#cataracts in teens

[mimzy-writing-online]

Since you've mentioned that blind eyes look like normal eyes, would it be offensive to draw a character's eye in another color to indicate blindness (even if it is to differentiate between a blind eye and non-blind eye in a character with partial blindness)?

From an artistic and character design perspective, I think it'd be best to first focus on what causes the character's blindness and if the cause fits the backstory you want to give them. Then, you should draw their eyes to as closely resemble the condition as is realistically possible.

If your character is elderly, then cataracts is a perfectly reasonable cause for their blindness. In which case, I would recommend giving them a normal eye color and then adding white-grey-blue blurred spots that only partially obscure their eyes. Cataracts rarely cover the entire eye, let alone both. However glaucoma and macular degeneration are also super common causes of blindness, and their eyes would not appear any different from a sighted person's, so you would need to be more creative with visually indicating they're blind.

If the character is a warrior who lost their vision in battle, then scars around the eyes are the most straightforward and appropriate indicator of their backstory.

One thing I don't often see in blind characters is characters who are cross eyed or have a lazy eye. The medical term for "lazy eye" is amblyopia and it's very common, especially in people who have been blind for many years and in children and teens. I think that's partly to blame on ableism teaching us to feel uncomfortable at visible differences--which is why villains/antagonists were sometimes made disabled to other them to the audience. Whereas protagonists were described/drawn to be beautiful as a way to tell the audience they should like the character.

Nystagmus is another visible difference but that's very difficult to convey in art unfortunately.

Outside of what a character's eyes look like, there are design choices you can make to indicate/remind the audiences that the character is blind-

For example:

including a cane or guide dog in character design

having the character wear sunglasses but only sometimes, usually in brightly lit places or perhaps in situations where they're tired from recent story events and their eyes might ache

having a character rub their eyes when they're tired. This isn't something I expect sighted people to get, but it's relatable.

having the character hold things close to their eyes to better see, turn their ear to a sound instead of their eyes (especially of there are sighted characters on page looking towards the sound) and touch objects of interest

I hope that helps

[mightybog]

Gwen & Merlin | Teen & Up | No Archive Warnings Apply | Word Count: 500

Post-Canon | Ghosts | Grief & Mourning | Immortal Merlin

For @merlinmicrofic with the dialogue prompt "almost" and the @tavernfest Merlin Horror Month 2024

An elderly Gwen summons Merlin to Camelot on Samhain. Their old friends walk the Earth again for a night.

☾ ☾ ☾

She was sitting by the fire in the chambers she had once shared with her husband. The flames sputtered in the grate, attacked by the late autumn winds. Upon the hearth there were food offerings; it was Samhain, the eve of the night the dead woke from their sleep and roamed the Earth once again.

“Merlin,” Gwen called to him softly, her eyes shining and a little cloudy in the light, evidence of the cataracts laying claim to them. She stretched out her hand and he hobbled over with his staff and took it. It was soft, wrinkled, but strong. 

Gwen had received him earlier in the throne room but this, with the night blackening the windows, was when they could truly speak. 

He sat down groaningly beside her. Immediately, she leaned towards him in her chair and poked his knee. “I heard a rumour.” 

He leaned as well. “A rumour?” he croaked. 

“I’m told that you're not as you appear to be. That you…” she seemed to search for the words. “They say nature has not taken hold of you as it has me.” 

He opened his mouth but she stopped him.

“Let me see you as you really are... Please.” 

He changed, letting go of the glamour he had assumed. 

By the way she reached out, he knew she couldn’t help it. She cupped his unbearded face, swiped a thumb over his cheek like there was a tear there just as her own eyes filled. 

“It’s like…” she trailed off in wonder. 

“Seeing a ghost?” he guessed. 

“No,” she shook her head, retracting her hand. “No. I should know… I called you here because-” 

There was a knock at the door. 

She cleared her throat, emotion leaving her voice. “Come in.” 

A knight entered.

“Is it time?” she asked.

“Almost.” 

“Help an old woman up, Merlin?” 

They were on the ramparts of the outer walls, it had been a struggle to get up here, but Gwen, now bundled in Merlin’s cloak, had been singularly determined.

It was a full moon but the night was choked with mist. 

Merlin’s magic prickled, beyond the walls something had stepped back onto the mortal plane. 

He tried again to implore her to return to the palace. “Gwen, it's Samhain, we shouldn’t-” 

“Just… Watch.” 

He grimaced but did as his queen bid. 

A horse whinnied faintly, like the tail end of an echo. From the mist, three caped figures on horseback were given form. Ceremonial Camelot banners, washed grey by the night, waved silently in a non-existent wind above them. Their shape, their faces, tilted up, serene, their eyes on the queen – Merlin startled. “It’s-!”

“Gwaine… Lancelot… and Elyan,” she finished, her voice breaking more with each name. 

“But..? Gods, why-?”

“They came last year, and the year before that,” she said, breathing. She drew her borrowed cloak closer. “I know now. They're waiting for me.” 

In Avalon his friends would be together again. Death had never been kinder, and fate more gruel. 

[bluetorchsky]

🤥👁📎🪤🔪 Accordion (and/or Violin) ? :]

Oh, you KNOW I'm doing this for both of them, hehe! It does get long so buckle up:

🤥 LYING - are they good liars? do they have tells to show they're lying?

I'd say between them both, they're both pretty good liars but they only became that after they joined the Music Dragons. Violin has a bit of an edge over Accordion when it comes to lying, as his parents never questioned his lies most of the time. He made sure it wasn't too obvious when he had to lie to them, but if you notice his right thumb tapping against his forefinger in a rhythm, then you know he's lying.

Accordion's lies as a teen and child were good, but his abusive mother always had a keen eye and knew how to manipulate the truth out of him. This is why he stayed very quiet as a child and did as he was told until he and Violin could leave their homes together. He was taught those same tactics by a Music Dragon member named Firson, as he was once part of a royal family that had a lot of "diplomatic" meetings. Accordion's tell of lying is a bit more subtle. He is usually seen with a resting neutral face or frowning, something he learned to do to try and avoid trouble with his mother, but when he is lying, his frown feels a bit more off. You'd really have to notice it to even think he was lying.

👁️ EYE - what colour are their eyes? do people notice their eyes? is there anything special about them (shows emotion easily, literally magical...)?

Violin's eyes are both brown. There isn't anything special about them, but when people look at Violin, his eyes are usually filled with warmth, making him more approachable between him and Accordion. If he is looking at his husband though, people can see that warmth turn into a loving and adoring fire for the man he loves.

Accordion was born with emerald, dark green eyes. But when he was caught in a fire and about 40-50% of his body burned, his right eye turned into a cloudy, light blue and teal-ish colour. He has Cataracts, which was caused when the fire burned tissue of the eye's lens. People will notice his blind eye first before his emerald eye. While he is used to it, he does wish people wouldn't flinch when they saw his eyes. It's hard to tell what his eyes show most of the time, he doesn't always show his emotions so it's sometimes hard to read him. But if you catch him looking at his husband, it's like a light switch was turned on. His eyes crinkle upwards, that seemingly impenetrable wall opens up to show endless love and admiration he has for him.

When they are both looking at any one of their chosen family, you can see how proud they are of them for coming this far, and the tender love and care that they give to them each day. And sometimes, you can see respect for their family members, as each of them overcome their obstacles and ride up that hill after some many trials and errors.

🪤 MOUSE TRAP - what will always lure them into certain danger? a loved one in danger? a promise of something they are always searching for?

For both of them, they get lured into danger when their loved one is in danger. Whether it be one of their family members, a close friend, a co-worker, or each other (especially each other), they will dive in head first to save them. But they have become cautious over the years, as it has sometimes gotten them into trouble and almost dying in every situation.

🔪 KNIFE - how do they react to injury / misfortune befalling their loved ones (significant other, family, friends)? do they put themselves at blame?

I would say between them, Accordion tends to blame himself more than Violin would, because Accordion is an only child and anything that would have gone wrong growing up, the blame was either subtly or unsubtly placed on him so he always felt like he had to own up to it until he got older and worked to unlearn that mindset.

But it would also depend on who was hurt and how bad the injury/misfortune is. If it was a very bad physical injury, then they don't blame themselves unless they were involved in the situation (be it a heist or something else). They're both quick to get over the blame since they know they have to be there for their loved ones. It takes time to heal an injury after all.

Now, if it was either Accordion or Violin who got really hurt, then they immediately blame their self and it takes a while for them to let the information sink in before they can remove the blame from themself.

📎 PAPERCLIP - a random fact.

Accordion is obviously probably neurodivergent and perhaps on the spectrum, with how many times he misses some social cues, or some things go over his head without realizing it so he doesn't get offended that easily. His vocal stims of either humming or singing are ways to calm him down, and he never really talks unless it's with his superiors or his friends and family. He talks a lot more with Violin though, especially about two of his favorite interests: Art and History.

Violin does love boxing, but he also has another love for a different sport: Volleyball! He tends to have a more leadership role when he is playing, as he loves creating strategies for his team. He usually is in the back position, always setting up the serves or spikes. And after every match, Violin usually treats his teammates out for something to eat or to get a drink. Now if the others don't want to do that, then he makes a beeline for his room where he knows Accordion is ready to pamper him after a long match/practice.

And while I was writing this, I just came up with a meme, hold on:

[aptenodykes]

been spending a lot of time with my best friend, who is a golden retriever, and it’s got me thinking about things that I see happen a lot on social media when it comes to animals (mainly dogs but i digress) so here’s a list of things on social media about dogs that bother me

1. when people comment about a dog being obese even though the owner has stated it has a hormonal issue and/or is extremely old for a dog. There’s a dog on instagram (a lab iirc) and is really fat but is also like 18 years old. The dog is like 158 in human years and is obviously loved by its owners, who have stated the dog has thyroid issues. Just leave the dog alone! That’s a senior citizen you’re harassing! Don’t you feel ashamed?

2. Adopt don’t shop fanatics who shame ethical breeders of lsg breeds or who breed and raise dogs who then go onto work. I’m sorry that chihuahua mix with no hearing and cataracts can’t work as a livestock guardian but I hope he finds a good home anyway.

3. people who shame and harass videos where an obviously grown adult who has clearly previously raised dogs or has extensively prepared gets a puppy for christmas. I saw a video of a teen girl getting her dad a puppy after their other dog had passed and people were tearing her up! Her dad knows how to raise dogs because she stated they (her family) had dogs growing up. I saw another one where a man in his 30s who clearly knew what having a dog entailed got a puppy for christmas after all his friends pitched in and the comments were filled with bullshit about how abusive it was to the animal and how you should never ask for an animal for christmas. That rule is for children who don’t understand the realities of having pets, not adults with disposable income and their own place to live.

4. those bully breeders who have created the ai art equivalent of dogs from how inbred they are. Round them up and kill them (the breeders) and make sure the dogs get into good homes

[aureliacetinn]

gerodi la forge differently designed

(image desiption

Gerodi la forge without vizor eyes unfocused going in slightly different direction, wearing his yellow uniform standing stoic but proud, the spectrum the vizor lets him see from (or should only read thread as to why I think that) it refracting of his face as the effects  surrounded him a lil like he being beamed up to a ship.)

Embrace the spectrum of blind/V.I eyes artists!, embrace the nuance of disabilities people!

Gerodi la forge is a complicated representation for the blind/chronic pain  community though probably more positive than most but still falling under the technology ruining the nuance of disability.

So I wanted to draw him and show a more accurate(imo) portrayal of his eyes without the visor to 1 cuz white clear eyes trope annoys me

2 to not want to hide blind person eyes as media often tends to do (minus sunglasses needed for blind actor due to sensitivities)

3 cuz they cause pain and so he should have them off more often.

to note a lot of what im going to say is written way better an documented better by janet jay a lot of my sources are from here amazing piece on gerodi you should read: https://www.janetjay.com/what-star-trek-got-wrong-about-geordis-disabilities/ also if you in blind community are fine with his eyes portrayed as more cataract, that’s valid too.

So gerodi la forge for me as a avid star trek fan was important, hey I can exist if he can he not been erased!  Buuuuuuuut,

 it did urk me that 1 he was kinda a lil nerdy creep trope that never got a gf which levar burton himself has called out as racism from the shows writers (sources at bottom of thread) id also argue ableism also and many able bodied people treat disabled people as sexless.

 but also that he never got to be disabled really, he suffered from chronic pain form the vizor but kept choosing to not take pain pills or treatment, which you know that’s some inner ableism right there I did to myself as a teen, and I kinda think gerodi reinforced it a lil in me,

“look where he is, he deals with the pain he never shows it”

Not a great message really, gerodi never is allowed to show the struggle they choose that the vizor existing was enough, and yes we got that amasing ep where he didn’t want to be fixed, but that would then be countered by never showing the struggle. Women at warp did a great ep where on disability karrisa mehr calling gerodi a disabled version of a “manic pixie dream girl” feels very apt.

Never allowed to complain just be quirky gerodi.

And on to the vizor

The vizor is complicated , it apparently let him  see much of the EM spectrum", ranging from simple heat and infrared through radio waves” now I personally am all for mobility aids that have cool attachments but it’s a delicate balance of unique features and fixing and or making them more powerful than able bodied colleague-cuz thats fixing, and I feel gerodi with how show wrote it and portrayed him it was a magic fix more than an aid, why I chose to only show the thermal spectrum in image, instead of how it apparently can see everything more than human eyes can anyway which yeh defeat aid purpose.

image of vizor silver sem ring over eye with gold lines across not fullyblcokign vision 0

and it gave him chronic pain, they choose this as a balancer, okay…but then never portrayed it just did to show how gerodi overcame his disabilities and gets on with it like a good soldier. So yeh im mixed on it. They made great use in ep when it was hacked by cardassians this is the cool thing you can do with mobility aids (unless you just destroy them, fuck you then) and that was interesting for the time, but um then in he insolence of office the ebook gerodi forced to have his vizor REMOVED so he can stay in star fleet as its now a security risk- NOT OKAy you could have just had a redesign or a arc of gerodi having to fight for it if you must but no , brain surgery remove this part of you!!

(gif desicription men seeing tea they drink is funky to show how gross what they did to gerodi waas)

so yeh my ending take is gerodi is complicated overall that’s still a positive over most disabled rep in sci-fi but many mistakes were made and some part of gerodi was harmful and picard sure as hell didn’t address that. They show his eyes now but its still the white cloudy trope and knowing its for awful reasons kidna ruins that. So I hope my art here just shows his potential and blind eyes diversity, but opens up discussions in not fixing and overcoming can be toxic and that

pain is part of a disability its part of the rep and it sucks

this is very important to remember when depicting disability that there’s nuance guys.

Thank you

Levar burton on gerodi: https://boundingintocomics.com/2021/12/15/star-trek-the-next-generation-star-levar-burton-says-geordi-laforge-never-finding-love-was-racist-those-white-men-who-wrote-the-show-had-an-unconscious-bias-that-was-on-display-to-me-and-to/

[cemetery-warden]

Tales From The Graveyard: April

There was a time I was working the late shift at the cemetery alone, and it's honestly what encouraged me to get into ghost-hunting and the paranormal in the first place.

Usually, I work a shift with one co-worker for safety precautions. In case someone decided to break in or trespass and something would go wrong. That's not the point of this though. I've never been close with any of my co-workers in the grave-keeping business, most of them aren't the most social people and I can't blame them, I'm not either. This time, my assigned partner had called in for sick leave, so I decided to go through with working the shift alone. Nothing bad had happened in the past while I was with people, so I wasn’t that suspicious about it.

It was around midnight, I can’t remember the exact time since this happened a few years ago now. We have a dedicated office space on the property, it’s just a small building with some furniture and a fridge in it for the employees to use on break, or in my case, the whole night unless I hear a noise. I’d been fucking around on the office computer, talking with my friend Cody, just passing the time as much as I could entertain myself. Then, there was a knock on the door. You can probably assume from common sense that visitors weren’t really allowed after hours, but sometimes emergencies happen, so I wasn’t all that surprised.

I got up, and obviously I opened the door up to see who was there. It was a young girl, and when I say young, I mean like very early teens I think. That’s what she looked like to me at least, I’m not that great at figuring out what age people look like. She told me her name was April, funnily enough. I’m pretty confident in my abilities to remember things, and I know that something about her just looked off in general. Her eyes were cloudy, not from cataracts or other vision impairments that can make eyes look cloudy, but in the way that they looked oddly flat.

I asked her why she was at the cemetery past our operating hours, and she said that she had come to visit the grave of a family member. Usually I wouldn’t let that be an excuse, but this was some random kid with no adult with them. I told her she could, but I needed her last name so I could check the database and see if I could find any contact information on her parents. She didn’t seem to mind this, told me her last name, and she stayed in the office while I looked for any graves that had her last name and her relatives. Found out that there actually was a grave with her full name. Bit odd, but plenty of kids get named after deceased relatives as a memorial thing. I couldn’t find the grave she mentioned wanting to visit though, nor could I find any listed living relatives.

I wanted to ask if she could give me the direct names of her parents or their numbers, and when I looked away from the computer, I kid you not, she was gone. The door to the office is very loud, and I never heard it open so she couldn’t have left through there. The windows are small, can’t even open. There was no logical way she could’ve left without me noticing. It was the first paranormal encounter I’ve had that made me think. Since then, I’ve had quite a lot more than that, but I do want to pace myself on telling these stories one at a time.

I don’t think that she wanted to harm me, she wasn’t evil or malicious, if anything I actually think she was kind of confused. I hope she’s doing well.

[jitters-art]

*throws some oc doodles at you* TAKE THESE

[ ID: six drawings of original characters. in order is jobie an inuk woman, elio a mixed black-italian man, salome a warao teen, rico a taíno man, paweł a chinese-polish person, and lae a khmer woman. they are all full body doodles screenshotted off procreate. END ID. ]

[ ID: six drawings of original characters. first is jobie, an inuk woman with brown skin, freckles, a unibrow and various scars on her right leg. she wears a green jacket, a white tshirt with a mountain range on it, a jean skirt, green sandals and socks and caribou fur earrings. second is is elio, a light skin mixed black and italian man with grown out bleached cornrows and facial hair, moles and pointed ears. he wears an untucked striped blue button up with a gold chained crop top, beige pants and beige dress shoes. third is salome, a warao teen with vitiligo, braids and little lip hair. he wears a yellow tank top, white graphic tee, a blue vest, orange arm warmers, jean shorts, pink tights, yellow leg warmers and red shoes with eyes and teeth. she has a blue bear plush and a link plush chained to her pants, and a flamingo necklace. fourth is rico, a taíno man with brown skin, shoulder length hair and moles. he wears a red and grey striped shirt, a green flannel tied around his waist, jeans, and brown shoes. fifth is paweł, a chinese-polish person with pale skin, eye bags, freckles, a cataract and scar over their eye. they have blue, pink and purple hair in two buns. they wear a yellow and brown collared shirt, a purple dress, a turquoise sweater, gold necklaces, pink tights, multicoloured socks and white shoes. sixth is lae, a khmer woman with brown skin, moles and acne. her bangs cover her eyes and she wears a black long sleeve with red scorpions, red pants with chains, black boots with spikes, and silver necklaces. END ID. ]

[driftward]

Title: FFXIV Write 2023 - 22. Fulsome Characters: Zoissette Vauban Rating: Teen Summary: Sometimes you just need another perspective Notes: None

Zoissette wandered the streets of Ul'dah as the Rising remembrance ceremonies occurred around her, as lost as ever. It had been over a moon since she had returned from her unfortunate voyage through the rift, and it was only now that she felt up for travel alone. She wanted to visit the merchants, browse the shops, and remind herself of where she had once been.

The Rising seemed an oddly apt time to do so. The time when the realm came together, to remember. Now a time for her to pull herself together and try to do the same.

Everything seemed so distant, now. She was no longer certain she had a place to belong.

Everyone had been helpful since she had come back. More than she deserved.

And these days it seemed she could not help but be open with them, emotions spilling out of the cracks of her soul, free flowing and beyond her control. It scared her, a bit. She did not know how to be like that. But everyone had been kind and understanding of their newly awkward friend. Letting her stumble over her words and stammer her apologies and they were all pretending to be understanding.

How could they though. She did not understand herself.

She stared up into the sky as the fireworks went off loud overhead, showing spectacular shapes in the sky, their light flickering along the walls. She watched, transfixed for a while, before she wandered to someplace away from the noise.

The place she found herself had been decorated in a most unusual way. Strings zig zagged back and forth from pillar to fountain, along the walls, from every high point. And on those strings dangled envelopes like leaves, each marked in a unique manner.

Zoissette frowned and was studying the envelopes intently when a Miqo'te dressed in a manner that suggested they were one of the attendants of the celebration came up to her.

"Can I help you?" asked Zoissette, and the Miqo'te smiled up at them, and Zoissette could look straight into her purple eyes and see the cataracts there. An older woman, then.

Something tugged at her memory but did not quite come forward.

"Why, I think that's what I'm supposed to ask you. Are you lost, adventurer?"

"I think I am. I mean. Uhm. Sorry. I am sure I meant to say, I am lost in thought."

It seemed she could not keep herself from blurting the dumbest things these days.

The Miqo'te turned slightly, and gestured all around.

"This is the letter forest. Letters from around the realm. Gratitude. Encouragement. Sympathy. I think you should read a few. They'll help you find your way."

Zoissette looked at her curiously, but after a moment, she looked up at one of the letters, and reached up, and gently removed it from its line, and flipped it over in her hands.

It was just an envelope. Nothing remarkable. None of the usual stamps or addresses on it, just a single picture, drawn by an experienced hand, of lamp posts of all things.

She opened it. A message, from someone unknown, as they had not signed it. But they were apparently someone who had a hand in the design and placement of lighting posts throughout the realm. A job they found joy in, knowing they were helping light the way for their fellow citizens. In the letter, they hoped that in particular, that adventurers might see the lights that would help guide them home.

Zoissette smiled. It was a sweet sentiment, clearly felt, honestly expressed. She tucked the letter back into the envelope and put it back where it came from, and looked around to ask the attendant a question, but they had vanished.

Odd. She was usually more observant than that.

She looked around to try to seek them out, but it seemed they had well and truly left the area. There was another attendant not so far away, standing more central to the area, but they were talking to others, and anyroad, Zoissette did not wish to be a nuisance.

She was curious, though. And apparently the purpose of the letter forest was that anyone could read any letter they liked. Reading them all would take too long, but curiosity compelled her to at least read one more.

This one had a picture of a chocobo. Judging from its contents, it was a porter, pleased to take care of their birds, and pleased to be a help to the realm. A lower cost alternative to aetherytes, and an imminently more accessible one as well, for those who could not well dip into deep anima wells. In particular, the porter expressed joy at meeting adventurers just starting their journeys, knowing that by providing them with such an easy start, they would have the opportunity to do great things.

She stared at the letter for a bit, and read it again before putting it back. Almost without thinking, she reached for another one, with a picture of a bill board. They spoke of how the first ones had been placed out almost on a whim, but the locals took to them with vim, as adventurers stopped to read them. They recounted how they had become a lodestone of sorts, a way for people to find and speak with one another, to reach out, connections made and carried forward. Connections made between strangers. And now the practice had spread through the realm, and they tended their most diligently, seeing what good had come of the practice.

Connections. Just like the letters in this letter forest. Connections between strangers. Well wishes sent out into a seeming uncaring void, but found by those who did and could care.

Eagerly now, Zoissette found others, and she found the story always much the same. Fulsome praise and joy and just plain hope were full on display. She had always treated praise with light suspicion, always felt that anyone expressing gratitude to her was just being polite. After all, that was what one was supposed to do. If someone did something nice, and you benefitted from it, you thanked them. Even if it was their job, even if it was expected due to a difference in station.

It was a lesson her mother had instilled in her. Always be polite. Even if she had always felt genuine when she did the same, it was difficult for her to read it in others when she received it. After all, why would they be? She was a noble woman, then an officer, then an assessor, then an adventurer. She was just doing what was expected of her, nothing more, nothing less, and kind words given to her were as empty expectations, even as her care for the star always compelled her to act.

But here.

None of these people knew her, but they all knew her. Here, these were all strangers, but they were so full of love and care for their fellow, that they sat and wrote and drew and delivered a message they would never see received. Messages spun out, leaves in a tree, adrift in the serendipitous wheel, certain to be lost to history.

Every message sent in the hope it would be read, and nothing more.

Every message sent, meaning to deliver hope to those who read it.

Every message said what Zoissette had always felt, I love you, I love you, I love you.

Zoissette had always believed in her heart of hearts that the inherent state of person was good. That each strove for it, in their own way. Peaceful lives, tomorrow to be much like today, but maybe just a little brighter if they had a say. And that was what the letter forest was trying to say, in every picture, in every pen whorl.

She hung one last letter up delicately, and became aware that her breathing had become shaky and unsteady. She put her hand in her mouth to stop from making noise, and wiped her face with the back of her other hand, and it came away wet, with tears.

How had she not seen it, all of these years?

They were not strangers. They were her friends. They were her family. They had always been right there, all around.

Weakly, she stumbled her way back out, to sit heavily on the stairs. High in the sky above, the fireworks continued, exploding, leaving their mark in the heavens and spreading their light to whoever could see.

Zoissette looked up and watched them, a smile on her face, as her tears continued to flow, free.

[enteringdullsville]

Out with the Old, in with the New!

Personal Favorite Redesigns From Rough Sketch to It’s Color Theory

I feel like OTTO and Percival are the characters who benefit the most from their redesigns. Percy can make a lot more smug faces when his eyes are open, and while OTTO’s new facial structure limits his own expressions a bit, his actual design makes up for it.

Okay, I lied. All OTTO needs for facial expressions are a pair of eyebrows and he’s set for his artificial life. On a related note, giving Chloe’s already cybernetic glasses the ability to make displays is one of my favorite ideas.

Fun fact: Lyman and Angie’s recurring friendship in both eras started off as a continuity error. Each character during RS debuted as they moved in, as opposed to ICT where they’ve all lived in Dullsville for years. Thing is, I had Angie refer to Lyman by name in his debut, so I decided to portray them as childhood friends instead.

Angie’s heavily stylized hair and unique eyes made her the hardest of the core six to draw early on. In related news, Rodney finally lost those overgrown cataracts he used to call pupils.

No, Ivan didn’t shrink. Bowie just got a LOT bigger in the new continuity.

Rosie used to be Violet’s sister instead of daughter. Violet being aged up by around eleven years necessitated a change in their dynamic…and completely changes the context of this shot.

Longtime followers will recall Peony was originally designed as Rudy’s twin sister. She gained smoother features upon redesign to distance them.

I’m only just realizing how gormless Coco used to look.

Not that big a change. I just really like Fuchsia’s new hair.

If you’re wondering why Yours Truly (yes, that’s his name) isn’t in the new version, his design changes constantly anyway. On the top row are the characters who were adults in RS, when most of the cast were teens. All the kids were aged up, but Sylvester, Orchid, and Sam are all roughly the same age as they were before.

Man, Syl and Elroy used to be tiny.

[simshousewindsor]

The Royal House of Windsor: A Royal Look Back

Edward I, King of Windenburg and Brindleton Bay

REIGN: 1888 - 1941

The King who modernized the monarchy.

Prince Edward Charles was a regal figure who was never meant to be King. Second son of Albert II and Queen Adaline, Edward grew up in the shadows of his older brother, William, which offered him the opportunity to have a wider education and see more of the world outside of the palace.

Queen Adaline with her sons, Windsor Vineyard

Edward and his brothers spent their childhood at Windsor Castle. After their mother died, the trio split their teenage years between Windsor Castle in Windenburg and Beaverdam in Brindleton Bay. 

pictured above (L to R) Albert II, Prince William (later Edward I), Prince Phillip, Prince Edward (later Edward I), Windsor Castle

Their father, Albert II, was always off to war, and during their teen years were largely in the care of palace staff. Their aunts, Catherine, Princess Royal and the Duchess of Newsoms became second mothers and tried to care for them as much as possible.

The (then) Duke and Duchess of Kent

During a state visit to Niregia with his father, Prince Edward met the equally young Princess Lara-Leigh. The two began to court shortly thereafter. The pair were betrothed 3 months later, Lara moved to Windenburg eight months later and the couple immediately married. On their wedding day, Albert II bestowed upon Edward the dukedom of Kent.

Upon the death of his father, his older brother William became King. Less than two years later, William abdicated the throne in order to wed his divorced fiancé; a union parliament denied.

Coronation of Edward I and Queen Lara-Leigh

When Edward I and Queen Lara-Leigh’s reign began in 1888, the monarchy was in desperate need of saving. Bringing many of the royal customs and traditions from Nigeria to Windenburg, the Queen became instrumental in changing the image of the royal family. After years of chaos and debt following his brothers abdication, Queen Lara helped Edward I push the monarchy into the 19th century. Her Majesty helped foster the relationship between Edward I and his cousin, Princess Grace, who was wife of airplane inventor Burchette Gates Sr.

pictured above (L to R) Burchette Gates Sr., Edward I, Burchette Gates Jr. cir. 1930, Buckingsim Palace

Edward I and Gate's relationship gave Windenburg the opportunity to be the first country with an international airport, opening it up for international travel, import and export.

pictured above (L to R) Amelia, Princess Royal, Edward I, Prince Albert, Prince Edward (later Edward II) cir. 1932, Buckingsim Palace

Their Majesty’s had three children, Prince Edward Charles (later Edward II); Amelia, Princess Royal; and Prince Albert, Duke of Hastings. Tragedy struck in 1937 when the Duke of Hastings, who had just recently wed, died after falling off his horse at Beaverdam. Edward I took his son's death very hard and his healthy quickly deteriorated.

Following a custom he maintained throughout his reign, Edward spent the Christmas of 1940 at Sumpterson. Rheumatism in his legs had rendered him partially disabled, and his eyesight was clouded by cataracts. After returning to Buckingsim Palace, through early February, he wrote in his personal journals he felt "weak and unwell", and by mid-April he was described by his person physician as "drowsy [...] dazed, [and] confused". His Majesty died aged 73 on 18 May 1941, at half past seven in the evening, in the presence of his eldest son, Edward Charles, and wife Queen Lara-Leigh. Edward Charles immediately succeeded as Edward II.

A Royal Look Back Collection

[mindrottinglystupid]

Hello Hello!!

website link to wheelchair company here

While researching for my upcoming trip to London I found the London Wheelchair Hire Ltd.! They are a company in London that will bring a wheelchair of your choice to homes, hotels, airports and train stations! You can schedule for weeks in advance and they also have express delivery where they deliver the wheelchair to you in 3 hours! They deliver to all London postcodes as well. They deliver all days a week from 5am to 11pm which I find absolutely amazing!

(this is starting to sounds like an ad for them, I promise it’s not!)

Different Types

They have 4 main wheelchairs to pick from.

1) A standard wheelchair WITH the little feet holders!!! I hate using wheelchairs that don’t have the little thing to prop your feet up on. The price is £2.86 a day or £20 a week. I will he using the regular version of this. But it also comes in wide, compact, travel, and holding. All wheelchairs come with the option of extra padding as well :)

2) A motorized scooter with a little basket on front. It can easily be taken apart into four pieces and put back together again for travel as well. It can carry up to 127kgs of 280lbs. This one costs £11.29 a day or £79.00 a week.

3) A electric powered wheelchair that folds and travels just like the others. This one can carry 120kgs or 264lbs. The charging time with this electric powered wheelchair is a little over 8 hours, but will last all day. What I find fun about this one is that it can reach up to 20KM if you really wanted it to (I foresee a high speed chase in my future)! The electric wheelchair costs about the same as its battery counter part at £11.99 a day or £79.00 a week.

[sixty-protons]

bet.

Really, it would have been comical if it wasn't so sad. Christine had been blessed with all of the features that fairy tale princesses were made of: pale, delicate skin; a slim waist; fine, blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. On paper, she should have been at the top of the high school food chain — the denizens of Garden Hills High School were exactly the type of people to base social status on those kinds of superficial details. And yet, here she was, sitting at a table by herself in the far back corner of the cafeteria where the trash cans were, trying in vain to wipe the tomato sauce out of her hair with a zero-ply cafeteria napkin, nothing but herself and The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe for company. Oh, and Earl. But Earl was a loner by choice, and he did not make exceptions — certainly not for Christine. The problem was that although Christine had all of the right features, she had them in all of the wrong ways. Her skin was the sort of pale you'd find on a corpse, veins showing through starkly even in places where it was entirely abnormal to see them. There were visible veins in her wrists, of course, but they extended all the way up her forearms, spiderwebbing into her biceps like the anatomical model in the biology lab. Her jugular stood out like a bruise on her neck, and sometimes she swore she saw it pulse faintly. All throughout her body, from her head to her shoulders to her knees to her toes, her vascular system was mapped out across her skin in a way that was entire unnatural to see on a living, breathing human. She had given up on finding any sort of makeup in her skin color years ago, and had in fact entirely dismissed the idea of ever breathing any sort of life into her appearance. She was skinny, but in the emaciated way, where her pants hung off her hips like a clothes hanger. Her face was so gaunt her classmates had volunteered her for the part of Yorick when they were reading Hamlet aloud in class. Her joints were thicker than her limbs, and her fingers were so knobbly they looked like they belonged on an arthritic 90-year-old rather than a high school senior. People threw sheets over her with hollers of "rest in peace" and submitted fake obituaries for her to the local newspaper. Her hair was a shade of blonde that was closer to white, and it was dry and hay-like in a way that would have looked more appropriate on a 2,000-year-old mummy. And sure, her eyes were a pale, pathetic blue, but people would sooner have described them as piercing for the cataract in her left eye that left her pupil nearly entirely white than for the color of her irises. This was all complemented nicely by her wardrobe. It's hard to find something half-decent to wear when the target audience for your clothing size is pre-teens — or, rather, those pre-teens' parents. And so it was that a good three-quarters of Christine's wardrobe looked like it belonged in the '90s, because anything was better than a bright pink t-shirt that said "Believe" in sparkly purple cursive. Between that and her literally ghostly countenance, she wouldn't have blamed anyone for mistaking her for a bona fide zombie. She knew she was disconcerting to look at. That did not, however, excuse the people who definitely knew she wasn't a zombie for pretending otherwise just because they got a kick out of ruining her day. And maybe she didn't help her own case, what with the obsession with death and horror and all that. But frankly, it wasn't her responsibility to make it easier for others to not be assholes. And anyway, isn't it only natural to be interested in the culture of your people?

the "i'm not pretty like the other girls because i'm pale and skinny" female protagonist trope is something i loathe more than almost anything else in the world but i'd be more willing to forgive it if the author was brave enough to commit to it. if your "unattractive" female protagonist is a snow-white waif then i'd better see you emphasising how nauseatingly corpselike she looks. how people shudder when her maggot-flesh fingers touch their bare skin because they're expecting her to be cold and damp. how her birdlike bones and dainty waist are contemptible rather than desirable. maybe even have her develop a degree of beauty by gaining some weight and colour for a change. put down the necromancer barbie template and show me a proper little freak.

[tatumeyecare]

Seeing Clearly: How Eye Exams in Phoenix Can Improve Your Life

Our eyesight is one of the most important aspects of our health, impacting everything from daily tasks to long-term well-being. For those living in Phoenix, Arizona, regular eye exams are crucial for preserving vision and maintaining a high quality of life. In this article, we delve into the importance of eye exams, how they benefit various age groups, and why scheduling a routine check-up with an optometrist or ophthalmologist can truly enhance your life.

Why Eye Exams Matter for People of All Ages

Eye exams are essential for identifying vision issues, preventing diseases, and improving overall eye health. Regardless of age or lifestyle, everyone can benefit from routine eye check-ups to detect and treat potential vision problems early. These exams help not only to correct eyesight but also to screen for eye diseases that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Detecting Vision Problems Early

In many cases, changes in vision occur gradually, making it hard for individuals to recognize the signs. Routine eye exams allow eye care professionals to identify conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism before they significantly impact daily life. An early diagnosis ensures patients receive the right prescription glasses or contact lenses, which can improve both comfort and performance at work, school, or home.

Preventing and Managing Eye Diseases

Diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts often develop silently, without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular eye exams are key to diagnosing these issues before they progress. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening, preserving vision and reducing the need for invasive treatments or surgeries later in life.

How Eye Exams Benefit Children and Teens

Children's eyes are constantly developing, and regular exams are essential for ensuring they’re on the right track. Kids often don’t realize they have vision issues, and undiagnosed problems can hinder their education, sports, and social experiences.

Vision Screenings and Learning Success

Good vision is integral to academic performance. Approximately 80% of learning happens visually, which means that a child with uncorrected vision issues may struggle in school. Eye exams can help diagnose issues like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors, which can be easily corrected with the right eyewear or therapies.

Sports and Social Skills Development

Clear vision is also crucial for coordination and confidence, especially in sports and other physical activities. Children who see clearly are better equipped to participate in team sports, building both physical abilities and social skills.

The Importance of Eye Exams for Adults

For adults, eye exams go beyond updating prescriptions; they are essential for detecting changes related to age, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Regular eye exams become even more critical for those with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye diseases.

Detecting Early Signs of Chronic Conditions

Eye exams can reveal more than just eye health issues; they can provide early indicators of broader health problems. Diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure often affect the blood vessels in the eyes, and an eye exam can sometimes be the first place these issues are spotted.

Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain

In today’s world, where screens are an unavoidable part of life, digital eye strain is a growing concern. Eye exams help to address this by recommending adjustments or solutions, such as blue light-blocking lenses or specific eye exercises to alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged screen time.

Senior Eye Health: Maintaining Independence and Quality of Life

As we age, our eyes require extra care and attention. Routine eye exams can help seniors maintain their independence by keeping their vision sharp and preventing age-related diseases that could lead to partial or complete vision loss.

Managing Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and Glaucoma

For those over 60, age-related conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma become more prevalent. Detecting and managing these conditions early can significantly improve quality of life, making it easier to stay active, read, drive, and enjoy other daily activities.

Preventing Falls and Accidents

Reduced vision can lead to falls and other accidents, a serious risk for seniors. Regular eye exams ensure seniors receive updated prescriptions and advice on how to manage any limitations, making their surroundings safer and helping them live independently.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Frequency of eye exams varies based on age, health status, and risk factors. Here’s a general guideline:

Children (6 months - 18 years): At least every 1-2 years.

Adults (18 - 60 years): Every 1-2 years; yearly if you have risk factors.

Seniors (60+ years): Annually, or more frequently if recommended by a healthcare provider.

Routine check-ups ensure timely detection and treatment, safeguarding your vision over the years.

Choosing the Right Eye Care Professional in Phoenix

Finding a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist is essential for receiving quality eye care. Phoenix offers a variety of trusted eye care providers who specialize in comprehensive exams, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans.

Optometrists vs. Ophthalmologists: Understanding the Difference

Optometrists are licensed to conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and manage common vision conditions.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye and vision care, including surgeries and treatments for more serious conditions like cataracts and retinal diseases.

Eye Care Clinics in Phoenix

Many eye care centers in Phoenix offer state-of-the-art technology and experienced staff to cater to your unique needs. Look for clinics with positive reviews, experienced professionals, and a track record of success in treating eye health issues.

Conclusion: Make Your Eye Health a Priority

Regular eye exams are more than just an opportunity to update your glasses. They are a vital part of maintaining your vision, overall health, and quality of life at every age. From children needing support for learning, to adults balancing digital strain, to seniors safeguarding their independence, eye care is crucial for everyone.

If you’re in Phoenix, consider booking your next eye exam soon. It’s an investment in a future where you can enjoy life with clear, healthy vision.

[truuther]

The rate of nearsightedness in children and teens has steadily increased globally, with one in three kids now having myopia., The prevalence of myopia increased from 24% in children between 1990 and 2000 to around 36% between 2020 and 2023., Children living in east Asia and high school students have a higher proportion of myopia compared to other regions and age groups., Severe myopia can lead to eyesight-related issues like retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma but tends to stabilize by the 20s and 30s., The myopia rate has accelerated since 2020, with nearly 40% of children and teens expected to have myopia by 2050, affecting around 740 million people globally.

[jodilin65]

I saw a headline saying that one out of eight women are abused by being shouted at, scolded, or ignored during childbirth and I totally believe that. There are a lot of people in the medical profession that don’t belong there. One time, when they were going to put me to sleep for one of my ear surgeries in Boston, a nurse went off on me for “fighting” them when it came to that yucky gas mask I hated so much and I was just a kid. Even psychiatric hospitals have workers that don’t belong in them.

We love our new electronic nail clippers! Now we just have to figure out how to open the door to empty the clippings out.

I haven’t used the new wax hair removal strips yet.

I was��so tired yesterday (and today) that I forgot to say that the eye doctor said I wasn’t a good candidate for Lasik because of my “position” in life which was so damn silly. Everybody’s so fucking sensitive these days that people are afraid that what they say might offend others but I assured him it was okay to refer to me as older or getting old. I don’t understand why so many normal facts of life are considered such taboo subjects.

Anyway, due to my age and being farsighted, I’m not a good candidate. He explained why but I don’t remember what he said. Something about there only being so much curving of the cornea they can do. But there is some good news. I never thought I would say this but I can’t wait to have cataract surgery! His cataracts are more advanced because he’s older and will need to be removed in about a year or two. I didn’t know this but having them removed greatly improves vision. So much so that some people don’t even need glasses anymore. I would love that! The problem is that I’m likely a decade or more away from needing this.

Because of Tom’s “crying” eye, the doctor said he could check into getting the tear duct cleared and possibly lifting his eyelids because they’re drooping which can obstruct vision.

My own drainage system is blocked but in a different way and it’s what’s causing my OH to be elevated. I looked it up, and 29 is moderate while 32 is severe.

I cut waiting time on the 3rd and 4th after having a couple of days where I felt a little wired and like I might be getting close to borderline anxious. I didn’t feel that way yesterday, although my heart pounded because I was active while tired. I wonder if having more thyroid in me could be the cause of why I’m up for 18 hours more often these days but I don’t know. I’m going to start keeping track of that on my calendar and see if I see a pattern.

My biggest concern right now is all the fatigue I’ve been having. It’s so bad so often. Tom says he doubts the sleep apnea is causing it because he believes I would have tolerated the mask if I really needed it, but I disagree. More than half the people can’t tolerate it, and it isn’t that they don’t need it. I hope to hell he’s wrong because if it isn’t the sleep apnea causing my fatigue, that doesn’t leave many other possibilities and what it does leave is rather grim. It would likely mean I’ve either got something going on that we don’t know about, or more likely, I have chronic fatigue.

Yesterday I realized I hadn’t snored myself awake in a while and wondered if that was because I stopped snoring or was no longer flipping onto my back in my sleep. But then last night I woke myself up snoring, and yes, I was on my back.

Got a bunch of dreams to catch up on. There was one dream where I had cleaned the honker’s house in the past and was thinking of messaging him to ask if he wanted it cleaned that day.

In another dream, I was telling the honker I missed the West.

Then there was one where Scot and I were FB friends.

Then there was a quick dream about a doctor inspecting my legs, and being a tween or teen and skipping school. Only my real father wasn’t my father. Instead, it was a violent drunk who was asleep, and I dreaded what he might do if he woke up and caught me playing hooky.

In the last dream, we were house-sitting for Mary (Miss Perfect) and Dave. The house was filthy, cluttered and smelly.

Tom slept on their bed which was a full-wave waterbed and I slept on their lumpy couch. After a horrible night’s sleeping on something so uncomfortable, I lay down on the water bed and found it to be luxuriously comfortable. The water swished back and forth longer than I remembered my old one to do after I stilled myself. Instead of being annoyed, however, it gently rocked me to sleep.

Then I was hungry, but there was no food in the house.

“She doesn’t cook her own food,” Tom told me, and I remembered how much of a McDonald’s queen she always was. Wonder if she still is in real life.

Then I discovered ants running around the place for the second time and shouted from the bedroom to Tom in the other room that I didn’t think I could stand to stay there much longer.

He came running in and said, “Shh… They’re home early because Mary broke her arm.”

I stepped up to the doorway and looked into the living room. Sure enough, Mary was standing only a few yards beyond the door talking to Dave and I worried that she may have heard me.

[vinayrana]

Eye Care: Nurturing Your Vision for a Lifetime

Introduction:

Our eyes are priceless assets that enrich our experiences, allowing us to witness the beauty of the world around us. However, amidst the daily hustle and bustle, we often overlook the importance of proper eye care. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of eye care, exploring why it's crucial and providing practical tips for maintaining healthy vision.

Why Eye Care Matters:

Eye care is not just about ensuring clear vision; it's about preserving the health and vitality of our eyes. Here are some compelling reasons why prioritizing eye care is paramount:

Vision Preservation: Regular eye exams can detect vision changes early, allowing for timely interventions to preserve your sight.

Detection of Eye Diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, develop gradually and often without noticeable symptoms. Routine eye exams can detect these conditions in their early stages, preventing vision loss.

Digital Eye Strain: In today's digital age, prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Proper eye care practices can alleviate these discomforts.

Overall Health: The eyes can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders can manifest in eye symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.

Practical Eye Care Tips:

Regular Eye Exams: Schedule comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once a year, or more frequently if you have existing eye conditions or risk factors.

Healthy Diet: Incorporate eye-friendly nutrients into your diet, such as leafy greens, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, colorful fruits and vegetables, and foods high in vitamins A, C, and E.

Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Additionally, use safety goggles or glasses during activities that pose a risk of eye injury, such as sports or DIY projects.

Good Screen Habits: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. Adjust your screen brightness and position to minimize glare and eye strain.

Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting when reading or working to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Position your light source behind you and avoid glare on your screen or page.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to an increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Quitting smoking can significantly benefit your eye health.

Eye Care Across Age Groups:

Children and Teens: Monitor children's vision regularly, as undetected vision problems can affect learning and development. Encourage outdoor activities to reduce the risk of myopia.

Adults: Maintain regular eye exams, especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye diseases. Manage chronic conditions to prevent complications that can affect your eyesight.

Seniors: As we age, the risk of age-related eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma increases. Comprehensive eye exams become even more critical to detect and manage these conditions.

Conclusion:

Prioritizing eye care is a lifelong commitment to nurturing one of our most precious senses. By incorporating healthy habits, seeking regular eye care, and protecting our eyes from potential hazards, we can safeguard our vision and enjoy a lifetime of clear sight and visual joy. Remember, healthy eyes lead to a brighter world!