#cherine protects

[smittenskitten]

[hatchetation]

I’ll be the first to say that in many ways, show me love the series is a fucking mess. The writing is uneven, the editing is GODAWFUL, and there are tons of gaping plot holes 🕳️

But I’ve continued to watch and I think there are a few reasons why even if you don’t watch, it’s worth thinking about how this series fits into the larger landscape of queer media. First off, I am a shallow lesbian and I’ll never say no to women kissing women on my tv screen 🤷‍♀️ Second, I am p confident that this show is gong to give Meena and Cherine a happy ending, and a happy ending for queer women on tv is still revolutionary! Third, this show has heart and warmth despite its many flaws. Many people have put a lot of care into the show and that does come through despite everything. Fourth, I’ve watched a lot of terrible shows and movies featuring lesbians and it has allowed me to look past superficial flaws (often due to a low budget) and at the heart of the story being told. And this story, although not the height of sophistication, is fun and trope-y and at its best is like the show equivalent of cotton candy. Fifth, this is a Thai show that normalizes queerness and brings visibility to wlw in Thailand, a country where gay marriage and unions of any kind aren’t legalized.

Finally, and perhaps most interesting to me, is that this show is an offshoot of the Miss Grand Thailand beauty pageant and in many ways acts as an advertisement for them. I’ve never been into beauty pageants and frankly my stereotypical view of them has been that they are bastions of misogyny, patriarchy, and the objectification of women. If lesbians exist in the world of the beauty pageant, I’ve always imagined it was to perform for the male gaze. And yet this show is aimed squarely at queer women!! It portrays the beauty pageant as a hot bed of lesbian activity and queerness is very normalized in the world of the show. And in the real world of Miss Grand Thailand, the lead actors and the possible romance between them are the face of the pageant. The show doesn’t critique beauty pageants in any way (it really isn’t equipped to do so), but the very act of aiming itself at queer women is subversive.

[stesierra]

Sorry to disappear, guys. Things have been crazy over here. But I am surviving! My brain is just mush. So here's a tag game to get me back to thinking about my WIPs.

@fishythewriter tagged me!

My words are: Bone, Soul, Knife, and Blood. I'm drawing from Court Phoenix. I'm tagging @macabremoons and anyone else interested with the words moon, frail and death.

Bone

Chujulan’s hands settled on my shoulders. “Kerra? What’s wrong?”

“I saw a ghost,” I croaked. Our shaman had warned us often of these daylight demons. They had no power to possess or hurt at night, but by day they were a constant threat. When she was alive, she’d prevented such dangerous spirits from entering our lands. Now that she was dead, my village lay vulnerable. And I had no protections from them at all.

The princess’s grip turned painful, her nails digging through my shirt. “Impossible. Ghosts aren’t real.”

“The city doesn’t believe in ghosts?” How stupid were they?

She snorted. “The others are obsessed with them. But I refuse to hide myself from the sun or cower behind the city’s wards because of them.”

Was that why the city-folk always visited our village at night? Because they were afraid of encountering ghosts?

“And if ghosts exist, why did I see nothing?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But the sun had half-blinded me, and in those blind spots, it appeared.”

"You saw a ghost in after-images of the sun?"

Her doubt irked me. “The dead don't have bodies. If they want to make themselves known, they have to make do with whatever nature provides, unless they possess a human or animal. That's what our shaman said.”

Her hands released my shoulders. “Maybe. I don't know much about loose spirits.”

“Why not?”

“The city is warded. Nothing without a body can exist there. Nothing possessed can walk through.”

I nodded. It wasn't dissimilar to what our shamans did. At home those wards were caught up in little bundles of bird bones or in blessings written in the corners of our paper windows. “But don't you all tell stories about them? About wandering spirits and lost souls?”

“The only tales we tell of ghosts are warnings. The only wanderers we care about are those who wander for a reason.”

“A reason?”

“Revenge.”

Soul

I went to bed, but it didn’t help. Whenever I was awake, my head and muscles tormented me, as though both were about to crumble to pieces like rotted wood, and my heart fluttered in my chest, too weak and too fast. When I dreamed, it was of my village on the other side of a great chasm, grayed to a ghost by smoke. I moved away from it, as if I stood on the walking city’s edge as it roamed across the steppe. I couldn’t jump off or run to it. I could only watch it vanish in the distance. And I woke with tears in my eyes and a horrible emptiness in my soul. My father’s words echoed in my mind: “If you move to Skyfire, the city will sink its barbs into your soul. Your anchor will be torn from the earth. And you’ll fade to nothing and die.”

I tried to tell myself this was just some disease common to the city folk. But as I burrowed under my blankets, I knew it wasn’t. I didn’t get sick, not like my non-magical siblings, and I’d never felt so empty. Maybe my father was right; maybe I was dying, and by now I was so far from my village I would never find my way back. And I didn’t want to go back. I wanted to live here with Hes, wanted to rise to become someone important the way a blacksmith never would.

Knife

Chujulan frowned. “Go to bed,” she advised. “You look like shit.”

“What do you care?” I muttered, too sick to care about manners.

She cocked her head at me. “You remind me of someone.”

Something about her tone made me look up. I couldn’t read the expression on her face. “Who?”

She didn’t answer for a minute. Then she said softly, “Her name was Cherin. In our ancient tongue, it means 'long-life' and is given to bring good fortune.” Her lips twisted in a not-smile.

“I take it she got neither.”

“No,” Chujulan said. “She died on the surgeon's table. She was only fifteen. And just starting her menses, although it was late.”

“Was she another landbound?” I asked, still bewildered by her interest.

“She was my only full-blooded sibling.”

“Oh. I'm sorry.” What else was there to say? “Why did she have to go under the knife?”

Chujulan's brows lifted. “She had her menses.”

I tried, “And that made her... sick?”

Her humorless laugh jabbed like a needle. “You’re so ignorant, Kerra. You’ll never survive in this city if you don’t learn.”

My face flushed hot. “Then tell me what you mean. How else am I supposed to learn anything?”

Her smile bent in all the wrong ways. “Listen to the gossip. You’ll find it anywhere. The day-wakers love to talk about us. Almost as much as the lordly.”

“You mean about the rials?”

“Who else? To speak lightly of sagan or regalie is to court ruin. But what are his bastards but dogs on a leash?”

“I am pretty sure you could have most of them killed.”

“Not lightly, not citizens, not unless I wanted to justify it to my father's judge and risk my high position at his side. So they watch and talk. And if a rial, upon reaching puberty, is plied with drugs and liquor and carried away, they place bets on whether she will ever return.”

I was fascinated despite my headache. “You came back.”

“Yes, because I didn't die.”

“Where did they take you?”

She shrugged, a hand running across iron chair beneath her. “To the surgeons, as I said. It's a safe procedure for boys — the city has made eunuchs for as long as it's castrated deer bulls. But we women they must cut open and gut like a rabbit, pulling out the bits they don't like. When Cherin,” she said and paused. “When my sister went under the knife, she died before they even stitched her back up.”

It was a nightmare story, and one I simply could not comprehend. I whispered, “Which bits did they take?”

“The womb. The tissues associated with it. Everything needed to bear a child.”

"Why?" I blurted.

“As long as we are sterile, we cannot seek to claim the herd throne. No one would back a contender without hope of heirs.”

“They think you'll try to rule otherwise?”

“The sagans have always feared a coup, sometimes even rightly. So they have seen that no rial will ever spark a civil war, nor serve as a lordly's figurehead.”

Blood

“The Ferd-Marshal sent you a note,” the girl said as I inspected the garment. She held out a sheet of paper.

What in the world was a Ferd-Marshal? I put the outfit down on the pile and said, “I can’t read.”

She stared at me, as though I’d declared that I could fly. I refused to be embarrassed. I was a villager, not a city-woman, and we didn’t write things down.

She said finally, “I’ll read it to you.” The girl smoothed her fingers over the paper.

“Kerra,

This should be delivered with your new outfits. They’re fireproof, so Heslibra shouldn’t be able to turn you into a torch any longer. Wear them every day and forget your old clothes. This is your costume now. Clothes and makeup are a language you’ll need to learn to read. Lying about your status by wearing the wrong outfit or eyeliner is a capital crime. So stick with what I’ve sent you.

If the Breaker of Legends summons you — and he will — tell him the sagan says you answer to Batoktoa directly and not to him. He’s insufferable.”

Chujulan had written this. She must have. So she was the Ferd-Marshal, whatever that meant.

The girl folded up the note and dropped it on my table, as if I had any use for it. As she turned to leave, I blurted, “Can you arrange for a new mattress and blankets to be brought here? I don’t know who else to ask.”

She frowned at me. “What’s wrong with the ones you already have?”

I choked on words for a moment. “They’re covered with blood! Someone died in that bed, and I’m not sleeping on it!”

“Oh,” she said, looking at the door to the bedroom with wide eyes. “I thought they cleaned that up.”

“Well, they didn’t, whoever they are. Can you arrange for a bed or not?”

The girl pursed her lips. “I suppose. Something will arrive before morning.”

Before morning, because the city-folk stayed awake all night and slept all day. This place was clearly mad.

Tag list for everything

@anonymousfoz

@moremysteriesthantragedies

@elizababie

@sm-writes-chaos

@bellascarousel

@palebdot

@macabremoons

@the-dragon-chronicler

@teacupsandstarlight

@vorskra

@wrenofthewords

@amostdelectablescribbler

@savvy-minnow

@mysticstarlightduck

@phantommill

@gracewritesbooks

@aziz-reads

@owlsandwich

@symbioticsimplicity

@squarebracket-trick

@fishythewriter

@koala2all

@rmgrey-author

Just chapters and snippets

@da-na-hae

[writerfae]

So, so—the moodboard was really amazing (I queued it, so it should reblog soon) but am I allowed to ask for another oc? Because it was so pretty, and I don’t want to forget (goldfish memory), but like you can totally ignore this ask if you want (seriously no pressure)

But if another moodboard is an option 👉🏼👈🏼 I have more ocs from the same WIP.

Can I do Juni and Emiko? They are friends who are fake dating (fake dating, but since aroace fr only friends). Juni and Emiko are both out for revenge for losing their childhoods to the villain, Cherine.

As for character facts/symbolism. Juni really likes to read too, knowledge is power sort of mentality. He is full of secrets that he keeps. These secrets keep him safe from being vulnerable, but also in his mind protect others. He views himself as a traitor, because as a child he helped the villain against his own. Junichiro is also disabled, so he uses either a wheelchair or a crutch. Some things I associate with Juni are books, his mobility aids, the word secret, chocolates (it’s his fave food), and water. He’s sort of like a river that flows where it’s needed. A stream that can turn into a roaring river. Someone who is soft and strong. You could say he’s like a dam waiting to be released.

Emiko was also forced to work with the villain! Fun facts, they are half-sisters. Emiko befriends Juni, as they make plans to escape and help the family they’re supposed to betray. Emiko has a fiery personality that isn’t afraid to be harsh to get what she wants. Symbolism I associate with her is uncontrolled fire, daggers, shattered mirrors/glass, and white roses or anything else that symbolizes death.

Basically, both characters are trying to work to right the wrongs of the villain, Cherine. They are also each other’s secret keepers—as they guard their past to one another’s family members. If Juni is carefully laying out the oil in the field, then Emiko is lighting the match. A lot of their arc revolves around secrets, rebellion, cleansing, and forgiveness (as in forgiving themselves).

That was a bit of a ramble, but thank you again! (You are so cool and amazing!)

I’m glad you liked the moodboard I made for you! I ran out of requests by now so I had time for another one for you, so here’s a Juni and Emiko’s moodboard :)

Here we have Juni and Emiko, @my-cursed-prince's OCs

[claarine]

❥ ⿴ 𝖲𝗉𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗄 . . . _?! 𝟶𝟷

Answers.

Menurutku semua anak Manhattan vibesnya positif karena nggak ada yang julid atau ngomongin jelek soal orang lain. Jadi aku pilih semuanya positif!

"Sometimes life isn't always going in your way. All the ups and downs are to make you grow, learn and become stronger."

Jennie Kim.

@Taohyung, my roman empire.

How can I love the heartbreak when you are the one I want? — Akmu

Bertemu orang-orang aneh.

Asking basic questions so I could see through their answers. I can tell whether we are match or not.

She is an all-rounder, an Ace, multitalented idol.

Sleep, trying to have fun by myself, sleep again, listening to my playlist 24/7.

Cek jawaban nomor 5!

Nggak ada sih...

PASTINYA JOIN. In fact, i couldn’t wait for the second season and what are they gonna bring to the table.

Pengen deket sama semuanya!

I think everyone did a good job portraying their muse, but I am gonna say my bf Taohyung, Clai cyizhuo and Miu bdanielle.

Semuanyaaaa!

Axelio Theodore Evans.

🍷 w/ my boyfriend

All of them are cool and give off different vibes. Jenny with her jamet vibes, Chuck with his random vibe, Serena with her enjoyable personality, Dan with his barely show up vibes and Blair with her mother vibe.

{is tagging Havian!}

Sadgirl : Yejdi — Sadboy : Yoonovh

Cantik : Semua cewek. Ganteng : Taohyung

Azel, Yosh, Havian, Cherine, Cer, Osi!

Azeeeel!

Taohyung

Azel.. 😭

I... don't know? I have never done that. I mean, why would i chase? I never chase...

I believe there is nothing impossible in this world. Unless that person already has someone special, why not try to shoot your shot? Or else, yaudah lupain aja.

The one for Vogue Korea which just release awhile ago.

No one. I love being myself.

I think mencuri username teman dekat sendiri is the peak of weird.

The way they handle a problem, the way they explain things, their personality and how they react to other people.

I think I had, once. How to handle it? I get rid of it.

Play.

My boyfriend and 777 girlies.

Nope. It is what it is.

To be loved by my current boyfriend. I have never felt so much love before and now i get a chance to feel it. How lucky i am.

Someone manipulative. 🥱

To be involved with those devils. Ewh.

Jadian sama pacarku sekarang.

SAYAAAAANG BANGET. I love Jennie so much, I will protect her no matter what.

They did a very good job!

All the positive vibes, no julid, no drama, no cepu.

Yinjoo, myvui, Osi.

Reuby, Vickoy, Janer, akun CA.

Look at 37.

My boyfriend, My Axelio.

I miss my boyfriend. That's all.

I hate my bf.

I don’t play anything since {i am at work}

I don't even have one. 🥰

Have a chat with my boyfriend, doing lovey-dovey, cuddle, kiss, etc.

Mie pedes setiap hari juga engga apa sih. Or nasi goreng yang pedes sama telur! Uhm yummy.

My boyfriend, my 777 girls, my fams.

(Attached.)

To meet all the good people here, to meet my boyfriend and be in so much love with him. To love and to be loved.

Amazing!

I am so lucky to have you in my life and i never once stop loving you. I hope for the only happiness that surrounds our path, Taohyung.

Sherlock Holmes BBC version!

Skip time and take a look at my future obviously. I was wondering what am I in the future.

Silent... A big silence. And sleep.

[lebaronlordking]

Saturday Afternoon Reggae Show DJ LeBaron Lord King lebaron@kpoo.com

March 23, 2024

#SaturdayAfternoonReggaeShow

4:00 PM Busy Signal - Carta 4:03 PM Dub-Stuy - Nah Sell Out 4:06 PM Vybz Kartel - Step 4:09 PM Dezarie - Ghettos of Babylon 4:13 PM Koffee - Toast 4:15 PM Luciano - True to the Music 4:19 PM Young Garvey - War 4:23 PM Kabaka Pyramid & Tifa - Mr. Rastaman 4:31 PM Blackout JA & Coozie Mellers - Protect the Children 4:35 PM Cherine Anderson - One By One 4:38 PM Samory I - Outside 4:42 PM Eek A Mouse - African Children 4:45 PM Irie Souljah - Jah Jah Children Rise up 4:49 PM Lutan Fyah - Spliff Tail 4:54 PM Truesounds - Tired 4:57 PM The Wailers - Three Little Birds 5:00 PM Proteje - Late At Night 5:04 PM Buju Banton - These Streets Know My Name 5:09 PM King Kong - Morning 5:12 PM Damian Marley - Speak Life 5:17 PM Cedric Myton - Rat Trap 5:20 PM Skip Marley - That's Not True 5:27 PM Pasnbesa - Rythym of Life 5:32 PM Koffee - Rapture 5:35 PM Lila Iké - Dinero 5:38 PM Matisyahu - Sunshine 5:42 PM Sean Paul - No Fear 5:45 PM Snoop Lion - Smoke the Weed 5:49 PM Earl 16 & Manasseh - Walls of the City 5:52 PM The Wailers - Turn Your Lights Down Low 5:57 PM Eesah - Hold A Vibe 6:00 PM Love Joys - Stranger 6:07 PM Alton Ellis - Pearls 6:09 PM Matisyahu - Love Born 6:15 PM Ikaya - Stuck In The Middle 6:18 PM Lila Iké - Good & Great 6:27 PM Luciano - I Wish I Was There 6:31 PM Barrington Levy - Black Roses 6:35 PM Mykal Rose - Glory to Jah 6:38 PM Errol Dunkley - Black Cinderella 6:41 PM Roots of Creation - Light it Up 6:54 PM Khalia - Wild Fire 6:57 PM Jah Cure - You Can't See My Soul

[cherinefakhry]

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When you shop designer dresses online, it can be a rewarding experience when you approach them with careful consideration and these practical tips in mind. By following these guidelines, you can confidently find the perfect designer dress for any occasion, whether casual or glamorous red carpet event.

Cherine Fakhry can be your one-stop destination for online designer dress shopping. They have everything you need in your wardrobe.

Originally Published At: https://cherinefakhry.blogspot.com/2023/10/online-shopping-tips-finding-perfect.html

[lubdubsworld]

Insatiable ( Jungkook x Oc ) Chapter 4

Pairing : Jeon Jungkook x OC

Rating 18+

Genre : Vampire Au!!!! , DILF! Jungkook ! Bodyguard AU! Babysitter OC!   Age difference!!! 

Chapter 1   Chapter 2  Chapter 3

Chapter 4

“Dearest, I am  appalled. “ My father said apologetically. “ Jungkook told me what happened at the dinner and I’m beginning to rethink this whole idea. These pups need to be on a leash , if they cannot control themselves to this extent.” 

I was curled up on the couch next to my dad, his fingers gently stroking my hair while he stared at the screen in front of us. It carried all the accounts of the mansion for the week and the numbers made my head swim . So I ignored it, eating the freshly baked macarons that  cook had sent up from the kitchen. 

My father occasionally consulted from a bunch of files spread out on the table in front of him and I shuddered again when I thought about Mingyu. 

“He was an awful choice father. I should have just told you to set things up with Yugyeom.” I grimaced. 

My father nodded at once.

“Of course dearest, I’ll talk to him myself and see if he’s free this weekend. Will that work for you?”

“thank you father.” I said brightly, curling up next to him.

For a few minutes, we both stayed quiet, him humming as he leafed through the files, me munching on a few ripe tangerine pieces. 

“What do you think of Jungkook?” My father said suddenly, making me cough. 

I swallowed, throat dry.

My father felt me stiffen against him and he chuckled. 

“Don’t panic, love. I am way too old not to recognize heartache when I see it. Especially in my own daughter. Your display at the breakfast table yesterday was quite unlike you and I realized, it’s not just a silly infatuation anymore, is it  ? ” He rubbed the back of his fingers on my cheek, soothing and gentle. 

I didn’t reply. 

“I think he’s a good...man.” I finished.

“Ahhh...” My father chuckled. “  Man.  Here I am , trying to foist you off on boys who’ve barely popped their fangs for the first time .... when it is obvious that what you need is someone reliable and in control. Therein lies the appeal, does it not, dearest? ” 

I flushed red, scrambling to sit up , and clutching the fabric of my skirt in a death grip. 

“It’s... it’s stupid. I’ll get over it.” I choked out. 

My father hummed. 

“Have you told him how you feel?” He asked gently and I stared at him.

“You’re not mad.?” I whispered.

My father chuckled.

“Why would I be mad?  I’ve known him for five whole centuries. He’s a fine, upstanding man. Jungkook is fair and strong. He is more than capable of taking care of you and the best part, you would be able to live here forever. I would be lucky to have him as my son in law.” He said firmly. 

I felt my body go lax in disbelief. 

“Somi .. Somi said...That you wouldn’t approve. Because he isn’t from a strong clan. ”

“Somi worries too much about what the others in our clan may say.  Especially your uncle. He’s coming back soon remember? “ My father grimaced. 

I felt a shiver run through me. 

“Uncle Jaebum? He’s coming back?” I whispered, terrified. 

My father hummed, kissing the side of my head.

“Yes he is, love. But don’t worry. I’ll handle him. Your uncle still believes that lineage plays some role in how a vampire turns out but couldn’t be more wrong. i mean , young Mr. Mingyu has single handedly proven  that theory wrong , hasn’t he?” My father shook his head, laughing, “  So tell me, has Jungkook agreed to court you?” 

I groaned. 

“He has categorically stated that he doesn’t want to court me.” I said softly.

My father laughed at that.

“That must’ve been a novel experience for you.” 

I pouted. 

“Father!” I whined. 

“Alright, alright ...dearest. I won’t tease. Did he say why? ” He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. 

“Because I’m too young? Possibly.... He said something about carrying too much baggage and not wanting to ruin my life.” 

My father made a noise of impatience.

“The boy is an overthinker. He’s always been that way. He doesn’t look that way but he cares deeply about hurting others. It’s possible he’s only trying to protect you. Albeit in a very misguided way. “

“ Perhaps. But, whatever the reason, he’s not willing to court me. So, no. i don’t think he wants to be your son in law. I wish I could change his mind. ” I muttered, snuggling closer into him. 

“Ah, you know I can’t change his mind for you, don’t you flower? That’s your job...”

I sighed. 

“I know...” 

“If Jungkook does choose to court you. You will have my blessing. I will give you a wedding that will make the world watch in awe. “ He said firmly. 

i laughed. 

“Really? You made Somi marry Jimin in the barn on the estate.” I grinned. 

“Well, Don’t tell your brothers and sisters but you are my favorite after all. “ He whispered conspiratorially and I grinned. 

It was funny because I knew he wasn’t even lying. 

After my mother had left the clan, my father had taken on the role with enthusiasm. Unlike the head of clans all over the world, my father was approachable , friendly and deeply involved in his children’s lives. And he had always adored me. 

“And even if Jungkook doesn’t realize how amazing you are, remember that there are plenty of good men out there. I want you to be happy, dearest. I will not settle for anything less than your complete happiness. “ My father said fiercely and I hugged him closer. 

I loved this man too damn much. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“ You’re so good at what you do, Sera .” Lee Minhyuk gave me a seductive smile as he watched me wrestle his one year old daughter into her booties with one hand while i kept the other wrapped around her to stop her from toppling backwards on the small seat. 

 How about you stop flirting and help me dress your daughter , you asshole, I thought angrily, grunting from the effort of crouching for long periods of time. 

When the fluffy blue fur boots were finally on, I gave little Cherin’s squishy thighs a soft squeeze, pressing a kiss to her perfect cheeks. 

“Good bye cherry berry...” I sang softly, waving gently as she hugged her father’s legs before being scooped up into his arms. 

“So, are you free this friday? We could get something to eat?” Minhyuk gave me a wink. 

His wife was out of town. 

I offered a polite smile in return. 

“I’m going to have to pass on that. I don’t date parents, Minhyuk ssi.” I bowed my head lightly. 

Minhyuk looked annoyed but his gaze flitted to the 6′3″ man behind me, and he didn’t push the subject, merely bowing before leaving. 

Behind me Jungkook cleared his throat. 

I turned and he gave me a slow, lazy smirk. 

“You don’t date parents? Does that mean we’re not on for tonight anymore?” His eyes danced with mirth, mischief glinting in the black orbs. 

I flushed red. 

“Stop it, “ i hissed peering over his shoulder to make sure none of the other workers in the daycare had heard him. 

Jungkook smiled a little at the panic in my face. 

“But then , it isn’t really a date is it? You only want my body.” He sighed deeply in faux disappointment. 

I gave him an impish smile.

“It is the best thing you have on offer....” I shrugged. 

He laughed.

“Fair enough. Did you tell your dad about Mingyu? ” He asked as the workers began to leave one by one. Joowon had left with some of the other kids earlier, Jimin and Somi having promised to take the kids in the clan out for icecream. 

I picked up the stray blocks, dropping them into the huge laundry basket repurposed as a toy bag. i got on my hands and knees to peer under the huge wooden dresser in the corner, looking for stray blocks or toys and picking a few. 

 My back screamed in protest and i wondered if I was going to spend the rest of eternity with an achy back. I was just too young to be feeling this old. 

Was Park Jimin onto something with the whole yoga and stretching and exercise and healthy eating ? Should I stop binge eating french fries and possibly start eating salads? 

I sighed, straightening up and twisting my torso a bit only to find Jungkook with his gaze leveled very obviously  on my ass. 

So much so he didn’t even notice I was looking at him. 

I cleared my throat and his gaze left my butt, meeting mine with an absolutely unrepentant look on his face. 

“What?” He shrugged. “ I’m just seeing what I’m going to be working with tonight .” 

I felt my face flame, hating the way an absolutely ridiculous smile was threatening to make its way onto my face. I turned away quickly, crawling on all fours to the next dresser and peering under it too. 

once all the toys were put away and I’d double checked the to do list on the board , We finally closed the day care down for the night. It was just  little past six and I stood by the door, watching while he carefully checked all the side gates and the backyard. 

Slipping the key into my backpack , I began the walk back to the mansion and he fell into step next to me. 

“You didn’t answer my question....” He said softly and I blinked.

“Oh?” I couldn’t remember. 

“ Did you tell your father what happened with Mingyu?”

“Did you?” I retorted. and he shrugged. 

“I had to give a complete play by play report. Your father was incredibly upset.” 

I chuckled. 

“He’s very protective of me..” I shrugged.

Jungkook went tellingly quiet.

I felt foreboding rise inside me. Jungkook inhaled sharply, obviously staring to say something but i cut him off quickly. 

“He likes you!!” I blurted out quickly. “ I mean..he approves of you... Told me he wouldn’t mind you being his son in law.” 

My lack of filter was going to get me  killed  one of these days. 

Jungkook however seemed more amused than annoyed. 

“Well, considering the kind of candidates in the race, I can see why he would prefer me. “ He laughed. 

I frowned. There was something smug in his tone that irked me. He shouldn’t get to be smug about something like that when he didn’t even want to be with me in the first place. 

“They’re not all clowns. Yugyeom is a great guy.” I said sharply.

Jungkook’s eyebrow shot up.

“Is it so?”

I nodded, honest. 

“He’s older... almost two centuries old now and he’s a good friend.” 

“Two centuries? How on earth did he become your friend?” 

“He was one of my tutors during college. So I kind of had a crush on him.... It was all exciting .... You know, teacher and student .....forbidden love and all that “ I smiled. 

Jungkook gave me a cheeky smile. 

“Ahh...ever sucked his dick off under the desk? Or dreamed of it at least? ” He asked casually and I choked.

“ What? “ 

“Why do you look so shocked? isn’t that the most common of fantasies?“

I glared at him .

“No... I did not. That’s indecent.” 

He stopped walking. 

I walked a few steps ahead and paused, turning to stare at him. 

“What?” I demanded. 

“Sera , what the actual fuck do you think we’re going to be doing tonight?” He asked thoughtfully. 

I spluttered . 

“I... Its different. I was too young back then. Of course I know what you’re going to do tonight.” I said impatiently, turning around to keep going. 

But his hand shot out, gripping my arm and pulling me to him. I crashed into his chest, gripping the fabric to steady myself. 

“For someone who was so eager to have me show her the ‘ ropes’ , you’re quite intent on running from me, anytime i bring it up.” He whispered. 

i stared resolutely at his chest, refusing to meet his eyes. It wasn’t that I was shy per se. But just looking at his face made me lose my braincells. 

“I’m not running away. I just....” Don’t want to read too much into your flirting. Your teasing. Your interest in me. I have to keep my heart safe and I can’t do that with you offering me all of your attention....

“Don’t be nervous, alright? I’ll take good care of you.” He smiled softly. 

 God, I hated this man. 

I could feel heat pool in my belly, spreading all over my body and the urge to throw myself into his arms was so overwhelming.

“I know you will. “ I said softly, finally looking up at him, pressing my palm to his face. “ You’re a good man. A kind man. I knew the minute I saw you that you’d take good care of me. ” 

The words seemed to affect him and he bit his lips, grabbing my wrist and pulling my hand away from his face.  

“We should go.” He said shortly, pushing away from me and walking away briskly. 

“Who’s the one running now, Jeon Jungkook?!!!” I yelled after him and he flipped me off without turning around. 

Laughing, I ran to catch up with him again. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At 10.55 , I stood outside Jungkook’s room, nervous but eager.

 It wasn’t even the prospect of sex, I thought giddily. Just the idea of spending time with him, of listening to him talk, of having him at touching distance .....it was so intoxicating. 

I knocked lightly. 

Jungkook opened the door , a smile on his face and it was jarring, how young he looked like this. 

He was clearly fresh out of the shower. Hair wet and and still dripping a little, he was dressed in a grey hoodie, the sleeves rolled up to show his veiny forearms and grey sweatpants, hands tucked into his pockets as he shook his hair out of his eyes. 

It was a futile action and all it really did was send water droplets flying all around. 

I blinked against the unexpected spray, water clinging to my lashes and my cheeks. 

“Hey!! “ I protested. “ Are you a puppy? Use a towel like the rest of the world.” I mumbled. 

He laughed. 

“Come in, princess.” He grabbed my wrist, tugging gently and I stepped into his room, looking around eagerly. 

He closed the door behind us and I heard him pull the dead bolt into place before turning the key as well.

No interruptions then.....

Good. 

“Your room is actually bigger than mine.” I frowned, noting the big four poster bed, complete with a white curtained canopy. I let my gaze fall to the clean white sheets and my mind flashed back to the beautiful Helena, sprawled on the bed in nothing but her underwear. 

I swallowed the bitter jealousy that threatened. 

Hands wrapped around my waist from behind and he hugged me close, the warmth of his chest heavy and amazing on my body. I jumped a little when i felt the gentle press of his lips on the curve of my neck. 

“You sure about this? We don’t have to do anything at all tonight. We can kiss a little, watch a movie and sleep. But you’re a big girl so I’m gonna let you call the shots.” He lightly grabbed a huge chunk of my hair, lifting it out of the way before kissing the back of my neck. 

“Uh...” I stared straight ahead, already half aroused. “I want....to feel good.” 

He laughed against my skin, his hold around me tightening. 

“That can be arranged.” He said hotly, teeth nipping  at my skin before he gently turned me around in his arms. 

I looked up at him, drinking in his gorgeous face and he hummed, eyes narrowed as though in deep thought. 

“Bed?” He prompted and it was ridiculous, how one word could turn me on that bad. I nodded, making to move but he surprised me, crouching and grabbing the back of my thighs, pulling me up so easily, that I shrieked. I wrapped my thighs around his waist, more by instinct than intent and he laughed at the look on my face. 

“This always gets the ladies going.” He winked and I flushed. 

“Show off...” I muttered, lightly punching his shoulders and he shrugged.

“I don’t hit the gym five times a week to  not  show off darling.” he drawled, walking over to the bed and tossing me on the mattress. I bounced off the surface, squawking in surprise and I scrambled to sit up but he was already grabbing the hem of his hoodie and tossing it off. 

I’d never seen him shirtless but before I could fully appreciate the view, he was climbing on the bed. He grabbed my ankles, tugging me away from the head board and I landed on my back with an oof. 

“Ow. You’re being entirely too careless with me. “ I protested. 

He crawled forward on his knees, closer and closer till he was throwing one leg over my body, straddling my waist. 

“Thought you wanted to be put in your place.” He reminded me and I grinned up at him. 

“I think I’m right where I want to be. Under you.” I said honestly and he nodded.

“It’s where you belong.” He whispered, taking me entirely by surprise .

 My heart began pounding a familiar ache, a familiar pang. I knew it was an illusion. He didn’t for a second believe I belonged here but it was hard not to believe him, when he was hovering over me , looking like a fallen angel. 

God, don’t get emotionally invested. He doesn’t actually mean it, you fool. 

“Kiss me.” I held my arms up and he lowered himself carefully, keeping his weight off me as he kissed me, soft and gentle. I let my fingers tangle in the damp ebony locks, tugging gently as he angled himself better, tongue begging entrance. 

The heady mint taste of him, sent me into over drive and I wrapped both my legs around his waist, pulling him down. 

I took a second to just take him in.

The scent of his skin against mine, clean and woody, slightly sweaty, but mostly just musky. The smell of a man . The weight of him on my body, the hardness of his arousal evident even through the sweatpants. He pulled back to stare at me, his fingers brushing my cheeks. 

“You have perfect lips for kissing. Lush and plump. Like tiny pillows I can sink my teeth into.” He whispered, catching my lower lip between his teeth and tugging. 

“You have beautiful nipples. I want to lick them some day. .” I breathed, running my thumb on the curve of his cheek bones. 

Jungkook stared at me in complete shock for a second and then  laughed . 

“Thats.... a new one. Jesus. “ he shook his head, almost in disbelief. 

“Sorry.” I flushed and he waved off my apology. 

“You wanted to feel good right? Shall I start?” His eyes twinkled. 

I nodded, way too eagerly and he laughed harder. 

“Okay, let’s get you out of these clothes, princess. “  He grabbed my arm, pulling me up to a sitting position before gently tugging the t shirt off my chest. I wasn’t wearing anything underneath and his breath caught s he stared at my breasts.

He stared at them for a second, swallowing before, glancing at me .

“Beautiful.” He said, voice deep and husky. 

“Thank you .” I said primly. 

He laughed again and shook his head.

“I can’t remember ever laughing so much before sex. This is so weird.” 

“Weird bad?” i asked, nervous.

He shook his head.

“Weird good.” He leaned in, kissing my cheek just as he hooked his thumbs into my shorts, pulling them down easily and leaving me completely naked. “ Weird adorable.” 

I crossed my legs, drawing my knees up at once, feeling devastatingly shy. 

His eyes softened. 

“You want me to turn off the lights? “ He asked gently. 

“Yes please.” I said desperately and he nodded, quickly climbing off the bed and fumbling with the light switches. He left a single light on , near the closet. It left the rest of the room dimly lit. 

“Am I the first one to see you like this?” He asked, rubbing his hands together before climbing onto the bed again. 

“Um... after the age of ten, yes.” I laughed nervously. 

He hummed. 

“You’re gorgeous. Toss me that pillow.” He pointed to the one next to my head and i handed it to him.

“Lie down for me darling.” He smiled. 

I hesitated, closing my eyes tight just because it was overwhelming, seeing him in front of me , shirtless and being naked in front of him. 

I laid back slowly, knees still pulled up and feet on the bed, thighs pressed together. 

My heart was pounding , less from nerves and more from sheer anticipation. I’d waited long enough for this to truly feel nervous or want to back out. 

And the fact that it was with Jungkook... I’d pretty much hit the jackpot in first time experiences. 

Hands on my knees made my eyes fly open and I found myself staring up into his face.

“You okay?” He asked gently. 

i nodded.

“Let me between your legs?” He asked sweetly. 

I felt the blood rush to my face, my legs shaking as I spread my knees and thighs, enough to give him space between them. His fingers closed around my ankle lightly, gentle as he ran his hands up and down my legs. 

“Relax alright. You wanted to feel good and I’m going to make you feel good. The only thing you need to do is... well.. feel.” He smiled, impish bunny teeth bright even in the darkened room. 

I nodded, closing my eyes. 

“Don’t wanna watch?” He teased and I shook my head. My pulse kicked up at the very thought of it. 

Jungkook wasn’t anything like I’d imagined, I thought miserably. He had been attractive as the stoic, serious man who wanted to do the right thing but like this : naught and flirty and charming , he was absolutely devastating and i wasn’t sure i could come out of this unscathed. 

I couldn’t fight the feeling that I was making a huge mistake . that this whole thing was going to end with my heart ripped to shreds....

His lips against my forehead pulled me out of my thoughts and I swallowed. 

“I’m going to touch you.” He said softly and I shuddered when his hands closed over my breasts, gentle but firm, kneading the flesh very slowly, thumbs rubbing back and forth on the nipples till they tightened. 

I bit my lips to stop myself from crying out, the sensation overwhelming and foreign because it was someone else’s fingers and not my own. 

“Hey... “ one soft finger pressed against my lips, parting them gently and i sobbed out loud. “ None of that.... You should be as loud as you want to...how else will I know if I’m getting the job done?” 

“You’re getting it done..” I choked out, shaking all over and his kissed my lips again, quick and hard. 

“So beautiful.” He murmured, lips pressing kisses down my chest and across my breasts.

“Since you wanted to lick my nipple, let me uh...return the favor? In advance ?” He laughed against my skin and I inhaled sharply when he nipped at the fleshy mound. 

His lips closed around my nipples, the suction gentle but his tongue wet and insistent .

I went completely still, my hands flying to his hair and gripping so hard he grunted . My hips lifted off the bed at the sensation, every nerve ending on fire as he kept suckling and licking and god, his teeth...he was using his teeth to bite down on the nub... making me thrash my hips , my body completely overwhelmed . 

He kept his lips over the peak, licking the tip over and over till it was tender and wet and hard . He used his hands to knead the other side, thumb rubbing insistently on the neglected nub and I felt my toes curling into th mattress, my arms drooping to loop around his neck as he began to move his hips as well, grinding down on to my thigh. 

I was going to black out from having my nipple played with, I thought vacantly.

“Probably won’t feel this good for me but I’m glad you like it.” He laughed again and I loved the sound of it. Loved that he seemed to be enjoying this too. And I wanted him to enjoy it. Wanted to make him feel good too.

So I let my hand drop, down to his waist and then to the front of his pants.

He froze over me. 

“Sera-”

“I want to.” I said desperately, knowing what he was going to say.  . “ Please , let me touch you too-”

“Hey hey...shush..”He kissed me again quick and heady. “ Remember what I said? You call the shots.... “ He pressed another kiss to the corner of my lips. “ Want me to take off my sweats?” 

I nodded, “ Yeah.” 

He wiggled out of his pants quickly and i cursed myself for wanting the lights turned off. 

I hesitated, rubbing my palm on his pecs and tracing the muscles down to his tightly packed abs and then hesitating. 

“You can touch.” He said hotly and I swallowed, letting my fingers flutter down between his gloriously thick thighs. His skin was smooth and hard , like silk over steel and I let my fingers go lower, past the light dusting of hair to the thick, rigid length of him , my fingers closing over the hardness of his cock. 

Jungkook jerked forward, head burying into the pillow near my head and he swore.

“Fuck...” He sounded strangled and I laughed , gripping him harder but not a lot because I wasn’t sure how much was too much. .

“I have no idea what I’m doing...” I admitted weakly , loosening my grip a little to stroke up and down over the length of his cock. 

“Fuck.. just the fact that you’re doing it is going to make me cum.” He choked out and I laughed, ridiculously flattered.  

He grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand away.

“Lick it.” He said softly. 

I went still, my brain grinding to a halt.. Lick....??

 My eyes went wide.  

And so did his.

“Your palm.” He choked out. “ Lick your palm not my..... Your palm. It’s too dry.” 

Oh..  oh.

Lick my palm. Not his cock. Right. Got it. 

“Okay...”I drew my hand up and hesitated , unsure . Jungkook watched me like a hawk, eyes trained on my mouth and I bit my lips, cupping my palm and spitting into it, twice for good measure. feeling absolutely filthy.

“Fucking hell.” He breathed as I took my hand down to his cock again, wrapping my hand around it and it did feel better, easier to jerk him off with the lubrication. I moved my hands up and down , with  no rhythm and Jungkook gritted his teeth. 

“Okay... I’m gonna.. “He shivered a little when I tentatively pressed my thumb to the head, surprised to find him wet , on the top. I gathered the moisture around his slit, spreading it all over the head of his cock, using my fingers to rub circles over the crown , fingers tracing the thick vein on the underside. 

 inside me. This is going to be inside me. 

 I felt my thighs shake, my insides clenching, wetness dribbling out of me as I squirmed. 

“Please... Jungkook , I...”

“I got you...” He whispered, grabbing my hand and pulling it away from his cock. 

“hey-” I pouted but he shook his head. 

“If you don’t keep your hands off,  this'll all be over before it even begins,.” He said dryly. 

I closed my eyes again, my nerves picking up. 

“Listen...” He said suddenly and I blinked, staring at him. “ I’m going to get you wet...” Oh, god, “ With my tongue.” 

My entire body went taut. 

“I..”

“It’ll make it easier... trust me. And It’ll feel good. Wasn’t that the goal today? “ He tossed me a wink, squeezing my thighs a bit. He moved back and grabbed the pillow.

“Lift your hips up for me.” He said gently and I raised my butt, jerking when he folded the pillow in half and pushed it under my hips. And the he was crawling backwards, till his face hovered over my belly button.

“Throw your legs over my shoulders....” He said briskly, gripping my thighs , one in each and spreading my legs apart. I did as he asked, the back of my knee resting on the hard muscles of his broad shoulders and i raised my head a bit to peer down at him. 

The sight of jungkook’s gorgeous fucking face between my thighs got seared into my head and I fell back, already overwhelmed. 

He pressed a soft kiss to my thigh, a little nip my skin and then sucked the skin at the juncture of my hip and thigh. He was breathing in suddenly, a loud, shuddering inhale.  His breathing wavered and i felt the sharp pin prick of teeth. 

“Shit..”He pulled back and I jumped a little, watching him struggle. He glanced at me and I saw the flash of white between his lips. He’d dropped fang...and was clearly struggling to get them to retract. 

“You can do it..” I said feverishly. “ Jungkook , you can.... Drink.” 

He shook his head and glanced up at me and the look in his eyes made me startle .... because it looked like he was going to get up, move away , possibly call off this whole thing and no...no that was absolutely not going to happen. 

I was not letting him back out of this. 

He tried to move, but I grabbed his hair, yanking his mouth back to my thigh. 

“Fucking do it...” I snapped angrily and his eyes widened at my tone, “  do it and then fuck me , Jungkook or I swear to God I’ll  -” 

Sharp, sharp pain lanced through my spine as he bit down, fangs piercing my skin with ease and I felt the rush of liquid as it left my body, filling his mouth as he gulped. 

His venom worked its magic, the pain dulling to a throb, a pleasant heady intoxication....meant to make the bleeding out painless, meant to make death pleasant for the prey but for me it was just pleasure.

 Pleasure because he could have his fill and I would still be able to give him more. 

Pleasure because with me, he could indulge himself, as much as he wanted without worrying about the consequences. 

Jungkook groaned against my thighs, his shoulders shaking as he drank and I stroked his hair, petting the dark strands as I fought the slight lightheadedness, knowing that it would pass soon. 

Jungkook sucked deeper and I parted my legs moaning when my head began to spin, and then I felt his fingers touch my center, parting my folds , spreading the wetness all over his fingers before his thumb pressed down on my clit, rubbing insistently. I felt myself dripping all over the sheets, so wet and swollen and throbbing... 

“Oh, god yes... That feels so good, Jungkook .. I...” I gasped  as he slipped one long finger in, deep and without any resistance. The warm wetness in my thigh began spreading and I heard him groan as he sucked harder, drinking me down like i was the finest wine. 

“Another... give me more...please...” 

He moaned, still drinking, still shaking as he pressed another finger in next to the previous one, deeper still, searching and stroking, tracing every ridge inside me, curling just right, and rubbing down on that spot inside me...the one I could never quite reach by myself. 

Jungkook inhaled sharply, his fang sinking in just a little deeper as he latched on tighter and my legs shook as I cried out. 

He hummed, using one hand to rub soothing circles on my thigh, while he rubbed his thumb across my clit , hard and the gentle and then hard again until it throbbed and ached , over and over again and I was sure the little nub was bruised, that I wouldn’t be able to touch it for a while without wincing. 

I was gushing , my arousal so strong that the sheets were soaked, wet and so damp and the sensation of his fingers, thick and deep inside me while his fangs bit down harder, while he fed from me, was just too much...too much. 

I exploded around his fingers , my orgasm so strong that my hips lifted right off the bed, and he fucked me through it, fingers pounding in and out of my wet swollen walls as he pulled away, fangs retracting and I struggled to get on my elbows , to get a look at him.

He looked completely wrecked, fangs still half out, lips red and dripping blood , eyes flashing scarlet and blazing with lust so potent , I felt my insides churn.,,. i stared at him as I clenched over his fingers and he closed his eyes, shoulders shaking as he tried to get his bearings but I grabbed his shoulders, scrabbling to pull him up and closer. 

“Inside!” I choked out as he tried to get up, looking punch drunk and out of it.” Get inside me.”

“Sera... you’re...” He was slurring his words and I cried out in sheer frustration, scrabbling to my knees and pushing him down till he was flat on the bed. 

 “ Please i need it... need your cock inside me Jungkook, fuck...”  I begged, my thighs aching and walls clenching from how desperately I wanted to be filled. I stuck my hand between my legs , gathering as much of my wetness as I could before gripping his cock, coating him in my arousal.

 There was something so filthy about his hard, thick cock covered in my juices that made my mouth water. I wanted to swallow him down, to feel his cock hit the back of my throat but I wanted him inside me too. 

Maybe next time. 

“Please....Please can I sit on your cock?!! “ i choked out, fully gone. Jungkook groaned at my words. 

“Yes.. fuck... Do it.. Come on baby, take what you want from me.” he whispered.  and I scrambled up to straddle his thighs. Gripping the base of his cock, I pressed the tip against my entrance, closing my eyes to brace myself, digging my knees into the mattress for leverage before sinking straight down . 

“Oh, fuck....” I shuddered, my entire body thrumming as he pressed in, the hard length of him cleaving me so easily there was absolutely no pain to even register. It was just new. Different. 

And so so exhilarating. 

I sank all the way down till my ass hit the hardness of his thighs. 

And then I couldn’t move anymore. My body shook with tremors and My hands began trembling. 

“Jungkook...please... I..”

He responded by reaching out and gripping me thighs.

“Look at me baby...!” He said sharply and I stared down at his sweat slicked face. His eyes flashed red for a second and then he tugged me down, till i was lying flat on his chest. His arms came around my waist, anchoring me in place. 

“Gonna give it to you good. Just stay still yeah?” He breathed against my ear as i buried my face in the crook of his neck. And then he was rolling us both over, till I was flat on my back, his hand closing over my thigh, spreading my legs apart as he pistoned straight in. 

We were both too far gone for any semblance of a rhythm and I stopped trying to move, merely wrapping my arms around his neck, clinging on as he fucked into me, so hard that I could feel him in my gut. I felt my hips ache from the sheer force of his thrusts, my thighs cramping from how wide he had me spread and my clit throbbing from the way his cock dragged across it with every thrust. 

Pleasure swelled, again, this time stringer and I stopped fighting to make it happen, sinking back and letting it crash over me , like a wave breaking over the cliffs. 

Jungkook groaned as I exploded around him, my walls clenching around his cock and milking him and he shuddered in my arms, his cock twitching inside me as he came, filling me up . 

I gripped his shoulders, clinging to him as he trembled through the aftershocks. I felt my walls clenching, over and over again and Jungkook gave me a strangled moan.

“Too much...baby.. please stop... “ He begged and I froze, realizing that he was too sensitive and wanted to pull out. 

“sorry...sorry... “ I willed my walls to stop clenching and he made a noise of sheer exhaustion as he pulled out of me. 

I watched as he rolled off me, collapsing on his back, breathing hard. 

I stared up at the ceiling, feeling the wet mess of his cum, drip out of me and onto the sheets. I had the sudden made urge to stick my finger down there , scoop it up and taste it but I tamped it down. 

“Well.” I began.... 

He turned to look at me. 

I turned to him, still trying to catch my breath. 

“I’m not a virgin anymore.” I grinned wide. 

He groaned and ran a finger over his face. 

“Congratulations, Princess.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author’s Note :  Please i need holy water. 

feedback is love. If you don’t tell me you loved this fic i will not write smut anymore. 

taglist :  

@ladyartemesia        @veronawrites   @alpaca1612     @bonyg    @unseejuice21  @sppvjj     @ggukkieland     @tae-by-tae      @blr1004      @yoongichild    @stussyjeon  @jellybearo​   

[iceraree]

Love has no label (Professional Folio Presentation Process Journal)

It was also because of the previous exercises and the discussion and exploration of the understanding of love, so I want to explore deeply for love last semester. 

When I talked to David my ideas, he recommended three artists for me, Honey Long & Prue Stent, Ryan Mcginley, and Cherine fahd. In fact, the three artists helped me a lot for the project. I found that Honey Long & Prue Stent (Pic 1 and Pic 2) are good at using props, like silk, making their photos look more powerful. By looking their works, I inspired by them, I used fabric in the shooting, to make my photos look more impactive. I like Ryan Mcginley’s  (Pic 3) style very much. In his work, I saw many photos about the LGBT community, which gave me new inspiration. He took a lot of naked LGBT’s photos. When I saw his works, I felt sincere. In this project, I created a story, using models’ body and photography to express the topic, making efforts to increase social visibility of the LGBT community and reduce discrimination. Apart form that, When I saw Ryan Mcginley’s photos, one of works named Jonas & Marcel, it took in a cave, which is the inspiration of the place where I shot. I chose a cave looks very dark and unique (Pic 5), it could represent a traditional and repressive society to express my story. Cherine fahd (Pic 4) is very sensitive to color. Her personal style is obvious. In her works, She covered the plasticine of different colors on her model’s body, like the person’s skin, protecting the person from harm, which is helpful to the makeup of this shooting. In this project, there are a total of four models, the color elements on the model’s body (Pic 9) signify different groups of people, they hold each other back and influence each other. My makeup girl used eyeshadow compact and glitter (Pic 6 and Pic 7) to make up this time. I used veil in the shooting as I think the veil on the face is a metaphor for the imprisoned mind. So, I let a tailor do veils (Pic 8) to help me to show the theme of the project.

I use literature research method to process my project, to obtain data through investigation of literature according to certain research on topic of LGBT group in China. In this way, I can comprehensively and correctly understand the problem to be studied. By this way, I settle down my project topic Love Has No Label and aim to propagate that love is equal. I hope my work could encourage people to love bravely and release their anxiety. Minority groups also have the right to love just like ordinary people. Firstly, I understand the history and current situation of the LGBT group in China, what causes the discrimination and what kind of problems the minority group have faced every day. Secondly, it can form a general impression about the Chinese LGBT group, which is helpful for my observation before picturing my work. Those materials inspired me to tell a love story in my project, I must tell them by my photos. So, I finally decided to use the photography as a tool to speak up for the minority groups. First, I chose some models suitable for my shooting, such as some real LGBT’s Couples, people of different races and skin colors but in love with each other. They are all LGBT members, some of them I found in the LGBT’s club in Shanghai, some I knew them through dancing. When I told them the topic and the story of the project, they expressed their interest and wanted to join me.

Overall planning is very important if a project can be successfully shot and the effect is good. For example, in this shooting, my early conception of the theme of Love has no label, my prediction of possible problems in the shooting, my control of the models' performances, the demand and presentation of makeup effects by makeup artists, the selection of shooting locations and my control of using light and color. The overall planning ability makes me smoothly finished my work and express my theme.

I am better at photographing abstract love, because I have studied the subject of love more deeply, and realized the inclusiveness and diversity of love.

[hauntedmetallicfang]

Determination

[lesvacancesdesnantais]

Vendredi 16 juillet 2021 - Plage des Conches à Longeville-sur-Mer

Ça gratouille, ça démange, ça colle à la peau toute la journée ! Le sable qui a ses petites manies est venu de bon matin se loger dans les chapeaux, les shorts et les tongs d’Emna, Sabrine, Izaline, Bervelin, Anouchka, Thaïs, Cherine, Hana, Jehanne, Danielle, Imad, Elishaa, Noa, Eilyan et la ribambelle d’enfants – 1, 2, 3, 4…. 40… - levés aux aurores, excités comme des petites puces et équipés pour vivre une journée sans pareille sous les embruns.

Atterrissage en Vendée après deux heures de car depuis Nantes. Les 7-11 ans habitués des centres de loisirs Aimé Césaire et Graine de Cosmos ont pris possession de la plage des Conches à Longeville-sur-Mer, sacs poubelles en vue pour "étudier les déchets", car la Terre a des problèmes. Leur mission : protéger la nature et les animaux marins.

Les enfants surpris de trouver là autant de déchets sur la plage amassent à la force des poignets, un grand nombre de mégots de cigarettes, ceux-là même qui étouffent les poissons qui mangent aussi le plastique et qu’on ingurgite ; Sans compter les bâtonnets de glace, les cartons et les papiers de bonbons.

C’est Faustine qui l’a dit, avec le vent et le cycle de l'eau, nos déchets atterrissent dans les rivières. Emportés par les marées, ils viennent polluer les océans.

Ce matin, avant le pique-nique sous les pins, durant un temps dédié à la protection de la nature, les enfants ont pu noter qu’il était nécessaire de transformer nos déchets. Une nouvelle vie en perspective pour être ainsi "refabriqués", transformées en costumes, en pots de yaourts ou en bonhommes de neige. Et pourquoi pas !

Faustine avec son mari Xavier a fondé il y a quelques années Riderscope, une plateforme de voyage dédiée au surf. Cette journée en partenariat avec Surfrider Foundation - une association référente pour la protection de l'environnement - vise à faire découvrir les joies du surf ou du body aux enfants des villes.

Une fois la combinaison enfilée, ce qui revêt pour beaucoup d'un premier exploit, les enfants sont heureux de partir à l'assaut des vagues. Mais avant tout, il leur faudra écouter attentivement les moniteurs de surf avant le grand bain attendu et bien en vue.

[order-of-the-aster-blog]

Order of the Aster worldbuilding because I was on a car ride today

All members are either clergy/worshippers.

Wear armor the looks like design #4 (will be posted soon)

Three branches-

The Temple Protecters

- Stationed at temples and/or cities with a large Lathanderists population. - Older/closer to retirement - Tend to be stationed at city of residence, due to their closeness with the community - Rarely get any action other than the rare orc attack or a small threat from a nearby enemy village - An even mix between paladins and fighters - Ranks: Officer, Sergeant (one for 100 officers), Lieutenant (one for 10 Sergeants), Chief(one for 10 Lieutenants). 10,000 overall - Military Police

The Dawn Army - The active millitary composed of mainly fighters, but paladins are higher ranking - An even mix of ages, but tends to have more younger members - If they have a sword- which most do, it’s called the Dawnsinger (more information on it later - Maces are called Dawnspeaker, named after the weapon of Lathander (more information later) - All other weapons have their traditional names. - All weapons cause a light to shine when there is a hit - Ranks: Warrior, Group leader (each group composed of 10 fighters, including the leader) Squad Leader (each squad composed of ten groups, leader group included), Lieutenant (one for ten squads, including their squad), General (one of 10 Lieutenants, tends to be most experienced), then Grand General (one of ten Generals, most experienced) Around 100,000 members under Grand General. Grand Generals’ report to the Morninglords, or even are Morninglords. - Have a very specific process for enlistment (more on that later)

The Navy of the Morning - The Naval Force, fighters with limited paladins. - Ships tend to be named after well known heroes. (Ex/ HS Bor Cherin) - Ships painted to match the sun rise. - “Pink in the Morning, sailors take warning” doesn’t apply to them. - A truly even mix of ages - Ranks: Cabin Boy (do minor tasks, three per Sailors) , Sailor, Lieutenant Commander (one for 20 sailors) , Commander(one for 20 LC’s) , Captain (one for 2 commanders), Admiral(one for 5 captains), Fleet Admiral(one for 5 Admirals) 80,000 overall - A different process for recruitment than the Army

Dawnsinger Explanation- +1 Short sword that deals 1d10 radiant and 1d10 slashing damage Deals +2 to undead and unholy

Dawnspeaker Explanation +1 mace that deals 1d8 radiant and 1d8 bludgeoning damage Deals +3 to undead and unholy

Recruitment and Training Explanation for Army- When the army is not actively fighting anyone, they go to towns with high Lathanderist population. They post posters promising fame and glory, but more importantly enlightenment. They say that this is a promise only for those who worship Lathander, and to meet them at the temple of Lathander. They sign up to join, and within the next week they get an intense physical and mental examination (to see if they are fit for the military) as well as a test to see how much they know about Lathander. If they fail, they are turned away. If they pass, they are taken to a training center, where they are ranked from z (meaning needing major improvement) to a (meaning needing little improvement). Each letter is a class. They are trained so they all eventual become members of the a class. Training include sparring, team building skills, battle strategy, and leadership, as well as philosophy, religion, magic (both divine and arcane), and diplomacy. Then they get sent to groups. From there, group and squad leaders are chosen, higher rankings tending to be already established, titles only given up with retirement or death.

Recruitment Explanation for Navy- When the sailors come home, they put up posters in town promising a true adventure, leading towards a wonderful future. Just meet at the docks in front of the HS (Ship Name). They promise this to worshippers of Lathander. They get an physical exam done to make sure they are well enough to be in the navy. They are assigned Cabins, if they so choose. They are taught how to do what they need to do, like properly taking care of cargo, working cannons, and sea battle strategies, along with philosophy, self-perfection, and magic. Once they learn all of this, they move up to sailor. A lot of drinking goes on as well so individuals get their sea legs, although many question if this works.

Recruitment Explanation for Military Police- Once members of the Army or the Navy reach a certain age, they have an option to be relocated to protect temples. These people tend to be heroes of the religion, well know by all, but sometimes only by their communities. They protect holy sites, churches, and cities. Their duties are pretty easy. Don’t fall asleep on watch, and protect the temple. Every once in a while, there is attacks on the site, and they do a good job at it, using magic and some people under them to defend the site. Sometimes, if they die of old age, they become immortalized as statues, permanently guarding the site they were placed to guard. Standing for eternity.

Composition of members

Race

Humans 25% 47,500

Elves 15% 28,500

Half Elves 10% 19,000

Dwarfs 10% 19,000

Half Dwarfs 5% 9,500

Half Orcs 5% 9,500

Celestials 10% 19,000

Gnomes 5% 9,500

Dragonborns 5% 9,500

Other 10% (ex. Leonin Warforged Firbolg Wereanimal Dryad etc.) 19,000

Gender

Women 50% 95,000

Men 45% 85,500

Other 5% (Dryads and some Celestials don’t identify as human genders) 9,500

Sexual Orientation

Straight 50% 95,000

Gay 30% 57,000

Bisexual 10% 19,000

Pansexual 5% 9,500

Asexual 4% 7,600

Other 1% 1,900

Alignment

Lawful Good 50% 95,000

Neutral Good 30% 57,000

Chaotic Good 10% 19,000

Lawful Neutral <5% <9,500

Neutral <5% <9,500

Chaotic Neutral <1% <1,900

Age- (in relation to humans)

Under 16- <1%

16-20- 30%

21-30- 30% (mainly Army)

31-40- 10% (mainly Navy)

41-50- 10%

51-60- 5% (from here up, MP)

61-70- 5%

71 and up- 10%

52.6% in Army

42.1% in Navy

5.3% in MP

75% Fighters

25% Paladins

90% Clerics

10% other (Mystic Theurge, Divine Champion, Monk,etc.) (only including the first two multiclassings)

Oath of The Aster

A paladin oath specifically for the Paladins of the Morninglord

“I, (insert name), promise to aid, To foster new hope, new ideas, and prosperity for all.

I promise to perfect myself, yet guard against pride. For if I perfect, I will foster and nurture growth. Rebirth and renewal will occur.

I will be fertile in mind and body.

I will consider the consequences of my actions so that the least effort will bring the best reward.

I take these (sunflower) seeds and plant and sow, tend to them. I plant seeds of hope, ideas, and a rosy future into the minds of all.

I, (insert name), will continue to see each dawn.

To Lathander’s Light, I take this Oath.”

The ritual:

Before dawn, normally in spring, you march towards the sun, going towards a temple of Lathander. You meet a cleric, who guides you to the top of the temple. There, they dress you in ceremonial vestments and armor, gold and rosy red. At dawn, the ceremony truly begins. They pull out a Dawnspeaker and hand it to you. You point it toward the rising sun, while the cleric burns ceremonial incense (frankincense is the most common). More clerics arrive, bringing up works of art, wonderful bouquets of sunflowers, and other important and holy things. A prayer is read. Then, when the sun hits the mace just right, it emits a wonderful rosy red light. You begin to take your oath. The light of Lathander envelopes you. When your oath is complete, the clerics silently bring you downstairs and outside. Then the party begins. Athletic events, like shinty, javelin tosses, races, wrestling events, and a mock gladiator match take place. Artists paint paintings of you participating in these events. Then they paint a portrait of you as a radiant warrior, this painting to be hung in the holy halls of the temple. You bless the area until next year.

(Typically, if the oath taker is a member of the order, they take the oath as a class, because they train the new members to level 3 if they were PCs. If they are not a member of the order, they take it as an individual. More often than not they are in the Order.)

Tenets-

Kindness- Be kind to those who truly need it

Growth- Grow, adapt to the world around you.

Self perfection- Become your perfect self. Do what you think will make you better.

Optimism- Never give up hope, Lathander will always be their to help you.

Oath spells include

3rd Guiding Bolt, Burning Hands

5th Flaming Spear, Lesser Restoration

9th Beacon of Hope, Daylight

13th Guardian of Faith, Divination

17th Flame Strike, Scrying

Channel Divinity-

Lathander’s Light-

As an action, you can present your holy symbol to shed a radiant light (10 feet bright, 10 feet dim) that dispels magical darkness and deals 2d4 radiant damage to undead within the light. This last for 1 minute and can’t be used again until after your next short rest.

Prayer of Light-

For 10 minutes you pray, calling forth the divine energy of Lathander. All willing allies regain half their hit points, rounded down.

The Rosy Optimist

At 7th Level, you can decide to shed a rosy red light around you for 10 feet. Allies within this light get advantage on Charisma and Death saving rolls. At 18th level this rage goes up to 30 feet.

The Path of Least Resistance-

At 15th level, you can cast Find the Path at will without needing the necessary material components.

Radiant Warrior

At 20th level, you take the form of a truly perfect paladin. This transformation takes an action, and you gain the following benefits for one minute;

Resistance to all damage On a hit (meaning, one hit after transformation) , you deal 5d4 radiant damage and 1d8 fire damage.

You can use this action once per long rest.

( @soulofahealer thank you for introducing me to Lathander. I bet none of us would of thought I would eventually make all of this)

[high-dawnlord-photon-blog]

Promotions and Premonitions (warning might be long and I'm on mobile)

A letter arrives in the new Lathanderist settlement outside of the collective, named Esirew, addressed to High Dawnlord Photon D'Manche. “Due to your bravery and valor during the most recent wave of the Adventure’s Collective,improving relations between the Church of the Morninglord and the Brotherhood of the True Sun Soul, as well as proving your faith to us and the Commander of Creativity, we, the Council of Morninglords, grant you the title of High Dawnlord. A ceremony must be held at dawn the next day after receiving this letter, and the package attached will also be opened, a gift for the newest High Dawnlord. Sincerely, The Council of Morninglords.” Immediately, preparations were made. A feast was set up and getting prepared. The city’s new temple, the Tower of Morn, was decorated with beautiful gold and rosy pink banners. The finest drinks were bought. The next day, Photon made a march to the temple in his vestments , inside, he lit the ceremonial candles and the religious incense. The smell of frankincense washed over the attendees. He picked up a holy relic (a golden mace supposedly wielded by an avatar of Lathander himself, which had actually been Photon’s many-greats- grandfather) and made his march down the center aisle. When he reached the end of the aisle he went up the serpentine staircase to the rooftop. Once there, he kneeled, mace in hand, and prayed. He continued this until the dawn sun started shining on his face. The package was opened at this time, and a solid light shield was removed. The holy symbol of Lathander adorns it. This relic was delivered to the Council by a deva named Van Drax. It was only to be opened by Photon, and was made specifically for him. (It’s a +3 AC shield that sends a beam of holy light that deals 2d8 radiant damage to undead that can be seen in a range of 120 ft. and 2d4 radiant damage to other creatures within 60 feet. Named the Shield of the Morninglord.) The ceremony was finished with the shield being raised to the sky, and said a thanks to his god. A party was held afterwards that lasted until dusk. That night, Photon heard someone talking to him. Not unusual. Lathander communicates with him all the time. But this time it was different. “Hello, Bor Cherin. I am Van Drax, deva, messenger of Lathander, I am your guide an guardian. And, as your guide, I must inform you of this immediately. The leader of the Old Brotherhood was just assassinated. I need you to come visit me in the morning. I will be waiting at the doors of the temple. I will see you then.” “… That was weird” was his last thought before falling asleep. That night he was plagued with nightmares of fires burning down Esirew, demons ripping apart his squad forcing him to watch, and his holy symbol getting smashed and stepped on. He woke up crying and ran to the temple. He tripped on something on the way there, and fell into a puddle. But that was no puddle. He stood up and was in Elysium. There stood a male deva, around Photon’s height,a very heavy build, with white lines running against his purple skin, and irises the color of gold. Features beautiful and sharp but soft as well. His wings were like white clouds, and hair to match. The deva immediately hugged Photon. “I’m glad I finally get to meet you. I’ve been waiting for, what, 20 years.” “It’s nice to meet you as well, Van Drax. If I had known you were waiting I would of came sooner.” “Oh it’s alright Bor. You didn’t know I even existed. Anyways, other than the fact that I wanted to finally meet you, I need to discuss with you what is happening.” “Yes of course. Please.” “Alright. So then leader of the old brotherhood was assassinated. The evidence that has been provided to us point directly to the church for some reason. The dagger that was found at the scene is typically used for sacrifices to help summon avatars that protect some of our higher ranking officials, which you will soon get. Anyways, now all of us are getting blamed. And they have declared war. Which means our allies also have declared war on them, which means the new brotherhood, the church of Chauntea, the Ladies of Light, and the anti-demons of the south, along with half of Elysium. But the old brotherhood’s allies have declared war on us as well. This means the Conquerors of Hell, the Order of Martos, and oddly enough they have managed to ally themselves with your age old enemy, the King of Seven.” “Which explains the dreams that I had last night.” “Yes. And I know what dreams you had last night because I had the same ones, with some different faces and places. I fear the king is getting stronger these days, but has been awfully quite as of late.” “Yes he has.” Suddenly there was a bang. “What was that?” Asks Photon. “It sounded like a cannon being fired?” The two exited the building they were in and saw that troops were being tallied on the two side of a wall. “Has that always been there?” Asks Photon. “No? I was just there half an hour ago.” Suddenly a booming voice was heard. “All residents and civilians, please evacuate immediately. We are under attack. Do not panic.” “Lets head to the wall.” Van Drax takes Photon by the hand and pulls him to the wall. They head to the top of it and in the other side a corrupted place. The buildings, not there normal glowing and beautiful golden color, are now an ashy and black space. A… demon? Fallen? Something unusual flys at them, teeth bared like an angry wolf. “Ahh!” Van Drax jumps and opens a portal, sending them to an abandoned temple of Lathander. “What was that!!!” “I have no idea?!” A voice in both of their heads begins to speak. Lathander. “That is what happens when corruption and anger mix with a celestial. A wall has been built for containment but until the situation is resolved, I want you to stay with Bor in Esirew. I need the two of you to figure out a solution to our issue.” “Alright, let’s get cracking then.”

[narcisbolgor-blog]

SXSW gets political: All eyes on Trump

Austin, Texas (CNN)President Donald Trump's name is on everyone's lips at the 2017 SXSW festival, with performers, experts, advocates and festival-goers weighing in on the 45th president.

While it is not overtly partisan, SXSW has historically drawn a generally progressive group of musicians, artists, writers, experts, filmmakers and activists, including Trump's latest entertainer foe rapper Snoop Dogg, who performed Wednesday night and is set to join artists to advocate for criminal justice reform in a panel Saturday.

Donald Trump's least favorite rapper, @SnoopDogg #SXSW http://pic.twitter.com/ApeLrvqRNa

— Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) March 16, 2017

"It's hard to take your eye off of the Trump train. I think the conference organizers recognize that this year, more than any other year, the conversation will sway toward the political, despite what they would like to happen," Austin Chronicle reporter Chase Hoffberger, who covered SXSW in the past, told CNN.

"(SXSW) is not designed to be a liberal thing, but the messaging is often liberal," Hoffberger added. "Mostly because the industries that are involved are de facto liberal industries."

Travel ban rocks SXSW

Controversy over Trump's new ravel ban rocked the festival even before it began, prompting SXSW organizers to release a statement opposing the executive order, which bans nationals of several Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, as well as temporarily restricting refugee entry.

"With the announcement of President Trump's latest travel ban, SXSW would like to reaffirm its public opposition to these executive orders and provide ongoing support to the artists traveling from foreign countries to our event," festival organizers said in a March 7 statement.

When Trump tries 2 ban you but you get invited to @sxsw Come see us in Austin on March 17th 10pm @ PALM DOOR #Musicunites #Contrabanned http://pic.twitter.com/MHxn7L5neT

— FRROW (@faarrow) March 8, 2017

The festival then announced a special March 17 showcase featuring "performances by artists from the diaspora of the nations (affected) by the White House's travel ban."

"When Trump tries 2 ban you but you get invited to @sxsw," Faarrow, a band made up of two Somali-Canadian sisters, tweeted last week.

The White House did not respond to several requests for comment on this story.

Controversy over Trump's executive order resurfaced again this week after several foreign artists said they were blocked from entering the country by US Customs and Border Protection officials.

The list includes London drummer Yussef Kamaal, members of the UK's United Vibrations, the lead singer of Danish band Rainbrother, Italian band Soviet Soviet and three members of Massive Scar Era, an Egyptian-Canadian band, who spoke out in an interview with Billboard about their interaction with border officials. Several of these artists are Muslim.

"He said that he knows that I've done everything legally, and that I'm not lying, but he's still not going to let me in," vocalist Cherine Amr said, referring to a border official. "He said that people are using the festival to protest but I told him we are not going there to protest."

Commenting on the Customs and Borders comment! Are we an international recognized group?!?!?!??!?!?! NO!!!!!!!... https://t.co/X1GskKZdHZ

— Massive Scar Era (@MassiveScarEra) March 14, 2017

"Our leadsinger Bjarke has been denied access to the US via the usual tunnel. BUT we're still playing @sxsw. Trump isn't gonna win this one," Rainbrother tweeted over the weekend.

Our leadsinger Bjarke has been denied access to the US via the usual tunnel. BUT we're still playing @sxsw. Trump isn't gonna win this one. http://pic.twitter.com/d590LFYZxf

— Rainbrother (@RainbrotherBand) March 10, 2017

"We will NOT be playing @sxsw. We got hit by the #ExecutiveOrder If you wanna show solidarity RT ... #MuslimBan #BLM" United Vibrations tweeted Monday.

We will NOT be playing @sxsw. We got hit by the #ExecutiveOrder If you wanna show solidarity RT : https://t.co/OuI93zxkia #MuslimBan #BLM

— United Vibrations (@UnitedVibration) March 13, 2017

In the past, bands have entered the country on a B-1 visitor visa, which which is issued for tourists but restricts them from any paid work in the US.

Messages left with CBP were not returned.

SXSW does not pay performers, but customs officials released a statement Monday announcing that artists must apply for a P-1 visa instead, which is usually used by athletes entering the US temporarily to perform individually or as a group at an internationally recognized performance.

Jonathan Ginsberg, an attorney for SXSW, said the festival is working with US organizations "in an effort to ensure that both the State Department and CBP continue to treat (performances) as a valid activity in B or visa waiver status."

Commenting on the Customs and Borders comment! Are we an international recognized group?!?!?!??!?!?! NO!!!!!!!... https://t.co/X1GskKZdHZ

— Massive Scar Era (@MassiveScarEra) March 14, 2017

"Commenting on the Customs and Borders comment! Are we an international recognized group?!?!?!??!?!?! NO!!!!!!!" Egyptian heavy metal band Massive Scar Era tweeted Monday.

Some SXSW performers are internationally recognized, but one of the purposes of the festival is to support new, lesser-known artists with little-to-no experience in the national or international spotlight.

Questions over the festival's stance on the ban came along with controversy over what appeared to be a deportation clause applicable to international artists in the festival's artist performance agreement.

New York punk band Told Slant shared the language on Twitter and threatened to boycott the event, along with other bands.

Organizers eliminated the language, which previously stated that the festival could "notify the appropriate U.S. immigration authorities" if they "or their representatives have acted in ways that adversely affect the viability of their official SXSW showcase."

I'm happy that sxsw agreed to make changes to their contract so that it no longer threatens deportation as a means of controlling artists...

— Told Slant (@Felixixix666) March 7, 2017

"I'm happy that sxsw agreed to make changes to their contract so that it no longer threatens deportation as a means of controlling artists," Felix of Told Slant tweeted.

"We will remove the option of notifying immigration authorities in situations where a foreign artist might 'adversely affect the viability of Artist's official showcase,'" organizers said in a statement released on the festival's website.

"Safety is a primary concern for SXSW, and we report any safety issues to local authorities. It is not SXSW's duty or authority to escalate a matter beyond local authorities," they continued.

Activism is a big theme

Discussions and debates about Trump and his policies echoed this week in lecture halls, meeting rooms, concert venues and street corners, making the President, who was not invited to speak at the festival, an omnipresent force.

"This year, the fact that everyone is talking exclusively about world order and Donald Trump, it stands to reason that that's what the conference will have a bit more of a focus on (that)," Hoffberger said.

While politics have always had a place at SXSW, this year, the national surge in activism has made its way into panel discussions represented in various festival verticals -- technology, film, music and interactives.

Panels focused on activism in the age of Trump include the following: "Civil Discourse in the Age of a Twitterer-In-Chief," "From Meme to Protest: What's Next for Online Activism," "All the Rage: Female Activism and Altruistic Design," "For Games to Evolve They Need to Get Political," "How Elections Change Next Gen Cause Engagement" and "Power & Perils of Digital Activism Meet Up."

Tech experts and advocates participated in various Trump-focused panels, including, "Tech Under Trump," "Tech Advocates and Trump: Best Strategies So Far," "How Will Trump Steer Car and Transportation Tech?", "Tech Activism: More Than a Hashtag," "Trump, China, and Trade Wars: Tech in the Trenches?" and "Head Fakes and Pivots: Trump Punk Sillicon Valley."

"Tech Under Trump" programming at #SXSW will address uncertainty facing tech & society in the wake of the election. https://t.co/RWmmYsdR1M

— SXSW (@sxsw) December 13, 2016

In the latter, author Baratunde Thurston addressed how the tech industry failed to predict Trump's win and what lessons could be learned from it.

The format of the festival also creates room for political discussions and according to Hoffberger, the overlapping of the various verticals on the schedule this year has created more opportunities for politics-based conversations.

"The festival itself is very kind of do your own thing and put it out there for people to respond to," the Austin Chronicle's music editor Raoul Hernandez said. "It's so big that (organizers) know that they can't control the party. The genie is out of the bottle."

More From this publisher : HERE

=> *********************************************** See More Here: SXSW gets political: All eyes on Trump ************************************ =>

SXSW gets political: All eyes on Trump was originally posted by 11 VA Viral News

[jobsearchtips02]

Grocery workers are key during the virus. And they’re afraid

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Every day, grocery workers are restocking toilet paper, eggs, produce and canned goods as fast as the items fly off the shelves.

They disinfect keypads, freezer handles and checkout counters as hundreds of people weave around them, sometimes standing too close for comfort amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some work for hours behind clear plastic barriers installed at checkout counters, bulwarks against sudden sneezes or coughs that can propel germs.

They aren’t doctors or nurses, yet they have been praised for their dedication by Pope Francis, former U.S. President Barack Obama and countless people on social media, as infections and death counts rise.

From South Africa to Italy to the U.S., grocery workers — many in low-wage jobs — are manning the frontlines amid worldwide lockdowns, their work deemed essential to keep food and critical goods flowing. Some fear falling sick or bringing the virus home to vulnerable loved ones, and frustration is mounting as some demand better workplace protections, including shorter hours to allow them to rest, and “hazard” pay for working closely with the public.

“Everyone is scared everywhere, here in South Africa and everywhere in the world,” said Zandile Mlotshwa, a cashier at Spar supermarket in the Johannesburg suburb of Norwood.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and the vast majority survive. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can be more severe, even causing pneumonia or death.

In the U.S., a handful of states — Minnesota and Vermont were the first — have given grocery workers a special classification that allows them to put their children in state-paid child care while they work. Unions in Colorado, Alaska, Texas and many other states are pressing governors to elevate grocery workers to the status of first responders.

“The government’s responsibility is to step up in these moments,” said Sarah Cherin, chief of staff for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union in Seattle, the first U.S. epicenter of COVID-19.

The union, which represents about 23,000 grocery workers and 18,000 health care workers, won early concessions for higher pay.

“We have always been a group of people who come to work when others stay home,” Cherin said. “Our workers need the same protection others get.”

U.S. grocery and food delivery workers are insisting employers pay them more and provide masks, gloves, gowns and access to testing. Whole Foods workers called for a recent “sickout” to demand better conditions, including double pay. A group of independent contractors for the Instacart grocery delivery service walked out to force more protections.

Some of the biggest employers in the U.S. are responding.

Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, said it will give all hourly employees a $2-an-hour “Hero Bonus” through April 18. That follows temporary $2 pay bumps by Walmart, Target and others.

Walmart’s raise is just for hourly employees in distribution centers, but it’s also giving bonuses to full- and part-time workers. Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, and Target will provide masks and gloves to front-line workers and limit the number of customers in stores. Walmart is taking the temperatures of its nearly 1.5 million employees when they report to work.

“Most will see it as a welcome relief,” Walmart spokesman Dan Bartlett said of the new measures.

But that doesn’t alleviate the fear when shoppers won’t follow the rules, including social distancing.

Jake Pinelli, who works at a ShopRite in Aberdeen, New Jersey, said customers don’t stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from others and typically don’t wear masks or gloves. Staffers have protective gear, but the younger employees often give it to older co-workers or those they know have health conditions.

“Most of us are terrified,” Pinelli said. But he stays on because he wants to help.

“I have not only bills to pay, but it’s the only way right now I feel like I can do anything for my community and help out,” Pinelli said.

Some have fallen sick.

The Shaw’s supermarket chain told workers last week at six stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont that one of its employees had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The company reminded workers to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they don’t feel well.

At the Organic Food Depot in Norfolk, Virginia, cash is no longer used. Customers can’t bring reusable bags. Children under 16 are banned.

“If somebody fell sick in the store, the store is most likely going to shut down,” manager Jamie Gass said.

Gass, 47, said his wife has asthma, which means she would be more vulnerable to the coronavirus. Yet he feels pride going to a job that helps ensure people get fed in a crisis.

“Am I scared that I could catch this? Absolutely,” Gass said. “But I’m sure everybody is in that position. I’m just taking as many precautions as I can, so I don’t have to worry as much.”

In Italy, where more than 14,000 people have died of COVID-19, consumers seem to prefer smaller, family-run stores and markets.

One of them, the Innocenzi grocery store in Rome, was established in 1884 by Emanuela Innocenzi’s grandfather. Its wooden shelves, marble entrance steps and cherished custom of clerks waiting on each customer hearken back to another era. The small store now allows in only two customers at a time.

A dentist’s office provided masks, which employees wipe down with alcohol each day and reuse.

Emanuela Innocenzi shrugged off the pope’s praise.

“The doctors, the nurses have special training,” she said. “This is our work.”

___

Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia; Michael Casey in Boston; Alexandra Olson and Anne D’Innocenzio in New York; Frances Demilio in Rome; Andrew Meldrum in Johannesburg; and video journalist Rodrique Ngowi in Quincy, Massachusetts, contributed to this report.

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Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

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from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/grocery-workers-are-key-during-the-virus-and-theyre-afraid/

[abriellelogog]

The Early Days

I was born on a ship. My father said it was one of the best sailing days he had ever experienced. The sky was clear and blue and the sun was hot in the sky. The gulls were loud and the wind swept them up, helping them glide over the gentle waves. Mother told me that the labor, while painful and long, was the biggest success of her life. She told me stories about my first cry being strong and my grip holding her tightly. That is all I remember them telling me, I was too young to remember anything else or get all the real details.

I was raised on the ship till I was six. My first memory is of my father. It was the day after the seas were very angry so the deck of the ship was soaked and the cold temperature had iced it over. My father, Acostas, held my hand in his. It was rough and calloused and I remember that I felt safe. He pulled me around, me holding his shirt, laughing on the slick deck. Of course, I fell a couple of times but my father was always there, his tanned face smiling down at me. We played soccer with a hunk of ice. That is all I remember. I was four.

With my mother, Cherine, I remember her voice. It was so sweet and melodic even when she was not singing. She also had this power in her presence and from what I remember, she was the ship captain. She took control and the men on the ship listened to her carefully. I was quite nervous around her and I also made sure to listen carefully and learn fast. My mother had this wild red hair that was wonderfully waved and she would always leave it down. It smelled wonderful, like sea and sun.

I also remember the day that things started to change and I became aware of our true nature. My mother was steering the ship and we were singing along together. Then, she stopped and for the briefest moment, I remember seeing the glint of eagerness in her eyes. It was then that I was scooped up by a crew member and told to go down into the bowels of the ship. I remember the sounds of yelling and metal clanging against metal. I was not afraid. This was life but for the first time, I wondered about the nature of the activities above my head. When I emerged, the men were sorting and counting money and the crew was mopping the deck. I remembered looking to my father and he knew. All he said was, “We are pirates. Abrielle, you are surrounded by men who kill.” He did not hide the truth from me beyond that point. I was six.

These seemed to get worse from there. There were loads of moments when I would be ushered down below the deck and I would hear the swords clanging against other swords, only to emerge and help with the sorting of the riches. I would laugh with the crew members who would dress me up in the jewels and things. I was their princess. However, there came a point when they needed to get rid of me. A pirate ship is no place for a child and my parents realized this after a particularly hard battle. It was a battle where some of our crew lost their lives and a cannon blew a hole in the lower deck of the ship, near where I was eating supper.

One night, I was awoken by my mother. We were docked at a secluded beach and my things were packed in a small knapsack that she strapped to my back. “It is time to go Abrielle. You will not be coming back.” My father and mother led me up to the top deck where the crew had gathered to send me off. I remember lots of head pats and hugs from the softer members of the crew. I remember that I cried. I begged them to let me stay but all of them pushed me away. I know now that they meant to protect me but to this day, I hate saying goodbye.

That same night, we were on the road. I don’t remember much from the journey other than that we only walked during the night.

I also remember the first time I saw Uncle Lewis. He was and continued to be, quite portly. He also had these tiny little glasses and fly away hair. He was only thirty at that time, but he looked the same until he died. I remembered he was surprised to see my mother, his sister but he let us into his home. I don’t remember much, but when I woke up, both of my parents were gone and I was wrapped in a blanket in my Uncle’s chair. I cried for three days, without a break. Uncle Lewis let me have the time and when I stopped, he sat next to me. “Now what will you do?” He asked.

Within the next year, I learned to read. Lewis would help me sound out each of the letters. It was a time that I remember fondly because I really learned about his intelligence. He was the town doctor. There was only about fifty people in town so there wasn’t much work for him to do but he was skilled. I would read aloud to him and tell him about the pictures in my mind. He would always ask for more details and I would share with him all that I imagined.

He then taught me how to draw those thoughts. He bought me fine pencils and thick paper that he bought from Calormene merchants. The paper smelled like the sea. It reminded me of home. I never became talented at drawing but I did enjoy it from time to time. I enjoyed making what I though closer to my reality. This artistic outlet then led to me learning embroidery.

I learned how to garden by accident. There was this little old woman who lived next door who love to garden and I thought it was such a sweet activity and I loved spending time with a woman who I felt, genuinely cared for me. Lewis loved me, that much was true, but I felt more like a student under his roof. This sweet woman was named Helene. She taught me how to sow seeds and pick the vegetables at their peak and, most importantly, how to keep the animals away. One of the best things she taught me was about men. “Honey, women are like pancakes. They can think of everything all at the same time! Men are waffles. They have compartments and they can only think of one thing at a time.” I loved that bit of wisdom, and I have gladly accepted it.

Helene died when I was thirteen. Lewis helped me overcome this time in life by creating a little garden on our plot of land. I cultivated it from the time I was thirteen till I was eighteen and we moved to Coghill. It was one of my greatest joys and it is during my time in the gardens that I would sing.

I always wanted a voice as good as my mother’s and Uncle Lewis said it was similar. Most of our town liked to listen in during the festivals and during the harvest season. The first time I got a compliment about my voice was from my childhood friend, Cassie. She told me, “Abrielle, you are a songbird!” It was one of the sweetest compliments I have ever received. After that, I told Cassie all my secrets.

Cassie was not like all the other girls. She was actually more boy than girl and I followed her around like a puppy. We met when I first moved to town and meeting her was one of the things I will never forget. All of the town children were invited to see a travelling show. The man was from the Calormene dessert and was a well-known snake charmer. I had gone down to see this man all the boys were talking about and I was entranced by the understanding between the man and the snake he was charming. I watched, fully invested in the sounds of the music and the movements of the snake’s head. The respect the man had for the art what  profound! However, the boy of the town were not as respectful. After the show, the boys found the snake and took it’s box with them into the woods. I was picking some mushrooms when the boys came to me with the snake. Things escalated and I was dared to touch the snake. “Oh yeah Abrielle! If you know everything, we dare you to grab the snake and hold it for 40 seconds!” I couldn’t say no. I took the dare and the snake swung up, biting me in the arm just on the inside of my elbow. That is when Cassie jumped in.

She had seen everything as it unfolded from the trees and flung herself down. “Look what you boys have done! She is bit!” The boys continued laughing while I held my arm, the snake long forgotten. Cassie began to suck out the venom and, after a while, took me home to Lewis who took care of the rest of my healing. Cassie came to talk to me everyday. I still did not care for her much, as she seemed too wild like my mother...that is until she gave me the best compliment I have ever received. Cassie had long brown hair that she tied into braids and she had green eyes. She died when we were both sixteen. She fell out of a tree and broke her neck. No one was there to rescue her.

When I turned Eighteen, after years of acquiring new skills and attending festivals, learning about loss and love, I decided it was time to move. Uncle Lewis, now forty-nine, had begun to lost his sharp mind. I would find him wandering around in the woods, talking to himself and to various animals. He would speak of things I could not see and share memories I had not heard in all my years of living with him. It was a complete loss. My intelligent teacher and loving Uncle was losing his mind and I was powerless to stop it.

I decided we need a change, a change that would protect Lewis from himself. I made the decision to move to Coghill, a town South of ours were we I could work and Lewis could retire to his thoughts. Leaving home was very hard for me. Lewis had made it a point to avoid making me say good-byes, and here I was, leaving the only real home I knew for a new home. I was very sad to leave but I was also determined to succeed. We left in the fall, after our last harvest.