the shock.

Two years later, she starts texting him in an attempt to process her grief and loss. Little does she know that everything is being read by music journalist Rob (Sam Heughan), who has unknowingly taken over John's old number on his new work phone at The New York Chronicle newspaper.

He does not respond to these messages, but becomes obsessed with finding out who the mysterious sender really is. But he doesn't think to look up the number or call it from another phone. Not much for a journalist, that is.

That their paths nevertheless cross is hardly a revelation, but he remains silent about having received and read the messages, which according to the recipe creates the conditions for a small twist in the thread.

At the same time, he has been tasked with writing a large article about Céline Dion, who will embark on her first US tour in 10 years. And then, incredibly, it will turn out that she would much rather help the journalist with his private love life than promote herself, which seriously lowers the film's credibility into the deepest abyss.

Stiff-legged romance and predictable complications

The best thing I can say about "Love Again" is that it is filmed with beautiful people in an urban setting.

Indian Priyanka Chopra Jonas ("Quantico", "Baywatch", "Citadel") and Scottish Sam Heughan ("Outlander", "The Spy Who Dumped Me", "Bloodshot") seem like sympathetic actors.

Unfortunately, they have little chemistry and are unable to play their way out of the script's horribly stiff romance, which is as unconvincing as the thinnest and assembly line-produced weekly short story.

Director Jim Strouse ("The Incredible Jessica James") is also behind the script, or was it written by ChatGPT? It has so many generic "qualities" that one can be fooled.

He throws his characters into several predictable entanglements that could have been playfully prevented, so that the artificial moments of tension maintain a very low temperature.

The scene that gets the most chuckles (which means "a little") is a Tinder date where Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mira meets the sleazy hottie Joel, because he is played by her real-life husband Nick Jonas.

Smeared with sugar and syrup

And then there's Céline Dion, then. You have to respect what she has achieved in her genre, but she is definitely not a good actress.

Even when she speaks seemingly candidly about missing her great love, the manager René Angélil, who died in 2016, it seems as flat and fake as her unnatural interest in the music journalist's private life.

At one point, she also gives Mira, who is a writer and illustrator of cute children's books, the task of designing her new tour posters. Hello? In what world would we have believed this? We never get to see the result, but are left with the impression that the film's raison d'etre is to promote Dion's generosity and warmth of heart.

Sure, I know this is supposed to be a romantic fantasy, which doesn't necessarily have to follow normal standards of quality, but gods know why Dion thought this would be career-boosting.

Devoted fans, excuse me, but "Love Again" is like the most excruciating, sugar and syrup-smeared 1980s power ballad imaginable, only it lasts 1 hour and 44 minutes.

One star might seem a bit harsh, but if the entire grading scale is ever to be used, it must be for films like this.

[dreamonseems]

The man I am

Part 4

Joel Miller x Female Reader

Summary: Pre outbreak Joel and Tommy, move to a small town in Canada. After Joel's daughter Sarah dies from a tragic accident. Joel meets the reader and falls in love. She helps him move on from his grief. And he starts a new life with the reader.

Notes

◇ There is an age gap between the reader and Joel, the reader is 19, and Joel is 35.

◇ There will be an outbreak in this story, but first, I'll start pre-outbreak. Tess will also come in later in the story.

◇ HI, this is my first Joel fanfic. I feel like this will be bad, but I'm going to try to write this anyway. I had a dream about it, so I kinda want to make it true, lol. I'm also Canadian, so that's why they are in Canada, lol. But they will make their way back to the USA.

Weeks have passed since Joel's phone call to Y/N, and the tension between them continues to grow. Every time they cross paths, they make a point to avoid each other, and the air between them is thick with unsaid words.

Tommy has noticed a change in his brother's behavior, especially when Y/N's name is brought up. One evening, he finds Joel sitting in an armchair with a beer in his hand, lost in thought. Tommy joins him on the couch and tries to initiate a conversation.

"So you and Y/N had a fight or something?" Tommy asks, trying to break the ice.

Joel responds with annoyance in his voice, "There's no me and Y/N. She's a kid, Tommy."

Tommy looks at him incredulously, "We both know she's not a kid. She may be young, but she's a woman who knows what she wants."

Joel sighs heavily, "She thinks she wants me, but she doesn't know what that means. So, no, she doesn't know what she wants."

Tommy takes a deep breath and says, "Look, Joel, I love you, brother, but why can't you let yourself be happy? Every time you were around Y/N, you were so happy. I'm not telling you to forget the past, but you have to move on, Joel. And I think Y/N would be great for you. Just let yourself have this, stop torturing yourself so much."

Tommy leaves the room, leaving Joel alone with his thoughts. He knows his brother is right, but he's scared of what might happen if he lets himself be happy with Y/N. He remembers the kiss they shared, how it felt like everything he ever wanted. As Joel sits there, lost in thought, he realizes that he can't keep running away from his feelings for Y/N. He has to face them head-on and figure out what he truly wants.

--------

Y/N was still deeply upset about everything that had transpired. She confided in her closest friends May and Joanna, sharing with them the details of everything that had occurred. The two friends, wanting to help Y/N move on from her heartbreak, suggested setting her up on a date. Y/N agreed, acknowledging that she had not been on many dates in the past due to various factors. Y/N's father had a reputation for being strict and overprotective, which often scared away potential suitors. Additionally, her heart had never been strongly drawn to anyone in the way that it had been to Joel. He was the first person she could see herself settling down with.

Her date Dane was a guy from their church known for his good character and coming from a respectable family. He was also good-looking, with blue eyes and longish brown hair. However, his appearance paled in comparison to Joel's ruggedly handsome features. They decided to go to Bill's hub, a popular bar and grill restaurant located downtown. The establishment was run by Bill and Frank, a beloved older couple who were well-known and respected in the community.

Y/N had a special connection with the couple, especially with Frank, who happened to be her high school teacher. Her and Bill had developed a close bond over the years, too. She used to work at his restaurant when she was a teen, and they often engaged in deep conversations about conspiracy theories.

As she and Dane walked into the restaurant, she noticed Joel sitting by the bar. She hoped he wouldn't see them, but unfortunately, they were seated at a table right in his line of sight. When he saw her with another guy, he felt a wave of anger and jealousy that he couldn't control.

Throughout the night, Joel and Y/N tried to avoid looking at each other. However, every time Y/N glanced over at him, she noticed that he had a dark expression on his face, as if he wanted to punch something. She wondered if he was jealous of her being on a date with someone else. To test her theory, she became a little more touchy with Dane, laughing and leaning in close to him. When she glanced back at Joel, she saw him tensing up and clenching his fists as if trying to contain his frustration.. Y/N was satisfied that her theory was correct: Joel was indeed jealous. She couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had caught on to his true feelings. Joel noticed her smirk, realizing that she had figured out his jealousy and was enjoying watching him squirm.

At one point, Y/N excused herself to go to the bathroom. As she made her way to the ladies' room, Joel got up from his seat and followed her. He waited for her outside the bathroom door. Y/N finished up in the bathroom and swung the door open, only to find Joel waiting for her. At first, she was taken aback by his sudden appearance, but she tried to remain calm and composed. "Joel, hi," she said, trying to keep her tone friendly.

However, Joel's expression was stern and angry. "What the fuck are you doing?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.

Y/N let out a bitter laugh. "What do you mean, what am I doing?" she shot back, her voice rising in annoyance.

"You know exactly what you're doing, Y/N," Joel said, getting closer to her face.

Frustrated and agitated, Y/N decided to confront Joel. "If you must know, I'm on a date, Joel. I'm doing what you told me to do, finding a guy my own age." As she spoke those words, Joel felt a pang in his heart. He realized that he had been an idiot to push her away, and now he was paying the price.

Joel takes a step back and runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I didn't mean for you to go on a date with someone else so soon," he admits, his voice low. "I just wanted you to move on and find happiness, but seeing you with someone else... it's just hard, okay?"

Y/N's heart softens at Joel's words. She can see the pain etched on his face and knows that he's hurting just as much as she is. "Joel, I miss you," she says softly, reaching out to touch his arm.

Joel takes a deep breath and pulls her in for a tight hug. He caresses her face gently and says, "We need to talk. Tell your date you have to go home, and we will discuss this in the car."

"I... Okay," Y/N says, feeling a mix of emotions at the way Joel is touching her. "I'll wait for you outside."

As Joel leaves, Y/N collects herself and makes her way back to the table to let her date know that something has come up and she needs to go home. She can feel the weight of Joel's presence as he waits for her outside, she gets into his car, and the ride to Y/N's house is quiet.

She's beginning to think that they're not going to talk about their situation when they arrive. Joel shuts off the car and leans on the steering wheel.

"What do you want?" Joel asks, his voice low.

Y/N is confused at first, but she lets her heart answer. "You, Joel. I want you."

"I'm not a good man," Joel says, his voice heavy with regret. "I've made many mistakes. I don't think you know what you're asking for."

"Then tell me, Joel," Y/N pleads.

Joel takes a deep breath before revealing his painful past. "I used to have a daughter. Her mother left us when she was a baby. She died when she was eight. She was walking home from school with her babysitter, and I was supposed to get her that day, but I was too busy at work and couldn't leave. They came across two guys who were fighting, and one thing led to another. One of the guys pulled out a gun and started shooting, and Sarah got hit."

His eyes darken as he continues. "So you know what I did? I found the guy that shot her, and I made him pay."

Y/N gasps at what she hears. "Do you understand what I'm saying? Can you accept the man that I am? I'm asking you, can you look into my eyes and still tell me you want to be with me and that you love me?" Joel asks.

Y/N is left in silence for a moment before she speaks up. "I understand and I still choose to be with you if you choose to be with me," she says.

Joel is quiet for a moment before he speaks. "I'll give you one more chance. If you leave now, I'll let you go. But if you stay, then that's it. You'll be mine, and I keep a firm hand on what's mine."

Y/N leans over and pulls Joel into her arms. "I'm yours, Joel," she says.

Joel kisses her forehead and lets go of her, saying, "Go home. I'll come here tomorrow to talk to your father. You're mine now. Don't forget that."

Y/N gets out of the car and heads into her house, feeling hopeful about their future together.

-------

The next day arrived, and Y/N's nerves were on edge as she awaited Joel's arrival. She had no idea when he would be coming, nor did she know what he would say to her father. As the oldest child, her father had always placed a great deal of responsibility and trust in her, and he held old-fashioned values such as courtship and marriage. Y/N knew that if Joel were to ask her father just to date her, he would most likely turn him away.

Y/N's family was everything to her, and she had a particularly close relationship with her father. He was her hero, and she looked up to him in every way. The thought of her father rejecting Joel's request pained her heart, and she worried about how it would affect her relationship with both her father and Joel.

Y/N tried to calm her nerves by distracting herself with a book, but she couldn't concentrate. Every time she heard a car drive by, she jumped up, thinking that it might be Joel. She kept checking the clock, but time seemed to move so slowly.

As she sat lost in her thoughts, she heard the doorbell ring, causing her anxiety to flare up. She debated whether to run down the stairs to answer or to stay put in her room and let the man talk. She decided to wait for her father to come talk to her when they were done talking.

Isaiah, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a serious demeanor, opened the door to find Joel standing in front of him. As Y/N's father, he knew his children well and paid close attention to their interests and actions. He was not surprised to see Joel, as his daughter had been talking about him a lot lately, often mentioning how handsome he was and how good of a man he seemed to be. Isaiah had seen Joel around town, talking to his daughter or watching her from afar with a look in his eyes that reminded him of the love he had for his own wife. He could see the same love reflected in Y/N's eyes whenever she looked at Joel.

"Joel Miller, right?" Isaiah asked, recognizing the young man.

"Yes," Joel replied, clearly nervous

"I've been expecting this would happen. Come in," Isaiah said, leading Joel to a cozy study with bookshelves lining the walls. Isaiah sat down behind a large wooden desk and gestured for Joel to take a seat across from him.

"So, go on and ask what you came here to ask for," Isaiah said, fixing his hard gaze on Joel.

Joel swallowed hard and took a deep breath before speaking. "Well, I think you know I'm here for your daughter. I want to court her."

Isaiah remained silent, staring intently at Joel for a few minutes before finally speaking up. "I can see the kind of man you are. I can see the little bit of darkness that is in your eyes. Why should I trust you with one of the most important people in my life?"

Joel took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. "I can promise you that I would die for your daughter. I would kill for her. I would let the darkness take over me to keep her safe and happy. And I think you know the lengths I would go to because I know you're the same type of man I am, sir."

The room fell silent once again, the tension between the two men palpable. Isaiah's hard stare did not waver as he considered Joel's words.

"Okay. I'm entrusting you with my heart. If you break it or let it get hurt, I won't hesitate to come for you," Isaiah finally said, his tone stern and unwavering.

"Thank you," Joel replied, getting up to leave. He knew Isaiah would want to talk to Y/N before giving his blessing, and he would wait patiently outside until the time came.

Y/N's heart was pounding as she heard footsteps coming up the stairs towards her bedroom. She knew it was her father, and she couldn't help but feel nervous about what he had to say. As he knocked on her door, she got up to open it, her anxiety increasing with each passing second. When she saw her father's face, she sat down on her bed and waited for him to speak.

"Joel Miller asked me for your hand in courtship," he said, his tone serious.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She had been afraid that her father would turn Joel away. She stared at her feet, afraid to look into her father's eyes.

"Do you want that?" her father asked, his voice softening.

Y/N's heart swelled with hope. "Yes!" she exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement. "I very much would like that."

Her father let out a huff and sat down beside her, pulling her into a tight embrace. He held onto her as tightly as he could, not wanting to let her go. He knew that this was a big step for her, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards his oldest daughter.

"I said yes," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I want you to be happy, and I trust that you know what you're doing. I trust that you've found the right person."

Y/N felt tears welling up in her eyes as she hugged her father tightly. "He definitely is the one, papa," she whispered. "He feels safe, just like how you make me feel safe. I love you. Thank you for trusting my judgment."

Her father hugged her back, his heart full of love and pride for his daughter. "I'll always be here for you, sunshine," he said. "Always. Papa will always be here for you."

Y/N feels her father's comforting hand on her head as he caresses her hair. She looks up at him with tear-streaked cheeks and a grateful smile. Her heart races as she hears her father's words, knowing that Joel is just outside waiting for her.

"Thank you, Papa," she whispers before watching him leave the room. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, wiping her tears away as she makes her way down the stairs, still reeling from her emotional conversation with her father. As she opened the front door, she saw him leaning casually against his truck, looking just as handsome as she remembered.

Joel straightened up as soon as he saw Y/N, a smile spreading across his face. He opened his arms wide, and she ran towards him, jumping up into his strong embrace. He effortlessly caught her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling safe and protected in his arms.

As they gazed into each other's eyes, Y/N felt a powerful surge of desire and love. Without hesitation, they leaned in for a passionate kiss, their lips meeting in a fiery embrace that left them both breathless.

After a few moments, they finally pulled back, both of them panting and flushed with desire. Y/N looked at Joel with a sense of longing, her heart full of love for this man who had captured her heart.

"I'm all yours now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

A low growl escaped from Joel's lips as he held her close, his eyes dark with desire. "Mine," he replied, his voice full of possessiveness and love.

Y/N felt her heart swell with joy, knowing that she had found the one who truly loved her for who she was. She snuggled closer to Joel, feeling his warmth and strength surround her, and knew that she was finally home.

Part 5

[spaceorphan18]

Scenes from December (16/24)

Klaine Advent Day Sixteen : Maintain

***

December, 2045

The house was quiet. The sound of a gentle wind swooshed against the window, signaling the chill that was growing outside.  Inside, just the soft slap of skin against skin, and the warmth of one body against the other.  Kurt was on all fours, raising his ass so that Blaine could have easier access.  Blaine was on his knees, buried deep in Kurt, letting himself go.  Kurt closed his eyes and just let his body be used.  

This wasn’t his favorite position, but it had been a while since they’d been able to bend themselves into face-to-face.  Besides, Kurt had come a little while earlier, comfortable on his back, legs spread wide as Blaine’s beautiful mouth worked him through an orgasm.  That had always had good give and take when it came to sex.  It was one of the perks of being with the same person for so long.  

Kurt knew he wouldn’t have to maintain the position for that long -- he knew intuitively how long it took Blaine to come. A gentle rhythm, followed by an erratic speeding up, then a few long thrusts laced with a few grunted curse words and Kurt felt the hotness of Blaine spill inside him.  Blaine always took a moment, as if savoring it, when he came inside Kurt, before pulling away.  

Kurt wanted to sit up; wanted to bend backwards so to kiss his husband -- he always wanted to keep that connection going just a little longer after sex.  But his stamina wasn’t what it used to be, and he uneasily flopped to the mattress.  Blaine tumbled beside him, sliding a leg around Kurt’s.  Kurt tried to turn to shuffle closer, not quite making it.  Blaine, a grin on his face, grabbed Kurt’s ass, giving it a playful squeeze before pulling them together.  

Kurt laced their hands together, brushing their noses together.  It was strange, Kurt couldn’t help but think as he took a moment to really look at his husband, how age has changed them.  There were wrinkles and gray hair and the fact that their bodies just didn’t move with the finesse or grace that they used to.  But Blaine’s eyes still sparkled with the same dark gold warmth as they always had.  Kurt moved in for that kiss, deliciously sliding his lips against Blaine’s.  The years may have passed, but the familiarity of Blaine’s kiss, of his touch, had stayed remarkably the same.  It still grounded him, still anchored his heart.  

“What are you thinking, Kurt Hummel?” Blaine asked, his eyes searching.  

“That I’m getting cold and sticky,” Kurt replied, getting an easy laugh from Blaine.  

But also that he was very deeply still in love with his husband.  A funny thing that he often forgets about since it’s such a constant.  But sometimes, in these two few moments, he remembers its depth.  He doesn’t say it - doesn’t need to.  Blaine can read it in him.  

“So, let’s get crazy - how about a make out in the shower?” Blaine suggested.  

Kurt raised his eyebrows amused.  “You really think, at our age, we’ve got a round two in us?” 

“Oh, I have it all planned out,” Blaine said, suggestively.  “Following said hot shower make out, we end up on the couch, where we proceed to have hot cocoa and fall asleep as we catch up on The Great Canadian Bake-Off.” 

“Oh, my god, everything about that sounds perfect.” 

“Right? Now we just have to make it off the bed.”

[ave-immaculata]

Hi, Katie! I am a Canadian early twenties woman and I came to Christ a couple years ago after chaotic and sinful teenage years that (naturally) resulted in trauma and irreparable physical damage to myself. When I came to Christ, I was so excited to find community that I started attending the most accessible Church near me, which I got involved in very quickly and deeply. After a year with them, I was confirmed. As a community, they are wonderful, supportive, and loving, even going so far as to help fund my return to university. However, now that I have done some spiritual growth, found other Christians to talk to, and participated in Bible and Faith studies with other youth and elders of the faith, I am concerned that the Church I am with is not biblical. I am somewhat drawn to Catholicism, though I have my reservations (confession to a priest, for example), but mostly I am worried about how to (or if I even ought to) leave a loving community that is misguided, when I want to be grateful for the help and support they have offered a young lost soul. I do not believe there is malice or intent to stray from biblical teaching, and if I leave I cannot help them. Also, I am a recognized member. Advice would be appreciated, and God bless

Hello!!! Please definitely take what I say with a grain of salt and discernment, but I'd love to offer some advice!

PRAISE God for this community and for your coming to Christ, I'm so glad you were able to be surrounded by love and support during and after your conversion! I think at this time and based on what you said I'd ask them for prayers over your discernment. The request of St. John Henry Newman (when he was a Protestant pastor discerning Catholicism) comes to mind: He asked the congregation to, "pray for him, that in all things he may know God's will, and at all times he may be ready to fulfil it".

Also, bring the areas you're concerned with into prayer with our Lord; I definitely recommend reading different Christian perspectives on it and asking for the Holy Spirit to help guide you. If you're interested in the Catholic perspective specifically, something I often did was search "<Topic> Catechism" and read from there! (Just make sure you're reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church if that's what you're looking for, other denominations have them as well I think)

I also definitely had reservations about Catholic teaching and those are definitely okay to have! It sounds like there's a lot of unknowns at the moment and jumping into (or away from) anything maybe isn't the right call at the moment. Again, really take this to prayer and see where the Lord is leading you. If you're curious, I definitely recommend attending a Mass to see what it's like.

I'll also add, it's not an insult or a betrayal to leave a community that is no longer where you're meant to be (if that is the case). Sometimes people are wonderful and well-intentioned and full of love and they're still only for a season in our lives. Leaving also (hopefully) doesn't mean you'd have to end those relationships! Maybe those friendships are lifelong; if they're good holy friendships, I'd hope such a change wouldn't ever that connection for you.

From a very different perspective, I also had to leave a community when I felt God's call, and I had very similar concerns about helping them and/or losing that connection. Whatever God has in store for you is Very Good and better than you could even imagine. It might be daunting or even lonely at times (I will say, I can be quite lonely at times in my irl Parish life), but the ways the Lord will fill and bless your life when you seek Him first are boundless. He is a good good Father.

Keeping you in my prayers!!!

[verminviscount]

ive been made aware that i have strong opinions on my personal ranking of percy jackson characters so im making a post about it. bc thats what we do here on tungle.hell. experiencing brain worms? spread the word. @garecc i invite you to include your own brain worms here

for those who may not know, which i expect is most of my followers here, Travis (garecc) and i go way back to the days of a trials of apollo discord server that has since crumbled under the weight of various discourse and does not exist at this time. so if anyone understands pjo brain rot, its him.

ONTO THE RANKING. ill be focusing on main characters bc if i include side characters we'll be here all day and Sally Jackson would be every character in this top 5.

1. Hazel Levesque. Deserves better in the eyes of fandom. Gained pretty good control over the mist within one book. Has a cool magic horse. Similar tragic backstory to Nico, but not sulking about it. No shame in sulking, but its cool to see someone go through bad shit and come out still feeling mostly okay.

2. Will Solace. Unfortunately for me, I haven't finished the trials of apollo series yet, so i dont know THAT much about Will as he's primarily a background character. But Apollo kids and medics both get my utmost respect and appreciation, always. and he's a little bit of a sarcastic little shit, but the kind where people dont get annoyed with you bc its almost always funny and lighthearted. i know from hearing people talk about tsats that he's also a Sad Boy (which is to be expected as a demigod, tragedy physically cannot leave you alone.), and im excited to read about someone with my personality go through a mental breakdown :D!

3. Frank Zhang. Listen to me. How can he not be this high up. I don't even know where to begin with this guy, he's so gods damned cool. He's just such a good character and a good dude too! I'd love to be his friend. What a sweetheart, iirc he was the only person at camp jupiter who wasnt freaked out by Nico? he's so nice. children of Ares/Mars are usually mean, and he's so nice. i love him so much. also his life force is connected to a chunk of wood, which is kinda neat. he's a legacy of poseidon. he's canadian. im pretty sure his first name is Westernized bc his grandma calls him Fai, my last name was westernized when my great grandparents came over so i sort of get it though not nearly to the same degree. I ALMOST FORGOT HE CAN SHAPESHIFT!!! DUDE what a cool guy. we gotta move on, i gotta cut myself off. give him more attention in your fan works

4. Nico di Angelo. obviously a fan favorite, but im talking canon Nico here. im not talking about an uwu soft emo boi. im talkin about a sarcastic, pessimistic, deeply insecure little dude. listen, im not gonna talk about the things i love about nico because its been said a million times. its nothing new. im just gonna say that i love reading about characters that go through awful awful trauma and still overcome and find joy on the other side.

5. Rachel Elizabeth Dare. so my impulse is to put Leo here bc i adored him when i first read HoO. and if i didnt really think about it, i wouldve put him. but... Rachel!! how can you not love her! a mortal lady who can see through the mist, she fought with a hairbrush, she's the liveliest and loveliest oracle of delphi camp halfblood has ever and will ever know, she’s from money and hates it, she's an activist, an artist, way more helpful than the last oracle for sure. the mummy in the attic just left you to fend for yourself, Rachel will at least try to help you interpret what a prophecy means. she's blunt and talks a mile a minute, i love seeing my "flaws" represented positively in media.

honorable mentions: Leo Valdez of course, easily my number 6 spot. Apollo/Lester, we love seeing immense character development. Grover Underwood, probably the first time i ever had a definitive favorite character. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, romance would be dead and we wouldnt have a series without them.

[etherlights]

“Feel Good: The Romanticization of Tr*uma”

TW:a*use tr*ma *ssault *ddict*on

I recently happened upon this Netflix original series when I was well out of television shows to binge and searching for a good British comedy.

Originally, I decided to watch the series after a brief introduction through the trailer in which I found Mae Martin to be attractive (and reasonably so) and was also excited at the prospect of masc/nonbinary queer representation in a TV show (which is rare to happen upon these days but that is a whole other story)

I will have to admit, I did find the presentation and acting style a bit hard to stomach at the beginning, although I did understand it was intentionally meant to be choppy and a bit jarring, but I kept watching - partially out of boredom, partially for the eye candy ;)

However, I definitely did not expect the show to end up being so raw, touching, and straight up illuminating.

The character ‘Mae’ who is a factionalized version of the Canadian comedian Mae Martin, walks us through her life as a recovering addict who is living abroad in England.

The series is essentially an autobiography of the comedian’s story as they navigate relationships and adulthood while stuck in a relatively pubescent state of mind; as is a quite common psychological response to trauma.

The problem is, as the character is spiraling, they aren’t even aware of the root cause of their self destructive tendencies.

They spend a majority of the series, sorting through bits and pieces of their blurred memory, to only eventually remember the fact that they had been s*xually *ssaulted as a teenager. After which, their agent attempts to use it as a marketing advantage claiming “trauma is trendy.”

The heart of the matter is: that statement, although meant to be ironic, is actually reflected as true in today’s world.

I remember as a teenager, binge watching my favorite TV show ‘Skins’ (also a British drama) which revolved around the lives of secondary students who faced severe family issues and toxic relationships.

At the time, I was truly naive as to what was being portrayed, but with the partying, the s*x, drugs, and “forever” friendships - I truly believed this was a representation of life at it’s finest.

Only years later, I realized these kinds of portrayals of toxic relationships, impulsive behaviors, and reckless endangerment are far from romantic or even remotely enjoyable.

I can unfortunately, deeply relate to these characters struggles to this day, especially in this particular series - in which Mae had subconsciously blocked out entire periods of their adolescent because it was too painful to bear.

On many social platforms, including Tumblr and more recently TIkTok: unhealthy behaviors and situations are continuously romanticized through the use of aesthetic appeals.

We may not even realize it as we consume, but we are dangerously being fed notions that toxic romance is alluring, mental illness is just as relatable as a meme, and drug and alcohol abuse are a iconic way to breeze through life.

Too often, we excuse people who subtly promote these behaviors with commentary such as “Don’t be so sensitive, it’s just a joke”

There is a fine line between comedy and the mishandling of life-altering behaviors and this series dauntingly explores what happens if you don’t tread carefully.

The series leaves you wondering exactly how “trends” can warp our idealizations of reality, but ultimately ends on a wistful note.

I would rate this Netflix original a 7.5/10 and recommend it to those who may relate to it with caution.

Although, there is a comfort in knowing someone else has experienced similar pains, there is always the danger that it could trigger something buried deep down under.

I hope anyone who is struggling, gets the help they need and the love they deserve. You are not alone, and you are going to make it.

Peace and love,

X Ether