#esther 1-5

[deepwaterministries]

Esther 1

- the king was named Ahasuerus, who reigned from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces.

- he reigned Persia, which, as the silver shoulders in King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, was on of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. Thus, it is safe to say King Ahasuerus was one of the most wealthy, powerful people in the world. His word was law. Here is a picture of the room he hosted the parties in:

- Vashti was throwing a party for all when julwomen of the palace.

- he summoned Vashti to show off, and she refused to come, so he was mad. I don't think the two of them had a very healthy relationship.

- his next actions were at least partially to save face, a) so women would still respect and subject to their husbands, and b) prevent strife, because if the king didn't have authority, who did?

- so the king agreed to the words of his advisors, and an irrevocable decree was issued, the queen banished, so every man was the leader of his household and could keep his family according to the ways of his people.

Esther 2

- even though the action was backed with fact, a better action could have been taken, had the king not acted in anger. He went over the events in his mind in a regretful way.

- apparently, the king had a lot of wives and concubines, and Vashti had been feasting with them. Those were her friends.

- it seems the king and queen didn't have a very good relationship. So Vashti's actions are explainable if not justifiable. (Lack of respect for a) another person, b) her husband, and c) authority)

- the advisors told him to gather young, virgin maidens and have them beautified by Hegai, then whichever he liked best, he could make her queen.

- Moderdecai and Esther were Benjamites. I just think that's cool.

- Esther impressed Hegai with her kindness. He gave her 7 attendants and the best part of the house.

- she didn't tell them her people, on request of Mordecai.

- Mordecai visited her daily, to check on her. He was an excellent adoptive faster, and we can see it even more so later on.

- after a year of beauty treatments, each women got a turn to come before the king. She was given whatever she wished and sent to the king for a single night. The next morning, she was taken to the king's harem , to live with his other concubines. She would never see him again unless the king remembered her name. And the fact that Esther's was the only name the king remembered speaks about this horrible practice.

- when it was Esther's turn, she took nothing but what Hegai recommended, and everyone who saw her liked her.

- the king, along with everyone else, loved her. He remembered her name. Out of the hundreds of beautiful women, he remembered Esther. This was no accident, not a coincidence that a godly woman found favor with the king, becoming queen. God put Esther Into the place she needed to be to help His people.

- Esther loved and respected Mordecai, and rightfully so.

- Mordecai ended up being by the king's gate a lot. He was probably known pretty well by the palace inhabitance.

- because of Mordecai's hanging out around the palace, he overheard Bigthan and Teresh plotting to kill the king.

- he tells Esther, who tells the king, and tells him a little about Mordecai (not too much, just his name)

- so the king's life is saved and Mordecai's name is recorded in the king's files. All because Esther had become queen. "That was no accident either," ~Master Oogway

Esther 3

- later, Ahasuerus promoted Haman above all the princes and of the king's servants were made to bow down to him. Mordecai didn't. The king's servants asked Mordecai why he wouldn't bow, and told him daily that he was supposed to. They talked to Haman to see if he would let Mordecai get away with it, since they knew he was a Jew.

- Haman was furious at Mordecai, and wanted to lay hands on (fight) him, but decided that him alone wasn't enough. Haman decided to take revenge on and destroy all Jews under Ahasuerus' kingdoms.

- in the first month of the year, Haman cast lots and decided when to destroy the Jews. He settled on the 12th month.

- he then told the king that a certain people were living in his lands that didn't follow the king's laws and kept to themselves, saying that it wouldn't profit the king to let them live. Just because he didn't like a single person he convinced the king the entire group was evil and needed eradication. He even put a bribe on the Jews heads, that if the king let them be destroyed, Haman would pay 10,000 sacks of silver into the king's treasury. The king didn't take it, he said the money and the people were Haman's to do what he would with.

- and it was sent out to every part of the kingdom. On the 13th day of the 12th month, every single Jew must die, and everything they possessed would be distributed to those who killed them.

Esther 4

- When Mordecai learned about the coming slaughter, he tore his clothes and donned mourning attire; sackcloth and ashes, and wept in the streets. He came up to the palace, but didn't go in, as people in sackcloth couldn't go in.

- ^both to preserve the decadence of the palace and to keep protesters away from the king.

- (also just those in mourning/mourning clothes couldn't go in cuz of the above)

- Esther sent Mordecai new clothes, but he refused them. She sent one of the King's chamberlains to go talk to Mordecai and figure out what was wrong. (Esther wasn't supposed to leave the castle so as to not get mobbed or injured)

- so the chamberlain talked to Mordecai, and Mordecai told him all about Haman's decree, giving him a copy of the decree, with an order to go to the king and plead on behalf of the Jews.

- the chamberlain told these things to Esther, and Esther told him to tell Mordecai that no one, man or woman, can't come into the king's inner court without the king's calling them. The offender would be killed if the king didn't extend his golden scepter to them.

- the king hadn't called Esther in thirty days.

- Mordecai returned with this message, "Don't think that you'll escape this because you're in the palace. If you hold your peace now, mercy for the Jews will come from somewhere else, but you and your line will perish. Who knows? Maybe this is why you were made queen?"

- I want to talk about Mordecai for a minute. Esther communicated clearly her situation, without strings attached, because she had a good relationship with him. He then told her her what was going to happen,, not sugar coating, not trying to damage. He knew that one way she would die and the other she might live and have a chance to help many people. I can logically say that he had prayed about it and learned what to tell her. GOOD COMMUNICATION.

- He also allowed himself to deal with negative emotions; even though he knew the Jews would be saved, he allowed shelf to let out his mourning so he could be clear headed and mentally healthy. Jesus did something similar much later with Lazarus. Even though he knew he could raise him back to life, he was still sad at the death of a close friend, even family. He wept, but then he got up and took care of things. You can't heal until the thing causing the hurt is addressed and delt with.

- Esther asked that the Jews in Shushan fasted for her 3 days, and her maids and she would do the same. "And if I perish, I perish." Mordecai did what she asked. (Sympathy for her difficult task from Mordecai; huge devotion to God and her people from Esther. Being totally willing to die for God's will, showing that even though she might have felt unqualified, she could be a courageous leader.)

Esther 5

- from the way Ahasuerus talks to her,the has grown to respect her. Referring to her as Queen Esther, offering her up to half the kingdom, (and not in a flirty way, I. The way he would offer a trusted court member such a gift. And remember, most court members at this time were male, so for him to respect and trust her this much is amazing.)

- she invited the king and Haman both to a banquet. They attended, and the king asked what her real request is. She said for them both to come to another banquet tomorrow when she'd tell him what she really wanted.

- Haman went away full of joy, but hid mood was spoiled when he saw Mordecai at the gate, not bowing. Even so, he came home, and told his friends and his wife, Zeresh, about all the ways he was rich and how the king had promoted him. He then told them how the queen had invited only him and the king to a private banquet, and how he was invited to another one of the same style tomorrow.

- even Haman with his ego respected Esther. He's not the sort to look up to people, and from the way be speaks about her, he really looks up to her. She must have been doing a great job as Queen to earn the respect of such a self centered man.

- he finishes by saying that all of these things are worth nothing to him as long as he sees Mordecai at the gate.

- the assembled group suggests that he erect a gallows and request the king that Mordecai be hanged on it in the morning, then he could enjoy the banquet later.

- the way they tell him this, nonchalant and certain, tells me that Haman often gets whatever he wants from the king and is a slight power behind the throne.

[silverfoxjoel]

i have to watch a kid’s show for my psych class. any recommendations?

[yououghtaknow]

NEW CLIP: “Owning Someone Else”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27660092/chapters/67874299

[instrumental-break]

it's the abundance of chickens for me

lemme count them

9, 6, 5, 2, 7ish?, 1

about 30 chickens now holy heck yeah that’s fair

[shannon-foraker]

Summary: Javier Giscard had thought he was going to die many times, but as a naval officer, he went back into danger anyway.

Five times Javier Giscard thought he was going to die, and when he actually did.

@ -mentioning who aren't on the discord that might wanna read.

@really-quite-tremendous (the last section is during At All Costs, so you may wanna skip it)

@sarnakhwritesthings

[quotesfromscripture]

Inside the house of the king...

“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.” (Esther 5:1, Authorized KJV) 

“And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars. And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.” (1 Kings 7:11-12, Authorized KJV) 

“And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.” (Ezekiel 8:16, Authorized KJV) 

[betterlifeinoverall-rethabilep]

24/7 Powerful Weapon Third Edition

Prayer can help you fight unknown Spiritual fights. @coach_rethabile.marah Like, Share And Follow Please don’t forget to comment

[chezzywezzy]

Horror Movies & Shows Masterlist

All of us are Dead

- Gwi-nam :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Bird Box

- The monster :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Halloween

- Michael Myers :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Hush

- The Killer :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

It

- Henry Bowers :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

- Pennywise :

Part 1 | Part 2

Lost Boys

- Lost Boys :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8

Scream

- Billy & Stu :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 pt. 2 Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Silent Hill

- Pyramid Head :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Spree

- Kurt Kunkle (his fkin last name has me crying) ;

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Stranger Things

- Eddie Munson :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13

- Henry Creel :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

The Boy

- Brahms Heelshire (Playlist) :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

The Orphan

- Esther :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 

The Turning 

- Miles Fairchild :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 another Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

You

- Joe Goldberg :

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

[throwaway-yandere]

ESTHER (Yandere Idol!Kaeya Alberich/Reader)

CW: bodily harm. 

Alice's note, mother of Klee: I'm not sure why Lumine put you here exactly. I thought you'd end up with Aether– oh but I guess she wants to keep her brother to herself. Keep your guard up around Kaeya, "ESTHER". You'll never know what he's up to.

1k event masterlist

-----------------

Sometimes you couldn't tell if it was all in your head. You're supposed to be the assistant and Kaeya Alberich is your idol. 

So why the hell does it feel like it's the other way around?

Sometimes you couldn't tell if it was all in your head. Being the assistant is what you're supposed to do, and Kaeya Alberich is your hero.

He is unnervingly kind. Kaeya would make it a point to pull out seats, open doors, and give you a warm welcome each morning. For someone in your position, this is a big deal. Though it doesn't appear that way in photos and fancams, you were given the responsibility of managing him. Strangely enough, he spoke of what he does as if it were nothing. He'd laugh and say that he treats everyone with the same vigor, and almost mockingly tells you that he's sorry if he "led you on."

It was embarrassing.

Of course, Mister Alberich doesn't have any romantic attraction towards you. You're just his producer, nothing more, nothing less. During the album release celebration, he made that extremely apparent. Kaeya even went into detail about how you're just not his type and went so far as to offer a date if you were deeply saddened by his rejection. Needless to say, you were more than thankful that he confronted you alone on the balcony. However, you can't help but reserve some doubts regarding his sincerity so you spend your alone time pondering his words.

Fortunately, Diluc saw your dilemma.

"Chin up, (Y/n). You can only trust half of what he says, at best."

Without Diluc whispering rather earnestly to clear your head, you don't know how long you would've stayed on the balcony. You didn't understand what Mister Ragnvindr meant by that, but he was kind enough to (finally) give you his contact number. He insisted that if his adopted brother were to trouble you again "psychologically or otherwise", you should ring him up. 

When you went to work the next day, Kaeya already knew about your secret exchange. Not like he was being subtle about it.

"Good evening, Sir Alberich."

"Hmm, I think you're in the wrong room, Mx. Producer." He smiled so sweetly. It was kinda nauseating, but that was his intention. "Aether's in the lobby– oh, but maybe you're here for my brother?"

You smiled. 

Well, you're just relieved that your two-way joking banters had resumed. You don't want to spend the whole day silently ordering him around.

"Oh, wow, really? I definitely did not just see them both when I got here." You gasped exaggeratedly. "Do you think I should get his autograph?"

Kaeya scoffed, grinning, but his lips were strained and his eyes did not crinkle. He wasn't having a good day, you mentally noted.

"(Y/n)."

"Sir."

"What's my schedule for today?"

You laughed. Kaeya doesn't like it when you nag him. Strangely, he's practically begging to be bugged by asking this question.

"You have to practice for the To Be Reunited play. Act II - Scene 1 to 5. Afterward, you have a business meeting with assistant "Mei" and CEO Alhaitham–"

"Alright, alright, let me rephrase that." Kaeya sighed. His shoulders dropped down, and you realized just how tense he was earlier. "You. What's YOUR schedule for today?"

You raised an eyebrow. 'What are you trying to pull?' is what you want to say but judging from how your "boss" was trying to hide how dejected he looks, you're not going to push your luck.

"Same as yours, Sir Alberich." You told him nonchalantly.

"When are you– when are we BOTH free, then?"

"Around 3 to 5 PM."

"How fortunate." He grabbed his phone, typing something down. "Let's grab some chicken-mushroom skewers later– look forward to this." 

You shrugged. "Mushroom soup is better. Allow me to pay for it at least–"

"Can't hear you right now over the sound of me being SOOOO busy, (Y/n)."

"Heh. What a drama queen."  

-----------------

"Kaeya...?"

You unlocked his apartment's door.

He hasn't gone to work for days. Although three leaves of absence may not seem concerning, as a well-known idol, this is a producer's worst nightmare. His location said his phone is here, so you're acting under the assumption that he wouldn't leave without it. Although this act theoretically constitutes an invasion of privacy, you are desperate to find out why he suddenly went up and vanished.

"Listen– I brought some chicken-mushroom skewers!!! And one bowl of mushroom soup but that's not important..." You muttered the last sentence.

SHUT!!!

"Didn't your parents warn you not to enter a man's house so recklessly?"

In a blink of an eye, Kaeya was in front of you. His clothes were unkempt and his shirt was unbuttoned halfway. 

His starry cerulean eyes were melancholically breathtaking.

No– his starry cerulean eye.

You were so mesmerized and concerned that you didn't realize he had you backed up against the wall.

"What... What happened?" You traced your thumb lightly across his bandaged face. The gauze was not clean. This wound was recent. Regardless of what facts you found out, you couldn't fathom just who would try to hurt Kaeya like this. "Who did this? Who did this to you?!"

"Took you long enough." He muttered. 

Kaeya drew back slightly, but he refused to remove the hand that trapped you in this position. You reached out to grab your phone– to contact Diluc– but his large hand stopped you.

"Kaeya–"

"I did some digging a few days ago." Kaeya chuckled. His breath caressed your cheeks, but you can't move away. His free hand dangerously moved to cup your neck. "My dearest (Y/n), your name is already perfect the way it is. But why do hide behind the name ESTHER as well?"

You gulped. Shit.

"ESTHER."

They have a devoted following on all social media platforms. On their blog, ESTHER frequently engages with fans and posts fan-made content. Some might even dare to "delete" them by creating a phony account, but they are far too credible for such malicious slander.

What is "ESTHER" known for, exactly?

Well... 

"What does 5wirl have that ADDICKTZ don't? ADDICKTZ is the leading idol group. So how, I–" Kaeya's hollow laughter echoed. "–I'm sorry, I just don't get it. We're the group with the most fans, so why are you running a fan account for 5wirl– hell– why are you running a fan account for their stylist, Scaramouche? Why are you so prying– so nosy when it's about them? Aren't you the least bit curious about my past?"

His hold on your neck grew significantly firmer. You can still breathe, yet breathing felt wrong.

"You've..." His lips quivered, and his voice was now soft and weak. "You've never posted anything about me. Why? Was I not good enough for you? Everyone has their secrets, but this isn't a secret. This is quite the betrayal." 

He spat. "Is it true? Is it true that you wanted to join TEYVAT productions for a chance to be Aether's producer?"

You bit your lip.

You don't know the first thing of the hell you've put him through. Kaeya tried being just like Aether– he acted like a dog around you begging for more orders but he was met with your perplexed face instead. It just wasn't fair. 

Fitting how the name ESTHER also means "to hide or conceal." Guess you're both lying by omission, then.

"Kaeya..."

You yelped as he placed his head on the crook of your neck. His cold earring touched your shoulder, making you flinch. Kaeya whimpered. "Luck must hate me so much if it made me fall in love with someone who hates the cold."

Reluctantly, you wrapped your arm around his back, patting him. "Kaeya, you're still bleeding. Let's get you cleaned up."

"... So you're just going to ignore my confession, ESTHER?"

----------

"Chin up, (Y/n). You can only trust half of what he says, at best."

"Why, because he has a crush on me?"

"... You're a nosy person. I'm sure you already have the answer to that question."

----------

You laughed which made him hold you tighter. It was not a good time to laugh.

"Kaeya, let's focus on–"

"I know you hate confrontation but are you seriously running away now?" Kaeya looked down. Your shoulder feels soaked, and you can't tell if it's from his blood or his tears. "Please don't leave me. There's no way they'll let me stay as an idol now. I'm not blind– I know I'm a damaged product now and you'll leave me so–"

Hearing all this breaks your heart. This was not the confident Kaeya Alberich you worked with.  

And You? Leaving a nice man like him? Not a chance. 

Your heart won't allow it.

"Shhhhh... I-I'm not running away. I'd never leave you." You stuttered. "I'll tell you all that you need to know, but you have to let me help you."

Kaeya perked up.

Your guess was right.

He was crying.

"Everything?"

"Everything."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Good."

Kaeya grinned.

Wonderful. His first strategy was a bust, but who knew you could be manipulated with just a few fake tears?

It seems like cutting his eye was a bright idea. Two birds, one stone. He gets to leave the company and you'll remain by his side. Kaeya can no longer tolerate living in his more successful brother's shadow, so he'll leave in the best way he can. 

Kaeya Alberich is a desperately lonely man. No fame can ever soothe the emptiness he's been dealt with.

He'll blame Diluc for this and pretend to be the bigger man. Of course, he's not going to take his older brother to court, he cares about him! Keep this incident a secret. But having one eye can be such a pain, please be there to help poor Kaeya out.

After all, you promised you'll stay and tell him everything, didn't you?

Ansytea: THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE YANDERE!IDOL EVENT ESTHER ANON :DD

[thegardenofbae]

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 "𝐈𝐓" 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

It’s always been my dream to be viewed as a living goddess. When anyone encounters me, I want them to feel as though they have just come in contact with an ethereal being. Someone who is so uniquely feminine, elegant, skillful, kind, elegant, and charming. I want them to be captivated by my beauty and enraptured by my intellect. There is no spell that can accomplish this. Only dedicated and precise hard work. You have to be dedicated. You have to show up for yourself every day, even when you’re tired. Even when you’re sad. Even when you feel totally uninspired. Put in the work for what you want. Here is your guide.

𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓

Start the day off by thanking God for all of your blessings that are tangible and intangible. Starting the day off with a grateful heart is step 1 to having a great day!

Literally, stay prayed up in everything you do. If something feels wrong (or even if something feels right) consult with God about it. Let Him be the governing force in your life. Lean more on his word than your own understanding. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Read your Bible every day. Utilize the guidebook that helps you read the whole bible in one year. Utilize the S.O.A.P method to study and get a firm understanding of what God says and what he expects of us.

Read Christian literature by reputable authors. Books that will help you strengthen your faith, become a woman of God, who is secure in her faith and in herself. Books that will help you become a better servant and a kinder person. (For example: The Esther Anointing by Michelle McClain-Walters)

Supplement some of the entertainment you indulge in now with Christian music and podcasts (from reputable creators)

Attend church every Sunday and once schedule allows, attend Tuesday young adult ministry

Serve in the church in some capacity. Preferably in youth ministry, but wherever the help is needed.

Have a prayer network— friends who can call on one another whenever they need prayer (Matthew 18:20)

[itsonlythee-sims]

Eli's Simblreen 2022 Masterpost

Thank you everyone who sent Delta and I asks the past 2 weekends! We really enjoyed the cheesy jokes and nice messages!

I had a lot of fun my first time participating in Simblreen. I hope you enjoyed your treats! For everyone who missed out, I've scrounged up some leftovers to hand out. I'll leave them out on the porch for you to grab at your leisure ;)

Download my Simblreen treats after the cut!

Week 1

On day 1, I shared this silly Bony Hands Skirt set. I was inspired after @thatsimslady sent me the pic on the left and knew it would be a great addition to the game.

base game recolor

deep purple with fluorescent green hands print

both frames

2 swatches each

color tagged & thumbnails

Download at SFS

On day 2. I shared the Chalk-or-Treat blackboards, a simple recolor of a base game wall deco with fresh wood and chalk art.

base game recolor

6 swatches

color tagged & thumbnail

Download at SFS

Day 3 was a small CAS set for kids. First, the Hallow-onesies set, a 5 piece recolor of a kids' Get Together pajama, great for watching scary movies in.

requires Get Together

kids' full body category, both frames

5 seasonally appropriate swatches

There was also this kids' facepaint set which I had a lot of fun making. I hope your sim kids enjoy them too :)

facepaint category

requires Spa Day (I think? it was cloned from the Spa Day face masks)

9 hand painted swatches

tested across different skintones

Download both sets at SFS

Week 2

Had a bit of trouble getting the first gift of week 2 working correctly without its original pack but I did manage to do it. (thanks Esther!)

Day 4's Have A Sweet ottomans seemed like a good candidate for some Halloween recolors. Originally an SE mesh, I've made them base game compatible.

BGC

7 cute swatches + 1 creepy eyeball swatch

color tagged & custom thumbnails

Download at SFS

And finally, here's the treat I was most excited to share, my Spooky Mingos as they appear to be called at retail? I saw these guys IRL one time and they're so silly. Skeleton flamingo is one of my favorite Inexplicably Skeletal Animals for Halloween time. I upscaled & cleaned up the original flamingo texture, and then painstakingly hand painted the skeleton swatch. I'm really happy with how they turned out.

BGC retexture

5 spooky swatches

kitschy goodness

color tagged & custom thumbnail

Download at SFS | MtS

Hope everyone has a great Halloween! I'm gonna follow Delta's lead and take it easy (and try out all the cool things you all shared!)

[djappleblush]

OMG THEY FINALLY RELEASED THE KISS BTS I'VE BEEN HOUNDING THEM FOR LOLOLOLS

Come rejoice with me!!!!!!!!!

I have to add a few observations:

1. Usually Esther was the one directing their kissing scenes (I don't know why, ok) and was pretty much always kinda nonchalant about it. But this time, as Dylan kept staring into her soul, you can see and feel she started to get... affected? She suddenly looked down, breaking eye contact WHILE DYLAN JUST KEPT STARING AT HER until he walked away and disappeared to the side, and Esther looked at the staff and gave off a laugh. Teehee...

2. Dylan was serious the whole time, obviously mentally and physically preparing himself to convey the proper emotions of the kiss given the context of the scene.

3. I love how Esther just as quickly got into the role and immersed herself in the scene. Gone was the awkwardly laughing Esther. All I saw was Xiao Lanhua. Gotta give props to her as well!

4. I just about died the way Dylan held Esther's head as he kissed her, while Esther's arm went around his waist to draw them closer. There was obviously longing and desperation the way they're BOTH devouring each other. Rawr!

I heard in the book Xiao Lanhua can get pretty aggressive and isn't shy in showing Dongfang Qingcang what she wants. 😏😏😏 That's my girl. You go, girl! Go get it!!!

5. I WANT THE DIRECTOR'S CUT OF THIS, PREFERABLY AN HOUR LONG.

[apocrypals]

Previously, on Apocrypals part 5: The Fifth One

As we begin our sixth (!) calendar year of Apocrypals, here is a list of the texts we have covered so far on the show in case you want to read along or catch up. They’re arranged in a way that appeases my systematic nature.  

Tanakh/Old Testament:

Genesis (episodes 16-20)

Exodus (episodes 33 and 35)

Leviticus (episode 59)

Numbers (episode 62)

Deuteronomy (episode 65)

Joshua (episode 73)

Judges (episode 80)

Ruth (episode 45)

1 Samuel (episode 89)

2 Samuel (episode 90-91)

1 Kings (episode 99)

2 Kings (episode 106)

Esther (episode 37)

Job (episode 101)

Ecclesiastes (episode 52)

Song of Songs (episode 34)

Isaiah (episode 4)

Jeremiah (episode 43-44)

Lamentations (episode 48)

Ezekiel (episode 55-56)

Daniel (episode 2)

Hosea (episode 108)

Jonah (episode 31)

Micah (episode 74)

Nahum (episode 74)

Deuterocanon/capital-A Apocrypha:

Tobit (episode 13)

Judith (episode 22)

Greek Additions to Esther (episode 37)

1 Maccabees (episode 27)

2 Maccabees (episode 28)

3 Maccabees (episode 53)

4 Maccabees (episode 78)

The Prayer of Azariah aka the Song of the Three Holy Children (episode 2)

Susanna (episode 2)

Bel and the Dragon (episode 2)

The Prayer of Manasseh (episode 6)

New Testament:

Matthew (episodes 8-9)

Mark (episode 7)

Luke (episode 10)

John (episode 11-12)

Acts of the Apostles (episode 1)

Romans (episode 5)

1 Corinthians (episode 25)

2 Corinthians (episode 42)

Galatians (episode 72)

Ephesians (episode 81)

Hebrews (episode 104)

1 John (episode 49)

2 John (episode 49)

3 John (episode 49)

Revelation (episode 50)

Pseudepigrapha (Jewish apocrypha):

The Testament of Solomon (episode 24)

The Story of Ahikar (episode 14)

The Ascension of Isaiah (episode 6)

1 Enoch (episode 39-40)

2 Enoch (episode 61)

3 Enoch (episode 86-87)

Jubilees (episodes 82 and 83)

The Letter of Aristeas (episode 70)

The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (episode 71)

Joseph and Aseneth (episode 93)

New Testament apocrypha:

The Protevangelium aka Infancy Gospel of James (episode 29)

The Acts of Pilate/Gospel of Nicodemus (episode 23)

Mors Pilati/Death of Pilate (episode 23)

The Acts of Paul and Thecla (episode 22)

The Acts of Peter (episode 3)

The Acts of Peter and Paul (episode 3)

The Acts of Andrew and Matthias (episode 60)

The Acts of Thomas and His Wonderworking Skin (episode 66)

The Life of Xanthippe, Polyxena, and Rebecca (episode 57)

Questions of Bartholomew (episode 41)

Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Bartholomew (episode 41)

The Book of Bartholomew (episode 67)

Acts of John (episode 46)

The Acts of Andrew (episode 97)

Syriac Infancy Gospel (episode 47)

Infancy Gospel of Thomas (episode 54)

Infancy Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (episode 79)

The Adoration of the Magi (2020 Christmas bonus episode)

The History of Joseph the Carpenter (episode 103)

The First Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Second Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Third Apocryphal Apocalypse of John (episode 68)

The Apocalypse of Peter (episode 75)

The Apocalypse of Paul (episode 95)

The Gospel of Philip (episode 92)

The Gospel of Mary (episode 92)

The Gospel of Jesus’s Wife (episode 92)

The Gospel of Judas (episode 100)

The Greater Questions of Mary (episode Secret 69)

The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine:

The Life of Saint Nicholas (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Lucy (episode 26)

The Life of Saint Christopher (episode 15)

The Life of Saint Benedict (episode 15)

excerpts from The Passion of the Lord (episode 23)

The Life of Saint Sebastian (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Blaise (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Agatha (episode 58)

The Life of Saint Roch (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Barbara (episode 77)

The Life of Saint Dunstan (episode 85)

The Life of Mary Magdalene (episode 94)

The Life of Saint Martha of Bethany (episode 102)

The Life of Saint Margaret of Antioch (episode 102)

Other:

Historia Trium Regum/The Legend of the Three Kings by John of Hildesheim (episode 30)

Muirchu’s Life of Saint Patrick (episode 36)

The Life of Saint Guinefort (episode 63)

The Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Pelagia (episode 69)

The Life of Saint Martin by Sulpicius Severus (episode 76)

The Life of Saint Columba (episode 84)

The Life of Saint Wilgefortis (episode 94)

Lives of cephalophoric saints (bonus episode cephalo4)

Stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 96)

More stories of the Baal Shem Tov from The Golden Mountain (episode 107)

Solomon and Ashmedai (bonus episode double chai)

Listener questions (episode 32)

Bible trivia questions (episode 38)

Halloween-themed Chick tracts (episode 51)

Christmas-themed Chick tracts (episode 98)

Bible Adventures and the Wisdom Tree catalogue of video games (episode 64)

The Da Vinci Code, the movie (episode 88)

Guess the Bible character from Persona 5 (bonus episode Persona 5)

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron (episode 105)

You can find links to all these episodes with show notes and more on the Apocrypals wiki

[mangosimoothie]

That hairstyle thing ft. Esther

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 @aladdin-the-simmer @ceeproductions @niecypoohsims @redheadsims-cc @sheabuttyr @simtric @pralinesims

@sxllylxttlebxtch tysm for the tag 🖤

[wlwcatalogue]

A Gay Girl's Guide to Korean Musicals (with English subtitles!)

People often associate musicals with male gayness (both onstage and off) but there's stuff out there for female-oriented queers too! It's just harder to find, which is why I put this video together despite not knowing Korean.

This list isn't comprehensive and I deliberately chose musicals with either queer female characters or gender-free casting (i.e. female actors playing male roles), except for Bernarda Alba, which is special as it’s by far the largest-scale all-female production with 10 characters. Obviously there are many Korean musicals out there which don't meet these criteria and are still of interest to the queers, but I wanted to highlight these in particular as they are, apart from Rebecca, not as well-known. I highly recommend checking out @koreanmusicals for more information on Korean musicals generally!

Note: Again, I don’t understand Korean and relied heavily on machine translation and the original lyrics for licenced productions, so any errors in the subtitles or explanations are mine. Corrections are very welcome!

At-a-glance list:

1. Lizze (리지)

2. Midnight (미드나잇)

3. Rebecca (레베카)

4. Pirate (해적)

5. V Ever After (V 에버 애프터)

6. Frida (프리다)

7. Red Cliff (적벽)

8. Bernarda Alba (베르나르다 알바)

More details, including links to the sources, under the cut!

1. LIZZIE (리지)

Photo source: NewsCulture

A. “If You Knew” (네가 안다면)

Actor: J-Min/제이민 (Alice) Video source:  Oh! J-Min 오! 제이민

B. “Will You Stay?” (있어줄래?)

Actors: J-Min/제이민 (Alice – main vocal), Yuria/유리아 (Lizzie) Video sources:  서울문화투데이TV, OSEN TV, 톱데일리 Top Daily, 더인터 (clip 1, clip 2), PlayDB, TongTongCulture

C. “Sweet Little Sister” (소중한 내 동생)

Actors: Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Emma – main vocal), Jeon Sung-min/전성민 (Lizzie), Lee Youngmi/이영미 (Bridget), Kim Suyeon/김수연 (Alice) Video sources:  PlayDB, TongTongCulture

2. MIDNIGHT (미드나잇)

Photo source: 666PICTURE

A. “The Future Comes A-Knocking” (그날이 찾아왔어)

Actor: Yuria/유리아 (Visitor) Video source: 정숲

B. “Everyone’s A Devil, Now and Then” (누구나 악마죠 때로는)

Actors: Jang Bo-ram/장보람 (Visitor), Ju Da-on/주다온 (Woman), Jang Yoo-sang/장유상 (Man), Park Seon-young/박선영 (Player 1), Jina Esther Baek/백지나에스더 (Player 2), Kang Daewoon/강대운 (Player 3), Hwang Ji-sung/황지성 (Player 4) Video sources: 빚, 라디우스, 탄수화물 섭취량과 행복도의 상관관계

3. REBECCA (레베카)

Photo source: EMK Musical’s official Facebook page

“Rebecca” (레베카)

Actors: Ock Joo Hyun/옥주현 (Mrs. Danvers - main vocal), Lee Ji Hye/이지혜(Protagonist) Video source: EMK MUSICAL

4. PIRATE (해적)

Photo source: comet7423_PIC

A. “I Won't Let You Go” (가만 안 둬)

Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Anne Bonny), Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Mary Read) Video source: KONTENTZ PLANNING

B. “All of us and the dreams we don’t remember” (우리 모두의, 기억나지 않는 꿈)

Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Anne Bonny), Kim Ryeowon/김려원 (Mary Read) Video source: MN CAM

5. V EVER AFTER (V 에버 애프터)

Photo source: Amor_pic

“Hunt” (사냥)

Actors: Kim Ee-hoo/김이후 (Lehwig – main vocal), Hwang Hannah/황한나 (Frantzschez) Video source: 컷콜 찍는 먼지

6. FRIDA (프리다)

Photo source: NewsCulture

“Hummingbird” (허밍버드)

Actors: Jeon Su-mi/전수미  (Diego/Reflejar), Kim So-hyang/김소향 (Frida) Video source: PlayDB

7. RED CLIFF (적벽)

Photo source: L0VE_pearl

“Southeastern Wind” (동남풍)

Actors: Lim Ji-soo (Kong Ming, aka. Zhuge Liang), Lee Geum-mi/이금미 (Zhou Yu), Kim Su-in 김수인 (Lu Su), Choi Ha-neul/최하늘 (Xu Sheng), Lee Yongjeong/이용전 (Zhao Yun, aka. Zhao Zilong), others Video source: KBS 11’s 국악 한마당, episode 1256 (aired 27 Apr 2019)

8. BERNARDA ALBA (베르나르다 알바)

Photo source: Screencap from livestream

“Prologue” (프롤로그)

Actors: Jung Young-joo/정영주 (Bernarda Alba), Lee Youngmi/이영미 (Foncia – main vocal), Hwang Seok-jeong/황석정 (Maria Josefa), Jung In-ji/정인지 (Angustias), Kim Hwan-Hee/김국희 (Amelia), Oh So-yeon/오소연 (Adela), Baek Eun-hye/백은혜 (Magdalena), Jeong Sung-min/전성민 (Martirio), Kim Hieora/김히어라 (Young Handmaid), Kim Koo-hee/김환희 (Handmaid, Prudence) Video source: THE MUSICAL

OTHERS

Amadeus (아마데우스)

El crítico (비평가)

Unchain (언체인)

Jane (제인)

Orphans (오펀스)