#cork hot pad

[highfire3]

i think its supposed to be pureed, and there probably should be more than three ingredients if i cook this on a regular basis but its surprisingly not bad

6/10

[doctorwhoisadhd]

also another reason i play picc despite it causing my migraines is because i can use it to win arguments. Like any other instrument you have no right to complain about piccolo being "too high" when i am playing it and it gives ME migraines. like. ok coward. what do u even have to complain about

[sixhours]

Chapter 10 - The Ghosts of Babylon

Series Chapter Index | Read on AO3 | Complete

Rating: Explicit, 18+, here be smut and violence Series tags: Joel Miller x You, Joel Miller x Reader, Joel & Ellie, mostly follows canon, LGBTQ+ characters, y/n is bi/pan, y/n is ~45, violence, pregnancy, abortion, medical trauma, emotional trauma, panic attacks, sex work, suicide, smut, slow burn, angst with a happy ending, hurt/comfort, romance, no use of y/n, reader has longish hair, Joel can lift you, smallish age gap (~11 years), I've probably forgotten some so please let me know <3

~*~

You don’t see or hear from Joel for three days, but the distance proves to be a good thing. You need the space to think and compartmentalization has always served you well.

It helps that your work at the clinic takes up all of those three days. The morning after your date, you get a call on the walkie telling you one of your patients is in labor. It’s a hard birth; a 19-year-old mother with a tiny frame and a larger-than-average baby, and you don’t have a drop of anesthesia to offer, nothing stronger than homemade whiskey and pain pills that barely dull the contractions. The labor drags out over the next two days in a chorus of blood and screams that ring in your ears for hours.

The baby finally makes her entrance, nine-plus pounds and healthy, save for the forceps bruises on her swollen cheeks. Her mother, on the other hand, has a broken tailbone, a mess of stitches, and needs a blood transfusion. You want to give her a stern lecture on the importance of birth control, but what birth control? You can only tell her bluntly that if this happens again, she might not survive.

Just when you think you’ll be able to catch your breath, you get another call. Another labor, this one six weeks premature. The delivery is easy, but the baby is tiny and his chances are grim. The best you can do is put him in a warmer and have the nursing staff watch him around the clock.

Through it all, you’re reminded of how fucking fragile all of it is, how few tools you have at your disposal, how you’re walking a knife’s edge every time someone shows up at the clinic with anything more serious than a paper cut.

It’s infuriating, and you struggle to keep your distance, reminding yourself that Jackson doesn’t need your heartache; it needs medicine that you don't fucking have.

You drag your ass back to your house and peel off your bloodied scrubs as soon as you step inside, leaving them in a pile by the door. You plod upstairs and fill the tub as hot as you can stand it and then some. The water comes up to your chin, and you feel the stress of the last few days begin to seep from your muscles, tendrils unwinding from around your ribs, your shoulders.

You’re dozing in the fast-cooling water when you hear the knock.

You drag yourself out of the tub with a groan, wrapping yourself in a robe and tying up your hair, then padding down the stairs in bare feet to answer the door. Joel stands on the other side, looking as tired as you feel. He raises an eyebrow at your robe.

“Uh, this a bad time?”

“No,” you say. “Come in.”

His eyes fall on the bloody scrubs piled next to the door. “Jesus, what happened?”

“Oh…right. Everyone’s fine. Well, no, everyone’s not fine, but…everyone’s alive. So far,” you mutter. “Want a drink? I need a drink.”

“I don’t–”

“Drink…right,” you sigh. “I swiped some beer from the dance last fall. Help yourself if you change your mind.”

“Bad day?” he follows you, leaning in the doorway and watching as you open the fridge and grab one of the amber glass bottles.

“Days, plural,” you say, wiggling the bottle in his direction. “Are you sure?”

He frowns, then sticks out his hand. “Fine.”

“I am not above peer pressure,” you smile, grabbing a second bottle and pulling the cork before handing it to him. You clink the necks and take the first sip, sour bubbles coating your tongue.

You perch on a chair, crossing your legs and pulling your robe around you, and he takes a seat across the table, looking around uncomfortably.

“Kitchen looks good,” he says after a beat, nodding to the open ceiling, the new floor joist sticking out like a sore thumb, pink insulation peeking from around the studs.

“Thanks, I was going for that ‘construction chic’ look.”

He snorts, takes a drink.

“What are you doing here, Miller?”

He opens his mouth, closes it again, clears his throat, takes another drink, setting the bottle on the table. Normally you’d enjoy watching him squirm, but you’re too tired to wait for his slow Texas drawl.

“Look, if this is about the other night, we don’t have to–”

“I had a good time,” he says flatly.

You blink. “Oh…me, too.”

“I just needed to say, I can’t…uh…I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m…ugh,” he groans, rubbing his face with his hands. You push his beer closer to him on the table. 

“Drink.”

You hold up your beer to demonstrate, then tip it back and take three long swigs. It’s homebrew, stronger than the old-world stuff. You put the bottle down with a barely concealed burp.

“Your turn,” you say.

He gives you a look, but then does the same, picking up the bottle and bringing it to his lips. You watch his Adam's apple bob at his throat as he swallows.

“Now what?” he says, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand.

“We wait for the alcohol to kick in,” you say, putting an elbow on the table and leaning into your hand. “And you talk. Or I pass out…whichever comes first.”

He nods, then after a thought, takes another long drink.

Good boy. That’ll help things along.

“I told you I haven’t, uh, done this in a while.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, rubbing at his eyes.

“I recall.”

“I had a…partner…Tess. Back in Boston. She didn’t make it out, but we, uh…didn’t have what you’d call a relationship. She…got what she needed from me, and I got what I needed from her. And most of the time…that was enough.”

You lean back, studying him as he talks, watching his fingers slide absently up and down the amber glass.

“And now…I have Ellie,” he says, growing more serious. “She’s my first priority. End of story. I can’t…have anything get in the way of that.”

“I get it.”

“I just don’t want to give you the wrong idea,” he says, staring at you with those dark brown eyes. “We can’t…I can’t be…with you…like that.”

You plop your chin in your hand, considering this, feeling a wash of relief move through you. Or maybe that’s the beer.

“Look, Miller, I’m not what you’d call girlfriend material. But…I’m down for a good time. Whether that’s looking at meteors or…doing other things.”

He licks his lips, nodding slowly.

“Whatever…this…is,” you say, gesturing between the two of you. “It doesn’t need to be serious. You’re not going to hurt my feelings by giving it to me straight. We’re adults, right? So let’s act like it.”

He swallows hard. “Alright then. Not serious.”

“Not serious,” you smile, then down the rest of your beer, watching him do the same. You pick up the empty bottles to bring them to the sink. “Do me a favor and grab us a couple more. One’s not gonna cut it tonight.”

“Sure.”

He goes to the fridge while you rinse the bottles at the sink and leave them upturned to dry. You’ll give them back to the brewer to be reused.

“What’s this?”

You turn around. He’s holding the orange, looking at you with one raised eyebrow, and you have to turn back to the sink so he doesn’t see the heat in your cheeks.

“Oh, that. Don’t let it go to your head, Miller. I just like how it smells.”

You hear him take an experimental sniff and have to bite your lip to contain a grin. You hear the clink of the glass bottles and the fridge door close.

“Where’d you find an orange in this place, anyway?”

“Did some work in the greenhouse a while back. Guy named Miles…guess he used to be a botanist or somethin’, figured out how to grow ‘em. It’s no mango smoothie, but I figured…”

He shrugs, opening one of the bottles and handing it to you. Clink , sip, wait.

The silence draws in on itself, circling you, and you let it. You consider him, feeling a certain lonely hunger curling inside you, the alcohol making your brain feel pleasantly detached and loose. You catch yourself admiring his profile, the slope of his nose, the slight dimple in his cheek, the patch in his scruff where his beard doesn't grow.

He’s watching you, too. When your eyes lock for one second too long, you turn back to the sink with a sigh, pretending to busy yourself with the nonexistent dishes.

There’s movement at your back, the sound of footfall behind you, the clink of the glass bottle as it’s placed on the counter to your left, a sudden warmth at your lower back. You feel his breath on your exposed neck. When his lips brush the skin at your nape, you barely hold back a shudder.

“This okay?”

You laugh a little as if he hadn’t had you up against the wall in this very same kitchen months ago. There had been no asking permission then. “Mmmhmm.”

His hand slides lower, lower still, then cups your ass, warm hand gripping and kneading in a way that sends desire straight to your sex. His hips push against yours, leaning you into the counter, cornering you like he’s worried you might run if given the chance.

“Shit,” he whispers, rough palm connecting with bare skin underneath your robe.

You suck in a hard breath and it’s like you have to remember how. Air in, lungs expand, air out, lungs contract , but all you can feel is one hand gripping your hip, running around to your belly, sliding under your robe and up. God, his hands are so big, so warm . He cradles your ribcage in his palms like a newborn, running them up your sternum, teasing at the base of your throat with rough fingers, loosening the sash at your waist.

He turns you around, leans forward again, pinning your hips and back to the countertop behind you. He’s watching you, reading your face as his hands skim your breasts. Your nipples are already tight, but his rough palm is cupping, rolling, kneading.

“Not serious,” he says slowly.

“Uh uh.”

You find yourself holding back, trying not to make a sound, not to give him the satisfaction. But his eyes narrow, his hips sway deeper into yours, and his thumb makes direct contact with one erect nipple. You moan, and you can feel him twitch between your legs, his mouth dropping open, forehead coming to rest against yours.

His nose brushes yours, his breath at your lips, but both of you seem determined to let the other one make the first move. It’s tantalizing, infinitely frustrating, almost cruel.

“You sure?” he murmurs, and you swallow his exhale in answer. The kiss is soft at first, tender, gentle. Testing.

He leans in, tongue swiping teasingly over your bottom lip, asking permission. You oblige, tasting him, kiss deepening until you’re both panting, his hand pressed into the back of your neck like a tattoo. His tongue slides against yours in a honey-slick caress. 

He lifts you, turning you both until you’re sitting on the kitchen island. You have a momentary flash of his shoulder in a brace and consider reminding him to take it easy, old man , but then he’s kissing you, mouth trailing a hot tongue down the cradle of your throat, your collarbone, and the words are lost to the ether. Your robe has fallen open, exposing you, and he slips his hands inside, pushing it the rest of the way down your shoulders.

You realize he’s never seen you like this and the attention is almost uncomfortable. You can’t hide, you can’t run, you can’t turn around and press your face to the mattress.

“Fuck, you’re pretty.”

You arch into his mouth as his tongue circles one nipple, pulling it between his teeth, grazing the tender flesh before soothing it, over and over. He repeats this process on the other breast until you’re whimpering, caught in a haze of pleasure. Your hands reach for him, sliding under his shirt, pulling at his jeans, but he catches you by the wrist and gives you a gentle shake of his head.

Not yet.

He lays you back, one wide palm stroking the length of your torso, the robe thick and warm between your overheated skin and the cool marble of the countertop. He eyes you hungrily, spread out before him like a fucking buffet. Your throat tightens as his mouth descends upon yours again, suckling at your neck, your chest, your stomach.

“Oh, thank god, Miller,” you breathe, desperately clinging to your last shred of self-control.

“Mmm,” he grunts between open-mouthed kisses, intent on his path. His tongue circles your navel, dipping inside. “What?”

“Was beginning to think you didn’t know what foreplay was.”

He shoots you a dark look over the swell of your breasts, lapping at the sensitive flesh under your belly button, leaving a wet, hungry trail down, down, down.

Challenge accepted.

His tongue dips between your labia and you arch involuntarily, sliding back on the counter. His hands grip your thighs, pushing them apart while pulling you closer, anchoring your center to his mouth. Your fingers thread through his brown salt-and-pepper curls as he circles the pearl of your clit, pressing into it, laving it, circling again and again until you’re trembling, almost begging.

“Taste so fuckin’ good,” he growls, dipping lower, lapping at you, eating you out like you’re his last meal. Fingers replace his tongue and curl inside you as he returns to your clit, suckling in earnest. One hand leaves his hair to grip the edge of the counter as his fingers thrust deeper, harder, faster.

“Mm-gonna–”

“That’s right, you’re gonna come for me,” he pants. “Come for me.”

You do, clenching hard around him, arching into him, throbbing wantonly against his mouth.

“Good girl,” he purrs, kissing your trembling inner thighs, licking and sucking his way back up your flushed, overstimulated body. You kiss him, taste yourself on him and moan into his mouth, feeling his hardness, still clothed, pressing into your hot center. “So fuckin’ good.”

When you reach for his jeans this time, he doesn't push you away. You sit up, and he waits as you undress him, unusually patient, hands stroking your bare shoulders, your back.

He’s wearing the same shirt as when he thought he was having a heart attack, you realize, the one you had to deface to get to his chest. The buttons have been sewn back on with thread that doesn’t match, and for some reason the thought of him sitting on his couch with a needle in his lips makes your pussy clench.

His torso is puckered with small scars, the one on his abdomen freshest and most pronounced. He takes a sharp breath when you run your fingers over it. You can see the outline of the messy stitches that once held him together. He’s watching your face, cautious, as if he expects you to stop, to come to your senses.

Instead, you run your hands up his chest, down the thick muscle under his biceps, the soft fur of his forearms. You arch up to kiss his throat, feeling the rumble of his sigh under your lips. You taste his skin, salty and smoky and deeply masculine.

When you pull down his jeans, he presses himself into your hand involuntarily, closing his eyes and tipping his head back when you grip him, tracing the outline of his cock through his briefs. You push them down and stroke him, letting your thumb slide over the wetness at the tip, around, back down, watching the effect on his face, the slack of his jaw, the quickening of his breath.

He pushes you back, dragging you to him, positioning himself at your entrance. You groan at the contact as he drags his cock up the seam of your cunt, circling your clit, back down, up and down, until you’re writhing underneath him.

Where before he thrust into you without warning, now he’s painfully slow, teasing you to the edge of sanity. His head pushes inside and you can feel every fucking twitch of his cock at your entrance. You reach for his ass to pull him deeper but he’s using one powerful hand on your chest to hold you back.

“Gotta go slow,” he whispers, voice thick with arousal.

He rocks his hips forward and back, waiting for you to adjust, even though you’re so fucking wet for him it’s hardly an issue. Where was this Joel, you want to ask him, the one who’ll eat you for dinner and fuck you for dessert, but then you can’t because he’s pushing deeper, deeper, deeper, filling you up until the only thing you can focus on is the thick, heavy heat of him inside you.

It’s luscious, your hips rolling, snapping up to meet his until his hands clamp down on them to control your pace.

“Not gonna…last…if you keep doin’ that,” he growls. He pulls you up until you’re flush with his chest, changing the angle, cupping your ass and thrusting more shallowly, breathing hard as his teeth graze your neck. 

Your fingers slide between your joined hips, seeking out that one spot. “Want…” you pant, unable to form the words as your pleasure spills from your body in needy moans and whimpers. “More…”

His fingers follow yours until you’re both cupping your pussy, then gently pushes you out of the way and presses a thick finger to your swollen core, circling your clit with increasing pressure. You clench around him, so thick, so tight, feet pressed to the backs of his thighs to pull him as deep as you can.

“Yeah, that’s it, baby,” he groans, but his words are staggered, catching in his throat. “God you’re…so…tight. Need you to…come…for me.”

He kisses you hard, one hand cupping the back of your head, the other working delicious circles around your swollen bud. You moan into his mouth as he leans you back until he’s filling you again, your hips arching off the counter to meet his, and the extra pressure on your clit sends you flying.

“Ah fuck,” he gasps as your walls clamp around him, milking him, and with one more solid thrust, he’s buried to the hilt and pulsing hot and sticky inside you.

“Not…serious,” he pants, nuzzling at your throat, teasing your lips with his.

“Not serious,” you repeat, but the words have lost all meaning in your sex-addled brain, and then he’s sliding you off the counter without letting his mouth leave your skin, and he practically carries you upstairs to bed.

~*~

And this is how it starts, the beginning of your unraveling at the hands of one Joel Miller, the town’s resident asshole and, to your amazement, a really fucking good lay.

He makes up some excuse to be at your place whenever your schedules align, which isn’t often…but you make the most of the time. You’ve learned a new thing about Joel–when he sets his mind to something, he doesn’t fuck around.

Or maybe it’s more accurate to say he does.

He’s almost ruthless in bed, controlling in a way you’ve never experienced in a partner…maybe because no one until this point has been up for the challenge of trying to control you. He edges you to the point of pain, teasing you, playing with your clit and your breasts and sucking on your neck until you’re trembling and begging for release–and when he finally gives it to you, you come hard. You always come hard.

You’re used to being the dominant one, but something about his hissing “good fuckin’ girl” in your ear, while he pulls your hair and takes you from behind, makes you melt, turns you into a whimpering raw nerve. He fucks you until it hurts to move, until you’re chafing and walking slowly from the constant friction between your legs. 

He fingers your asshole and calls you a filthy slut and then kisses you like he could drown in you. He marks you with bruises then soothes them with his tongue, whispering sweet words that fall like candy from his lips.

He pushes you to your knees and spills his seed on your chest, your face, your neck. You’re debased and degraded in a way you’ve never let yourself be before… but then he trails one finger from your temple to your jaw, and his black-brown eyes go slack with something more than lust until you have to look away.

You move through the winter days in a clouded haze of arousal and overstimulation, always too warm, distracted, and thinking about the next fix. You amass a collection of turtlenecks, grateful for the bitter winter wind.

Sometimes you hate the sheer madness of your desire, the gnawing sensation of want, of need . You don’t like the way you lose control when he’s inside you and cursing about how fuckin’ good you feel.

And yet, when he shows up at your door, you never turn him away.

[buckyegans]

Just Me and You, Shifty Powers

just a little imagine I crossposted on my Wattpad (boneflu) and wanted to post here!

no warnings just pure fluff

 Austria had been some sort of dream—the daily warm meal and hot showers seemed to be too good to be true. Yet, here you were, hands gripping the splintered wood of the old dock, swinging your legs to just barely graze the surface of the water below. The sky had turned pink and orange as the sun had made her way down, bringing forth the moon rising from behind the mountains. Your shoes and socks were somewhere further up the dock, your mind too focused on the coolness bringing small goosebumps up your bare legs, trousers rolled to your calves.

 "This is where you've been hidin' all night?" a soft voice asked, footsteps accompanying Shifty's voice as he made his way down the dock. You looked up, finding Darrell haloed by the wind-blewn trees and waking stars. You gave a lopsided grin and nodded, offering your hand to the sharpshooter. For a man who always wielded a rifle, the pads of his fingers were smooth, and soft. He carefully plopped down next to you, your thighs pressed together. Soon enough he was tossing his shoes and socks behind him just as you had, propping his legs up to roll his pants to match yours. His feet met the water and he let out a content sigh. "Found yourself a pretty spot, huh?" The Virginia asked.

 You nodded. "Sure did, Shift. All the boys are being too loud." you stated, looking to what he had gripped in his hand. A bottle of champagne, no doubt some lavish brand some Kraut had been waiting to pop when they won the war—but tonight, it was their victory. "Whatcha got there, Shift?" Darrell looked down to his hand and grinned, shrugging before offering it up to you. The label was a different language, you suspected French. "Where did you manage to find this?"

 You hummed, thumb pressing against the cork until it popped loudly, causing both of you to jump before turning to one another with giddy grins. You took a long swing before wiping your mouth, "here's to our alcoholic intelligence officer—and his ability to choose the good stuff."

 Shifty takes the bottle from you by its neck, tipping it into his own mouth. "Here's to him," he agreed, grimacing at the taste. Shifty's face twisted, causing you to let out a laugh, while Shifty grinned proudly. You nursed the bottle once more and drank from it once more before laying on the dock, legs hanging over. Darrell followed your movements, readjusting to get his shoulder flush against yours. He unashamedly lopped his head to the side to stare at you, your eyes fluttering shut, glowing from the sun. The hard war was evident in your tired eyes and silver scars, but Shifty thought you had never looked to gorgeous.

 "You're starin', Powers." your comment is accompanied with an amused glance at him, head falling to meet his gaze. He only hums in response, smiling with his rosy, sun-loved cheeks. "Do I have something on my face?"

 Shifty is shaking his head slowly. "No," he states shortly, grinning that smile that had gone into hiding since stepping into the Ardennes—the endless months in a permanent winter had hardened even the softest of soldiers, Shifty Powers included. Every now and again, you got him to give that little smile, hidden behind a scarf, only for you to see. But, here on this dock, it was on full display. "It's just you and me, so I get to stare all I want."

 You're cocking your head to the side and pushing yourself up to stand, brows furrowed. "Is that so?" you ask, looking down at him. Shifty is following your movements as he gives a confident nod. "And why is that?"

 He smiles again. "No distractions. No questions. No possible gunfire. Just me and you." You're inching closer with each of his words, his arms snaking around your waist and pulling you closer. "Now I can tell you how pretty I think you are." He's giddy as he says this, looking like a little kid on Christmas. You can't help but blush pink, shaking your head.

 "Was I not pretty enough in Bastogne?" you tease. Shifty is rolling his eyes playfully, shaking his head and tutting.

 He's pushing hair behind your ear. "You're always pretty. But now I don't got no competition—no one around to try and take you from this moment. Just you and me?"

 You wrap your arms around his shoulders, pulling him down closer and closer. "So," you trail off. "What are you gonna do now that it's just you and me?"

 Shifty grins. "Well, I'd like to kiss you."

 You laugh. "Kiss me, Darrell."

[pile-of-bugs]

Today's bug: Tailless whip scorpion!

Sorry I haven't been active for so long.. anyways I got a new pet today - this female tailless whip scorpion (likely Phrynus whitei), so I'll tell you about them!

Tailless whip scorpions are arachnids in the Order Amblypygi (am-BLIP-idge-eye) and they're quite ancient! They even look a bit prehistoric, I think. There's about 150 species of tailless whip scorpion.

Adapted for crawling around dark forests and cave walls, these arthropods are nearly blind - their simple eyes giving them only vague information, like the level of surrounding light. That's where their loooong 2nd pair of legs come in!

(image source: Wikimedia)

See those long "whips" from which they get their name? Those are for feeling their surroundings. When active, they'll be constantly moving around them around to sense their environment. The whips are very fragile and can break easily, but can be regrown every molt!

(image source: Frank Deschandol on iNaturalist)

Tailless whip scorpions are NOT scorpions, nor are they spiders. And those terrifying front claws aren't legs either - they're heavily modified mouthparts, pedipalps to be precise. Speaking of scorpions, their grabby claws are also their pedipalps! In spiders, these are those cute little appendages right next to the chelicerae (the things that have the fangs).

Unlike both scorpions and spiders, however, a tailless whip scorpion cannot bite or sting. They're almost totally harmless! Practically the posterchild for "don't judge a book by its cover," these are some of the friendliest arachnids in the world. You have to seriously to make one angry (which is basically abuse, so don't do that), and even then they'll only try smacking you with their thorny pedipalps, never biting with their fangs.

About the only truly scary part of handling them (once you get past their appearance) is their speed. These things normally move very slowly (on account of the "blind and has to touch everything" thing), but if startled, they'll bolt in the opposite direction with incredible speed! They really, really would rather not confront you at all. I cannot emphasize enough how completely NOT dangerous these arachnids are, despite their look!

(image source: Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow)

Btw, did you know the mommas make great parents? Like many other large arachnids, the mothers will take their young with them until they're large enough to hunt on their own. They hatch from an egg pouch carried on the underside of the abdomen, which looks absolutely alien - in the source for the above image, you can find pictures of the whole process.

You may have seen this meme ^ Their pedipalps, usually folded up, can also unfold to catch prey or defend themselves (in the original video for this pic, the owner is provoking this reaction - something I don't condone, even if it showcases their grab ability very well). Tailless whip scorpions are carnivores, and the prey they catch are usually small insects like crickets or flies.

Tailless whip scorpions are found in almost every warm, tropical part of the world - Central/South America, Africa, Asia, and even some islands like the Phillipines!

Here's my t.w.s.' habitat. They're very easy pets to take care of! Just make sure you have a habitat that favors verticality - they need to be able to climb to feel at home! Cork board is best, either just on the back, or 2-3 sides of the enclosure. Humidity is a must, so have the base be filled with cocofiber, then add water and perhaps a heating pad set on low to maintain moisture. Moss helps too! All that's left is to feed them - just once or twice a month is enough.

The light on my display is too hot, and heats up the plastic really quickly, so I only use it briefly to find and observe her. They don't actually need light since they're used to being in the dark!

I hope you liked these facts on tailless whip scorpions. If you know more facts, lmk or just add it to the post! I'm still learning things myself - like for example, you can tell males/females apart by the size of their pedipalps (the males have reaaaally long pedipalps, like the one in that meme, the females have much shorter ones).

[mpregspn]

can i complain some more. i don't have a fever rn but i feel cold and clammy but bundling up makes me feel hot and clammy also i can't find the cork to my heating pad

[nonhumanresources-retired]

Wrote a silly Vaporeon TF at like 4 am the other night so here it is after a bit of editing \o/

___

Hot water sprays against your back, mist hanging in the air around you. Showering always did bring a sense of comfort. Something about the force of the water, the heat, the disconnected pocket of your home that almost feels like stepping into another reality, hidden behind a glass door. Showers were solace. 

Of course, they're not all ephemeral relaxation. The new body wash you bought is popped open and squeezed into your hands, viscous soap a brilliant blue in color. It apparently had some kind of "hydrating bead" technology, which was probably nonscientific mumbo jumbo, but it was worth a shot with how dry your skin has been lately. It rubs on and lathers just fine, even though it gets that blue color everywhere. Hopefully it doesn't stain, you think. That would be a pain to clean up. 

The first thing you notice is the sound. The loud gush of water and splash across your back is well known to you, but something about it… shifts. Suddenly, it's quieter, less explosive, as if it’s slipping around you rather than bouncing off.

The second thing you notice is the webbing. You try to run your fingers through your hair, but it's impossible to push through. You lower them to look and discover transparent membranes stretched between all your fingers. Not only that, your whole hand is blue–in fact, looking down, all of you is blue.

A tail thrusting out and knocking you forward into the wall is more than enough to alert you to the full scope of the issue. You appear to be becoming quite animalistic quite fast, and panic has frozen you. Your tail slides against tile walls as you try to keep it out of the way, hairy skin becoming fuzzy cornflower blue fur, then flattening to smooth, azure skin. Your toes have claws that catch at the grout between tiles when their pads slide across the floor. In front of your face, a black smudge that is presumably your nose has begun to block more and more of your vision. It's not until you process that you can see over the top of the shower door through the steam vent that you realize that you may even still be miscalculating the situation.

You were most definitely growing. Your more-than-adequate knowledge of a certain franchise means you can easily identify yourself as a Pokemon—more specifically, a Vaporeon. You can feel your now-permeable skin soaking up the water. It’s almost like it’s passing *through* you. The weight settles across curves of your body, hips widening, hind paws splayed out. It's exceptionally disorienting as you attempt to get used to the new body, water-filled proportions force it to alter its course even as the strange transformation continues.

With all this going on, you can’t remember to do the one important thing: turn off the shower. Vaporeons were almost entirely water, and the stream from the shower head was very quickly adding itself to your body. Your tail grows longer across the floor; your head, then shoulders bang into the ceiling; you probably can’t even fit straight through the door anymore. There’s no way to stop it from continuing to make your body grow, swelling you bigger and bigger inside of this suddenly claustrophobic box of a room. 

The door nearly bursts off its hinges, and you pop out of the shower, smooth skin sliding straight off the walls and firing you out like a greased cork. There’s a single moment, hanging in the air, that you spot yourself in the mirror. A snout dominates your face, white frill beneath it wreathing your neck, and your eyes have become an iridescent, almost solid black. The moment ends when you slap against the floor like a wet fish, coil after coil of tail piling out after you and landing in a heap on top of your back and legs. Fortunately, being mostly water, the impact doesn’t hurt, but it still stuns you. Behind, the shower continues to run, finned tail brushing through the flowing water and signaling more inconveniences to come.

Perhaps you shouldn't have tried the extra strength pet wash on yourself, after all…

[mlmlucio]

Heyo, a hot pad is a thing people put on a table to place a hot pan or pot on, so the heat of the pot or pan doesn’t damage the table underneath!! You can often find them made of cork or wood.

The one in the post is handmade crochet and has an intricate design with the flowers, and the second one looks nearly identical which is a huge feat when it comes to any handmade craft. A lot of time and effort goes into any fiber craft, and crochet is I think a technique that can’t be replicated by machines, so it’s double amazing that the two look so similar!

Thanks for explaining! I was like " hm, I think that I know what a hot pad is, but english is a wierd language with many overlapping synonyms" and it turns out I didn't actually know what a hot pad is :)

[shaakhcollections]

Add Style and Functionality to Your Dining Space with Shaakh’s Trivets

A beautifully set dining table is the heart of any gathering, but protecting it from heat, spills, and scratches is just as important as making it look good. That’s where trivets for dining tables come in. At Shaakh, we bring you a curated collection of trivets that combine functionality with exceptional design, ensuring your dining experience is as seamless as it is stylish.

Why Trivets are Essential for Dining Tables

Trivets are a must-have accessory for anyone who loves hosting meals or simply wants to preserve their table’s pristine condition. These handy heat-resistant pads act as a barrier between hot pots, pans, or dishes and your dining surface, preventing unsightly damage. But at Shaakh, we believe trivets are more than just practical items—they’re a chance to elevate your table’s decor.

The Shaakh Advantage: Trivets That Speak Style

Elegant Designs: Shaakh’s trivets for dining tables are crafted with human ingenuity and a deep appreciation for aesthetics. From geometric patterns to intricate hand-painted designs, our trivets add a touch of elegance to any setup.

Premium Materials: We use only the finest materials, such as heat-resistant wood, metal, and eco-friendly cork, ensuring durability and safety for everyday use.

Multi-Functional: Our trivets are not just practical—they double as decor pieces that blend seamlessly with any dining table style, whether modern, rustic, or traditional.

Tips to Use and Style Your Trivets

Create a Centerpiece: Place trivets in the center of the table and layer them with decorative bowls or candles when not in use.

Mix and Match: Combine different shapes and sizes of Shaakh’s trivets to create a dynamic yet cohesive look.

Coordinate with Tableware: Choose trivets that complement your crockery and cutlery for a polished dining aesthetic.

Protect and Beautify Your Table with Shaakh

When you choose Shaakh, you’re investing in trivets that don’t just protect your dining table—they elevate your dining experience. Explore our collection today and discover how you can transform your table into a haven of style and sophistication.

Whether you’re hosting a lavish dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, Shaakh’s trivets are the perfect blend of utility and elegance. Visit us now to explore our range and bring home the perfect piece for your dining table.

[calidebs]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vintage 60's Puillery Metal Cork Trivet Hot Pad Paris Scenes-Set Of 3 Hong Kong.

[swagging-back-to]

massive update on the ladies!!!!

not anything super major but just how long it will be lol

ok so i got them a grapewood vine! they're kinda whatever about it. they don't climb it at all which is disappointing but they nibble on it. also ordered a birch tunnel (not the super skinny ones you can find everywhere, this one is more wide and short with two holes) which will be one of the very last 'landscaping' items i buy for the girlies! i feel happy enough to stop here :)

the company i bought it from (happyhamstery, good store) also included some free goodies! they got a cork mat, a little basket from this weird plastic material (i haven't put that in the cage yet bc i know my girls will chew it), and a flower lollipop.

the lollipop smelled soooo good but my girls don't like flowers tbh and even if tey did it was mostly hay and mice don't eat hay. so they just pissed on it.

my housemate keeps shutting the heat off in 38*f weather so i bought the girlies a heat pad ima put under their tank. also got a convection heater for the room.

but i changed up their layout and added a deep bedding section. their tunnels are crazy ngl even tho its just a small little section. im actually super happy with their layout rn and tomorrow im going to start recording videos about them. Im coming for your brand emiology >:)

but no i also got them some new treats---dried banana chips! i haven't given them banana before but i heard its a smash hit for a lot of mice and i need to give them something less fatty then a pepita.

------

ok so onto the girlies!!!!! individual breakdowns <3

jasmine has glowed up so much, im so happy for her. she honestly isn't cuddling with the others most of the time but i can just see in her face that shes happier back in the colony. her weight is more stable too and she isn't just skin and bones from starving herself. Shes even warmed up to me a lot, will come into my hand willingly and when i give her antibiotics she doesn't bite at all anymore. I used to have to have five layers of gloves bc of how hard she bit. and it would take at least an hour to give her meds. now its like 2 mins.

pepper has also grown so much im so proud of her. she doesn't immediately run when she sees me anymore and she doesn't flee when i approach er with my hand. she outright expects me to give her a pepita now. Shes one of the few girls i know for a fact does not have the obesity gene, the only other ones being jasmine and poppy. THATS IT. all my girls at 50g<

peanut has finally stopped tilting her head! she had a bad head tilt for a while and i tried treating it with antibiotics but it only got slightly better. im glad it went away on its own. shes still really sweet and one of the my few mice who will bang at the glass to try to get to me.

poppy used to be my absolute heart mouse, she would wake up and just pace the tank for my attention and jump at the glass when i walked over. shes kinda backed off lately and its sad. shes still a lil girl tho.

dhal is doing a little better. her feet arent SO swollen (i think it might've been a wheat or aspen allergy?) and her coat looks a little better. even her ibs is a bit better. for a while she was looking real rough tho. im still giving her antibiotics for her raspiness i heard a while back.

split pea is another who was chattering a while back and is just generally acting sick.

ginger's eye seems to be doing a little better but im worried about this weird fatty lump o the back of her shoulders. it doesn't look like a tumor but im worried its an abscess from bites she got and I've been treating with antibiotics. shes soooo sweet tho shes such a babyyyyyy shes one of the only mice i actually dream about

clove is a bit worrying i wont lie. i thought i caught her having a relapse in seizures earlier but she was just dreaming. shes just really big. 90g. her fur is kinda patchy and her skins all red from how hot she is all the time. I've tried everything to get her to lose weight. the lowest i got her to was 84g two weeks ago but she shot back up again. it's hard to know if its heart related, and i cant know if she has a tumor bc shes just too big </3 i hope shes with me for a long time tho bc shes such a baby

mochi and sushi are both doing fine, they're my most skittish girls now and its because i never had a true bonding period when i first got them. sushi's tumor hasn't grown afaik.

peaches is also doing okay, she just vibes honestly.

[heritage-instrument-insurance]

5 Tips for Traveling with Your Saxophone

Hitting the road with your saxophone can be an exciting adventure, allowing you to share your music with new audiences or simply keep your practice routine going while on vacation. But navigating airports and unfamiliar environments with your precious instrument requires some extra planning.

Here are 5 essential tips to ensure your gear travels safely and arrives in tune:

1. Case Up for Success

Your saxophone's case is its armor against the rigors of travel. Right? Here's what to consider:

Hard Shell vs. Gig Bag: A hard-shell case offers the ultimate protection, especially for checked baggage. Look for one made of durable materials like ABS plastic or fiberglass, with a plush interior lining. Gig bags are lighter and more portable but might only be suitable for short trips or carry-on situations. Choose a well-padded gig bag with a reinforced neck pouch.

Perfect Fit: A snug fit is crucial. A loose instrument inside the case can bang around and get damaged. Consider getting a fitted case specifically designed for your saxophone model.

Compartmental Love: Utilize all the compartments! Pack reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, and other accessories in dedicated chambers to prevent them from rattling around and causing scratches.

2. Know Your Airline's Rules

Airline baggage policies can vary greatly. Here's how to be a pro:

Carry-On or Check-In? Research your airline's size and weight limitations for carry-on instruments. Some airlines may consider a saxophone a "bulky item" requiring a gate check. Be prepared for both scenarios.

Declare Your Instrument: Always inform the airline at check-in that you're carrying a saxophone. They might need to issue a special tag or have you gate-check it.

The Fees Factor: Be informed about the potential fees for oversized or checked instruments.

Please print it Out: Carry a copy of the airline's instrument policy with you. This can help avoid confusion or last-minute hassles.

3. Pack Smart: Travel Essentials for Your Sax

Here are some key items to pack for a smooth musical journey:

Key Clamps: These handy tools secure the instrument's keys, preventing them from moving and getting damaged during transport.

Reed Protectors: Keep those reeds safe with a sturdy case or holder. Consider bringing a few extra reeds in case of breakage.

Mouthpiece Pouch: A dedicated pouch protects your mouthpiece from scratches and dents.

Swab and Care Kit: Pack a swab for cleaning your instrument after playing, and a small travel-sized care kit with essentials like valve oil (for non-saxophones) and cork grease.

Zip-Lock Bags: These are great for organizing small parts like screws or ligatures, and can even be used to create a makeshift reed humidifier in a pinch.

Tuning Gear: A tuner and a small clip-on metronome are travel-friendly tools to keep you in tune and maintain your practice routine.

4. Prepare for Climate Change: Temperature's Impact

Saxophones are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Here's how to handle them:

Avoid Extreme Heat and Cold: Never leave your saxophone in direct sunlight or a hot car. Likewise, avoid extreme cold environments. If possible, store your case in a cool, climate-controlled area during travel layovers.

Gradual Acclimatization: If traveling between drastically different climates, allow your saxophone to adjust gradually. Avoid taking it directly from a cold airplane cabin to a hot and humid environment (and vice versa). Leave it in the case for a while to reach room temperature before playing.

5. Be Insurance Wise: Protect Your Investment

Saxophones can be expensive instruments. Consider travel insurance:

Instrument Coverage: Check if your existing homeowner's or renter's insurance covers your gear for damage or loss during travel. In most cases, it will not. So, consider purchasing a dedicated saxophone insurance plan for comprehensive coverage against the unforeseen.

Peace of Mind: Having proper saxophone insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. So, do give it a place in your priority list before it is too late.

[beadscart]

Unique Ways to Incorporate Natural Gemstone Beads into Home Décor

Natural gemstone beads are not only beautiful for making jewelry but also offer a unique way to enhance your home décor. Their vibrant colors and intriguing textures can add a touch of elegance and personality to any space. Here are some creative ideas to incorporate natural gemstone beads into your home décor, transforming ordinary items into extraordinary pieces.

1. Gemstone Beaded Curtain Tiebacks

Curtain tiebacks are functional, but they can also be a stylish accessory. Create your own gemstone beaded tiebacks to add a splash of color and sophistication to your curtains.

Materials Needed:

Natural gemstone beads

Strong thread or thin wire

Scissors

Curtain tieback hooks

Steps:

Measure and Cut: Measure the length needed to wrap around your curtains and cut the thread or wire accordingly, leaving some extra length for tying knots.

String the Beads: String the natural gemstone beads onto the thread or wire. You can use a single type of gemstone or mix different types for a more eclectic look.

Secure the Ends: Tie knots at both ends to keep the beads in place. Attach the ends to curtain tieback hooks and wrap them around your curtains.

2. Gemstone Bead Lampshade

Transform a plain lampshade into a dazzling piece by adding gemstone beads. This project can give your lighting a stunning, colorful glow.

Materials Needed:

Natural gemstone beads

Lampshade (preferably with a wire frame)

Thin wire

Wire cutters

Hot glue gun (optional)

Steps:

Plan Your Design: Decide on a design for your lampshade. You can create a random pattern or a structured design.

Attach the Beads: Use thin wire to attach the gemstone beads to the lampshade frame. Wrap the wire around the frame and string the beads as desired. Secure the wire tightly to ensure the beads stay in place.

Optional Glue: For extra security, you can use a hot glue gun to fix the beads onto the wire or frame.

3. Gemstone Bead Coasters

Gemstone bead coasters are not only practical but also a beautiful addition to your coffee table or dining area.

Materials Needed:

Natural gemstone beads

Cork coasters or coaster bases

Strong adhesive or glue

Felt pads (optional)

Steps:

Arrange the Beads: Lay out the gemstone beads on the coaster base to plan your design. Ensure the beads fit well and cover the surface.

Glue the Beads: Apply a strong adhesive to the coaster base and press the beads firmly onto it. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Add Felt Pads: If desired, attach felt pads to the bottom of the coaster to protect your surfaces from scratches.

4. Gemstone Bead Wall Art

Create a stunning piece of wall art by incorporating gemstone beads into a framed piece of art or a canvas.

Materials Needed:

Natural gemstone beads

Canvas or wooden frame

Strong adhesive

Paint (optional)

Pencil and ruler (for marking)

Steps:

Plan Your Design: Sketch your design on the canvas or frame. You can create abstract patterns, shapes, or even spell out words.

Paint the Background: If desired, paint the background of your canvas to complement the colors of the gemstone beads.

Attach the Beads: Apply adhesive to the canvas and carefully place the gemstone beads onto the design. Press firmly and allow the glue to dry completely.

5. Gemstone Bead Table Runner

A beaded table runner can add a touch of elegance and color to your dining table.

Materials Needed:

Natural gemstone beads

Fabric runner or base

Needle and thread

Steps:

Plan Your Design: Decide on the pattern or arrangement of the beads on the table runner.

Sew the Beads: Use a needle and thread to sew the gemstone beads onto the fabric runner. Ensure each bead is securely attached.

Finish the Edges: Hem the edges of the runner to prevent fraying and give it a polished look.

Conclusion

Incorporating natural gemstone beads into your home décor is a creative way to add a touch of luxury and uniqueness to your space. Whether you’re embellishing a lampshade, creating a beaded curtain tieback, or designing a piece of wall art, gemstone beads can bring color, texture, and a sense of elegance to your home. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and let your creativity shine!

[cindibarr]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: CORKYS Carley Glitter Peep Toe Wedge Sandals Fuchsia Pink 7-11 NWT.

[kennady268]

Essential Yoga Accessories to Improve Your Practice

Yoga is a holistic activity that develops the body while simultaneously relaxing the mind and soothing the soul. In order to improve your yoga experience and take your practice to the next level, you must use the correct accessories. In this blog, we will look at several vital yoga straps that can help you attain deeper stretches, improved stability, and overall peace. Let's look at the gear that will help and enhance your yoga journey, from yoga wheels and mats to straps and towels.

Yoga Wheel: Expanding Your Horizons The yoga wheel is an adaptable and inventive prop that has grown in popularity in recent years. Its circular shape gives good support and aids in deeper stretches, increasing flexibility, and releasing tension. With a yoga wheel, you can explore a number of positions with enhanced stability and ease, such as backbends, hip openers, and inversions. Whether you're a novice or an established practitioner, including a yoga wheel into your routine can open up new dimensions and positively challenge your practice.

Yoga Mat Breathe: Find Comfort and Focus Yoga mats are sacred spaces where you can connect with your body, mind, and breath. The correct mat is essential for a comfortable and focused practice. The Breathe Yoga Mat has a high-density padding that provides excellent joint support and stability. Its non-slip surface guarantees a tight grip even during the most intense workouts. The Breathe Yoga Mat also has alignment cues to help you maintain appropriate posture and form. By purchasing a high-quality mat, you lay the groundwork for mindfulness and staying present during your practice.

Stay Dry and Slip-Free with a Yoga Mat Towel A yoga mat towel is an essential accessory for people who practice hot yoga or intensive vinyasa flows. A mat cloth absorbs moisture as you sweat, keeping you from slipping and sliding during your practice. These towels, made of soft and absorbent fabrics, are intended to provide comfort and stability. They are simple to place on top of your mat, providing you with a clean and sanitary surface to practice on. With a yoga mat towel, you can concentrate on your exercises without being distracted by a slick mat.

Yoga Mat Bag: Practical and Stylish Without an appropriate bag, transporting your yoga mat to and from sessions or retreats might be difficult. A yoga mat bag is not only useful, but it also protects your mat from dirt and damage. Look for a bag that is large enough to store your mat as well as other necessities such as a towel, water bottle, and personal things. Choose a purse that expresses your personality and makes a statement as you embrace the yogic lifestyle.

Cork Yoga Mat: Eco-Friendly and Long-Lasting If you care about the environment, a cork yoga mat is a wonderful choice. Cork is a natural and renewable substance that offers your practice with a hard and supporting surface. It has excellent traction even when wet, making it ideal for hot yoga or high-intensity flows. Cork is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and simple to clean, making it a sanitary choice for your yoga sessions. By selecting a cork mat, you not only contribute to a better environment, but you also reap the benefits of a dependable and environmentally responsible accessory.

Yoga Straps: Increase the Depth of Your Stretches Yoga straps are adaptable equipment that help you achieve deeper stretches and preserve appropriate alignment. Straps give gentle support and allow you to achieve postures that would otherwise be difficult if you are working on your flexibility or recovering from an injury. They can be utilized to increase your range of motion, enhance your alignment, and gradually deepen your stretches over time. Yoga straps come in a variety of lengths and materials, so choose one that best meets your needs and preferences.

Hot Yoga Towels for Hygiene and Comfort Hot yoga classes are energizing, but they can also leave you saturated in sweat. Yoga towels hot yoga developed specifically for hot yoga act as a barrier between you and the mat, keeping bacteria from spreading. To keep you safe and secure, these towels are very absorbent, quick-drying, and frequently have anti-slip characteristics. With a hot yoga towel, you can concentrate on your practice without worrying about slipping or feeling uncomfortable.

Conclusion: You can improve your practice and deepen your connection with yoga by adopting important yoga accessories such as the yoga wheel, yoga mat towel, Breathe Yoga Mat, yoga mat bag, cork yoga mat, yoga straps, and hot yoga towels. These instruments not only give support, stability, and comfort on the mat, but they also contribute to a safe and joyful experience. So, gather your supplies and begin on a transforming journey of self-discovery and wellbeing via yoga.

[juliebrost]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vintage Holly Hobbie Type Combination Wall Plaque and Table Hot Pad Used.