#cottonwood valley

[snommie]

Venus, alone

[elpidiusss]

Just asking for a friend: baby fever is a thing, but is foal fever also a thing? :3

After giving her mom a reference, I couldn't leave this little lady without one! She might be one of my favorite chars because of her funky markings 💖

[courtjesterart]

[fraidycat-art]

[gigglyalex]

Yashmirs first mare Ciri, she’s a bitch and a boss, and knows how to throw her weight around.

[tetramodal]

Wulsten Baldy Acrylic on canvas 8x8". Charles Morgenstern, 2023. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains seen from Coaldale, Colorado.

[simpuritysims]

I think the plan is to play a bit more of sims 4 tomorrow with a private family, then dive back into figuring out the Pierces the day after. I just... really needed the break so I didn't fully rage quit.

And I'll set a little queue of Higas running tomorrow too.

[westusarealtyofprescott]

The Fun Things to Do in Fall in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, isn’t just a city; it’s an experience, especially in the fall. As the scorching summer heat fades away, Sedona transforms into a stunning landscape filled with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable autumn getaway. From exploring scenic hiking trails to indulging in delicious seasonal treats, there’s no shortage of activities that make people fall in love with this magical place. And when they do, many turn to West USA Realty of Prescott for their real estate needs, finding the perfect place to call home in this enchanting town.

1. Hike Through the Red Rock Trails

One of the best ways to soak in Sedona’s fall beauty is by hitting the trails. The weather is perfect—cool mornings and warm afternoons—and the leaves create a kaleidoscope of colors that contrast beautifully with the iconic red rocks. Popular trails like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock offer various levels of difficulty, making them accessible for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hikers. Don’t forget your camera; every twist and turn reveals another breathtaking vista. And if you're an early riser, catch a sunrise hike at Airport Mesa for a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Explore Oak Creek Canyon

Another must-visit spot in Sedona during the fall is Oak Creek Canyon. Known as the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon, this scenic drive is one of the most beautiful in the country. The winding roads take you through towering canyon walls and lush forests, where the fall foliage is at its peak. Stop by Slide Rock State Park for some iconic photo ops or enjoy a peaceful picnic along the creek. The combination of the crisp air, the sound of running water, and the vibrant leaves makes this an ideal fall destination.

3. Indulge in Sedona’s Seasonal Flavors

Fall in Sedona isn’t just about the sights; it’s also about the flavors. The local culinary scene embraces the season with a variety of autumn-inspired dishes and drinks. Head to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill for a meal that combines breathtaking views with delectable food. Or, stop by a local coffee shop for a pumpkin spice latte and a slice of warm apple pie. Cress on Oak Creek offers a dining experience right on the water, with a seasonal menu that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Whether it’s a hearty stew, a spiced cider, or a slice of pecan pie, Sedona’s food scene has something to warm your soul.

4. Take a Jeep Tour for an Adrenaline Rush

For those looking for a bit more adventure, Jeep tours are a fantastic way to explore Sedona’s rugged terrain. These tours offer a thrilling ride through the rocky landscapes, providing a unique perspective of the area’s geological wonders. Companies like Pink Jeep Tours take you off-road to places you wouldn’t typically reach on foot, such as Broken Arrow Trail and Soldier Pass. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share interesting tidbits about Sedona’s history, geology, and folklore, making it both an educational and exhilarating experience.

5. Experience Sedona’s Art Scene

Sedona is renowned for its vibrant art community, and fall is a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Sedona Arts Festival, held every October, showcases the work of talented artists from around the country. Stroll through the booths, meet the artists, and even pick up a piece of art that speaks to you. The First Friday Art Walk is another must-do, where Sedona’s galleries open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and music. It’s a perfect way to spend a crisp fall evening and perhaps find some inspiration for your creative endeavors.

6. Visit the Sedona Vortexes

Sedona is known for its mystical vortexes, which are believed to be swirling centers of energy that promote healing, meditation, and self-discovery. There are several vortex sites around the city, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. Many visitors report feeling a sense of calm, rejuvenation, or even spiritual awakening when visiting these sites. Whether you’re a believer in the metaphysical or just curious, visiting a vortex is a uniquely Sedona experience that you shouldn’t miss.

7. Wine Tasting in Verde Valley

Just a short drive from Sedona lies the Verde Valley Wine Trail, home to some of Arizona’s best wineries. The fall season is harvest time, and the vineyards are buzzing with activity. Visit Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard, or Alcantara Vineyards to sample a variety of locally produced wines. Many wineries offer scenic views of the fall foliage, creating a perfect backdrop for sipping a glass of red or white. The cool weather, the beautiful surroundings, and the excellent wines make for a relaxing and enjoyable day trip.

8. Stargazing Under the Sedona Sky

Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community, which means it has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. The clear, crisp fall nights provide the perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way. Sedona Star Gazing offers guided tours with professional astronomers who provide high-powered telescopes and insightful commentary. Whether you’re an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, the Sedona sky will leave you in awe.

9. Shop Local at the Sedona Farmers Market

For a taste of Sedona’s local culture, head to the Sedona Farmers Market. Open every Friday through the fall, the market features fresh produce, homemade goods, and unique crafts from local vendors. It’s a great place to pick up some fall treats, like caramel apples, spiced nuts, or fresh apple cider. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and interact with the friendly community.

10. Plan Your Stay and Fall in Love with Sedona

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder people fall in love with Sedona every year. And when the magic of Sedona captures your heart, the next step is finding a home that lets you soak in this beauty all year round. West USA Realty of Prescott is here to help you make that dream a reality. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods or a modern home with red rock views, our team has the local expertise and passion to guide you every step of the way.

For a deeper dive into the Sedona, Arizona real estate scene, call Michael Eastwood, CEO of West USA Realty of Prescott. You can reach him at 928-636-1500 or navigate to our online hub at www.westusaofprescott.com. Michael is ready to link you with a seasoned real estate professional from our brokerage. Each office is independently owned and operated, providing you with tailored local expertise.

#RealEstateTips #PrescottAZ #ElevateYourStrategy #IncreasePostReach #ContentThatConnects #SuccessInRealEstate #VisualRealEstate #LocalInsights #TagTactics #GrowOnInstagram #SeeTheDifference #RealEstateInPrescott #HomesInArizona #FindYourHome #PropertyGoals #LuxuryLiving #BeginHomeBuying

[josemiersunvalley]

Jose Mier Explores Sun Valley, CA Urban Farm

Jose Mier has discovered an agricultural oasis in the midst of Sun Valley, CA’s urban sprawl. Cottonwood Urban Farm is just across the border from us in Sun Valley. Cottonwood Urban Farm is an urban agriculture project located in Panorama City, CA, that has made a significant impact on local food production, sustainability, and community building. This farm exemplifies the potential for urban…

[snommie]

TAKE A BIG BITE!!!

[elpidiusss]

After having an outdated reference for about 4 years, this lady finally got a new one. Not only that, but I also made her a toyhouse page!

Making her a new reference and toyhouse page is totally unrelated to my preparations for Artfight, I promise :3

[wine-porn]

Napa Grenache

After the light, beautiful little version in flint the other day, I was looking for something a little more seriouser from the Grenache king. This is my first outing with his Carneros bottling, and expectations are high. Ridiculously vegetal on the nose: a muddy briar rife with eucalyptus and chopped weedy greenery. Dark, concentrated berry lies below, a plummy sort of fruit-punch perfection with…

[eanul-rmbl]

All I do is dream of you

wc: 1.3k+

warnings: she/her pronouns for reader

Often, rests. Rarely, she dreams. Even more rare is when she dreams with him.

alt. description: little snippets of y/n as she waits for hypnos to wake up

.

.

.

The woman woke up in a field of flowers. Most of them reached up to around her fingertips, kissing them slightly. Her hands danced to themselves, clenching as she’d look around her and unclenching as she’d realize the state of her hands. It felt so familiar, to be standing in a field of lavender, poppies, and the like; underneath a cottonwood tree.

“Hey there, poppy,” a gentle voice whispered behind her ear. Her heart leapt and she turned to see Hypnos, standing from a distance. Fluffy cloud hair, and all.

She ran over to him. Over tall grassy, greens. Over hills of lavender purple. Over valleys of poppy red. Goodness, there were so many colours around her, around him. She couldn't remember the last time she saw so many in one glance. Her heartbeat ran faster than her legs could afford, and it cascaded up and down in a frantic rhythm.

“Hypnos..!” When was the last time she saw his hair with such familiarity? Cloudlike. Sheeplike. Nostalgic. Just like memories of the House of Hades.

She grasped him, weakly tugging at his hair, his clothes, his duvet, his everything..

“Woah, hey!” He merely giggled, stumbling back from the sudden weight, and yet her heart soared. “It's not like I'm going anywhere, poppy! Not yet, at least.”

—

She found herself sighing into his duvet, hugging him tight, as if he could disappear the very next moment. “Tell me, Hypnos.. Am I dreaming, or hallucinating?”

He smiled at her, hugging her back and grinning into her hair.

“Both; the best kind,” he whispered, moving to give her a peck on the forehead before returning to embrace her once more.

—

“I miss you,” she whispered, peppering his sheep-white hair with kisses. Hypnos smiled kindly, softly at her.

“I know,” he sighed into her embrace. “I miss you too.”

“I know.”

—

They rested under the comfort of a cottonwood tree's shade. Dusty cotton seeds danced lightly around the air like the clouds themselves. Hypnos let out a content sigh, breathing in the nostalgic feel of acceptance, closeness and caring; emotions that his heart spoke out to him; emotions that swam in her eyes with fondness.

He rested his head on her shoulder, while she rested her head on his head. Hypnos could feel her grin atop his head as she fiddled with his hair, braiding it carefree.

He hesitated. It was so lovely, being there with her. He'd been among many dreams, restless and yet never waking. Her dreams, however, were always a place of solace. A rare comfort he could only afford once every blue moon. He moved to the side and brushed his hands across her head, kissing it lightly.

“I've got to go, love..” Hypnos whispered. He aimed his hand with hers and squeezed it.

She interlaced her fingers with his own, rubbing his hand softly. Slowly, she moved to grasp his wrist weakly, kissing his palm. “..Fire more minutes?”

He was so soft.

With a spare hand, he plucked a poppy and placed it behind her ears. His fingers brushed against the edge lightly, and both of them fought off any shivering sensation. “Always, for you.”

—

She felt her eyes force themselves open as she came to her senses. Her fingers twitched, interlocked in cool, pale-blue hands. 

“Back to the Crossroads, I see,” Melionë greeted; saluting, as per usual. “Moonlight guide you.”

She leaned against Hypnos’ unmoving body. It was cold; unresting and yet always at rest. Her heart ached.

His hair was so long.

“Moonlight guide you too, Princess.” She rubbed her eyes, picking up a flower from among Hypnos’ gifted collection of poppy red. She fiddled with it, twisting the flower back and forth.“I just�� missed him, is all,” she sighed.

“And I am sure he misses you, too.” The princess gave her lightly furrowed eyebrows, and a hesitant, yet comforting, hand on the shoulder.

She smiled weakly to the princess. “I know.”

—

“I'll give you a tip,” he spoke, grinning tiredly with his lips as they rested in a field of flowers and colours. Though his eyes showed that same telltale tiredness, they betrayed no grin. They were nervous, awkward, and hadn't been such in quite a while.

“Yes?” She fiddled with his hands.

“It's okay to move on..” his voice shook, raw, squeaky and unsure. (Y/N) tried to meet him in the eyes, but he looked anywhere else. “If you want to.” That was the one sentence he said without err, before they increased in quickness and shakiness. He gulped. “I-I know how hard it is to wait for someone who rarely ever shows up”

“I know.” She said quietly, as her eyes flickered down for but a brief moment. Hypnos felt his heart falling south. “I don't want to, though.” And besides, I have you here,” she kissed the top of his head. “Here,” she pointed to her heart. “And here, at the crossroads. So long as your heart is here with me, I'll always love you. That's okay too, is it not?”

He smiled, heart threatening to spill over. He hugged her as tightly as either of them could afford. “It's more than alright.”

—

As per habit, she lightly sat down into the brown, earthy hammock; careful not to disturb Hypnos, who laid softly and soundly already, as he had been doing so for years, though she knew she could never wake him up. His breathing was gentle and slow. She heard him snoring softly as she made herself comfortable over the many small red poppies that greeted her like one of their own.

She gently rested one of her hands onto Hypnos’ hands and squeezed gently, before settling to close her eyes and rest for a brief moment.

However, she found that Sleep, as gentle as it is, denied her rest for the next few minutes. It was odd to have her eyes closed and yet not receive any comfort nor repose nor break from the stress of carefully planned rebellion.  

Oddly enough, she felt cold hands gradually warm up, for just the slightest amount, as they slowly interlocked with her own.

(Y/N)’s heart stopped. 

Then, slowly, it returned. Her heartbeat started by testing the waters, nervous and unsure, awkward and clumsy. Until she blinked, and realized that it ran faster than her legs could afford. Eventually, it cascaded up and down in a frantic rhythm. She fiddled with Hypnos’ fingertips, they fiddled back. Her eyes shot open.

Golden yellow eyes met her own. His shined like native gold; precious and lovely, pure and untarnished. They were rare and dear to her heart; more important than any metals or jewels or precious items, despite the resemblance.

(Y/N) let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

“Hypnos..!” 

Hypnos hummed quickly, feeling her skin for what felt like the first time. “Hey there, poppy,” he said. She held him close and dear; tightly, as if he could fade to dream at any moment, to which he gasped lightly and joked. “Woah, hey there! It's not like I'm going anywhere. Not anymore.”

She wouldn't go, shaking ever so slightly. Whispering in his hair, she let out a shaky sigh. “Tell me, Hypnos..” He rhythmically pat her pillow-soft head, up and down and up and down, until he felt her slow down just the littlest bit. “Am I dreaming, or hallucinating?”

He shifted to hug her with his entirely smiling fondly. “Neither.”

She returned the hug once more before letting go and facing him. Hypnos had to fight back a whine, until he saw the softness of her gentle eyes and melted completely. “I missed you,” she said, looking directly into his eyes.

“I know.” He accepted a quick peck on the cheek from her, before kissing her back chastely on the forehead. “I missed you, too.”

[gigglyalex]

Ref sheet for peanut, she accepted our invitation to join the herd!

[dreammeiser]

Can you talk about more of the world of dreamalong? 🥹

I can tell you a little bit!

I look at The Kingdom of Ooo (Adventure Time), Moominvalley (90s Moomin anime), Don't Hug Me I'm Scared (everything being made of felt!), Raggedy Ann and Andy (the Fleischer Studios 1941 short film, everything was also made of fabric), Disneyland, Meow Wolf, and Night Vale/Twin Peaks (two beloved weird towns) for inspiration on the aesthetics/feeling of this world!

Dreamalong is the biggest town in the old kingdom, next to the lands of Cloudsveil, Cottonwood, Eiderdown Acres, Merry-Go-Town, and Sleeper Valley. These places all have themes akin to what the dreamscapes in a child's dreams might look like.

The humanity that populates this world are referred to as Puppetkind, of which there are 7 types you can be. (I will not be sharing them in full detail yet because I have to be cautious now, but they are all represented in the Dreamalong Gang! Some of them are mixes!)

Their currency was referred to jokingly as Chocolate Coins at first, but we sort of ran with it after because it was silly and cute :o)

Have some of the visual inspirations from the board!

[blueiscoool]

Lost and Found: Bottle Hunter Digs Extraordinary Farmland Treasures

Tom Askjem is a time traveler. Every May to November, he disappears into the bowels of the earth, descends to depths of 13’-plus, and returns to the surface with treasure—bottles and glassware from farming’s past.

After 1,800 pits and hundreds of thousands of relics, Askjem is equal parts archeologist, thrill seeker, and mole. Muscle on dirt, the North Dakota farm boy has turned an addiction into a career, multiple books, and a captivating YouTube channel with millions of views. However, Askjem seeks more than glass.

“I’m digging for adventure, history, and love,” he says. The past is in these holes and there are countless numbers of them across farmland.”

Time to hunt with a master.

The Infection

On the flats of extreme eastern North Dakota’s Traill County, Askjem, 32, prepares for a dig trip. “No mountains and no hills in the Red River Valley,” he describes. “You can see your dog run away for days. The land is mostly featureless, other than a few big cottonwoods and shelter belts where farms used to be.”

A mop of blonde hair sits atop a 6’-tall, lanky frame as Askjem saddles his pony—a Honda Civic. At the current mileage rate, the Civic will be junkyard fodder before it has a scratch: 60,000 backroad miles added to the odometer in the past six months.

Askjem piles layers of gear into the trunk, including three of each tool for insurance: shovels, pronged garden forks, trampoline pads, probe rods, buckets, plastic scoopers, trowels, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, air mattresses, clothes, and waterproof, Redwing leather work boots.

“It never gets old,” he says, wearing a wide grin. “I caught the infection when I was a kid.”

Digging Bodies

Pushed from the Grand Forks area by the historic Red River flood of 1997, Askjem moved to a farm outside Buxton at six years young. The main property was an 1878 homestead—a progression from sod house to log cabin to the present standing 1898 farmhouse decked in Victorian-era woodwork and hardware.

Surrounded by history, including the skeletons of old wagons and rusting machinery, Askjem explored a 5-acre patch of woods on the property, and chanced on a garbage dump: pop bottles and trash.

Askjem dug.

“I went deep and found stuff going back to 1898. When you’re a kid living in the country, there’s no going down the street and there’s no hanging with friends to play video games—you make your own adventure. I started hitting up all the farmers I could find for leads.”

Behind the wheel of a rattling go-cart, Askjem sought Buxton old-timers and collected tips on abandoned houses. “They all helped me,” he says. “Nobody cared where I hunted because I was just a little kid exploring for all the right reasons.”

“I’ve still got an elementary school journal with an assignment describing my weekend,” he adds. “I wrote, ‘Me and Mom dug up old bodies.’ The teacher marked my paper out of concern,” Askjem describes, with an easy, deep chuckle. “I meant to spell bottles, not bodies. But it shows I was truly hooked.”

Indeed. Wonderfully hooked.

Soft Landing

Why are bottles buried under farmland and old house sites?

Prior to plastic and synthetics, glassware held everything: medicine, hygiene products, alcohol, soda, and beyond. Glass was it.

Additionally, prior to waste disposal services, homeowners discarded trash on-site—in back yard outhouses, trash depressions, burn pits, and wells or cisterns. In short time, the various ground receptacle spots were filled and forgotten.

“Let’s say, for example, a family moved in around 1880,” Askjem explains. “That site likely has two or three outhouse locations prior to World War l. The outhouse spots filled up at a rate according to family size. I dug one farmhouse site that had six outhouses in a 10-year span. Folks went into the outhouses and threw away bottles: medicine, opiates, beer, whiskey. It was convenient and private, and had a soft landing, and got covered quickly. Even now, the bottles often are still preserved.”

“Generally, these houses also had a burn pit and/or dump pit. In the early days, they burned all trash in the stove for heat. Also, homestead bucket wells were filled up with trash and bottles once they were replaced by pump wells. Cisterns also were eventually filled up, but most of those are associated with houses in town.”

And the sites remain, he emphasizes, hiding intact relics beyond the reach of farm machinery or tillage equipment.

X Marks the Spot

Location. Location. Location. Other than a tip or invitation, how does Askjem find dig sites?

X marks the spot, at least in the county courthouse or public library. He spends winters poring over early property transaction documents. “I look at lot sales. If several lots sold for $100 each in 1880, but one sold for $1,000 in 1885, the price climb tells the story and likely represents a building location.”

“I also read old newspaper archives, looking for hotel or business advertisements,” Askjem continues. “Then I can look up the proprietor’s name and keep tightening the scope, narrowing down the exact building location.”

“Every single house is different, but generally, in the countryside, outhouses were 30 paces out the back door. In the city, where most lots were 140’ long, outhouses could be as close as 5-10 paces.”

Confident of a site’s potential, Askjem first asks for permission to dig from the landowner. “Property owners are always so kind to me and I don’t hide anything I find. They’re curious about what is in the ground, just like anybody else.”

Second, he grids out the site. “I put down markers 2 paces apart, maybe 20 paces long. I push probe rods into ground and feel for compaction differences. Depending on the location, I’ll call in and have utility lines marked out for power and gas.”

Decked in Levi’s and a tank-top, it’s time to tunnel.

Claustrophobic Comfort

Shovel in hand, Askjem descends into a layer cake of dirt: black topsoil to brown-colored clay to telltale ash to a use layer containing treasure.

“Generally, I go deep to find old items in quantity. The earliest bottles were used to the last drop by farmers and thrown out empty. Therefore, when they froze in brutal Dakota winters, the glass didn’t break from liquid expansion.”

As Askjem extracts glass vessels from the dirt and grime, his encyclopedic knowledge registers with each find. He recognizes the type, manufacturer, and age. Ink bottles, hygiene bottles, medicine bottles, beer bottles, soda bottles—and far more spill from the holes.

“I find patented medicine bottles across the country, but my favorite are soda bottles because they are unique to their locale and have character. The old soda bottles are usually marked with the bottler and town name because they were returnable.”

The outhouse pits are typically 6’-deep at home sites, with an average size of 6’-by-4’-by-3’. “I’ve dug ghost towns, dug saloons, train depots, and pool halls that were 12’ long, 4’ wide, and 8’ deep. I remember a hotel pit that was 20’-by-20’ and 8’ deep. There was a military fort with pits behind the barracks that was 12’ long, 4’ wide, and 13.5’ deep: That was a week’s worth of digging.”

Askjem’s subterranean realm provides no comfort to the claustrophobic. At 8’-9’, he braces the holes with woodwork. “I’m in a solid clay base that doesn’t cave, but I have a healthy respect for the ground’s limitation. Sometimes, it looks like I’m digging a rabbit hole.”

Preserved in nature’s freezer, the artifacts unearthed by Askjem often are in phenomenal condition.

“Pieces of newspaper can still be read; bottle labels are legible; white lime used in decomposition is visible; and undigested seeds are everywhere. Even 120-year-old human waste sometimes is perfectly preserved and still smells like hell. I wear a hydrogen sulfide respirator in those cases.”

“It’s all there; almost like it was dropped yesterday.”

Ghosts in the Ground

In 2022, Askjem began chronicling his digs via a YouTube channel, Below the Plains, and soon captured millions of views. At two posts per week, he gins footage at a steady rate to feed the algorithm, a tough task considering the ground in his geography is frozen from mid-November to mid-May.

Additionally, Askjem has written two in-depth books (Nebraska Soda Bottles 1865-1930 and A History of North Dakota Bottling Operations 1879-1930) and has more on the way. “I put the bottle prices in the books because they can sell for a whole lot and I always tell the landowners. Listing prices draw criticism, but that’s important to me because it helps preserve the item, and preservation of history is what drives me.”

Covered in dust or mud at the end of each day in digging season, Askjem is highly respectful of what he finds—almost reverent after 1,800 digs. “I appreciate everything I uncover because it represents a part of someone’s daily life and existence. There’s nothing wrong with coveting bottles, but I’m really in those holes for the moment of discovery.”

Even when not digging, Askjem is on the move, surfing on the coasts or river diving for lost cargo. In the decades to come, will he continue burrowing into the past? “Twenty years from now, I hope I’m still digging and there’s nothing I’d rather be doing right now.”

“There’s not an infinite amount of lost bottle sites, but there’s certainly an incredibly high number,” he continues. “There were 300,000 homestead farms in North Dakota with a minimum of one well, one outhouse, and one trash dump. And that doesn’t include towns where most of the population lived. There are millions of these sites in North Dakota and far more in other states.”

Respect to a freewheeling hunter like no other. Bottles draw the eye, but ghosts draw the heart: “The moment never gets old when you uncover a bottle and find that history,” Askjem adds. “Never.”

By CHRIS BENNETT.