#event: bonfire 2019

[accio-victuuri]

CPN : XZ and his love for a “stable” kind of love ( yuguyao sweets part 7 )

i will get to the other interview cuts, but before that, let me clown. i know his sexy hair in all these ygy promo interviews are distracting but this one is too good to miss. the part where he read one of the audience reactions, aside from him showing off the phone case, what the person wrote gets me. why did XZ notice it? aside from the words used, what was the message?

So first, ZZ’s reaction was :

When I saw this comment, my heart was really touched, because I think this is exactly the feeling that "Yuguyao" wants to convey to everyone, that is, we may not have so many lives, and we may not have so much vigor. Love and events, we are all living beings, every choice is precious.

and he only read the final parts and i get why he would like it cause it’s something he would write. lol. we know gege loves to express himself using beautiful words and imagery.

Now here’s the whole comment/reaction post he was pertaining to. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

( rough translation only )

i don't know how other people think so, but for me, the master and apprentice who practiced immortality and studied the law went to the world to help the people. after a tiring day, sat around the bonfire and grilled the fish, the master listened to the little apprentice while describing the scenery of the desert. the young apprentice held her chin and listened to the master speak in a cool voice. The color describes the long river, the sunset, the desert, and the smoke in the book, Dan Qing ink… Eager to get a compliment from the master, eager to take the master to my home and longing to travel all over this vast land with Master, to be with Master. Standing up to see the magnificent scenery and the humanities and customs of various places, this is deeper than any kissing and will make my heart move even more.

It turns out that you have included me in your future life plan, so I am so eager to share what I have seen and heard with you, I want you to experience everything I have experienced, 【Seeing all beings in the world, getting along, Seeing you and me, seeing boundless love in the ordinary, fine water flowing long and delicate….

i hope i’m not the only who thought zz & wyb relationship when i read cause it’s so clear…. i’m crying 😭😭😭

• “went to the world and help the people” - this is a pretty easy connection to them cause both of them are big on charity and helping people in general. it’s a message they both carry with them, being a “celebrity” is not the main reason they do what they do. they take acting seriously, and all the more, their role as public figures seriously. they make sure they bring something good to their audience and help them in that way too. i’m thinking about the recent hs connected to wyb and him paying for scholarships and — this is why xiao zhan fell for him. he saw a really good person that inspires him everyday. how could you not.

• “after a tiring day, sat around the bonfire and grilled the fish, the master listened to the little apprentice while..” - this was the part that got me really thinking about their relationship. it screams domesticity and to those like me who loved all the lrlg / fake rumors sharing glimpses of that part of their lives — then you know what i mean. even when they were on set in 2018 or doing press in 2019, there were a lot of just standing around and waiting but it was never boring because they had each other. I wanna say, those mundane moments were special because they were together. When you read LRLG, the exchanges are about their day-to-day life and lacks the “action” that most fan fiction about them have. I think that’s why lots of turtles love it cause it shows their “reality”. I see XZ agreeing to this because this is what his relationship is like with WYB. He loves the peace and quiet and being in that person’s company — no matter how tired they both are. Please let them have that relaxing camping trip already!!!!!!

• “this is deeper than any kissing and will make my heart move even more.” - i basically rephrased this part but the point of OP is, that scene of them in the first paragraph shows the two characters love each other and it moves her heart more than any kissing scene will. I hope XZ feels the same with the roles he takes and i’m gonna keep an eye out on the frequency of kissing scenes. lol. not that i have any problem with that but if you need multiple smooches to make people believe that girl and boy love each other then you have a big problem. I wanna say that this way of conveying love without explicit action is something GG appreciated in CQL. They both had to be deliberate in their actions to show what’s the true relationship between WWX/LWJ. 🫶🏼

• “It turns out that you have included me in your future life plan, so I am so eager to share what I have seen and heard with you…” - AGAIN. Doesn’t this scream them to you??? How they always message each other during cql shoot and promos??? or even LRLG/Fake rumors, it has the element of telling each other about their day. Even as simple as the weather, or how the moon looks cause i wanna take a picture of it for you. The video. Photos. Voice messages.

• “seeing boundless love in the ordinary”- I think to XZ, there is nothing ordinary when done with love or with the one he loves the most. We joke about them being an old married couple — yibo learning to cook and knit, them buying home appliances, xz folding wyb’s clothes for him — but that’s just it. that’s the kind of love they have now. 🤍

-END.

[therafanatics]

MR. TOPHAT - ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? / HYPOTHETICAL SPIN-OFF (2019-2024)

As we well know, almost five years ago during the Halloween period the reboot of the 90s anthology television series "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" concluded with the defeat of the main villain called Mr. Tophat.

Rafael Casal as the enigmatic and cruel circus director Mr. Tophat. The still photo belongs to Nickelodeon.

He owned a majestic and terrifying amusement luna park, known as the "Carnival of Doom" usually located around the woods as the caravan traveled from town to town.

The official Carnival of Doom logo, created by Westlake Design.

This possibility was given to him by an evil entity after the events of the tragic accident that occurred in 1944 when he was just an ordinary mortal named Marcus Cochran, receiving a magical staff.

However, a prophecy would have shaken his new condition with the arrival of a little girl who would have remembered the existence of the carnival with the face of the owner annex, upsetting the balance.

This happened in the present day with the arrival of Rachel Carpenter in the new town of Oregon, at first marginalized and then united with a group of peers who were part of the Midnight Society, where they told scary stories around a bonfire in the woods.

The Midnight Society of which Rachel definitively becomes part of the last episode "Destroy All Tophats." The still photo belongs to Nickelodeon.

During a long trip to Idaho to confront him personally, his trusted assistant lures them into a trap well orchestrated by Tophat himself.

He reveals that he has a twisted mental link with her due to the prophecy through her memories, ultimately stating that the full power of which he is the absolute master does not come from the hat, as was originally explained to her by Bartholomew, but rather from the artifact which he holds in his hand.

Lyliana Wray and Rafael Casal in their respective roles of Rachel Carpenter and Mr. Tophat. The stills photos belongs to Nickelodeon.

Escaping from his clutches and freeing the friends from his spell, the five boys encounter difficult obstacles to overcome within the evil carnival. Mr. Tophat offers her a truce in exchange for the stick, but she adamantly refuses and then defeats him once and for all.

It is not clear, however, whether he really died after the last words expressed, indeed it suggests that he could return in an as yet unspecified future.

The demonic entity that made him such an individual seems to still be around, so rather than a real conclusion it seems rather an ending open to new possibilities.

Rafael Casal managed to give a worthy depth to the character, making it iconic despite being niche. A man longing for acceptance and approval, pushing him to perform immoral acts in order to make his deceased father proud.

Despite being the villain to be defeated, he proved to be the true protagonist of the story, perfectly moving every single plot thread and triggering all the events.

Rafael Casal credited in an opening credit sequence in the homonymous TV series. The main title photo belongs to Philmograph.

So it seems more than right to me to create a possible spin-off centered on the disturbing and fascinating Master of Ceremonies which serves above all as a sequel with various more in-depth flashbacks to his past, then experiencing new and daring adventures with his own carnival. I really hope that Nickelodeon might consider the idea one day.

[nixwilde]

There was a panic that rose deep inside of him as he moved through the corn maze, only peering over his shoulder at Rory every few moments. What the fuck is this place? A thought that passed through Nixon’s skull a time or two as they did their best to remain silent in the bushes. They were fast, that was not a problem, the problem was the sheer shock and unnerving that came with dealing with something straight out of a horror movie. Why the fuck would his sister come to a place like this? Why would she bring a child into this? All Nixon could hope was that Charlotte was safe at home. 

His steps stopped as a scream reached his ears, something of pure terror, something absurdly human. “Fuck”, he whispered, parting the tall stocks of corn in time to see the undead cornering two unfortunate souls. “If we survive this, I’m going to need to be incredibly high tomorrow.” @radical-rory

[vaard]

See you in a few hours!

[what-yadoking-likes]

This is something I haven’t spoken much about on Tumblr (& indeed, most of the occasions where I have mentioned this have been scrubbed off the internet thanks to the events that led up to my deportation earlier this year).

But FUCKING FIREWORKS. BRO.

I have, amongst other things, PTSD from my participation in the Hong Kong 2019 protests. And as I was sitting in my art class this week, someone began letting off fireworks in the fields nearby.

Now, some fireworks sizzle, whistle or fizz before/after they explode. This is fine (for me at least) because this lets me know - ‘hey, this is a firework, no need to worry laa’

- but these were not that kind. 

I heard the BANG and for a second, I wanted to both run from the room and hide under the table with my head in my hands all at once.

 I knew it wasn’t a tear gas canister. I knew it wasn’t. I knew it.

... But.

Since then I’ve been a bit more prepared for the bangs and explosions plaguing England on a nightly basis in the run-up to Bonfire Night. But there has been a more general unease that has settled inside me ever since.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hello Steph! First, thank you for everything you do for this fandom!! I don’t know what we would do without you!! ♥️ I am looking to start my first novel length Johnlock fic. I found your list, and was wondering if you had a specific one to recommend to start off with? I’m looking for something that won’t make me too sad (the world does that on its own), and of course, lots of Johnlock!! Any recommendations would be appreciated, thank you!! Sending love!! *hugs*

HI NONNY!

Hmm, this is tough, because Novel Length is anything over 50K words, but some people don’t want to read “novels that short”. So I get a lot of requests for Epic novels over 100K, so like WOOO HOO LOL.

Hmm. How about I give you a few recs varying lengths, based on your requirements, and you can decide how long you want to go, since I list all my word counts on my recs?

First off, for when you become obsessed with the lengthy fics like I am now LOL:

Novel Length Fics: 50 to 100K (Nov. 2018)

Novel Length Fics: 50 to 100K Pt 2 (May 2020)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. (May 2019)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. Pt 2 (Aug 2020)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. Pt 3 [MFL’s] (Dec 2020)

Next, here’s something for each range between 50 and 100K+ <3

BUT BEFORE I BEGIN: honourable mention because it IS my fave fic ever, and it fits your criteria minus the length so SORRY but please check it out:

A Promise Made to Be Broken by PlantsAreNeat (E, 37,018 w., 7 Ch. || Fake Relationship, Pining, Slow Burn, RST, Eventual Relationship, POV Sherlock) – A young John makes an ‘if we’re still single at 40, we’ll get together’ pledge to a woman who ends up all wrong for him. She keeps reminding him of the promise, and won’t let go of it. John asks Sherlock to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding, so as to dash her hopes permanently. Sherlock, who has at last acknowledged his feelings for John, reluctantly agrees despite knowing how painful it will be to ‘have’ John, but not keep him.

--------

Okay, now the main event, of more-fluff-than-angst:

NOVEL LENGTH NOT-SO-ANGSTY FICS FOR NEWBIES

Spare Change by Ermerness (E, 51,966 w., 14 Ch. || Rich Holmeses AU || First Kiss / Time, Holmes Family, Virgin Sherlock, Anal, First Meetings, Bossy Bottomlock) – The Holmes family is one of the richest and most powerful in England. Sherlock spends his time flying around the world on the family's private jet drinking a lot and shopping at expensive boutiques as a way of trying to alleviate his endless boredom. His mother decides it's time he settles down with someone powerful, wealthy and well connected. John Watson happens to be none of those things.

Guilty Secrets by Ellipsical (E, 55,086 w., 16 Ch. || Post-TRF, Drumsticks, First Kiss/Time, Love Confession, Self-Sexual-Discovery, Anal, Rimming, Orgasm Denial, Butt Plugs, Cooking, Furniture Sex, Bath Sex, Rimming, Double Penetration, Prostate Massage, Anal Beads, Dancing, Romance, Tantric Edging, Internalized Homophobia, Case as Foreplay, Anal Beads, Tickling, Dancing, Dry Coming, Romance) – John has a prostate exam and discovers something surprising about himself. Experimentation follows. Sherlock wants to help. They're in love. You know the drill.

Bridging the Ravine by SilentAuror (E, 58,887 w., 3 Ch. || Post S4, Couple For a Case, Bed-Sharing, First Times, Confessions, Awkwardness, Sex Trafficking, Massages, Wet T-Shirt Contest, Group Therapy, Past Loss of Child) – Sherlock and John go undercover at Ravine Valley, a therapy centre for same-sex male couples in an investigation into a possible human trafficking ring. As they pose as a couple and fake their way through the therapy sessions for the sake of the case, it quickly becomes difficult to avoid discussing their very real issues. Set roughly six nine months after series 4.

Perdition's Flames by i_ship_an_armada (E, 63,435 w., 21 Ch. || Treklock AU, Est. Rel, Genetic Engineering, Angst & Fluff, BAMF!John) – Sherlock would do anything to save him. Risk anything. Give anything. His money, his life. His soul. What he does, though, is change both of their destinies forever. Genetic re-engineering is the only option left. It turns out researchers underestimated the life expectancy and potential abilities of genetically re-engineered subjects. The British government and what would eventually become the United Federation of Planets, however, had not. Part 1 of PF Universe

A Cure For Boredom by emmagrant01 (E, 81,665 w., 8 Ch. || Dirty Talk, Threesomes, Light Dom/Sub, Sex Club, Experiments, Anal, Mildly Dubious Consent, Rimming, Cheeking, Double Penetration, Mild Kink, Porn Watching, Voyeurism, Masturbation) – They’d never talked about sex in the year they’d known each other. Well, that wasn’t quite correct: Sherlock had never said a word about sex; John had bemoaned his personal dearth of it on many occasions.

Uphill by scullyseviltwin (E, 84,945 w., 18 Ch. || Olympics AU || Sherlock POV, Skier!Sherlock / Medic!John, Rivalry, 2014 Olympics, Happy Ending) – Sherlock Holmes is striving for gold in this, his fourth and final Olympics as a downhill Alpine racer.

A Study in Winning by Jupiter_Ash (E, 106,658 w., 11 Ch. || Tennis AU || John POV, Dirty Talk, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, Happy Ending, Sherlock Speaks French, Switchlock, Wimbledon) – John and Sherlock are professional tennis players and it’s Wimbledon. One is a broken almost was at the end of his career, the other an arrogant rising star tipped for greatness. It should have been a straightforward tournament. It really should have been. How were they to know that a chance encounter would change everything? Part 1 of Tennis

A Further Sea by i_ship_an_armada & ShinySherlock (E, 125,492 w., 23 Ch. || Historical Pirates AU || Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Doctor John / Pirate Captain Sherlock, Sailing, UST / RST, Masturbation, Action / Adventure, Mild Angst & Peril, Romance, Shaving, Molly/Janine, Bottomlock, Hand / Blow Jobs, Past Drug Use, Slow Burn, Mild Violence, Facial Shaving, Happy Ending) – Here be a tale of adventure for both body and soul, but beware if ye be not of stout heart, for this be piratelock, ya savvy? Luckless ship's surgeon John Watson takes a chance, and finds himself eye to eye with The Ghost, the scourge of the seven seas and a definite thorn in the side of the blaggard, James Moriarty. But when John finds there's more to this most cunning pirate than be meetin' the eye, he has to choose... is it a pirate's life for him?

The Horse and his Doctor by khorazir (T, 129,003 w., 13 Ch. || Horse / Vet AU || Magical Realism, Horses, Vet John, Horse Sherlock, Implied Alcoholism) – Invalided after a run in with a poacher in Siberia, veterinary surgeon John Watson finds it difficult to acclimatise to the mundanity of London life. Things change when a friend invites him along to a local animal shelter and he meets their latest acquisition, a trouble-making Frisian with the strangest eyes and even stranger quirks John has ever encountered in a horse.

The Bang and the Clatter by earlgreytea68 (M, 137,049 w., 37 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Baseball AU || Slow Burn / Dev. Rel., Possessive/Obsessive Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Body Appreciation, Depression, Closeted Sexuality, Family, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Ogling Each Other, Anxious Sherlock, Panic Attack, Drunkenness, Talk of Forever, Big Feelings™) – Sherlock Holmes is a pitcher and John Watson is a catcher. No, no, no, it's a baseball AU. Part 1 of Baseball

Midnight Blue Serenity by BeautifulFiction (E, 151,907 w., 19 Ch. || Friends to Lovers, Gay Bar / For a Case, Drugs, Pining, Case Fic, UST) – When Sherlock infiltrates a club in order to track down a serial killer, his altered appearance is enough to make John question his assumption that Sherlock is beyond his reach. However, is he the only one who appreciates his flatmate's charms, or is Sherlock at risk of becoming the next victim?

Gimme Shelter by SinceWhenDoYouCallMe_John (E, 159,368 w., 21 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || 70′s Surfer AU || Period Typical Homophobia, Hawaii, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Professional Surfers, Gay John / Sherlock, Angst with Happy Ending, John was a Sailor, Misunderstandings, Mutual Pining) – All John Watson wants is the feeling of a freshly waxed surfboard under his feet and the hot California sun baking down onto his back. To finally go pro in the newly formed world of professional surfing and leave the dark memories of his past behind him as he rips across the face of a towering blue barrel. To lounge beside the beach bonfire every evening with an ice cold beer tucked into the cool sand beside him and listen to Pink Floyd and the Doors while the saltwater dries in his sun bleached hair. That's all he wants, that is, until the hot young phenom taking Oahu and the Hawaiian shores by storm steps up next to him in the sand in the second round of the 1976 International Surf Competition. (PUBLISHED AS ‘The Sea Ain’t Mine Alone’)

Mise en Place by azriona (M, 161,004 w., 28 Ch. || Restaurant (Kitchen Nightmares) AU || Sherlock is Gordon Ramsay / Celebrity Sherlock, Restauranteur John, Harry Plays Prominent Role, Alternating POV, Mutual Pining, Cranky Sherlock, Bed Sharing, Slow Burn) – John Watson had no intentions of taking over the family business, but when he returns from Afghanistan, battered and bruised, and discovers that his sister Harry has run their restaurant into the ground, he doesn't have much choice. There's only one thing that can save the Empire from closing for good – the celebrity star of the BBC series Restaurant Reconstructed, Chef Sherlock Holmes. Part 1 of Mise en Place

-------

Hope you enjoy those!!! <3 PLEASE read them all, though, and THEN READ ALL THE ONES ON THOSE LISTS. Because once you start long fics, you get REALLY INTO THEM. Hah hah <3

[marthajefferson]

Le Bazar de la Charité (The Bonfire of Destiny) 2019– 

After a devastating fire in 1897 Paris, three women find their lives upended by betrayal, deception, and romantic turmoil. Inspired by real events.

[crowdvscritic]

round up // AUGUST 21

Happy 2nd birthday to these Round Ups! For two years I’ve been making monthly pop culture picks, and they’ve included:

More than 200 movies

32 TV shows and specials, plus 8 different Saturday Night Live Round Ups

27 albums, singles, playlists, and more music picks

13 podcasts

12 books

2 concerts

There have also been articles, events, museums, social media bits, trailers, and a service that helps you find movies across streaming platforms. (Find all of them here.) This month I’m adding a few more, like: 

2 podcasts

2 albums

5 vampire movies

A conversation between two GOATs

A very funny dead guy

A terrifying Robert Mitchum performance

Another Dumb Rom-Com I Nevertheless Enjoyed

Here’s to another year!

August Crowd-Pleasers

1. Jungle Cruise (2021)

Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean with a dash of The African Queen. I like all those movies, so sue me, I had a nice time! Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10

2. Deep Blue Sea (1999)

Genetically-enhanced sharks try to break free of their cages in an ocean research facility, chaos ensues for the characters, and it’s a delight for us. For no intelligent reason, I love movies that make me guess who’s going to get killed off next, so a big dumb shark movie starring L.L. Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson? It’s a particular brand of joy. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 5.5/10

3. Double Feature — Adam Sandler Comedies: 50 First Dates (2004) + Murder Mystery (2019)

Adam Sandler movies are little like IcyHot for the brain—that is, they’re the relaxing kind of mind-numbing. Thanks to a stressful month at work, I watched six Sandler flicks in August—which I don’t necessarily recommend but also don’t regret—and the Netflix original Murder Mystery (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10) was one of the the best of the bunch. It’s a silly spoof of Agatha Christie’s work, and it’s a scenic two-hour European vacay. I also gave 50 First Dates (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10) another try and was pleasantly surprised. Once you get past some of the gross-out humor at the beginning, you’ll find a sweet story all about how we need to keep showing up for the people we love.

4. Double Feature — SNL Comedies: Wayne’s World (1992) + Hot Rod (2007)

My love for Saturday Night Live is more than well-documented, so exactly zero mes were surprised that I loved these flicks from its alums. Wayne’s World (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7/10) follows up with Wayne and Garth in the basement we first saw on late night. Now they have the opportunity to make it big on TV thanks to a sleazy exec (Rob Lowe). Brian Doyle-Murray and Chris Farley show up, and so do Laverne and Shirley? Hot Rod (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 6.5/10) follows Rod (Andy Samberg) as he tries to make it big as a stuntman and impress his stepdad (Ian McShane). Will Arnett, Bill Hader, and Chris Parnell show up, and now I can mostly forgive all those boys in high school who quoted this movie non-stop.

5. Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)

If those SNL comedies weren’t enough silliness for you, how about you add some Bernie to your lineup? Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman are wannabe-yuppies who think they’ve got their  career breaks when an exec named Bernie invites them to his vacation home for the weekend. What they don’t know is that Bernie (Terry Kiser) has been laundering money, is connected to the mob, and, is now, um, dead. The right thing would be to call the police, but then we wouldn’t have a 97-minute high-concept comedy, now would we? Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7/10

6. Twilight series (2008-12)

I mostly skipped the Twilight phenomenon at its peak, but I’m so glad I hopped on the train years later—this series of vampire vs. werewolf showdowns are ridiculous.  But major kudos to the filmmakers who somehow turned a dump truck of nonsensical gobbledygook and unhealthy teenage relationships into something insanely watchable. Also, major kudos to Billy Burke and his understated, curmudgeonly, sarcastic performance. Bella’s dad is the MVP with the only appropriate responses to all of the nonsense he's forced to participate in and the only tether this franchise has to reality. Be sure to watch with a friend so you have someone else to process this weirdness with. Series Crowd: 8/10 // Series Critic: 5/10

7. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at The Muny

You know what’s great? Live theater! This month I made my first trip back to the stage at America’s oldest and largest outdoor amphitheater, the Muny in St. Louis. Their productions never disappoint, and these performers reminded me of Howard Keel, Jane Powell, and Russ Tamblyn in the best ways. 

8. Wimbledon (2004)

Paul Bettany and Kirsten fall in love at Wimbledon! Frankly, that premise alone should be enough to sell you on this very winning rom-com. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7.5/10

9. Career Opportunities (1991)

This month’s Dumb Rom-Com I Nevertheless Enjoyed! Frank Whaley and Jennifer Connelly fall in love while stuck overnight at a Target—which honestly sounds like a dream scenario—and since it’s a John Hughes script, it’s got some heart beneath its thin premise. John Hughes directing would’ve made it better, but there’s enough Hughes in there to catch my heart. Crowd: 7/10 // Critic: 4.5/10

10. First Blood (1982)

Aka Rambo: Part I. Sylvester Stallone is a tough-as-nails Vietnam vet, and Brian Dennehy is the self-righteous sheriff who ticks him off. It digs a bit into PTSD and how we don’t take care of our veterans, but mostly, it’s just Stallone going ape with a knife and explosives. Oddly, also from the same director as Weekend at Bernie’s! Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10

August Critic Picks

1. TCM’s The Plot Thickens Season 2 (2021)

You know those movies that make you ask, “How on Earth did this get made?” This season of The Plot Thickens, subtitled The Devil’s Candy, is an attempt to answer that question. Pretty much no one thinks 1990’s The Bonfire of the Vanities works as a film—including yours truly—and reporter Julie Salomon documented many of its production troubles leading to the final product. A must-listen for anyone who loves hearing behind-the-scenes stories or just gets a kick out of schadenfreude. 

2. Gene and Roger (2021)

Gene and Roger, the summer series on The Big Picture podcast, is an overview and reflection on the work of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, starting with the launch of their individual careers in the ‘60s through their partnership that lasted into the ‘90s. Another must-listen for movie lovers, especially those who love digging into the history and criticism.

3. Gold-Diggers Sound by Leon Bridges (2021)

Chill vibes and cool groves to transition you from Summer to Autumn.

4. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Come for the Clint Eastwood, stay for the Ennio Morricone. Actually you can stay for Eastwood, too, because his humor is at his driest, and for Eli Wallach, whose Tuco is an insanely charming cockroach. It’s almost three hours, but this treasure hunt breezes by like a tumbleweed in the wind. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 9/10

5. AFI’s Master Class - The Art of Collaboration: Steven Spielberg and John Williams (2011)

Two GOATS talking about making some of the GOATs. They share clips and explain their collaborative process (including on projects like Jaws and Schindler’s List), and they take questions from film students at AFI. I’m only wishing it were 10 hours instead of 1!

6. The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Robert Mitchum’s terrifying preacher elevates this classic into more than just a standard crime thriller. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

7. Respect (2021)

While a few scenes indulge in melodrama, Jennifer Hudson’s killer performance—both in vocals and character work—more than makes up for it. This Aretha Franklin biopic hits the familiar beats, but it makes you feel like you’re in the room listening to Franklin sing , which is really all you want from a movie like this. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 8/10

8. Solar Power by Lorde (2021)

At first listen, this minimalist pop record sounds worlds away from the angst of Pure Heroine and the melodrama of Melodrama. At second listen, you realize it’s the Lorde you know and love, just with a Laurel Canyon influence. Carole King even gets a shout!

Also in August…

This month Kyla and I checked out Loveline, a call-in radio show popular during the run of Gilmore Girls.  Should our favorite Yale students give up dating OR call into the syndicated radio show Loveline? Should Dr. Drew Pinsky and Adam Carolla give strangers advice OR make fun of them? Oh, and Germany OR Florida? Listen to ep. 107 of SO IT’S A SHOW?

The '40s are coming! Reviews of 1940s Best Picture winners are on their way, and I kicked it off with an overview of the Academy that decade focusing on how they responded to World War II and their new prestigious reputation.

Photo credits: The Muny, The Plot Thickens, Gene and Roger, Leon Bridges, AFI, Lorde. All others IMDb.com.

[lakelewisia]

A Lewisian Year

Presented in partnership with the Lewisia Communications Board and Lewisia Public Library

Sponsored by The Historical Society

Hello, readers, listeners, and psychic osmosizers! Welcome to A Lewisian Year, a monthly showcase celebrating the rich culture here in the Lake Lewisia district. Each month, we'll highlight some seasonal events, local celebrations and interpretations of national and world holidays, and historical tidbits.

SEPTEMBER

The Final Sunset

It's approaching seven in the evening when you walk outside and turn to the west. The sun sinks down to the horizon slowly, reluctantly, and paints the sky with fire as it goes. While the nights and early mornings have started to take on a chill--or at least, what feels like a chill to those now acclimated to the heat of summer--the days are still baked hot enough to carry over into evening. So you find a shady spot to sit, keeping the western sky in view.

Up and down the street, you can see your neighbors doing the same. Some have brought their meals out with them, but this is not one of the raucous barbecue events of the last three months. The groups are small and quiet, acknowledging each other from one front step to another with a nod at most. All attention is saved for that sinking sun. It's September twenty-first, and the Autumnal Equinox takes place tomorrow just after noon. This will be the last sunset of summer.

Of course, it won't be the actual final sunset of the year*, but just as we marked the return of the sun's strength in spring and its blazing zenith in summer, we will mark its waning into the growing dark and chill of oncoming winter. Much like the Window Opening Festival and Spring Equinox seed exchange that are the counterparts on the wheel of the year, the Final Sunset is something mainly celebrated at home, rather than in the public square. It is a moment of quiet reflection between the bright excitement of summer and the gleeful mischief of Halloween.

Legend has it, any creature that flies by during this time is an omen of the fall to come for the one who spots it. Crows for prosperity, owls for secrets revealed. Bats for visitors, gryphons for travel. So you keep your eyes on the sky until the sun is out of sight, the light has died to a banked ember glow, and the night chorus has started up in the planters next to the front steps. Did you spot something good, I hope?

When you head back inside, you pick up the bonfire-warmed stone you have from midsummer and hold it close to your heart. Its time has come to see you through the long nights and cold days ahead. Summer now is only a memory. Autumn sweeps in behind it and settles over Lewisia like a shroud.

*Historical note: it was, however, the final sunset of 1938, during which the winter was marked by a succession of astrological anomalies. Catastrophe on account of the lack of light was averted by the immediate arrival of a temporary and localized second moon, which provided enough illumination to keep life going.

Labor Day

Labor Day is observed in Lewisia as elsewhere, but it is the day (and even week) before that sees the most difference from the outside world. It is traditional to bring gifts to workers who have been of particular service to you in the past year. These days, the gifts generally take the form of large cash tips offered on the worker's last shift before the holiday. In the past, it was more common to offer food or durable goods of your own making as a way of repaying labor with labor.

Lewisian culture has always been one of fair dealings and decency, and as such has not been the direct site of significant labor protests historically. But many Lewisians work outside of the region and still others move to make their way in the wider world. So the town's ideals--and methods--have come into play in the fight for pay and protection for workers.

Several prominent anarchists involved in pro-labor demonstrations, riots, and bombings of the 19th century were Lake Lewisia natives now living elsewhere. At least three factory fires, at the time attributed to improvised incendiary devices lobbed through the first story windows, were later proven to be the result of several combustible newts set loose in the night. Exactly who released the newts, whose native habitat is well known to be coal mines and not textile factories, was never discovered. Suspects included Lewisian activist Milka Salonen, though, who upon her death in 1962, at age 101, donated an extensive private menagerie of incendiary vertebrates to the Knellen Family Trust's preservation program.

Lost Mail Day

Continuing with the month's historical leanings, Lost Mail Day comes September 2nd with its long-delayed tidings. Part swap meet, part matchmaking event, part historical exhibition, this day is one last concerted effort to get the mail to its destination, however far off-track it may have strayed. The backrooms and storage bins of the postal service are opened up and their contents spread out for one more try at delivery.

Here is a letter sent from the European front in 1941 to a wife who had, unbeknownst at the time to her husband, disguised herself as a man and made her way to find and fight beside him. Here is an order form and enclosed payment for a correspondence course in the nearly-forgotten art of sentient paint breeding. Here is the last letter sent by a portal explorer to her parents before her disappearance into a time anomaly in the scented candle aisle of a DORSHOP megastore.

The public is encouraged to look through the collection for their own mail or that of their acquaintances. More so, the public is asked to volunteer to track down recipients not immediately identified. Every year, there is a core collection of these volunteers, who range from history teachers to private investigators to genealogy hobbyists, who turn their particular skills to finding someone, living, dead, or descended, who might wish to receive such a long-lost letter or package.

If, at the end of the day, a piece of mail remains unclaimed by either the original sender, the intended recipient or suitable proxy, or one of the volunteer investigators, it is given over to the care of the Historical Society for long-term preservation. While there have been a few rare cases where a letter was identified and delivered even after this stage, most will enter into the Society's extensive archive of historical documents and primary sources. These are available for researchers outside of the Society by special arrangement, with the arrangement generally being a Society member informing you via cryptic messenger that you have been selected for their purposes.

This Month in History

We turn our attention this month to a much more recent anniversary than our usual selections. Two years ago, on September 20th, 2019, the store at First and Lilac first opened as an otherwise unnamed organization in the business of time retrievals. Well, we say "opened," but of course the shop is rarely open in the conventional sense of hours in which the doors are unlocked and customers can come inside.

Those who have partaken of the shop's services report that it is possible to go inside to pick up items when they arrive from their prior timeline locations. No one could recall going inside the shop, meeting with employees, or providing payment in advance when placing an order. I did identify two people who work at the shop, but their answers regarding their employment proved less than enlightening. It is, if nothing else, reported to be a comfortable and satisfactory way to make a living.

Those who have been willing to admit to what they purchased listed everything from stuffed toys from childhood to disappeared pets to heirloom watches. One person very proudly presented to me an oak tree of stunning height and fullness, complete with an endearingly rickety treehouse nestled within its branches. I never entirely cleared up if it was the tree or the treehouse (or perhaps both) that was rescued from the depths of time. Many, even those who would not admit exactly what they received, spoke movingly of a loss at a younger age that had haunted them ever after.

If you will allow your host a brief aside, I know this month has leaned more heavily than usual on the subject of history, the past, and the passage of time. Call it my own Final Sunset-inspired rumination. From ancient days of early people observing the changing seasons to our own very recent, very personal pasts, we are always in conversation with time, however modern we like our daily lives to feel. What we call "history" is a fiction, an ordering of the chaos of our lives. It is all, always happening, each moment and memory ready to be plucked from the stream if we wish to keep it. We forever have another chance to change the flow of time around us.

That's a taste of what September has to offer us. See you next month, when October brings Halloween (and yes, maybe a few other things as well).

[cinnamon-medical]

#summer studying challenge 2021

Hello! It's been a while since my last post. Working long shifts is exhausting and to be honest, it is socially tiring. (I work in a small grocery store). But I will try my best to post at least once a week, so this blog won't seem to be abandoned. :)

It might seem like I am not studying anything. I will frankly admit that the only thing that could be classified as studying is my duolingo course. But as I said, working 13 hours a day is tiring :/

These pictures are from my way to work. I will show you more of the beautiful historical architecture of the city :)

7th July - What did you do during the summer when you were a young child?

I remember spending the whole days outside. I played with my friends, hide and seek in the evening was a must! Later, when I was around 15, I loved those late night talks and spying on our crushes :D Oh, and summer camps! I wish I could go to some camp now :(

8th July - What’s your happiest summer memory from your childhood?

My uncle used to take care of bees in a near forest. Every summer, we went to help him get the honey. Since I was a little kiddo, I couldn't help them, so we were playing and running around the trees, looked for forest strawberries (which are much better than those planted at home), then we grilled a bit and bonfire in the evening.... I miss those times...

9th July - Do you usually go on vacation during the summer?

Not really. I've never been abroad with my parents. We can't afford going to Croatia or Bulgaria or any typical holiday country. But we try to go on at least one trip together in our home country.

10th July - What is the best vacation you have ever been on? (note: doesn’t have to be a summer vacation)

So far, the best vacation was visiting Munich and Paris. It was in March 2019 and it was a school trip, so it probably doesn't count, but I enjoyed that week soooooo much.

11th July - What is your favourite vacation memory?

Getting lost in Paris. I wanted to cry, scream and I don't know what else. We went to look for a toilet with my friend, so we asked other friends to take our bags so we do not have to take them with us (of course we left our phones there). After probably 10 minutes, we couldn't find anyone from the school trip! But after 10 minutes of stressful running around, we found our teacher. Luckily :D

12th July - What is the worst vacation you have ever been on?

None. I try to enjoy every trip/vacation/holidays...

13th July - What is your dream vacation?

Going with Transsiberian magistral to China and then to Japan.

In Europe, I want to go on a roadtrip around Germany and Austria.

14th July - Would you rather stay in one resort for a month or travel across the country for one month?

Travel across the country!

15th July - Are there any special events for you in the summer? (for example, birthdays, festivals, etc.)

Special event for me this summer is signing up in my medical school. It'll be in August.

[pagesofkenna]

1 23 and 25 for the end of year ask meme

yaaaaaayy thank you! I’m answering these in order of the weight of my answer lol

25: Describe a character you made this year

so I made a bunch of backup DND characters, probably the only characters I made besides video game PCs (which were all pre-written anyways). I think the one on my mind the most is Solace; he’s a tiefling Redemption paladin, who was raised by a cult that abused him and forced him to do some pretty terrible things growing up, including instigating sacrifices to their Archdevil (he’s also only a tiefling because of the pact his human parents made with their Archdevil patron - built-in self-loathing!)

I’m probably never going to play him because part of his being a Redemption Paladin is that he never wants to murder again - he’ll kill bloodthirsty monsters, but no people, not even in self defense - but I HAVE spent a ton of time thinking about his backstory, thinking about how he’d handle certain situations, imagining what awful knives to give his theoretical DM

1: Song of the Year

why is this always a question uh. according to Spotify it was Used To The Darkness by Des Rocs which I discovered while working on my Adaka playlist. It’s actually a good song and the title at least fits the year, and the ‘story’ of the song really reminds me of Undertale funny enough. from the same playlist, Slow Slow Death by Los Campesinos is actually the song I spent more time obsessing over - memorized the lyrics and all that just so I could sing along and feel the emotions properly. I used it in the playlist as a ‘man in love with a person he feels unworthy of’ piece but after listening to it a million times I kinda get ‘man in love with a country that’s not as great as it pretends to be’ vibe - like sad national pride, if that makes sense?

23: If you could send a message to yourself back on the first day of the year, what would it be

oh boy jumping into the serious questions are we. on December 31st 2019 I had a body dysphoria-induced panic attack, I spent most of the day crawling in my own skin and pretending to be fine for the people around me, went to a bonfire event with one of my best friends and ate a lot of chocolate, and when I got home at 10pm I ripped my bra off and drove 80 miles down the freeway away from home for over an hour scream-singing with my music until I could cry properly

then I got to a Place of Religious Significant and prayed to Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother about if it would be OK if I got top surgery finally, if it’s OK that I’m nonbinary, if they could help me get through the judgement of my religious community. so much snot came out of my nose while I was crying and praying that all of the food napkins and paper towels I’d littered my car with felt like a miracle. I felt a distinct impression, reminding me of when I was a child. The person I’d grown to be on that night was entirely incomprehensible to my childhood self, there was so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. and there IS so much more to me, my life and my identity, than I can currently imagine.

when i drove home I watched the fireworks around the desert and my phone randomized to Let Your Troubles Roll By by Carbon Leaf, which is a bittersweet sad song I’ve loved for years but I finally realized during that drive that it’s literally a New Year’s Eve song about feeling depressed at the end of a year, and moving forward, and I happy-cried while singing it for the first time ever

If I got to send a message to the person who woke up the morning after that, it would be that there is so much joy in the coming year that I will not even be able to comprehend. and I maybe already sent that message

[huxloween]

Huxloween 4  The Rise of Kythulhux

It’s year four and we’re so excited to be back! 

We’ve got a prompt a day (and two per Saturday) to inspire your Halloween and horror-themed Kylux and Kylux-Adjacent creative works. And this year, we’re starting our prompts soft and growing harder that’s what he said.

This is a casual event, so there’s no pressure to post something on the exact day of the prompt, or even to post something every day. Just pick the prompts you like and go for it! 

For Tumblr users: Remember @ us ( @huxloween ) so we know to reblog your work, or submit it directly to the blog. 

For Twitter users: Please @ us on twitter ( Huxloween​ ) or DM anything you wish for us to post. 

We also have an AO3 collection that we would love for you to use, as well as a Pillowfort Community.  

For more information on Huxloween, check our About, FAQ, and Tag pages. If you’ve got questions, feel free to hit up our tumblr askbox or our universal askbox.

Here is the full list of 2019 prompts in text form. Have fun!

Bonfire

Hay Rides and Corn Mazes

Pumpkin Spice

Orchard

DOUBLE SATURDAY: Fall Fashion  [ or ]  Ghosts

Make-up, Wigs, and Disguises

Haunted House

Trick or Treat

Friendly Neighborhood Monster

Couples Costume

Sentient Locations or Objects

DOUBLE SATURDAY: Pumpkin  [ or ]  Witches 

Video or Board Games

B-Movie Horror

Haunted Objects

Slasher Movie 

Abandoned Places

Scary Movie Night

DOUBLE SATURDAY: Asylum  [ or ]  Clowns

Mutation

Trapped

Rituals

Invasion or Apocalypse

Cannibalism

Urban Legends or Myths

DOUBLE SATURDAY: Psychic  [ or ]  Were-Animal 

Gothic Romance

Alternate Universes 

I Have A Bad Feeling About This 

Vampires 

Things That Go Bump In The Night

[iamalyssadalton]

Itinerary for Tuesday, October 27, 2020 -Candy Making 101: Join us for a workshop of the sweetest proportions! Learn to make homemade versions of your favorite Halloween candies and treats! All materials provided, simply bring your sweet tooth and your desire to learn! Hosted by Artie Abrams and Janelle St. James ( @artiesubabrams and @switchjanellestjames). Workshop will take place in the Kitchens, and will run from 5 PM- 6:30 PM. -S’mores Galore: This sweet event will tickle the taste buds of every individual! Join us in the courtyard for a bonfire and s’mores bar! Customize your treats to your liking, and enjoy socializing with staff and peers alike! Hosted by James Moore and Emerson Crawford ( @jamesmoore and @emersoncrawford). Bonfire and s’mores making will take place in the Courtyard, and will begin at 7 PM. Event will run through the end of tonight’s Movie Event. - Movie Event: Tonight’s showing will bring the nostalgia and fun back to Halloween! Join us for a screening of Kenny Ortega’s 1993 Hocus Pocus! Hosted by Cooper Anderson ( @dominanthollywoodcooper). Movie will begin at 8 PM, and will take place in the Courtyard!

Itinerary for Wednesday, October 28, 2020 -Halloween Through the Ages: This informative workshop will take an in-depth look at some of the most popular costumes and styles Halloween has offered through the decades! Perhaps even draw inspiration for your own costumes this year! Hosted by James Moore ( @jamesmoore). Lecture will run from 5 PM- 6 PM in Conference Room B. -Cider Making 101: Learn the easiest, simplest, and most decadent methods of making your own Apple Cider this season! All materials will be provided! Don’t forget to come armed with ideas, all creativity is encouraged in the cider making! Hosted by Artie Abrams and Dorsey Rose ( @artiesubabrams and @subdorseyrose). Workshop will take place in the Kitchens, and will run from 6:30 PM- 8 PM. -Movie Event: Join us in the courtyard to take in this Halloween terror, sure to entice the thrill-seeker in all of us! Tonight’s screening will be of Adam Robitel’s 2019 Escape Room. Movie will begin at 8:15 PM in the Courtyard.

[drarryspecificrecsdaily]

2019.11.05

Complete fics posted on AO3 this day

1. Anger Issues by CharvelleTrash [T, 5k]

▶ Harry got in trouble and has to clean the potion classroom as a punishment. Unfortunately, Draco Malfoy is assigned to watch him and Harry doesn't know how to deal with his feelings for the other boy. So being in a room for several hours for a week can't lead to anything good - or can it?

2. Bonfire Night by JosieRuby1 [G, 3k]

▶ It's Bonfire Night during their eighth year and everyone is gathered for the bonfire and fireworks - completely with relationship talk.

3. Brand New by killjoylincoln [T, 18k]

▶ [...] Harry Potter loses his memory and runs away from the years of his life he can't remember. Of all the places he could have chosen, he finds himself in the one place Draco Malfoy has exiled himself to.

4. Finem Animae Vinculum by Emanning13 [?, 9k]

▶ Harry decides to break his soul bond before it forms to save his soulmate from Voldemort, will he be able to fix it when everything settles?

5. Sweet Revelations by @ladderofyears [T, 1k]

▶ When Draco and Harry struggle to decide whether to hold a combined Baby Shower/Gender Reveal party for their new baby, Hermione organises the event herself. There are professional Elf caterers, a huge pile of lovely gifts and most importantly: the Gender Reveal cake!

6. A Whole Lot Of Capitals - AKA The Potter Problem Project by dothechachaslide [M, 36k]

▶ Harry Potter, accomplished Auror, is getting married. Or, he will be, when his twenty-five question, scientifically valid survey (developed by Hermione) yields a candidate (see: The Potter Project). Designed to filter out the pureblood elitists, the smokers, the vegans, and the crup haters, Harry's questionnaire is, truthfully speaking, a last resort. Enter Draco Malfoy. [...]

7. you have so many years of screw ups ahead by savingsiriusblack [M, 6k]

▶ James Potter is in the future just long enough to ruin his son’s life.

—

Fest/Exchange

1. To Tame a Kitten (is to love) by Anonymous [G, 13k]

▶ After the war, Harry finds solace in fostering orphaned kittens. One day, a kitten appears on his door step without explanation—and attacks him! Taking it in, he quickly finds that this kitten is nothing ordinary. ★ Harry/Draco Fan Fair 2019 | @hd-fan-fair

[boundinshallows]

Tommy/Alfie Prompt Fest - Fic Round-Up v.2

Fic Round-Up v.2

This is the continued working masterlist of fanworks created for the Tommy/Alfie Prompt Fest 2019 hosted on AO3. Many thanks to the prompters and creators who participated in our inaugural event so far!

Remember that prompts are open until January 31st, 2020, so you still have plenty of time to create a fanwork for this edition of the fest!

I’ve provided ratings and summaries for each fanwork when provided, but please also mind the tags. And don’t forget to leave the creators kudos and comments!

===========================================================

Bah humbug by comebackjessica

[T] Modern AU. Alfie insists they wearing matching holiday sweaters (Cyril included).

Cold Sheets by escape_chan

[G] Alfie is tired of waking up to a cold bed and decides he's going to have to have a talk with Tommy about it.

crumb coat by maggie

[E] Sometimes a sweet tooth just won't be denied.

eggplant peach question mark by maggie

[T] Tommy's the manager of a liquor distribution outlet; Alfie's one of the owners of a microbrewery. Even with all that booze around they still have slow days at work. Lucky they've got mobiles and each other.

i am but dust and ashes (the world was created for me) by maggie

[M] The two of them are finding each other again: capricious, dishonest, possessive, and desperate to affect the other.

the midlands by Maggie

[E] May Carleton leaves Birmingham; Alfie Solomons stays. There's no need to let a perfectly good hotel reservation go to waste.

tis the saison by maggie

[T] Nobody much cares for holiday parties, but everybody's got to go to them nevertheless. Tommy Shelby's no exception, much as he would like to be.

Drive by mobile_mom

[T] Modern AU in which model-turned blogger Alfie and his actor boyfriend Tommy are driving their kid Charlie around in their car to make him fall asleep.

La Cabale des Séducteurs Amoureux by Wallissa

[E] In the golden years of powder and crinolines, two scrupulous social climbers with dubious morals and extensive sexual appetites dance around each other, hiding their true feelings behind schemes and re-tellings of their sexual adventures.

While Tommy Shelby has decided to marry into a noble family and is thus trying to seduce a Russian heiress into falling in love with him, Alfie Solomons is enjoying "tutoring" a young nobleman, waiting for an opportunity to expand his network. When Alfie learns about Tommy's plans, he writes his on-and-off associate an inquiring letter and the two start to entangle themselves and their surroundings in a web of manipulation, half-truths and sexual tension.

A Les Liaisons Dangereuses AU.

Lights On by When_Tommy_Met_Alfie

[T] Tommy doesn’t acknowledge him. His breathing continues to come in erratic burst, wheezing out of his throat. Alfie strokes his hair“It‘s just noise, love, just noise,” he whispers. 

“It’s scary fucking noise, I’ll give you that, all those bangs. But it’s just noise." 

For a prompt in the Tommy/Alfie prompt fest: Modern AU: Every year on Bonfire Night, Tommy hides under the covers terrified by all the fireworks, this year Alfie is under the covers with him comforting him.

Desperate by 100dabbo

[E] Tommy is desperate for Alfie's cock. That's it.

Your Body Belongs to Me by 100dabbo

[E] Alfie arrives at Tommy's bedroom and teaches him a lesson.

[thornbolts]

Keep Fighting.

I’m reposting this here because who knows, someone might need this post wherever they are. I first posted this in the Fence Macabre discord. But you know what? I think it has a place right here on Tumblr too.

----

Dear @fence-macabre ,

Again, I told myself I don't intentionally try to get emotional, but I'm going to do it again. Because I'm happy, happy with what we've all built. I'm happy of all the wonderful people I've met just because I wanted to try my hand at making a small merchant guild one day. I'm happy for all the roleplay, the characters, and, most of all, the people behind those characters. 

I'm happy I met each and every single one of you, and I'm humbled each day that I take in the fact that I'm trusted with this position to, in a way, create happiness for this group. Yes, there is happiness even in the angst RP, and there is happiness when it came to the RP in house giving gifts to people. Back then, if you'd have told me I'd be doing this in my RP career, I'd have thought you were crazy, but here we are. 

From our first little baby steps in the Badlands bonfire event to moving to the Respite in Silverpine to the server-wide very Hootenanny itself, we've picked up people here and there. And none of this would be possible without you: The member, the deputy, the major. It's all gone by so quick I can hardly believe it. 

I won't lie. 2019 has had its some ups and downs. For me, the downers have been RL stuff, and a couple of times this year, I wondered if there was light at the end of my tunnel. The struggle's different for every person. Every person is fighting their own kind of battle, and most of the time, we don't even realize that they're battling. But that doesn't make their fight any less significant. 

I know each and every one of you has some struggles in life, no matter how big or small. We all do. We're human, and despite what we all would like, it isn't the world's nature to be perfect. But that doesn't mean we should stop struggling. To each and every single one of you that are struggling, I have this to say: Keep fighting.

Sometimes life really sucks, and it hits harder than anything you've ever been hit with before. Sometimes it will keep hitting so hard without any time to breathe that it's taking all of your resolve just to keep up the routine. As you're lying on the floor, you don't know if you can muster the strength to get back up and keep fighting. We've all been there at one point or another, and those places truly test your resilience to hell and back. 

No one, no matter how mentally or emotional tough they say they are, is ready for every single thing that comes their way. 

So if the only thing you take away from this emotionally-charged wall of text is this, I'm happy: When you're fighting these tough battles, where you feel like you've been hit so hard you can't get back up, I want you to know that it's okay to take a breather when you're down for the count. It's okay to cry. It's okay not to know the answer right this second, and it's okay to lean on others when you need to.

It's okay to do all of that. But promise me that you will get back up. It doesn't matter how long it takes. Go as slow as you need to, but you will get back up even if you have to do it by the skin of your teeth. You will keep standing regardless of how much your feet hurt or how hopeless a situation is. 

There is happiness to be found in every single day. It may not be the most flashy, and sometimes it might not even be plain. It might not be very dramatic. Hell, it could even be so small that it wouldn't even normally register on your radar, but it's there every single day. 

For me, that happiness every day is this guild. 

Thank you for allowing me to be your GM, as heavy as its burden is sometimes, to be directly responsible for creating happiness for the people here, for giving a bastion in the chaotic sea that is life to momentarily allow people to delve into another world and forget life's troubles, is an honor I can barely describe with words. 

Thank you all for a wonderful year of Fence Macabre.

Sincerely,

Remington Thornbolt