#evergreen toad

[herpsandbirds]

Evergreen Toad aka Green Climbing Toad (Incilius coniferus), family Bufonidae, Costa Rica

photograph by Jean Bonilla (@wildlife_journeys_cr)

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Eastern Hognose (Heterodon platirhinos)

Habitat & Distribution

Prefers evergreen forests, fields, and seldom-used farmland

Common throughout the United states, from the central plains to the East Coast

Physical Description

Weight: 0.9-1.8 kg (2-4 lbs)

Length: 71 cm (28 in) on average

The body is somewhat thick, and is covered in large, raised scales

Coloration can be red, green, orange, brown, gray to black, typically patterned to resemble leaf litter

The nose is upturned like a shovel

Behaviour

Eastern hognose snakes dig burrows underground, in which they hibernate during the winter

Feeds exclusively on amphibians, particularly toads and frogs

Predators include other snakes, crows, birds of prey, raccoons, Virginia opossums, and foxes

Key Advantages

When threatened, eastern hognose snakes flatten their necks to make themselves appear larger

They have a mild, amphibian-specific venom; they are also immune to the toxins produced by toads

Photo by Brad Moon

[sailtomarina]

A New Wreath

Draco Malfoy x Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy & Scorpius Malfoy, Hermione Granger & Scorpius Malfoy | @hp-yuletide-bliss Day 1: Parents/children relationship | WC 1576 | Rating: G

It was a bit of a miracle that Scorpius and Draco could even find a spot along the wall to observe the crowds bustling around Professor Longbottom’s new greenhouse. The holiday season was well underway with magical snow falling from the ceiling and dissipating before touching anybody’s heads, and Mrs Longbottom had somehow convinced some toads to croak along to the Christmas soundtrack she’d charmed to sound throughout all the buildings.

Hermione’s long-standing friendship with his father made her adamant on finding the majority of the Manor’s holiday decor from her favorite Herbologist. Scorpius had tried to convince her to forgo the effort seeing as they had House Elves to do the work for them and he already enjoyed more than enough festivity at Hogwarts.

But there was no steering her once her mind was set. Plus, she said it helped her support Neville’s business, and how could any of them say no to that?

“You’d think 50 wreaths would be enough,” Scorpius grumbled, watching her wave her arms excitedly as she put in an order for 100 more from a very amused-looking Hannah.

“Well, she’s taking into account not just the Manor, but all the outbuildings, too. Where there are windows and doors, there’s bound to be a wreath.” His father simply sounded amused, and he rested an arm across Scorpius’ shoulders as they continued to wait.

“And the trees? It’s not like we’re Hogwarts needing 10 trees in our Ballroom.”

“No, but 10 trees would cover all the important rooms.”

Scorpius snorted at the thought of it. He wouldn’t be surprised if one of those Evergreens ended up in his bedroom, laden with all of his childhood ornaments.

He waved at the sight of Albus and Lily Potter. They trailed after their mum, who was making her way towards Hermione. They waved back, then disappeared behind a crowd of eager shoppers.

“You’re free to join your friends, if you like,” his father encouraged, squeezing his shoulder just once before letting go.

“Thanks, Dad.”

Scorpius jetted away immediately, winding around trailing ivy and teetering pots. He bumped into more than one witch and wizard along the way as he made his way towards where he last saw the Potters.

“Sorry! So sorry!”

“Scorpius!”

His heart soared at the sound of his name, then he grinned at the flash of red before he was nearly tackled off his feet in a fierce hug.

“Hey, Lily. Hey, Albus.”

Lily let go as her brother approached, and the two boys exchanged their secret handshake.

“Where’s James?” Scorpius asked.

“He stayed at home to help Dad–”

Lily cut off her brother before he could finish, “--set up a huge surprise for mum.”

“Lily! It’s a secret!” Albus swatted at her head, but she ducked at the last minute so he snatched nothing but air.

“It’s just Scorpius!”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone,” Scorpius assured them.

A part of him, deep down, twinged in pain at the memories of him and his dad once setting up surprises for his mum. She’d laugh uncontrollably every time, long, dark hair spilling forward to hide her face as she clutched her stomach with each giggle.

That was before she got sick. After that, they didn’t want to risk hurting her even more than she already was.

“What are you all doing here, then?” He changed the subject before his face could give his thoughts away.

Lily waved over her shoulder. “Mum wanted to see if Professor Longbottom could teach her how to untangle the garlands we messed up.”

“What’d you lot do?”

Albus’ eyebrows waggled as he grinned, before he leaned forward to loudly whisper, “We built a Christmas nest for Aurora.”

Aurora was Mr Potter’s snowy owl. Scorpius chuckled as he imagined the look on their mum’s face when she discovered her garlands had been twisted and shaped beyond repair.

“Scorpius! Where’s Draco?” Hermione’s question brought his attention away from the siblings and over to where she stood with Mrs Longbottom. Her brow was wrinkled in concern as she scanned the greenhouse in search of his father. She knew, as well as he, that he hated crowds.

“He’s waiting against the wall. Want me to fetch him?”

Warm caramel eyes turned back to look at him, and he couldn’t help but relax in response to her smile. “That’s alright. I won’t be too much longer.”

She returned to her discussion with the heavily pregnant woman at her side, one hand rising far above her head as she tried to describe the heights required for a Malfoy Christmas tree.

“So, it’s going well then?”

“Hm?” He turned a puzzled glance at Albus.

“You and Hermione.” Lily nodded at her brother’s side in agreement. What were they on about?

“I mean, yeah. She’s great. Why wouldn’t we get on?”

The two Potters glanced at each other with what looked like exasperation.

“Aren’t she and your dad, you know, together now?”

Scorpius’ eyes jumped high on his forehead at the question. Hermione and his dad?

“What makes you think that?”

Now they were looking at him like he’d missed an obvious answer in Charm’s Class, his best subject.

“Scorpius,” Lily said carefully, “have you not seen them?”

He jerked back at her tone, his stomach dropping at the implication. He looked over their shoulders back towards where he’d left his dad whose height and unmistakable hair made it easy work. He spotted the grey eyes that matched his own, but they weren’t looking at him.

They looked past him.

At Hermione.

The creases at the corners of his eyes faded somehow, and he looked soft in a way Scorpius hadn’t seen in several years…not since his mum.

“They’re…friends…” he said softly, still at a loss in how he’d missed the signs right in front of him.

“They are…” Lily replied slowly.

“You okay, mate?” Albus asked, but Scorpius didn’t answer him.

He followed his dad’s line of sight until he reached its obvious source. This time, Scorpius really looked.

Hermione turned, sensing the gaze that sought her own, and, as she locked onto his father, Scorpius saw.

He saw the way her eyes sparkled and lips parted. He saw the hitch in her breathing and the inquisitive tilt of her head in an unspoken question. This brilliant, wickedly funny, thoughtful witch liked his dad, and his dad liked her back.

Perhaps even loved.

Scorpius was surprised that he didn’t feel angry, or even sad, at the realization. His father had been lost for so long after his mum’s death, that when he started to come alive Scorpius had thanked whatever gods might or might not exist for not taking him, too. When Hermione started coming around for work, then as a friend, Scorpius had been thankful for her, as well. She brought a levity to the Manor that it desperately needed. 

She couldn’t be any more different than his mum, light to dark, snarky to sweet, exuberant to gentle. He hadn’t seen her like a substitute, unaware for so long about what had been undoubtedly growing between the two adults, but he had noticed the way she filled an emptiness he had thought would never go away.

“See you guys after Christmas, yeah?”

He didn’t wait to listen to his friends’ replies, quickly making his way back towards his father. Rather than lean against the wall next to him like he had earlier, he came to a stop in front of him.

“Dad.”

Draco looked down at Scorpius, the gentleness from his exchange with Hermione still present in the muscles of his face. “Son?”

“I’m cool with it, you and Hermione.”

His father blinked once, twice. His mouth hung open for another beat more, before he resumed activity. “There’s no rush to–”

“Dad.”

Draco’s mouth shut at the admonishment.

“I really, really like her. She isn’t Mum, but no one ever will be. She’s Hermione. You should tell her how you feel.”

The eyes looking down at him flashed with emotion, the man taking a staggering breath, and then another. He brought up his hands to rest on Scorpius’ shoulders.

“When did you get to be so wise, hm?”

“I’ve always been wise. You can thank Mum for that.”

Draco snorted, but didn’t disagree. He crushed Scorpius in a hug that radiated exactly how he felt.

“What’d I miss?” Hermione’s chipper voice brought them out of their embrace. Her eyes widened as she took in their faces, the way their eyes shimmered with tears they’d never let fall in public.

“We’ll tell you back at the Manor,” Draco said with a smile. 

Scorpius reached out to take her bag, overflowing with mistletoe, and sent her his own reassuring grin, dimples on full display.

“Shall we?” He playfully nudged her elbow, then danced away as she made to jab him back.

“You!” She missed again. He lept back, cackling loudly and retreating towards the exit.

As the distance between them widened and she gave up to walk at his father’s side, Scorpius pocketed a handful of the mistletoe. He could think of several key locations where they’d never suspect them. Maybe he could help kick off their relationship before they could get too caught up in talking and all that dramatic rot. Hermione and his dad both had the nasty habit of overthinking things, then getting all huffy, carrying on in shrieks and jabby fingers.

Mistletoe. Kisses. Bam.

Christmas magic. They could thank him later.

If you’re reading this, welcome to the start of my submissions for the Yuletide Bliss Festival, the first of my Christmas writing festivals! I hope you enjoy as the month brings us closer to one of my favorite days of the year.

I wrote this with Scorpius and Draco fresh on my mind after writing their relationship in another work of mine (still to be revealed). This is a Hermione sans any marriage with Ron, because I didn’t want to have to mess with any complications of Scorpius versus Rose.

[vandaliatraveler]

Blake and I drove out to Tygart Lake yesterday to scout fishing spots. The lake is quite popular with local boaters and fishers, and finding a quiet cove to yourself is no easy task (bushwhacking skills are highly desirable). Blake has an instinctive feel for good fishing spots and an enviable power to draw wildlife to himself, including apparently toads - evidence being the little tater tot (above) that practically jumped into his hands. Never once peed on him.

From top: violet wood sorrel (Oxalis violacea), a lovely, low-spreading perennial of damp woods and streambanks; lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata), an evergreen mint with elegant blue flowers and unusual, multi-lobed foliage; and wild comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum), which is becoming increasingly rare throughout much of its range.

[adarkrainbow]

Masterpost 6: Face Off

Intro for those who do not know the show 

Season 1 episode 8: Twisted Tales. Hansel and Gretel - The Little Mermaid - Little Red Riding Hood - The Frog Prince

Season 4 episode 6: Fairytales’ bad girls. Little Miss Muffet - Sleeping Beauty - Little Red Riding Hood - Others

Season 4 episode 5: Two Heads are Better than One. The head-feeted giant. The mutated giant. The beanstalk giant. The tree giant. Small Jack, bicephal giant 

Season 5 episode 3: Gettin’ Goosed. Little Miss Muffet - The Man in the Moon - Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater - Humpty Dumpty - The crooked sixpence - Five toes - The cat and the fiddle

Season 5 episode 13: Swan Song. Italian Renaissance - Industrial Revolution - Ming Dynasty

Season 6 episode 1: Sexy Beasts. The sultan’s palace Beast - The undersea Beast - The alien Beast - The creepy Beast - The draconic Beast - The regal Beast - The snow Beast

Season 8 episode 6: Troll Bridge. Helix Bridge ; Corvin Castle Bridge 1 ; Corvin Castle Bridge 2 ; Dragon Bridge 1 ; Dragon Bridge 2 ; Python Bridge 1 ; Python Bridge 2 ; Tower Bridge 1 ; Tower Bridge 2 ; Golden Gate Bridge 1 ; Golden Gate Bridge 2 

Season 10 episode 8: Smoke and Mirrors. The Emerald Empress - The Sea Witch - The Temptress of the Flame - The Corpse Conjurer - The Wiccan of the Woods - The Shadow Enchantress - The Dragon Queen - All the sorceresses 

Season 10 episode 9: Bottled Up. The party girl genie - The pachyderm genie - The draconic witch - The female genie - The lamp genie - The ancient genie 

Season 11 episode 4: Snow Queens. The Evergreen Queen - The undead queen - The warrior queen - The Dark Ice Queen - The spiky queen - The ice statue queen - The fairy queen

Season 13 episode 1: Face your fears. Tinkerbell ; Mr Toad ; The Little Mermaid ; Captain Hook ; Humpty Dumpty ; The Gingerbread Man

[worldsandemanations]

Evergreen Toad (Incilius coniferus), family Bufonidae, Costa Rica photograph by Peter Soltys

[yogeshblogs]

Top Things to Do in Mount Abu

Nestled in the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a popular hill station that offers a cool respite from the scorching heat of Rajasthan. From boating on picturesque lakes to exploring ancient Jain temples, here are the top things to do in Mount Abu.

Explore Nakki Lake 

The centerpiece of Mount Abu is the serene Nakki Lake, which is revered in Hindu mythology. Rent a pedal boat or take a leisurely stroll along the lakefront promenade to admire views of the surrounding hills reflected in the calm waters. Don’t miss the Toad Rock perched on a hilltop nearby - the rock formation looks exactly like a toad! 

Visit Dilwara Jain Temples

The exquisitely carved Dilwara Jain Temples date back to the 11th-13th centuries. Considered architectural masterpieces, these white marble temples feature stunning ornate carvings covering the walls, ceilings and pillars. The Dilwara complex contains five main temples, each dedicated to a different Jain tirthankara (saint). Photography is prohibited inside, but you can appreciate the intricate details up-close. 

Trek to Trevor’s Tank

For gorgeous panoramic views of Mount Abu, take on the steep trek to Trevor’s Tank. Set amidst jungles and huge granite boulders, this tranquil water reservoir was named after a British engineer. The scenic trek route goes through evergreen forests and crosses a waterfall, before culminating at the viewpoint overlooking the green mountains and lake.

Visit the Peace Park

The Peace Park is a landscaped garden with gorgeous flowering trees, shrubs and sculptures that pay tribute to Indian culture. The park has different sections showcasing religious figures, zodiac signs, seasonal fountains and stone carvings. The Japanese-style garden with bonsai trees and the walkway lined with animal sculptures are highlights.

Shop in Mount Abu Market

The markets in Mount Abu offer plenty of shopping opportunities. Browse for colorful Rajasthani textiles, patchwork bed covers, wooden carvings and antiques in the Tibetan Market or Municipal Market. The streets are lined with stalls selling vibrant accessories, bags, jewelry and souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle! 

Go Boating in Nakki Lake

Take a relaxing boat ride on Nakki Lake and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills. You can opt for motorboats, row boats or hired pedal boats to traverse across the lake. As per legend, the lake was created by digging with nails (nakki) of a sage. Catch the sunset over the lake for a memorable experience.

Visit Achalgarh Fort 

Just 8 km outside Mount Abu lies the impressive Achalgarh Fort, situated at the top of a mountain peak. The fort encloses several temples, cenotaphs, and a palace within its premises. The main attraction is the Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple carved out of a single rock with an idol of Lord Shiva. The views of the plains below are simply breathtaking from here.

Explore Guru Shikhar Peak

At 1722 meters, Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in Rajasthan. You can trek or take a jeep to the summit, which houses a 15th century temple dedicated to Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The views  of the surrounding ranges and valley below are serene and spiritually uplifting.

Visit Honeymoon Point

Ironically, there are no couples at Honeymoon Point, but rather panoramic views of lush greenery. The vantage point got its unusual name from a legend about a royal couple who jumped off the cliff to their death. Nevertheless, the scenic views of valleys enveloped in mist are stunning, especially at sunset.

Go Wildlife Spotting 

Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many species like sambhar, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars and chinkaras. Take a jeep safari through the evergreen forests and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. The sanctuary is also home to regional flora like bamboos, wild roses, mosses and orchids.

With its cool climate, mountainous terrain and cultural sights, Mount Abu offers the perfect escape from the hot deserts of Rajasthan. Follow this guide to make the most of your trip to Mount Abu. Don’t forget to spend a few moments simply taking in the hill station’s natural beauty and serenity.    If you are looking for a trip to mount abu  then, I recommend you the best cab service in Jaisalmer named as Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab. Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab is one of India's generally trustworthy, practical, and excellent taxi administrations. They offer minimal expense, great taxi benefits that ensure a charming excursion.

[riwritingrn]

Novemberland

Take a bus from the city to drop you off at the beach. Walk past the shore and wait until the sunset. Follow the reflection of the sun into the ocean. Let the winds guide your way. 

And now you've finally reached Novemberland where the sun shies away and the sky blushes red. 

Novemberland with misty lakes and foggy skies.

Where the pastures are always dewy green and the streams always stray coolly by. 

Where the day rushes away and the moon overstays. 

Novemberland, for people with December hearts and February thoughts.

Where dragonflies speculate your deeds like guardian angels.

Where moths kiss your pains away. 

Novemberland, like a long-gone memory. 

Where the sky rumbles and rains in the mornings against the broad, green landscape. 

Where mushrooms never-seen-before greet hello with the frog-and-toad chorus. 

Novemberland, population unknown because no one comes out during the day but lingers like ghosts at night, around bonfires with lyres like the Greeks and like the smoke from chimneys. 

Where hearts shed callouses and live tenderly.

Where people rest on dandelion fields. 

Soft skies and cool cradling breeze, sweet waters and glittering fishes, seasalt thoughts and tidal shifts, lunar eclipse and stellar reunion, golden leaves and evergreen trees, Novemberland is the place to be! 

Novemberland! Novemberland! Take me away!

Tonight, 

I set sail, 

All the way 

to Novemberland,

To my foster land.  

[nutworks]

better than nothing

It comes easily The lifting of another’s burden. Hoist them upon my unfragile shoulders, deadlift and squat press them, if asked nicely.

Take on the faults that are not mine, Into eager outstretched fingers, And bash them into my chest Until they are fully molded into my own Imperfect ways.

Chain my long limbs to not my own boulder And let it drag me down Until a familiar darkness sets in.

Instead, I want the depth of a green forest, Peppered with the glimmer of the lightning bugs Spread thin across a summer night.

I will take the low croaking of toads to be with me, And press it all slimy against my face, And hold it, like a precious child, smelling of dampness and moss.

I cannot be Like the petals floating down the calm surface of the river, Carried along by its current. I want to feel the sharpness of the evergreens stinging at my soles.

I know, there is great darkness in every soul And each of us teeters boldly at the edge, But I have broken free From the concrete That held down my feet. And I will claw my way up from the bottom.

I want to go in, not down, Deeper, not lower.

[marbarmars-arts]

Evergreen Mint! A 44 year old man who wants to shield his four children from a generational burden: an ice curse. He and his wife set out on a journey to find a permanent cure for the curse, which leads him to often clash with his younger brother and his daughter.

Now to ramble on about the design. Sheesh....that old design looks like hot garbage in terms of the colors imo. I knew what I was trying to go for, like evergreen tree with some starry night elements but the cape and stuff made him appear way more evil than intended. My friend said it best the old design made Evergreen look like he was working with his brother Gingersnap and I DID NOT WANT THAT LOL. Total opposite from what I intended.

This time I fully leaned into the green, browns, and wanted a "refined adventurer" vibe. His outfit is somewhat inspired by some equestrian outfits with the white pants, boots, and buttoned up coat. ....Evergreen might have a horse, I dunno xD those horses from Mario Sports Superstars exist! The colors on his belt represent the hair color of all of his kids. Mocha has this element on her design too.

Mocha Mint! A 45 year old woman who wields all sorts of dark magic. Found a spell to quell the ice curse on her children temporarily. Entrusted her older sister to take care of the kids while she goes on daring adventures with her husband. Has a sassy streak.

Looking at the differences, I'm glad I abandoned the Christmas theme of the old Mocha and transferred it onto her niece which you'll see later. But I liked keeping the red in her design! Gives her and Evergreen the red/green contrast. It's kind of a shame that I don't have that matching starry night design between the two but the coffee stained scarf is soooooo pretty. This new design just screams "Mocha"

Fun fact, Mocha's hair color is the exact same color as my sona's. This is just a nod towards how Minty started out as my sona and then turned into the girl you know today. Doesn't mean Mocha is related to my sona though xD

Cinder Bundtee! A 49 year old man who's a simple but charming lumberjack. A fun uncle and father, a day with him will always leave you with a smile. Helps his wife with her boutique, and is good friends with the Mario Bros. His axe and hammer swings are no joke.

I knew his design wasn't going to change too much when I was working on the new version. Just amplifying the old design to the next level! His name used to be Cinna (like based after Cinnamon) but Cinder started to sound a lot better so it changed. With the new name, I changed his shirt color from warm browns to greys. It really makes the pink pop! You'd bet he would also wear pink tshirts and whatnot. ALSO HIS BEARD IS WAY MORE NOTICABLE NOW! I swear I forgot it was there in the old design, I wasn't great at portraying facial hair back then.

I love my short chubby king and he deserves to live with his one daughter three nephews and one niece

Vanilli Bundtee! A 50 year old woman who owns a very successful clothing and bakery business under Toad Town's busiest boutique. She's a responsible woman that holds herself and others to high standards. Over-protective to a fault.

Absolutely adored her old design and I'm still proud for coming up with it even though I didn't really solidify the idea of her owning the Bundtee Boutique until later. So of course things didn't really change, just some refinements. Love how the new color of the glasses really make her eyes pop out at you. I always struggled with these old designs to make the glasses contrast and noticeable with everything else going on.

Vanilli's name is actually taken from an old concept of my OC Velva having an older sister. I've had multiple attempts of giving Velva sisters but none of them stuck. But I think Vanilli works best for this stunning woman right here~

Velvina Bundtee! A 25 year old woman who helps look after her mom's shop, as she plans to inherit it one day. Tends to be a worrier, but loves her cousins dearly. Been practicing the art of light magic just in case anything happens.

It's fun to create an OC inspired by another OC...that would be Velva. This is where I kinda transferred Mocha's old Christmas outfit to...it's a nice mix of reds and greens, and the whites look so so fluffy! When I look at Velvina I think about a librarian and that's about right xD

That hair looks so much better btw. The old haircut was just not vibing correctly imo. Just in general I've been hella improving on the hair of my characters and I'm proud of that!

Frost Mint! A 19 year old were-cat (once human) who highly enjoys researching about animals. Hopes to one day become a veterinary doctor/professor. Pretty chill with his unexpected transformation these days, but wants to learn more.

Frost was one of those characters that needed a fresh new rework from the ground up, I guarantee almost all the colors of the design were changed. Took forever to find a good new fur color. The green looks nice but then it's hard to decide what to do with the rest of the outfit to make Frost....well, Frost. His cat-elements are inspired by the kitties seen in Bowser's Fury. He's part cat but that doesn't mean he's not a Mint either. I'd wear that tank top irl if I could.

Pepper Mint! A 13 year old boy who's headstrong and confident to a fault. Picks brawls with others and will always stand up for what's right. One day he hopes to be as strong as someone like his uncle, or the mysterious fighter Aquamarine.

A trend I seem to notice with these newer designs is that I made everyone look just a little bit older, which works for me. I think Pepper and his younger brother Spear were originally going to be around 9/10 years old. He's entering his teen years! And with that I present to him the dueling gloves from mario party xD there's no specific reason in particular Pepper gets mario party items aside from I think they look cool.

Spear Mint! A 12 year old boy that's focused on learning all about technology and machines. Calm and collected, he tries to rein in his overactive older brother. Looks up to his elders and is generally conflict avoidant.

The small amount of changes between the old and new Spear is crazy! The main thing was fixing the design on his pants and now the ice flower on his shirt is based off of the one seen in partners in time. Did you know that was one of the first appearances of the ice flower? I like the new symmetry in Spear's hair, and he looks like a spitting image of his dad. Pepper and Spear are somewhat based off of some of my irl brothers. I have 4 :)

Gingersnap Mint! He's a 42 year old man that uh, he wants to use his beloved niece to bring back a really old soul back to life to wreak havoc and rule the world. Maybe even bring back the dead wife he misses. Thinks the ice powers are a blessing.

HOOOO BOY HE AND HIS DAUGHTER GOT SUCH A GLOW UP........because I had no idea what I was doing back then.....I had the base idea of "evil uncle" but not official ice cult leader like I do now. I swear I spent like. Hours figuring out the colors and how to balance the teal and the purple/grape. Love the new cloak to signify the Ice Goddess (my fun third Firebrand/Thunderhand god-like OC) He also has both Grodus and Cortex inspirations :)

Not much else to say here, I really enjoy a good bad guy design. Gingersnap is a fun tragic villain who can be very silly, very threatening, and probably whack you with his cane.

Lavender Mint! A 22 year old woman who aspires for her father's love and acceptance. Thinks she'll be alright on her own until she meets some good, lifelong companions. Very deadly with her ice powers, and very socially aloof.

I'm very inspired by Blaze the Cat when creating her design and personality. You may notice there's no teal in her new design like there is in Gingersnap's, and that's intentional. But her outfit is very centered around the Ice Goddess her father's cult worships. It was tough to balance the outfit between decorative and combat ready but I think I did a good job! The new hair is fabulous too, it flows a lot nicer.

....Aaaaand that's everything for today! Thanks for reading!

Minty Week Day 6: Family! 🌟

One of the most important things in Minty's life is family--and she has a whole lot of that! There are 10 characters related to Minty that will be important to Minty Frazzles, here are their relations in order:

Evergreen: Minty's Dad

Mocha: Minty's Mom

Cinder: Minty's Uncle-In-Law

Vanilli: Minty's Maternal Aunt

Gingersnap: Minty's Paternal Uncle

Spear: Minty's Youngest Brother

Pepper: Minty's Second Youngest Brother

Frost: Minty's Younger Brother

Velvina: Minty's Maternal Cousin

Lavender: Minty's Paternal Cousin

[herpsandbirds]

Evergreen Toad aka Green Climbing Toad (Incilius coniferus), male, family Bufonidae, Costa Rica

photograph by Diego Aviles

[toadschooled]

The green climbing toad [also known as the evergreen toad, Incilius coniferus] is a species native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Panama. These toads use their long fingers and limbs to scale the trees of their forested habitats. Usually green in color, individuals may also be predominately brown or yellow. Images by Abigail Fonseca. 

[whyithewriter]

After Midnight

If you ever venture out past midnight, leave your watch at home. The ongoing tick of time is something the dear Elder Evergreen chooses to forget. When you pass by Her weathered trunk, leave your shoes. You won’t need them. Continue on, with socks in hand, until you hear soft tears falling. This is the song of the Potter. Make no mention of His sadness, for it has become one with Him and He notices it no more. Stop and dip your feet into His pool, watch Him work. He enjoys the company. When the water around your feet turns cold, look to the Moon. She will tell you it’s time to go, and the Potter will understand. He will beg you to return before your journey ends. Say yes. Make steady steps along the path, for there are those that watch and count. The Moon will be your companion and whisper many truths into an open ear. If you hear faint music in the forest, hum along quietly if you must, but do not go looking for it. Soon the Moon will kiss your forehead and depart. She keeps order elsewhere, you know. At the kiss, look left and you will see the Raven. He will welcome you most graciously. Humor Him, it helps His confidence. Laugh jovially in His presence and listen to His stories. If His mood turns sour, your mind must be ready and able to repel any who dare enter. But if He remains joyous, then breathe deep and sigh in content. He will fly you to the Mountain Toad. The Toad looks on with His compassionate eyes. Bow to Him. When His blessing is upon you, the Raven will return you to where the Moon left Her kiss. Let Him tell you of His family, and His brothers. They will watch over you in return. Whisper to your socks that the night goes ever on. The Raven will understand. Walk alone down the path, stay by the trees, and never acknowledge the scent of lavender. If you hear the music growing louder, step faster and hum in a determined way. At the next turn, you will find the pool of the Potter, with no Potter. Beside the pool will be His gift to you. A simple clay pot, used for anything. If all is quiet, you may hear his soft, reassuring tears echoing from within the sculpted chamber. Take His gift and continue to the dear Elder Evergreen. She will thank you. She will also offer wisdom and tea. Take the wisdom. Not the tea. Put on your socks, collect your shoes, and begin the journey home. Do not look to the Moon until safely locked inside of your house. Do not check the time, and do not acknowledge any music. Sleep well.

[discet]

Have you ever played any Paper Mario games?

Funny you should ask! I have! The original Paper Mario was one of my favorite games when I was a kid. It was my first RPG that I could really understand and the way that it developed the mushroom kingdom and its inhabitants blew my mind as a kid. I loved all the unique toads, the different little cultures you explored. So many of Mario's enemies in other games becoming your companions in this one. It was all just delightful!

I just recently got around to beating The Thousand Year Door like 2 weeks ago. (When it first came out I got stuck on the final boss and couldn't figure out how to beat her.) I loved the more edgy side of Mario's world that we see in Rogue Port. Each of the areas you visit in that game all have pretty fun gimmicks and descent lore if you dig into it.

Both of these mechanically were so great. The little minigames that accompanied every ability and attack, along with the active block and parry system, kept me engaged in every little battle, where similar JRPG's turn based systems would have me zoning out of most battles.

I briefly played Super Paper Mario for the Wii, but it was such a strong departure from the mechanics of the first two games that I was deeply disappointed in it. I'm sure in retrospect that it was a fine game, but I can't really unhook it from my disappointment.

Since then I havn't played any of the games. Everything I read about them is that they've slowly abandoned everything that I loved from the first two games (aside from the evergreen artstyle). No more unique characters for companions, no more engaging turn based combat, no more charming story lines.

I've recently been playing Bug Fables, a game very clearly inspired from the first two Paper Mario games, I think that it lacks a bit of polish, but mechanically it feels like coming home.

[drdsatadventure]

7/3/22, day 47 of the AT adventure.

Been hiking through mid to northern Massachusetts for the last several days since the last post. The temperature today was fabulous- it was sunny and a gorgeous hiking day. In the last 2 days the AT has passed through two small towns, Dalton and Cheshire, Massachusetts. I stayed in Dalton, Massachusetts at a guys backyard who allows thru hikers to camp. There must have been 15 tents. A mile out from his place the sky's opened up and it poured. Drenched again. Everything was soggy today but is now finally dried out. Cheshire Massachusetts was very nice, quaint and had a nice 13 mi rail to trail bike path running through it. I'm not seeing any good animal life here in Massachusetts just lots of toads, frogs and those orange newts that seems to come out in droves after rain. A couple at the shelter last night had seen a porcupine on the trail that day. I would love to see one. Well tomorrow is independence Day so God bless America. Happy trails everyone.

On Mount Greylock tonight at a shelter. Three more miles to the summit which is Massachusetts highest point. Will then pass into Vermont within about 10 to 15 mi.

Yes, we are in the famous Berkshires

Inappropriate trail magic. This is just food for the animals unless someone picks it up. Before I took the picture I did eat one of the bananas.

Northern Massachusetts view

This is a field of nothing but ferns. I remember that cartoon when the girls were young called Fern Gully.

There are hundreds of these tiny mushrooms on this log. Nature is pretty amazing.

Interestingly, Northern Massachusetts is having a different type of evergreen but also a lot more beech trees.

Nice day hikers took this picture with the valley of Cheshire Massachusetts below.

This was funny, the AT is running right through this guy's cornfield.

Gretchen and I used to have a pet name for the benches alongside trails. Climbing Mount greylock today I was tempted to use this one.

[15-blade]

Forest creatures

I moved to the woods and so far I have seen:

Chipmunks, squirrels, bunnies, deer, a fox! as well as crows, robins, a hummingbird! and all sorts of other birds I can’t yet identify. A toad.

And I have heard bats chirping though I did not see them. I’ve also heard crickets and frogs, that perfect summer evening symphony.

There are evergreen trees and birch trees, some tiny wild flowers. Some red mushrooms. There aren’t many flowers near the house but there is a wild rose with a single bloom. I will need to plant more flowers.