#communicating via event

[ceceliaahathaway]

Cecelia Hathaway attends the 2024 London Awards at the Royal Albert Hall

Date: 23rd March 2024 The Look: Adorned in Armani Privé couture and showcasing her renowned cropped hairstyle, expertly crafted once more by the artisans at Stuart Phillips Salon in London. Escorted by: Adam Carrigan in Brioni

[benevolenterrancy]

("Always. Continuously. With increasing apprehension, and decreasing hope. I will love you if I never see you again, and I will love you if I see you every Tuesday. I will love you as a corpse loves the beak of the vulture. I will love you no matter what happens to you, and no matter how I discover what happens to you, and no matter what happens to me as I discover this." -- paraphrased from The Beatrice Letters, Lemony Snicket)

[ceceliaahathaway]

She watched the Russian man pull out a phone that she could only assume was his 'burner.' He wanted to put her daughters name into that?!? Though she maintained her composure externally, internally, she was horrified. The mere thought of it sent shivers down her spine. She would sooner walk across hot coals and kiss Ayaz again than supply her daughter's contact details to the Russians.

Oh, wait, that was his personal phone? Still, as pitiful as it looked—because let's be honest, it was a sorry sight—Cece couldn't shake the feeling that the man lacked social finesse. Strangely, he even appeared a bit more charming now than when she had first spotted him with his bow. "Here, take my number instead," she offered, pulling her clutch closer and retrieving a pen she always carried for making appointments. After all, one couldn't always rely on phones; case and point. But, a trusty piece of paper was timeless.

"My girls are in the middle of their studies..." She left it there. Not wanting to sell their locations out to a man she hardly knew. However, the inner-proud-mom wanted to scream 'at Cambridge.' She just managed to restrain herself.

She smiled. Nailed it. Oksana would be so proud.

"Cece..." He gently took her hand, and she couldn't help but admire its smoothness, noticing the care he took to protect it. He obviously wore gloves whenever he decided to work. "I should be going, but it has been a pleasure." Surprisingly, she genuinely meant it.

Maksim hummed in response, an instant assessment that the women didn't take well to compliments but he wasn't one to linger. With a simple nod of his head, he moved swiftly on, using his hand with a soft wave to instigate it.

"Ah, I mean, I can arrange that." His hand delving into his pocket as he produced a half beaten, smashed iPhone 6 that looked like it'd seen better days and looked oddly out of place against the stark suit that lay against his frame. "Your girls..." Maksim trailed off, as he punched his fingers against the screen a couple times, brows furrowing.

Maybe he needed a new one...

"I'll have to forward it to you, things not working. Why don't you take my number and then I can text it to you after tonight," waving the device. "Think I need to sort this out Monday." he laughed, before clearing his throat. "You said your girls, are your daughters in shows, or do you just like dressing them in extremely expensive things they'll grow out of in a month?"

Maksim Kurylenko was shocked, head almost reeling when Russian fell from her lips and his brows met his hairline. "Unexpected, very...very unexpected." He remarked, tilting his head to the side, assessing.

"Maksim," He held his hand out.

[kaurwreck]

have yall ever noticed in osamu dazai's entrance exam that ranpo cuts to the heart of dazai within moments of meeting him, weighs him against the feather in his gaze, decides it neither too heavy nor light, and then says, simply, unfeignedly, deliberately, "Oh, that's nice. Anyway, welcome to the Agency."

and dazai, despite smoothing himself shapeless under ranpo's scrutiny, is rattled, slipping aside his noh mask to self-soothe by asking kunikida about ranpo's skill. because the radio static crackling along his spine can't be the sensation that he's been caught, or ranpo would have renounced or redressed or recoiled from the snake in his home— so it must be no longer human, buzzing and frustrating such and such skill ranpo set on him, and this placidity is a facade to save face. ranpo couldn't have seen what dazai didn't deign to show him, however much the thought briefly excites dazai.

except then kunikida explains that ranpo's skill is to deduce the truth of a case just by looking at it, and dazai is momentarily stunned, the static roaring in his drums as muscle memory swallows piqued yearning and spits bitter incredulity. even if there were a skill that could crack him apart to out the pluck meat that might reassure him he's made of flesh beneath the chitin, there is no exception to his nullification.

even as the blackened grief encroaches like ennui around dazai's edges, ranpo is calling them, promising them the answer they asked for, and no more than that much. he asks dazai for his glasses (the glasses precious to him, typically on his person, but in that moment, somewhere else), and dazai is coaxed by his curiosity and ranpo's beckon.

and because dazai is still a pitiable creature prone to wanting, he leans towards the taunting lure and takes it between his fingers while holding his breath to brace against the certain-to-be-crushing disappointment.

and instead, substantiation brokering little argument. ranpo can deduce the truth by looking at it. and as dazai's own discernment reverse engineers ranpo's conclusion, he finds no fault in it.

dazai's rhapsody enlivens him in the car with Kunikida, the well of him overflowing with the salvific implications that moments prior he was pinned, writhing in place, by someone sincerely seeing him, who was satiated by enough substance to then look away, who wasn't the least surprised to see wriggling, living flesh in the shape of him.

dazai's so beside himself that when kunikida remarks that he's never seen dazai marvel over someone else's skills like that before, dazai scarcely lies to him when he says lots of things take him by surprise, like when he tried to pick up a clam with his chopsticks, and it was still alive, startling him.

kunikida, who also notices more than he's given any credit for, dismisses dazai's third perspective, depersonalized, dehumanized, and disassociated clam metaphor, and says: "You seemed taken aback that someone had the ability to see and know all."

to which dazai responds with the same seamless and subtly mean spirited deflection he tends towards whenever he's suddenly feeling vulnerable.

but yes, he is taken aback. it's worldview shattering, not unlike when chuuya incited him, or oda shrugged at him, or when kunikida would, later, see a lock without any key (a climax without any hope) and create one himself.

ranpo saw him, saw who he'd been, and said, with prejudice: "Anyway, welcome to the Agency."

because I didn't until a couple of weeks ago, but I haven't stopped thinking about it.

[swordbreakerz]

Happy new years from Them, may you have just as much rivals to lovers and Cool Robots in the new year 💖💖

[ceceliaahathaway]

"Here?" She scoffed. "No, I'll be taking Adam home." The thought of sleeping anywhere other than her newly renovated bedroom, with its bed adorned in Sferra Giza Sateen sheets, seemed preposterous. Glancing over at Adam, who was currently engrossed in a conversation that seemed to involve him demonstrating his latest golf swing, she couldn't help but find his enthusiasm charming. "Although it seems like it might be a challenge to tear him away. Luckily, I'm thoroughly enjoying myself right now."

Observing Melissa's companion, Cece extended an apology for her interruption. "Oh, hi. I apologize for whisking away your friend, but I'm sure you'll agree on how delightful she is... I'm Cece, by the way. Oh, and can I just say... that cravat! Yes." She loved a man who dressed boldly, however she also got the idea that so did he. Sadly, this would not be Mr. Right for Miss Melissa Right, but she wasn't troubled. She had a plan in place to remedy that situation soon.

Melissa eyes twinkled, like a wild fire had been ignited in Cece's presence once again. Enough so, that a slow, poised smile pitched itself on her nude painted lips.

"Oh, I highly doubt that. But thank you, for the flattery and ego boost," she replied, taking another sip of her martini. "Although, according to London, I don't need anymore of those." Melissa found herself grateful for the distraction, for her...acquaintances conversation.

But was that what this was?

Acquaintances? Kind of felt wrong. Friend? Maybe too soon.

But it was something.

"Are you and Adam staying the night?" Melissa asked, Dr Evesham catching her peripheral vision, and smirked, stepping aside to allow him into their conversation.

[novella-november]

Novella November 2024 Announcement Post

Hate AI, but love writing challenges?

Want to take part in a global, fun project to write a Novella in one month?

Grab some friends, and take part in Novella November, by writing 1,000 words a day for the month of November, ending with a 30,000 word Novella to test and stretch your novel-writing skills!

Your goal is not perfection, but merely getting into the habit of writing a litte bit every single day :D

No website, no sign-ups -- Just a community initiative to write using only your own word!

What are the rules? Just Three so far!

#1 - No AI

#2 - No Plagiarizing

#3 - Wordcount for the month should only come from what you write during the month.

What does that mean?

Only words written during November should go towards your Wordcount for the month... but! Feel free to use your 30k words as a continuation of previous writing, or just make it the first 30k words in a longer novel!

Don't think you can write a whole entire 30k word story? Write a series of short stories that total up to 30k!

Not ready to write original works yet? Write a 30k word fanfiction that you can post after the month is over!

Share your writing experience, tips, encouragement, and questions in the #Novella November tag!

---

EDIT, from the tags: Want a progress tracker? Track your progress with TrackBear!

https://trackbear.app/

Don't have a word processor? Use LibreOffice , the free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Word!

Want to organize/storyboard your Novel and don't want to pay a subscription? Try 7writer by Simon Haynes!

Want to be able to listen to your story aloud for proofreading using TTS (text to speech)? Try Balabolka!

Or, create some custom progress / Goal Cards in advance you can fill out as you reach word goals! For ideas and templates, search this blog for "goal cards" :D

Want to do a writing challenge in more than just November? Check out my ideas here for year round challenges to keep you writing consistently! Got feedback? Send it in, I'd love to see everyone's ideas!

---

EDIT 2: I almost forgot to mention, if you are unable to write/type your story, you can also narrate/dictate your story to your preferred recording device!

If you're doing a Recording only and it doesn't automatically generate a transcript, it would obviously be hard to judge the word count -- but you're also working with a lot of obstacles, so I'd say if you're able to complete your story via voice recording from start to finish, you've definitely achieved the goal!

Edit #3: added the title "Novella November 2024 announcement post" to the top to make it more standard with my Ominous October and Drabble December posts (will be updating Outline October shortly) , added "Official Announcement Post 2024" to the tags so people can easily find the monthly events for 2024, and added a bit of bold to the third bullet point in the original post from September 2nd 2024 for emphasis.

[ceceliaahathaway]

closed Event: Cobwebs in the Dark Dated: 23rd of March, 2024 Location: A Nightmare; The Berkeley Estate

It occurs to her that there are people – women like her, their lives untouched by tragedy and hanging, lifeless men– getting ready for bed right now. Women all across London, Chicago and the World, who don't have to wonder what it might feel like to be hanged by the neck till you no longer have a pulse. Universes coexisting side by side, yet so distinct that one could easily mistake them for separate entities.

She can't pinpoint the moment she encountered Adam, or perhaps when he encountered her, but what remains vivid is the struggle against him. She couldn't simply save herself; her girls, Val and Lisette, were here too. But, his hand is strong, much stronger than her own and his words, can't be argued with, "I can't lose you."

Once in the car, her fingers find her phone, sending out an 'Is everyone okay?' text to her little world. It's difficult to manage, as Adam's hand still hadn't let hers go. Thankfully, they were driving the automatic tonight. She glances across at her husband and finds herself trapped in his despair for her. Would he still care so much if he knew? She couldn't help but wonder. Surely, she didn't deserve it. And still, she wouldn't have pried her fingers from his grasp or offered up any misfortunate truths that would've had him certainly letting go. And, in her own pathetic desperation she held him tighter, her fingers draining of colour in her sad attempt to hold on to him.

The sound of metal hitting marble, echoes throughout the house, as Adam puts down the keys and turns to enact all security precautions in the house. Cece finds herself stuck to her phone. A notable absence, why hasn't Lisette returned her message? She's with her children. Yes, she's gone home to hug her children, wouldn't you? She watches as Adam closes, locks, secures everything, before she feels something wet against the back of her leg. She spins and sees the culprit. Happy, oh so always, naively happy. She almost cries when she sinks to the floor and pulls him onto her lap and holds him like she would hold one of her own children.

Adam, finds her a few minutes later still on the floor holding the very confused, but nonetheless happy Happy. He pulls her up and tells her he's going to run her a shower--- she corrects him, "no, us. Run us a shower." She's doesn't always have to be so direct with him, but tonight she can understand his hesitancy. She's fracturing. And he's worried about applying too much pressure to that, and she gets it but what he doesn't get is that he's the adhesive.. she needs him to hold herself together right now. And yet, she's got to ask him again, "I can't be here alone tonight, Adam," before he's shedding himself out of his suit (any other time she'd tell him to hang it up first but not tonight) and walking over to find her body in the steam. It's easier with him here, pressing into her, to fight away the tears.. sometimes it's just too easy to let the hot water trick you into letting out a little of your own. She doesn't want to do that. Not over some Russian.

She kisses him, hungry, and desperate.. she knows he can sense it. And still, when he pulls back for answers, she slams her lips to his so hard she's sure they're going to turn purple tomorrow. By the time they're back in the bed, she's shaking.. "Darling, let's get you in some clothes..."

"I had an affair."

She senses his disbelief, yet she doesn't say anything else to help convince him further. She just... stares, unwavering, until she sees it.. hit him. Oh, God. What has she done?! For all the time she's known Adam, she's never seen him look at her like that. Like, she's no longer a person. Though, supposedly he's right to, because she certainly doesn't feel like one.

She can feel her phone buzzing, but she's trapped in another world, another horrible nightmare that she can't escape. Only this time she's the one responsible. "Adam..." He's not hearing it. He's not even looking at her, as he goes about packing his overnight bag (the one she got him for Christmas last year), and pushes Happy out of his way because the dog can't seem to understand that Adam in shoes can mean anything but 'walkie time.' But, it can. This time it means: 'I'm leaving you.' For tonight? For good? Cecelia’s chest tightens.

"I'm so, so sorry. It was a mistake.. It was one time.. it was--" She grabs at him. He throws her hand back. She's... cold. Then, suddenly, she's alone. Her body collapses onto the cold, polished cement floor of their garage. Did she truly pursue him all the way down here? She cries herself into a half sleep where she's with Adam back on Anderson Island. Where she's remembering back to everything she did right. Though, somehow, that hurts more.

Grabbing at her phone, she texts one more person, she oddly feels like she can trust, @msmelissalin 'Are you okay? Are you free? I--' She can't be so selfish. People.. lost people tonight. So, did she, she could argue, but then again she could also argue they had no choice in the matter. She backspaces the text. Lying back down on the cold cement, she once again finds herself asking.. what she needs to do in order to fix it? 'Cause Adam was right. She really can't lose him either.

She looks up as the door creaks open... Adam? No, the sound of soft paws suggests otherwise. He approaches, sniffing her with confusion until she reaches out, pulling him down beside her. "Don't leave me. I love you," she pleads, her words sincere. She can't bear to lose anyone else tonight, not even a dog who doesn't understand what she's saying. Happy doesn't resist, pressing his weight into her chest as she clings to him desperately. "Don't leave me," she whispers until her voice grows hoarse and Happy's snores fill the garage, echoing loudly off the walls. "Don't... leave... me..."

[reasonsforhope]

"For years, California was slated to undertake the world’s largest dam removal project in order to free the Klamath River to flow as it had done for thousands of years.

Now, as the project nears completion, imagery is percolating out of Klamath showing the waterway’s dramatic transformation, and they are breathtaking to behold.

Pictured: Klamath River flows freely, after Copco-2 dam was removed in California.

Incredibly, the project has been nearly completed on schedule and under budget, and recently concluded with the removal of two dams, Iron Gate and Copco 1. Small “cofferdams” which helped divert water for the main dams’ construction, still need to be removed.

The river, along which salmon and trout had migrated and bred for centuries, can flow freely between Lake Ewauna in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the Pacific Ocean for the first time since the dams were constructed between 1903 and 1962.

“This is a monumental achievement—not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river.”

“We had a really incredible moment to share with tribes as we watched the final cofferdams be broken,” Ren Brownell, Klamath River Renewal Corp. public information officer, told SFGATE. “So we’ve officially returned the river to its historic channel at all the dam sites. But the work continues.”

Pictured: Iron Gate Dam, before and after.

“The dams that have divided the basin are now gone and the river is free,” Frankie Myers, vice chairman of the Yurok Tribe, said in a tribal news release from late August. “Our sacred duty to our children, our ancestors, and for ourselves, is to take care of the river, and today’s events represent a fulfillment of that obligation.”

The Yurok Tribe has lived along the Klamath River forever, and it was they who led the decades-long campaign to dismantle the dams.

At first the water was turbid, brown, murky, and filled with dead algae—discharges from riverside sediment deposits and reservoir drainage. However, Brownell said the water quality will improve over a short time span as the river normalizes.

“I think in September, we may have some Chinook salmon and steelhead moseying upstream and checking things out for the first time in over 60 years,” said Bob Pagliuco, a marine habitat resource specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in July.

Pictured: JC Boyle Dam, before and after.

“Based on what I’ve seen and what I know these fish can do, I think they will start occupying these habitats immediately. There won’t be any great numbers at first, but within several generations—10 to 15 years—new populations will be established.”

Ironically, a news release from the NOAA states that the simplification of the Klamath River by way of the dams actually made it harder for salmon and steelhead to survive and adapt to climate change.

“When you simplify the habitat as we did with the dams, salmon can’t express the full range of their life-history diversity,” said NOAA Research Fisheries Biologist Tommy Williams.

“The Klamath watershed is very prone to disturbance. The environment throughout the historical range of Pacific salmon and steelhead is very dynamic. We have fires, floods, earthquakes, you name it. These fish not only deal with it well, it’s required for their survival by allowing the expression of the full range of their diversity. It challenges them. Through this, they develop this capacity to deal with environmental changes.”

-via Good News Network, October 9, 2024

[ceceliaahathaway]

"Three boys and morning sickness with each? Oh dear, you're a trooper. I honestly don't know how you do it. I mean, mud, tumbling, and all those snotty noses... I'd probably faint on the spot if I had to deal with that!" Cece shook her head, imagining the chaos of raising three boys. Boys would be boys, indeed.

"But a girl!" Cece eyes lit up with excitement at the thought. All those dresses she'd been DYING to buy, she'd finally have an outlet now that her own girls had grown up. "It would be absolutely wonderful. Not that your boys aren't amazing, of course, but having a little girl would be like a dream come true for you." And me... she let that last bit stay just between her and her aching ovaries.

She had convinced herself she was finished with the entire affair of tending to and nurturing a baby, but witnessing so many of her friends welcoming newborns recently, it was difficult not to feel a twinge of longing (cluck, cluck) at the prospect of perhaps... just... one more.

"Oh, it was quite the adventure, let me tell you," the blonde remarked with a smile. "I had the chance to witness Adam taking on a bull... that man is aging like a fine Rioja wine, I'm telling you. And as for the girls, they've brought a few boyfriends back with them, but last I heard, Chelsea was having second thoughts. You know how that girl is." She sighed, contemplating what to do with them.

"All I can say is, while Spain was wonderful, I am absolutely delighted to finally be home. Now," back to the subject of real interest, "I'm not sure if someone is already organising your baby shower... but, listen I've got ideas..."

How she'd managed a year without this wonderful human being was beyond her. Overly generous with her praises and equally as generous with her loyalty, when won, Cecelia held one of the most special places in Val's heart.

In a city that was perpetually gray, she was the sunshine and tonight was no different. She let herself spin around, enjoying it while she was still able. It would only be another month or so before her balance would evade her. Luckily there was no fear of her friend letting go.

"You know perfectly well that everything is better now that you're here. No morning sickness this time and I had it with all three of the boys so..." A hesitant grin spread across her lips. "I don't want to get my hopes up that it's a girl but could you imagine?" They weren't finding out the sex until she gave birth but a woman could dream. Her boys were the loves of her life but to have a little girl? She wouldn't be so outnumbered. "You know the rest though. Nothing out of the ordinary unlike you and your year long trip." A raised brow. "Do tell."

[sheltiechicago]

Hong Lim Park, Singapore

People take part in the annual Pink Dot event, a show of support for the LGBTQ community

Photograph: Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images

[anyab]

Via NasAlSudan

Sudan Action Week, from December 17th to December 24th, is dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of the War in Sudan while harnessing our collective power to move to action. Join us in this impactful week as we educate, unite, and mobilize for Sudan.

Transcript:

Sudan Action Week

#keepEyesOnSudan

17 Dec. What is happening in Sudan

Learn about the war in Sudan, its origins, and the key players involved.

18 Dec. Centering Dafur

Learn about the ongoing situation in Darfur, understanding both current events and the historical context spanning decades.

19 Dec. Sudanese Revolution

Delve into Sudanese resilience and the significance of December 19 for the Sudanese community.

20 Dec. Contact your representatives

Discover various ways to contact your representatives and advocate for addressing the war in Sudan.

21 Dec. Centering Sudanese voices

Debunking hashtags and identifying the appropriate news sources on social media and online.

22 Dec. Day of donation

Amplify and learn about fundraisers supporting Sudanese people currently on the ground in Sudan.

23 Dec. Support Sudani Businesses

Explore wayst to support Sudanese  businesses, whether through online orders or in-store shopping.

24 Dec. Honoring our martyrs

Reflect on and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the conflict.

End Transcript

[ceceliaahathaway]

His words appeared genuine, contrasting sharply with his relentless stream of insults. In that moment of silence, she pondered the emotions beneath his outburst—was it anger, hurt, or something else entirely? She couldn't deny the impact she had made on him; it seemed she had left quite a mark.

Had she been too careless with his feelings though?

Cece couldn't deny that she hadn't given much thought to him or his emotions. In her mind, she assumed he wouldn't care if she didn't reach out, but now faced with the raw display of his distress, she realised she had been mistaken. She wasn't a heartless person, and it pained her (a little) to see him upset.

"Sorry, I..." She hesitated, opting not to burden him with her own troubles. If he remained unaware, he was in a far better place than she was, and she refused to drag him down simply because her own life was in turmoil. Even if he had once been the one responsible for the turmoil her beloved cashmere jacket had experienced underneath his chair leg. "... I ... was mistaken..."

With hopefully some remains of grace, Cece excused herself from the tense situation, a subtle air of dignity surrounding her departure. As she walked away, her mind churned with the question: If not him, then who and why? She held hope that her next meeting with Leroy would provide the answers she was seeking.

"I'm sorry...what? What in the world would make you think I'm blackmailing you?"

The woman's ego truly knew no bounds. Ayaz wondered whether she'd spent this conversation imagining an alternate reality in which he'd spent her absence pining and miserable, wondering why she'd never called. The reality, of course, being he'd found someone so superior in quite literally every metric that aside from an initial bout of disappointment, he'd hardly thought of her at all.

"Look, Ms. Hathaway, it's become very apparent you're ruled by an overinflated sense of self-worth, but I can absolutely assure you, I don't care that much."

[mionghairearracht]

i don't know why but im particularly pissed about us centrism today.

i think i might actually need to figure out how to filter at least some posts related to us stuff because its legitimately upsetting seeing the amount of posts for us issue vs. canadian ones despite me following multiple canadian focussed blogs and bloggers.

it not even that i want there to be less us posts i just wish any non us issues got even a fraction of the attention.

[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[ceceliaahathaway]

Her cheeks mirrored the hue of the grapefruit martini she held delicately between her fingers. "Let's not go and make Spencer green with envy," she teased. Upon hearing the news of her cousin Spencer's engagement and his choice of partner, Cece couldn't have been more delighted. Alexis exuded beauty and had a heart even larger than Cece's own.

"Now, about my promise to cover your wedding flowers, forget that. What I'm really offering you both is the gift of 'Cece'—my taste, my connections. So, if you need any assistance in selecting a first-class florist, don't hesitate to ask," she said, wrapping her arms around Alexis. "Congratulations again, by the way." With a playful smirk, she added, "And of course, have I ever missed an event? Tell Spencer to save a dance for me... with you."

@ceceliaahathaway

"Cecelia Hathaway, I must confess to you my crimes. First is not making my way to you as soon as I saw you to tell you how magnificent you look tonight. Second is taking too long to thank you in person once again for helping Spencer and I with our flowers. Godsend that you are. Please tell me I'll be seeing you later the after party, I must make it up to you."