#cleaning used to be extremely daunting

[slowtovvn]

Hi I want to reccomend Midwest Magic Cleaning. https://youtu.be/XYT9DN79Rts?si=GoYEkwcHacbLdB_V

An autistic guy who loves cleaning helps hoarders or familes of deasesed hoarders for free. He's goofy, non-judgemental, and is great at talking through how to tackle a hoard/make your space work for you. I like watching his videos while I clean because it feels like I have company.

You are not alone. There are so many people who struggle to clean or never learned.

i know this is very specific but i want to extend my love to people who can’t keep things clean. people who struggle with hoarding disorder, people who fear they might one day if someone does not keep them in check, people who don’t understand why this is so hard for them. people who take multiple exhausting days to clean their rooms, people whose rooms and houses are so dirty they catch a cold after trying to clean, people who can’t finish cleaning. people who have struggled since childhood to keep things clean and organized, people for whom this problem developed later, people who have only recently began to struggle. people who have cried so many tears, suffered so much cruelty and yelling from other people, struggled with shame so strong they can’t invite people over. i love each and every one of you. i promise that you are not alone, because i am the same as you. we’ll get through it. i promise we will

[stickthisbig]

I've started conducting job interviews at work now? It's terrifying but it turns out I'm really good at it? So if interviewing is daunting, here is my advice from the other side of the table. It turned out to be very long, so here's a cut.

When you apply:

Oh my god please spell check your resume, I beg of you.

Gimmicks absolutely will not help you. You will get so much farther with a resume that is neatly formatted and a cover letter that is straight to the point.

Make sure you count all your experience!! Internships and fellowships count as experience!! The computer system will reject you and I'll never see it in the first place!!

After you've gotten the interview:

If you're trying to get a job in a field you've never worked in (as most of the people I interview are), break down your former employment or experience into the skills you used and keep that information at hand. You used to work in food service? You have experience in delivering an experience at a high quality with basically no margin for error, and you work well under pressure. You were a telemarketer? You have experience at following a workflow and deescalating conflict.

We and every other job WILL be asking you about a. conflict management and deescalation (have examples for how you resolve conflict with coworkers, clients, and bosses) b. personal time management (how you stay organized and on schedule) c. what you do when you realize you can't handle a problem by yourself d. your strengths and weaknesses (see below) Just go on and have an answer ready. You will be asked. There will be questions you're not prepared for. Be prepared for these.

Do a little googling about the company/organization. What will become extremely clear to you immediately is whether they're going to care about you caring about the mission. Some businesses don't. Every non-profit and every government agency does. If they seem like they care, you should pretend to care.

Ask all your questions of the person who is scheduling the interview. I don't recommend trying to figure out who will be your boss and contacting them. Everybody's very busy all the time, none of us are hiring specialists, and we're using the HR staff to act as our buffer. You will look like a nuisance, not a go-getter.

Do look at a map and figure out where you're going. It's vastly preferable to call an hour ahead and say you're unsure where to go than call ten minutes late and say you're lost.

When you walk into the office:

I personally don't give a fast fuck if you come empty handed, but some interviewers HATE that, so definitely bring a notebook and a pen. It's no longer necessary to bring paper copies of your resume. If you're going to interview a lot, may I recommend dropping five or ten bucks on a sketchbook at Michaels or similar? It looks polished and also you can actually use it for things. If you need to write notes to help you remember anything from above, it's okay to write them down. Anybody who would ding you for that isn't someone you need to work for.

If you don't know what to wear: black or khaki pants, nice shirt. Preferably a blazer, but that's optional at entry level imho. Lately I'm finding that the men's sections in thrift stores have better selections? If you've got big hips, you can slit the sides of a men's dress shirt up to your waistline and tuck it in. If you have to come in jeans, wear a belt. If you only have a t-shirt, make sure it's clean and tuck it in. You don't have to prove to me you have money to get this job; you just have to prove to me that you are taking this opportunity seriously by presenting yourself neatly, because you will be expected to be dressed neatly at work.

My sibling in Christ beloved child of God, be polite to every fucking person you see. Oh my god I cannot stress to you how polite you need to be. I cannot believe that this is a thing I have to say, but I sure do! If it's close between you and another person, that snippy comment you made on the elevator WILL lose you that job. Ditto for if they walk you around to meet people. Just be THE politest motherfucker.

When you walk into the room:

When you sit down, what you are looking at is one person who is running the interview, twoish people who are related to your job, and sometimes also someone from HR, unless HR does all the interviewing. One of these people wants to be your hype man. If it's my office, it's me, I'm hype man. I want to have a dialogue with you to see how prepared you are and how good of a communicator you are. I want this interview to go fast and seamless. I'm in your corner. Don't play to the guy who's actively staring off into space. Focus on the interviewer who's most focused on you.

NEVER downplay your own experience. Getting a job you're underqualified for is a problem for future you. If you only have internships, or you only have retail, or you only have food service, or you only have work study, fuck it. You walk in there and act like you've been the goddamn president. The question of your qualifications and the question of your experience are separate. Never act like your experience doesn't count because it's in a "lesser" field.

EVERY. TIME. you are asked about your weaknesses, explain how you have used them for growth. Do not wait to be asked, just slap it in there. One of my biggest weaknesses is giving up control, so I've made a conscious effort to involve other people earlier in the process. If you're not fuckin working on your weaknesses, just try to imagine what would be a good idea. Or maybe work on them? I'm not your dad.

What I am looking for is your ability to answer my questions in a complete and concise way. If you can't give me a specific example, I want you to be able to reflect on your previous work and say "When it comes to X, my experience doing Y is relevant in this way." I am asking you for a synthesis. Most of what I need you to do in this position, I know you've never done. If there is something where I specifically need you to have done X as a professional qualification, there is nothing else you could say that would be right, so you have nothing to lose.

Keep some question in your back pocket for when they ask "do you have any questions for us." It is a hundred percent okay for this to be a softball question, but it's also okay to ask something more probing. You can ask how they handle training, town and gown relations, what the possibilities for employee development are, whether they've done any diversity initiatives, if there's a good work-life balance, what the previous person in the position is doing now, what their strategic planning is like, whatever, just something to prove you're engaged. Do not ask about leave, and do not ask a gimmicky question you saw on the internet. If you can't think of anything, just fuckin ask them how they like working there. That's perfectly fine.

This isn't the time to bring up ADA accommodations. The person who can approve that for you is almost certainly not in the room, and you put us in a super weird position. I am saying this as a person who receives ADA accommodations from my employer and did not disclose my disability when I was hired, as is my legal right. Don't bring it up until you think it would actively prevent you from fulfilling a job requirement or accessing the office. In the before times I had a dude once who called me asking if the building was accessible, because he just wasn't going to interview if it wasn't, and I was just like "...that's fair, my man, but you can come on down."

After the interview:

I fully don't care about a thank you note; I'm unlikely to see it anyway. Some people do. You may send one (1) and ONLY ONE thank you note; generally it should just go to the person who scheduled your interview. Do not, and this is so important, do not email again. I know it is the fucking worst how employers get away with ghosting people but my friend you and I cannot change that. (We do send notices to people who get interviews but don't get the job; people who don't get interviews are informed by the computer system.)

It's gonna be okay. I'm not trying to trick you; I want this to go smoothly, and I want you to demonstrate that you understand how you would use what you've already done to do what I need you to do. I don't want this to be awkward any more than you do. Actually, I want this not to be awkward more than you do, because I have to do this several more times.

[beatrixstonehill2]

"Thank you so much for taking me to your lovely home, Mr. Schultz! It's so nice to see you! I had a feeling if I worked my hometown I might run into a few familiar faces...."

"The pleasure's all mine, Josie. Look at you! My, my, last I saw you, you were a skinny, nerdy girl who could barely land a date. I almost didn't recognize you strutting up and down my block, flagging men down for money to take a spin with that big, sexy pregnant body of yours."

"Awww, thank you! I'm glad you like pregnant girls! But I actually don't get paid."

"Oh, just providing some community service? My niece is about your age and she volunteers herself at the homeless shelter downtown."

"Mmmm, good for her! I'm actually working on my thesis. I guess you could say...."

"Oh? This I've got to hear."

"Well, I'm a Sexual Health Major and I'm trying to get my Master's. As soon as I started college they told me about my assignment. It's so time consuming it's almost all I do for college...."

"Does your college have you out working the streets, getting that belly pumped full of kids for the sake of experience, or is it more of a written project you need the experience for?"

"Both, kind of. I'm to fuck twelve new men a day. Every day, until I graduate. No exceptions. That's eighty-four men a week. Three hundred thirty-six men a month, at least. Over four thousand a year."

"That's quite a daunting amount of work. You have to catalogue them?"

"Yep! Get their names, or a pseudonym, their cock length, time they lasted, the positions they tried on me, what got them off the most, and summarize my findings about guys' sexual performance. I'm supposed to write an essay about it and share it with the university in a couple years."

"My oh my, seems you've been at this a while then. Already over ten thousand guys who fucked that curvy body of yours?"

"Yep! Closer to twenty thousand, at this point."

"And what wisdom can you share? You must be so experienced, darling...."

"Well, most guys are total perverts, but they won't just come out and say it. They're all porn addicts. The second one gets limp fucking my juicy, swollen pussy I have to roll my eyes, reminding them to fuck my ass instead to emulate the grip they use on their own cock. Then when they're about to cum take that dirty cock out of my ass and cram it in my pussy, cum inside it, and piss in it too, cause that's really all a girl's pussy is good for. Not getting men off, just a filthy toilet to do your business in and get out. Wipe your cock off my my labia. I'll lick the guys clean if there's any mess left....."

"Wow, and that works for almost every guy?"

"Well, most. Some like to fuck me doggystyle, others like me to ride them. But lots of guys have their own quirks. If it's an older guy I'll ask if they have a daughter my age, and if so to use her name as picture that I'm her as we fuck and that works every time. If the guy's my age I ask if they have a sister. Same deal. Oh, and other guys if they still have trouble getting all the way to an orgasm I tend to assume they must be into really extreme porn. So I just tell them to start beating me up. Punch my belly, my boobs, strangle me, give me a black eye. And boom, the second they start going to town beating on me they cum like crazy."

"Sounds like you must get that sexy body of yours beaten to a pulp fairly regularly, if my experience with the newer generations of men are anything to go by."

"Ohhh, you bet! But I'm a good girl, I get used to it. I just sit there writing about what gets them off in my little notebooks and I encourage them to keep escalating their aggression until it's enough for them to cum."

"Such a perfect student. I hope they're giving you extra credit for all the brutality..... and STDs, I'd wager."

"Nope, it's just considered part of the project! I have pretty much every std you can imagine, my pussy is so swollen and red from all of them it's starting to look like a balloon. And I'm sure having it treated like a toilet isn't helping either, but oh well. In my opinion, this is what a girl's sex is supposed to look like."

"I take it I won't be at risk of contracting anything with you?"

"Not at all, silly! My college gives me an unlimited prescription for the male-only std-prevention pills."

"Shame they don't make one for girls like you."

"Why? My pussy should be super swollen, red, irritated, and deformed from all the wonderful STDs men give me! Like I said, that's what a girl's pussy is there for..... Plus, the government would never fund an anti-std pill for girls!"

"Ah, good point, dear.... So, enough chatter, I guess I'll be the next entry into your notebook. Hope you enjoy yourself."

"I always do. And even if you don't really want to you can try out hitting me while we fuck, you'd be surprised how fun it is!"

"I think I just might, sweetheart.... Seeing you like this makes me feel like I'd be letting you down if I didn't."

Josie bit her lip. "That's good to hear. Do whatever you want to me, it's what my body's for.❤️"

[tea-tuesday]

got some interest in my hobonichi from my last post so wanted to share my hobonichi planners from law school and talk a little about them :))

yellow omelette cover was for 1L, josef čapek's doggie and pussycat was 2L, and hiroko kubota's tokyo metronome is my current 3L planner!! they are all the original a6 planner that starts in april 🌸 to keep them clean, i added a clear cover on cover.

i would like to say i am creative or extremely organized but alas, i just use them to write down my hw assignments (otherwise i forget) or daily to-do lists. at the top, i write down my appointments and highlight them in yellow. on days i don't have anything to do, the whole page is blank🙈 as a student, this system worked well for me because i don't use google calendar/notion or any online platform (i don't sync anything to my phone). i think once i start working after graduation, i'm going to switch to hobonichi weeks or a less daunting planner just so i can keep track of my appointments. sometimes a full empty blank page scares me.. like staring into the abyss.....

[wannab-urs]

Carry Me

This is a request fill for @atinylittlepain <3

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x student therapist!reader

Summary: You’re overwhelmed. Being a student at a very rigorous university and interning as a therapist for the local DV clinic is all getting to be too much. You’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown for real, but Dieter is there to lighten some of the burden.

Warnings/Content: hurt/comfort, a rare non smut fic, general anxiety and frustration about being a student therapist, Dieter being kind of an idiot, brief mention of SA and DV (literally just the acronyms, no description whatsoever), Dieter is able to pick you up, Dieter calls you Shrink and baby, you and Dieter are roughly the same age, brief mention of oral f!receiving, no use of Y/N, WC: ~1200

Notes: Thank you so much to @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin and @theywhowriteandknowthings for the beta read <3 Love y'all bunches. I was so excited to write this fic AHHH

Dieter Bravo Masterlist | Main Masterlist | AO3 | Kofi

But you can carry me / I’m not heavy / I’ll grow extra arms / To hold onto your body Dig my fingernails / Into your shoulder / And you’re so steady /And you don’t tip over - Carry Me by Crooks and Nannies

You get home and look up at the stairs which have quite possibly never felt so daunting as they do right now. You had class from 8 this morning until noon, a 30 minute break in which you scarfed down some trail mix you found in your car and drove to the clinic, and then an extremely emotionally draining 4 hours of leading group SA and DV survivor therapy sessions followed by another 2 hours of paperwork. 

So now, roughly 12 hours after you left your apartment, you’re standing at the bottom of your stairs, feeling weighed down by your bag and by your life in general and dreading what you might find at the top. 

When you finally do make it upstairs, slip the key into the lock, push the door open, you’re desperately (delusionally) hoping to find a clean apartment. Maybe he cooked you dinner? Maybe he cleaned the living room and lit a candle? Maybe the bed is made and the laundry is put away? 

Of fucking course not. 

Dieter is sitting upside down on the couch, feet in the air and his head dangling off the cushion. He’s got a paintbrush in his teeth and a canvas propped against the coffee table. There’s a pile of laundry in the corner by the bed, dishes stacked precariously in the sink… 

“Dieter. What the fuck are you doing?” He drops the paintbrush from his teeth and you watch it clatter across the hardwood. Add paint on the floor to the pile of bullshit being heaped onto you today. 

“Painting!” He looks positively gleeful for a moment, but then he takes in your sagging shoulders, your wobbling lip, the way your eyes glint with tears. “Shrink? Baby, you okay?” Dieter does a surprisingly agile maneuver, rolling off the couch and onto his feet just as your chest starts heaving and the tears start to spill over. 

He crosses the room quickly, takes your bag and sets it on the floor of the entryway, wraps his big arms around you and pulls you into his chest. You crumple into him, letting him finally take your weight. He buries his nose in your hair, cradles your head to his chest and supports you with an arm wrapped tightly around your waist. Broken sobs and gasps for air are all you can manage, but he doesn’t ask you questions. He just whispers that everything is going to be okay, that he loves you, that you’re so strong. 

After a few minutes, you’re more sniffling than sobbing, and he grabs your face in his big hands. He swipes away a few tears, presses a kiss to your lips. You squirm away “Dieter I’m all snotty!”

“I don’t care, Shrink,” he kisses your tear streaked cheeks, your now fluttering eyelids, your forehead, then he sweeps you off your feet, picking you up bridal style. You shriek and stifle a giggle. 

“Oh my god, Dee, put me down,” you yell, trying to contain your giggles. 

“Sure thing, baby!” He dumps you on the couch, grabs his fluffy brown coat off the table and wraps it around your shoulders, sinks to his knees and pulls your sneakers off for you. He goes to the bed and pulls your favorite blanket from the tangled pile and tosses that over you too. “Here’s what’s gonna happen.”

“Di-”

“Nope, you’re listening to me, for once.” You roll your eyes and throw your head back into the soft velvet cushion of the couch. “I’m gonna make you a cup of tea, okay? You’re gonna drink the tea and you’re gonna make a list.” 

“A list?” You arch your eyebrow at him, a skeptical look in your eye.

“A list. You’re gonna write down everything you need to do for school AND everything you want to do this week. When you finish that, you’re gonna make a list of ways you can cut your workload. Can you do that for me, shrink?” You start to nod, but then you catch a glimpse of the laundry. 

“Dee the house–”

“Nope! That’s my problem, okay? Focus on your list. Tell me when you’re done.” He drops another kiss on top of your head and gets your bag for you, laying it on the table before running off to the kitchen. 

You pull out your journal and start making his stupid list and a few minutes in, he brings you tea, just the way you like it and in your favorite mug. He puts on a record at low volume and you can hear the water running in the sink. Dieter Bravo is doing the dishes. You never thought you’d see the day. 

You finish the first list of all the things you need to do for school and add Write and Watch a movie to the bottom for the things you would do if you ever had the fucking time. Dieter appears in front of you, reading your list upside down. 

“Knew you could do it, shrinky dink.” 

“Please stop calling me that.” 

“No. Now what can you do to reduce your workload?” He heads over to the bed and starts making it while you talk. 

“I could take this class as pass/fail instead of for a grade…” Your face pulls into a grimace at the thought.

“And why do you sound like that makes you want to die a little?” He says as he wrangles the sheet back onto the bed. 

“Because it feels like failing. Or cheating? I don’t know, D! Gina will hate me for it.” You toss your journal onto the coffee table and burrow into Dieter’s coat a little more. 

“Ok first of all, that woman adores you, but also,” he trails off as he focuses on stuffing a pillow back into its case. He sleeps like a tornado. “Also! There has to be something else you can do. Is your internship mandatory?” 

“I need to do it!” you drag your hands down your face and bang your head repeatedly into the soft cushion behind you. 

“Can you reduce your hours?” He’s next to you now, plopping down on the couch and pulling you over to sit across his lap. 

“Technically?” You bury your face in the crook of his neck, drape yourself over him and soak in his warmth, his steadiness. 

“Then that’s what you’re gonna do. And tonight, we’re gonna watch a movie. And then I’m gonna toss you onto our freshly made bed and I’m gonna eat you out til you’re so delirious you couldn’t think about your ‘workload’ if you tried.”

“What about the laundry?” 

“It can wait.” He kisses you softly again. You make an exasperated noise, but you let him grab the remote, pull up Netflix, put on a movie. You let him cradle you and kiss you.

Dieter isn’t perfect. He’s messy and forgetful and can’t hold down a job to save his fucking life. But he’s steady, soft, comforting. He’s understanding and kind and silly and a little bit brilliant.

You know that when everything gets too much for you to carry, he can carry you. 

[h-s-moonshadow]

Sigils and Servitude: Part 15 (Formerly Sigils and Willows, see note at the end)

Nomira strode down the hall in her new servant robes, looking through a notebook. Not her notebook, the king had not seen fit to give it back to her yet, but a notebook. It was the best that she could do at the moment and the first few pages were filled to the very brim with her writings and musings. Sechdulings for the new hires, their pay, and schedules for herself.

Now she searched for Orsa. She had not been able to pin the princess down into a firm schedule yet, though she was trying. If not a firm schedule, she at least wanted it to be consistent. It seemed like most of her days now were spent trying to find the Untinian princess instead of actually working as her personal head servant. The need to do both was something of a hard task.

Yet she pushed forwards. Walking towards one of the places that Orsa might be. She had noticed that the princess enjoyed the training grounds, and over the past week had found her three times training with the sword. Nomira’s mind started to drift to the last time that she had seen Orsa, there, hair in a ponytail, face dripping with sweat as scarlet eyes watched focused.

Nomira shook herself. Now was not the time for that. She had to find Orsa before the job interviews started. If she did not then who knew what insanity would follow. She had not been late to a single meeting yet, and she would keep that streak.

“Nomira?” The familiar voice of the Princess cut through the air as she walked towards the training grounds.

Nomira had to resist jumping into the air and spinning around. It would after all, undo all the work she had done to get her hair just right. The long teal locks in a tight bun with not a hair out fo place. She turned to face Orsa, and bowed to the princess.

“Princess, I was just looking for you.” She said with a curt and polite air. “I have questions for you about todays interviews. Specifically about what preferences you might have for your bathmaidens.”

Orsa regarded her with those scarlet eyes. Was that a smirk on her lips? Nomira resisted the urge to try to hit Orsa. She knew that the sigil that still lightly stung on the back of her neck would not let her. She had not tried to harm anyone. She had no reason too. Especially not after the night she had painstakingly spent using a mirror to try to replicate the sigil on a piece of paper.

She was confidant that she had failed, but if half of what she drew was correct then there was no way she could touch anyone in the castle without their permission. That had been a daunting revelation, that she was truely trapped here. Unable to leave unless Orsa was with her, which was extremely difficult when Orsa wanted to pretend that she did not exist.

“You’ve been trying to ask me about my bathing habits all week,” Orsa said with a sigh. “How many times have I told you that-” Nomira shot her a look. “Princess, how much time have the servants who wash your clothes saved you?” 

Orsa pursed her lips. “The servants who wash my clothes are not the discussion of what we need to do today.” 

Nomira rolled her eyes, she had been shocked by how much Orsa had done herself. Bathing, cleaning her clothes, her armor, her weapons. The only thing that Nomira had not tried to take over was Nomira’s room. She did not want the princess to have to worry about servants in there. For one reason or another. It simply did not matter to her. 

“They might not be, but now that you have personal washers, an armormer, and a groomer for your horse. It should only follow that you have bathmaidens. It is customary to have a least one in Untine I’ve learned. Which leads me to the question.” Nomira paused as she felt her cheeks flush, but it needed to be asked. After all, she did need to know if there were going to be one or two bathmaidens. “Do you wish to have a lesbian bathe you?” She asked glancing up.

The look on Orsa’s face alone was worth the question alone. A look of pure shock, her eyes widder than a shield. It looked like her jaw might keep falling to the floor as color flooded the princess’s cheeks. She blinked then stuttered for a moment before finally choking out. “N- NO! No- Why- NO not at- Why is that even a- how- I-”

Well that answered one question. Nomira made a notation. “If you’re to have a torrid love affair protical in this country dictate it be with your bathmaiden, singular if it is her, or with your carriage driver. Seeing as you refuse the carriage driver, I thought it might be with your bathmaiden. In which case you would be needed for the interviews.” She waved a hand. “Two, ladies who like exclusively men. They’ll be ready for you at seven this evening.”

Nomira turned to walk away. Still smiling to herself about Orsa’s reaction before. “Oh no you don’t!” 

She froze and turned as Orsa strode towards her. Willows and leaves that woman was tall. She towered over Nomira, looking down at her. “I will be at the interview.”

There was a three count in which Nomira had to remind herself to breathe. Before she nodded, forcing herself to speak in a steady voice. “Of course Princess. Follow me.” Note: After a long time struggling. I have decided to cut the Princes and Eden Nevermore from this project. I am sorry to do this now, but I feel as if they will have their time, and trying to figure out their plot was taking far to long. And was part of the reason this story hasn't updated. If I write them out separately, they will be a part of a different project, because there is a story there. Thank you for your understanding. I hope you enjoy Nomira and Osa's story.

[sobeautifullyobsessed]

Reasons for Gratitude...

A week ago, I posted regarding my financial challenge in keeping myself in shelter this week, and at the time, I'd been faced with losing my room for several days. I also made clear that I understand that the economy has most people pretty tapped out, and I just asked for prayers and positive thoughts sent my way.

Well, not only did friends here come through for me as they have many times before, but one of them signal boosted on another platform (X), where it was also picked up by another long-absent tumblr user. And as a result, I am safe in a room through Sunday. The kindness and generosity of this community continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my lifetime!

Hope on the horizon...

Just found out that the cost of the places I've been staying is going up between 20-25% at the end of August, which is incredibly scary, but not at all surprising given how much the cost of living here in the US had been skyrocketing. However, it appears that I may have the opportunity to rent a room in a condo about an hour from my hometown, as a family member is having health issues and may have to go on disability (she's on short-term disability right now, and insists she's going to return to work, but very sadly and realistically, she's got bone-on-bone osteoarthritis and her job is the reason for it to begin with). So my rent would enable her to cover her mortgage, and my presence would provide someone to do the cleaning and whatever 'heavy lifting' needs doing around the place.

Several issues remain. We still have to discuss serious details. Relocating means finding a new job or transferring to another Walmart in the area; reestablishing myself in a position elsewhere after half my life at the same job, is extremely daunting! And of course, it means leaving the town where I've lived my whole life (except my college years). All my best memories are here and what friends I have that Covid didn't drive to other states. I keep thinking of all the places dear to me here, and I find I'll miss my church the most; a place of comfort and harmony that I shared with my long gone parents. Even though I'm not there every week, I can't yet imagine not being there through the holiday season. But as things are, it may soon be a must.

But as I said, this is a better hope for me than the life I've been living, my car packed with my most necessary possessions, moving back and forth between motels and rooms as my finances allow. The State has never once been able to give me assistance (a story I've heard over and over from other homeless folks I know from work). Hopefully, my posts soliciting financial aid will be coming to an end by September or so. However things go in the coming months, I hold my dear friends and benefactors here close as ever in my heart, in love and gratitude.

🫶🫶🫶

[writer-and-lover]

The Tiny and the Giant

Kinktober Day 1: Leather | Micro/Macro - Lucifer (Obey Me)

@justwolosers

Parties in the human world were loud. Boisterous. Down-right illegal at time.  Usually hosted and attended by young, energetic teenagers or young adults, the drinks limited to cheap corner shop liquor and maybe a few lines of coke or ketamine injections. Or weed. Bright lights in dark houses, pool parties and bathroom make outs. That was what you were used to.

Parties in the devildom were a whole different level. You’d noticed that a lot of the laws, if there were any, were extremely lax. And the parties definitely reflected that. Scantily clad demons, some forgoing clothes all together, drugs, potions, drinks- are those sex toys? Nothing seemed to be being held back. Asmodeus was at least excited for the both of you. He’d been the one to invite you as his plus-one, as it was a requirement. The invite also stressed the importance of dress-code; the least clothes possible. That hadn’t been an issue for you, really. You’d been to your fair share of leather parties and 18+ drag shows. The nudity wasn’t an issue at all. You’d picked a less daring outfit, a simple black leather harness that hugged your chest nicely, with leather jeans and black spiked punk boots. A simple leather collar was wrapped around your neck, a silver O-ring hanging from the front by a chain with matching earrings to boot. When you’d shown Asmo, you had nearly lost the trousers. Permanently. But now at the party, you realise that maybe- you’re a bit overdressed. You can’t see any demon or spirit wearing anything past their thighs. Only half of them are even wearing clothes on their lower bodies.

You drank merrily throughout the night, chatting with the nicer demons and kindly but insistently declining the… offers… from the succubi and incubi, which was made easier by Asmo’s eager offer of substituting for you. The pool was out of limits for you, being kept boiling, but everything else was just in reach for you and human safe. Except perhaps the drugs, you weren’t sure. And whilst the potions were tempting, Lucifer’s warning about taking “strange” and “unknown” potions echoed in your mind. But the alcohol was so good, pooling at the bottom of your chest with heavy molten heat. It brought warmth to your face, making you smile dopily.

That smile was wiped clean when a bottle shattered over your head.

A succubus hadn’t taken kindly to your rejection. Perhaps jealous that Asmo could get you every night (which wasn’t… actually true.) The contents of the bottle, whatever they had been, covered you in a sticky manner and soaked into your clothes. Someone screamed, glass probably falling onto the demon that had been talking with you. Or maybe it was because you’d fallen to the floor from the hit. Blood dripping slightly down your face.

Everything had been a whirlwind after that, Asmo scooping you up off the floor, a large scuttle, shouts, screams and soft hands dabbing at your head. You were dizzy, eyesight blurry from the liquid and the alcohol in your system. You closed your eyes for a while, but every time you opened them you were somewhere different. It all looked different. Each time, things seemed to grow larger, more daunting. The succubus must have dunked a potion on your head, perhaps a incoherence one? Was there such thing? But there’s still several voices around you, soft, hushed and panicked. One of them, Asmo’s, seems to be trying to both comfort you and argue with a second voice. A third voice joins the party, and they argue, their voices growing louder and louder and more ear-splitting and- and-

A rough, baritone voice ceases all sound with just one word. And you fall unconscious.

When you next wake up, it’s to a soft blanket underneath you. Or what you thought was a blanket. When you sit up to scan your surroundings, you notice that you’re sitting on a very familiar handkerchief. Very familiar. On further investigation, you realise that everything around you is now insanely big. You’ve shrunk. The goddamn cunt had thrown a shrinking potion on you. The clothes you’d been wearing had also shrunk to your size, although they feel slightly tighter than they had before you’d been turned into the size of one of Levi’s figurines.

Footsteps snap you out of your reverie, and Lucifer, now turned into an extra intimidating giant, scowls down at you.

“If I’m correct, I told you not to take any strange potions, correct?”

His pompous attitude makes you frown, and you stand up on your makeshift bed. Pointing accusingly at him.

“I’ll have you know,”  you wince, voice a higher pitch, “I didn’t willingly get doused in a shrinking potion! It was completely without my consent!”

Lucifer sighs, “I should not have let you go to that party at all. That was a bad lapse in my judgement.” He sits down on the chair and sets his crossed arms down on the table, leaning down towards you. “From now on, you’ll avoid all parties, unless me or one of the angels can accompany you.”

“WHAT?!”

You step off the bed, more like a makeshift futon, and stomp up to the posh bastard. Getting close to his face (and dangerously close to his mouth) you yell at him.

“That’s not fair at all! We were doing just fine until that jealous bastard got all in their feelings!” You pout, “plus, can you imagine taking Luke to a demon party?! I wouldn’t be able to LOOK at a demon, much less drink with one!”

Lucifer hums. He straightens up, and shrugs off his jacket. His eyes are dark when he looks at you again. You shiver, looking away when you remember the clothing you’re wearing. You didn’t think it would catch his eye but… there’s weirder things than a shortened half-naked protegee. You glance at him, noticing the way his shirt seems to hug his arms. He fills out the shirt and vest nicely, the second largest of his family for sure. You can’t help but drool over him. Your mind still muddled from last night’s alcohol.

“There is a way for you to make it up to me…”

- - -

Demon were cunning and creative. That’s why deals were such bad ideas for humans. Not that you’ve ever taken your own advice.

Taking the deal with Lucifer had been stupid, to say the very least. The most cunning of his brothers, only topped in the devildom by Diavolo and Barbatos, Lucifer knew how to play you like a goddamn fiddle and get what he wanted. Which was you on your back with your legs spread like melted butter, apparently. Leather trousers torn down the seam and leaving your crotch in Lucifer’s relentless gaze. Because of course you had forgone underwear.

His pointer fingers wraps around the chain around your neck, pulling as gently as he can. It still pulls you up quite harshly, but at least it didn’t take your head of completely. You try to complain, but his mouth surrounding your crotch turns your complaint into a very unsexy squeak. His mouth can’t get much movement in, but that’s not an issue for you. The rough, cat-like texture of his tongue sends your eyes rolling to the back of your head, and short gasps heave against your chest. Lucifer’s own eyes are closed, focusing on dragging that sinful tongue of his over your sensitive skin over and over again.

“Ah-,” you’re cut off by your own breath catching in your chest. Lucifer hummed. It was torture, the way it sent vibrations all around your body. You writhed, held down by a soft giant hand around your midsection. So effortlessly keeping you pinned. You sobbed, begging for more, for mercy, for the slightest bit of reprieved. Which only made Lucifer moan, the power getting to his head. Your small hands did no damage to him. He sucked gently.

Your orgasm was so sudden, so overwhelmingly new. Nerves fire hot. It leaves you seeing white, head thudding against the table Lucifer had laid you on. When you finally regain control of your body, you feel exhausted. Body heavy from the earth-shattering orgasm Lucifer had given you. Lucifer. The head of the household, the supposedly most responsible man in the house. Fuck.

He scoops you up in his calloused hand, and sets you down again on the handkerchief bed. Tucking you in with a corner of it. Sleep drags your eyes shut, into a sweet, Lucifer filled dream.

[wolveswatchspace]

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Replica Watches: What to Look For

Replica watches offer an exciting way to enjoy the elegance and sophistication of luxury timepieces without the hefty price tag. However, navigating the world of replica watches can be daunting for beginners. At WolvesWatch.com, we believe in helping you make informed decisions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for when buying replica watches.

1. Understand the Different Grades of Replica Watches

Replica watches come in various grades, each with different levels of quality and detail. The primary grades include:

Low-Quality Replicas: Often made from cheap materials with poor craftsmanship. These are easily identifiable as fakes.

Mid-Grade Replicas: Better materials and improved craftsmanship, but still lack the fine details and precision.

A5 Replicas: High-quality replicas with exceptional materials, craftsmanship, and details. These are nearly indistinguishable from the originals.

For the best experience, aim for A5 replicas, which offer the closest match to genuine luxury watches.

2. Examine the Materials

The quality of materials used in a replica watch is a significant indicator of its overall quality. Look for:

Case Material: High-quality replicas use stainless steel or gold plating that matches the original.

Crystal: Sapphire crystal is used in premium replicas for scratch resistance and clarity.

Strap/Bracelet: Genuine leather or high-quality metal bracelets are signs of a well-made replica.

3. Check the Movement

The movement of the watch is its engine. A good replica should have a reliable movement that offers accurate timekeeping. There are two main types of movements:

Quartz: Battery-operated and often found in lower-priced replicas. They are accurate but lack the prestige of mechanical movements.

Automatic/Mechanical: These movements are more desirable in high-quality replicas. They mimic the intricate mechanisms of genuine luxury watches.

4. Pay Attention to Details

High-quality replicas pay meticulous attention to details. Look for:

Logo Placement: Ensure the logo is correctly placed and matches the original in size and style.

Dial Markers: Check the alignment, size, and font of the dial markers.

Engravings: Quality replicas have precise and clean engravings, matching the original.

5. Weight and Feel

A good replica watch should have a substantial weight, similar to the genuine article. The watch should feel solid and well-constructed when worn. Light, flimsy watches are a red flag for poor quality.

6. Research the Seller

Not all replica watch sellers are created equal. Research the seller’s reputation before making a purchase:

Reviews and Testimonials: Check customer reviews and testimonials to gauge satisfaction and reliability.

Customer Service: Reliable sellers offer excellent customer service and clear communication.

Return Policy: Ensure the seller has a return policy in case the watch does not meet your expectations.

7. Compare Prices

While price should not be the sole determinant, it can be an indicator of quality. Extremely low prices often signal low-quality replicas. Compare prices across different sellers to understand the market rate for high-quality replicas.

8. Secure Payment Methods

When purchasing online, ensure the seller uses secure payment methods to protect your financial information. Look for SSL encryption and reputable payment gateways.

Why Choose WolvesWatch.com

At WolvesWatch.com, we specialize in high-quality A5 replicas, ensuring our customers receive the best in terms of materials, craftsmanship, and accuracy. Here’s why you should choose us:

Extensive Selection: We offer a wide range of replicas from top brands like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet.

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Customer Support: Our dedicated customer service team is always ready to assist with any queries or concerns.

Secure Shopping: We prioritize your security with encrypted transactions and secure payment gateways.

Navigating the world of replica watches can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and careful consideration, you can find a high-quality replica that offers the elegance and prestige of luxury timepieces. Start your journey with confidence at WolvesWatch.com and discover a world of affordable luxury.

[ausetkmt]

A homeless person on the streets with essential items for survival in extreme cold-weather conditions: thermal clothing, sleeping bags, insulated footwear, and nutritious food.

Winter is a daunting season for those living on the streets. For the homeless, plummeting temperatures and harsh conditions transform daily survival into a formidable challenge. Understanding the essential items that can aid their survival is crucial, not just for the individuals themselves but also for those looking to offer help. This article outlines the top five things a homeless person needs to survive in cold-weather conditions, explaining how each item contributes to their safety and well-being.

1. Thermal Clothing and Layering

The first line of defense against the cold is appropriate clothing. Thermal clothing, including insulated jackets, thermal underwear, and woolen socks, is essential. These items are designed to trap body heat and provide a layer of insulation against the cold. Layering clothing is equally important as it creates multiple barriers against the cold, allowing for adjustments based on temperature changes. For a homeless person, having access to these kinds of clothing can mean the difference between staying warm and suffering from hypothermia.

2. Sleeping Bags and Blankets

At night, temperatures can drop drastically, making it extremely dangerous for those without shelter. A high-quality sleeping bag, particularly one designed for low temperatures, can save a life. Sleeping bags provide a portable shelter that retains body heat and shields from the cold ground. Additionally, blankets, especially those made from wool or fleece, add an extra layer of warmth and can be used to cover oneself during the day or to add insulation to the sleeping bag at night.

3. Waterproof and Insulated Footwear

Footwear is often overlooked but is crucial in cold weather. Waterproof and insulated boots can protect against frostbite, a condition that homeless individuals are particularly at risk of developing. Boots should be sturdy enough to handle icy conditions and have a good grip to prevent falls. Keeping feet dry and warm not only helps in maintaining overall body temperature but also in preventing foot injuries, which can be debilitating for someone living on the streets.

4. Nutritious Food and Hydration

Maintaining energy levels and hydration is vital in cold weather. The body burns more calories trying to stay warm, making nutritious, calorie-rich food essential for homeless individuals. Non-perishable items that can be easily consumed, such as energy bars, nuts, and canned food with pull tabs, are particularly useful. Access to clean drinking water is also critical as dehydration can lead to serious health issues and can be as dangerous in cold weather as it is in hot conditions.

5. Shelter and Temporary Housing

While not a portable item, access to temporary shelters or housing is a crucial need for homeless individuals during winter. Shelters provide a warm, safe space to sleep and access to other essential services like hot meals, bathrooms, and sometimes medical care. Even temporary relief from the harsh outdoor conditions can significantly reduce the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.

For those living on the streets, the winter months are a battle against the elements. Thermal clothing, sleeping bags, appropriate footwear, nutritious food, and access to shelter are not just comforts but necessities that can mean the difference between life and death. Understanding these needs is vital for anyone seeking to assist the homeless during these challenging months. Beyond the immediate provision of these items, there is also a need for systemic solutions to address the broader issue of homelessness, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and warm housing.

Beyond the Basics: Lesser-Known Survival Items for the Homeless in Extreme Cold Weather

While thermal clothing, sleeping bags, and shelters are widely recognized as essential for the homeless during winter, there are several lesser-known items equally crucial for survival in extreme cold weather. These items, often overlooked, can make a significant difference in the lives of those who must endure the harshness of winter on the streets. This article explores a range of such items, explaining their importance and how they contribute to the survival of homeless individuals in challenging conditions.

1. Hand and Foot Warmers Disposable hand and foot warmers are compact, inexpensive, and can be life-saving in frigid temperatures. These small packets generate heat through a chemical reaction and can be placed in gloves, boots, or pockets. They provide immediate warmth, helping to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, particularly in the extremities, which are most susceptible to cold injuries.

2. Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets While not a substitute for conventional blankets or sleeping bags, Mylar thermal blankets are lightweight, compact, and effective at retaining body heat. Made from heat-reflective thin plastic sheeting, they are often used in emergency situations. For the homeless, these blankets can be a vital additional layer of protection against the cold, especially when other resources are not available.

3. Windproof and Waterproof Clothing In addition to insulated clothing, windproof and waterproof garments play a vital role in protection against the cold. A sturdy, waterproof jacket or windbreaker can significantly reduce the impact of cold winds and wet weather, helping to maintain body heat. For those living on the streets, these items are indispensable in creating a barrier against the elements.

4. Portable Heat Sources Portable, safe-to-use heating solutions like battery-powered heaters can offer a respite from the cold. While their use is limited by the need for power, they can provide temporary relief in particularly harsh conditions. Additionally, solar-powered chargers can be useful for keeping electronic devices powered, which may be critical for communication or emergency calls.

5. Moisture-Wicking Clothing Moisture-wicking clothing, typically made from synthetic fabrics, is designed to draw moisture away from the body. This feature is particularly important in cold weather, as dampness can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Clothing that keeps the skin dry can help maintain warmth and comfort in extreme conditions.

6. Multi-Tool and Basic Repair Kits A multi-tool can be a versatile and valuable item for the homeless, especially in winter. It can be used for various purposes, from making minor repairs to clothing and gear to opening cans of food. A basic repair kit, including items like needles, thread, and duct tape, can also be crucial for mending torn clothing or damaged shelter materials.

7. Lip Balm and Skin Moisturizers The harsh winter weather can cause severe skin dryness and chapping. Lip balm and skin moisturizers may seem like minor comforts, but they are essential for preventing painful cracks and sores that could lead to infections, especially when access to healthcare is limited.

8. High-Calorie Snacks While not a substitute for nutritious meals, high-calorie snacks such as peanut butter, energy bars, or trail mix can provide a quick energy boost and essential nutrients, helping to sustain body warmth and energy levels during cold spells.

9. Hats, Gloves, and Scarves Though often mentioned in the context of clothing, the specific importance of hats, gloves, and scarves warrants emphasis. A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head, hands, and neck, making these items crucial for warmth. They are particularly important for those who might not have access to high-quality thermal clothing.

10. Information on Local Resources Finally, knowledge can be as vital as physical items. Information on local resources, such as warming centers, soup kitchens, and emergency health services, is crucial. Flyers, resource guides, or even word-of-mouth information can guide the homeless to essential services and aid.

The battle against the cold for those living on the streets involves more than just the obvious items of clothing and shelter. It encompasses a range of lesser-known but equally important items, each playing a critical role in survival. Understanding and providing access to these items can significantly improve the lives of homeless individuals in extreme cold weather. As we continue to address the broader issue of homelessness, recognizing and meeting these varied needs is essential in our collective effort to offer support and compassion to those facing life on the streets during the harshest season. 

[woltourney]

ROUND 1 / SIDE B / POLL 4

Norlaise Sellecerre (@luciacbg) v. Huge Beef (@isayoldbean)

Norlaise Sellecerre:

q. What is your WoL name and pronouns? a. Norlaise Sellecerre (She/Her)

q. What is your WoL's species? a. Duskwight Elezen

q. What is your WoL's class? Or classes? a. Summoner/Dark Knight/Red Mage

q. What data centre/server are you on, if you want people to find you? a. N/A

q. Tell us a bit about your WoL! a. Norlaise's journey as a hero began the day her family disappeared. Her family home had been ransacked, her parent's arcane texts stolen or destroyed, and there was no sign of where her parents or siblings had gone. So Norlaise headed to the one place that might be able to aid her desperate search: The Arcanist's Guild in Limsa Lominsa. Since then, Norlaise has become something of a reluctant, but determined hero. She accepts the weight of her task willingly and does not hesitate to act, but finds the expectations and pressure put on her to be immensely daunting. Norlaise puts on a brave face regardless, always ultimately strengthened by the faith- and inspiring example of her friends. In her spare time, Norlaise enjoys reading and studying the more esoteric and unusual aspects of the magical arts. Recently, in an attempt to indulge her love of fine food, Norlaise has begun cooking. Her efforts so far have been admirable, but not exactly as delicious as she might have hoped.

q. Why should YOU win? (Answer IC!) a. "What? Oh my goodness! Well if I do win, then that would prove just how how far our revival of Summoning has come along! I would certainly love to see more people joining us Summoners in uncovering the mysteries of ancient Allag! I suppose it would also be nice to have a duskwight in the spotlight for once, wouldn't you agree?"

q. Anything else you wanna add? a. Norlaise is very oblivious to people flirting with her and will become extremely flustered if someone points out the fliriting. She's also bisexual

Huge Beef:

q. What is your WoL name and pronouns? a. Huge Beef, she/her

q. What is your WoL's species? a. Sea Wolf Roegadyn

q. What is your WoL's class? Or classes? a. WAR, MCH, NIN, RDM, AST, FSH

q. What data centre/server are you on, if you want people to find you? a. Crystal Malboro

q. Tell us a bit about your WoL! a. Beef was a fearsome pirate captain who was mortally wounded in an ambush and presumed dead. Hydaelyn intervened to ensure her survival, but the tremendous burst of aether she expended in doing so accidentally wiped Beef's brain completely clean and left her with total amnesia. With nothing but her axe and a talent for busting heads, she decided to set forth and become an adventurer. It turns out that it's a great way to get into fights without getting in trouble with the law, earn fame and money, and get the ladies swooning, so she couldn't be happier with her chosen line of work. In her free time she works on fishing boats, seeks out gourmet recipes, and works her charms on as many beautiful maidens as she can.

q. Why should YOU win? (Answer IC!) a. "What kind of question is that? Why WOULDN'T I win? Have you seen me?"

q. Anything else you wanna add? a. hi this is my wol she's a terrible person but she's incredibly sexy so it's fine i guess. also her name is huge beef. because she's huge and beefy. ok thank you for perceiving her

[iviarellereads]

The Eye of the World, Chapter 9 - Tellings of the Wheel

(THIS PROJECT IS SPOILER FREE! No spoilers past the chapter you click on. Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Wheel of Time, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Dragon fang icon)(1) In which I have complicated feelings about this extremely badass moment.

Rand dreams he's being chased across a terrible desert by Trollocs, to the point of utter exhaustion. He sees a mountain, a bleak stone spire, and calls it the source of his desolation. He feels like he knows it, though he can't place how.(2) Part of him feels drawn to the mountain, and his limbs move to bring him closer to it, until he realizes it's not his own urge, and gets angry.

A voice calls upon Rand to "serve me", and Rand swears he'd recognize the voice if it kept talking. He yells a cuss, and a face looms before him that he can't bear to look at.

A hand reaches for him, and he throws himself over the cliff, but lands on his feet in a winter-brown field of grass. He can see a mountain that inspires no negative feelings, and a city between two rivers,(3) a city from a story, white and silver and fair radiating safety. He makes his way toward it until a cold, clammy feeling comes over him, and that face reappears. He can sense the cold hand reaching for him again, touching his collar, and he knows that if those fingers touch him, he'll go mad or worse.

Suddenly he trips, and lands next to one of the bridges to the island-city refuge.

He sees a great white tower and knows that's where safety and knowledge lay, but surely it can't hurt to stay in the city a moment. He turns a corner, and sees the tower at the end of the new street. Everywhere he looks, is the tower.(4) The people around him look of despair and he knows somehow he's the one who broke their hope. As soon as he starts walking toward the tower, they all become happy again and cheer him on, dancing and making music and pushing him toward the tower.

Eventually, he finally makes it to the tower, and the Myrddraal hisses that they've been waiting for him.

Rand wakes from the nightmare to note that the fire's been tended, and wonders if naming the Dark One in a dream, as he did, will bring the same attention as naming him aloud. He blames the nightmare on his hunger and the stress of the previous day.

Tam awakens as Rand gets up to check on him, and realizes that it wasn't a dream when he sees his sword at Rand's waist. Rand catches him up on everything that's happened. Tam is skeptical of Moiraine's words, noting that Aes Sedai don't lie right out, but they can manipulate words to mislead.(5) He does agree that if Rand has to leave, it has to be done soon, but says maybe he'll catch them up on the road.

Lan comes to tell Rand to hurry, there's trouble afoot. Tam tells Rand to keep the sword, he'll likely have more use of it than Tam will. Rand rushes out after Lan, to find Moiraine being yelled at by a crowd of villagers, mainly the ones who are well known for being unhappy with anything and everything. Mayor al'Vere and Master Luhhan try to calm the crowd with reason, to little avail.

Moiraine cuts in and reminds them that they are the descendants of a great kingdom, Manetheren. She tells a tale of the bravery of its rulers, King Aemon al Caar al Thorin and his wife, Queen Eldrene ay Ellan ay Carlan, and their and their citizens. During the Trolloc Wars, Manetheren was the Dark's fiercest opponent, and their main force had just won a great distant victory when they learned that their home was under attack. They marched day and night, not stopping even to clean their blades. They made it home just before the trolloc horde bore down on their mountain kingdom home.

“The host that faced the men of Manetheren was enough to daunt the bravest heart. Ravens blackened the sky; Trollocs blackened the land. Trollocs and their human allies. Trollocs and Darkfriends in tens of tens of thousands, and Dreadlords to command. At night their cook-fires outnumbered the stars, and dawn revealed the banner of Ba’alzamon at their head. Ba’alzamon, Heart of the Dark.(6) An ancient name for the Father of Lies. The Dark One could not have been free of his prison at Shayol Ghul, for if he had been, not all the forces of humankind together could have stood against him, but there was power there. Dreadlords, and some evil that made that light-destroying banner seem no more than right and sent a chill into the souls of the men who faced it."

In the end, they were promised aid, but none came. Eventually the host fell, and Eldrene knew the moment Aemon died. In response, she channeled more than anyone can, and burned herself out to take out a significant portion of the trolloc army.(7) Moiraine tells all this, reminding the people before her that they should weep for the loss of that people to the cowards they are today.(8)

As the crowd disperses, Rand thinks to himself that this is the real beginning, leaving with Moiraine and Lan, and he has no choice except to leave, but he vows to return to Emond's Field someday.(9)

=====

(1) Who or what do you think this stands for, in this chapter? (2) Hey, we know a mountain! This doesn't sound quite like that one though. What kind of desolated place might Rand half-remember in a dream? What have we been told by reasonable authorities that the Dragon did near the end of his life? The hopelessness of this place could track with the sort of place the Dark One would be more involved in, the kind of place where one Lews Therin Telamon might take a hundred men to try to burn the DO back out of the world. (3) In the prologue, it said the creation of the mountain diverted a river, which split in two, forming an island between its two channels. I wonder if this is related. (4) Well, dream logic could mean a lot of things. But, how interesting that this tower is where safety and knowledge are, and Rand wants to go there, but as soon as it can't be escaped it becomes rather more ominous. (5) Frankly, don't trust anyone 100% at their word, but the Aes Sedai have no small bit of the Fae, or perhaps the Sidhe (note the closeness of the words), in them. There are lots of ways to leave a piece out or make something seem more important than it is, without lying, to influence the interpretation. Why, I'm doing both of those all the time in these summaries. >:D (6) Ba'alzamon sounds an awful lot like Beelzebub, doesn't it? Lord of the flies, father of lies. A fun wordplay to use. (7) Huh, that sounds a little like what happened to LTT in the prologue.

(8) Now here's where I get a bit tetchy. First, if you're not reading or rereading with me, I gotta tell you to go read (or listen to) this speech for yourself, it's worth it. See, this is an unbelievably powerful speech. Don't get me wrong, it's utterly iconic. The audiobook is narrated, in this chapter, by Michael Kramer because it's from Rand's point of view, but there exists out there a narration of this speech by Kate Reading, who does the women's POVs when they come in. (It's barely a spoiler to tell you the audiobook casting, right?) Anyway, she read the Manetheren speech once, and it's one of the most moving readings of the series IMO, and I know all that's coming. But, I have a "but". I think it's a bit rich that this stranger knows their history, while the only remnants they have are a few place names that have themselves morphed over the years, and a cultural stubbornness. It's part of the point being made, but I wonder at how differently it could've been handled to not seem like this white lady walking into a rural brown town (for have you noticed how much redhead Rand stands out with his grey eyes? though skin colour hasn't been mentioned, it's not a far stretch) and wagging her finger at them for not knowing their own history, as if everyone outside does or something. (9) Oh, Rand, you really don't know the hero's journey, do you? You can never really go home again. You can visit the place, but you and it will both have changed in your absence, so much sometimes that the place is uncannily unrecognizable from what your memory held. The journey has already begun, and I love this little knife to the heart.

[strapstylehub]

The Best Watches for Fashion and Style

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Introduction:

In a world where fashion evolves swiftly, choosing the right wrist companion is paramount. The best watches for fashion and style go beyond mere timekeeping; they make a statement. Join us as we explore the diverse universe of watches that seamlessly fuse functionality with flair.

The Essence of Style

Embracing Elegance with Time

Embark on a journey of refinement with watches that transcend trends. Elevate your style effortlessly with timepieces that speak volumes about your taste and sophistication. From classic designs to avant-garde creations, these watches are a testament to the marriage of fashion and function.

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Step into the timeless realm of classic watches that withstand the fleeting nature of trends. Discover enduring styles that remain chic, regardless of the ever-shifting fashion landscape. These watches are more than accessories; they are reflections of enduring elegance.

The Pinnacle of Fashion

Fusion of Technology and Elegance

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The Iconic Role of Luxury Watches

Indulge in the opulence of luxury watches that redefine sophistication. Unravel the stories behind prestigious brands and their iconic timepieces. Elevate your ensemble with a touch of luxury that transcends passing trends, making a lasting impression.

Fashionable Functionality

Sporty Chic: Watches for an Active Lifestyle

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[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Part 87- The Howling

Notes: The character of Michael Corvin will be portrayed by multiple actors at the time being as it is fitting for the chapter. Garrett will be as well by one other actor but with no face shown. This chapter has a lot of visuals but with an action packed story to tell. What could happen in thirty minutes till midnight?

Warning: *death, angst, violence*

All Hallows' Eve 11:30 pm

As Selene followed the beastly pawprints through the dimly lit chamber of only moonlight beams, Caroline's cackle echoed through the darkness of the ceiling where she lurked to watch Selene be mauled to death. Selene turned a corner and ran straight into Michael, the love of her life that she has not seen in years and believed to be dead until recently.

"Michael??" she gasped and smiled at the tortured shell of the man she adored. "Oh my god, you're alive!"

"Selene...you must listen to me...it is not safe, I am not who I used to be. You must go now while you can....I will hurt you....."

She didn't understand why he was so worried as he always knew who she was while he was in the werewolf form and would never harm her. "No, you would never hurt me?? I am not leaving you now that I have you back! Michael, what has happened? How...how did you get here? Richard, he showed me a vision of you. He had you chained to some...machine..."

"Yes. He has held me prisoner all this time in the depths of the Corvinus castle, right under your nose. Torturing and brainwashing me day and night. Tortures too kind he would tell me as Viktor would have just ended me, but Richard got his kicks out of it and he had a purpose Selene. To make sure I did not know you. He brought me here to let me loose on the full moon of all hallows' eve and kill everyone in my path, including you. But I fought it...I've been fighting it....Selene, I can't control it anymore...you must...."

Something was happening as he pushed her away. He was changing. The full moon kept fading in and out from the hazy clouds that masked it's face, provoking the beast to emerge.

Michael ascended up the wall as he began to shapeshift. He fought it so hard but the ever so luminate full moon daunted the inner demon from the window above.

"My love, run. Now." Michael gasped out.

At that exact moment, Garrett, you and Julian came in and Garrett wasted no time going after the now morphed man. Vampires and werewolves were most definitely enemies but both were strong and fierce. The only difference that Garrett informed you of before is that a werewolf and vampire hybrid like Michael were extremely volatile. Much stronger, faster and dangerous than a vampire alone. One swipe of their claws or chomp of their mouth could take a vampire's head clean off. Even a charging football tackle could take them out from the speed and force of the blow, but that didn't stop the fearless King Garrett Lee from racing up the wall.

"Garrett noooo!!!" you screamed.

"Michael run!!" Selene also screamed as she knew he was weakened from his tortures. All Garrett had to do was get his arms around him and he could crush the wolf like a bug.

Michael saw Garrett coming and he burst through the window.

Garrett was livid and turned on Selene, pinning her up against the wall. "WHY!"

"You know why! He is not himself! But he is still Michael! If he were someone you loved, you would do the same!" Selene choked through his firm grip of her neck as she glanced at you.

"Garrett let her go!" you shouted in panic.

Garrett's red eyes whipped in your direction without moving his head. He then growled and shoved Selene harshly to the side. "He is not your Michael in this state! He could kill you and everyone in this room in a matter of seconds, including Josephine and her child! Are you that selfish to put her in such danger??!" Garrett reeled as he panted in rage.

A familiar cackle then filled the room. Caroline had been watching from above the entire time and now deemed it safe to reappear. You all slowly moved about as Garrett whisked to your side.

"Selene! Behind you!" you screamed as you saw your mother freakishly hang upside down from the ceiling.

Caroline seemed to solely have it out for Selene in the moment, although her eyes watched Julian like a hawk. Something told you she knew better than to try and mess with him or she would have done so in the ballroom when she was freed and had the most opportune moment to do so. Instead, she literally flew off like a bat out of hell.

Caroline dropped down as Selene spun around. "Did I scare you?"

"Not even close." Selene snarled.

"Then maybe I need to try a little harder."

Selene ran up the wall and grabbed a lit torch and shoved it in her face. Caroline effortlessly blew it out like she had done with Haldir when he threatened her with one. She then spun around like a whirlwind, eliminating all the torches in the room. Then disappeared.

"Daddy...do something. You can take her out easily." you asked your father in confusion as to why he stood idle.

Julian didn't get a chance to answer as Caroline appeared again on the other side of the room and walked towards you with a heartbroken face. "You would let him kill your own mother? You wish for me to die? I sacrificed everything so you could live! How could you hurt me so??" Caroline began sobbing.

For a split second you felt compassion towards her. Julian saw it and shoved you into Garrett's arms, then stood before you both. "NO! Josephine. Do not listen to her wickedness! It is a ploy to weaken you and force you to side with her against us."

Tears streamed down your face as your eyes were locked on her doe-eyed ones and you began to tremble. "Josephine! Look at me!" Garrett shouted and firmly grasped your chin, forcing your face to his. His blood red eyes blended into a soft blue as he whispered with a most loving look. "Listen to your father. She is not your mother anymore. She is using your empathy against you. You have to let her go."

"Oh how sweet. Big bad King Garrett Lee. Saved by his "little one" and all for nothing because now I am going to kill your meddling ass like I should have done in the first place!"

Julian raised his hand to finish her but then gasped and glanced all over the ceiling as a boom of thunder struck and flashes of lightning strobed the room. Caroline panicked as she too gasped. Julian formed a huge grin as he breathed in the air through his nose. "Someone is coming for you Caroline. I would rather watch you squirm before the grim reaper that you have concealed yourself from for 9 years. It would be more appealing to me then simply snapping your neck like a twig."

Your eyes widened in fright as you then stared at the doors that your father's anticipating eyes became fixated on. He was right. Someone was coming. You smelled it too. The rotten eggs. Death was about to knock on the door.

Caroline's screech was shrill as she retreated to the ceiling in fear, for she too knew who was approaching.

The doors burst open and in walked a very pleased death dealing Richard.

"Sweet Caroline! I thought I smelled lucky charms. Tell me, how's that luck of the Irish working out for you these days?" Richard marveled in his own amusement. He spotted her cowering in a dark corner above and began walking up the wall as if it were a stroll in the park.

"I have waited 9 years for this and once I am finished with you, I will pluck that little four leaf Clover of yours, one petal at a time while she screams for her mommy."

As he neared her, she squealed and swooped to the ground, burrowing against a statue in the corner of the room. He followed suit and as he toyed with her. "Did you think you could run forever??! Did you think you could outsmart me?? YOU have caused a great travesty here tonight just like your jezebel did in Laketown. All of my dealers are dust because of you. But me, I am not so easy...for I am hollow...and I will live forever!"

"Just finish her already." Garrett snarked.

Richard laughed in utter amusement. "Well of course Roman, who calls himself King Garrett now. You are no better than Craven ever was. Incompentent. It amazes me that Viktor chose either of you as dealers as neither of you could complete the simple task of eliminating the lycan. Craven had to go and fall in love with the human...just...like...you....and let it make you believe you had a heart. It was both of your weaknesses and look where it got him....deader than already dead. That can also be arranged for you since I am well aware that you also aided in harboring a fugitive or should I say fugitives."

"You will not touch him!!!" you shouted and freed yourself from Garrett's grip.

Richard gracefully glided off his pedestal. "My My....such big words for a ....little one."

"Richard! I am the one you want!" Caroline roared through chattering teeth as she stood up. Her little attempt to sway him towards her enraged him.

"No one tells me what I want! It is time for you to meet your maker, and I don't mean God or Craven."

Caroline hissed and screamed as she sprinted back to her corner.

Just as Richard crept his way up to kill Caroline, Michael came barging in at the most inopportune time not only stopping the demise of the wicked witch but it was also as the clock struck midnight. The hour you dreaded.

You gasped at the chimes. "Thranduil...." expelled from your lips in a worried whisper.

Michael began to shift and the look on Richard's face was priceless as he hastily whispered. "This cannot be!"

But it was, and Michael wanted Richard dead for all he had done to him. He stopped for a mere second to taunt Richard by dragging his razor sharp claws across the stone wall which made a cringing squeal like nails on a chalkboard.

Michael then started stalking Richard, hungry like the wolf he was as saliva spilled from his vile incisors. The nazgul king laughed and backed up with every step the wolfman took as he spewed words of compromise in a last effort at survival. "We are both a part of the same game. We do not need to find ourselves on the opposite side of the board."

But Richard knew there was no way out of this. The maneater he manipulated him into would now devour him. Michael took a swipe at him, slicing Richard's cheek with deep perfected lacerations. The death dealer flew up to a catwalk in retreat but Michael pursued him. Richard was now cursing the beast as he kept maneuvering away from him. He made one last effort and blasted Michael's snout with a vampire strengthened sucker punch which only infuriated the ungodly creature even more.

Michael snatched Richard by the throat and hoisted him into the air. With one swift crunch, he took Richard's head clean off and chucked it through the air.

You inhaled an exhausting gasp and threw your face into Garrett's chest.

"Michael!" Selene shouted and went running to him.

"Selene NO!" Garrett roared....but it was too late.

The damage Richard had done to his brain was still in tact as Michael had tried to warn her earlier. Michael charged her and unintentionally killed her with the incredulous impact.

You could not breathe as you saw her lying there staring into space. "Michael what have you done!!!!" you screamed.

He turned to look at you as if he understood while his eyes turned to sheer pain.

Michael bent down and picked her lifeless limp body up in his arms as he howled. His grief caused him to morph back into his human form as he held her and cried.

You were bawling at the irrevocable love wailing out of him. You wanted Thranduil in this moment, to hold him tight and tell him how much you loved him but you had no idea where he was and you had heard nothing in your mind which he most likely did on purpose so you wouldn't put yourself in danger coming after him. That was Thranduil's form of irrevocable love.

"Daddy please save her!!" you cried to Julian.

"My dear one...you have the means right there in your pocket, for I can not bring back the dead."

You gasped and pulled out the emerald pendant. "Michael!!!!" you yelled and ran over to him. "Lay her down, I can save her!!" He peered down at your unfamiliar face and did as you asked because all he heard was that you could save her. You grasped the gem in your hand and remembered to kiss it so she would not lose her memories, then placed the emerald firmly on her chest and held it there. "Come on Selene...wake up! You must!"

This entire moment flashed you back to using it on Thranduil after he had broken the hourglass and the curse inside of it killed him. It also took Garrett back to the moment when you came to him begging for it to save Haldir and the awful things he did to you in agreement for you to have it.

Your thoughts were interrupted by Selene's gasping for air as the green gem lit up like wildfire, casting a viridescent glow throughout the room. She sat up in shock as her revived eyes ricocheted from one person to the next. Her eyes then captured Michael's. It was the most beautiful sight. You could literally see the aura of their love gleam about them like a halo. It was a rarest love like yours and Thranduil's. God, you needed your husband.

As you all relished over Selene's resurrection, a most unsettling feeling took ahold of your heart and squeezed it to where it literally stopped beating for a few seconds.....you spun around so fast, you almost fell over. "Where is my mother??!"

@redeemer46

Masterlist

[littlelionpaw]

Horizon

Thanks @xxxhellfireravenxxx for the tag! :)

(I went a bit overboard, I think....)

1. ride or die ship (your otp): Ereloy. BUT, to be perfectly honest, I didn’t really see Erend’s appeal at first. Loud and macho and horrible facial hair... uurg, not my type of man, at all. I did like him as a character, but not as a romantic option. When I played the games first I didn’t ship anyone with Aloy. I didn’t even know what shipping was until recently :D At some point I stumbled over a ship-war post/comment on reddit in which everyone was losing their minds, shoving their opinions and ships down each other’s throats and I was like… how can you be so obsessed with pixel people? (I was still so young and naïve back in March…) but it got me curious, and I stumbled across godliath's AMAZING Ereloy art and somehow landed on AO3 and a wonderful fic (The Implication of a Kiss by Emtaz. If you are an Ereloy and haven’t read it yet, or want to become one, GO READ IT, it is so lovely) and was hooked. I decided to write my first own fic, got invited to the two minutes server after publishing it and started to pay more attention to Erend while playing the games and fell in love.

2. most annoying ship: None. I’m only annoyed by people who are mean/condescending/superior idiots about other ships.

3. second favourite ship: This is hard. So many lovely characters to choose from. Personally, I always had a crush on Petra. I guess I have a thing for Oseram. I also adore the way Abadund worships Morlund.

4. favourite platonic relationship: I love how Aloy and Morlund click.

5. underrated ship: Uuuh, I know lots of people hate Avad for being so forward with Aloy… but in all honesty – he has been completely courteous and nice about it. He likes her and tells her. He doesn't even want to make her his queen or pin her down or anything… he just wants to get to know her better and accompany her on her travels. So… yeah. I kinda have a soft spot for him.

6. overrated ship: Please see answer number 2. :P

7. one thing i would change in canon: (*three major things i would change in canon:)

The way Varl’s death is handled. I really hate that he is dead, but to be honest, I do like a good major character death in any story, because knowing something like this can randomly happen keeps me on my toes. The world they live in is extremely dangerous, it’s more or less logical for one/or more of them to die. I was actually convinced Erend would die during GEMINI. The way him and Aloy looked at each other when he rode off to his own cauldron gave me chills and a sense of foreboding. Then I thought it would be Beta. OK, back to how it was handled: Other than it sucking and emphasizing the mortal danger they are in and the ruthlessness of the Zeniths it didn’t have any real impact on the story. Aloy had another grave to visit and contemplate over. Yey. I don’t know, it felt flat, empty and in consequence unnecessary.

Second major thing I don’t like in HFW is the way Erend is handled. When you play HFW right after HZD it is especially jarring. The Daunt reunion is still awesome and gives us a matured, badass, no nonsense Erend. It’s one of my favorite scenes of the entire series. But after that? He is reduced to a blundering, insensitive oaf. I can understand that he is uncomfortable inside the Base, sitting around all day studying and reading, right after he tells us what he is actually forged for (paraphrasing: no ledgers, no boring afternoon patrols, just the hammer, just the fight). So, really, him being awkward and a little too loud and too much is to be expected. But there is really no need for the others (including Aloy) to be so mean/superior/condescending about him. Everyone is like haha will Erend even understand anything? Haha can he handle that? Haha please don’t get yourself killed you fool haha. He is loud and funny and a bit crude in HZD too, but he is also VERY competent despite is constant self-doubt. He picks up the pieces after Ersa’s death, cleans up his act and when he is faced with the truth right before the final battle he swallows down his fears and INSTANTLY turns to his comrades boosting their confidence, taking away their fears, showing excellent leadership. He is passionate and eloquent and empathic (see his speech in Mother’s heart!!). There is really no reason or indication for Aloy (or the others) to put him down so much or to not expect him to be able to handle/understand things. *grumble*

Third major thing: Burning Shores. I was so bored most of the time. Glittering, beautiful, masterfully rendered exterior – mostly hot air inside. When I was fighting the Horus I thought oh wow, why place a major boss battle right at the beginning of the DLC? And I laughed out loud when the screen announced it was over, thanks for playing. Yeah. SO MUCH wasted potential. Loved Gildun though.

8. something canon did right: >>>Horizon Zero Dawn<<< It is a masterpiece. And although I’d love for Aloy to get more smooches and experience more love and friendship… I will gladly go without any of that in favor for more of the gripping, deep, excellent storytelling that is HZD.

9. a thing i'm proud of creating for the fandom: I’ve only just started to create things and feel very humble and self-conscious about it. But I’m actually pretty proud of my first ever fic Something New, because it got me into this whole world.

10. a character who is perfect to me (wouldn't change a thing): Bright eyed Morlund! My god, I want to reach inside the screen and squish him. Also: Sylens, *chef’s kiss*

11. the character i relate to the most and why: That’s hard. I guess I can relate to Erend’s constant self-doubt. And his tendency to self-medicate to make things easier. But I can also relate to Aloy’s “I can do that alone, I don’t need any help”-attitude.

12. character(-s) i hate the most and why: Tilda. What a wonderful villain. That person makes my skin crawl. She is creepy as hell and doesn’t have this touch (or more like HUGE GLOB) of megalomaniacal madness that clings to Ted or Ceo. Being so self-centered, cruel, ruthless, and cold while apparently very clear-headed makes her very hard to grasp. Expertly done by the writers. And I want to punch Lanzra. Was there ever a bigger, more hypocritical BITCH than her?

13. something i've learned from the fandom: I’ve learned SO MUCH! I’ve joined the fandom in March/April 2023, I’m still very new here. But since then I’ve started to create things for myself again! Which I haven’t done in almost 20 years. I’ve always loved drawing and writing, so much so that my parents and teachers all encouraged me to do more, to be better, to “do something with it”. Ultimately these expectations/the pressure killed my drive, because whenever I did something that was just fun the question of “what can you DO with it? Can you sell it? Will others like it? Will it bring you fame?” inevitably followed. Drawing or writing about Blorbos is SO useless (in the grand scheme of things) that it is extremely feeing. It gives me so much joy. Second thing I’ve learned: It doesn't matter how “good/perfect” anything is, as long as it gives you joy. I was so confused when I joined the two minutes server, everyone was so nice to each other. So many compliments! No criticism, no tips how to do things better… until I realized that creating for a fandom is supposed to be simply fun. For yourself mainly and for people who happen to like the same things you do. There is no point whatsoever to criticize other peoples work unless they ask you to. Very freeing. It gave me a whole new perspective! I would have considered myself a nice person before, but now I think I’m more considerate too.

Please people, be nice to each other.

14. three tags i seek out on ao3: Don’t have any preferences… I randomly read what catches my interest!

15. a song i strongly associate with my otp/favourite character: Funny story: Shiver, by Coldplay. The thing is, at first I didn’t realize it’s a song about stalking :D lol. I thought it was a song about pining… Erend watching from the sidelines, in love with Aloy, waiting/hoping for her to finally notice him. Haha, although now I know the true intention behind the song I CAN’T get it separated from Erend….

[aahsoka]

My classmates in our life drawing class were all a bit daunted by our sketchbook assignment (65 pages for the semester) until our professor showed us this Rembrandt sketch:

Two Women Teaching a Child to Walk, c.1635 - 1637

This was clearly very quick shorthand to catch a moment of action. Being Rembrandt and being something we choose to title its obviously very good at capturing that moment, but it conveyed the idea that we only really needed to take, at minimum, a few seconds on each drawing. Even prolific painters like Rembrandt had quick messy sketches. We remember them fondly because of what they tell us about the artist’s process, not because of their amount of finish.

Of course. Looking at a master can be intimidating, even when it’s just sketches so here is some stuff from my own sketchbook for school (which is slightly more organized and focused than my personal sketchbook):

Pastel test and ideas for monotypes:

Extremely vague thumbnails only I can decipher:

quick sketches of my boyfriend (my favorite model) cutting meat:

and the last three get seen by my professor eventually! this is what he wants! Sketchbooks are about putting ideas down and practicing! yea, yea people can do whatever they want and if they want their sketchbook to look nice and neat and finished they can do that, but social media really really pressures us to make even our process look nice and neat and clean and interesting. And that sucks ass.

I encourage you to at least have one sketchbook designated to draw messy and bad and silly shit in. It’s integral to your creative process and it’s really helpful to have a place where things don’t have to be perfect.

i don't like to yuck people's yum but i have to say that my least favorite thing to come from the current state of Artists on the Internet is the idea of a sketchbook as something nice and pretty and shareable. like i love me a notebook full of gorgeous art don't get me wrong but that is NOT what a sketchbook is. a sketchbook is my friend who i carry around everywhere like a purse chihuahua. it is the physical manifestation of my notes app. it is the container into which i wring my brain out. it is my therapist. and most of all it is filled with absolutely terrible sketches that should never see the light of day.