#catch me at the St. Paul show

[sunnyupsidedown]

I’m so ready for the underscores hometown tour

[gucciwins]

one last message 

word count: 2.2k

a/n: love on tour has come to an end 😭 it seemed only fitting to say goodbye to it with a small blurb from the love on tour series , the story of harry styles and y/n belmonte. thank you for all the love you always give me and i hope this blurb is enough to put a smile on your face. i love you, friends 💜

+

You adjusted the camera as you had it leaning against the bathroom mirror. You had finished your skincare and knew tomorrow was a big night for Harry and the entire Love on tour crew. There was a lot up in the air for your career and what was next, but in the next twelve hours, all you could think about was your boyfriend. He would be saying goodbye to a tour he poured his heart into, but most importantly, he was stepping away from what he loved to take a well deserved break. Harry couldn’t stay away long; he’d be back. They all knew it was only a matter of when.

Harry was in bed; he had fallen asleep as you played with his hair and told him about your day. The pasta you made from scratch at the cooking lesson you found in a small neighborhood. It wasn’t advertised, but the chef took a liking to you when you asked him more about his favorite dishes. It seemed that was enough to grant you a special spot in Mr. Caruso’s kitchen. He tried to play off his nerves, but you knew him well enough that this final show would be one he wanted to remember forever.

Once you knew your phone wouldn’t fall, you pulled up Instagram and started a live. It’s been a while since you did one. Usually, you do an origami piece with your fans to catch up with them. Tonight would be a little different. You hadn’t been on for a minute, and the number was increasing by the second.

Twenty.

Five hundred.

Three thousand in under two minutes.

“Hi, everyone,” you greeted cheerfully. “Sorry, I haven’t done one of these in a while. Life has been busy.”

The comments began to flood with “hellos” and “I love you,” but also a lot of mentions of Barbie, the film you finished promoting and starred in. You moved past those comments and instead focused on one asking where you were.

“I’m in my bathroom. I finished my skincare for the night and thought we could chat briefly.” You giggled as you saw Lloyd joining in. The number was past 35k, and although you thought it was ridiculous at this hour in Italy, the rest of the world was running at different times. “Lloyd!!! Buddy!!! Go to sleep!” You tease.

You first.

Shaking your head, you try to see if he comments again, but the comments are coming in at lightning speed.

Cariñoooooooo

“Sarai, cómo va tu día?” How is your day? You ask your best friend.

Boring. Send me a flight to Italy.

You frown at the screen. “Be quiet. I asked if you wanted to come. You said you were busy.”

A cousin’s wedding. Remember.

“Right. You’re officiating for them. I’ll see you in a few weeks,” you assure them knowing Naomi and Sarai will be staying with you for a week–two if you manage to convince them.

Where’s Harry?

Are you in Italy?

One last show!!!!

I loveeeee you!!!!!!

Final outfit reveal

Show harry

I love the new movie

A simple night. Though lots of questions if you would be in Italy for the final show as no one has seen you for a few weeks and where Harry was. You decided to do the live to connect with the fans, but you also wanted to go to bed and join Harry because even a room away, you missed him. You wanted to talk with the fans to share you feel the same sadness that tour is ending because Love on Tour gave you Harry, and that’s something you’d never forget. The same feeling they all feel staring at Harry while being in the crowd is one that you feel too. You can’t describe it, but you all know it well.

You think back to that night in St. Paul when you locked eyes with Harry and knew life would never be the same again. You can honestly say you didn’t expect to fall in love with him and go on this crazy journey two years later, but there is nothing you’d change in your life because it led you straight to him.

“It might seem odd, I’m here talking with you late into the night.” You laugh at people calling out your time zone. “Well, it’s late for me. Maybe even weirder to do it without my overalls and stack of origami paper,” you take a deep breath before continuing. “I know a lot of you know about my relationship. How private we keep it because not everything is meant to be shared online. I like things to be mine, but Harry has never been mine alone. A piece of his heart belongs to each of you, and it’s not something I will ever forget. I am fortunate to love him and be loved by him. I don’t ever take it for granted.” You sniffle and turn away from the camera to compose yourself, but you know it won’t work. When you look back, the comments are filled with love, and it keeps you going. “Love on tour allowed Harry and I to reconnect and truthfully fall in love. I won’t say more because it’s something special to us, but Love on Tour ending is bittersweet. It’s a tour full of love where many of you met friends, best friends, and lovers. You know what it means to love someone because of an event and because of the distance. The love will only grow stronger, and that I can promise.”

You grin at Pauli’s comment saying how much they love you. You found the love of your life, but you also met new friends and built a bigger family.

“Whether you’re a fan of mine or only following me to get an update on Harry, I want to thank you for your kindness, not to me but towards him. If there is anyone who deserves all the love in the world, it is him. Most of you wonder why I’m saying this here and not to Harry, but he knows. I can promise you he does. Think he might be fed up with all the love and support I shower him with, but I’m doing it because I want to look back at this, who knows, maybe five, ten, twenty years from now, and be glad I shared this with you all. If anything, it’s something Harry can look back at when we have to be apart for longer than a day. Harry, sé que no estás viendo esto, pero eres el amor de mi vida. Un último baile mañana y estaremos de camino a casa. Que sigas cumpliendo todos tus sueños, mi estrella.”

You thank everyone for watching and signing off, turning off your phone, knowing the buzzing will start immediately. You know it will be shared all over the internet, and articles will be written by the time you wake up in a few hours. Usually, it’s something you’re careful about, but tonight you don’t mind. You’re proud of Harry, and you’re allowed to show it whenever you wish. You turn your phone off, knowing Harry loves his morning ringtone better than yours.

Turning the lights off, you know as soon as you’re wrapped in Harry’s arms, you're headed straight to dreamland. Crawling into bed is easy; moving the covers away from Harry proves to be a struggle every night. You shush him quietly to not wake him, and it seems to work until he shuffles over and drags you to lay flat on your back while he gets comfortable on your chest. He would forever be your little spoon.

“I love you, baby,” he mutters into the quiet of the night.

It makes your heart race even after two years together. You kiss the top of his head and repeat your favorite three words to him.

+

The final show has been nothing short of magical. Harry would spend the entire night on stage if he could, but you all know the show is close to ending. Harry, from the morning, had been cheerful from waking you up with a morning orgasm that led to making love, and once he let you get clothes on a walk along the water. You know he had seen your little speech but made no move to bring it up. It wasn’t necessary because you constantly told him how proud you were, and it was evident in how you proudly showed Harry off all day to a crew that already knew and loved him. You don’t know if someone texted it to him or if he happened to see it on Instagram, but he walked all day with an extra pep in his step. It could have also been the sex. Not a hint of sadness could be detected, and it eased your worries because it meant he was ready for a well deserved break.

You spent the show with Anne and Gemma, dancing your heart out. You knew Glenne and Jeff would pull you in for a final mosh pit as Harry danced his heart out to “Kiwi.” Harry had thanked the fans endlessly throughout the entire night. His speeches always bring tears to your eyes. He thanked the band and the crew. He thanked his family for the support they offered the past thirteen years. You didn’t expect a speech dedicated to you, so it caught you off guard when he mentioned you. All your shared family and friends cheered so loud, making it easy for Harry to spot you and even easier for the camera’s to find you and show you on the screens.

“I don’t know if some of you saw, but my girlfriend gave a lovely speech last night on a live,” Harry smiles as the crowd cheers for you. “She poured her heart out to you while I was sleeping.” He wags his finger playfully. “Like she doesn’t know I love my ego to be fed. Her love is something I feel even when she’s not around, but I am thankful she’s here tonight. She’s here, and she’s been dancing and singing all night. It's my favorite thing in the world seeing her happy.” Harry can see Glenne nudging her playfully, but your eyes never leave his. “I love being on stage and performing for you all. It’s everything I dreamed of, and I can’t wait to return soon to do it again.” Harry gives you a dimpled smile, and you know the look in his eye; even from a distance, you know he wishes he could kiss you. “No one tells you how much you miss out on. Family celebrations, nieces' first steps, and even graduations. The biggest to the littlest things matter. Bel has reminded me that even when I’m not there, I can send a reminder that I’m thinking of my family and friends. That everyone understands I’m doing what I love. I love being here with you all, but I also love being home.” Harry places a hand over his heart. “Bel has made me a better son, friend, and partner. Now I know this is sappy, and maybe you’re over this, and she’s going to tell me after this wasn’t necessary, but I do want it to be known that I’m happy. I have never been happier. And while I will be going away for some time, I want you to know I’m in good hands until I return and am yours again.”

The cheers are a mix of sobs and relief, knowing he will be back even with no set date. You can’t seem to stop crying. All the comforting Anne is doing is working, but it’s as if Harry broke you open by pouring his heart out for you on stage.

“He’s a bit of a romantic, my little one,” Anne teases as she squeezes you tighter.

“You’re telling me. I’m no match.”

Anne laughs, “you flew out the entire family and act like that’s not the greatest gesture.”

It’s true. You planned with Anne to make sure everyone could make it out by planning accommodations and rides for the final show to go smoothly for them. Harry deserved a large celebration, and it was important to have his family here. Naomi wanted to be here because if it weren’t for your best friend, you wouldn’t have found Harry in 2021 though Harry liked to think your paths would cross either way. Naomi’s parents, Ruby and Phil, made the journey for Harry. They happily welcomed him into the family. Viola flew in for the celebration as had Violet, your goddaughter with her father Alex.. Your family had become his, and they were here to celebrate two incredible years of a tour filled with love and joy. He deserved to have his family here after missing them so much. There was a wonderful celebration to come after the show ended.

“Guess we compliment each other well like that,” you told Anne. Small moments that reminded you how much a perfect fit you are for each other.

Harry clears his throat, “now, I’m sure Bel is flustered and wants me to stop, so I will. Thank you for being here. Thank you for changing my life. I love you.” He points at you, and you blow him a kiss he pretends to catch and puts it over his heart for safekeeping.  “I love you, and I’ll miss you.”

You don’t know what the future holds for your relationship. All you know is that your love will guide you through it all. Whether you get married, have kids, or simply exist to love each other, everything will work out the way it needs to because your love was written in the stars.

+

thank you for reading! love on tour has been so magical and special for us all. i love you all and hope you go back and read this series if you’re ever missing love on tour. te quiero mucho 🤍

[where-theres-smoak-2]

The War Council Analysis/Thoughts

So I need to talk more in depth about the war council scene in Dune Part 2 because that scene is just incredible and has many interesting details and layers to it. I said in a different post that what makes it so interesting is the scene has a different feel depending on which character's pov you look at it from. Each of the characters gathered there have different desires and motivations and each want Paul to be a specific thing/person/being and this scene is very much shown less through Paul and his motivations and more through the emotions of the other characters gathered there. The main characters it focuses on are Stilgar, Jessica, Gurney and Chani. So in this post I do want to talk about each of those characters and their emotions and wants throughout this scene. But first I want to talk about Paul himself and how he plays this moment because I think there are some really interesting details there.

Before Paul arrives at the council there is a relatively calm atmosphere, everyone is crouched down and are praying, its very much has the vibe of a church or other religious gathering. However the moment Paul shows up in the room the energy shifts. People start looking around at him and some start rising up to their feet to get a better look at him, there is a mumbling that spreads through the crowd. They know who he is and there is this sense of awe and excitement that he is finally here, that they can finally see him. When he reaches the circle one of tribe leaders catches his attention and addresses him as Mahdi showing that they do recognise him as the messiah. However despite this what is interesting is at this point they are still standing by their cultural beliefs and explain that if he wants to talk he has to take Stilgar's spot by killing him. Even though this is the messiah their culture is still currently taking precedence.

Paul however ignores this and refuses to follow their custom, instead shouting that he is pointing the way and marching to the middle of the circle. The energy in the room shifts again to one of anger, even Stilgar is shocked at Paul's statement. You can feel this anger flood through the crowd as they raise to their feet pulling out their crysknife's as Paul gives out this challenge, stating no one in the room could stand against him, in this moment Paul comes across as powerful and arrogant even, he's confident in his challenge. I always found this moment interesting because despite the fact that the people gathered there are the religious fanatics who have been waiting centuries for the messiah to come, the ones who believe that Paul is that messiah, they still react in anger to Paul disrespecting their ways. I see it as the fremen's last stand against an outsider's control and suppression, their last moment of defence for their ways and beliefs, its the final moment where they are still true to themselves. But its a battle they are about to lose.

One really interesting moment is after making this challenge he sets his eyes on one fremen in particular and then he lowers himself into a crouch. I found this to be an interesting move because you would think when he is surrounded by a very angry crowd of people who all have their weapons drawn you would want to make yourself seem as big and as powerful as possible, to stand tall and imposing. But Paul lowers himself, and the movement is eery and seems threatening despite it arguably being a more vulnerable position. I kept wondering to myself why this move unsettled me, why it seemed so threatening. Then I realised its because it reminded me of a predator, like a lion or tiger, lowering themselves into the grass getting ready to pounce on its victim. As he speaks to this one fremen he keeps his voice low, he moves towards him with slow, deliberate movements, again like a predator stalking towards it's prey. He tells the man the very thoughts he knows he is thinking and its no wonder its so unsettling to this stranger. Then Paul goes for the kill with one final word, Dune. The target falls to his knees, exclaiming Lisan al Gaib. Then Paul's energy explodes again, once again he is speaking in a loud, bold and powerful voice, as he turns to his next target, he rushes forward, formidable and commanding and that man falls under his power too, until the whole room is on their knees and under Paul's control. This moment is both terrifying and thrilling at the same time, you can't help but get swept up in it yourself and you can't tear your eyes away, I just love the shifts in Paul's demeanour, in the way he uses his voice, his very movements to win the fremen over, its truly terrifying.

When he puts the Ducal ring back on and announces that he is the voice from the outer world, that he will lead them to paradise, he fills his voice with passion, once again he is speaking in a powerful and loud voice, one that is filled with promise, one that stirs up the fremen's own passion and excitement. Again you can feel this energy just spread through the crowd and building into this crescendo where everyone is rushing to their feet and exalting Paul, they are now completely faithful to him, will do anything for him, even abandon their own way of life and the cultural practises that five minutes earlier they were prepared to fight for.

Stilgar

So lets talk about Stilgar next. Throughout the film it is made very clear that Stilgar is not only a true believer in the prophecy but that he believes that Paul is the Lisan al gaib. His religious beliefs are clearly very important to him. We often see him praying and talking about the prophecy and in the first half of the film it is played off for laughs, it all seems a bit silly and we often have other characters doubting him when he says Paul is the one and even mocking him for seeing these 'signs'. However when we get to this part of the film, his blind faith and obsession with the prophecy and Paul, becomes less funny and more horrifying to watch. At the start of the scene Stilgar is sat in his place within the circle as a leader of his tribe. Upon Paul's arrival Stilgar is more than willing to sacrifice his life so that Paul can take his spot. This is such a chilling moment because it shows just how lost to this prophecy Stilgar truly is, he is willingly to die so that he can give Paul a voice, because he believes that what Paul has to say is more important than his life. He even pulls his own crysknife out ready.

However as I said above Paul has no intention of taking Stilgar's life, stating that he won't deprive himself of the best of them right before a battle. Stilgar is very shocked when Paul defies their ways to speak anyway. Honestly it makes sense why he would be shocked if you think about his dynamic with Paul before this moment. Stilgar has played the role of Paul's teacher and guide, he tells him how to navigate the desert, he teaches him to ride a sandworm. He explains the ways of the Fremen and Paul has always listened and done as Stilgar has told him. So in this moment Stilgar is explaining to Paul, as he always has, the ways of the fremen, he must be a leader to speak, he must take Stilgar's spot, in this moment he thinks Paul will react the same way he has in the past, by paying attention to and following Stilgar's guidance. But Paul doesn't, he reverses their roles in this moment, now Paul is the one pointing the way and Stilgar must be the one to follow.

I mentioned above that each character had their own desires and motivations and each had an image of who they wanted Paul to be. For Stilgar he is very much motivated by the prophecy and he wants Paul to be the Lisan al Gaib, he's waited his whole life for the messiah to come. Throughout Paul's speech you can see Stilgar become more and more enraptured with Paul, he looks at him with a look of awe and reverence with each word he speaks. Until you have that moment when he asks Paul what he foresees for them and Paul answers a green paradise you can see the look of exhilaration cross his face as he sinks to his knees. Can you imagine being Stilgar in this moment, after dedicating your life to this religion, to this prophecy, after being mocked and ridiculed for this belief, you're messiah is finally here. From the moment they met in Dune part 1, Stilgar says he recognises Paul as the Lisan al Gaib, despite protests from even Paul himself, Stilgar persevered in his belief that Paul was the one and in this moment he is getting confirmation. For Stilgar this isn't just a moment of triumph, its a moment of validation and you can see how much that means to him.

Gurney

When it comes to Gurney it is made very clear right at the start of the scene what his desires and motivations are. When Chani tells him that this is none of his business he tells her that Rabban killed his family and left him scarred, so this was all his business. It's clear that what Gurney wants is revenge. Gurney is someone who was incredibly loyal and dedicated to the House Atreides, when he believed they were all massacred by the Harkonnens the only thing he had left was revenge, he even tells us when he's first reunited with Paul that he stayed on Arrakis with the sole purpose of getting that revenge.

When it comes to the prophecy, to Lisan al Gaib and this green paradise that the fremen believe Paul will lead them too, Gurney has no stakes in it, he doesn't care about it, it literally means nothing to him. What does mean something to him is House Atreides. When he believed they were all gone I think Gurney felt very lost, like he had no purpose anymore, his purpose was to serve and protect his duke and family and I think part of him felt like he failed in that. He has been filled with anger and revenge ever since. But learning that Paul was alive and reuniting with him gave Gurney something else, it gave him hope. Hope that House Atreides will be restored. Only he quickly realises that Paul has no interest in reviving the House Atreides, that he has built a life for himself with the fremen which is very frustrating for Gurney who I think was expecting Paul to want revenge and the restoration of the Atreides, like he does.

So the person Gurney wants Paul to be is the duke, you see this look of pure emotion in Gurney's eyes when Paul pulls out the Ducal ring. His lip trembles and he lets out this breathy laugh of relief, he looks like he is trying to hold back tears he is so overcome. I think for Gurney seeing Paul embrace his role as an Atreides, as the Duke of Arrakis, feels like he's getting his family and his purpose back. When the fremen raise to their feet and chant Lisan al Gaib, Gurney rises too, but he's not chanting, he raises his chin in triumph and looks at Paul with pride, because Gurney like Stilgar, is also getting everything he has hoped for, he's got his duke back, his chance at revenge back.

Jessica

Ok so what does Jessica want? Well that's easy, the same thing she wanted in part 1, for Paul to be the Kwisatz Haderach. What's interesting about Jessica's motivations is that they're kind of a combination of both Stilgar's and Gurney's desires but with a bit of her own mixed in. Like Stilgar she wants Paul to take on the role of Lisan al Gaib, to becomes this prophet and leader to the fremen fundamentalists. But like Gurney she also wants him to embrace his title of Duke and carry on his father's legacy as heir to House Atreides. Which is why you see her get this look of satisfaction on her face when Paul announces that he is Duke of Arakkis. I think this also plays into the fact that she defied the Bene Gesserit to have a boy because she wanted to give the Duke she loved an heir as well as wanting to be the one to bring forth the Kwisatz Haderach, so for her this is the moment she is seeing that act of rebellion pay off. Another aspect of her motivation is that she wants Paul to be safe, I think in her mind the only way to achieve that is by making him the most powerful being in the universe. I mean after all if Paul can see multiple futures and can foresee dangers before they come for him, if he has an army of millions of religious fanatics who will throw down their lives for him because they believe he is their messiah, if he holds titles and positions of power, then who could possibly ever stand against him. Jessica put alot of work, did a lot of plotting and scheming in order to reach this moment, to gain the support of the fremen to Paul's cause, to convince Paul himself to drink the water of life and become the Kwisatz Haderach, so for her this is the moment she sees all that work come to fruition, its a moment of triumph, its her pay off.

Chani

Poor Chani. For all the others this moment was one of validation or triumph, but for Chani it was the moment she lost everything. I think there is this underlying sadness to the scene because, as I said before, everyone has an idea of who Paul should be, prophet, duke, kwizatz haderach, but its all about who he can be for them. Chani was the only one who was fighting for Paul, for him to stay who he truly was, who he had chosen to be. She's the only left fighting for her people, for their culture and way of life, but being the only one still fighting means she doesn't have a chance, there are too many external forces acting against her.

From the very start of the scene Chani is being pushed and pulled about by others. She rushes to Stilgar and tries to talk sense into him, and not only does Stilgar ignore her, but the other leader tells her she cannot speak, the other fremen come to take her away from the circle. When she tries to speak up again, speaking to the crowd at large, Gurney intervenes pulling her to the ground next to him and telling her she'll get in trouble, cutting her off in the process. When the fremen get angry at Paul and she stands to go and intervene, Gurney stops her again, when everyone bows to Paul, again Gurney pulls her to her knees so that she too is bowing. All of this shows just how helpless she really is, she can scream and shout and fight but each time she is silenced.

As Paul declares himself the Lisan al Gaib you can see Chani's heart break, she shakes her head in disbelief because she cannot fathom why Paul is taking this course of action, after everything he promised her, after all the times he said he wasn't the prophet, that he didn't want power, or to lead her people, he's going back on all of it. She's watching the man she loves exert power and control over her people and she is powerless to stop it from happening, she feels helpless and confused and betrayed. When everyone jumps to their feet in celebration she stays on her knees, showing just how broken she is by Paul, how devastated but also how she refuses to see him as the mahdi, to celebrate and worship him like the rest of her people. I said in another post that this moment is a great contrast and compliment to the last scene where everyone bows and she stays on her feet out of defiance. But I think another interesting detail about this moment is that Chani is very much Paul's soul, his love, she represents who he is at heart, in this moment though not only is he cut off from her sight, but he won't be able to see her either. This crowd of worshippers becomes a literal and figurative barrier between them.

Anyway to wrap this up, I do think this moment is one of the best in the film, its just filled with so much tension and so many different dynamics between each of the characters. In some ways its a moment of triumph and victory for our characters but for other characters its a moment of heartbreak and betrayal. In the middle of it all you have Paul who has lost himself, he's no longer a person but a figure, something to worship and be in awe of. The last person who really sees him as Paul, the man, he loses in this moment and that just makes it a tragedy.

[ohblahdo]

I feel like the quotes about Paul and Linda from John's St. Regis Hotel interview (Sept. 5, 1971) get so much attention that it's easy to miss some of the more minor wtfery:

John: So now I feel like going out on the road. I feel like going out with Yoko, and taking a really far-out show on the road, a mobile, political, rock and roll show, a mobile, political Plastic Ono Bandshow. . . . Yoko: With clowns as well. John: . . . and have something going on in the foyer, and something going on in the audience, and not just everything on stage. Int.: When you say political, what do you mean exactly? John: Well, I mean political, because everything I do is political. I would take people with me who could speak to the kids, who could speak to them in the foyer, catch them on the way out. Panthers. Weathermen. They can hand all their gear out.

Pour one out for the tour that never happened, featuring John and Yoko on the road with the Black Panthers, the Weathermen, and clowns.

[batnbreakfast]

@kindworldsword asked me what I'd recommend for someone visiting London for the first time.

This has gotten quite long, so I'm putting everything under a break. Nevertheless I've likely have forgotten something I love doing while in London.**

Honestly though, most of the times I just walk around the city, go to the theatre, and eat lots of food, so the most important recommendation is: Take a good pair of shoes and an appetite. (If you would like restaurant recommendations, message me.)

Have a great time!

Things to do in and around London

Take a walk along the river

This is my go-to walk. I do this when I'm back in the city. I do this when I'm stressed out and need to clear my head. I do this when I've got some time left before leaving.

Start at Embankment, cross the river on the right bridge to get a view of the House of Parliament and the London Eye. Continue to walk eastwards along the river - you'll see quite a few famous landmarks like the National Theater*, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre. Take a break at the Tate (the perks of free entry) and have a look at the Rothko room or join a free guided tour. Continue along the river - you can take a detour along Borough's Market for food and drink or skip that part and just walk until you're at Tower Bridge. Is it a touristy spot? Yes, it sure is. It's also a great spot for some people watching and catching a bit of sun sitting on the lawn in front of Bridge Theatre.

*National Theatre

There's a viewing gallery at the Dorfman Theatre, so if you're around there before their matinee show: Go along the left side of the building, walk past the stage door, up to the Dorfman entrance. The indoor walkway will take you past the costume designer's working space - which is well worth the detour.

Book a free ticket for the Horizon22

Not as touristy as the Shard or Sky Gardens, and even better: It's free. The Horizon has the highest viewing platform in the city right now and you'll have a spectacular view of the city. Most people working there are up for a chat about the view and really knowledgeable. It's near Liverpool Station and you can also try and book a ticket via QR Code at the entrance door.

Buy a theatre ticket

Go online or visit the TKTS boot at Leicester Square. If you're lucky you can get fringe theatre tickets or seats further back in the more famous theatres for little money. The Globe theatre offers standing room tickets for 5 GBP. If a play is sold out lots of theatres offer last minute tickets in the morning, but you might have to queue. (Cate Blanchett's play came with queueing from 3am until they opened at 9am.) You can message me about theatre recommendations during your stay if you like. 

Covent Garden

While I don't care for the actual shops in the market building, I like watching the buskers in front of St. Paul's. If you need a break from all the hustle and bustle, take a side entrance to the church yard on Henrietta or King Street. The actor's church offers free lunch concerts and benches to sit out in the sun. There's a church cat - wouldn't recommend trying to pet him though. 

Walk along the small courts and yards north-west of Covent Garden. Find the house were the Phytons lived together on Neals Yard and the Bambi Mary Poppins stencil. 

Museums

Yes! Most of them are free and there's plenty of them. I love the Wallace Collection, I'd recommend the National Gallery, I already mentioned Tate Modern, and of course there's the V&A (soooooooo good), the National History Museum, the Wellcome Collection, the British Museum, the Museum of Home, the...

I often sit on the stairs of Hintze Hall at the National History Museum next to Hope their whale skeleton. I love the ceramics at the V&A. I have three favourite paintings at the National Gallery. Often you can take part in a free tour, and if you don't want to spend a whole day at a museum: Don't. Just pop in, have a look around, and go your merry way.

Thames walk towards Rotherhite:

Start at the Tower Bridge and just follow the walking way along the river. At one point you'll have to take a detour around a huge industrial estate, but you'll be able to return to the river quickly. Time your walk to have either lunch or dinner at The Mayflower in Rotherhite - one of the oldest existing river pubs with excellent pies & mash and a superb sticky toffee pudding. Take the underground train to the other side of the river or a bus back to London Bridge.

Richmond

Go to Richmond (by train from Waterloo Station) and walk along the little streets south of the Green. The Sandman and Ted Lasso have been filmed here (among others), so if you watched either one of these shows, you'll recognise the area. You can go down to the river and then either walk or take an ebike to Kew Bridge.

Trafalgar Square/Chinatown/Soho

Go, sit on the edge of one of the Trafalgar Square fountains. Watch people from all over the world, hear the buskers in front of the National Gallery. If you need food, Chinatown isn't far away (Cafe TPT or Misato are my go to places) or you could go for cake & tea in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields. Walk along the streets in Chinatown, cross over to Soho, walk along there. If you need coffee, go into the Algerian Coffee Shop on Old Compton Street, they are doing a great espresso. London's only queer women's club She Soho is also on Old Compton Street. 

Markets

Are they touristy? Sure, but I love them. Portobello Road on Saturdays and Brick Lane on Sundays are my favourites. I don't care about Columbia Road too much, because it's always way too busy. 

Street Art around Brick Lane

Go and have a look around Brick Lane if you like street art. Walk around the area and explore, there's always something new to see. Look out for broccoli and eggs.

Book a London Walk

The original London Walk company has already been around when I first came to the city around 1990. They offer a wide range of walks - I can recommend their street art tours in Whitechapel or their ghosts walk. If you do an evening tour, the walk will likely end up in a pub, so you can have a drink with the other attendees.

Walk along the canals

You can walk either from Paddington or King's Cross to Camden - you'll see a lot of houseboats, the London Zoo, and end up in Camden, where you'll have plenty of food stalls available. I feel like Camden Market as such is a bit overrated these days.

Barbican & Barbican Conservatory:

If you like Brutalism and history, this is the place to be. You can see remains of the London Wall, sit by the artificial ponds, and visit he botanical gardens. It looks like something straight out of a end-of-the-world film with huge plants covering concrete. You might have to book a ticket, even though it's free. It only opens on Friday & Sunday as far as I remember.

And if you need a break from London:

Take a day trip to Brighton

I just love the city. If you like to be by the sea - the train from London Bridge only takes about 90 minutes. Walk along the Northern Lain area for lots of lovely shops, great food, and drinks. Go visit the pier and eat some donuts. Watch the sea. Visit the Royal Pavillion.

[jules-has-notes]

The Chicken Song — VoicePlay live performances

For this post, I want to let you do a bit of compare-and-contrast. Below are two performances of the same piece, two years apart. As with a lot of VoicePlay's more theatrical skit-songs, every iteration is a little different, and delightful in its own way. Especially in comedic numbers like this, "Elvira", and "Road Trip", where the guys are trying to make each other laugh almost as much as they're trying to entertain their audience.

Details:

title: The Chicken Song

original song / performers: American novelty song also known as "The Rooster" ; first two verses included in the New Christy Minstrels' "Bits and Pieces" medley (1962)

arranged by: VoicePlay

.

version 1

This video was recorded during VoicePlay's concert at The O'Shaughnessy theater at St. Catherine University during the 2014 Arts Midwest conference in Minnesota.

performance date: 19 September 2014

My favorite bits:

Layne playfully admonishing the videographer while clucking

Eli's tokyo-drift skibble at the end of each chase

"Anybody wanna milk me?" ::delighted pointing at the audience response:: "Oh, okay!"

"Big guy." ::patpat::

::half-heartedly points at his raised hand:: "’T’s’muh branch."

Eli's smug grin at Geoff's reaction to him taking over, "And an awful lot of it."

Layne, Geoff, and Eli's startled smiles at one audience member's distinctive laughter

Tony repeatedly trying to refuse his assigned role, only to get annoyed when the others don't immediately back him up. "C'mon!" 😠

"I don't think we have that."

Trivia:

Tony's improvised dialog, "Hey, my name is Maggie. Welcome to Matt's," is a reference to Matt's Bar in Minneapolis, where the guys had been very excited to go for a lunch of "juicy lucy" burgers before the show.

Since they were in Home Free's neck of the woods for the conference, the guys had a chance to catch up with Rob Lundquist and Tim Foust.

Tim live-tweeted the show in his typical wry fashion, including some arboreal appreciation for his fellow bass singer.

.

version 2

This performance was part of a benefit concert for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation hosted by the Alpha Epsilon Phi fraternity at Stanford University. Tony got stuck in Florida because of Hurricane Matthew, so their old friend Paul from Vox Audio agreed to pinch hit. Which made it even more chaotic than usual.

performance date: 7 October 2016

My favorite bits:

Layne shaking his tail feathers

Eli and Layne's little finger wiggle high-five

Earl and Layne cracking each other up with livestock jokes, then everyone giggling even more when Geoff calls them out on it

Eli laughing so hard he has to take a knee

::elbow bump::

Geoff asking the audience, "D'you guys know what Chiclets are?" only for Earl to immediately pull one out of his pocket

Paul accidentally skipping the second refusal gag and grumbling about not getting paid enough

::wolf whistle:: "Shaddup."

Eli doing his darnedest not to laugh at Paul's waitress antics, to the point of angling himself away from the rest of the group

Paul's incredible scream

Trivia:

The "California cow" / "happy cow" / "best cheese" banter was referencing a series of ads from the California Milk Advisory Board that aired in the early 2000s.

The Chiclets gum question was asked at least in part because that brand had recently been discontinued.

Young lads Layne, Earl, Geoff, and James May recorded a live audio version (without the waitress verse) for 4:2:Five's album "Time Machine" way back in 2004.

[myreyisbae]

Put together a list of songs found in moonlight promos/commercials since @moonlight-fan2008 did lists for episodes 1-16 if any are missing please let me know

For reference I used my promo Archive and Shazam + other older moonlight blogs/forms

❌ = Can't find

🎹= No lyrics

"Taking Chances" by Celine Dion

"Save Me" by Marc Lane and Greg Hatwell

"Los Angeles" performed by Sugarcult

*(Heating up Promo)

"How Do You Do" by Natasha Bedingfield

*(Meet Mick promo)

Apologize (feat. OneRepublic) by Timbaland

*Moonlight summer promo (WIN TV Australia)

"Heroes" by Shinedown

*Ghost Whisperer.Moonlight Promos

"Savin' Me" performed by Nickelback

"Original Man" by Ronn L Chick, Dennis Winslow & Robert J Walsh

*still wort living promo)

"How Does It Feel" by Deep Sounds

*(2 minute drill) S01E10 Sleeping Beauty promo

"Driftwood" by Deep Sounds

*(2 Minute Drill) S01E11 Love Lasts Forever

"Long Way from Home" Stephen Spiro & Paul Wickens

*(2 Minute Drill) S01E13 Fated to Pretend

"Beautiful Day" by 3 Colours Red

*(2 Minute Drill) S01E13 Fated to Pretend

A Different Girl (Full Mix Vocal)

By Chris Goulstone

*(Eyelab) Bloody Valentine promo

"Here She Comes" by Other Star People❌

*(Eyelab) Moonlight for Dummies

"Secret" by inque❌

*(Eyelab) immortal observations with Mick st. John

"Moving Backwards" by Ross Golan❌

*(Eyelab) Rewind

"Hands" by TriggerPimp ❌

*(Eyelab) MickBeth

Rpm by Michael Caen 🎹

*(Eyelab) How Do You Like Your Mick? promo

"Lullaby for a Loss" by Paul Reeves🎹

*(Eyelab) immortal observations with Mick st. John promo

"Stormbreaker" by Paul Reeves 🎹

*(Eyelab) immortal observations with Mick st. John promo

"Behind It All" by Conte Conte

*S01E04 Fever promo

"Get Your Way" by Jamie Cullum

*S01E05 Arrested Development

"Losing You" by Sia

*S01E07 The Ringer

"Final Onslaught" by the Action Machine

*S01E08 12:04 AM

"Like Yesterday" (Version 1) by Mike Shepstone & Steve Ennever

*S01E09 Fleur de Lis promo

"Dream Catch Me" by Newton Faulkner

*S01E11 Love Lasts Forever promo

"Mercy" by Duffy

*S01E13 Fated to Pretend promo

"When I'm Gone" by Simple Plan

*S01E16 Sonata promo

"Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional

*S01E16 Sonata promo (Malaysia TV9)

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Today was a long one. The conference wrapped up in Cleveland with an interview with B.J. Novak. He talked a little about THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES, which is in semi-rotation at our house. Two other pieces of information I found interesting: 1) "That's what she said," was used by The Office writers whenever they had written themselves into a corner and couldn't figure out how to get out of it; 2) The writers all thought the show would be cancelled at any moment, so Paul Lieberstein (who played Toby) said they should stop writing for the perceived audience and instead write things other comedy writers would find funny so they would get hired to work on other shows as soon as the hatchet dropped on The Office.

After the conference ended, I rushed to catch an Uber to the airport, rushed through the airport because I was cutting the flight close, or I would have been until the flight got delayed. Not by an hour or some other large block of time I could use to re-arranged my day, but incrementally by a few minutes here, a few minutes there. Slowly I watched my layover in St. Louis dwindle to nothing. And then the St. Louis leg of my trip kept getting delayed. I went from being home at 11pm to being home after 1am.

By the time I got to Little Rock, I was so tired. I walk faster than most people (but more effectively, I walk more efficiently/aggressively than most people -- similar to how I drive), so I was one of the first people from our flight to get luggage and leave the airport. I stacked my bags on top of your carseats, then I had my podcast box on top of that, then I had my backpack on top of that. Things were stacked high in the back seat. Meanwhile, in the front seat, I decided to turn my music up and rolled the windows down as a way to celebrate making it home.

As I got onto the interstate on-ramp, though, the truck behind me flashed its headlights or maybe it jerked the wheel to avoid missing something in the road. That's how I interpreted the subtle shift I saw in my sideview mirror. I saw something in the middle of the on-ramp -- something I had not noticed as I drove through. I quickly looked in my backseat and realized the pull of the turn had caused my backpack to slide off the podcast box, out my window, and land in the middle of the on-ramp. I couldn't back up the on-ramp, so I pulled over and ran up it in my loafers, which was hard enough, but made especially hard when I felt a pain run up the back of my leg -- a reminder that I pulled my hamstring a couple of weeks ago. By the time I got to my bag, it had been hit. Three important casualties: Laptop, favorite water bottle, backpack itself. LIke I said, a long day, but I'm glad to be home so that I can see you two and Mom in the morning.

Dad.

St. Louis, Missouri. 5.7.2024 - 10.05pm.

[daisiesandgiggles]

Please show some love to @acermice75 . He will be our new addition to Feature Friday. Every week you can catch up on all the latest news and gossip in the music industry. We are so happy he's decided to join Feature Friday and we hope you'll enjoy him as well. ❤️On that note....

THIS WEEK IN MUSIC

Hello everyone! Welcome to a new addition to Feature Friday! This post will sum up the weekly news in music, some interesting notes in music history and a few other surprises I may throw in from time to time! So without further ado, let’s get going!

Diddy confirmed this week that he pays Sting $5K per day for using “Every Breath You  Take” on his Notorious B.I.G. tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You”. Diddy did not ask Sting’s permission before he sampled and agreed afterward to pay him for use of the song. They remain good friends, according to Sting.

The amazing Questlove (The Roots, band leader for The Tonight Show w/ Jimmy Fallon) is auctioning off some of his amazing record collection including rare jazz albums for several charities. If you ever get a chance to hear him talk about music, jump at it because it will change your life. I highly recommend his two part interview with Rick Rubin on the Broken Record podcast.

Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk fame revealed the reason for the breakup of the seminal electronic dance band was the ongoing development and proliferation of AI in music. They started the band to draw a line between humans and technology and with AI being prevalent that line has faded, according to him.

Ace Frehley stated that Paul Stanley called him up to say “fuck you” to Ace after Ace threatened to reveal “dirt” about KISS and Stanley/Simmons in particular if Stanley didn’t apologize for comments made on Howard Stern about why they didn’t perform for the RnR Hall of Fame induction. Stanley explained why they wouldn’t play with Frehley/Criss because “At this point, that would be demeaning to the band, and also would give some people confusion. ‘Cause if you saw people onstage who looked like KISS but sounded like that, maybe we should be called PISS.”

THIS WEEK IN MUSIC HISTORY

1956 - The world famous Capitol Records Tower opened it’s doors in Hollywood, CA, on Hollywood and Vine St intersection.

1964 - The Beatles owned the top 5 singles on the Billboard chart and 12 places in the Hot 100.

1987 - Drum legend Buddy Rich died on April 2nd. His influence is still heard to this day in regards to technical brilliance and pure showmanship.

2012 - The LA County Coroner released the final autopsy report for Whitney Houston which ruled she died of an accidental drowning.

2017 - Barry Manilow spoke publicly for the first time about be gay in an interview with People magaze, revealing his four decade long relationship with his manager.

I would like to thank the beautiful and charming @daisiesandgiggles for the opportunity to submit some thoughts and words to the Feature Friday theme! I appreciate you including me on this amazing theme! I'd also like to give a shoutout to @thedangeldorpher as well, filling in while @guardianw is all work and no play. 😏

I hope you enjoy this post and here's to many more in the future! 🍻

[greaterstokesawareness]

My RECAP: Brian Stokes Mitchell at Perelman Performing Arts Center in NYC, October 5, 2023

Autumn in New York when it still feels like summer

It was so warm out on this early October day that I didn't even get to wear my Richard Gere pea coat trench, maybe next time. We spent a bunch of time wandering around St. Paul's Chapel and graveyard and visiting the September 11 memorial reflecting pools. The performing arts center is just across the street. This isn't a part of New York City that we've ever visited so we did a lot of exploring. Our next stop was the Tin Building and the Pier 17 waterfront area overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a really cool spot with lots of built-in outdoor seating and restaurants.

Not a library

The new Perelman Performing Arts Center is a big marble cube of a building with spaces that are designed to be flexible to accommodate all kinds of different performing arts needs. There's also a restaurant and lounge, an outdoor balcony and a giant staircase leading up. I work at Yale and it reminded me of the Beinecke Library because the there are no windows and the marble is designed so the light filters through. It was a pretty cool spot and I would love to see another show there sometime. You can read more about the building in this New York Times article (x).

Songs of Hope and Life

The show was Brian Stokes Mitchell accompanied by Ted Firth on piano and was titled Songs of Hope and Life. It lasted for a good two hours and Stokes did 18 songs including several that I personally hadn't heard him perform live before. You can find the setlist below. Highlights were pretty much all the songs I've never heard live before which were "Hope," "The Best Is Yet to Come," and "Being Alive." And I'll give a goofy honorable mention to "It's Not Easy Being Green" and "Hooray for Tom" mostly because of the surprise green spotlight which honestly cracked me up. When Stokes did "Odds on Favorite" and "Over the Moon" he was in full excitable-boy-mode. He literally sat at the piano and played an instrumental song from the E.T. soundtrack with Ted Firth playing his part standing up. I mean it was objectively adorable.

[side note: I was surprised to hear the Bruce Hornsby cover and it made me think that the Jackson Browne songs on my wishlist (x) might not be too far off the mark :)) Brian Stokes Mitchell "Sky Blue and Black" when?].

Twice in a lifetime opportunity?

Did I mention we were sitting in the front row center? Yeah, in a repeat of good fortune just like at the Town Hall show last April, we were lucky enough to sit in the front row. Which means we were lucky enough to witness the absolute artistry of Stokes singing "This Nearly Was Mine" with no microphone. I will never get tired of seeing him do this. What made this time especially cool was that he moved right up to the edge of the stage, right in front of us, to sing. Honestly, I was frozen in my seat, literally holding my breath at times. Like I can't properly explain how captivating it is to watch someone that talented and professional at their craft sing that close up and to be able to catch every mannerism, every dramatic choice, all of the breaths and swallows, all those small decisions during a performance. Just stunning. Here's audio of the song from that night (x), I know it can't truly capture the actual performance but you can get an idea of how cool it was to have Stokes basically sing this really special song right into your face.

Next up for us is Ridgefield, CT on October 29th. Super excited, can't wait to see Stokes sing again! You can find a link to his upcoming concert dates and other goodies in my pinned post (x).

Links: setlist.fm (x), event page on NYCPAC (x), Playbill article about Downtown Sessions series (x)

Set list:

Feeling Good

Hope (Jason Robert Reynolds song)

I, Don Quixote

The Best Is Yet to Come

Getting Married Today

Being Alive

Waters of March

Lush Life

This Nearly Was Mine (no microphone) (x)

A Wizard Every Day

It's Not Easy Being Green

Hooray for Tom (Bruce Hornsby song)

New Words

Make Them Hear You

The Impossible Dream

Odds on Favorite (Pete Seeger song)

Over the Moon [instrumental on piano with Ted Firth] (from E.T., John Williams)

Grateful

[brainrattlers]

Play It Cool - Tyson Jost (34/n)

Pairing: Tyson Jost x OFC (AJ)

Word Count: 6274 (I went a little overboard)

Warnings: Language. There’s adult naughtiness, so if you’re under 18, get outta here. It’s not graphic but still... get out. Holiday fluff too.

Need to start from the beginning? Check out Chapter 1 at https://at.tumblr.com/brainrattlers/play-it-cool-tyson-jost-1n/p7no8u1hzuza

Just need to catch up on last chapter? Chapter 33 is at https://at.tumblr.com/brainrattlers/play-it-cool-tyson-jost-33n/roh2we9w75t3

Author’s Notes: I am reposting this because I'm getting the feeling my tags aren't working right. Testing something out. :)

Happy Holidays, readers! I’m hoping you’re having a festive season full of friends, family, food, and fun. Things got away from me, and then the weather that hit last week threw a wrench in the works for a LOT of people, myself included. Ended up having to rewrite things, and then I got stuck. That’s the hard part about writing sometimes... you have to come up with the ideas! I hope I did this justice, especially since I took a couple extra days.

Anyway, Tyson’s on the road, AJ’s in Minneapolis packing, and there’s a storm heading toward Buffalo. Tyson wants to bring AJ home for Christmas, but there are a lot of “what ifs” looming.

After a few hours of packing, AJ’s stomach alerted her to it being well past lunch time. 

As if on autopilot, she grabbed her keys, and headed to the garage to retrieve her Soul and hit the road. Truth be told, she missed her car after driving Tyson’s so much the past few weeks. Hitting 94, she headed to St. Paul, craving Cossetta. Traffic was rough on Seventh, reminding her of the fact the Wild were playing that night, just two blocks down the road. Opting to take her dinner with her, she headed back to the apartment wanting to get as far from the Xcel Energy Center as she could.

It wasn’t that she was mad at the team, or the arena… There was still frustration with the management and coaching staff there, getting under her skin. She didn’t know why it was still bothering her when clearly Tyson was carving out a new home in Buffalo, now on the third line consistently. AJ really did need to learn to get better, not bitter. Minnesota was just a stepping stone onto bigger and better things, for the both of them.

Sitting on the sofa next to Maple, AJ looked at the clock on her phone. Tyson was in Arizona, and likely would be at practice, but it didn’t stop her from sending a quick photo and message.

AJ: Maple was a good messenger. I miss you too! We’re just chilling on the sofa at the moment, having some late lunch. <;1 attachment>

Putting on some music in the background, AJ got back to work. Tyson’s musical influences were creeping into her Spotify mixes, realizing that a few of his playlist songs were showing up in her Chill and Electronic pre-made playlists. Some of those very songs graced the speakers in this very apartment while cooking dinner together, low-key afternoons that Tyson read while AJ crocheted, and some intense late nights spent connecting on multiple levels. 

Just like packing up life in Denver, memories came rushing back, even though their time there was short. While working on packing but really more reminiscing, the music was interrupted with a notification of a text message. Grabbing her phone, AJ smiled, but then frowned reading the words that popped up on the screen.

Tyson: I’m so glad Maple was able to relay the message. I told him to write it down because I’m pretty sure he would have forgotten otherwise. Skate went well. Change in plans though - don’t think Mom is going to make it to Minny to help. How’s it going? 

AJ looked around and sighed, knowing an extra set of hands would be a huge help. In her heart though, she knew though this was the least she could do right now considering she still didn’t have steady work in Buffalo and Tyson was footing the bill on things. Granted, he IS the one with a $2M contract currently. But with Laura not there to help, it was definitely concerning AJ whether she could pull this off as the movers would be there soon, and how it would affect Christmas plans that she was working with her on to surprise Tyson.

Either way though, AJ was going to have to make this work.

AJ: I’ve got a ways to go in that case, but doing what I can. Maple’s just sitting on the sofa though not helping. Everything okay?

Tyson: I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention to the weather but they’re starting to say that Buffalo is going to get hit hard with snow, but don’t know how much yet. Can I call you when we get back to the hotel? It’s a lot to text.

AJ: Of course. Love you, talk soon.

Tyson: You’re the best, love.

Shortly after, Tyson facetimed AJ better explaining the situation. He was worried about her traveling too - if she left too late, she might get stranded traveling back to Buffalo. Taking a minute to film the apartment situation, she told him it would be close to getting it done before the movers arrived, and making sure she left early enough without Laura’s help.

The silver lining in this situation is that literally she just needed to pack up and clean a bit - and AJ was staying at the apartment so it wasn’t like she needed to drive back and forth to a hotel each day. Late nights, early mornings, it didn’t matter other than the last night. Once boxes were packed, she could grab the most important ones and stash them in her car and hit the road.

The two closed out the call pretty quick, knowing the time crunch.

AJ ended up chatting a bit with Laura that evening too, confirming the news from Tyson about not coming in. The two were trying to figure out what this would mean for the Christmas surprise the two were plotting and scheming to make happen - unfortunately it was a “hurry up and wait” situation not knowing what the weather truly would bring. The two promised to keep in touch to figure out if plans were changing. Both were optimistically hopeful, but knew the reality might not be that picture-perfect.

Tyson was still worried, constantly checking for weather updates. It didn’t seem to show during the game in Arizona though, with him scoring an empty-net goal to help the Sabres beat the Coyotes 5-2. Directly after the game, the team traveled to Vegas.

AJ: Not staying at the Wynn Encore, I’m assuming?

Tyson: Ha ha ha babe. You’re lucky you’re beautiful, smart, kind, and laugh at my jokes.

Working until nearly 2am and the exhaustion hit, AJ gave up on packing for the night. While the mattress felt familiar, the lack of all the extra pillows (there were two left behind from the initial round of packing) and the lack of Tyson left it feeling empty and cold. Soon enough though she’d be back in Buffalo with him, curled up in their giant hotel room bed. And hopefully shortly after that, they’d be moving into a more permanent residence.

After a few hours of sleep, AJ found herself up again, working on putting everything into organized boxes, labeled with what room the box would belong in, or at least if it was Tyson’s stuff, or her own. A few hours later was a good morning text from Tyson, saying the forecast was about the same at that point, but he was still nervous. AJ showed off the progress she’d made, clearing out two rooms already, leaving just a couple left. 

AJ also vowed to herself she would have to get rid of some of her stuff at some point, especially if moving around was going to be a fairly consistent thing. She certainly hoped it wouldn’t be that way - while Buffalo may not have been her first choice, she’d rather stay there at least a few more years before being potentially sent somewhere else. 

Not wanting to interrupt her more than he had to, Tyson recorded a short video and sent it to AJ while she continued on the mission. He sent it from the dressing room before the game started. It pinged her phone as she was stopping for a bit to get some dinner.

Opening the clip, AJ saw her man smiling, definitely taking his time to choose his words.

“Hey Eggo, you are such a trooper putting up with everything, me being me, moving, moving again. I’ve never once heard you really complain. And you doing what you’re doing right now? It made me realize that if the situation were slightly different, I wish you were here in Vegas because I’d take you to the place with Elvis and I swear I’d marry you right now. In the meantime, all I can do is promise I will make it up to you. You’re everything to me, AJ… I love you so much.”

His eyes were glassy, and AJ caught him at one point smiling, laughing, and wiping his eye. Tyson was becoming more and more open showing his feelings to her. She watched the video a couple more times, watching how the smile on his face got bigger when he talked about getting married. 

For AJ, marriage wasn’t a necessity, she knew they were committed to each other. And to be fair, she wasn’t opposed to it either. But for Tyson and his old soul, there was something special, something extremely intimate and romantic about getting to say the vows, and signing on the lines of the license, even if the minister was an Elvis impersonator.

AJ: I can’t wait to see you in a couple days. Feels empty without you here. Got another room finished, only have the kitchen and the guest room/office left. If I were there, I’d gladly take you up on the offer to become Mrs. Jost officially. Your mom would kill us both for that though, pretty sure she wants to be at the wedding lol

With the game on in the background, AJ packed as much as she could, trying to not get sucked into the game too much. Close game though, with a 3-2 win over the Golden Knights. Quiet night from Tyson, but not from lack of trying. 

Tyson: Getting ready to fly back. Weather is looking worse for Friday. Hearing that they’re contemplating postponing the game. Should know more soon. If you can leave sometime tomorrow, I think that’d be for the best.

Looking around the room, AJ could probably pull it off although the boxes wouldn’t be as organized as originally intended. That could easily be dealt with later. With the news though, she called it a night, and got up early the next morning to finish tackling the remainder.

With a handful of boxes in her own car, and the VIB buckled in the front seat (Maple IS a very important bear!), AJ was on her way back to Buffalo. On her way to Indiana, a phone call was made between Laura and herself, unfortunately calling off the Christmas surprise, which was not only Laura coming out to visit Tyson in Buffalo, but also getting Kacey and the grandparents out there as well - AJ and Laura were going to pay for the tickets to surprise Tyson. Unfortunately this left AJ with NO gifts purchased for Tyson, causing her great anxiety. She tried to tell herself it would be okay if it were late, especially considering the fact she’s now on her way back to Buffalo, where it sounded like the weather was going to be awful, no doubt.

Stopping in Indiana for the night, she checked into her hotel, and checked in with Tyson.

“Game is postponed Friday, for sure. So I talked to Mom though, and… since it’s an extra day, what do you think about heading to Edmonton for a quick Christmas trip? I can get tickets to fly out directly after practice on Thursday morning.”

As tired as she was, AJ still fought to keep the really frustrated heavy sigh from being heard over the phone. She really understood, he hadn’t seen his family all together since their trip over the summer. BUT - He didn’t know that her Christmas surprise was now canceled, and that she didn’t have a backup. Tyson didn’t see all the boxes in the living room ready for the movers to pick everything up. Tyson wasn’t the one driving through crappy weather heading back to Buffalo.

What he did know, however, is that when AJ gets quiet, something is amiss. The lack of response was a dead giveaway.

“Hey, is everything okay?”

The frustrated sigh couldn’t be held back, nor was the exhaustion fueled feelings.

“No. No I’m not. I’m just…” AJ trailed off, fearing what might come out of her mouth with her filter seemingly broken.

Tyson stayed quiet, letting her figure out her words to let him know what she’s feeling.

Another sigh happened, but he knew this was the one that always came when she was nervous to say what she was about to say.

“I… I’m just tired, Tys. Physically and emotionally. I was expecting some help with getting the old place sorted, and I know that isn’t anyone’s fault that the weather kept your mom from coming down. But I’m tired from that, I’m tired from driving all day in awful weather. On top of that (sigh) I had this big grand plan for a surprise for you for Christmas, but it completely fell through and I don’t even have a gift for you now. You’re a hard man to shop for, you know that?” AJ was chuckling to keep from crying at this point.

Yep. AJ was truly exhausted.

“Aww babe, I’m… I’m really sorry this is happening, if I had the power to change the weather, you know I would,” Tyson thought for a moment and calmly responded, “Would it be better if we just skipped going home?” 

“That’s not fair to you. My gift to you was getting your family all to Buffalo for the holiday, but… this is still a way for you to see them all. I mean worst case, you can always go without me.”

That last bit stung. Tyson was sure that she didn’t mean it to hurt, but it did.

“It didn’t occur to me what all you’ve been up to the past few days especially without the help you were expecting. I forgot what kind of mess I left the apartment in. You are a fucking ROCKSTAR for putting up with all this and taking care of everything. That right there is more than enough of a Christmas present. But if I had my say, wherever you are for Christmas, I want to be there too. I’m not leaving you alone in a new city, in shitty weather, especially on Christmas.”

AJ was quiet, taking it all in. The silence hung, but Tyson wasn’t about to step in and say anything else until she did, and he was willing to wait however long it was. She was still processing everything in her sleep-deprived mind. Something finally clicked and she realized she was doing the thing again - overreacting and going worst case scenario without considering that it might not be that bad. And Tyson wasn’t going to hold it against her either, realizing he kind of sprung this on her last second as well.

“How about I get some sleep, and I do my best to get back tomorrow in decent time. I want to be with you for Christmas too. I just can’t promise I’m going to be the best company for a day or two as I recharge my batteries.”

Tyson chuckled and sighed, “One step at a time, and that first one is getting you back here. Text me before you leave in the morning, and check in when you can? We’ll figure it out from there, sound good?”

AJ agreed to the plan. She wasn’t sure what the next few days would hold, but was going to roll with it the best she could. And Tyson was going to make sure it was as easy on her as possible, realizing how much she deserved some time off.

After what felt like a few hours of sleep, Maple and AJ were on the road again, driving along Lake Erie heading toward New York, seeing the sights she had seen weeks prior driving the Grand Cherokee up. A few texts were shared before Tyson was on his way to practice, figuring he’d be getting home shortly before she would be. The estimates were right, as AJ texted one more time as she was getting parked.

AJ: Get the luggage cart and help me unload… Maple is cranky and needs a nap. *Maple is me.

With the Soul unloaded, and the handful of bins and large bear brought inside, all AJ could do was hug Tyson, grab a quick kiss, and crawl into bed for a couple of hours. But not wanting her to sleep all afternoon and then not be able to that night, Tyson woke her up before dinner. While he really wanted to take her out for a nice dinner, he also knew that she wasn’t going to feel like getting dressed up. 

Instead he opted to order in some Chinese from a place one of his teammates recommended. As AJ came out of the bedroom, she was greeted by a smiling Tyson who put the Christmas lights on again, and set the table buffet style, complete with an order of General Tso’s for her, Beef and Broccoli for him, veggie fried rice, some egg rolls and an order of crab rangoon to share. Full plates in hand, the two found themselves on the sofa. Eating in silence, they watched an episode of Yellowstone. The second episode found them curled up with each other under a large thick fleece blanket, with AJ fading fast. 

Clicking the off button on the TV, Tyson urged AJ to take out her contacts and come to bed. It didn’t take much to twist her arm.

Letting AJ sleep in, Tyson quietly slipped out in the morning after already packing his suitcase. Little did she know, but he also set an alarm on her phone for 8:30 so she could get up in time to get breakfast downstairs, and get packed. Little did he know, she was planning on getting up at 8 to get breakfast downstairs, get packed, and still try to find a gift before leaving for the airport when Tyson was back from practice.

Thankfully, inspiration struck while she was eating breakfast in the hotel lobby. Throwing on a hoodie and grabbing her keys, AJ made a quick stop at a place she knew that would sell what she was looking for. After spending a few minutes, she picked out which one she hoped he would like. And getting back to the hotel, she quickly packed her bag, stashing the purchased item between a layer of clothing - wrapping would have to be done when they arrived. With a bit of extra time before Tyson’s inevitable return, a visit to the gym happened, followed by a shower to relax herself before popping the Dramamine she’d need to survive flying and not being a nauseated mess.

The door lock clicked, alerting AJ to the arrival of Tyson. Seeing her backpack next to his suitcase, he knew she was coming with… which was good because he had already bought her ticket.

Opting to get a ride to the airport, rather than leaving one of their vehicles there, the two arrived with plenty of time before their flight. This was a smart move, everyone was freaking out with the storm coming in the next day and trying to get to their holiday destinations. AJ fell asleep on Tyson’s shoulder at the gate waiting for boarding, the motion sickness meds clearly doing their thing. When it was time to get on the plane, it took a bit of work, but he did get her awake and coherent enough to get seated. She was back out as soon as her seatbelt clicked. Tyson’s hands would be safe from the death grip of AJ’s at least this part of the trip

The flights to Edmonton were Buffalo to Chicago to Calgary to Edmonton, with that little extra bit of going through customs. With the time zone changes, the two were greeted by Laura at the airport just in time for a late dinner. 

At home, Kacey and a couple cousins were already waiting, decorating the tree. Tyson insisted AJ have a seat on the sofa as he took their bags upstairs to his room. AJ took in the environment, remembering a few of the cousins from their trip up earlier in the year. Laura let AJ know there was pizza in the kitchen, if they were hungry. Tyson appeared again, and grabbed some ornaments to help finish the tree, excited for his favorite holiday with his family. With the tree finished, and a few pieces of pizza devoured, it was actually Tyson who threw in the towel first, admitting he was pretty tired with it feeling two hours later AND a day of travel. AJ was in agreement though, wishing everyone a good night as they headed upstairs.

This time around, it wasn’t Tyson trying to be sneaky and start something, he was legitimately tired. And if he were this tired, he knew that AJ was probably twice as. The two took turns in the bathroom, and cleared the bed of their bags while getting changed into pajamas. And just like last time, it was a tight fit with the two of them in the full-sized (much smaller) bed. But unlike last time, AJ felt a lot more at home and fell asleep quickly in Tyson’s arms.

The next morning, the Jost clan had breakfast, and talked about plans for the coming days. It’d be a short trip, considering Tyson had to be back in time to travel to Columbus for the game on the 27th. Updates from Buffalo though were starting to come in, and while it wasn’t bad yet, the forecast was grim. It was very up in the air what plans were, but as of right now, they had a red-eye to get back early on the 26th. But in the meantime, the plan was to have dinner at the Grandparents Jost’s home on Christmas Eve, and then everyone back at Laura’s for Christmas day. 

Tyson thought it’d be fun to go into the city and test out how much AJ’d been practicing skating. Truth be told, she was getting a little better, able to stop, and take corners awkwardly. (Don’t tell Tyson but she actually got some lessons from a couple of the guys back in Minnesota.) He was so proud that she didn’t even fall down once, although she still looked like a baby deer at times. After skating, they decided to hit up a mall to wander around to kill time. The crowds of people were ridiculous doing their last minute shopping. This did make for some good people watching though. Dinner was catching up with some old family friends of the Josts.

Suddenly, AJ’s phone buzzed in her pocket. Checking her watch, a rather unexpected text was in her inbox.

Tyson:  Hey baby girl, what are you doing after dinner? (winking emoji)

AJ looked over at him, quirking her eyebrow up. She knew what he was doing. 

A few minutes later, Tyson felt the vibration of his watch against his wrist.

AJ: Sleeping? (evil imp emoji)

The texts were spaced out so it wasn’t obvious they were texting each other back and forth, and were doing their best to not be rude to the others they were dining with.

Tyson: I was thinking maybe something that might put us on Santa’s naughty list.

AJ: Is that so? Someone hoping to get lucky in his childhood bedroom?

Tyson leaned back in the booth, putting his arm around AJ, whispering in her ear.

“I want to do all the things that make you scream… but you have to stay quiet or else everyone in the house will know, baby girl.” He smiled as he rejoined the conversation.

A shiver ran down AJ’s spine and her breath stuttered a bit at his words hitting her squarely where he hoped they would. In retaliation, Tyson found AJ’s hand very high up on his thigh under the table, just enough to tease but not actually cause any friction.

The car ride home was thick with tension because they didn’t want to seem any out of the ordinary, that Tyson had been riling up AJ all evening.

Once home though, AJ apologized and went to bed early, citing that she thought a migraine was coming on. Tyson, being the gentleman he is, told everyone he was going to go check on her and excused himself as well. As the two were safely in Tyson’s room, AJ pinned him down in bed, seeing just how far she could get with him before he started getting too loud. It took a lot of effort to not give loud audio cues as to how she was doing. She ended up kissing him deeply, as he moaned and whimpered into her mouth.

Don’t think for a minute though that Tyson let her get fully away with it either. Clearly with the strength advantage, he turned the tables and was working the spot just above her collarbones and riling her up. The major difference though was that as quiet as AJ had been, what he was doing with his fingers that night drove her over the edge, and his other hand had to be put over her mouth to keep her from letting the rest of the house know what they were up to, especially considering she was “worried about having a migraine.”

Getting up from the bed, Tyson grabbed a small, shiny packet from his bag, and stopped to think a minute.

“Babe, get up.”

AJ was still in a heightened state of bliss and ignored the request.

“Seriously, I need you to get up a second.”

Looking toward Tyson at the foot of the bed, he motioned for her to get up. Once she was, he pulled the bed slightly away from the wall, knowing that what he was wanting to do might cause the headboard to rattle against the wall. That would be a dead giveaway.

Content with the distance the headboard was from the wall, a smirk graced Tyson’s lips.

“Now, where were we?” Tyson watched AJ crawl back into bed. “I think we were right about here…” 

Tyson moved slow, knowing that AJ would be able to stay quiet only momentarily as the movements were exaggerated, creating a tease. He reminded her with a finger to his lips to stay quiet. When the whines, moans and whimpers from her were beginning to increase in volume, he moved with more intent, swallowing the noises coming from her mouth with his own. She had to grip into the pillows behind her in fear of getting caught from the noises that would come from Tyson as she would have raked her nails down his back.

The feeling of her fighting it, holding back underneath him was too much, leaving his body shuddering as he let go. Tyson reached between their bodies, using his fingers the best he could at the awkward angle to get her there too. Trying to stay quiet, she scrunched her eyes shut tight, and tried to keep the noise to a higher-pitched hum as she rode it out.

Collapsing against her, Tyson rested his head against AJ’s chest, listening to her heartbeat slow. AJ snaked an arm around him, lightly playing with the hair on the back of his head, feeling him calm as well. After a few minutes, an exhausted sigh escaped Tyson, realizing he needed to get cleaned up. Throwing on a pair of shorts, he first made a stop to the bathroom, and then snuck off to the kitchen to grab some water for the two of them. It had to look odd coming downstairs shirtless to the remaining family members still hanging out in the living room.

“Just grabbing some water so AJ can take her migraine meds.”

Tyson didn’t realize just how sweaty he was, so… yeah. It was probably pretty obvious.

“Mmhmm, g’night Tyson.” Kacey just grinned.

Back in his room, locking the door, AJ was curled up in bed wearing Tyson’s shirt. It was a sight he never grew tired of. After sharing the glass of water, Tyson played the big spoon. The little spoon could feel the big spoon around her giggling. Twisting around, she needed to find out what was going on. The grin on Tyson’s face was huge.

“That was the first time I’ve ever done that in this room. Glad it was with you.”

“Really Tys? You’ve never before in here? I mean I don’t want to hear about your sex life before me, because I just don’t, but… seriously?”

“Hockey always came first, and I wasn’t the babe magnet I am now. What can I say?”

AJ rolled her eyes and smiled. “Well I’m glad I was the first in that case.” 

The two kissed a few moments, until AJ resituated herself as the little spoon. The two drifted off quickly in the warmth of the blankets and each other.

Christmas Eve morning, Tyson came back from his shower wearing a horrible (or awesome) sweater covered in little gifts in various colors. AJ had never seen it before, but it screamed Tyson. Dressed and good to go, the family went to Grandma Emily and Grandpa Jim’s to spend the day playing games and getting caught up on the adventures Tyson and AJ had been up to since they last talked. 

AJ’s phone had been incessantly buzzing and had been ignoring it. But it finally got to a point where she had to check what was going on. A number of friends and family were wanting to make sure she was okay… because Buffalo had been hit hard with the weather. Extreme winds and snow caused massive power outages across the city. Tyson was getting similar updates, and he was never more happy than he was right then that she came with him to Edmonton. The news and video clips just kept getting worse and worse.

“So, what happens if you can’t get back to Buffalo?” AJ was legitimately concerned as the Sabres were set to play the Blue Jackets on Tuesday in Columbus. “I’m seeing that the Bills couldn’t get back to town after playing in Chicago. The airport is shut down.”

“I need to keep in contact with the staff, but hopefully we’ll be able to head back on the 26th as planned.”

Surprise plot twist, the airport closed down due to said power outages and snow drifts, slated to reopen on TUESDAY, which was too late for the whole team to fly to Ohio. The storm had now postponed not just the Friday night game, but Tuesday now too. The next game would now be Thursday versus Detroit IN Buffalo.

AJ was doing her best to stay unconcerned about the weather, but she was failing. Not knowing if he’d get in trouble for not making it back in time potentially worried her. Tyson made it out that it wasn’t going to be a big deal though.

To keep her mind occupied elsewhere, the family played some card games and ate all sorts of food all day. Tales were told, baby photos were shared (much to Tyson and Kacey’s chagrin). AJ and Kacey became the champions of four-player cribbage. Grandpa Jim and AJ talked music. Tyson watched, loving how well AJ blended into his family.

As it grew late, the family split up and went back to Laura’s home for the night. And just like the previous year, matching pajamas were worn by all in attendance. Laura even pulled AJ aside before everyone went to bed.

“Last year I told you that you were an honorary Jost. I’m so happy that you’ll be a real one soon enough, that I’m gaining an extra daughter.” Laura hugged AJ tightly. “Merry Christmas, AJ.”

“Merry Christmas, Lau… you know what? No. Merry Christmas, Mom.” AJ hugged Laura just as tight. It didn’t feel weird saying it either.

Tyson caught the whole exchange from the doorway of the kitchen, and the feelings he had further made it obvious that AJ was the one for him. She didn’t take him away from his family, she added to his family. AJ was everything he could ever want. He made sure to express those feelings to AJ as they curled up for the night, wearing matching fleece pajamas and all.

Unlike last year, Tyson was NOT the first one to wake up, in fact, it was Kacey. She wandered the house to see who was awake. As she wandered the hall, Tyson woke up, which set off a chain reaction of AJ then waking up. The kids all went to the kitchen, getting some caffeinated beverages going. Laura was the last to join in, the sounds of the kitchen waking her up. Shortly after, the grandparents arrived, a box of gifts in tow.

AJ felt awkward this year not having gifts for everyone as she did the year before - there was so much happening between the move to Buffalo and having to get back to Minny to pack up the old place - that she just didn’t have a chance to really go shopping. Thankfully though, Tyson had her back and had picked out gifts for everyone, putting both of their names on the “from” line on the tags. 

Realizing she still had the one gift left in her bag, AJ had to pull a Tyson and throw it in a gift bag, and brought it out to the living room.

Tyson of course played Santa, handing out the stockings and gifts to everyone. This year, after last year’s overspending, Tyson did better and did NOT go overboard on gifts, especially since they’d have to pack whatever they received to come back on the plane with them. Tyson was still under the impression that AJ hadn’t had a chance to get him a present, so he was surprised to find the extra gift bag in front of him.

“Well open it, goof.” AJ pushed the bag toward Tyson.

Reaching inside, he found a new leather wallet with a crisp $1 bill in it.

“When did you find this? And… why… a dollar?”

AJ smiled, “ Remember when you were at practice on Thursday? I snuck out early. Also it’s bad luck to give someone a new wallet that’s empty… is that another AJ’s family thing like the pickle ornament?” 

Tyson laughed and nodded, and then pushed a bag to AJ, which held a new Sabres hoodie for her.

Everyone showed off their gifts, thanking each other for everything. While the men cleaned up the living room, the women of the family all went to the kitchen to get dinner ready. As they did so, snow was falling outside, causing a white Christmas for sure. 

This reminded AJ to check in again with what the situation was in Buffalo - and the situation was worse. Originally they were to leave early on the 26th, but then the airport said it was closed until the 27th, and now it was showing that it would open on the 28th at 11am. This was really causing some travel issues. AJ was trying to check flights to other nearby airports and maybe rent a vehicle and drive back, or fly elsewhere and finally get a flight back in on Wednesday once the airport in Buffalo opened again.

And of course, Tyson was just going with the flow. Concerned, yes, but it was all out of his hands. Instead, he saw the silver lining.

With not being able to fly out the 26th now, he had a plan that involved getting bundled up in whatever warm clothes he still had around his mom’s house, and finding some for AJ as well. This actually was easier for her than him - She had a new thick Sabres hoodie, and had packed some warm pants. Tyson ended up stealing another hoodie in her bag, an old Reverse Retro Avalanche hoodie. (Hey, a hoodie is a hoodie, even if it has a logo from two teams ago. Plus… the Avs were her team still, except when they played the Sabres.) After rummaging around in the garage, Tyson emerged with a couple saucer sleds.

“You ready to do this?” 

It was easy to see how excited Tyson was, that childlike silliness back in full force. Grabbing AJ’s hand, he led her (and the rest of the family that was with them) up the street to a park with giant hills, perfect for sledding.

“I think I’m going to be better at this than ice skating, that’s for sure!” AJ laughed as Tyson handed her one of the plastic discs.

At the top of the hill, both situated themselves, leaving Kacey to push AJ, and Laura pushing Tyson, until they started sliding on their own. AJ started picking up speed and started spinning slightly, with Tyson close behind. The shrieks and laughs that were had came to a quick halt when Tyson crashed into AJ, leaving them both laying in the snow at the bottom of the hill.

The giggles started up again between the two. Tyson leaned over to check on AJ, brushing snow and hair out of her smiling face. 

“Love you Eggo.” Tyson gave her a quick kiss, knowing the teasing from Kacey would start any minute.

AJ sat up, feeling her arms and legs to make sure she really was okay. Getting up, she challenged Tyson.

“Last one to the top of the hill has to cook dinner when we get back to Buffalo.” 

With a wink, AJ started running, trudging through the snow.

“HEY NO FAIR you have a head start!” 

Tyson was no match for AJ, especially when he playfully bumped into her and she lost her balance, falling into a drift. Again he checked on her and she pulled him down into it with her. They both finally got up laughing, and held hands (and sleds) getting back to the top of the hill.

Dinner would just have to be a team effort once they got back home.

Chapter 35 can be found at https://at.tumblr.com/brainrattlers/play-it-cool-tyson-jost-35n/v1c63xdvng6q

[lessbians]

ok guys succession confession time: i've started lucid dreaming that I Am Tom Wambsgans. i usually dream in a lot of detail, but this time was different. it was post-TV show, and i was tom just wandering the streets of st. paul, minnesota. i had been divorced from shiv, cut off from the family, and fired from ATN. so i was wandering, no place to go, and i come across this old man. i can't see his face, and i can't seem to get rid of him. he offers me some advice -i dont remember what it is, but initially i just brush it off. eventually, the reality of my circumstances catch up to me and i break down with the old man. we share a California Pizza Kitchen pizza over a garbage can fire. also i'm still wearing the button-up/puffer vest combo. i wake up in a cold sweat, greatful that i'm not actually a middle aged minnesotan man.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"WITH $1.695 IN BANK BEGGAR GOES TO JAIL," Toronto Star. April 11, 1934. Page 3. --- Spurns $10 Fine Option- 'Panhandling His Business' Officer Tells Court ---- Caught panhandling on Scott St. yesterday afternoon when he had $28 in money on him and a bankbook showing 31,695, Joe Bevan, when he appeared in police court to-day, was fined $10 or ten days. He pleaded guilty to the vagrancy charge and took the ten days.

"It must be his business," commented Magistrate Tinker. "He said it was his business," put in the officer who made the arrest.

Begged Twice From Officer For the first time in months the drunks were fewer than the vags and "railroaders." Court attendants suggested the severe rainstorm last night kept the drunks in and forced the others out.

There were five imbibers, ten "wanderers" and eight "rod-riders." When it came to fines being imposed, the drunks narrowed down to one, John O'Leary, who, pleading guilty to a second offence, was assessed $10 or ten days.

"There must have been something wrong with you to stop the same man twice," observed his worship. in the case of Sam Wilson, who, it was charged, went up to an officer twice to beg a meal.

Rode Rods For Fun A "deputation" whose members had gathered from North Bay, Sudbury and Montreal and had come to Toronto via the "rod-riding" route, jolted to a sudden stop in court. Each was fined $10 or five days.

The "members," Charles Berville, Paul Guellitte, Walter Desaultier. Laurent Robillard, Joe Gannon and Harry Carson, admitted they were riding "just for fun."

"He makes a habit of it," said an officer, referring to Norman Dawds. a youth, charged with stealing a ride. He was picked off an engine tender "It will be $2 or five days," ruled the bench.

Jack McDonald told the court he had beaten his way from Fort William and was going to Nova Scotia. where his home is.

"I want a chance to go there," he pleaded. The bench decided to help him on his way.

Stole Clothes From Car Pleading guilty to theft of a box containing clothing from a parked car, John Delaney, with a record, was sentenced to 60 days in jail. "I plead guilty, but I don't remember much about it." said accused.

"I was drunk. I hadn't had a drink for nine months, then I took one."

"You just broke out again, is that it queried Magistrate Jones. "Yes, sir."

An officer testified he apprehended Delaney on Shuter St. yesterday, when he was carrying the parcel and could not give a suitable explanation.

"He may have been drinking, but I wouldn't say he was drunk," added the officer.

"Have you a job?" queried the bench.

"He wouldn't work if he did," retorted the crown.

Harry (Hector) MacDonald was changed with theft of two leather coats from a Yonge St. sporting goods store. He had a long record, but with his pleas and those of Crown Attorney F. I. Malone he was put on probation for six months.

"Can you keep it out of the papers?" was his last request. "Say. what's the matter with you," shouted the crown. "You will be be wanting a medal pinned on you next."

Accused made a hurried exit. He had pleaded guilty to the charge.

"Someone told me that a man had taken two coats from the store," said an employee. "I beat it out after him and chased him, but failed to catch up. He dropped the coats behind a car in a lane."

"I was drunk," pleaded accused. He asked for a chance because he said he had been working hard by selling cakes from door to door, trying to earn a living. He also said that his mother was on her deathbed and had been for a year.

"I would like to - " began the crown. Accused broke in with a further flow of pleas. "Shut up," declared Mr. Malone. "Here I am trying to keep you out of jail, and you are trying to get in." McDonald shut up.

"Oh, well, we will keep you away from liquor for six months, so you won't kill your mother," sighed Mr. Jones. "Probation for six months."

Charged With Robbing Benefactress "A very mean trick," commented his worship, after Mrs. H. Cameron told how Robert Oldrick, a boarder at her house, had taken $15 of hers to gamble.

She said that for months she had kept accused at her house free of charge and treated him as one of the family. Knowing where she kept her money, he had gone there and taken $15 with which he gambled. He lost it all, she added.

"I think I will remand him a week for sentence so I can think it over." decided the bench.

Investigate Mystery Motorcycle They had been riding on a motorcycle and, having run out of gasoline, had stopped at the service station at Broadway and Mount Pleas- ant, said Frark Allaan and John Brunskill, explaining a charge theft of gasoline. They had the money to get it, but as no one was there, they were taking it, they said.

However, Brunskill, who was driving, couldn't explain whose motorcycle it was, and as a result they were remanded until April 18 for investigation.

"I don't believe them." remarked the crown-attorney.

An officer told the court that at 1 a.m. last night he had caught accused at the filling station taking some gasoline. "Where did you get the motorcycle?" demanded the crown. belongs to a friend of mine." "It replied Brunskill. "I was repairing it for him."

"What is the friend's name?" "I don't know."

"Something funny about this," commented the crown.

Tried Trick Too Often "Just a slave to habit," sighed the bench as Cecil Snyder came up on a fraud charge.

Accused was charged with getting. on April 10, two packages of cigarettes by false pretences from a chain drug store on Bloor W.

"He gave us a big order of drugs to be sent to a fictitious address," said a store employee. "On the strength of the order, he asked for a package of cigarettes. He did that twice."

Accused said he came from Kitchener, and he expressed a desire to get back there. He will be helped on his way by the court.

Showed Them Because he had to show two Montreal "tough guys" what he could do before they took him into their confidence, is allegedly what Frank Woodchurch, charged jointly with William Kryznowsky, 17, with attempted theft, told police, explaining why he did it.

"You are a bad boy," commented the bench, noting a bad record. "You aren't fit for the reformatory: you should go to the penitentiary. I will remand both of you until Tuesday to think you over.'

Accused's arrest was the sequel to a chase along University Ave, a week ago, in which a janitor, news boy and taximan participated.

It is charged defendants broke into a showcase operated by the Canadian Institute for the Blind, in the Canadian National Express building. south of the Union station, and attempted to get away with about 37 in cigars, cigarettes and chiclets.

T. C. McCracken, an elderly man, almost completely blind, told the court he had locked the stand up the night previous.

"I went to the stand at eight in the morning," he testified. "The plate glass window was smashed and goods, cigarettes, cigars and chicklets, to the value of $7, were missing."

"I was sweeping up the floor on the third storey when at about 9.35 p.m. I heard a crash," declared John Lewka, janitor in the Canadian National Express building. "I hurried downstairs and saw two boys putting their hands through the showcase window and taking cigars and cigarettes. Woodchuk ran away but I grabbed the other. He pushed me and got away. I chased them, and as they ran they threw cigarettes and other stuff along the wayside. One of them threw a small hammer away." It was produced.

He told the court that a taximan and a newsboy joined in the chase and apprehended accused behind a church a few blocks from the scene of the break-in.

"I heard someone yell 'stop thief"," testified Charles Freeman, a taxi driver. "I saw two boys running up York St., just in front of me. I and another boy joined in the chase and we caught them." He said that as he drove accused

to the station, Woodchuk threw the "jimmy" out of his cab window. "Woodchuk had been drinking." testified Det. Mumberson. "He said that two 'tough guys' had come from Montreal and that he had to show what he could do before they would take him into their confidence."

It was said that Kryznowsky took the hammer from a fruit store.

"Woodchuk wasn't with me in the building," he said. "I met him after I had come out."

He denied knowledge of being chased by anyone on the night, "Were you born in Canada?" questioned Magistrate Jones. "Yes."

"Too bad, I was hoping I could send you back to some place, Poland for instance." Woodchuk wanted to give evidence despite the fact he was told it was unnecessary.

"I had a pint of whiskey and I gave some to 'Bill.'" stated Woodchuk. "What!" exploded the bench. "You are liable to a month in jail before going any further, because you gave liquor to a boy 17 years old."

He said he met Kryznowsky, whom he knew, after the latter had been in the building. He had a record, it was brought out.

"You are walking down the ladder of crime," commented the crown.. Party Noisy, Found Beer Visiting a noisy party on Bloor St., last Saturday, P.C. Coulson discovered several men consuming beer.

Not having a permit, Walter Marko was assessed $25 or 30 days, being convicted of having illegally.

A bottle of beer found in an automobile on Yonge St. to-day cost Cecil Williams $15 to prevent him going to jail for 10 days on a B.L.C.A. conviction. "He had been drinking." an officer stated.

The Ritholtz Optical Co., appearing for judgment upon two charges of breach of the Optometry Act. were dismissed by Magistrate Browne who considered the evidence insufficient to warrant a conviction in either case.

Counsel for the optometry board intimated he would appeal the decision, asking his worship for a stated case.

"It's a wet morning, isn't it?" Magistrate Browne remarked when Fred May pleaded guilty to having a bottle of gin in his truck on College St. last night.

"I think the label is fictitious." P.C. Kerr stated.

May swore he bought the liquor for $2 from Israel Greenberg, who was then charged with keeping for sale.

P.C. Shaughnessy stated a large amount of liquid and a number of fictitious labels had been discovered.

Bail of $1,000 was allowed in the case of Greenberg, who was remanded to April 19 for trial. May was remanded to the same date under a $75 bond.

Won't Admit Kegs Hold Beer Eight four-gallon kegs of beer were seized in a garage on Spadina Ave, P.C. Baker told the court in charging Joseph Mintz with having liquor illegally.

Pleading not guilty. Mintz stated the kegs had been purchased under the name of the Jewish Barber Association, who were holding a party in the near future.

He would not admit it was beer, however, and was remanded to April 18 so the contents of the kegs could be analyzed.

L. Metstein and Benjamin Cohen. said to be members of the association. were jointly charged and bound over till the same date.

Shies off Friday the 13th His case being tried on Friday the 13th did not worry Tom O'Connor, acting as defence counsel for Joseph Woods, who faced a charge of reckless driving.

"It doesn't worry me and I am sure Magistrate Browne can control the fates that day," he commented.

Joseph, however, said he would rather be tried on the 17th and the case was remanded to that date. The 13th will be a heavy day in the police courts, according to an official.

[daysofsamdandtime]

Day 10

Starting another day with another stop at a new bakery I made my way down to the National Theatre. I’d decided to book in for the tour again which again was really interesting and definitely went places that were unavailable last time I had done it. The guide did keep getting slightly off topic but he had a lot of knowledge of the workings of the theatre and history of the National.

As the tour ended I was off for a short walk to the same building. Catching the matinee of London Tide, based on Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend. The show was quite striking, with technical elements galore, I found the constant movement of the lighting bars a bit overkill and distracting, not adding to the piece as they were constantly in motion. The ability to swell the deck of the stage like the river was impressive and sparingly used. This was a play with a few too many songs, something I never thought I’d say. It was an interesting piece with a good story but I found that the songs were disjointed from the text of the play and lyrically weaker. It could’ve done with a few less, or just the instrumental underscoring.

As I was back on south bank I stopped back into the Tate Modern to see one of the exhibitions - Yoko Ono, Music of the Mind. As expected it was beautifully bizarre, humorous and unexpected. Not knowing much about her work as an artist it was interesting to see the scope of her works in some chronology. The painting to be constructed on your head series was interesting, framed notes of what to imagine/do.

Stopping for a quick dinner by St Paul’s as the sun shone before the evening show of Kiss Me, Kate at the Barbican. The Barbican centre is enormous. Kiss Me, Kate was wonderful, it is just very clever and the score is excellent. I couldn’t help compare it to the memory of the Broadway Revival I saw a few years back with Kelli O’Hara. Stephanie J Block was such a different Kate/Lily with an excellent supporting cast, the choreography for It’s Too Darn Hot and Bianca were highlights.

The safety curtain/act drop in this theatre was unlike one I’ve seen, it was a wall that came up and down like a mouth.

[blogger360ncislarules]

Growing up in St. Charles, Illinois, Dallas Jenkins was not the child who was restless while sitting in the pews of church during a long service or in a classroom learning about the Bible. In fact, he was invigorated by Scripture lessons. And the Evangelical Christian, who would end up creating spiritual megahit The Chosen, always asked lots of questions.

Jenkins remembers seeing classic imagery of Jesus Christ while in classes, where the Son of God was dressed in immaculate white and blue robes on flannelgraph and picture books (so unlike The Chosen’s scruffy Savior, played by Jonathan Roumie). “He was just a big, smiling guy, and all the disciples are these old, bearded dudes,” the 48-year-old recalls. “But I was the one in class [asking], ‘What would it be like playing cards against Jesus? He always knows what you have! What would it be like to play sports with Jesus or to sit around a campfire [with Him]?’”

Now, Jenkins has brought those questions to life. The Chosen’s Jesus shares campfires with His Apostles and even joins in on a catching game with His hometown friends in Season 3. Maybe in Season 4 they can play the 1st century version of Go Fish?

(Credit: The Chosen)

Telling stories is in Jenkins’ blood, after all. He’s the son of prolific Christian author and New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, who has written over 200 books, including the Left Behind series (with coauthor Tim LaHaye) and three Chosen novelizations. Besides inheriting what Jenkins calls “the storytelling gene” from his father, inspiration was also found on the big screen, he notes, citing a moment from his high school years when he first saw the 1975 Jack Nicholson drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. “I was watching it, moved, with tears in my eyes, and I thought, ‘I want to do that.’ If I can arouse in viewers the kind of reaction that this did for me, maybe I could have some impact.”

After studying media and the Bible at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul and marrying his wife Amanda (the couple now have four children), Jenkins had some early career stumbles, and his first major feature, 2017 feel-good film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, was a financial flop. He took his biggest — and most successful — swing when he created The Chosen.

The goal was to present a faithful Jesus who also felt fresh — unlike the one-dimensional Christ he encountered as a young Christian. “I grew up seeing a lot of portrayals of Jesus, a lot of paintings and stained-glass windows that didn’t feel very authentic,” he notes. The Chosen’s Jesus not only cracks jokes with a big grin, but He broods and gets emotional. And viewers see more than just the final results of His miracles — we see Him at work. Adds Jenkins: “The Chosen does not shy away from the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, capable of doing miracles.”

Jenkins also works some miracles of his own. In addition to being the show’s creator and an executive producer, he writes every episode with cowriters Tyler Thompson and Ryan Johnson (often in the wee hours) and, as if that wasn’t enough, he also directs every single episode. “I’m a bit of a control freak, so that’s part of it,” he says with a laugh. But it wasn’t ego or vanity that led him to helm each hour of the series. “I just felt like it was important for the show to have one voice and to be cohesive, because we shoot it like one big narrative,” he says, referencing recent prestige dramas with one mind at the wheel like Big Little Lies and The White Lotus. “We don’t shoot it episode by episode.”

And as busy as he is behind the scenes, Jenkins also steps in front of the camera for The Chosen’s seemingly never-ending fountain of social media and video content — from showing off the latest swag (sweatshirts! coffee mugs!) to interviewing his own cast about their experiences on set. Might we see the charismatic creative in a role on the biblical drama? Don’t hold your breath. “If you saw me in the background, it would feel like, ‘OK, there’s Dallas trying to talk to us about crowdfunding Season 5 right in the middle of this [episode],’” Jenkins says. “I’m comfortable just keeping that in the studio.”

That’s probably a good thing, since the busy creator definitely needs some time to unwind. “I really do need to rest more,” Jenkins agrees. “It’s not the physical exhaustion of [making the show], although that is tiring. I’ve got a lot of energy. But I need to take more mental breaks and more spiritual breaks, so I’m not just spending time telling stories about Jesus. Sometimes I need to spend time with Him.”

[suspiciousriver]

At the Gas Station

The patchwork quilt is this:

a Navajo, a pal, a Ronald Reagan,

Two baritone boys, and an alcoholic.

Spanish, plaid, orange juice, white noise,

Criterion, draping my legs over Paul’s

knees and his playful tap.

Me and my friends and we’re chugging beer,

Sky shows up and she was a friend from my childhood

And she plays pool with her boyfriend

and they’re the type that Neo opens the door to.

I bought two gray rabbits at King’s Thrift

And I positioned them to touch noses.

Two black eyes and their noses kissing

on a bookcase and when I sat on the couch

I began to think of them as a camera.

I painted the one rabbit pink with flowers

and left the other one gray.

I looked to the left and their eyes were

Cold-black and chill-haunted.

This is how we taunt: with helicopters

and invisible cameras and a surveilled

Boob light.

No one believes that Paul and I were

that tight.

Zach gives me two objects:

A Gameboy and a wind-up mouth toy,

You twist it and it chatters and jumps

Downstairs. I have too many lost objects to count.

I had three chests that I kept by the door.

A trophy from my debate days.

I was neatly clipped.

He was neatly tipped.

I am too tired to talk.

It’s too dark to walk.

I’m better suited for flourescent-white, sterile,

spandex environments anyway.

I have seen this before:

Mother-rape-son. He had a right to roll

his eyes. African man with angry eyes

I’m trying to tell you:

Maybe when I look in the mirror I see a face that’s better suited for darkness, or lamps, and that scares me — the sun can be so critical.

I don’t always feel deserving of it.

Ever catch a sun ray so pure and warm it sets your heart on fire? I chase that feeling daily. I chase warmth daily.

Love is a form of knowledge,

which I think it is.

We share blue eyeliner.

You’re a thought in your own head, honey.

Will a Twisted tea fix this?

It won’t.

It’s all hidden crackhead knowledge.

These are the treats.

Every day

boiled eggs.

Castro visited Utah and the truck

newspapers. Rich!

That was genuine disgust

Because I looked like a

mullet-Malcom-X-Nazi-whore.

The Asian doctor sniffed my crotch

And said, “You’re really being released

with all of that baggage?”

Fuck you. This is why he ran.

St. George man and I ride the same

wavelength. He was trying to maintain

his sanity.

They flock around Derrick's slit neck

and I am so grief-ridden that I kicked

him. I did not want to escalate.

Is he alive? South Korea Ender’s Game dude

and his robotic voice cracked into my skull:

I am thinking about sex.

This is why I cannot sleep.

He’s 32. You’re nothing. You’re everything.

Give it to Gina: I looked trashy as hell.

Can you act black for a second?

What does Cuba represent?

Not Adrian. Not Adrienne.

Pizza gate: I am politely telling you,

I do not have that disease.

Thank you. It was Isaiah’s parakeet,

and the Bible. I am politely

asking you to show me your 7 cults.

I am asking you to FaceTime my husband

and his dirty beard and a seatbelt.

Day Two, they helped strap

me to a gurney and I was secured.

We like to drop hints: Sunglasses and something is seriously wrong

with the lifeboat. It was his ball sweat and a dog named Cujo.

My father/crack was a child. My father thinks I’m ugly.

It’s about time we met each other

for real. I resisted those journals for two years

because he Ultra-Blued his way onto my couch.

A big treat from the nice girl, pink soap.

I was smelly. I was brown. Here are your affirmation

cards: World-War-3. I should have

invited Shane(heroin)and my mother(meth)

to share the same couch. I had to snip

my chlorine hair because it was locking.

California is the deep fake. Home box office

recession. Century 16. Who can pretend to be the

most grateful for a chicken leg? I was.

me and a denim coat. Artificially intelligent

and let’s keep shit on TikTok. I met you through

MF Doom and Tupac. The world’s worst violent arm

length and fishing for work. Pork! I want to eat you.

Toasters and fake forks and that twitch.

It’s mine. I want small work. Here is the crystal cage.

Men are obsessed with my militantly tight pussy

and masked men keep shit loud. I don’t know why you don’t finger yourself

I want you! That was a real treat from Joe. I want to sever three red ties.

The blonde. The host. The pace. MINUS 3 POINTS: BACK TO JAZZ.

He lashes his own back like Jesus

and I cannot help him there.

That was her favorite hiss.