#drawn to shrewsbury

[cheriej]

Open Studios

This weekend you can find me at Swall Hill Studios – SY1 1NQ. I will have my sketchbooks, art sale and new work. Drop by between 10am and 4pm. As I’m not a regular poster I’d also like to mention my upcoming workshop. Ways of Drawing which will take place at SM&AG (Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery) on Aug 8th at 10am. Please book via http://www.DRAWN.live

[whencyclopedia]

Colonel Tye

Colonel Tye (c. 1753-1780) was an African-American Loyalist leader who commanded one of the most effective guerilla forces of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Born into slavery, he escaped in 1775 and joined the British cause, leading a Loyalist militia known as the Black Brigade on raids against Patriot militias. He died in September 1780 of wounds sustained during a raid.

Early Life & Escape from Slavery

The man who would become Colonel Tye was born into slavery as Titus, on a farm in Monmouth County, New Jersey, c. 1753. Titus was one of four male slaves owned by John Corlies, a farmer whose land was nestled along the Navesink River, near the town of Shrewsbury. Corlies was, at least ostensibly, a Quaker, although he did not seem to possess many of the qualities valued by the Society of Friends. He did not share the Quaker belief in pacifism and was frequently reprimanded by others in the movement for drinking, cursing, and brawling. More concerning, however, was Corlies' reputation as a cruel slaveowner. He was known to beat Titus and his other slaves for the slightest of infractions, which disturbed many of his fellow Quakers, who found the practice of slavery to be abhorrent.

Indeed, in 1758, the Quakers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania passed an edict with the intention of gradually abolishing slavery within their own ranks. Quaker slaveowners were expected to voluntarily emancipate their slaves upon the slave's 21st birthday (considered the age of adulthood in 18th-century America). Slaves under the age of 21 were to be provided with education in the Quaker ideology and were to be taught how to read and write so that they could be as self-sufficient as possible upon their release. Corlies proved neglectful in these duties; he did not provide his slaves with education and failed to emancipate Titus upon his 21st birthday around 1774. In the autumn of 1775, Corlies was visited by a delegation of New Jersey Quakers, who urged the wayward slaveowner to educate and free his slaves or risk expulsion from the Quaker movement. Corlies, a quick-tempered man, was only angered by the ultimatum and doubled down on his behavior; the Quakers left the Corlies farm after having been told that Corlies "has not seen it his duty to give their freedom" (Hodges, 91).

Titus had undoubtedly observed the visit of the Quaker delegation and was aware as to why they had come. He also would have known that most other 21-year-old slaves with Quaker masters had already been freed, a fact that would have further hardened his heart against his own harsh master. By this point, the excited fervor that underscored the American Revolution (1765-1789) had seeped its way into Monmouth County; as New Jersey Patriots loudly pontificated about American liberty and freedom from the slavery of Great Britain, the people who were actually enslaved in the county wondered what all this meant for them. At night, groups of Monmouth County slaves would sneak off their masters' properties and hold meetings, where they discussed if their own personal freedoms might fit within the broader Patriot movement; as if in answer, the town of Shrewsbury authorized the arrests of all "slaves, Mulattos, and Negroes found off their masters' premises" after dark (Hodges, 94).

It was around this time, November 1775, that Titus made his escape from his master's farm. Shortly thereafter, John Corlies put out an advertisement offering a reward for the return of Titus, who Corlies described as being:

About 21 years of age, not very black, near six foot high, had on a gray homespun coat, brown breeches, blue and white stockings and took with him a wallet drawn up at one end with a string in which was a quantity of clothes (Hodges, 92).

So, with only a bag full of clothes to his name, Titus evaded the slave catchers and moved south toward Norfolk, Virginia. There, he expected to find his freedom; but it was the British, not the liberty-loving Patriots, who he expected would give it to him.

Continue reading...

[dailyanarchistposts]

“Environmental restoration may be the art form of the twenty-first century” — from Helping Nature Heal (Ten Speed Press, 1991)

Environmental restoration is the other side of the coin to much of the activity that Earth First! has so far been engaged in — that is, grappling with the toxic forces of ‘law’ and ‘order’ in a very overt way. Such activity is the defensive work, a holding operation, crucial in many ways and important for bringing people together as a group, cementing the bonds between them in shared, often harrowing experience. However it is important not to get hung up on the adrenaline and peculiar glamour of such frontline situations.

Environmental restoration is proactive — whereby we set our own agenda — as opposed to campaigns, which usually involve little more than reacting to the latest state or business atrocity. Restoration therefore helps to signal our ultimate indifference to politicians and the fleeting games that they play. Restoration is less dramatic and more humble than the preservation battles, but it does establish a vital new paradigm: humanity as creator and healer — one who adds value or — makes reparations to nature — rather than one who is unable to do anything but destroy and despoil.

There is no immediate gratification, no overnight old growth forest or pristine wilderness — rather a slow, cumulative process of getting to grips with what surrounds you, and establishing an intimacy and a rapport with a given area of land. There are strong personal and spiritual repercussions: the realisation that you have set in motion a process that will extend far beyond your lifetime leads you into a deeper comprehension of nature, and the scale on which she works. Some of you goes with the tree branches as they steadily rear up towards the sky.

Earth repair work is becoming increasingly widespread in the US, India and elsewhere, but is still relatively uncommon in Britain. We featured Alan Watson’s visionary Trees for Life project in Do or Die #2 (Write to the editorial address for a copy of that article), and a similar project, albeit on a much more modest scale, is that run by the group Tree Spirit on their newly acquired 24 acre plot at Maes y Mynach, near Shrewsbury.

Tree Spirit exist to promote an appreciation of trees and the spiritual, social and ecological roles that they fulfil. To this end, they publish a newsletter, hold regular ‘tree moot’ gatherings, and campaign for the preservation of woodland areas. On a more practical level they also operate their own tree nursery, with stock largely drawn from commercial nursery surplus. (A word of advice to EF!ers interested in tree rearing with a view to clandestine or authorised planting: due to the exigencies of the deranged market system that we live under, many nurseries are forced to destroy thousands of perfectly good trees every year — generally from March through to June. This is for no other reason than to make way for the new stock (and to protect prices, of course). It is therefore worth approaching your local nursery at this time of year — you can take the trees off their hands, leave them with a clear conscience, and acquire the raw materials for reforestation at little or no cost.)

Another lesson to be learnt from Tree Spirit’s purchase of Maes y Mynach concerns funding. The purchase was partly financed by the Forestry Commission’s Woodland Grant Scheme, which is well worth looking into for anyone contemplating such a project. Although the buying and selling of land is obviously a complete absurdity, it is true to say that if you buy land where it is cheapest — i.e. Wales or Scotland (Particularly Scotland where there is currently a glut on the market as the big estates are further dismembered) — and then reforest it under the Woodland Grant Scheme, you actually stand to make a profit (Over, say, about 10 years), which can then be reinvested in additional acquisitions — this is Tree Spirit’s intention. And before you know it, your mighty empire of reforestation has expanded, and the wildwood has returned... NOT! (Ecological capitalism, any one?) Copies of the Woodland Grant Scheme are available from ‘The Wilderness’, South Downs EF!, or you local Forestry Commission office. Bear in mind the fact that, as the WGS is an attempt by the Forestry Commission to restore an image tarnished by decades of desecrating the landscape with conifers, the grants for broadleaved tree planting are very generous. Even more incredibly the grants for ‘natural regeneration’ are the most generous of all. For non-interventionist EF! types, this has to be worthy of serious attention. (A word of warning however. The Forestry Commission has reportedly begun to revert back to type — plans are afoot to increase funding for large scale conifer plantations, and to reduce it for broadleaved planting, particularly if it is small scale. If true, I guess it just goes to show that you can’t keep a bad institution down.)

Maes y Mynach is itself a former Forestry Commission plantation, and part of Tree Spirit’s vision for the land involves rectifying the environmental damage that such a plantation entails. Their aim is twofold: firstly, to create a mixed woodland for ecological reasons — to which end, a very wide range of trees are being planted: oak, ash, birch, rowan, willow, lime, chestnut, hazel, hawthorn, wild cherry, bird cherry, aspen, field maple, sycamore, yew and larch. Ultimately they intend to encircle the entire plot with a good mixed hedge, which will in itself be extremely valuable to wildlife.

Secondly there is the human element — acknowledging that we do have a place in nature, and that we are not intrinsically hostile to the natural world, as some strands in deep ecology seem to suggest. Tree Spirit hope that Maes y Mynach will be “a place where people can come to do practical conservation work, enjoy nature, relax and generally find a little bit of peace and quiet... it will be a place where people can stay for a few days without being told to move on or “get orf my land”. However they emphasize that “it will not become a permanent encampment for all and sundry. For those who have something constructive to offer or who need a little time away from the madness of modern society, Maes y Mynach will be accessible.”

To achieve these aims a tremendous amount of work is in order. Most of the tree planting has been done, but some still remains — particularly the hedgerows. Planting season is October through to April. Many paths need clearing as there is still a great deal of felled wood strewn about from the forestry operations. Tree Spirit want to create a pond, which will serve as both a wildlife feature and as drainage for the main track. Maes y Mynach also has a spring, which is currently being made into a source of clean water. The most ambitious plan is to construct a roundhouse, for which planning permission has already been obtained. It will be 32 feet in diameter, 13 feet high at the central point and crowned with a turf roof. It is envisaged that the roundhouse will act as a workshop, storage space, communal gathering/celebratory venue, and as a sleeping area. (Perhaps a future EF! gathering could be held there.)

Anyone who is interested in helping out with this inspiring project should contact Tree Spirit at:

Hawkbatch Farm, Arley, Nr. Bewdley, Worcs. DY12 3AH (Phone: 0299 400586) OR: Shelley and Jeff Griffiths, 95 Anstey Rd., Perry Barr, Birmingham B44 8AN (Phone: 021 356 2206)

As Tree Spirit say, in a phrase that could serve as a motto for all our efforts: “Cooperation for mutual benefit and input of constructive energies will go a long way.”

[defensivelee]

i have the FUNNIEST idea for an nsfw easter art special HOWEVER

it involves shrewsbury. i do not have a shrewsbury design yet

WHY is it shrewsbury. for this hella specific idea i do not know why he is the only one that appeals to me for this

i have not drawn anything like it before so it might end up looking either rlly funny or rlly gross. i dont rlly mind the former tho bc humorous nsfw art is actually so fun

im not sure if i want to share the idea just yet just bc it's a little bit more ~hardcore~ compared to what i usually do

but it's an easter special you guys can probably guess what it is like let's be real here

[une-sanz-pluis]

Similar slippages between knighthood and treason arose in Henry Percy’s rebellion in 1403. After deposing Richard II in 1399, Henry IV had drawn on his reputation as a knight and on chivalric institutions such as the Order of the Garter to legitimise his own kingship and to secure the support of the nobility. Percy, meanwhile, was considered to be a model of ideal manhood, ‘the flower and glory of Christian knighthood’, and he had a record of military service under first Richard II and then Henry IV. Percy had supported the armed invasion of England in 1399 by Henry of Lancaster (the future Henry IV) and had since been fighting the Scots on behalf of his new king. Yet by 1403, Percy was in rebellion. The essence of his cause was that Henry was not the true king because he had broken his oath not to claim the throne, and Percy had issued written proclamations stating this. Henry IV accused Percy of treason, precipitating a conflict in which Percy and the king fought, first verbally and then physically, over who was the ‘true’ man. The account of their confrontation in An English Chronicle demonstrates how, in the context of treason, political conflict could be expressed through such debates over the claim to knightly manhood. When he was accused, Percy first sought to defend his honour through a knightly trial by battle, saying: ‘Traytour am I non, but a true man and as a true mon [sic] I speke.’ The kynge drue to hym his dagger; and then he seid to the kynge, ‘Not here but in the fielde.’ The perception of treason as an inversion of chivalric masculinity is strikingly illustrated in Percy’s claim that he is no traitor but a ‘true man’, a gendered identity that he will prove with his body in knightly combat. Percy met the king in battle at Shrewsbury, where he further stressed his claim to be the ‘true man’ in the encounter by telling Henry IV ‘thou payeste no man, thou holdeste no house’, both of these signalling the king’s failure to perform the chivalric virtue of largesse. Percy was slain in the battle and Henry IV seems to have had the last word in terms of marking him as a traitor by immediately having his head ‘smytte off and sett up ate Yorke’. However, rumours persisted that Percy was alive, risking the potential validation of his cause in his trial by battle and thereby his claim to be the ‘true man’ in his clash with the king. Henry IV was forced to re-enact the public degradation of Percy’s manhood by having his corpse disinterred and shamefully exposed between two millstones in Shrewsbury marketplace. That these conflicting claims to chivalric manhood could only be ended by Henry’s desecration of Percy’s corpse suggests that knightly identity was at its most fragile when it was constructed through the unstable opposition of traitor to true man.

E. Amanda McVitty, ‘False knights and true men: contesting chivalric masculinity in English treason trials, 1388–1415′, Journal of Medieval History, 40:4, 2014.

[petermorwood]

Bravo, @blumineck!

I've been muttering about this "Hold...Hold..." business for years. That includes the non-verbal kind, see "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938) where Robin threatens Guy of Gisbourne like this for several seconds as if pointing a gun at him...

...and "Henry V" (1944) where the archers stand like this, also for several seconds, until Henry signals them to loose.

Holding a heavy bow at full draw just wasn't done, for the reason explained in @blumineck's video - prolonged strain makes your aim go wobbly and, thanks to fine muscle tremor, it'll stay wobbly for several shots afterwards.

FAIK a protracted hold combined with one of those really heavy historical bows of the kind found on the "Mary Rose" draw weight) might actually tear something in the muscles / tendons / ligaments department. There's already enough archaeological evidence of repetitive-stress bone changes to make archer skeletons easily identified, and that's just the effect of regular shooting over many years.

In addition, there's an old archery saying that "A bow full-drawn is nine-tenths broken", and holding at full draw - or loosing without an arrow, so the energy for propelling the arrow snaps into the bow-limbs instead - adds a real risk of unexpectedly reaching ten-tenths broken and picking splinters out of your arm, teeth, face, eyes...

A heavy bow was drawn and loosed in one movement, since archers didn't need to hold or pause for aim. Years of legally-required archery practice meant they were able to aim as they drew as instinctively as someone throwing a stone.

*****

Incidentally, while pictures of archery target-practice features in medieval art...

...and as this photo from modern Bhutan shows, looks almost the same nowadays...

...Clout-shooting at long range and high angle gives a better idea (IMO, anyway) of what medieval war archery would have looked like.

Here are sport archers...

...and re-enactors...

...and the targets at which they shoot ("clout" is an old word for cloth).

Increase those archers to the ~5000 present at Crecy or Agincourt, and clout-shooting would accurately replicate the effect of an arrow-storm descending on a massed target at a range correctly estimated by much practice.

Anybody in the area where those arrows fell was likely to get hit and, if not armoured, hurt. IIRC, the modern military term for this is a "beaten zone".

Even if the range was too great for much injury against armour, it would force armoured men to protect their most vulnerable area, the face, by "buttoning up" - another modern term, for a tank with all hatches shut - by closing their visors, which causes reduced vision and ventilation, as well as a loss of communication and situational awareness.

Invoking this useful tactical advantage didn't need a full-on arrow barrage, just a few arriving every couple of seconds like a bolt from the blue. (Yup, originally an archery term, though "bolt" rather than "arrow" suggests it originated with crossbows).

A knight could leave his visor open if he wanted; it would probably be okay - until the instant, as happened to Henry V (then 16-year-old Prince of Wales) at Shrewsbury, when it wasn't okay at all...

Henry survived thanks to the cleverness of surgeon John Bradmore, who not only invented special tongs to get the arrowhead out, but prevented infection by flooding the wound with honey, a natural disinfectant.

I've also read that the arrow may have had less velocity and impact force - and hit Henry at the angle it did - because it was a ricochet from someone else's armour. (Leaving helmet visors aside, this is an example of why face / eye protection in the workplace is A Good Idea...)

Also, since armour and its padded underlayers aren't exactly breathable fabrics, they'd start overheating through exertion, followed by chilling down if it was a cold day because the sweat-soaked padding and metal casing were now an excellent heat-sink.

(Can any armour-wearing re-enactors confirm or refute this effect? Please and thanking you.)

The Battle of Towton (1461) was fought in a snowstorm...

...and I remember reading somewhere that men-at-arms went from dehydrated heat-exhaustion to sweat-chilled hypothermia in the course of a couple of hours. Not fun.

NB, the windblown banners in Graham Turner's painting demonstrate another detail: that wind gave the Yorkist arrows longer range while reducing the Lancastrian ones. It reached a stage where the Yorkists advanced a bit to shoot at the Lancastrians with their own spent arrows.

If the enemy was readying a mounted charge on unarmoured horses (as they often weren't until the late Middle Ages) that arrow-storm and the resulting hedgehog-prickled horses - even if not dead, they'd be Very Unhappy and uncontrollable - would throw the charge into confusion before it made contact, or even before it started.

This clip is only a movie, and an old one at that with some annoying errors such as knights being craned onto horseback, but the thudding, whistling release of (cartoon, hey-ho) arrows remains highly impressive 80 years later.

Can you hold your bow at full draw? And should you?

Either way it does look cool sometimes, I’ll give them that!

If you like my content please consider supporting me on Patreon (or at least give some of my videos a watch on YouTube!)

[communityadvocate]

Discover Festivals and Cultural Events in Massachusetts and Grafton

Massachusetts buzzes with activity and fun during the holiday season. It honors its deep cultural roots with lively customs that unite people. In Grafton and nearby areas, the schedule rims with special Grafton events that spark happiness and togetherness. Let’s dive deep into top best news in Massachusetts and Grafton.

Seasonal Cheer in Grafton

Grafton lights up at its yearly “Grafton Celebrates the Holiday” occasion. People adore this festival that changes the town into a sparkling winter landscape. Streets gleam with dazzling lights, and community members assemble to relish festive tunes, food, and crafts. It includes activities for all.

Nearby sellers can exhibit handcrafted items, creating an ideal location for holiday gift shopping. The charm of horse-drawn cart rides brings extra wonder, making the celebration a priority to attend.

Northborough’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

According to the Massachusetts local news, the state is planning big to celebrate this festive season with locals.Northborough, a quick hop from Grafton, celebrates the holidays yearly with a tree lighting festivity. The ritual marks festive season’s kickoff. Townspeople unite at the central square to see the glow of a decked tree.

The festivity presents sing-a-longs, streaming coca, and a cozy community vibe. Neighborhood schools or chorales often participate, sharing joy through tunes. It’s an uncomplicated, yet warming fete encapsulates the holiday mood.

Rapid Response Reduces Impact of Grafton Fire

Not all community gatherings are celebratory, yet they show us Grafton inhabitant’s resilience and togetherness. A recent resilience fire saw Grafton’s Fire Department leap into swift action, reducing harm. The starting fire erupted in a neighborhood, raising alert among dwellers. The firefighters’ prompt intervention son had it tamed. While the incident was unfortunate, it highlighted the dedication and efficiency of local first responders.

This incident stands as a nudge for us to not neglect safety aspects in festive times. Regularly inspect your smoke alarms and stick to fire safety rules to ensure your family’s protection.

Massachusetts is full of events that bring people together. Grafton and Northborough are prime examples of communities that celebrate their traditions with pride. Get the latest news of this festive season of your local town from the reputable news portals.

About The Community Advocate:

The Community Advocate is the trusted source of news in Grafton, Shrewsbury, Northborough, and Marlborough. It covers different event news, such as fire local news, festive celebrations, other latest updates in the state. It has authorized journalists and editing team that present true local news to the readers.

Learn more updates at https://www.communityadvocate.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3VJkkZk

[module717]

13th of December

Today I visited the Gateway Art Gallery in Shrewsbury. There was a display of work by artist…,

I found her work really interesting and although it’s in a style that I’m not usually drawn to I still found it visually engaging.

[keyprimerealty]

Exploring Real Estate Opportunities in Massachusetts

The Charm of New Construction in Hopkinton, MA

Hopkinton, Massachusetts, known for its serene suburban landscape and historical charm, is becoming a prime location for those seeking new homes. The New Construction in Hopkinton MA offers residents the perfect blend of modern living within a peaceful setting. Situated just a short drive from Boston, Hopkinton provides a convenient commute for professionals while offering a quiet and picturesque place to call home.

New construction homes in Hopkinton are designed with the latest amenities, blending functionality with luxury. From open floor plans to energy-efficient designs, these homes cater to modern families and individuals looking for space, style, and sustainability. Many homes feature state-of-the-art kitchens, spacious master suites, and large yards perfect for family activities or relaxing in nature. Additionally, the town is surrounded by lush parks, trails, and outdoor spaces that attract those who love nature and outdoor recreation.

Families considering settling in Hopkinton will also appreciate the highly rated public schools, which consistently rank among the best in the state. The town's close-knit community feel, paired with modern conveniences, makes it an ideal place for young families or retirees seeking a quieter life.

Growing Popularity of Homes for Sale in Shrewsbury, MA

Just a short drive from Hopkinton, the town of Shrewsbury offers another exciting real estate opportunity for homebuyers. The Homes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA are highly sought after, thanks to the town’s combination of small-town charm and easy access to urban amenities. Shrewsbury has been recognized for its high quality of life, with tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a welcoming community.

Homes in Shrewsbury cater to various preferences and budgets. From cozy single-family homes to larger estates, there’s something for everyone. The architectural styles in Shrewsbury range from classic colonial homes to more modern builds, offering buyers a wide array of options. These homes are set on spacious lots, often surrounded by mature trees and quiet neighborhoods, making them perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining close to essential services.

For families, Shrewsbury is an ideal place to raise children, with its top-rated schools, community parks, and family-friendly events. The town offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from lakefront activities at Lake Quinsigamond to hiking trails in nearby parks. Furthermore, Shrewsbury’s proximity to Worcester provides residents with access to cultural activities, restaurants, and shopping, while still maintaining the slower pace and safety of a suburban setting.

The Real Estate Market Outlook in Hopkinton and Shrewsbury

Both Hopkinton and Shrewsbury are experiencing strong demand for housing, driven by their proximity to major cities and their reputation for excellent schools and community amenities. As a result, both New Construction in Hopkinton MA andHomes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA are attracting a growing number of interested buyers. The competitive nature of these markets means that new listings are often quickly snatched up, making it crucial for potential buyers to act fast.

In Hopkinton, new construction homes are especially appealing to buyers who want to customize their living spaces. Many builders in the area offer the option to personalize homes with a variety of design and layout choices, ensuring that each home reflects the buyer's tastes and needs. Additionally, energy-efficient features and sustainable building materials are becoming increasingly popular in Hopkinton, making these homes both environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Shrewsbury, on the other hand, offers a more established housing market with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Many buyers are drawn to the town’s historical charm, particularly in the older neighborhoods where homes have been lovingly maintained and updated over the years. However, newer developments in Shrewsbury are also popping up, providing modern conveniences and spacious floor plans.

Why Invest in Real Estate in Hopkinton and Shrewsbury?

There are several reasons why investing in real estate in either Hopkinton or Shrewsbury is a smart choice. Both towns offer excellent access to major employment hubs, such as Boston and Worcester, making them ideal for commuters. At the same time, they provide a slower pace of life, which is increasingly appealing to those looking to escape the fast-paced nature of city living.

TheHomes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA offer buyers an opportunity to invest in a community with a strong sense of identity and excellent amenities. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to upgrade to a larger home, Shrewsbury has something for you.

Meanwhile, the New Construction in Hopkinton MA allows buyers to build their dream home from the ground up, ensuring that every detail fits their personal vision. The growing demand for new homes in this area makes it a prime investment for those looking to secure a property in an up-and-coming community.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the brand-new homes in Hopkinton or the established charm of Shrewsbury, both towns offer exceptional real estate opportunities. With competitive markets and a variety of home styles available, Hopkinton and Shrewsbury are quickly becoming some of the most desirable places to live in Massachusetts. For those looking to invest in their future, these two towns offer a perfect blend of convenience, community, and comfort.

[shrewsburymarbleandgranite]

The Role of Countertops in Kitchen Remodeling: Enhancing Functionality and Aesthetics

When it comes to kitchen remodeling, one element that plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics is the countertop. Countertops serve as the focal point of any kitchen, providing a durable and versatile surface for various activities. Whether you're in Framingham or Worcester, MA, choosing the right countertop, such as granite countertops, can significantly transform your kitchen space.

In this blog, we'll explore why countertops are vital in kitchen remodeling and how professional services like Countertop Installation Framingham MA, and Countertop Installation Worcester MA can help you achieve your dream kitchen. Enhancing Functionality:

1. Food Preparation: Countertops provide a spacious and sturdy surface for food preparation activities. The smooth and resilient nature of granite countertops Framingham MA, for instance, makes them ideal for chopping, slicing, and kneading dough. 2. Cooking Space: Countertops create an ample cooking area where you can place your appliances, from stovetops and ovens to blenders and toasters. The right countertop installation ensures easy access to these essential kitchen tools. 3. Cleaning Station: Countertops facilitate easy cleanup. Their non-porous surfaces prevent the absorption of liquids and stains, making maintenance a breeze. With proper sealing, granite countertops offer exceptional resistance against spills and bacterial growth. Aesthetics and Design:

1. Visual Appeal: Countertops are highly visible and contribute significantly to the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. Granite countertops, available in various colors and patterns, add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. They create a stunning visual impact and become a statement piece in your kitchen. 2. Style Coordination: Countertops allow you to tie together the design elements of your kitchen. By selecting a countertop that complements your cabinets, flooring, and backsplash, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing ambiance. Countertop Installation Framingham MA and Countertop Installation Worcester MA services can help you choose the perfect countertop that matches your preferred style. 3. Value Addition: Installing high-quality countertops during a kitchen remodel in Worcester MA project can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers are often drawn to kitchens with beautiful and functional countertops, such as granite. The investment you make in upgrading your countertops can pay off in the long run. Conclusion: In conclusion, the countertop is a vital component of kitchen remodeling, playing a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. If you're in Framingham or Worcester, MA, and looking to transform your kitchen, consider professional services like Countertop Installation Framingham MA, and Countertop Installation Worcester MA. They can guide you in selecting the perfect countertop, such as exquisite granite countertops, that suits your style and enhances the value of your home. If you're looking for reliable countertop installation services in the Framingham and Worcester areas, Shrewsbury Marble and Granite is a trusted name. With their know-how and commitment to consumer satisfaction, they can assist you achieve your dream kitchen. Contact Shrewsbury Marble and Granite today to elevate your kitchen remodeling project to new heights.

[cheriej]

Make the Most of your Stand - advice for Stallholders !

A few tips that I've gathered over the years of doing tradefairs and being a stallholder.

You’ve been accepted to join a market/trade fair and spent weeks planning what you’ll bring then suddenly it dawns on you …the stand needs your attention too. Advice for Presenting your wares at Markets / Fairs and Events Most stalls consist of a table, chair and any extras you might bring like rails or picture stands. It’s best to cover the table with something that won’t crease in transit.The…

[dwellordream]

“In terms of direct military influence, perhaps the most visible role that certain medieval woman achieved were positions of command over an army or militant force. This fact alone is remarkable, especially given the aforementioned patriarchal nature of society and fact that war was an activity dominated by men at all levels throughout the High to Late Middle Ages, and leads us to ask several questions relating to women’s role as military leaders.

Foremost is the question of how women were able to attain the command of an army or other important leadership position in the first place. What circumstances enabled them to take command? Could they make effective leaders? How did contemporaries respond to such women? The answers to these questions enable a broader understanding and awareness of how women functioned as military commanders.

Firstly, however, it is worth touching upon the position of women with regards to secular law, since such law defined the social limitations of medieval women’s public authority. While these laws varied from one place to another, sometimes significantly, and were also influenced by whether women were single, married or widowed, as well as the level of society to which they belonged (making a full examination of this complex topic beyond the scope of the present work), there can be little doubt that throughout England and France during the High to Late Middle Ages women had a lower legal standing than that of men. They were barred from holding any public office, including any governmental positions and did not have the right to participate in town councils or any representative assembly.

Under these laws women were essentially restricted to the private domestic sphere and were not supposed to serve the king ‘either in the army or in any other royal service’. Indeed, for married women, their legal identity was subsumed into that of their husband, and as a result the husband legally had full control and responsibility for all the possessions of his wife, including all land or property she may have brought to the marriage. Furthermore, married women most often required their husbands’ consent before they could litigate on any matter (except in case of rape or bodily harm) and were represented in law by their husbands – unlike widows or single women, who could litigate on their own behalf and represent themselves in court.

At the same time, however, marriage also had the potential to give women significant military responsibility. In order to appreciate why, it is important to understand how women, as wives, fitted into the particular social structure of the medieval household and also how the system of marriage worked. These elements of marriage are examined briefly below with the focus on women who were part of the upper aristocracy, or nobility, not only because it is possible to form some idea about the married life and responsibilities of noblewomen, but also because war was a profession of the upper class.

As an institution, marriage was an accepted part of medieval life. For noblewomen in particular marriage meant many things, but rarely did it mean love. Marriage was a business conducted between families for political or economic reasons – or both, and in which, at least among the nobility and others in high society, women had little input. Once married, however, noblewomen took on many responsibilities integral to helping run the household and aided in many of the duties necessary for it to function effectively. These duties included everyday activities such as supervising the supplies of the house, directing the activities of servants or serfs, as well as administering household revenues and using them to dispense dues or gifts.

In cases of emergency (for instance, if besieged) women could also be made responsible for the defence of the castles in which they lived, especially when their husbands were absent or deceased. Moreover, the nature of the union of marriage, in which husband and wife were united as one in the marriage alliance, assured that women, if they took on this additional public responsibility, were not breaking the ‘socio-political or the gender logic of their day’; instead it was merely a ‘natural extension’ of their duties as domina or lady of the household. This social acceptability enabled married noblewomen in this position to circumvent the restrictive nature of their legal rights, as outlined above.

It is also important to consider the relationship between the household and the makeup of militant forces. Western European noblewomen and those in the Holy Land at this time lived in societies where the basic fighting group was small and based on ties of kinship; hence knights, squires and other fighting men were usually drawn from and closely tied to their local lords’ households. Consequently, it has been argued, noblewomen who lived and worked in the household had a greater chance of interacting with these men, as well as possibly overhearing or being part of military discussions, and thus may have had a greater awareness of military concepts.

This in turn may have aided noblewomen when they were called upon to defend their estates and facilitated their acceptance by the men whom they commanded. Conversely, however, it has also been argued that the increasingly centralised nature of government and the rise of professional armies during the thirteenth and especially fourteenth century may have combined to decrease the chances for female political (and consequently military) involvement, although this view has more recently been called into question. In any case, even if this trend did exist, there is still no doubt that throughout the High and Later Middle Ages marriage offered noblewomen an opportunity to assume a legitimate and important military role in defending their husbands’ property when and if the situation arose.

Several medieval accounts within England and France attest to women’s military command in this capacity. In 1075, for instance, the wife of Earl Ralph of Norfolk and Suffolk held his castle at Norwich while he fled for the coast, once he realised that a revolt which he had helped instigate against King William I (1027- 1087) had failed.

Similarly the Norman chronicler, Orderic Vitalis, in his Historia Ecclesiastica, described how in July 1092, Radegunde, the wife of one Robert Giroie, attempted to hold her husband’s fortress at Saint-Céneri in Normandy from an attack by Robert of Bellême, earl of Shrewsbury, whilst her husband was away aiding the future King Henry I of England (c.1068-1135). When rumour spread that her husband had died, defections from her side forced her to surrender, and Orderic placed responsibility for the surrender in her hands.

Likewise, in 1121 Hugh of Montfort’s wife was made responsible by him for defending the stronghold of Montfort-sur-Risle in Normandy against Henry I’s advancing army, while Hugh, who had conspired against the king, fled. Also notable was Margaret of Flanders, who married Baldwin V count of Hainaut in 1169 and was forced to fortify and defend his castles, not just once but many times, due to repeated attacks by unfaithful, ambitious vassals.

Nor were accounts of women left to defend their husband’s possessions limited to France or England. In the Holy Land Lady Eschiva of Tiberias commanded the castle of Tiberias’ defence against Saladin’s forces in 1187 (her husband, Raymond of Tripoli, was absent fighting with the Christian army), the same year that Maria Comnena, widow of King Amalric, defended Nablus from Saladin’s army because she had received the city as dower from Amalric. In all these cases women were forced to take on a military responsibility as a direct result of the marriage alliance, often in the face of considerable enemy pressure and irrespective of whether they were actually able to manage the task ahead effectively.

At the same time, however, it seems some noblewomen did cope ably after having military responsibility thrust upon them by their husbands. In 1148 Countess Sybilla of Flanders, for instance, successfully led her troops against an invasion by Count Baldwin of Hainault on behalf of her husband, while he was absent on crusade. Robert Guiscard’s wife, Sikelgaita, accompanied him on campaign in Italy in the 1080s and supposedly helped prevent retreat of his forces during one battle by charging at them with a spear, convincing them to return to battle.

Simon de Montfort, leader of the Albigensian Crusade, displayed an even greater reliance on his wife Alice de Montfort, whom Laurence Marvin has described as ‘one of his most trusted lieutenants’. Not only was she mentioned bringing a party of knights to meet up with Simon, but she also made up part of his war council and was active in contributing towards its decisions, even acting as castellan to Narbonnais Castle in Simon’s absence during the second siege of Toulouse in 1217. In her case, while it is not known if she commanded men in battle, she does appear to have played an active and important role in supporting her husband’s military strategy.

Most remarkable and successful of all, it might be said, was Nichola de la Haye, hereditary castellan of Lincoln castle. Nichola was the daughter of Richard de la Haye, sheriff of Lincolnshire, from whom she inherited her rights as castellan, and through whom her husbands’ received the title of constable. In 1191, as a response to her husband Gerard of Camville’s quarrel with William Longchamp, Chancellor and Justiciar of England, Nichola was besieged at Lincoln castle while her husband was absent. Commending her efforts, the chronicler Richard of Devizes noted that Nichola, ‘whose heart was not that of a woman, defended the castle manfully’.

Over twenty years later, in 1217, she again led the successful defence of Lincoln castle when it was besieged by forces loyal to Louis VIII of France (1187-1226), as part of his failed attempt to claim the English throne. In a further sign of her resolute nature, she still had to fend off later attempts by, William, the earl of Salisbury, to force her eviction from the castle. These defensive efforts reflect her loyalty to King John (1167-1216) and, at least in the case of the siege of Lincoln in 1217, aided King Henry III’s cause immensely by effectively ending any chance of Louis VIII succeeding in his rival claim to the throne.

Her experiences in defending the castle clearly illustrate that Nichola was more than capable of organising military defensive measures in the face of multiple attacks. Furthermore, though she had to pass on the title of constable to her husbands, her evident suitability as castellan is highlighted by King John refusing a request from Nichola that she be allowed to give up responsibility for the castle on account of her age, following the death of her husband Gerard in 1215. Evidently, even men recognised her capability in her role as castellan.

The offspring of marriage also influenced women who were forced to defend their property. Consider the actions of one Juliana, an illegitimate child of King Henry I by a concubine, after her husband Eustace (a vassal of the king) was incited to claim the ducal castle at Ivry on misguided advice. Henry, wishing to retain Eustace’s trust, sent a hostage to him while keeping the couple’s own daughters as his own hostage, but for reasons unknown Eustace had his hostage blinded. Henry then turned over his hostages to the father of Eustace’s now blind hostage, who took his revenge by putting out the daughters’ eyes.

On learning of this action Juliana and Eustace rebelled, and while Eustace secured their other castles, Juliana fortified herself within their fortress at Breteuil. Henry, learning of these developments, soon laid siege to the castle at Breteuil in February of 1119. Orderic then recounts how Juliana, under the pretence of wanting to meet with her father, fired a crossbow at Henry when he appeared for their meeting, but missed ‘since God protected him’.

Powerless to hold out against the siege and with no help on the way, she surrendered the castle, but being unable to leave freely by the King’s orders, ‘the unlucky Amazon got out of the predicament shamefully as best she could’ by leaping off the castle walls into the moat, before fleeing to her husband. In this case, marriage and family combined to play an important role in driving Juliana to defend her property from other family members. Moreover, the use of phrases such as ‘God protected him’ and ‘unlucky Amazon’ suggest Orderic disapproved of Juliana’s actions, and highlight how chroniclers sometimes used certain emotive words or phrases to portray an incident in a certain light.

This use of emotion by Orderic is well illustrated in a second case involving a woman in an important military position. In 1139, Matilda of Ramsbury, commander of the stronghold of Devizes and mistress to Roger, bishop of Salisbury, was forced into action when King Stephen (c.1096-1154) besieged Devizes on suspicion that rebellious forces stirred up by Roger and his nephews were hiding there. Attempting to force its surrender, Stephen brought out Bishop Roger’s son (by Matilda) and ordered that he be hanged unless Devizes surrender.

According to Orderic, when Matilda saw her son about to be killed she apparently cried out ‘I gave him birth, and it can never be right for me to cause his destruction’, whereupon she handed over the castle to the king, thus forcing the surrender of the castle’s garrison. Orderic’s inclusion of Matilda’s outburst, however, conflicts with other sources which do not mention this incident. William of Malmesbury’s Historia Novella, written only a few years after the incident, omits all mention of Matilda when describing the castle’s surrender, as does the Gesta Stephani, Henry of Huntingdon’s Historia Anglorum, and Roger of Wendover’s much later Flores Historiarum.

Nevertheless, Matilda’s role as guardian of the keep at Devizes reveals that she did have command of the castle and thus would have played a central part in any decision to surrender, even if the actual specifics of her involvement in the bishop’s surrender remain unclear. Given that the other sources omit her outburst, Orderic’s version of events appears less tenable, which only goes to show that we should be aware of possible distortions in chroniclers’ portrayal of women in a position of command.

Amongst the upper nobility, marriage also offered some women an opportunity to demonstrate military leadership of their own initiative. One unusual case comes from 1321, when Isabella of France (c.1295-1358), queen consort to King Edward II of England, was involved in an incident in which she ordered her marshals to force an entry into Leeds castle, after she was denied lodging there for the night by Lady Badlesmere (whose husband had been supporting Edward’s enemies and who held the castle). In response, Lady Badlesmere ordered her archers to fire on Isabella’s men, killing six of them, and forcing the Queen to retreat. Lady Badlesmere and the rest of her family were later imprisoned by Edward for their actions following a siege of Leeds castle.

What make this incident remarkable is that two women were commanding military forces against one another, one defending her husband’s property, the other ordering the attack which began the whole skirmish. For Isabella at least, this was not her only initiative that required military force: just five years later, in 1326, she helped plan an invasion of England with the support of French nobles and disposed of her husband King Edward, ruling as regent for her son Edward III alongside her lover Roger Mortimer.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples of military initiative by a woman forced to defend her husband’s domains, however, is that of Jeanne de Montfort (c.1295-1374), Countess of Montfort and wife to John IV of Montfort (1295-1345), later Duke of Brittany. She is noted for her actions during the siege of Hennebont in 1342, during the Breton War of Succession between the houses of Blois and Montfort for control of the duchy of Brittany. The Countess was in Hennebont along with other lords when an army led by Charles of Blois, the rival claimant to Brittany, laid siege to the town in response to her husband’s refusal to surrender the duchy to Charles, as determined by the judgement of the King and peers.

On the third day of the siege the French lords launched a determined assault on Hennebont, motivating the Countess (who led the defence of the city) to ride through the streets urging on the townsfolk to defend the city, encouraging damsels and other women to ‘cut short their kirtles’ and carry ‘stones and pots full of chalk to the walls’, that they might be cast down on their enemies. Leading by example, the Countess then rode out armed, together with three hundred horsemen, and led the charge into the French camp while its inhabitants were away fighting, destroying it by setting the tents on fires, before escaping to the castle of Brest, rearming, and returning to Hennebont to defend it from another assault. The Countess’s courageous defensive actions proved crucial to allowing the defenders, men and women alike, to hold off the besiegers until English forces arrived by sea and relieved the siege.

Two things are worth noting about this incident. First, the involvement of women – young and old – in the defence of the town, which reflects the support roles medieval women often fulfilled whilst their men-folk were fighting. Second are Jeanne’s efforts in leading the defence of Hennebont as well as the attack on the French camp, for though she may not have actually fought the enemy with her own hands, hers is nevertheless an extremely unusual case in that we have a woman who actively commanded and participated in a military attack.

It is little wonder then that Jean Froissart, the great fourteenth century chronicler, evokes a masculinised image of Jeanne as a woman who had ‘the courage of a man and the heart of a lion’. While his description is intended as a compliment, it nevertheless illustrates how even the most competent of medieval militant women were sometimes described as having male attributes.

Alongside marriage, a noblewoman’s inheritance could also, on occasion, play an important role in facilitating female military leadership. Female inheritance (of land) usually took the form of dowries which the bride’s family gave to their daughters upon marriage. Upon divorce or widowhood, dowries served as women’s inheritance and provided them with a living, since the practise of male primogeniture throughout much of Western Europe made it unlikely that women would inherit all of the family property and any seigniorial (or ruling) power that may have come with it. Even if women did happen to inherit such property, they were certainly not expected to perform military service by involving themselves in its defence.

And yet, some women did exactly that. Shahar gives the example of Mahaut, Countess of Artois (1268-1329), who inherited her father’s county in 1302 and who, according to Shahar, ‘crushed all attempts at rebellion by vassals.’ A more personal struggle was that of the widow of Arnoul II, count of Guînes, who waged war on her own son Baldwin III – Arnoul’s heir – for two years from 1220 to 1222, apparently because he did not cede to his mother control of certain properties to which she was entitled as widow.

Then there was Giralda of Laurac, to whom belonged the castrum (defensive fort) at Lavaur in southern France and who, along with her brother Aimeric of Montréal, led its defence when it was besieged by Simon de Montfort, leader of the Albigensian Crusade, in 1211. Upon its capture by Montfort’s army, Giralda was unceremoniously thrown in a well and crushed by the heavy stones thrown upon her. Marvin has suggested that the reason she was executed was because she actively commanded men during the siege, although Jones believes it is more probable she was executed for heresy instead. In any case, the key point is that while it may not have been common for women to become involved in the military defence of their inheritance, given the means and sufficient motivation, some women did fight to prevent the loss of that inheritance.

At the same time, not all women were limited to defensive actions. Indeed, when a woman’s inheritance was extremely large and entailed extensive ruling privileges, as might occur with a woman of the high nobility, she was more able to exercise leadership and initiate offensive military action. Thus, for instance, in January 1229, Blanche of Castile (1188-1252), widow of King Louis VIII and regent for her son Louis IX, commanded a successful attack on rebels based at the castle of Peter Mauclerc, count of Brittany, as part of her efforts to quell rebellious lords who had allied themselves with the English king Henry III’s supporters in western France.

Further afield in the Holy Land, Melisende (1105-1161), daughter of King Baldwin II, inherited the kingdom of Jerusalem after his death, and ruled the kingdom independently for nearly a decade after her husband’s death in 1143, largely excluding her son – Baldwin III – from government. Even after Baldwin gained power forcefully from Melisende, she still had much influence in government, and in 1157 she played an important part in organising a military expedition to recapture a stronghold across the Jordan, assisted by one Baldwin de Lille. In both these cases, the women involved were able to use the authority derived from their inheritance to take a leading role in a military action.”

- James Michael Illston, ‘An Entirely Masculine Activity’? Women and War in the High and Late Middle Ages Reconsidered

[une-sanz-pluis]

[Henry V's] experience of battle at Shrewsbury might also have made Henry especially conscious of the plight of those who suffered in war. In November 1413, for example, he granted Thomas Huntley and his wife Agnes a pension of 8d per day for the term of their lives, drawn on revenues in Essex and Hertfordshire. Thomas had, like the king himself, been wounded at Shrewsbury and ‘could not earn his living, nor did he have anything on which to live, as it is said’. Later in the reign, the king had made provision for those left wounded and deprived of sufficient means by their service in his French war. Shortly after his death, it was recorded that he had given sums of money ‘at various times’ to ‘certain soldiers, wounded [mutulatis] in the king’s service, and reduced to poverty through the weakness of their bodies’.His executors discharged their duties and cleared the debts thus incurred. Les Invalides (founded in 1670) and Chelsea Hospital (founded in 1682) clearly had precedents, if less institutionalised ones.

Malcolm Vale, Henry V: The Conscience of a King (Yale University Press, 2016)

[coquette2004]

Hi!! Thank you for the tag, beloved Sheep!

Now, for my hear me out cake, one person on it would DEFINITELY be Mary Queen of Scots! She and Queen Victoria were the first two historical figures I was drawn to so a hear me out cake wouldn't be the same without them.

I'm also putting our beloved Charles II, Catherine of Braganza and Nell Gwynne in the cake as well. Why not? I love them so much.

And Rochester and Monmouth as well. Now just crazy Stuart men.

You all obviously know a hear me out cake wouldn't be a hear me out cake without my dear (controversial) James II. The man is now fully integrated into my brain and my soul, haha.

Stupid man with his stupid face and stupid wig and unhinged sexual energy. Alongside those damn legs.

They're beautiful. He's beautiful.

I can't live without him.

Then his wives, Anne Hyde and darling Maria. And Louisa Maria.

I love them.

And then umm, Mary II and William III (Sheep won't want me to steal William but I will anyways) and Anne and George.

Alongside Shrewsbury!

So there you have it. A very crowded hear me out cake.

Tagging @acrossthewavesoftime, @vintagedolce @culpepers-wife and @lavenderrosiefan.

And anyone else who wants to join. :⁠-⁠)

Calling history nerds 🚨🚨🚨

Which historical figure(s) would you put on your hear me put cake?

I would put Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Ulysses S Grant on ofc :) (They can also be someone just for goofiness)

hear me out cake example:

Tag people!!! @allysah @tommy-288 @tompoose @maip--macrothorax @rosemeriwether @pranklinfierce @chaotic-history and everyone else :)

[jewels2876]

Prince Charming

A/N: The day’s not over yet! This is my entry for @the-th-horniest-book-club Character Apprecation Day - today is Prince Hal!!  I took a little liberty with history but with this face...

Word Count: 579

You stood nervously at the back of the hall. It was a grand ball in the honor of the prince’s victory at the Battle of Shrewsbury. You smoothed out the hunter green silk of your dress although there didn’t appear to be any noticeable wrinkles. It was a nervous habit; your father stood next to you shaking his head almost imperceptibly. You gave him a rueful smile and stopped; you straightened up and pushed your shoulders back slightly. You were nervous to be the prince and not being able to see ahead of you gave your stomach butterflies.

“Presenting, the Honorable y/n and Baron y/l/n,” came the royal announcement. A pink color tinged your cheeks as you and your father were presented to the royal court. Prince Hal’s gaze fell onto your face and he felt a stirring in both his heart and his groin. Your face was exquisite, set off by your perfectly plaited hair, framing your high cheekbones. Your eyes were captivating; Hal felt drawn in by your gaze and sweet soft smile. He rose from his dais and approached you and your father.

“Baron y/l/n, it is a pleasure to see you again in court. I see you’ve brought your youngest daughter with you?”

Your father bowed to the heir apparent before correcting him. “May I present my middle daughter, y/n? It is her first time at court.”

Hal was now allowed to turn his full attention to you. You curtsied low, allowing Hal to see the teasing outline of your chest, heaving slightly as you grew nervous under his attention. Hal extended his hand, which you took; he assisted you as you raised to stand before him. 

“The pleasure is mine to meet you, my y/n,” Hal lowered his head towards your hand. A quiet ripple of murmurs moved about the hall at the gesture. Your cheeks pinked again but you remained quietly confident; his attention was only on you and you basked in it.  Hal turned to the musicians in the corner, who started up immediately. He turned back to you, smile matching yours. “May I have this dance?”

“You may my lord.” You curtsied once again, not quite as low this time, before he swept you into his arms. The dance was soft and romantic and you let the world fade away as he carried around the hall. The king smiled at this development; he motioned to your father to approach.

“Is your daughter betrothed?”

Your father’s smile was a bit sad as he turned to see the two of you still dancing as the music continued to play on. “She is my favorite,” he admitted. “I will be sad to see her go.”

The king nodded in understanding before turning his attention back to the couple. “It seems they make quite a match.”

“I see it too.”

Several hours later, the prince and you were still dancing, still arm and arm, although much closer than societal rules would normally dictate. But Hal didn’t care, and neither did you. The musicians nodded at the prince as they played their final song. Your head rested on his shoulder with a sigh. “Does the music have to end?” you whispered quietly.  Hal smiled in the darkness, his hand resting just at your waist.

“Do you wish to dance forever my y/n?”

“If it means staying like this,” you looked up into his bright green eyes, shining in the moonlight. “yes.”

tagging: @just-the-hiddles @sarahivi @littleredstarfish @thejemersoninferno @jobean12-blog @marvelgirl7 @loricameback​ @nuggsmum​ @what-just-happened-bro​ @xxloki81xx​ @lokilvrr​ @lokiandbuckyaremine​ 

[amarguerite]

Top five story tropes?

Oh damn that’s really hard. Uhhhh hm.

1) slow burn

Mentioned elsewhere but I can’t stand instalust and never believe it. Nothing makes me distrust a book faster than something like that. Instant attraction sure! But it had better get drawn out into a long drawn out game of shy glances and near hand touches.

2) female friendships

Hate it when there aren’t any. Feel alientanted from texts when it isn’t present. The thing that made me honestly love Dorthy Sayers was her depecition of the female friendships at Shrewsbury College in Gaudy Night.

3) friends to lovers

Hate enemies to lovers unless it’s like Kate Beaton’s nemesis. I don’t buy love unless it’s built on mutual respect. I read austen young and I know where lack of respect leads!!!!

4) costume porn

Idk what to say about this. Just love a good dress description.

5) that arrested development thing of a character going, “it’ll go great!” And the narrator going “it did not go great.”

Not sure if that is actually a trope but I find that construction consistently funny.