#estimator brooklyn

[mileskitaro]

Revamp Your Space: 10 House Enhancement Ideas to Transform Your Living Atmosphere

""

Are you tired of living in a room that feels obsolete or does not have capability? It's time to take matters into your very own hands and also begin on a house renovation journey. From small adjustments to major renovations, there are countless means to overhaul your area and also produce a house that genuinely shows your design and also enhances your day-to-day life. In this article, we will certainly check out 10 house renovation suggestions that will certainly change your living setting and also make you fall for your home all over again.Paragraph 2: To start with,

let's begin with the heart of every house -the cooking area. Think about updating your kitchen closets, kitchen counters, and also home appliances to develop a fresh as well as modern look. Setting up new floor covering can additionally make a substantial distinction in the overall visual. Next, concentrate on your washrooms by changing outdated components, adding new lights, and also upgrading the ceramic tiles. These basic changes can boost the look of these rooms instantaneously. Additionally, do not forget your living-room. A fresh layer of paint, new furnishings items, and stylish design can entirely transform the ambiance of the space, developing a comfy as well as inviting environment. Finally, consider adding or renovating outdoor space, such as a patio or deck, to prolong your living location as well as produce a sanctuary for relaxation and enjoyment. By applying these home enhancement suggestions, you can breathe new life right into your living setting as well as turn your residence into a desire residence.

Read more here Tap Here

[oliv3juice]

Change Your Living Room with These Basic House Enhancement Tips

""

House renovation is a great means to add worth to your building as well as develop an extra comfy living area. Whether you are looking to make little updates or take on a major restoration project, there are a lot of basic methods to transform your residence. Among the easiest as well as most cost-effective means to improve your house is to deal with tiny do it yourself jobs, such as painting wall surfaces, installing brand-new lighting fixtures, or upgrading your equipment. These basic changes can make a big difference in the feel and look of your home.Another great

way to boost your home is to concentrate on energy efficiency. By making upgrades such as including insulation, replacing windows, or installing a programmable thermostat, you can conserve money on your energy expenses and also develop a more comfortable living space. Furthermore, investing in exterior renovations such as landscaping or a new deck can aid you maximize your outside living area as well as enhance the total value of your residential property. Whether you are looking to market your house or simply intend to produce a more comfortable living space, house enhancement is a great method to attain your goals.

Read more here Read More

[arearugcleaningny]

Refresh Your Rugs with Expert Cleaning Solutions

A rug can transform your space, but over time, it collects dirt, allergens, and stubborn stains that dull its appearance. At All American Rug & Carpet Inc, we specialize in professional Rug Cleaning Service to restore the beauty and freshness of your rugs. Using advanced cleaning techniques and eco-friendly solutions, we remove deep-seated dirt, pet dander, and tough stains without damaging the fabric. Whether your rug is wool, silk, synthetic, or handmade, our expert team tailors the cleaning process to ensure the best results. Our deep-cleaning approach not only enhances the look of your rugs but also improves indoor air quality by eliminating allergens and bacteria. With years of experience, we guarantee a thorough, safe, and efficient cleaning process that leaves your rugs looking as good as new. Let us help you maintain a clean and healthy home—schedule your rug cleaning service today!

[skywindowsaluminumproducts]

Take your pergola to the next level of luxury and functionality with an automatic roof. With just a touch of a button, you can effortlessly control the roof of your pergola, providing shade or allowing sunlight to filter through, all with the utmost convenience. Our automatic roof systems for pergolas offer a seamless and user-friendly experience. Using advanced motorized technology, you can easily open, close, or adjust the roof to your desired position. Enjoy the flexibility to adapt to changing weather conditions or create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. The automatic roof brings a new level of comfort and convenience to your outdoor living space.

Request a Free Estimate for Pergola Canopy Design & Installation

[squashsitebog]

Overhaul Your Area: 10 House Renovation Ideas to Transform Your Living Environment

""

Are you tired of living in a room that really feels outdated or lacks performance? It's time to take issues right into your own hands and also start a house renovation trip. From little adjustments to significant improvements, there are countless means to revamp your space as well as develop a home that absolutely mirrors your style and boosts your everyday life. In this post, we will certainly discover 10 residence renovation ideas that will transform your living setting and also make you fall for your home throughout again.Paragraph 2: Firstly,

let's begin with the heart of every home -the kitchen. Think about upgrading your cooking area closets, kitchen counters, as well as appliances to develop a fresh and also modern-day look. Installing brand-new floor covering can also make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic. Next, focus on your washrooms by changing outdated fixtures, including new lighting, as well as upgrading the floor tiles. These easy modifications can raise the look as well as feel of these spaces quickly. Additionally, do not ignore your living-room. A fresh layer of paint, brand-new furniture items, and elegant decoration can completely change the setting of the room, creating a comfy as well as welcoming environment. Ultimately, take into consideration including or remodeling exterior home, such as a patio or deck, to prolong your living location and also create a sanctuary for leisure and also amusement. By implementing these house improvement ideas, you can rejuvenate your living setting as well as turn your house into a desire home.

Read more here Learn More

[the-sociopaths-have-10ant]

Overhaul Your Space: 10 Residence Improvement Concepts to Change Your Living Setting

""

Are you tired of residing in a space that really feels out-of-date or does not have performance? It's time to take issues into your own hands and start a residence renovation trip. From small adjustments to major improvements, there are numerous methods to revamp your space and develop a home that truly reflects your style as well as improves your daily life. In this post, we will check out 10 residence renovation concepts that will certainly transform your living environment and also make you drop in love with your house throughout again.Paragraph 2: Firstly,

let's start with the heart of every house -the kitchen area. Consider updating your cooking area closets, kitchen counters, and also appliances to create a fresh and also modern-day look. Setting up brand-new floor covering can likewise make a substantial difference in the total aesthetic. Next off, emphasis on your washrooms by replacing obsolete fixtures, including brand-new illumination, as well as upgrading the floor tiles. These simple changes can raise the appearance and feel of these rooms instantly. In addition, don't ignore your living space. A fresh layer of paint, brand-new furnishings items, and also trendy design can entirely transform the atmosphere of the space, creating a comfortable as well as welcoming atmosphere. Finally, consider adding or remodeling outdoor home, such as a patio or deck, to extend your living location and develop an oasis for relaxation and enjoyment. By applying these home renovation concepts, you can rejuvenate your living setting as well as transform your home into a dream residence.

Read more here Read More

[serialboxpublishing]

Overhaul Your Area: 10 House Enhancement Suggestions to Transform Your Living Environment

""

Are you tired of living in a space that feels obsolete or lacks functionality? It's time to take issues right into your very own hands as well as get started on a home renovation trip. From tiny adjustments to major restorations, there are numerous means to overhaul your room and produce a house that really reflects your design as well as enhances your day-to-day life. In this article, we will certainly check out 10 residence improvement ideas that will transform your living environment and make you fall for your house all over again.Paragraph 2: First of all,

allow's begin with the heart of every residence -the cooking area. Consider upgrading your cooking area closets, countertops, and also home appliances to develop a fresh and modern-day look. Mounting new floor covering can likewise make a substantial distinction in the general visual. Next, concentrate on your bathrooms by changing obsolete components, including new lights, and upgrading the tiles. These basic adjustments can boost the feel and look of these spaces instantly. In addition, don't ignore your living-room. A fresh coat of paint, new furniture pieces, and stylish style can entirely change the ambiance of the area, creating a cozy and also inviting environment. Finally, consider including or renovating outdoor space, such as an outdoor patio or deck, to expand your living area as well as develop an oasis for relaxation and entertainment. By executing these home enhancement suggestions, you can breathe brand-new life into your living setting as well as transform your residence right into a desire house.

Read more here Click For More Info

[marce-san]

Transform Your Living Area with These Straightforward Residence Renovation Tips

""

Home enhancement is a fantastic way to add value to your residential property and also create a more comfortable living area. Whether you are seeking to make small updates or embark on a major remodelling job, there are lots of basic ways to change your home. Among the easiest and most economical means to enhance your house is to deal with small do it yourself jobs, such as repainting walls, setting up new lighting fixtures, or updating your equipment. These easy modifications can make a big distinction in the look of your home.Another wonderful

method to enhance your house is to focus on energy efficiency. By making upgrades such as adding insulation, changing home windows, or setting up a programmable thermostat, you can conserve cash on your energy costs and develop an extra comfy living space. Furthermore, buying outside improvements such as landscape design or a new deck can assist you make the most of your exterior living space and enhance the general value of your home. Whether you are aiming to sell your house or simply wish to develop a more comfy living room, house improvement is a terrific method to achieve your objectives.

Read more here https://drexelestimatingllc.com

[vicsoturnt]

Transform Your Living Room with These Easy Home Improvement Tips

""

Residence renovation is a fantastic method to add value to your residential or commercial property and create a more comfy living room. Whether you are wanting to make little updates or embark on a significant improvement project, there are lots of easy means to change your home. Among the most convenient as well as most affordable methods to enhance your residence is to take on little do it yourself projects, such as repainting wall surfaces, installing brand-new light components, or updating your equipment. These easy modifications can make a huge distinction in the look of your home.Another fantastic

way to improve your residence is to concentrate on energy performance. By making upgrades such as adding insulation, replacing home windows, or installing a programmable thermostat, you can save cash on your energy costs and develop a more comfortable living area. Furthermore, investing in outdoor improvements such as landscaping or a brand-new deck can help you take advantage of your outside space as well as raise the total value of your residential property. Whether you are aiming to market your home or simply want to develop an extra comfortable living area, residence improvement is an excellent means to accomplish your objectives.

Read more here drexelestimatingllc.com/

[carelessflower]

On Testing and Qualifying Magnus Lightwood-Bane's Sugar Daddy Behaviors - An Analysis

Multiple arguments have been made against the current High Warlock of Brooklyn, superficially regarding whether this gentleman's reputation as the current Consul of the Clave's sugar daddy is underappreciated or exaggerated. This study aims to dissect the argument with the support of textual evidence throughout the couple's appearances in the series

Paying for their first date

Taking care of the bill like a gentleman. From this instance, one can assume he takes his gentlemanly courting ritual very seriously, as he also reached for the meal cheques in other occassions

Conjuring and pelping to pick fine clothes for Alec

On their famous Europe vacation, it is shown Magnus has a habit of magicking tuxedoes, suits, and well-made sweaters for Alec. Now, if he could upgrade that GAP scarf to a Burberry one, it would be much appreciated

Gentleman behavior

Even though his boyfriend is supernaturally strong with biceps to bite for days and hunts bloodthirsty demons for a living, Magnus would still rather pay someone to carry the heavy luggage than his darling

Luxurious accommodation only

There has been a previously published study on the expenses for all these places here, so this article will be repeating the same key points:

one night at Istanbul Grand Suite on the Orient Express: $26,000

suite in Belmond Hotel Cipriani: $1,056

suite in Palazzo Manfredi, Rome: $729

It is understandably relatable when one pulls Alec Lightwood and wants to do everything in their power to woo him. For Magnus, it apparently includes never letting Alec stay in any place less than five stars

Letting Alec drive the Maserati

It costs around $10,860 to rent a red Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spider for one day. Therefore, it speaks volumes to Magnus's affection for his boyfriend that Alec almost crashes them and the expensive car off a cliff is just a "tiny accident". It is also very likely he buys this type of car later, seeing his husband's fascination with them

Living together in Brooklyn

Months into the relationship Alec has already possessed a literal key to Magnus's home and proceeds to move in after weeks of getting back together. For other poor souls who are looking for a 3-bedroom brownstone in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the rent would be estimated at around $5000 per month. For the Consul, it certainly would involve a different type of payment method

Alec's magically money-full pocket

The consul carrying energy bars in his duffle bag instead of using the 15000$ in his pocket guarantees the funniest mental images one could possibly imagine

Enchanting Izzy's whip for Alec's birthday

Knowing Alec's top wish is to keep his family safe, Magnus chooses to tip his boyfriend's sister's whip in a prized potion to help her on the battlefield. Loving someone to the point you want to protect what else they love

Assisting shadowhunter without payment

This element may prove to be the strongest supporter of Magnus's claim as THE sugar daddy of the shadowhunter chronicles universe title, seeing how he used to overcharge shadowhunter on their business (deservingly so), and now he is willing to do all kinds of crazy shenanigans without an ounce of money. Whoever's in charge of the Clave's budget better send Alec the biggest, freshest, most expensive fruit basket

Final note

In conclusion, this research paper does not provide a definitive answer to the argument but encourages readers to draw their own perspectives. Nevertheless, it is a great possibility that in his report, the consul stated he used 10-20 dollars each week while he was traveling across the world, going to Japan when he craved sushi and staying in the finest places, all thanks to his generous husband

tag list: @magnus-the-maqnificent @literallytypogod @hoezier-than-thou @sociallyineptbibliophile @queenlilith43

@khaleesiofalicante @wandererbyheart @raziyekroos @onetimetwotimesthreetimess @alexandergideonslightwood @andrwminward

@noah-herondale-lightwood @elettralightwood @dustandducks @deliciousdetectivestranger @delightfullyterrible

@letsgofortacos

@kita-no @thelightofthebane @secrettryst @goldendreams3 @cityofdownwardspirals

@stupidfuckindinosaur

@i-have-not-slept @rinadragomir @potato-jem @kasper-tag @cam-ryt

@banesapothecary

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - December 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles for 50% off this month only! Starting in January, I’ll also be posting 5 extra news links to Patreon each week (for free since they aren’t my work)

1. These countries all scored major wins for LGBTQ+ rights in 2024

“Consensual same-sex activity became legal in Namibia [and Dominica…, c]onversion therapy was banned [in Mexico…, Greenland] made LGBTQ+ discrimination illegal […, and] same-sex adoption and same-sex marriage became legal [in Greece.]”

2. After trial and error, Mexican fishers find key to reforesting a mangrove haven

“So far, the project has planted more than 1.8 million mangroves that have a 92-94% survival rate, Borbón estimated. [… M]angroves can prevent coastal erosion, store carbon and provide a nursery for all kinds of fish and crustacean species.”

3. ‘Britain’s wildlife safari’: baby boom in Norfolk as seal colonies flourish

“More than 1,200 seal pups were born […] in November, and 2,500 more are expected to be born before the breeding season ends in January. […] “Mortality seems to be much lower than in other colonies[….]””

4. Barcelona's metro trains are helping to charge the city's EVs each time they brake.

“[…T]he energy from the underground trains' brakes is used to power the trains and the stations themselves, while the remainder is sent snaking through cables to the surface to power plug-in stations for privately owned vehicles.”

5. Scientists thought this whale could only live for 70 years – turns out it's double that.

“The data [from repeated “photo identification of individual”s] revealed that Southern right whales can live for more than 130 years, with some speculated to reach the grand old age of 150.”

6. Rural Power Co-Ops Gain $4.37B in Latest US Clean Energy Funding

“[… A power co-op in Florida] will use its funding of more than $1.3 billion to develop 700 MW of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects in rural areas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3.5 million tons annually[….]”

7. Fish-friendly dentistry: New method makes oral research non-lethal

“[… T]he researchers successfully performed the procedure on 60 fish with no fatalities. […] "This new approach researchers to track tooth replacement and development [in living] rare species or museum specimens that can't be damaged."”

8. These Brooklyn Homeowners Couldn’t Afford to Go Green. Then Help Arrived

“The program aims to repair and retrofit 70 two- and three-family homes […] in the span of two years. […] EnergyFit staff work as case managers to help homeowners navigate the complicated technical and bureaucratic processes, coordinate with tenants and set them up for further upgrades down the road.”

9. 2024 was a fantastic year for energy storage

“[… California] became the first state to pass 10 gigawatts, back in April. [… In Texas and California,] when extreme weather events hit, batteries were able to shore up the grid and lower energy costs for customers.”

10. Amid concern over microplastics, a Maine company creates a kelp-based laundry pod alternative

“"The slurry we're creating is similar to that of paper milling, and […] with Maine there's a lot of old infrastructure from the paper industry [… which] can be applied to our process here[….]” If all goes to plan, Dirigo Sea Farms' first batch of 10,000 kelp-based laundry pods will be ready for online sales by next spring.”

December 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[probablyasocialecologist]

Thousands have hit the streets in NYC, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and dozens of other cities. A DC protest organized by Jewish activist groups drew thousands, and hundreds were later arrested, including two dozen Rabbis. An estimated 25,000 people showed up to a rally in Chicago. These events show no signs of stopping, with many more planned across the coming days. These actions have gone beyond marches, with protesters showing up at the offices and homes of politicians demanding a ceasefire. Six activists were arrested at a pro-Palestine rally outside the Boston office of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). A large crowd demonstrated outside the Brooklyn home of Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Jewish protesters showed up outside the Brentwood house of VP Kamala Harris. IfNotNow members have held sit-ins at the DC offices of Schumer, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA). Former staffers for Warren, Sanders, and Senator John Fetterman have publicly urged the lawmakers to back a ceasefire. On October 25, tens of thousands of students across more than 100 North American campuses united in a walkout to demand an immediate ceasefire, an end to unconditional support for Israel, and university divestment from the corporations funding the occupation of Palestine. On the night of October 27 Jewish activists shut down Grand Central Station, leading to the arrest of over 300 people. “This is bigger than we’ve ever seen,” US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) Executive Director Ahmad Abuznaid told Mondoweiss. “This is the result of decades of work that we’ve put into this movement, and I think some of it is connected to the [George Floyd protests of 2020]. There was so much racial, social justice, anti-war building in that moment.

[...]

“The man broke my heart,” Palestinian-American comedian Maysoon Zayid told Politico on October 23, “I never in my life thought the empathizer-in-chief would sound the way he did. The Palestinians were given no humanity. Joe Biden should spend every breath he has condemning Israel’s genocide with the same zeal he condemned Hamas’ massacre of civilians, that same zeal. And we get nothing. 1,000 children are dead, and we get nothing.” “It’s really crazy to me that the Democratic party destroyed 20-years of worth of good will with Muslims and Arabs in just 2 weeks, losing an entire generation that was raised in the progressive coalition, possibly forever,” tweeted author and activist Eman Abdelhadi. “The rapidity of it, the finality–it’s astonishing.” “While Republican disregard for Muslim and Arab lives is clearly on display, some Muslim and Arab Americans also feel like the Democratic Party largely takes their vote for granted, though Democrats’ policies never reflect as much,” writes Dana El Kurd in The Nation. “One Arab American friend expressed to me that, at least under Republican administrations, ‘Arabs could find allies’ in their opposition.”

[blueiscoool]

Ten Commandments Tablet, 300-800 CE

The Ten Commandments: The earliest surviving inscribed tablet of the Ten Commandments, incised during the late Roman-Byzantine era, The Holy Land, (ca. 300–800 CE). The Only Complete Example Of A Ten Commandments Tablet From This Early Period.

White marble tablet, approximately 24 ⅞ x 22 ⅛ x 2 ⅜ inches (632 x 562 x 62 mm), weighing approximately 115 pounds (52 kg), neatly chisel-inscribed with the Mosaic Ten Commandments in their Israelite Samaritan version, 20 lines in a Paleo-Hebrew script, each line containing between eleven and fifteen characters, with margins of about 10 cm on either side; the letters have a width of between one and 2 cm and words are separated from one another with one or two dots; a few letters are confused for each other (especially ה and א) and a few characters on the right side of the first two lines are effaced and re-inscribed.

Sold for $5.04 Million Dollars at Auction.

The world’s oldest-known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments surpassed expectations at a Sotheby’s auction on Wednesday. Expected to sell for an estimated $1 to $2 million, the tablet fetched a whopping $5 million.

“The result reflects the unparalleled importance of this artifact,” Richard Austin, Sotheby’s global head of books and manuscripts, told the New York Times. “To stand before this tablet is an experience unlike any other — it offers a direct connection to the shared roots of faith and culture that continue to shape our world today.”

The two-foot-long marble slab is inscribed with the commandments, which were written in Paleo-Hebrew script, and it dates back between 300 and 800 CE. Weighing in at 155-pounds, it is the only complete example of its kind from antiquity.

It was initially discovered during railroad excavations along the southern coast of what was then Palestine in 1913 and, according to Jacob Kaplan who discovered the tablet in 1943, it was used as a paving stone with the inscription facing upwards. In 1947, Kaplan had published his findings in the Bulletin of the Jewish Palestine Exploration Society. The tablet came into the possession of an Israeli antiquities dealer in 1995 and then became part of the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn. In 2016, it was purchased by collector Mitchell S. Cappell for $850,000, who just now put it up for auction. The authenticity of the work, however, not uncommon for such objects, has been widely contested.

The text is similar to known Biblical verses referenced in Judeo-Christian religions, but it does not include the third commandment against taking the name of God in vain. It also details the need to worship on Mount Gerizim (near the present-day Palestinian city Nablus and also known as the biblical city Shechem), which was considered a holy site among Samaritans.

“A tangible link to ancient beliefs that have profoundly shaped global religious and cultural traditions, it serves as a rare testament to history,” the auction house said in a statement.

After more than 10 minutes of intense bidding from interested parties around the world, the tablet was acquired by an anonymous buyer with intentions to donate it to an Israeli institution.

By Francesca Aton.

[arearugcleaningny]

Revitalize Your Rugs with Expert Cleaning Services

Rugs add charm, warmth, and elegance to any home, but daily use exposes them to dirt, allergens, and stains that can dull their beauty and affect indoor air quality. While regular upkeep helps, deep cleaning requires a Rug Cleaning Service to ensure thorough removal of embedded dirt and contaminants.

At All American Rug & Carpet Inc, we provide expert Area Rug Cleaning Service tailored to preserve the integrity and vibrancy of your rugs. Whether it’s a delicate Persian rug, a modern area rug, or a high-traffic hallway runner, our specialized cleaning process helps restore their original beauty and extends their lifespan.

Why Choose Professional Rug Cleaning?

DIY cleaning methods might seem convenient, but they often cause more harm than good. Store-bought cleaners can be too harsh for delicate fibers, while improper drying techniques can lead to mold and mildew buildup. A professional Rug Cleaning Service offers:

✔ Deep Dirt & Stain Removal – Advanced cleaning methods penetrate deep into the rug fibers, eliminating dirt and stubborn stains. ✔ Color & Texture Preservation – Our gentle yet effective treatments protect the vibrancy of colors and intricate patterns. ✔ Allergen & Bacteria Elimination – Professional cleaning removes allergens, dust mites, and pet dander, improving indoor air quality. ✔ Extended Rug Lifespan – Routine expert care prevents fiber damage, keeping your rugs in top condition for years.

Our Professional Area Rug Cleaning Process

At All American Rug & Carpet Inc, we follow a detailed, step-by-step Area Rug Cleaning Service to deliver the best results:

1️⃣ Thorough Inspection – We assess the rug’s material, condition, and any stains to determine the safest cleaning approach. 2️⃣ Dust & Dry Soil Removal – Using specialized dusting techniques, we extract embedded dirt to prevent fiber damage. 3️⃣ Deep Cleaning & Stain Treatment – Eco-friendly, non-toxic solutions are used to break down stains while preserving fabric integrity. 4️⃣ Rinsing & Water Extraction – Our controlled rinsing process removes all detergent residues, leaving your rug fresh and clean. 5️⃣ Climate-Controlled Drying & Final Check – Rugs are dried properly to prevent shrinkage, followed by a meticulous final inspection.

Restore Your Rugs with Trusted Experts

For a professional Rug Cleaning Service that revives and protects your rugs, trust All American Rug & Carpet Inc. Our Area Rug Cleaning Service ensures your rugs stay clean, fresh, and long-lasting.

📞 Call Us Today: 585-326-3309 📧 Email: info@arearugcleaningny.com 🌐 Visit Our Website

Give your rugs the expert care they deserve—schedule your cleaning today

[stawberrymiko]

GARDEN OF TEARS || ASH LYNX

⋆°𖦹 CHARACTER: Ash Lynx

ᶻᶻᶻ SYNOPSIS: Eiji finds a photo of young Ash and a mysterious women. ᶻᶻᶻ WARNINGS: Mentioned of Dino. Death mentioned. Murder mentioned.

₊ ⊹ AN: I love my baby. But I also love angst. Anyways. . . . this is part one out of two.

“WHOS’ THIS?” EIJI HAD noticed a photograph in the middle of Ash’s rundown bedside table. Looking around the room, Eiji noticed how the photo and the frame it was in, were the only well-kept thing in the abandoned house that the gang resided in.

It looked untouched. Brand new. Like the photo was just taken and placed in a frame that was bought that day. 

But, it wasn’t. 

Eiji estimated that the photo was taken about eight years ago, from how the photo had a vintage, faded look to it. And also the little boy in the photo. He looked to be about eleven, the same age at which Ash was under Dino’s watch. 

Further inspection and Eiji could see the date written on the corner in fancy hand-writing. Writing that seemed to belong to a woman. Eiji couldn’t see, even a well educated man, write like this. Above the date was a short quote.

“1981. 15th February.               Together, we will grow a garden from our tears.”

Beside the little boy, was a woman. She looked to be in her early to mid thirties. The woman was leaning on the young boy while she fixed her heel. To Eiji, it seemed like the woman and boy were at a fancy event. The boy in a fancy suit, his blonde hair slicked back. The woman was in a [Colour] floral dress. Draped around her shoulders was a man's coat, larger than the boys beside her.

“My mom” Ash didn’t look at the photo. He knew who Eiji was asking about.

His mom? He didn’t look anything like the woman and vice versa. Ash was tall, five feet and nine inches. Without her heels, Eiji would have guessed that the woman stood at five five. Her hair was [Texture] and [Colour], unlike Ash’s blonde and straight hair. Her [colour] complexion was nothing compared to Ash’s.

Sensing Eiji’s doubt, Ash spoke once again. “She was Dino’s. . . wife”

Dino’s wife.

Dread washed over Eiji as he heard Ash say that. Dino. The man who enslaved Ash as his personal sex toy since he was a little boy. Had a wife? Was she aware of the things Dino was doing to Ash? Did she encourage it? Surely not if Ash kept a well-kept photo of the two of them together.

Then. It dawned upon him. 

Ash said “was”. Why was it?

“Was?” Eiji asked, curious. 

The atmosphere in the room dropped. Eiji felt unease all of a sudden, shifting from one foot to the other. He couldn’t pin-point the feeling. But the room felt. . .oppressive? As if a bottle of feelings had shattered open. 

In a low, threatening voice, Ash responded. “She died.”

“Protecting me”

The day of that photo, was the night she was murdered. Police of New York shoved her case under the rug the moment they heard of Dino's involvement. Everyone had known he killed his own wife that night. Yet no one attempted to bring justice to her. 

She didn’t even get a proper burial. 

An empty coffin lays under the dirt in the cemetery of the evergreens in Brooklyn. The place where she was born and raised. A place where she was respected and never forgotten. 

Wanting to lift the atmosphere, Eiji asked Ash about her. Who she was. What she did. Her goals. Ambitions.

The two males sat on Ash’s bed. Ash was hesitant to tell Eiji about her. He never spoke about her to anyone. Everytime people asked about her, Ash felt enraged. The feelings he forced himself to bury would resurface whenever she was mentioned. But it was never towards her. It was always towards her death. Towards the reasoning she had died and towards the person who killed her in cold blood.

“She looks lovely” It was Eiji’s attempt in breaking the growing tense silence. Just from Ash’s reaction to Eiji asking him to tell him about her, he figured she was still a touchy subject. “The quote she wrote” 

“What did she mean by that?” 

Ash sighed heavily. “We were going to escape that night. She had a safe house. New identities.” He had to fight back the tears that were threatening to show. Swallowing back the sobs.

“It was on the coast of Ireland somewhere. A small cottage but with a huge garden and greenhouse” 

Ash took the photo frame from the night-stand, holding it carefully in his hands. Like one wrong move and it shatters. Lightly. He drew the outline of her figure. The sharp pain he felt in his heart every time she was mentioned, returned. “She always said that flowers will grow no matter where their source of water comes from.” 

They were in the greenhouse she had at Dino’s mansion. A hobby of hers. She could never have children, nor wanted to bring him any. So gardening was a form of substitute for her motherly feeling.

Ash accompanied her one of the days. He sat and watched as she tended to her rose bushes. Talking to them as if they can hear her and would respond. 

“I watered these with my tears one time” She tilted her watering can, small droplets of water fell onto the red petals. “Now they’ve grown tall and beautiful”

He remembers her looking at him. Her [colour] eyes snuffed from light. Being married to Dino for fifteen years killed any joy she held close. She was an empty soul searching the earth for something that brought her the joys she once felt.

“Together, We’ll grow a garden from our tears”

“Part of me thinks she knew she was going to die that night.” His finger traced over each word. “Probably why she wrote that down. Remind me that something beautiful can grow from all i’ve experienced”

There was a question Eiji wanted to ask but was afraid he already knew the answer. 

“How long did you know her? Before. . .you know,”

“Thirteen months”

Ash was twelve in that photo.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Spike Lee's former firehouse home was sold for $4.35M. The colorful Brooklyn, New York City home was initially built in 1895, as a water tower before being converted to a firehouse in 1903, named “Engine 256.” 4bds, 3ba, it used to be his home/studio workspace. It's a 2 family, but the previous owners used it as a single family, so it has 2 kitchens, etc.

Love this bright pink kitchen.

It's so refreshing to see a home with color. I like the copper paint on the ceiling and wall.

Such an attractive home- the area to the right that's a few steps up is a bedroom. The light fixture looks like a Chihuly.

How amazing not to see a white or gray bedroom. Love this.

Since it's really a 2 family, this space can be a large family room or a separate living room.

This is the other kitchen. It's very different from the pink one, but it's beautiful. Look at the cabinet tucked into that triangular opening.

A dinette area in the kitchen has an attractive shelf wall, and 3 steps to sliding glass doors that open to a rooftop deck. Love the glass block wall, too.

The deck is gorgeous and the upper floor also has access to it.

This is huge and has a cool view, too.

On the ground floor behind the garage is a living area with bedrooms.

The garage that housed the fire engines is gigantic.