#but its not gross to have a crush or be attracted to a cartoon character

[pro-sipper]

is it okay to be a shotacon(to fictional characters only) despite being around 12-15 yourself Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

i feel guilty to be thinking dirty thoughts about characters i like that are my age (12-15) (┬┬﹏┬┬)

i really cant control my own thoughts huhu .·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·.

There's nothing wrong with having those feelings about people your own age. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with having those feelings towards fictional characters. It's normal to feel those things at that age, and there's not anything to feel guilty about.

Hope you make peace with it, nonny!

[modgirlyreposts-revamped]

- Millie, Dylan, Brooke and Sarah almost never tell anyone anything. Millie has a lot of pride that makes her feel wounded when she has to open up and ask others for help, Dylan trusts his (neurotic prey animal about to die from stress) instincts to guide him because he knows he can help himself and doesn’t like to put his trust in those who might let him down, Brooke has a similar pride issue to Millie and doesn’t like being helpless so she always does whatever she can to fix things instead of asking anyone for help, and Sarah always believes she is the problem.

- Brooke loves retro and vintage stuff, and it’s one thing that Millie admires abt her, but has never had the courage to say because she assumed Brooke would just roll her eyes and call her gross if Millie ever said anything about the first gen tamagotchi on her backpack, or the 1950s Strawberry Shortcake watch she wears, or her very obviously 1970s-80s hair clips, and how cool she thought they were.

- Conversely, Brooke assumed Millie hated her, so she never complimented her on her victorian-style mourning jewellery, or her 1980s-styled gothic outfits, or asked her where she got her hands on authentic Victorian era earrings, because she figured Millie would get pissed and brush her off as a bitchy prep.

- Brooke doesn’t have any pets, but she adores Annabel Lee, and manages to befriend her faster than Millie has ever seen anyone do, aside from Millie herself, who bonded with Annabel when she was a kitten.

- Maurice loves Millie and her friends all differently, and he never hesitates to tell each of them why. Millie because she’s a beauty and someone you can never miss, an enigmatic personality who’s happy with who she is; Dylan because he’s easy to get along with and would never hurt anyone, happy to make any situation something for everyone to find amusement in; Brooke because she is so full of love for herself and the ones she considers her true friends, and always wants to learn and teach; Sarah because even though she doesn’t see it, her beautiful personality makes her glow, in her unforgettable smile and bubbly laughter.

- Millie is so insistent on Maurice treating himself whenever he does things for her. Every time he does something for her that becomes her priority.

- Millie actually finds Sarah really hot. I am flipping this on its head solely because I’m a sucker for ships with one less conventionally attractive character being crushed on and fawned over like a traditionally hot character would be. Sarah literally doesn’t think anyone could find her pretty unless they were looking at her like a child, and then two feet away Millie has cartoon hearts for eyes

- Actual romantic moments between the couples are rare. As genuine as he may be, every convo with Dylan goes off the rails in one batshit way or another, Millie is always sarcastic, it’s too easy to make Sarah laugh, and Brooke is always teasing Dylan for his bullshit.

- DID!Dylan is the headcanon of all time. Brooke is like “I don’t think anything is wrong with me but I don’t get why I just feel alone. Like no one GETS me, everyone here seems to hate me or just like me superficially and I don’t get it :(“ and then Dylan comes around with like 15 people in his head all falling for Brooke for the person she is beyond the surface and all of them collectively are like “ᴴᵉʸ ᵇᵃᵇʸ ᵍᶦʳˡ ʷʰᵃᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᵈᵒᶦⁿ' ᵗᵒⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ ᴵ ʷᵃⁿⁿᵃ ˢᵉᵉ ʷʰᵃᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᵍᵒᵗ ᶦⁿ ˢᵗᵒʳᵉ”

Maurice collectively adopting the CTW cast my beloved- 💔💔💔💔💓💓💓💓💞💞💞💞💕💕💕💕💕❣️❣️❣️❣️💗💗💗💗💗💗💖💖💖💖💖💖

aND THE LAST PART HELP-

[yurimother]

The Best Yuri of 2019

2019 was a challenging year for many, in and out of the anime community, which is still reeling from the horrific attack at Kyoto Animation’s first studio in July that killed 36 people. However, I want to take this moment, as we start a new decade, to reflect on some of the greatest achievements in Yuri.

2019 marked the genre’s 100th anniversary, 100 years since Nobuko Yoshiya released her landmark lesbian novel Yaneura no Nishojo that shaped and created Yuri as we know it. It was possible Yuri’s best years ever, as more incredible titles were released and localized, we experienced fantastic events and moments, and more. This article is part of my continuing celebration of all things Yuri!

Note that many of the works mentioned came out before 2019, but they either were first released in English during 2019 or hit particular high points during this year. Now then, here is the best of Yuri in 2019!

15: SukeraSparo

This Japanese Yuri visual novel developer is starting to reach new heights as they set their sights on releasing new and innovate Yuri titles. The English release of The Expression Amrilato, an educational Yuri visual novel that teaches the player Esperanto, was one of the most unique and creative works I have the pleasure of playing this year. But, they outdid themselves this year, releasing a sequel, Itsuka no Memorajxo, creating one of the most beautiful Yuri games in Folklore of Kudan, and founding a sister brand, SukeraSomero, “to fill the world with YURI!”

The Expression Amrilato is available in English for PC on Steam and Mangagamer

14: Mage & Demon Queen

This outrageous and vivacious webcomic hits its stride in Season 2. After setting a solid foundation, this masterpiece by Kuru “Color-LES” is finally able to explore some more interesting plot lines such as its characters’ pasts, conflicts between the demons and humans, and figuring out who’s gonna be the bottom (it’s Malori, it was always going to be Malori). It is chock full of modern humor and moments I can only describe as hilariously kinky, while rarely feeling gross of sleazy. I can only wait to see what is next for these star-crossed lovers.

Mage & Demon Queen: is available to read in English on Webtoon

13: Yuri Anthologies

In 2018, Yen Press gave us the first hint of some Yuri anthologies starting to squeak into the West with Éclair, but 2019 threw the floodgates open! New works are coming out in both Japan and the West, featuring multiple artists coming together to create works featuring workplace romance, isekai, first-time stories, and even MARRIAGE!! Additionally, creators released volumes collecting their various short stories, like Rouge Nagashiro’s Eve and Eve, and some series saw multiple artists contribute to an already established world such as in the Bloom Into You Anthologies.

12: SHWD

Sono’s science fiction Yuri doujinshi series, published in English by Lilyka, is everything I did not know I wanted in a Yuri series. It showcases pulse-pounding action as the women of the “Special Hazardous Waste Disposal” fight to take down the horrific Dynamis. It has musclebound beasts of women that exude strength, power, and femininity at all times. And it has a compelling story about overcoming personal conflicts and learning to rely on others.

SHWD is available digitally on Lilyka

11: If I Could Reach You

No other series this year delivered an emotional gut-punch like If I Could Reach You. This tragic and beautiful manga by tMnR follows a young girl as she attempts hopelessly to overcome her attraction to her brother’s wife. Everything from the artwork to the dialogue masterfully communicates the devastation and pain that the protagonist Uta feels. It is beautiful and devastating, and I carry every awesome moment on my mind continuously.

If I Could Reach You is available digitally and physically in English from Kodansha: https://amzn.to/36vsYPe

Honorable mention: SQ/Tamen de Gushi/Their Story 

2019 was a little bit of a slow year for Tan Jiu’s webtoon, thanks to an extended hiatus, especially when compared to 2018’s triumphant and spectacular storyline. However, small moments of genius like Sun Jing’s father’s phenomenal visual monologue keep this work in peak form top and my heart. I hope that its recent Japanese serialization on Comic Walker help even more people enjoy it.

10: Still Sick

In my recent review, I called this workplace romance a “Yuri manga for Yurijin,” and there is no way I could come up with a more apt description. Still Sick surprised me with its self-awareness, knowledge, and commentary on the genre. It has an incredibly deep story about two complex and layered characters that ignite each other’s passion, in more ways than one.

Still Sick is available digitally and physically in English from Tokyopop: https://amzn.to/2rVRH07

9: Going Beyond Girl Meets Girl

Yuri stories tend to repeat the same story, two girls meet, they fall for each other, they get together, THE END! The past decade or so has finally seen more stories adding sexual elements, in contrast to earlier S works, and some even explored the dating life of two schoolgirls. However, we have recently seen something remarkable: works featuring couples “graduating” (literally or metaphorically) and enter the real world. Series like Citrus, Kase-san, and, briefly, Bloom Into You explore the relationships as they exit the honeymoon phase and get into the meat of lesbian livelihood.

Kase-san and Yamada is available for English preorder: https://amzn.to/2MXnp4w

8: Nagata Kabi

Over the past few years, Nagata Kabi has redefined what the Yuri genre can be. Her powerful autobiographical manga essays My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness, My Solo Exchange Diary, and Genjitsu Touhi Shitetara Boroboro ni Natta Hanashi communicate her experiences with queer identity, mental illness, and alcoholism. No work of fiction could ever hope to reach Nagata’s strength and crushing honesty. Nagata’s manga has and will continue to change readers and the genre for years to come.

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is available digitally and physically in English from Seven Seas: https://amzn.to/2MZ7DWJ 

7: Bloom Into You

Nakatani Nio’s popular Yuri series Bloom Into You crushed it in 2019. It concluded serialization, ending on an incredibly high note, and dominating the market in both English and Japanese, selling over one million copies (well deserved). Additionally, Sentai Filmworks released an excellent collector’s edition of the 2018 television anime adaption that is now a must-have for Yuri collectors. But my favorite aspect of this series is the spin-off light novel series featuring one of its best characters, which have already begun English release.

Bloom Into You: Regarding Saeki Sayaka is available digitally and for physical preorder from Seven Seas: https://amzn.to/2SVPVHG

6: Heart of the Woods

When I heard that one of the co-creators of Highway Blossoms, one of the better English Yuri visual novels, was creating his own studio, I was pretty excited. But nothing could have prepared me for Studio Élan's first release, Heart of the Woods, which blew me away. The enchanting adventure full of exceptionally queer characters shattered every expectation I had. I am looking forward to its Switch port and voice acting patch, as well as more titles from Élan.

Heart of the Woods is available for PC on Steam. Switch edition coming later this year.

Honorable mention: Hayama-sensei to Terano-sensei wa Tsukiatte iru

Oui Pikachi’s manga about two teachers navigating a new relationship is one of my new favorites. Everyone is so supportive of the title characters as they stumble their way through an honest and mature love. However, I am only giving it an honorable mention this year, as I am sure it will be on this list next year after Seven Seas releases the first volume in English as The Gym Teacher and School Nurse are Dating!

The Gym Teacher and School Nurse are Dating! is available for preorder in English from Seven Seas: https://amzn.to/39JhXMs

5. Sexiled

Ameko Kaeruda’s spectacularly feminist and outrageously funny light novel series Sexiled is could ever ask for and more. I feel in love with its compelling female characters and their riveting battle against the sexist conventions of their society, all of which painfully mirror reality. This work is cathartic, empowering, and so very, very gay.

Sexiled is available digitally in English from J-Novel Club. Physical edition coming later this year: https://amzn.to/35u6NaW

4: Yuri Life

I adore domestic Yuri. Granted, I love a good romance and fantasy, but so many of these stories exist that it feels overwhelming, and sometimes it is just good to sit down and read about two women who love each other living their everyday adult lives in bliss. Kurukuruhime’s Yuri Life, which I have enjoyed ever since it was first uploaded to Pixiv and am so proud to own in print, is precisely that. Nine couples being cute and living together in a variety of humorous, scandalous, and adorable situations. Yuri cohabitation has never been so good! Now, if I could only get some Yuri titles about women raising kids together…

Yuri Life is available digitally and physically in English from Yen Press: https://amzn.to/35stSLg

3: Children’s Cartoons

For the past several years, children’s cartoons and media have slowly begun to allow bits of queer representation onto the screen. While we are still a long way from having Elsa kiss a girl, the small and large victories on children’s television give me hope. Some of my personal favorites include an episode of Nickelodeon’s The Loud House about a lesbian date, a lesbian couple and agender character (using they/them pronouns) in Craig of the Creek, the female protagonist of Twelve Forever developing a crush on another girl, and of course the unbelievable amount of queerness that She-Ra and Steven Universe shove into every moment. I wish I had more series like these when I was young, and I am thrilled that my students get to grow up with them.

2: Our Dreams at Dusk (Shimanami Tasogare)

Yuhki Kamatani’s Our Dreams at Dusk is easily 2019’s best manga. The incredible story explores many real aspects of LGBTQ identities, gay, lesbian, trans, non-binary, and asexual included, in an emotional and resonating masterpiece. The artwork is stunning and more expressive than words could ever be. I stand by what I said in my review, that Our Dreams at Dusk is the greatest manga I have ever read and wholeheartedly believes that it was deserving of the only 10/10 score I gave in 2019.

Our Dreams at Dusk is available digitally and physically in English from Seven Seas: https://amzn.to/2s282AE

Honorable mention: ‘The Conditions of Paradise’ Licensed

One of the best moments of this year came out of Anime Expo when Seven Seas announced that they had licensed Morishima Akiko’s Rakuen no Jouken and would be releasing it as The Conditions of Paradise in 2020. Not only is The Conditions of Paradise a fantastic and mature work of Yuri literature, but it is also over a decade old, having been published originally in 2007. This license, more than anything else, helped me realize how far Yuri came this year. Not only is the hottest new series being adapted, but a historic and profound classic of the genre.

The Conditions of Paradise is available for preorder in English: https://amzn.to/2FjTE9M

1: Yuri Publishers

Not too long ago, it was rare for us to see more than a few Yuri manga releases in a year if any, but now we are at the point where a publisher can do an event announcing five Yuri licenses in a single day! As of this year, all the major publishers, and plenty of smaller ones, are actively licensing, adapting, and publishing amazing Yuri works: Yen Press, Viz, Kodansha, Seven Seas, Tokyopop, Renta, J-Novel Club, and more keep giving us incredible Yuri. I also have to mention the incredible work Lilyka Manga is doing, working directly with mangaka to adapt Yuri doujinshi titles into English, something I would have never dreamed of a few years ago.

As Yuri enters its second century, we are staring down the rest of 2020, a year that will no doubt go down in current Yuri history. The year will see a record number of Yuri manga releases both in Japan and from licensed series in the West. We are getting several promising anime series like Adachi to Shimamura, Magia Record, Oshi ga Budoukan Ittekuretara Shinu, a Princess Principal movie, and more. I cannot wait to see what this year will hold for YuriMother and the Yuri genre. I hope you all stick with me through it as we navigate the waters of a newer, gayer, and greater world of Yuri.

[mogai-headcanons]

(this request may be a bit long, so I'll update when I add more to this) Nergal from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy is an autistic bisexual polyamorous genderfluid drakogender villainic evilgender joygender kidcoric oddcoric abhorcoric privillanic prieldritchic priautistic evilcoric catgender nyaliengender immortalgender antagender neurostatic autigender histrix demon with HPD and DPD who uses he/him, they/them, xe/xim, ne/nem, ne/ner, vi/vil, fur/fren, de/dev, gut/guts, gro/gross, (1/?)

(2/? from the Nergal rq) gore/gore, fun/fun, ev/evils, fi/fien, mon/ster, gli/glitch, cotton/candy, 😈/😈s, 🦠/🦠s, 🦷/🦷s, and 🎡/🎡s! Fun's son, Nergal Junior, is an autistic bi amaranthian genderfluid amphiterae voidpunk villainic evilgender autigender catgender pupgender nyaliengender gendercute revengender peachgender softgender hoodiegender deathcute e-gender priautistic prieldritchic privillanic antagender kidcoric oddcoric scenecoric emocoric pukecoric edgycoric dollcoric abhorcoric

(3/? of Nergal request) fairycoric gorecoric genderhoarder pronounhoarder demon with DPD who doesn't mind any pronouns but likes using he/him, she/her, they/them, it/its, ne/nem, ne/ner, he/h1m, sh3/h3r, th3y/th3m, rawr/rawr, de/dev, xe/xem, je/jeal, emo/emo, scene/scene, mon/ster, dark/dark, shad/shads, 🖤/🖤s, 😈/😈s, 🧸/🧸s, 🦷/🦷s,🧣/🧣s, and uses genderfreak and freak/freaks as a reclamation of th31r identity! 🧣 has a mutual crush on Irwin, a finic bi transneutral xenine paragender

(4/? of the Nergal request) nonbinary boi who uses he/him, they/them, vam/vamp, and mon/ster! Both Nergal Jr. and Irwin use mon/ster to show their relationship as friends! Irwin is friends with Mandy, an asexual frayromantic transfeminine girlflux futch with BPD and ASPD who uses she/her and they/them! They are friends with Grim, an mspec skeleton who uses he/him! He is also friends with Billy, a questioning pansexual with ID, ADHD and OCD who uses he/him! Billy is the adoptive “father” of Jeff

(5/? of the Nergal rq) the Spider (Billy didn't actually raise him), an asexual lesbian transneutral nonbinary spidergender spider with separation anxiety who uses they/them, it/its, spi/spis and he/him auxiliary pronouns! (this may be added onto, I'm trying to figure out where to place some other characters here)

(I'm aware requests are closed, I'm just adding on to my Nergal request) (6/?) Nergal is married to Sis, an omnisexual woman who uses she/her pronouns! (Sis can be added after Nergal in the rq) Billy's dad, Harold, is a heteroflexible man with ID who uses he/him pronouns! He is married to Gladys, a bisexual woman with OCD and anxiety who uses she/her pronouns! (Harold and Gladys can be added after Billy) (I forgot to mention Nergal has an SI in cooking and building machines for his part)

(7/?) Grim is mutuals with Hoss Delgado, a neurodivergent bisexual intersex trans man who uses he/him pronouns! Grim is enemies with Jack, an MLM halloweencoric ambiguine genderfaun trans man who mainly uses he/him, but also trick/treat pronouns for fun! Nergal is in a polyamorous relationship with General Skarr, an autistic, canonically blind polyamorous polysexual villanic fairycoric trans man with ASPD and NPD who uses he/him pronouns, but doesn't mind they/them, and has an SI in gardening!

(7/?, pretty much the last of the Nergal rq) Grim is mutuals with Dean Toadblatt, a canonically gay toad who uses he/him pronouns, and is married to Squidhat, a canonically gay squid who uses he/it pronouns! (note: I forgot to mention Sis is polyamorous and both Nergal and Nergal Jr. are webcoric, and Nergal Jr. is nebularomantic, tweencoric and scenebunian, and Nergal is sciencecoric and prislenderic earlier in the requests)

I wrote a request about changes I was gonna make to my TGAoBaM request, but I accidentally glitched the ask button, so I'm rewriting this, if you haven't gotten the request yet. Can you please remove DPD from both Nergal and Nergal Jr. and replace it with leviathae instead, add dyslexia and dyscalculia to Billy, and add neurodivergent to Irwin? Also, can you add that Gladys gets facial tics from her OCD? Thanks in advance!

Apologies if this seems like too much asks for this request, but for the TGAoBaM request can you also add that Billy and Irwin have autism? For Billy, add that he has special interests in cartoons and gaming; for Irwin, add that he also has special interests in cartoons and gaming as well as on monsters! Thanks in advance!

oh hi, i'm the long tgaobam requester! im completely fine w/u changing the info on mandy's orientation, and i'd prefer if you would change it to just asexual, please! i accidentally misread the info on minors using the split attraction model, whoops! it's fine tho, no worries.

queued!!

[spiders-hth-is-an-outlier]

Hot Take: Daphne is Castiel

(Sorry if everyone but me has already thought of this.  It made me feel clever; don’t take this from me.)

So I was thinking about that Daphne Loves Fred carved on the bar in Dean’s “fantasy,” and then I was thinking about Daphne in general and who she is to Dean, which actually has some layers to it.

So, Scoobynatural was obviously entirely about childhood innocence, and Daphne is exactly the right Perfect Girl for a pre-sexual, child version of Dean.  She’s pretty and feminine, spunky and game for adventure, loyal and a caretaker -- honestly, she’s one pale pink nightgown short of a full-blown Oedipal issue (not in her similarity to Actual Mary, of course, but to the Mother Mary fantasy that Dean, who grieved his mother and the innocent pre-monster life she represented nonstop throughout his childhood).  Dean’s life was, like an episode of Scooby-Doo, lived on the road, out of a moving vehicle, on an aimless ramble from event to event with a reset button at the end of every “episode” -- but Scooby-Doo remained a fantasy and not a nightmare for him because it showed The Hunting Life not as the grim, marginal existence that Dean actually lived exclusively in the care of gruff man’s men like John and Bobby, but a playful version full of bright colors and giant sandwiches and the Sweetest, Prettiest Girl In the World.

Right, so but then -- puberty happened, and Dean discovered sex.  And the thing about Dean is that he ISN’T attracted to ingenues like Daphne.  Dean likes frisky women.  Dean likes ladies with experience.  Dean’s adult fantasies are exclusively about strippers and porn stars and One-Night Wonders and tramp-stamp rock’n’roll badasses like Pamela.  And he doesn’t have some kind of gross Madonna/Whore complex, either -- the time he found a woman that he could see in the wife-and-mother role, it was Lisa, whom he remembered with enormous enthusiasm from her younger days, when she used to pick up cute drifters in biker bars and bang them like screen doors for a couple of days then send them packing.  Yeah, Lisa had mellowed with age by the time she was Dean’s actual partner, but he picked someone he associated with assertive sexuality, not just domesticity.  Dean likes women who are going to meet his flirting and come back at him twice as hard, who want him, and who know what they want him for.

Season 13 rolls around, and he slips through what the fuck ever and ends up revisiting his childhood, and his childhood crush.  And in keeping with the theme of the episode, which is about the needs that nostalgia fulfills and the urge we have to protect the innocence of the child versions of ourselves (even knowing that the whole concept of “childhood innocence” is built on a series of illusions), he’s back in that child mindset right away: he wants DAPHNE, Daphne is PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL and everything he missed out on having in his life when he was young -- she’s both Devoted Girlfriend and Team Mommy Figure.  She’s terribly ill-suited to the person Dean actually grew up to be, but that’s not the point; she’s a child’s dream of feminine affection.

So who is Daphne, as “person” within the Scoobynatural universe (as distinct from the character Dean knew on the tv show)?  Well, just like he remembers, she’s brave and cheery and endlessly kind and foxy... but unlike whatever Dean’s half-formed boyhood fantasies were all about, she’s... completely unattainable.  (Oh, look who wants what he can’t have.  Hm.)  She’s completely unattainable for two reasons.

One is that she IS a devoted girlfriend -- Fred’s devoted girlfriend.  Sam calls him out immediately for trying to pick up someone else’s girl, and Daphne is impervious to Dean’s clumsy attempts to disparage Fred (”What a jerk!” “Not really.”)  When he asks what Daphne wants, she describes Fred -- strong, sincere, ascot.  (We’re gonna come back to the ascot.)  Daphne’s wants and needs are simple: she is a one-man woman, and she has her man.  There’s nothing there for Dean to work with.

The second is that... Daphne is a child’s fantasy, and appears to be, completely without calculation, as asexual as a child.  Now, the rules of the Cartoon Universe clearly don’t require that to be the case: Velma is also a cartoon character, and she’s wildly thirsty for Sam from minute one.  Sex, or at least sexual attraction, seems to exist in this reality... but Daphne is wholly unaware of it.  She hasn’t even rejected it; she just doesn’t think about it.  Boys and girls don’t sleep in the same room, silly.

Daphne loves Fred.  But Daphne doesn’t sleep with Fred; Daphne isn’t a sexual being at all.  Her love is loyal and true, but her love is for Fred’s virtues, not Fred’s body.

There’s a whole ‘nother long essay, of course, about Dean’s weird, all-over-the-map reaction to Fred.  Fred is the worst, Fred is a loser, the Perfect Woman is totally wasted on Fred... but of course, Fred also embodies some standard of heroism that Dean wants to be: he is strong, he is sincere, he’s the leader, the driver, the Good Soldier -- not just an obedient soldier, but a good one that people admire and care about.  His fear when he gets the Big Reveal about ghosts is that he hasn’t saved enough people; he’s that kind of guy. (Oh, hey, what does Daphne worry about? Just her eternal soul, whether she’s worthy of Heaven or damned to Hell. Isn’t that interesting.) Not for nothing does Dean end up wearing that goddamn ascot by the end of the episode; more than anything, what Dean aspires to be is someone who is strong and sincere and has done good and is worthy of the love and friendship that Fred takes for granted.

Daphne loves Fred.  Well, why shouldn’t she?  He’s a good man, faithful and strong, her companion and protector and teammate.  In spite of Dean kicking against the post, even he has to admit by the end, Daphne loves Fred because Fred deserves Daphne’s love.  They suit each other.  The exist in this fantasy world, perfectly matched and perfectly happy.  In separate bedrooms.

There’s a perpetual question, after this many years, about why exactly Dean is the only sentient being in the universe who seems convinced that he can’t be with Castiel.  He is not unaware of the fact that the obvious explanation for 3/4ths of everything Castiel has done in the past decade is “he’s absurdly, self-destructively in love with Dean.”  Like, Dean couldn’t be unaware of it, because people keep saying it.  A lot of fanfic has this kind of goofy, YA novel take on it, where Dean is obliviously self-deprecating, where he’s all like, oh, just some regular guy like me, how could he ever want me?  But that’s -- come on.  Dean’s not stupid, and he’s certainly not stupid about people.  The way he blithely factors Castiel into all of his future plans, the way he’s got that beach chair all picked out for their retirement, it’s clear that he know Castiel is here for the long haul, that he’s loyal to Dean for life.  Literally everyone knows that.

Daphne loves Fred.

But Dean can’t have Daphne.  Not in the real world.   Because Daphne isn’t from the real world.  She’s not a human being, although she’s close enough to make an engaging fantasy.

Daphne is entirely, unbreakably, unquestionably devoted to her strong, sincere, righteous man.  But boys and girls don’t sleep in the same room.  Silly.

I think it’s not Castiel’s love that Dean thinks he can’t have.  That’s often fandom’s take, because of some perception that Dean doesn’t think he deserves love or whatever.  And maybe Dean doesn’t think he deserves it, I don’t know, but he’s not an idiot, and it never really made sense to me that he could be that goddamn blind to the fact that he does have it.  Daphne loves Fred, and Dean maybe has some complex feelings about that -- about whether Fred is good enough, about whether Fred deserves Daphne -- but he knows it’s true.  He’s so sure it’s true that he keeps it carved deep in the grain, a sentimental reminder, the kind of thing childhood sweethearts do, a memento of first love in all its purity.

What Dean thinks he can’t have isn’t love.  It’s sex.  Because who he’s in love with is fundamentally incompatible with Dean specifically sexually -- and while I still think Dean’s internalized homophobia is a part of that, I think he’s at least mellowed enough to know that getting over his own shit is an option for him.  What’s not an option for him is Castiel ever becoming the kind of hot-blooded, sexually assertive, throw-you-down-and-fuck-your-brains-out kind of person that gets Dean’s dick hard.  Daphne may love Fred to death, but Fred is never, ever gonna get any ass from Daphne.

Fred seems to be fine with that.  He seems to love in that same pure, childlike way that Daphne does -- that Dean did when he actually was a child with his mother’s voice in his ears, telling him that angels were watching.  But present-day Dean, the man that Dean grew into, is not fine with it.

He wants what he can’t have.  He keeps that purity of love close to him, among the other signs and symbols of his identity that decorate his dumb squirrel bar, because he does value it, and he values Castiel.  But that distance exists between them, and I’m increasingly convinced it’s because of that fundamental incompatibility -- Dean is a guy who likes to get dirty (hell, even his demon-self just had orgies at honky-tonks with world-weary barmaids instead of properly debauching and corrupting the innocent like we see so many other demons preferring to do), and Castiel is (I think almost indisputably) some version of asexual.

Castiel loves Dean and the entire goddamn multiverse knows it, but he’s still something that Dean wants and can’t have.  Both of these concepts always seemed pretty intuitively obvious to me, but I don’t think I ever fully grokked how they connected to each other until the Daphne thing fell into place.

[paralleljulieverse]

Westward, Ho: Star! premieres in Hollywood, USA

The week after Star!’s gala debut in New York, the film continued its sea-to-shining-sea North American roll-out with a West Coast Premiere on 31 October 1968. Held at the historic Fox Wilshire theatre in Beverly Hills, the West Coast premiere had all the hoopla and razzmatazz of an old-school Hollywood opening. Arc lights swept the night skies, a brigade of crisply uniformed ushers stood honour guard, and gleaming black limousines ferried a host of Tinseltown movers-and-shakers to the red carpet entrance of the art deco picture palace. Crowds of fans and onlookers jostled in cordoned viewing areas as Army Archerd and a young Regis Philbin interviewed notable arrivals on the media dais, highlights of which were later telecast on The Joey Bishop Show.*

By this stage, Julie was back in Hollywood wrapping up filming for Darling Lili so, happily, this was one premiere she could attend. Accompanied by Blake Edwards –– quaintly described in the press as her “gentleman friend” (Fay: IV-1) –– Julie looked every inch the grand Hollywood star in the eye-catching designer outfit she’d had made, but never got the chance to wear, for the London opening: a sleeveless gown of pleated ivory linen with contrasting coffee panels and matching pleated linen stole. “[P]leated linen doesn’t crush,” explained Julie –– showing that, beneath the haute couture glamour, she’d lost little of her no-nonsense English pragmatism –– “That’s important when you have to think of photographers” (Lambert: 8). And photographers were, indeed, out in full force. Because the premiere marked one of Julie’s first public outings since returning to the US, she could barely move all night “without a cordon of photographers with cameras at ready” (Fay: IV-1). 

Organised as a benefit for the American Cancer Society, tickets for the West Coast premiere sold at $100.00 a head, with an additional $50 per couple for the after-show supper (Fay: IV-1). There was no shortage of well-heeled takers with the capacity audience of 2500 first-nighters reading like a glittering honour roll of both Old and New Hollywood: Edward G. Robinson, Rudy Vallee, Myrna Loy, Gregory Peck, Buddy Ebsen, Agnes Moorehead, Buddy Rogers, George Burns, Marge and Gower Champion, Jerry Lewis, Pat Boone, Eva Gabor, Ann-Margret, Phyllis Diller, Raquel Welch, Nancy Sinatra, Charles Bronson, Tom Selleck and many more. There was also a strong show of support from Julie’s own circle of celebrity friends and associates: Carol Burnett, Ross Hunter, Roddy McDowall, Henry Mancini, Edward Mulhare, and Charmian Carr (Fay: IV-1; Kay: 25; “Premiere of ‘Star’ Set Tonight”: IV-16).��

Sprinkled among the celebrity-packed audience were some fortunate members of the general public. Two anonymous film industry benefactors bought out blocks of seats in the upper balcony and “distributed the tickets to…medical and theatre arts students from USC and UCLA” (Fay: IV-1). While the Gesh Agency purchased another block of tickets for donation to servicemen on furlough from the war in Vietnam (ibid.). Not sure how enthused red-blooded GIs would have been by a Julie Andrews screen musical but, hey, it was a free night out!

One surprise member of the audience who was thrilled beyond belief was Jan Versaw, a teenage Julie Andrews superfan from Contra Costa county in Northern California. Versaw, who had reportedly seen The Sound of Music 23 times, made the journey down to Los Angeles with the express hope of meeting her idol at the premiere. She even lugged along her 23-pound (10.5 kg) Julie Andrews scrapbook! The eager fan rocked up to the Fox Wilshire theatre at 4:30a.m. –– “I thought it would be crowded like the Rose Parade,” she explained –– and huddled, waif-like, under the marquee with her scrapbook. She first got the attention of the janitor, then the theatre manager, then a Fox PR rep and, finally, later that night, she got to meet Julie herself. Not only that, but Julie invited her in to see the film. “It’s unbelievable!”, cried the starstruck young woman (Fiset: 21; “Happened Like”: B4).

Press reports relate that the first night audience gave Star! a thunderous standing ovation. Following the screening, a fleet of buses was on hand to chauffeur 700 VIP guests to the after-show Supper Ball at Twentieth Century-Fox Studios. Driving through the backlot sets erected for Hello, Dolly!, Fox’s next big roadshow musical with an exclamation mark, partygoers were delivered to the doors of the studio’s massive Stage 21 which had been done up especially for a dazzling Star!-themed ball:

“[D]ebarking passengers stepped into an exact replica of the foyer of Gertrude Lawrence’s New York apartment. Behind this was the huge ballroom, carpeted (except for the dance floor), completely draped and lighted by a dozen or more blazing crystal chandeliers. Here at tables entered with masses of yellow and white flowers in tall epergenes, they ate a midnight supper…catered by Chasen’s [and] danced to the music of Peter Duchin and his band, flown in from New York” (Kay: 25). 

Described as “probably the smoothest-paced premiere in history,” the evening was deemed a glorious success, netting a whopping $143,000 for the Cancer Society (Kay: 24). 

Any morning-after headaches at the studio would have been somewhat eased by the West Coast reviews of the film which were markedly better than the preceding week’s notices from New York. In fact, James Bacon of the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner used his review to take direct aim at the film’s vituperative East Coast pans:

“Let me give it to you straight. I’m an unusual type critic. I’m a sucker for good entertainment. And ‘Star!’ which premiered the other night at the Fox Wilshire is loaded with it. It’s a tour de force for Julie Andrews…I have read most of the other reviews from New York, where writers lamented the absence of deep neurotic conflicts in the autobiography of Gertrude Lawrence. And after seeing the movie so forewarned, I came away convinced…that most professional critics don’t really like to be entertained. ‘Star!’ is the type of picture no one will like but the public. It will not make as much money as ‘Sound of Music’ but it will come close” (Bacon: D6).

The trades all gave very positive notices, homing in on –– and, possibly, talking up –– the film’s potential for commercial success. Film Daily wrote:

“The production has the built-in ingredients that assure assure mass audience appeal. Sometimes the entertainment is brilliant, occasionally overwhelming and in moments uncertain and becalmed….The versatility of Miss Andrews is as remarkable as her personality is endearing…[She] rac[es] through a series of songs and production numbers like an exuberant flame” (Herbstman: 3).

BoxOffice declared it “a veritable entertainment goldmine…that is almost monumental in its scope and detail”:

“And riding above it all, never once over-shadowed by the globe-spanning locations, is the phenomenal Julie Andrews, now truly the Queen of the Roadshows. In its way, ‘Star!’ is as much a tribute to her as it is a musical biography of Gertrude Lawrence. It’s a new Julie Andrews that audiences will be responding to. As Gertrude Lawrence she conveys a three-dimensional character, not entirely sympathetic, but a woman of ambition and drive, fired by her own ego and able to trade racy epithets with as much ease as she changes her lovers. It’s a spectacular performance that will surprise and please her many fans, and quite possibly bring a whole new legion of admirers into her camp. She is the ultimate attraction here, and she carries the film like a quarterback breaking out for a touchdown” (Verrill: 11).

Variety had already reviewed the film upon its earlier London release offering warm, if slightly reserved, praise:

“Like many hardticket pix it’s overlong at 165 minutes…and occasionally sags between musical numbers but, springing from William Fairchild’s witty and knowledgeable screenplay, the cast and team of redoubtable technical contributors have helped to turn out a pleasing tribute to one of the theatre’s most admired stars…‘Star!’, filmed in Todd-AO and marking the first reunion of Miss Andrews and Wise since their fantastically successful ‘Sound of Music’ should, with Miss Andrews�� marquee magnetism, cause plenty sweet music at the box-office all over again” (‘Rich.’: 6).

Possibly the most muted, but also most reasoned, Hollywood review came from Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times:

“No movie about Gertrude Lawrence with Julie Andrews can be all bad, but ‘Star!’ which opened with great ceremony on Wednesday night…is not all good either…It is, as they always say in the ads, lavishly mounted. It offers full musical value for the money, and…Miss Andrews, as ever was, is clear-voiced and full of warmth….Yet for all these positive attributes and the obvious loving care with which the whole project was put together, ‘Star!’ at its best is merely pleasant and not for a single moment really magical…[T]he result, despite nice arrangements, crisp staging by Michael Kidd, a tuneful period, rich costumes and rich sets, is not a bad musical but a disappointing one which should have amounted to much, much more” (Champlin: IV-1, 17). 

As in New York, business for Star!’s second US engagement started with a robust flourish. In its first week at the Fox Wilshire, the film took $45,000 in what Variety described as a “loud start” (“Hardticketers”: 9). However, again like New York, ticket sales quickly slumped with the weekly updates of grosses reading like a veritable cartoon graph nosedive:

Week 1: $45,000 Week 2: $29,000 Week 3: $25,000 Week 4: $21,000 Week 5: $18,000 Week 6: $16,000

Come Week 10, grosses had dipped below $10,000 and, by Week 15, they were under $5,000. In its 20th and final week at the Fox Wilshire, Star! took what Variety called a “drab $3,000″ (“L.A. Perking Up”: 9). By point of comparison, other roadshow musicals screening in the L.A. area that week were all doing very brisk business. Funny Girl, which was in its 24th week of release at the Egyptian, grossed $29,000 and Oliver! raked in $27,500 in its 14th Week at the Beverly. Even the poorly received Chitty Chitty Bang Bang managed to outperform Star! with $12,000 in its 14th week at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (ibid.).

It was a scenario being repeated across the country at almost all the film’s North American roadshow engagements. To say the poor returns from Star! caused concern back at Fox would be an understatement. Studio execs went into a tailspin of their own and would embark on a series of increasingly desperate –– and desperately ill-judged –– salvage attempts. But that, as they say, is a tale for another time…

Notes:

* Some commentators have claimed that the West Coast premiere of Star! was dismally under-attended. Richard Stirling (2007) writes, “There was not a soul in sight” (211), using as putative evidence two comments taken out of context from Robert Wise and Jan Versaw, the teenage super-fan mentioned in the body of this post. Matthew Kennedy (2014) –– who lists Stirling as a primary reference and was likely just recycling the former’s dubious research –– also asserts, “Few others bothered to attend [the premiere], including fans” (154). The claim is simply untrue. Press reports, photos and television coverage of the premiere reveal that, not only was the audience filled to capacity, there were several hundred spectators grouped outside. Not exactly Beatlemania, but neither was it ‘tumbleweeds blowing down Wilshire Blvd’ as suggested by these sensationalist misrepresentations.

Sources:

Bacon, James. “Julie’s ‘Star’ Elegant Entertainment.” Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. 4 November 1968: D6.

Champlin, Charles. “Movie Review: ‘Star!’ Depicts Life of Noted Actress.” Los Angeles Times. 1 November 1968: IV-1, 17.

Fay, Sharon E. ‘Star!’ Premieres in Name of Charity.” Los Angeles Times. 17 September 1968: IV-1, 20.

Fiset, Bill. “The Lost Veneration.” Oakland Tribune. 15 November 1968: 21.

“Happened Like in Movies.” San Bernadino County Sun. 2 November 1968: B4.

“Hardticketers Help L.A. ‘Star’ Loud $45,000.” Variety. 6 November 1968: 9.

Herbstman, Mandel. “Review of New Film: STAR!” Film and Television Daily. 23 October 1968: 3.

Kay, Frances R. “Stars Shine at Premiere.” Valley News. 5 November 1968: 24-25.

Kennedy, Matthew. Roadshow!: The Fall of Film Musicals in the 1960s. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.

Lambert, Eleanor. “Writer Finds A Lot Can Happen Between Julie’s Dress Fittings.” The Dispatch. 18 July 1968: 8.

“L.A. Perking Up.” Variety. 26 March 1969: 9.

“Premiere of ‘Star’ Will Benefit Cancer Society.” Los Angeles Times. 17 August 1968: III-8.

“Premiere of ‘Star’ Set Tonight.” Los Angeles Times. 31 October 1968: IV-16.

‘Rich.’ “Film Review: Star.” Variety. 24 July 1968: 6.

Stirling, Richard. Julie Andrews: An Intimate Biography. London: Portrait, 2007.

Verill, Addison. “Feature Review: ‘Star!’” BoxOffice. 28 October 1968: 11.

Copyright © Brett Farmer 2018

[orionsangel86]

About Dean x Daphne

I’m seeing quite a bit of wank and outrage about this and wanted to add my two cents to the mass hysteria going around.

In that I find the idea absolutely laughable and would put money on it not happening in any way whatsoever. That’s how unlikely I think this situation is.

Lets just go over the facts here:

This all kicked off because aaages ago some journalist asked Jensen if Dean was gonna hit on Daphne and Jensen laughed and said “yeah who wouldn’t?”

We then get the “Dibs on Daphne” moment from the promo (with an excellent bitchface from cartoon Sam).

and a promo pic as per below:

We then get Jensen saying in an interview that “They sexed her up a bit, there’s a moment where animated Dean looks at her and he’s like, “Oh”

But we also know that Dean has “strong feelings about Fred and Daphne”

Plus the Scooby Doo writer calling her “ageless” in a tweet to cover his own ass for any potential ickiness at the fact that canonically in Scooby Doo season 1 she is supposed to be 16.

Even with all of this, I am 100% convinced that this will turn out to be NOTHING.

We do this EVERY TIME fandom. EVERY GOD DAMN TIME a new female character is introduced and this one is a CARTOON CHARACTER. I mean, the idea itself is so fucking laughable. But fandom freaks out anyway. Trust me, Dean is not going to be super gross and legit hit on Daphne. Other than the “dibbs on Daphne” comment to Sam, which I think was purely Dean posturing and strapping on his classic facade, in the above pic he is being a perfect gentleman. There is nothing wrong with kissing a woman on the hand.

So WHY do you think they are promoting this Dean x Daphne bullshit? I’ll give you one glaringly obvious reason:

Sex sells.

and yes. I groan at this. I groan at every bit of stupid PR about this. But they are going ALL OUT promoting this episode and they ain’t promoting it to US. They are promoting it to the GA. The GA who include a whole bunch of guys who prob grew up fantasising about Daphne. Jensen goes on Jimmy Kimmel to talk about this and he was probably specifically asked to talk about Dean and Daphne. Because sex sells and just like Jessica freaking Rabbit Daphne has been a male fantasy going back decades. I mean, its not that she’s even just a MALE fantasy. As a bisexual woman I can 100% admit to watching Scooby Doo when I was younger and feeling confused about whether I preferred Fred or Daphne more... Not realising my strange and innocent attraction to this female character until years later and it finally clicked in to place. (I still have moments of realisation even now about characters I adored and basically crushed on without realising it was a crush at the time). This is the allure of Daphne. It’s one of their big audience pulls in their PR plan for this episode.

But just like every single other SPN episode that promotes the sexy, and the promise of Dean getting some action, it almost always gets subverted when the episode airs, and fandom sits there wondering why we overreacted... until the next time. And round and round we go.

Besides, this is Scooby Doo. What’s the absolute worst they could do? Animate Dean taking Daphne off to some dark closet and having his way with her? Do you REALLY think they would do that with their beloved character? Daphne isn’t gonna show any interest in Dean. It’s already been hinted at that we may even get a Fred/Daphne confirmation - if anything DEAN certainly ships it (and I won’t even attempt to delve into the meta around that concept though if that gets textualised meta writers will have a field day).

The worst they can do is have him throw some cringe worthy pick up lines her way and have her giggle (though I wanna give Daphne more credit than that and say that instead she’d roll her eyes and be like “is that supposed to impress me?” leaving Dean all flustered and telling a laughing Sam to shut up.)

So all I’m saying is please try not to freak out and send grumpy anons to meta writers about Dean x Daphne and certainly don’t go around accusing the SPN/Scooby Doo writers of encouraging paedophilia. It’s totally unnecessary. You are totally within your right to feel nervous about the situation, and to be concerned about the PR promoting it this way, and yes by all means comment on the grossness of society to sexualise a 16 year old cartoon girl and think its remotely okay to promote a 40 year old guy going after her to begin with (even if the writer uses the “ageless” thing to cover his own ass). Just try not to let it stress you out completely and be overly wanky about it, because once it airs you’ll wonder why you worried so much.

If on the extremely unlikely chance that it DOES turn out to be super gross and icky and wrong and all your fears are realised, then sure, I’ll retract this post and go right along with you in your anger and grumpiness and probably be really pissed off about it myself, but since the episode hasn’t aired yet, can we all just please give it the benefit of the doubt?

[fourturtleloved]

Is it weird that I have different headcannons on what kind of relationship Mary would have with Raph, depending on the version?

The more I think about the different variations on each TMNT verse out there, the more their differences stand out, and the more I come to realize that these differences would have a huge impact on how Mary views Raph, or how Raph views Mary. I dug more into it, rewatched a bunch of old episodes from 2k3, 2k12, and most of the movies, and I kind of made up my mind on how things would work out, relationship wise.

Raph and Mary would have a completely platonic, almost sibling like relationship with one another in the 2k3 series. As much as I do like Raph as a character, and how he was pretty much my very first legitimate cartoon crush, I just can’t see him liking Mary in any sort of romantic or sexual form. Not because of appearances, but just that I can’t think of a scenario where chemistry would form. They could bond over a lot of things, such as movies, music, their internal anger issues that they both need to find ways to safely express without resulting in self destruction and self loathing, but none of those present any form of attraction out side of an empathetic one. They relate to one another, Mary knowing full well how cruel and judgmental people can be about appearances, and just how lonely that can feel, and Raph understands how someone can be scared of expressing their own anger due to how much they can hurt a loved one. They would be each other’s emotional support, and have a deep friendship because of it, but it wouldn’t change to anything else. And, I’m surprisingly in love with this idea! There’s just so little discussed about platonic love and deep connections with friends, and how that’s so undervalued compared to romantic love, so I’m all for Mary having a strong platonic connection and friendship with 2k3 Raphael.

The attraction between Mary and 2k12 Raphael, however, is completely one sided. Mary as a teen has gotten a crush or two in her past, but none has ever ended very well to her. Aside from outright rejection, the crush she’s confessed to, has expressed disgust in finding out that she likes them, and she’s heard other boys in her school make fun of her, by telling their friends that Mary is crushing on them too, and grossing them out. Because of this, she is absolutely convinced that any feelings she has for Raphael are dangerous, and will only result in making him uncomfortable, so she keeps them to herself. Raphael does have a type, but Mary is simply not it, and the only thing he would feel for her, is also a platonic friendship. Mary listens to him, when he’s mad, he doesn’t just throw away his issues as just him being jealous, or being too emotional, she acknowledges his feelings, and helps him make sense of them, and that probably means a lot to him. There’d probably come a time where she’d have to tell him how she feels, and they’d have to talk it out, but the process of it all is something Mary needed in her life. It’s okay to have a crush on someone, and it’s okay to have a crush on someone you admire, and care for deeply. It’s not the end of that friendship, if the feelings aren’t reciprocated, and it doesn’t mean that person doesn’t care about you at all. It helps Mary be more optimistic about her emotions, and probably help her be more honest and open with them as well.

The relationship between 2k16 Raph and Mary is the only version I can see them having a romantic relationship. I think its because on top of what’s already been discussed, Mary and Raph bonding over video games, movies, and music, as well as the deep emotional connection of them being empathetic to each other’s body issues and anger problems, there’s a better chance of a romantic bond to form between the two, due to physical attraction. Even though Mary’s not the perfect shape of human health and beauty, she’s got a softness to her that Raph admires and likes in contrast to his hard and ruggedness. And even though he’s big, and tough looking, Mary likes how gentle and loyal he really is. She’s patient with him, and he’s protective of her, and it’s just a dynamic that I’ve really come to love.

I know i’m overthinking this a lot, but I just really like the idea of delving into relationships that aren’t just romantic or sexual.;;;

[zappsbrannigan]

ok i dont like to type bibles here but i really need the get it out from my chest since ive seen a couple of gross posts about it,literally a translation from my personal fb sooo...

Have fictional crushes (cartoon,anime,movies,etc) isnt wrong or pathetic; its similar to when your mothers or grandmas had crushes with old singers/actors (brad pitt,leonardo dicrapio,luis miguel...etc) the point here is...after all isnt like you were able to met them on person.

ITS A PLATONIC THING (on most of the cases), you’re attracted to certain trait or you just admire it, is called have a type as long is a healthy thing and doesnt affect with your irl life on a negative way then...where is the fuckin problem?? Isn’t just a “weaboo thing” or “only single people does that”, i mean i have a partner who i love so much but also that fictional character i admire so much. You arent cheatin or being like that...because i said that doesnt affect you with your experences with real people. Even being jealous of a fictional character on an exagerated way...then yup that is pathetic and childish.

If people want to buy merch,write or draw themselves with their f/o...let ‘em to be, isnt hurting anyone, is their way to spend time, practice drawing,how to cope,etc...ITS THEIR LIFE NOT YOURS.

I’m so tired of this called “cringe culture”...’til this point all the fun stuff will be considered wrong and...emh...

“ Marge, have you ever actually sat down and read this thing? Technically even going to the bathroom is cringe culture!”

also no offense but see how people is so fuckin butthurt...make me want to draw or type about self insert stuff even more!

[luv-surveys]

13

Do you still talk to the person you last made out with? yeah, it’s my boyfriend so we definitely do talk lol!

Have you ever seen your best friend cry? i have.

What kind of vitamins did you take as a kid? my mom made me (makes me) take multivitamins and d3 pills.

Did you get any compliments today? yes, my boyfriend called me cute :)

Have you ever gone to court? no.

Are you friends with your neighbors? i used to be, but not anymore. i still wave when they drive by, though.

Favorite color?

yellow!

How long has it been since you’ve seen The Lion King?

a year or two.

When did you last hold hands with someone?

earlier this week.

Who could that have been?

my boyfriend!

Have you ever thrown up from drinking?

nope.

Have you ever smoked weed? no.

Done any illegal drugs? no.

Toilet papered someone's house? no!

Have you ever had a crush on your sibling's friend? nah, my siblings are all way older than me.

Have you ever gone to a beach? i have, many times.

How good is your eyesight? i believe it’s 20/80. i can see without glasses, but not well.

Would you ever want to swim with the sharks? no way.

Would you say if I told you I was in love with your brother? i’d say he’s married lol.

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve been on an airplane without changing flights? about 6 hours.

Have you ever been out of your country? i have.

What’s the best wedding you’ve been to? my brother’s wedding. it was on the shores of the river and the reception was in a barn, so they had cool decorations and a very rustic theme.

Would your parents get mad if you got arrested for fighting? they’d be super mad.

Ever been in love? yes :)

Who have you texted today? my boyfriend and some of my friends.

Any sexual stuff happen in the past two months? nope.

Is your phone right next to you, or at least close by? it is.

What windows are open on your computer right now? the tab i’m writing this on, the account of the person i took this from, the survey that i copied, a random date generator, a cartoon website where i was watching a show, a list of productive stuff to do (because i’m bored), and a tab of me asking how to do something on my email.

Anything you would like to say to someone? nope.

Last place you went besides your house? starbucks.

Is your phone a touch screen? yeah.

What was the last movie you watched? guardians of the galaxy.

Do any of your friends dislike each other? yep lmao.

Do you care if people hate you for no reason? of course! no reason is a terrible reason.

Are you in a good mood? yea.

Do you think exes can remain friends? yes, if the breakup was friendly.

Were you single on your last birthday? nope.

Do you follow rules or break them? i try to follow them.

Are you currently looking forward to anything? i’m looking forward to college.

Could you go a day without eating? i could, but i wouldn’t be happy.

How many bracelets do you have on your wrists right now?

zero.

Do you scream stuff out the car window?

uh... no lol.

Has anyone laid on your bed besides you? yes.

Do you prefer being called your actual name or a nickname? definitely nickname. i don’t like my actual name.

Do you ever want to get married? yes definitely!

Is there someone who makes you blush when you just say hi to them? no, not anymore.

How was your Saturday night? it’s friday evening, but last saturday night was fine lol.

Are you one of those people who are always tripping over things? nah, i’m not THAT clumsy.

Do you have a friend that you’ve always been attracted to, even though nothing’s ever happened between you? yeah, but i would never do anything with him. i just find him attractive. 

Would you ever consider taking evening classes in anything?

yeah sure!

Are you the type to make situations awkward?

unfortunately yes.

Would you ever like to run/work in a joke shop? nah, that doesn’t sound fun.

Are any of your friends gay? Is it “obvious” in the stereotypical sense? i have gay friends but it isn’t obvious other than them mentioning it and talking about it.

Do you have any traits that you obviously inherited from your parents? i definitely do. i’m a leader just like my dad haha.

Are you still in touch with people you went to primary school with? a couple people, yeah.

Have any of your friends gotten engaged recently?

noo were all teenagers haha.

Would you ever drop everything and go traveling for several months?

no, i would definitely need to plan it out first.

Has anyone ever seriously suggested that you need therapy?

yes, and i got it tehe.

Have you ever had a negative encounter with the police? What happened?

nope.

Have you ever lied to a crush in an attempt to impress someone? i don’t believe so.

What’s your favorite thing to cook/bake? Do you eat it often?

i’d say meringues, but i only make them a couple times a year.

How do you flush the toilet in public? with my foot.

What color are your bedsheets? they’re yellow.

Favorite horror movie?

i hate horror movies, but if i had to choose one, i’d say thirteen ghosts.

Are you considered the weird one?

yeah lol.

Have you ever met anyone famous?   no.

Birthday? november 12.

Do you wish you were someplace else right now? yep.

Do you like math? i like it, but only when i understand it. i hate it when i don’t.

Myspace or Facebook?

facebook. myspace is dead.

Do you have T-Mobile?

nope.

Do you have any talents?

yes! :)

Are you multitasking right now?

yeah i’m facetiming my boyfriend while i do this.

How many pairs of shoes do you own? over 20.

Do you have your wisdom teeth? i never had any.

Last concert you went to? my own band concert.

What’s the second word on the last text message you received? the last text message i received was one word.

Can you count to 20 in another language? yes!

Do you know anyone with a missing toe or finger?

nope.

Where’s the last place you took a bus to?

school.

What was the main character called in the last film you watched?

peter quill.

What would you name your pet snake if you had one?

rosco.

Do you like peanuts?

i do.

What’s the tastiest thing you’ve ever tasted? i have no idea, but probably something my mom made.

Do you have more dreams or nightmares?

more dreams.

Do you have any fancy dress costumes? If so which ones?

a costume with a fancy dress? i have a princess costume from when i was little -- i believe a hot pink dress -- but i don’t fit it anymore.

Have you ever gambled? What was your biggest loss/win? no.

Is there anyone, other than yourself, that you consistently look to for approval? What is it about this person that makes their opinion more important than others’? my boyfriend; i care about his opinion a lot... maybe TOO much sometimes.

Are you registered to vote this year? Do you intend to vote? Is there anything about the process of voting/elections that bothers or upsets you?

i’m too young to register, so i don’t intend to vote, but i do next year when i’m able to.the election process just seems so competitive and more about politicians tearing each other down than lifting the country up.

Where do you typically shop for bras and underwear? Do you tend to keep it simple, or have a variety of different items? Have you ever gotten a professional bra fitting?

i shop for both at target. i keep it simple. i have not gotten a professional bra fitting.

What (if any) types of x-rays/scans/other diagnostic tests have you had done? Was anything found?

i had an endoscopy earlier this year to find out what was wrong with my stomach, but everything was fine. 

Has there ever been a movie that impressed you so much, you’ve watched it multiple times? For you, what makes a film really impressive?

i thought mean girls was impressive because of its ability to be so realistic and relatable... but i have low standards haha. impressive films tell a complicated yet easy to follow story and are really immersive.

Were you breast or bottle-fed as a child? If you plan to have children, which do you think you’ll choose? Do you think one is really better than the other?

i believe i was both. i’d probably do both as a mother. i think either works fine, it’s just the preference of the mother.

Do you find that you have become more selective in terms of friendships as you’ve gotten older? Did the friendships you thought would last over time end up that way?

yes, i have. i used to want to make friends with everybody, and although i still do like befriending the people i know, i only get close to people i know will make me happy and be good friends. the friendships i thought would last for years turned out to be rotten.

Let’s start off blunt, have you done anything sexual in the past 12 hours? nope.

Do you think anyone has feelings for you? i hope my boyfriend does.

Do you like where you live? i like the neighborhood but not the area or the state.

What’s bothering you right now? the fact that i’m stuck at home.

Ever been called a bitch? yup.

Are you nice to people you dislike?

i’m not mean, but i’m not nice.

Have you ever cried over a text message? yeah lol.

Did the last person you kiss have a tattoo? no.

Have you ever liked someone older than you? i have.

What color are your eyes? blue.

How did you get one of your scars? i fell into a cabinet.

Do you like the snow? only when it’s falling and fresh. after a day or two, it’s gross.

Is your bed comfortable? very.

Does it bother you when someone lies to you? of course.

What are you doing right now?

this survey and talking to my boyfriend.

Where are you?

my bedroom.

Do you set an alarm every day to wake up? yep.

When you get yelled at, do you yell back or let it go? i usually argue back tbh lol.

What's the most expensive thing on your bed? probably the mattress itself.

What's wrong right now?

my boyfriend just left :(

Do you have pets?

yeah.

How was school?

it was fun while it lasted :(

February, how was your love life?

great!

Do you think it’s disgusting for girls to drink alcohol and get drunk?

i think it’s disgusting to get sloppy-drunk no matter your gender lmao.

Think relationships are worth getting your heart shattered?

of course! it gives you experience and it makes you happy.

What’s bothering you right now?

the fact that i’m stuck inside (again).

Does it matter to you if your boyfriend/girlfriend smokes? definitely.

Have you ever hugged a complete stranger? when i was litle, yes (oops).

Last text of the opposite sex that messaged you last? "scrambled” lol.

How do you feel right now? hungry, tired, and content.

Is the person you last texted single? nope.

What time is it right now where you live? 7:12pm.

What’s the last song you heard?

grieg piano concerto in a minor tehe.

If you could go back in time and change things, would you?

no, that’s messing with time and space and it’d be too dangerous.

Do you like to cuddle? always.

Was it a boy or a girl to text you first today? a boy.

Are you easily scared by horror movies? yup.

Does someone like you right now? yes!

Are you friends with any of your ex-boyfriend/girlfriends? no.

Are you anyone’s first love? uh-huh.

Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with the letter A? no.

Are you looking forward to anything? yes!

Have you ever worn the opposite sex’s clothing? i have.

Do you miss someone? very much so :(

When did your last hug take place and with who? with my boyfriend, in a parking lot (lol).

Can you honestly say you’re okay right now? yes.

Do you tell people you’re okay when you’re really not? sometimes.

What’s the last reason you held someone’s hand? because i love him (and he grabbed it first).

Are you lonely? Be honest. a little bit.

Last thing bought? a vanilla bean creme frappuccino from starbucks.

Last text sent? "what kind of eggs are you eating”.

Last text received? “scrambled”.

What has made you happy today? seeing my band over video chat.

What has made you sad today? the world shutting down.

What room are you in? bedroom.

Last thing eaten? a taco!

Last thing you drank? water.

Anything bothering you? i think this is the third time i’ve answered this question lol.

Last reason you kissed someone? i love him.

Do you have an iPhone? yes.

Do you bite your nails? If so, do you wish you didn’t?

nope.

Did you shower today? yes.

Are you wearing anything that’s not yours? no.

Where did your last kiss take place? in my boyfriend’s room.

Do you shop at Urban Outfitters? no, there isn’t one by where i live.

If you look up, what’s the first thing you see? the ceiling.

Do you ever want to fall in love? yes.

Do you like to wear makeup? yup.

When was the last time you saw your best friend? right now.

Do you believe that there’s good in everybody? yeah.

What are you excited for? college.

Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? didn’t i just answer this lmao.

Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? yea, it gives me stomachaches so i have one verrrry occasionally.

Do you dance in the car? when a good song comes on, yes!

Have you ever cried because you were so happy? i have.

Do you study better with or without music? with, but it has to be quiet instrumental music.

Ever been in love? ya.

Have you ever attempted to write a story or novel?

yes!

Would you rather have perfect hair or perfect skin?

perfect skin.

What was the last band or artist you saw live in concert?

trans-siberian orchestra.

What’s your middle name?: grace.

How big is your bed?: twin-sized.

What are you listening to right now?: my boyfriend’s video game.

What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number?: i feel like this is a scam lmao.

What was the last thing you ate?: a taco.

Last person you hugged?: my boyfriend.

How is the weather right now?: warm and windy.

Do you drink?: no.

Would you fall apart if that last person you kissed walked out of your life? definitely.

What is the last non-alcoholic beverage you had?: water.

Do you prefer pasta, salad, or coleslaw?: pasta.

Do you find smoking unattractive? very.

Where’s the last place you went besides your house? starbucks.

If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for? for my mental health to be better.

Could you go for the rest of your life without drinking alcohol?: probably, yes.

Do you eat breakfast daily? i do.

When you and your friends are out and about do you usually get dirty looks? no.

Is there anyone you couldn’t live without? uh-huh.

Who were you with the last time you went to the movie theater?

my boyfriend, my sister, and my sister’s boyfriend.

What do you usually do when the clock turns 11:11?

i just notice it but i don’t do anything about it.

Do you like to cuddle? yea.

Do you like your cell phone? i do.

Do you love where you live? love the neighborhood, don’t love the area or the state.

Would you go out in public looking like you do now? yes, i look cute.

So, what do you want for your birthday? maybe a new phone.

Has anyone ever sang to you? ya.

Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 months from now? hopefully, yes!

Was your last kiss drunk or sober? sober.

Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? not personally.

How do you feel right now? hungry, tired, but content.

Does any part of your body hurt right now?

my elbows hurt from my carpet.

Are you a mean person? no.

So, what if you married the last person you kissed?

that’d be lovely haha.

Have you ever had a really big fight with a best friend?

i have.

Do you plan on moving out within the next year? yes, to go to college.

What are you listening to at the moment? my boyfriend’s video game and the peepers outside.

What color shirt are you wearing? pink.

Can you leave the house without makeup? yup.

Do you think you’ll be married in 5 years? no way.

If someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you? yes!

How many drugs are in your system? just my anxiety medication.

Do you currently have any bite marks/hickeys on your body? no.

Do you usually answer your texts? yes, albeit sometimes a little late.

Do you call anyone baby? my boyfriend.

Who was the last person to text you? my boyfriend (again).

Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy? no.

Have you kissed anyone in the last 4 days? no.

Is it easier to pretend everything’s okay for you than show emotion? usually, yes.

When is the next time you will kiss someone of the opposite sex? probably a few weeks :/

What’s your current mood? content.

Do you have to sleep with a television on? no.

Do you think you are a good person? i do.

Are all of your friends virgins? nope.

Are you wasting your time on the person you like? nah.

What do you want right this second? food.

If you were offered to smoke some weed right now, would you accept? no way.

Can you control your dreams if you realize you are dreaming? no, i wish though. that;d be cool.

Is your phone fully charged right now? it is not.

Are you afraid of roller coasters? yes... i wish i weren’t though.

Do you think you can last for an hour without talking? mhm.

Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 7 days? yep.

Is your hair longer than your shoulders? yea.

Do you know anyone else with your name? yes.

Last person who gave you a ‘good morning’ text? my boyfriend.

Do you think you will ever get married? someday, yes!

Have you ever watched a movie in another language? yeah.

Who’s was the last vehicle you rode in? my mom’s car.

What did you purchase last? a vanilla bean creme frappuccino.

What are you listening to? i’ve answered this so many times already.

Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle? yes.

Are you an alcoholic? no.

Is anything bothering you? answered this already as well.

Who was the last person you texted yesterday? my boyfriend.

Do you like pizza? yes i love pizza!

Do you open up to a lot of people? yeah lol.

Who has seen you cry the most? my boyfriend probably.

Are you scared of snakes? nah they’re cute.

Is there anything in your past that you’d like to try again? many things.

Do you like falling asleep to the sound of the rain?

ya.

Have you ever just laid down outside and stared at the stars?

i have.

Do you have any scars? some, yes.

Are you afraid to answer sexual questions? nah.

Can you read other people’s expressions? i like to think i can, but i probably can’t.

Have your friends ever randomly stopped by your house? nope.

Are you imagining someone naked right now? no.

Are you wearing a necklace? Who got it for you? no.

Looking back, did you ever waste too much time on someone that treated you badly? yes :(

What color is your underwear, seriously? it’s gray.

Do you walk around naked when no one’s home? no.

Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? yes.

Would you walk into Walmart naked for $16,000? no way.

Who are your last five texts from? my boyfriend and my friend.

Have you ever sacrificed something for someone you love? yea.

Think to the last person you kissed; have you ever kissed them on the ground? yes lol.

Name something you dislike about the day you’re having? i can’t go anywhere.

Is it cute when a girl is immature? not really.

Do you have a condom in your room? no.

[zolganif]

You are currently sick. You really really hate being sick. French is the language you are learning / have learned in school. You have thick lips. You have clear skin. You wish you were taller so that you could model. A tornado recently devastated your area. You exercise at least five days out of the week for more than an hour. You watch The River. You watch The Walking Dead. Your hair is dark brown.-Naturally. But it is currently not that color.  You’re really shit at math. You’re stubborn. You would consider yourself an opportunist. You enjoy having nightmares. You have more lip products than any other sort of cosmetic. In the way of material items, you get almost everything you want. You’re spoiled. You need to distance yourself from most people in your life. You don’t like most of the people in your life. When you’re at home, you spend most of your time in your bedroom. You’re in love with a loser. You lost your virginity in a vehicle of some sort. You would like to have a pilot’s license. You’re still a minor. You love the brand Obey. You love the brand Wildfox Couture. You love to go thrifting. You love to go shopping. You are most unhappy in the winter. Your hands are always / ice / cold. You own a lot of decorations that are covered in peace signs. You shower more than once a day. The deoderant you most commonly use is Ban. You smoke weed. You don’t eat anything that comes from an animal. You love cucumber. You are considered underweight. You love Burt’s Bees. There is a candle burning in your room. You don’t smoke cigarettes. You own something from Juicy Couture. You own something from Louis Vuitton. You own something from Dooney & Bourke. You think it’s okay to wear yoga pants to the grocery store. -I don’t care anymore about what people wear. Their life, not mine.  You have matured a great deal recently. You hate throwing up more than anything. Your mother craved peanut butter when she was pregnant with you. You think tattoos are trashy. You are not religious or spiritual. You don’t understand the concept of spirituality. You are not paranoid about your government. You would like to live in a different state / province than where you live. You have been expelled from school. You have been expelled from more than one school. You have kissed an exes older brother. You have been cheated on. Completely. You have cheated on someone. Completely. You are attracted to females but you’re more attracted to guys. You have made out with a chick. You could only see yourself in a serious relationship with a guy. You have lost a friend to suicide. You are addicted to the game Draw Something on your iPhone. You have a small lisp that you hate. You have a dentist’s appointment this week. You have never had a cavity. You think it’s gross if you don’t wash your hair every day. You like the clothing brands Moosejaw and The North Face. Every time you go to the mall you must visit American Eagle and Target. You go to the mall at least once a week. You get all awkward when a guy you don’t know asks for your number. You have an iPhone. You wish you had an XBOX so you could play Skyrim.  You have a Wii. You love Zelda games. You love Mario games. You love Pokemon games. You have been taking fashion risks lately. Your hair is its natural color. Your hair lies past your boobies. You love your boobies. You’re an A cup. You have pale skin. You love movies, film and cinema. You have a lot of crushes on male celebrities and musicians. Most of your exes have not had short hair. You used to tan but you don’t anymore. You have abs. You don’t know how to do much with your hair. You usually wear your hair straightened, down. You have friends that work at fast food restaurants. You live with neither of your parents. You feel like a lot of people in your life are toxic. You’re very fragile. You’re very quiet. You feed too much off of male attention. You own a pair of pastel colored skinny jeans. You own a pair of UGGs. You own a pair of Minnetonkas. You own a pair of BC Dakotas. You own a pair of Jeffrey Campbells. You own a pair of Dolce Vitas. You want a job. Any job. All of your grandparents are dead. You think tight, colorful printed ts with ‘cute’ characters are tacky. You’re annoyed with people who ask you not to take the Lord’s name in vain. You have stolen currency from a family member. You have taken alcohol that didn’t belong to you. You have taken marijuana that didn’t belong to you. You have taken prescription pills that didn’t belong to you. You take diet pills. You love to cuddle. You’re far too vulnerable when it comes to cute members of the opposite sex You wouldn’t date someone who wasn’t fit. You break expensive technological equipment quite frequently. You watch a lot of the HBO series. You can get really nasty when you’re hurt. But you are generally the world’s most passive-est person. You use the word ‘like’ too often. You like Abercrombie & Fitch better than Hollister Co.. You get annoyed when you hear someone use the term ‘prep’ in a negative way. You’re sick of hearing about things found on Pinterest by your friends. You compare yourself to every walking creature you encounter. You’ve let yourself be used by a hot, popular guy. Your relationship status has been changing on a daily basis. You love Belvita breakfast crackers. Your favorite food is strawberries. You idolize Johnny Depp. Your camera is a Nikon. Most of your electronics are made by Apple if Apple makes it. You would be uncomfortable making out with a boy in public. You love Urban Outfitters. You love Forever21. You get annoyed when you hear someone making fun of Justin Bieber. You flirt so much you don’t even realize it. You’re not opposed to wearing really short shorts in the summer. Summers are extremely hot where you live. You don’t have any pets. You love the colors red and pink together. Your favorite color is purple. You love to go on hikes. You would jog more if you weren’t so worried about how you look running. You enjoy doing laundry. You enjoy brushing your teeth. You’re very uncoordinated. You know how to shoot a gun properly. You love going to a gun range. You would love to learn archery. You have been on a volleyball team. You have been on a softball team. You have been on a gymnastics team. You were a Girl Scout. Your favorite condiment is mustard. Your straightener is a GHD: Katy Perry’s edition. You live in a college town. Your ex was an exchange student. You will, without a doubt, attend and graduate college. You have tried acid. You have tried shrooms. You would like to live in a more tropical climate. You’re incapable of being happy in cold weather. You don’t count calories but you always seem to know how much you’ve had. You drink mostly water. You like to dance to songs like Wop and Wobble. (-: Your favorite animated movie is Despicable Me. You love everything Disney and Pixar. You like to watch 'haul’ videos on YouTube. You’re subscribed to GlamBag. You’re subscribed to Surf magazine. You’re subscribed to Maixm magazine. You’re subscribed to Spin magazine. You’re subscribed to The Wall Street journal. You’re subscribed to a lot of magazines and things you don’t pay for. You have a flat stomach. You thoroughly love your body. You love to swim! You babysit younger family members for free on occasion. You touch your hair a lot. You love kissing laying down. You’ve been to Universal Studios. You’ve been to Disney Land. You’ve been to a Six Flags. You’ve been to a Hard Rock Cafe. You have never left the country you live in. You’re guilty of gossiping. You love raunchy adult cartoons (Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, etc.) You love EpicMealTime. The Office makes you giggle. You’ve read all of The Hunger Games books. You’ve read all of the Game of Thrones books. You’ve read all of the Sookie Stackhouse series. You’ve read all of the Harry Potter books. You wish you were like, 12, again. You’re getting an apartment in a big city very soon. You need your partner to be just a bit dominant in a relationship. You love it when guys pick you up. You don’t believe in any apocalypses. You think you would, though, enjoy a zombie apocalypse. You have most of your teacher’s cell phone numbers and email addresses. You wouldn’t ever want to date someone younger than you. You get along really well with middle-aged women in your family. You love sweet potatoes. You play hide and seek with younger family members. There is a highway within walking distance of your home. You’re shy if a strange guy in public talks to you. You look younger than you are. You are 5'6. You’re mostly happy. You’re always calm. You have breakdowns when no one’s looking. The flooring in your house is wood. You could not sleep comfortably in a bed smaller than a queen. You love hugs.  You think little kids are kind of gross, but you totally love them anyway.