#didn't do a “things we learned about them” compilation last season because we got so little information

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

there are so many good s3 moments that it is taking me longer than anticipated to compile my favorites... but i am nearly done!

[sokkas1mp]

I gonna break in this acocunt with me being angry about something that doesn't really matter (very fitting for tumblr if you ask me), this article.

First: "And I’m sorry to open with this, but part of that is due to the age difference between them. Two years is hardly worlds apart (I’m personally working with four), but a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl are. Especially the way these two are drawn. Not to be too voyeuristic about Y7 cartoons, but Katara has clearly gone through puberty, while Aang hasn’t. There is something just…off, about a sixth grade boy having a full on make-out sesh with a high school girl."

This argument is one of the most stupid ones if you ask me, because it blatantly ignores the culture we have been presented by the show. I can understand why people find this weird, but we have to try not to look at it as if its our society, because its not. In A:tla, specifically the water tribes, 16 is marrying age. Right there, our "age norms" (idk what else to call it) are very different. And there are no divisions between ages in their world like we have with middle and high school. To me, two people are fit to be together based on their maturity, not their age. That's why 45 & 40 is not the same as 15 & 10, or 20 & 15. This is the same for Kataang. They have very similar life experiences and matured together, literally side by side, so a two year ago gap is irrelevant.

Second: "...Katara took on a very maternal role with Aang. Sure, she’s a caretaker and sort of a “mom friend,” but it’s a bit more than that. She served as his literal guardian during the show’s run—there’s just no other way to look at it. By the third episode, she called herself his “family,” and later even went on to role play as his mother to get him out of trouble at school. Aang, meanwhile, was… Well, I wouldn’t say “immature” for his age, […] However, Katara is 14 going on 25, while Aang is just, Aang."

There's a compilation of Katara doing thing with Aang that if someone saw a mother doing with her son they would call it incest:

Katara definitely acts motherly towards Aang, but that is just her nature. She is more than just motherly with him. And some people like to call the check kisses familial (which is kinda weird imo), but we know Katara herself doesnt think that:

"Easy there, big brother" She pushes Sokka away. Not to mention, this was about a scene or two before she kisses Aang on the check.

Calling someone close to you your family does not mean you see them in the same way you see your parents/siblings. And Sokka played Aang's father in that scene, but we aren't sitting here using that as evidence to call him Aang's paternal figure.

Something Aang haters forget (or chose to ignore) is that being lighthearted and goofy does not equal immature. Yes, Aang does some juvenile things, but that shouldn't take away from his growth and maturity.

Third: "In fact, in the last season, Katara was shown to be uncomfortable each time Aang kisses her, and even went as far as to tell him to back off with the romantic stuff in the episode before the finale, because she was confused about how she felt. [*new paragraph*] Yet, in the end, she just trots up and blushes at Aang, than happily makes out with him when he goes for it,"

Katara initiated 2/4 of the kataang kisses (not including the check kisses). The kiss in The Cave of Two Lovers and the kiss in the finale. Yes, she's the one that "goes for it" in the finale (she also initiates the hug). She only pulls away once out of the 3 times we see a kiss end (this would be excluding the kiss in The Cave of Two Lovers). She wasn't confused about her feelings, she didn't want to have to worry about a relationship when they were nearing the end of the war.

Fourth: "The post-canon comics only furthered the lack of exploration of her feelings in this relationship"

Fifth: "[referencing a scene in The Promise in which Katara is jealous of a fanclub being around Aang] "I'm sorry, this amazing, adult communication is blowing me away"

The are both still teenagers, who have zero previous relationship experience. Also, Aang had no ill intentions and Katara recognized it.

Sixth: [refencing Katara's role in The Legend of Korra] "Did Katara want to do anything other than sit in a healing hut and be known for having Aang's kids?"

This is another argument that just pisses me off. You can not use Katara's lifestyle in her 80s (she is 85 in s1) as judgement for her adulthood. It's purely assumption based. Constantly this author assumes that because she is in a relationship with Aang, Katara would drop her whole personality. What? Katara would not and could not be forced to do something or conform to some label and Aang wouldn't let it get to that point either. He would squash any idea that she is just "The Avatar's wife" or "The mother of the Avatar's children" the minute he heard it.

Seven: [comparing Katara's reaction to Aang The Desert to Aang's reaction to Katara in The Southern Raiders] "You'll spend a long time looking for her condescending tones. "Anger won't help, Aang," Katara never said, because she got that he was processing something painful and needed to sort it out himself. This difference in behavior is something that would be really fitting for a twelve year old boy to learn and understand. There's just no indication that he ever did."

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I don't remember Aang being condescending towards Katara. He was offering his advice because he knew her and knew that she would regret doing what she thought was right when her judgement was clouded by anger. And guess what. He was right. He never forced anything on her, either. Sure, he was a bit more pushy than he could've been, but in the end he let her go on the trip with no complaints. He even agreed that this was something she had to do.

Eighth: [referencing The Ember Island Players] "When the actor says 'Wait! I thought you were the Avatar's girl', Aang agrees. Katara is his."

You know damn well Aang doesn't see Katara as just his. And she's give him PLENTY of reason to believe that his feelings are reciprocated (which they are).

Ninth: "It's the story of a woman who swallows everything lest the man she's interested in has to learn anything about his behavior that violates her boundaries."

Ha! You said she was interested in him.

But in all seriousness, you mentioned how Katara stood her ground and told Aang that she was confused, but apparently now she's swallowing her feeings.

Tenth: [talks about the cloud babies daddy issues]

I don't disagree with what is said here, for the most part, but I don't think it is a reflection on Aang and Katara's relationship.

Eleventh: "... given what what we got with Kataang, it's completely unsurprising that Aang and Katara's parenthood/adult life was defined by a lack of communication and availability, at least from what we can tell. This also puts Katara's choice to immediately moved to the South Pole once Aang died in perspective; perhaps the city he poured all his energy into, at the cost of his family, held some bitter memories."

Once again with the lack communication. We can't use the early years of their relationship to determine their whole relationship. Also, there wasn't consistently a lack of communication, you just pointed out one time and ran with it.

We don't know at what point Katara moved back to the South Pole, but there are plenty of reasons for Katara to leave Air Temple Island:

a) Her son moving in/or planning to move in with his family.

b) She was no longer needed in the city and thus had no need to stay.

c) She wanted to go back to her native home for comfort after the love of her life died at a relatively early age.

d) The next Avatar was discovered and she came home to train them.

That's all. Thank you for reading my unnecessary rant if you made it this far, and I just want to close out with a few things:

- There were some things in the article that I did not include for the fear of this becoming a novel of me repeating myself.

- I agree with most thing said in the final segment of the the article. Most, not all.

- I appreciate the author for not trying to shove Zutara in just because Kataang wasn't there. That is becoming increasingly uncommon, so it was nice to see.

[just-like-playing-tag]

A totally self indulgent compilation of my favorite works on this blog of the year June 13, 2019 - June 13, 2020

I wanted to do this for the blog's first anniversary but then completely forgot about it lol.

The following lists are all in chronological order according to the date each post was first published.

Top 10 panel edits:

#1: Don and Gilda - Chapter 138: Demon serch (1)

Date: Jun 14th, 2019

Time: ~ 1:30 h

My very first redraw from my very first edit posted here, so it deserves an honorable mention. Back then I was young and inexperienced, I didn't even apply a gray filter (lmao I was so unskilled I even unintentionally scratched the picture, I hadn't realized until today). I'm actually very happy my first redraw was of Don, boy deserves all the love.

#2: Emma and Ray - Chapter 140: I’m Here!

Date: Jun 28th, 2019

Time: ~ 1 h

Back then this looked like so much work to me!!! And to this day, I think it turned out pretty well. I'm particularly proud of how the bow turned out. This is one I was really proud of right after having finished it; it gave me the confidence to try redrawing bigger areas. Also, the edit were I first applied the opacity of layer / opacity of brush for the gray filter that would have stuck with me.

#3: Krone's birthday edit

Date: Jul 15th, 2019

Time: 15 mins

I don't know I just really like how Krone's hair vanish to a more sketch-like style here– and consequently, how I managed to replicate such effect. I think Krone's beautiful.

#4: Emma, Norman and Ray - Chapter 153: Coward

Date: Oct 4th, 2019

Time: 4:07 h (and 67 layers lmao)

Probably the single panel redraw I'm the most proud of. That Norman panel was beautiful and very poignant at the end of a chapter I adored, so I believe it deserved all the time I've spent working on it. It's far from being perfect - the back of his head is too plain, and the difference between my brushes and the original brushes is pretty visible - but I still like it very much and am extremely attached to it. The horn looks kinda big but I honestly believe it to be more of an issue with the original than with what I had redrawn lol. Funny enough, the whole picture didn't make it to the final edit and had to be trimmed.

#5: Full Score Trio - Chapter 154: A Breakthrough

Date: Oct 11th, 2019

Time: 29 mins

I don't have a particular reason for this I just think Emma's hair turned out amazing. It took just half an hour and I didn't even use references like. Wow. @Redrawing skills where did you go please come back

#6: Mujika and Queen Legravalima - Chapter 158: The Reason I Was Born

Date: Nov 17th, 2019

Time: 2:09 h

Sis I love this so freaking much. The shift from redrawing almost exclusively people and clothes to redrawing this mess was so fun and refreshing. Even though it's a mess I think it turned out very clean and overall it looks beautiful? I remember after finishing this I felt so powerful, like now that I had redrawn this thing I would have been able to redraw anything I set my mind on lol.

#7: Emma - Chapter 161: Never Be Alone

Date: Dec 13th, 2019

Time: 57 mins

Again no particular reason except this is a very cute Emma and I think the redraw turned out pretty well. There's this big lock on the left that doesn't make a lot of sense but overall I really like it. Cute Emma is cute, and I love her determination.

#8: Emma - Chapter 166: Going Back Home

Date: Mar 9th, 2020

Time: 3:45 h

I'M SO FREAKING PROUD OF THAT RIFFLE I have not the slightlest idea why this took so damn long BUT I'M SO PROUD OF IT

#9: Norman's birthday edit

Date: Mar 21st, 2020

Time: 1:04 h

This is cool! I didn't know I could manage to draw this, but I did it! The feathers were particularly hard to clean but I think they turned out fine.

#10: Full Score Trio - Chapter 174: A New World (part 1)

Date: Apr 6th, 2020

Time: 2:11 h

I just think they're very pretty? I can't understand if I like Ray's face a lot, or not at all, but I think overall there was a lot to redraw and it turned out pretty cute! Sorry Gillian.

(Also insert pretty much every panel from the chapter 177 Isabella edit– I've spent so many hours on basically every panel there's no way I could choose only one).

Top 5 edits as whole:

#1: Emma and Ray - Chapter 140: I’m Here!

Date: Jun 29th, 2019

Complessive time: 2:57+ h

The very first edit I'm actually proud of; I'm really attached to it. It's the first edit I had put all of my effort into, and I remember feeling anxious people would have left it without notes. It kinda feels weird to think about it now, because I really don't care about notes anymore; yet, it somehow makes me happy to think that past-me wasn't let down. Thank you @neverlandstrio for your support, you may not remember but it really meant a lot to me back then! And it still makes me smile. You're the best!!!!!!

#2: Mujika and Queen Legravalima - Chapter 158: The Reason I Was Born

Date: Nov 20th, 2019

Complessive time: 7:12+ hours

This whole edit was an hella wild ride. It's midnight before a school day, when I think: "Mh, it's been a while since I last made an edit, why not make one about Musica and the queen from the last chapter?" And seven hours after this was born. I'm particularly proud of the queen's redraws on the 3rd, 7th and 9th picture (ofc), the areas which have been redrawn are pretty huge yet I think the difference with the original is almost impossible to notice?? @Redrawing skills where did you go please come back (part 2)

#3: Emma - Chapter 174: A New World (part 1)

Date: Apr 12th, 2020

Complessive time: 6:53+ h

I think the panels that were selected work very well together, especially considering the close-up / full body alternation. I love Emma, and I've always been kinda sad noticing that edits that focus one her take the less notes... She deserves all the love. Also, fun fact: for the last but one panel, I had redrawn Emma's whole left ear before remembering she doesn't have one, so I had to redraw the panel from the start. Besides from the error with the ear, the reason why this (and all the others after) took so long is because official panel take way longer to clean.

#4: Isabella and her children - Chapter 177: Mother

Date: May 22nd, 2020

Complessive time: 13:41+ h (ahah.)

Lmao tbh I can't understand how this has so few notes it's like. Technically speaking, probably the best edit I've ever done. I don't even like Isabella that much, I haven't got the slightlest idea why I decided to spend so many hours on this. Anyway, I find the composition (full body on the left / headshots on the right) really good looking in this as well! And I think the redraws turned out fine, especially Isabella's.

#5: The Promised Neverland manga ending countdown→ 1/7 chapters: chapter 1 - Grace Field House

Date: Jun 9th, 2020

Complessive time: 1:59+ h

I don't know how I came up with that idea for the composition but I find it really beautiful??? I think it does a pretty good job conveying the sudden, terrific shift of atmosphere from the first chapter, and I think that sharp bridge is very nice. I'm very, very proud of this.

Honorable mention #1: Full Score Trio - Chapter 154: A Breakthrough

Date: Oct 13th, 2019

Complessive time: 3:44+ h (+ 1:13 h of working on a panel that ultimately didn't make it to the final edit)

A very good chapter, and the edit turned out surprisingly amazing??? All the redraws look great and make it almost impossible to distinguish them from the original; honestly I feel like I'll never be able to redraw so neatly again lol.

Honorable mention #2: Don and Gilda (+ Norman) - Chapter 160: Shackles

Date: Dec 11th, 2019

Complessive time: 3:14+ h

That one is really one of my favorite scenes; I'm telling you peoples, Gilda and Don are a blessing to the earth. I think I've never mentioned it, but Gilda's hair is a nightmare to redraw??? More specifically, it takes me h o u r s to fill the texture without making it look too weird, it's the worst.

Honorable mention #3: Norman and Ray - Chapter 179: Compensation

Date: Jun 6th, 2020

Complessive time: 4:16+ h

I was so glad to finally be able to make a Norman / Ray edit, and it turned out it was just in time before the series' finale. I like how it turned out and I'm pretty satisfied with the redraws (even though my sister helped me with the lineart of some panels - it was exams time and I really couldn't afford to spend more time on it), too bad we didn't have more chapters that focused on the boys. Ray sweetie one day I'll fix your ear it's just today's not that day.

Btw, I justed realized I have never done an Emma / Norman centered edit? I'll have to make one eventually. I remember considering focusing on them alone for the chapter 154 one, but then I thought "even if the manga is gonna ignore Ray, I will chose to do not" lol.

Top 5 long posts:

#1: Reconstruction of how the Grace Field children were settled in the three bedrooms

Date: Aug 28th, 2019

I just had really a lot of fun doing it. I love putting all the little things to their own place, it's so calming to do and that's why I love making this kind of things. Also, loved how @temporoom contributed to the post! It was so nice of them to add what they had noticed to come up with more exact conclusions, that's one of the things I love the most about the internet.

#2: A study of how many times the characters of The Promised Neverland call each other through the first season of the anime

Date: Sep 10th, 2019

I REALLY LOVE IT! I mean it *was* kinda stressing to note everything, but it was very also very satisfying to see everything methodically divided and organized! And it's not just that– it's also the fact that it looks good. That's one post I have fun rereading because it's actually pretty! Also, even though it can be very stressing to learn to use new programs and sites, it's always very satisfying to look at the final result. Again, I really adore compiling these tiny little details! I would love to make more posts of that kind if i had the time.

#3: The Promised Neverland musicals headcanons

Date: Oct 27th, 2019

I mean it's literally. Putting my two favorite fandoms together how could I not love it. This is another one I really enjoy rereading, I find all the musical / character associations so fitting! I really want to make a second part, I hope to find some time to do it.

#4: Considerations on the reward / eventual series' finales (and Emma's sacrifice)

Date: May 7th, 2020

It's always nice to put down all your thoughts regarding a particular matter. It can take a lot of time (at least for me it does because... I need time to think about things), but it's so satisfying to see all of them there once you're done. Bonus points when, like in this case, it was something asked by someone else because “Wow! Somebody wants to hear my opinion on this subject! I'm flattered (◍•ᴗ•◍)”

#5: Some other considerations on the series' finale and Emma sacrificing herself

Date: Jun 13th, 2020

Pretty much the same as above. It's like some kind of clarity when the post is done and signed. Another fun fact, I had to censore the post a lot; the first version was extremely sharp and harsh, but I believe it's right to express your opinions calmly and politely.

Bonus: A thread of what the tpn characters would wear at the Oscars

Date: Feb 9th, 2020

Imagining all the children in those pretty dresses makes me so incredibly happy (╥﹏╥) I go back to look at that post a lot. I really love red carpets, I love looking at pretty dresses!!!!!

Lmao it's so funny how the post of mine I like the most are also the ones with the less notes

Anyway this was just a personal report! You don't have to read it all (or any of it actually). But it was indeed fun making it! Here's to many more months in the fandom!!!

[deeahhnuh]

2018!!

I've done this year-in-review thing since 2007! 2007-2012 are over on my old LiveJournal, and 2013-on are right here on my Tumblr. :)

2019 is coming. What?!?!?

Happy almost New Year, Tumblr! :)

What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?

Huh... I don't think I actually did anything too different this year! Well, this review is off to a great start, lol!

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

As usual, no real official resolutions - I like having little goals as the year goes along!

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes!! My cousin had a precious baby girl!!

Did anyone close to you die?

My grandmother - Ma - passed away in late November. It's difficult to articulate, mostly because I just can't quite comprehend it yet, how much I will miss her. Ma was the biggest, warmest presence in our family. All of my memories have at least some trace of Ma in them!

One memory that I've recalled a lot lately is of the times we played my Barbie board game, sometime in the late '90s. There were so many wonderful times, but those Barbie game nights with just us girls - Ma, my mom (her daughter), and me - were magical. I would set the game up on the dining room table at BaBa (my grandfather) and Ma's house and we would play and talk and laugh! Ma was in her early 70s then, but her peals of laughter and her face lit up with smiles gave me a glimpse into what she must have been like as a teenager.

That was Ma!! ❤️ She was always up for having fun, for reminiscing about funny memories, for enjoying life. Ma was there for every big event and for all the quiet moments, too. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Ma for so long into my life. I love her, and I miss her.

What countries did you visit?

None! I really need to get out more, lol!

What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

Of course there are things I'd like to have, do, and learn in the next year - but I'm happy to say I didn't really lack anything in 2018! :)

What date(s) from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The end of November and beginning of December were marked by sadness and loss, but also with connection and love - my family really helped (and continue to help) one another through a hard time. I feel closer than ever to my fam. ❤️

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Been a Registration Assistant for two years now, and I love it!! Less real-lifey, and actually very goofy - I hit (and passed) 10,000 scrobbles for the year. I haven't hit that kind of high number for a while, so... Achievement!

What was your biggest failure?

Didn't do anything too stupid this year, haha!

Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, yay!

What was the best thing you bought?

I love fragrances, so my fave purchase this year is, of course, a perfume! Calvin Klein Euphoria Amber Gold just smells soooo gooood. It's rich and sweet, kinda syrupy - really beautiful.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

My family. The mama, the dad, the bro - they are so awesome. We're always there for each other - I love them more than words can say!!! ❤️

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

No one really! I've been pretty even-tempered all year, haha!

Where did most of your money go?

Probably perfume, lol! But music is right up there, too. Maybe movies as well! Basically, entertainment!

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Kylie's new album, Golden!! Actually, a few other music faves had new releases too, and I was hyped about them all - Richard Ashcroft (Natural Rebel), Florence + The Machine (High As Hope), Lykke Li (so sad so sexy), Emika (Falling in Love With Sadness), Sarah Brightman (Hymn), and Arctic Monkeys (Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino). Great music, all year long!

What song will always remind you of 2018?

List time!

"Dancing" by Kylie Minogue. Of course! My queen returned with a lovely album this year (see above!), but this seemingly simple first single had to grow on me. I say "seemingly simple" because at first listen, it is! Guitar, stripped-down beat - where's the glitter? It's in Kylie's voice, in how she declares with gusto: "When I go out, I wanna go out dancin'!" A quietly bombastic grower.

"Breathe" by Jax Jones. Catchy and bouncy!

"One Kiss" by Calvin Harris feat. Dua Lipa. Breezy fun!

"In My Mind" by Dynoro & Gigi D'Agostino. Hypnotic!

Compared to this time last year (2017), are you:

Doing really well, kinda like last year! :)

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Quoting last year's year in review: "wish I'd listened to more new albums, and not just compilations." But I loves my dance music comps so much! :O I really think I'll try to listen to more new music in the new year.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Not to be too serious business, but doubting myself. I worry I'm not doing enough, or not doing it right, or could have done it better. I guess a little self doubt keeps you on your toes - keeps you challenging yourself - but I'm happy that as I've gotten older and a tad wiser, and gained more confidence in myself, these worries have lessened. So this year, I did doubt myself, but not as much as last year, or the year before. Here's to an even more confident 2019! ;)

How did you spend Christmas?

Fam, ham, and fun! :)

What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2018?

I managed to not embarrass myself all year, haha!

How many one-night stands?

None, lol

What was your favorite TV program?

Forever a fan of goofy cartoons!

Real Housewives! All of 'em are wonderful trash TV. :) (Gif source!)

And for no good reason I watched every season of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! on Hulu. Cracks me right up!!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?

Put-together and polished, I like to think!

What kept you sane?

Lots of music, movies, and TV. Always up for some entertainment!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nah!

What was the best book you read in 2018?

Ooh, just got a New Year's Resolution for 2019 - read a book, lol.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

I rediscovered some old faves! "Love Today" by Mika has forever been pure joy, "You Can Dance" by Bryan Ferry can't be any smoother, "Spirits" by Jamie Woon stays majestic, "212" by Azealia Banks still slaps, "Reagan's Skeleton" by Yeasayer continues to be massive, and "Watch Out For This (Bumaye)" by Major Lazer is always a banger.

What did you want and get?

Lots of good things - I'm very fortunate!!

What did you want and not get?

Nothing! Like I said, fortunate. ❤️

What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn't see many movies released this year, but I did really like Ant-Man and the Wasp!

And A Quiet Place!

I also saw Midnight in Paris (2011) after years of meaning to - it's such a lovely film!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

32! Little fun things - used CD shopping (a fave thing to do), movies, good meal...!

What three things would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Can't ask for more!!

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I've never watched American Horror Story because it seems pretty spoopy and I'm a wimp, but I was going around the channels and that guy who plays the Antichrist lol - Cody Fern - caught my eye. He fine!

What political issue stirred you the most?

There's something new stirring every day, ugh!

Who did you miss?

Ma. ❤️

What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018?

Family matters - not the TV show, although that's good too! I already knew this, but I really really felt it so much this year. ❤️

What quote can be used to sum up your year?

"When I go out, I wanna go out dancin'!" No matter what's going on, I want to try and have a good time and enjoy things! Here's to a 2019 full of goin' out and dancing! :)

[nutellarchives]

December Wrap Up!

Oh its the last day of the year already? Honestly I've been procrastinating for this post but today is the last day of December and of 2021 so let's do this! There are personal stuff that happened like family gathering and such but I will be telling in detail the things that are interesting (because my personal life is boring) anyway,

Click that "Keep Reading" button to know the highlights of my December!

The Awaited NCT Comeback~

During my exams and all of the fiasco for my academics, there is one thing that kept me distracted, which is the NCT 2021 COMEBACK. I actually missed (or didn't really anticipated the NCT2020 Comeback, though I really like the NCT2018 ones..) being an NCTzen and ever since they debuted I have peers that stan them or are a fan so I'm always influenced (and I just love SM artists so much even if they are not my ult groups) to just fangirl and it's a very fun experience.

This comeback is quite addicting (the song I mean) with let's play ball and once listened to it, it will just keep on playing in the head. My Thoughts? The choreo is good (and hard how do they even sing live with that choreo) and I want to learn it but lazy and it's a boy's song so nevermind. The combination of the members are quite interesting since it's really mixed up and for the first time there is no Taeyong and Jaehyun for this one (no personal attack /ofc I love them/ but I guess I always notice that the two mentioned are always in an nct u comeback like a major comeback with stages) . This unit hopefully brings members that haven't interacted that much to know each other since NCT is always divided into units and they only unite in comeback's like this (which also feels crammed). I really enjoy the Inkigayo stage they had and quite disappointed that that was their first and last stage for this CB, it's because they had the comeback late that KBS, MBC and SBS don't air music shows anymore, instead they do the year-ender special which is an annual thing.

From the Universe album, I'd say I like the following: (aside from the title track which is also my fave), Earthquake, Miracle, Dreaming, Know Now and Round & Round.

Also I just want to mention like the marketing strategy is strong!! Because of the special card, just like from NCT2020 Resonance where there are limited photocards that are printed with only a limited quantity, wow sm this is a smart move but its sad because a lot of fans will be broke again, due to buying a lot of albums just to get those special pocas or if someone sell it, it will be verryyyyyyyyy overpriced. Another thing is, I really like the Jewel Case ver of the albums but well these versions of albums got fans broke which is pain.

STAY~ by ONEUS and ONEWE

FStay by WeUs is now officially one of my favorite songs during the Christmas season and I will play it whenever Christmas is near (and even if its not Christmas since I love their vocals and the song and the mv are wholesome). Though this section ain't about solely on Stay but me loving both groups. For ONEUS I did a separate post on that on how I became a To MOON~, and usually I really like groups that are like brothers, an example would be SEVENTEEN and NU'EST (which SVT is my ult and NU'EST is my stan) and they had this legendary collab during MAMA 2017 and I'm so happy about it. For this they are really like bro groups since they debut the same year and their names are almost the same except for the We and Us. I knew ONEUS due to their promotions, like being able to read ONEUS and then ONEWE as well and I'm like (before becoming a fan) are they connected or something? and I did google and yeah they are of course! Although ONEUS is an Idol Group while ONEWE is a Band Group. For the past few days I've been keeping myself busy with WeUs content, where I watch youtube videos for guides and compiled videos with funny or interesting context. Originally though, I only planned on stanning ONEUS and they became my ult but since ONEWE is their brother group, they are always involved with each other like mentioning them and having interactions etc. So I was also encouraged (or at least that what I felt) to listen to ONEWE music and good decision there! I watched the MVs of ONEWE from Regulus to Star and at first I'm not really into it but I like the most from the initial listening would be, End of Spring and Parting, which until now is my favorite. Then gradually, I'm diving into their discography and found some favorites (I'll put some on my dec playlist below). All month long it's non stop that I'm thinking about, listening to and watching WeUs stuff. For ONEUS, I was able to finish the first season (like a handful of episodes) of Show me the MWM and it's really funny and cool at the same time since there are moments that looks like its an advantage of the other members but its the other way around. There is an episode there where they are asked to dance various KPop Songs and Left and Right and Fantasia were played... and they are able to dance to those songs esp Fantasia where it felt like a cover oh yeah ONEUS are Monbebes in secret xD. Early days of being a TO MOON, I also was able to watch the Weekly Idol episode of ONEUS with Kihyun and Minhyuk are the Guest Hosts and I AM SO HAPPY THIS INTERACTION IS PRECIOUS, MUST KEEP, they did weekly idol stuff and Woong and Lee Do danced Shoot Out and Fantasia and Kiki & Minmin are proud sunbaes :">.

I also watched To be or Not to be and Twilight MV BTS, it's really cool! I love how they provide the content for those since they were able to give a glimpse of what happens during a MV shoot.

For ONEWE contents, I am happy that there is a lot in youtube and I was able to watch a handful. I watched videos like Memory: Illusion album making, where I saw them produce their songs and it was a learning curve for me since I don't really know stuff about that that much and they shared their experiences and it was fruitful. There are also videos like, where Yonghoon broke his guitar string(?) and they are singing Gift and he was sending signal to Hyungu and he didn't get it so he looked at Dongmyeong instead and DM doesn't know what to do its so funny. Those behinds, their chit chats and friendship are wholesome and I have grown fond of them along with ONEUS, they might not be my ult but I look at WeUs as a whole group that are only divided into units.

p.s. I was able to buy my first ONEUS album! (will do a separate post on it but yeah~)

p.p.s Pingu is my ONEWE bias after contemplating between him and CyA! Though I love all of them of course.

The Rare 10 pull that turned into Gold

Okay, so I accidentally got Itto, which I did plan on skipping since I wanted Eula but got Mona instead and they are consecutive banners. I was originally going for Gorou since I want him! even on my main account I did try to pull but I just stopped since I am guaranteed on that account as well. I did a one 10 pull, which I rarely do since I do singles all the time and I am lazy at that moment so I did 10 and I was chill since I'm not even in the soft pity yet. I did the 10 then the light appear (or asteroid? I sound dumb, I don't really know what is it called) then its gold I'm like is it possible to get another off banner after getting one? and yeah it's the One and Oni Arataki Itto... My initial reaction is surprised then shocked then acceptance. During that day that I got him, I build him immediately but right now he is waiting for his ascension... I don't have enough Onikabuto (which btw Idk where to get) and that boss that I have to fight pain (mainly due to corrosion and I don't have that well built healer). But currently I was able to lvl 80 Whiteblind (which is the F2P option) and raise Itto to lvl 60. I will resume on farming and stuff when I have the extra time to do so. But I guess I've accepted that that alt account of mine is a husbando magnet since I have Zhongli, Childe and Kaeya there ( plus Itto now), I just need Diluc (which can be easily obtained since he is an off banner) and Thoma (since he is a 4 star another easy to obtain).

This SSR Went Home Instead of Artem's

MR ARTEM WING IS DODGING ME!

The current X-Mas banner, I tried to pull since my pull count is almost near 100 (spoiler: I got the SSR on the 100th pull Im- why!?) and since Artem is one of the cards I wanted that card (though I like the Skadi more). I tried to save myself from the temptation to pull and I got defeated! I pulled (and during this time, where I am writing this post, Skadi event was announced which was surprising because it was supposed to be on a later month next year based on the China Server) and I didn't get artem, instead I got a Marius SSR. I was disappointed of course but I said it's fine since Marius is my 2nd fave and Skadi is prolly months away.. and I just clowned myself because that is the next event and Artem whyyyy....

p.s Please Skadi Artem come Home! I need to see your washboard

Finished The Flower of Evil

Last highlight for this month is after 2 months of starting and a month of hiatus, I was finally able to finish watching this drama! Since it is a mystery drama, it gave me a lot of headaches thinking about what might be the answer to a certain situation mystery in that episode and the plot as a whole. It was not as mind blowing though because of so much thinking (and obvious hints shown) I was able to pinpoint the accomplice to the murder's of hyunsu's dad. I want to share a lot but it would be a spoiler. Overall it's an interesting drama although sometimes its kinda boring and it didn't really give me that let's finish this in one seating impression that lead to 2 months of completing. Another factor though as to why it took me this long is it was finals month when I started watching so I was busy too.

Overall, its a solid drama, not really my favorite but I'd give it a high rating. It's engaging and the mystery is really well executed. There are some situations that are predictable and there is no major shocking factor which I am always expecting when it comes to mystery dramas. The one thing that I like about this drama is that in the beginning its the big picture that is shown they slowly they show the small details until the answer is revealed. There are instances where you think you are sure of the answer but suddenly there is a scene that they will show to you that serves as a hint. Small details are also important that they didn't emphasized but it's up to the viewers to observe it.

A thought that I was able to get from this drama is be a good parent (I guess, personal opinion no hate pls). Since Hyunsu's dad and Heeseong's parents are key factor to their children's behavior. Another thing is if you want a person to trust you, be open and honest. This is between Hyunsu and Jiwon because their relationship is always turbulent because of lack of trust and being too secretive.

Congratulations for making this really far! I hope that this post made sense since I am writing this at almost new year's eve. I also hope you enjoy this rambling!

The Playlist for December!

a.k.a WeUs Playlist bcs I literally listened to only Oneus and Onewe songs for the whole month of December oof

LOGO - ONEWE

Rewind - ONEUS

Trauma (Aquarium) - ONEWE

TO BE OR NOT TO BE - ONEUS

COSMOS - ONEWE

That is all for now~ Thank you and Happy New Year! 2022 please be good!

-ella

[soonhoonsol]

I hope you get back good days sooner 🥺, i'm okay! and yes i finally got to listen to jun's song it wasn't available on spotify before but now is, his voice is so soothing i love it. And the seungkwan ost i was talking about is 'the reason' from lovestruck in the city drama!! but song still isn't available on spotify :c.

also about true beauty :

Like suho going to states and things which unfold after he goes there should've been showed in episode 10 or 11 if they wanted it to be a little late. to push a big plot twist like this almost at the end made all things which happened after, seem rushed. with suho, jug, seojun their different timelines and timeline together all of it felt rushed :/

i can understand where suho is coming from when he aksed for breakup. he himself has been in relationships where he always had to wait and wait, he has felt the neglect of being in a relationship of name only with his dad he didn't want jug to wait for him and be in same position as he once had been in. i can understand why he did but his method of doing it was very wrong :( i wish he had explained it to her instead of throwing "we should break up". doing something without much explanation is something i would expect from first episode suho not the suho who made some progress and learned how to be in friendship and relationship also him coming back and following around jug as if the break didn't even happen is something webtoon suho would never have done had he been in relationship with jug before going to japan. Webtoon suho doesn't share much but he knows how to read room and is considerate of other's feelings ( sorry for comparing both so much it's just i'm disappointed in writers for creating small differences like these which made drama suho a little less likable in my eyes ) it was not fair to jug :(.

i also feel bad for seojun because from start till end writers only gave him one thing, his feelings for jug it's only towards the very end they gave him something to work with ( his debut) for himself only. sigh.

wedding of jug's sister and teacher was fun, also soojin looks so good in short hair 🥺 i love sua's hair too idk if it's just me but her hair in last two episodes looked extra pretty. i'm glad soojin came around ( would've loved a little more explanation, her p.o.v of her unlearning her toxicity and healing. as i said it felt rushed :3 )

I'm not happy nor sad towards its ending i feel. suho and jug's reading compilations from childhood till present were really nice i liked that. you can add whatever else you wanna vent about hehe. take care <3 - couprang anon

hey couprang anon!! this is long so i’ll answer under the read more :)

ahh that OST :( it isn’t on Spotify yeah... feels bad tho that I’ve never heard that OST either... I’m not really an OST fan I realize; most OSTs I hear are ballads and they’re not my style T~T

that’s honestly a really good analysis of Suho... again idk anything about relationships but yeah I think Suho should’ve explained it to Jugyeong better instead of breaking up like that... but he looked so hurt after he did it... I just wanted to hug him :(

although the whole story of them getting back together after 2 years? I was so confused... why did the producers decide to take this webtoon and turn it 360 degrees? I mean... my #TeamSuho heart is so happy but my #TeamSeojun heart is broken on the floor, stomped on by the producers. Seojun doesn’t deserve this

drama Suho is lowkey obsessive tbh... like I understand wanting to protect your gf or whatnot but going after her even when she says she doesn’t want to see him anymore? that part made me so angry at Suho like dude, yeah, please read the room

webtoon Suho deserved better, which we got with drama Suho, but webtoon Suho was a much more likeable character and I miss him :( (but he’s back so all is gud). Webtoon Seojun got all the good stuff which drama Seojun was robbed of and I can’t help feeling injustice for this drama

like I wanna be a video editor or director or anything in that industry, and I think it’d be cool to adapt a book/webtoon into a drama/movie... and TB filled a lot of plotholes from the webtoon in the first half of the series, but then it immediately turned around after Suho confessed in Ep8. are we still watching a webtoon-based drama? I don’t think so. I think this is a drama drama now.

either way, #HanSeojunProtectionSquad is a go. would you like to join, couprang anon? my son deserves better T~T

but on a lighter note, Heegyeong and Junwoo marriage!! SO CUTE AHHHHH I love how they did it; it was so wholesome and funny. but also Juyong not giving up on his crush on Gowoon... my poor heart can’t take this. I’m glad Gowoon’s starting to reciprocate, even if she doesn’t wanna admit it

overall I guess this was a pretty good drama? I definitely preferred it in the first half of the series, but I really hope we have a second season or something (idk how kdramas work). I really wanna see #TeamSeojun in action instead of getting just crumbs T~T

sorry this got lengthy T~T

[sixstepsaway]

If it helps any, my crowning achievement of my lifetime is an automated ore factory on Minecraft ;)

I do love the hope that is twined in with Poets' lyrics. I really do.

The general message of the show for me is kind of embodied by Crystalline from Clearview

This is gorgeous. I'm not sure I've heard this song, actually, though I do have an archive of PotF albums and some of Marko's solo songs. That man can really sing. (Moonlight Kissed is my favorite off that album)

No End, No Beginning - this song is easy to miss, it was the last number on their best-of compilation Alchemy vol.1 Well, that's more on board with my particular flavour of shipping blackhands - something's got to change before either of them ends up dead or damaged beyond repair, so to say :-)

WHEW THE BLACKHANDS FEELS IN THIS JOINT TONIGHT. You are absolutely right. Oof. And this song is beautiful. The line that really got me was, "We can see where it leads / It's like you can't, can't kill the monster that feeds on you / No matter what you do it seems to get you every time"

And then I thought of a song, which is a perfect fit for Izzy, in my opinion - that's not even their own song, but a cover of James Bond: Casino Royale theme song by Chris Cornell, You Know My Name. Marko's delivery is really something.

I didn't even know they did covers! I learn something new every day!! I love this cover. I listened to it and the original and I didn't really like the original but the cover I love. Then again, I've yet to listen to anything Poets or Marko does and not love it.

Another blink-and-you-miss-it song is what I personally would like to see in the second season (merry OFMD renewal, by the way). It's not PotF per se, but Striven by Jay Ray features Marko on vocals and the lyrics are mindblowing.

(Merry renewal!)

Another new one on me. This is beautiful and I love how instantly recognizable Marko's voice always is. Absolutely beautiful.

I could go on and on, but I am a bit unsure if I'm just being a nuisance, so just one last thing: on the off chance that you haven't come across Marko's pre-PotF project Playground yet, the album is on youtube and it is so worth checking out :-)

You are absolutely not a nuisance at all. I love vibing about my favorite music with people, it's one of my favorite things to do.

I have heard some of Marko's non-PotF stuff before, but I'm not sure I've listened to Playground specifically. I'll look it up when I'm not on tethered mobile data (youtube is a no-go :() because I adore his voice and will listen to anything that man ever does tbh.

Oh my god, not only are you an Izzy fan and a meta genius but you ALSO love Poets of the Fall? 😍

But by all means, shatter my heart why don't you. Though if you ask me, "Carnival of Rust" is also a very blackhands song. As is "Stay", "Maybe Tomorrow Is A Better Day" and if you really want to cry, "Skin".

Basically, PotF have a lot of songs about heartbreak. Oof, poor Izzy.

Poets of the Fall is my favorite band! I wanted to go see them live in 2019 with my dad but I wasn't well enough. Hoping to do that for real in a few years now I'm a functional being and once the pandemic is less terrifying.

The first time I heard Poets was Carnival of Rust (it was on a gorgeous Supernatural fanvideo, likely back in 2009?????) and I love that song so much and you are absolutely correct it's also a Blackhands song.

On top of that, I know Poets so far inside and out that I read this ask on my phone in bed and was singing all the songs you mentioned as I read it lmao. Skin is one of my top favorites, too. I love that song so much.

As for your specific Blackhands song mentions:

Carnival of Rust made me yowl, no lie.

It's all a game, avoiding failure When true colors will bleed All in the name of misbehavior And the things we don't need I lust for after no disaster can touch Touch us anymore And more than ever I hope to never fall Where enough is not the same it was before

Stay is so gorgeous for Blackhands??

Stay, I need you here for a new day to break Stay, I want you near, like a shadow in my wake Stay, here with me, don't you leave Stay, stay with me, until the day is over

Maybe Tomorrow Is A Better Day??? I DID NOT ASK FOR THESE FEELINGS????????

I'd stay the hand of god, but the war is on your lips How can I brace myself for razor blades on whips When everything with meaning is shattered, broken, screaming And I'm lost inside this darkness and I fear I won't survive I could pray and trick with a double tongue, but the only fool here's me I choose the way to go, but the road won't set me free 'cause I wish you'd see me, baby, save me, I'm going crazy Tryin' to keep us real, keep us alive

Skin, of course, was already a top pick for me, because Skin is an amazing song, but also because if the X on Izzy's face is Edward's X-- 🤯

We made ourselves a home out of our dreams Brought with us this love now bittersweet And maybe I could say now that I always thought of you How you've run to walk with me your whole life through And I know we go deeper than skin But what lies within is still deeper than we know And for all this pantomime You should see the state I'm in I couldn't heal myself with time alone I have you tattooed on my skin

God, these songs. Thank you so much for the message.

Unrelated to OFMD; have you seen the video for Moonlight Kissed? First time I saw that video I cried, iirc. Gorgeous piece of work.