#exploring the world of english

[illustratus]

Isolation: The Mayflower becalmed on a moonlit night by Montague Dawson

[15-lizards]

I know you’re mostly vibing with Dune right now, and I’m here for that, BUT I’ve been really into traditional Circassian fashion lately, and it made me think of you because I instantly wanted to know where you would place it in ASOIAF. I was thinking it should be nearer to Dorne than the North and nearer to Essos than the West because of the cultural ties to the Turkish style of Northern Donishfolx and the Mongolian horse lords of the Dothraki but I’m not sure where that really belongs then. I love the women’s dresses and the sort of militarized style, it’s very unlike GoT show-style but feels very in keeping with the idea that these tiny houses make war on each other like a spring activity rather than the way we think of total war in the modern era and fashion has slid in to be like “okay but let’s make it pretty”. Does any of that track at all?

Eurasian/west Asian fashion is criminally underutilized in fantasy settings but ☝️I have always been a firm believer in it

I’ve always seen it as belong in the north of Dorne. Where it’s not as hot as the southern reaches, so heavier fabrics and more layers are commonly seen, but still hotter than the stormlands and the reach, meaning that clothing is looser and offers more freedom of movement and airflow. Headwraps and veils being more frequently used for sun/wind protection than just fashion or modesty. Also finely wrought and intricate golden jewelry I tend to associate with Dorne. The style itself also feels like a organic blend of the traditional clothing of both Western European and the Near East, which contributes to my headcanon of this type of fashion being common on the border and in the marches. So in short this is what I think the Daynes wear 🔮💫

[the-korova]

Contrary to a consensus among a lot of fanfic authors (who I love and respect so no shade) I think cannon Francis Crozier knows he is hot.

[maihonhassan]

I really felt it when Rumi wrote:

"Come on sweetheart let’s adore one another before there is no more of you and me."

“Rumi, Fountain of Fire” Burning Gate Press, 1994.

[noirshitsuji]

every once in a while I will see this take in the bb fandom that like 'nothing has felt like Black Butler since X arc' (usually Noah's Arc Circus) which I find. very interesting. I think the implication is usually that nothing has felt as like serious or gritty or psychological thriller-y or devastating, or that somehow the vibe has gone weird. and like, this is not to diss anyone's interpretation. but also.

this is a story where one moment the main boy character is wearing a dress and being accosted by a pedophile nobleman and the next he's nearly been human trafficked. and then it turns out his aunt is jack the ripper and she dies at the hand of her grim reaper ally who decides to turn on her for being unable to kill her nephew. cue flashback to the extremely tragic life she's had and the complicated feelings she has about said nephew as a result, although ultimately her love for her sister, that she seems in him, means that she cannot slaughter him as she has so many others.

and then next arc, the culmination of an indian prince's coming of age where he's processing his loneliness and neglected upbringing comes during a contest where people are trying to obtain the royal warrant for curry. and the main character wins it by inventing the curry bun, a japanese dish, in Victorian England, after the elderly queen rides in on a horse wearing sunglasses and declares him a winner.

like. idk what to tell you, like yes the Circus Arc was very dark and all but are we really going to pretend that the boy band thing during the blue cult arc was out of left field??? for the person that did pride and prejudice and zombies on the titanic?? like this has always been the type of story this is wdym-

[huayla]

Hi @ervikirvi! A while back, I read a post of yours asking for recommendations for fics about certain chess pieces. That day, I was inspired and wrote in the comments a little list of some of my favorite fics. Time passes, and I don't know, I loved the works I found so much that I thought you might be interested.

If it's not too much trouble, I'll just copy the comment (with corrections + a new fic I found) I wrote that day:

Listen, my native language is not english and I'm not used to interact on tumblr. But I loved reading your analysis posts about queenie and kinger that led me to know your account. And well, how a person that taked a period of time to search material of this chess couple in ao3 I can tell that there aren't too many to my taste 😅 and in amount. But the ones I found are GOLD (maybe there are so many others to be found but who knows). Of course this is only my opinion with all respect to fanfic writers whose dedication and constancy I appreciate. Below I'm going to write my list (which is short hopefully only for now). I need to clarify that it's not put in order of preference, all of them offer an idea that attracted me above the general I checked.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/59808613 -> metamorphosis by beepborpdoodledorp its the longest and I loved reading each letter of it. It's a kinger/queenie fic. "Queenie hasn't been feeling alright lately." is the summary, i will not say no more 😊. (also check the other works of the author, they are so good. I like his Gumigoo!)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/59939308 -> Atta Cephalotes by Anonymous. It was a great surprise to find this fic! A Kinger & Pomni fic. It feels like it could easily happen in an episode (But of course that all the fics I love always I want to be happen in a episode). Whoever you are who wrote this I need you to know how marvellous is.

Ok, I admit it, these first two are my favourites, but I also enjoy reading:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55277785 -> First Days by Silvery_Soul. This fic was written when the series was just starting, and it still managed to capture the couple's dynamic and their adaptation within the circus, taking on their roles as leaders. (And an Ragatha & Kinger fic before episode 2!!??? I don't know how common it was at the time, but I cherish its execution.)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/59689234 -> Check by LateNightDaydreams (Kinger forgetting things before his wife abstracted? a part of a angst i didn't know i need it after reading this)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63602545/chapters/163010482 -> Kingers Gambit by OhSunnyKnight. Although I support this theory of https://www.tumblr.com/wtpyrofreak/770600255510216704/the-best-thing-to-happen-to-kingers-lower-half?source=share , it´s pleasant and interesting to read an analytical monologue from a grieving Kinger.

Honorific Mentions:

Finding the Queen Piece -> Finding the Queen Piece by Silvery_Soul

my heart aches for you -> my heart aches for you by basedmiser

So, maybe I'm forgetting some others, but there you go, all the fics I keep :D. Sorry if this is long

PS: I need to specify in the notes of "Check" about the forgetful Kinger: To avoid spoilers for some fics, I'll just say that this one in particular does it more drastically. You'll notice it as you read.

*End of the comment copy*

There you have it :D. Although you've probably already read these fics, I decided to post this as well to support these works that I loved and their respective authors.

[muses-of-the-memory]

Happy 30th Anniversary, Pocahontas

Tagged by: @spirits-of-nature16, @bluemajingirl, @the-world-hopper, @hoshi-neko-hikari, @spiderben2011

[nezumasa]

This is how it feels to explain anything

[vingilotes]

Remember this post? Yea, so... I actually did not play a lot in that save cause I was way to busy with work and all (still kinda am but lol who cares).

But!!!!!! In the last few weeks I got the URGE to play some stardew, so I started my save again.

And because I really hate myself, I just went and did the seasonal portraits for Ophelia. lol

I also fixed the color scheme of the OG portrait to fit in better with Nyapu's palette lol

I even did a flower dance portrait too! (Inspired by Hamlet's Ophelia)

A bit more about Ophelia and the process of drawing under the cut.

Since they are quite small (64p), I did this all surprisingly fast. I am thankful for it because I am way too impatient and lazy. I have a sketch for the marriage portrait but when the time comes I'll finish it.

About Ophelia, welll... she is a kind girl who always wanted to be a musical theatre actress, she managed to get into an acting school but did not have luck with her career. She also had a toxic relationship that made her stop chasing her dreams. Because she needed a job, she went to work for joja but soon got tired of it. The farm is an opportunity for her to take control of her life and find new dreams!

She likes reading, singing and drinking a bit of wine in calm nights. She is quite energetic and can be really forgetful sometimes.

[illustratus]

Mayflower II on her sailing trials in the waters off Brixham, South Devon, April 1957 by Montague Dawson

[deathsmallcaps]

Replying to tags but then I ran out of room and I think i was if not cooking then at least microwaving

#dude when I was in 6th grade I read #the veldt #and at the time it disgusted and genuinely scared me because I was #just so surprised that people - children! - could be raised to be so heartless #idk if I read it for the first time as a 23 year old it would scare me so much #but goddamn

#I think we're both people who are *at least* good at literacy but we're both a little too STEMmy #to look at it the way some English teachers want us to? #like they want people to go from 'damn that's fucked up → what themes are the authors trying to explore here → what about the world #made them think of that and perhaps what are they trying to get us to consider and think about and perhaps change' #obviously not all writing is a fable with a moral at the end #but a lot of good writing has some sort of central belief that it wants the reader to consider

#(I struggle in creating that with my fiction ugh and I think a lot of booktok books do too and it bugs me that we have that connection)

#but anyway #I think you and I'd first reactions are like #’that's horrible → how can we prevent that specific problem from occurring again' #like take the lottery. my (and maybe your?) first reaction is like 'that's horrible → they should ban the lottery' #but the English teacher is going to want us to think 'oh gee okay so this is a commentary on traditions. why would this tradition be started #/necessary? does the lottery reflect the overall morals and sensibilities of the overall society (aka fond of the death penalty etc). #what sort of tradition might this mirror today? connecting to historical events and the fact that the person stoned and the author were #women. aka the gender commonly stoned for witchcraft in New England #do you think that's related?' etc etc etc wrapped in metaphors and shit. and tbh that's how I learned a lot of my religious and political #philosophy as well as history. I really like Thomas swift's 'a modest proposal' (satire) for that reason.

but that was NOT my initial #thought process for English class. I had to be heavily trained into thinking that way and often my first instinct is to not engage with the #metaphor an just go straight to the logic/sensible answer. blah blah blah. I really respect lit and history teachers as a profession but boy #do I not want to teach it because I would be so slack on writing the kinds of questions that would get the kids to engage with the meta. #once I got a piece I got it but it was a struggle every damn time. because I had to get over my feelings of well why didn't they just not #do that'

the biggest one I can think of is 'song of Solomon' by Toni Morrison. I think my senior AP English teacher wanted us to really #consider authors and characters of color (he was white but it was 2018-2019 aka Trump era) so he taught us othello and TM. othello is a #little easier to understand because iago is just being a little bitch about a Black foreigner getting a promotion and a hot wife and no longer being able to convince himself that he was better than Othello

But TM’s main character Milkman? Unlikeable, spoiled little shit who doesn’t give a damn that he’s the 1 percent of his marginalized community and he’s frittering his privileges away so hard that it literally induces suicidal and murderous tendencies into the people around him. Among other things.

It took me foreverrrrrr to engage with the text beyond GOD I HATE THIS GUY but once I was able to examine his psychology and the mean flip side of ‘if you want to fly, you have to get rid of earthly attachments’, which he does at the end of the story.

Was it a chore? Absolutely. But have I ever forgotten the story or the literary tools it gave me? No.

Maybe I’m just speaking for myself in this longass response - you and I usually talk animals and men not books 😅 - but yeah every English class is full of these annoying stories that are meant to rattle one’s brain and I REALLY avoid rattling lmao. Tbqh again I respect lot classes but I’m glad they’re over lmao

But anyways I listened to Levar Burton’s podcast ‘Levar Burton Reads’ from start to finish, and he once read (as a three parter) Toni Morrison’s Recitatif. It’s the story of two girls, one Black one white, who grew up around and with and against each other during the mid 1900s.

I didn’t know what the story was getting at, aside from the surface ideas of the American Civil Rights Movement and privilege and stuff. But LB usually asked questions or briefly mentioned the author’s main idea at the end. And when he did? HOLY FUCK.

If you ever decide to listen to it (I’ve never gotten my hands to a print copy so idk if they usually have some sort of author’s note at the end to ask the reader this question)(I love LB’s voice he’s a pleasure to listen to if you listen to Recitatif) please @ me and tell me if it also blew your mind and made you consider how you viewed the POV character of the story.

Because it blew my mind and made me really consider why I assumed things about the pov character. Im not going to say anything further because I feel like I’m spoiling the point but yeah.

Anyways again this could be just me but I’ve always had trouble moving on from the straight solution mindset. When I was 12 I was in a model UN and I was told to write a report about Togo and its healthcare issues. I took this to mean that I had to research the common issues there (such as unclean water and mosquito bite diseases) and then come up with solutions.

It was incredibly embarrassing to do all that and then hear every other group explain their countries healthcare issues and WHY (historically, monetarily, etc) their countries struggled with such things. And my ass went up there and talked about affordable mosquito deterrent changes to water sources and cheap water cleaning services.

I didn’t realize it then but like. It perfectly exemplified my lack of instinct to subtextually interact with instructions and prompts.

And the thing is. May the universe bless and boost the fucking lit teachers out there because my poor students are entering math class with lit skills 6 grades under where they should be and are genuinely unable to interact with straightforward STEM instructions. My college had every ed major take a ‘teaching literacy’ class and sure I passed but the thing is. I’m not really the person that’s supposed to catch these kids on that subject. I’m supposed to be a secondary math teacher. So a lot of the advice in that class simply wasn’t applicable and I wish it was!!! I’d be happy to help in that subject but also I WAS TRAINED TO BE A MATH TEACHER. AND MOST LITERACY AND LANGUAGE DIFFICULTY COURSES ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH STEM IN MIND. (Which is why I want to learn enough Spanish that I can teach kids learning English math as well because that’s an area that doesn’t get a lot of crossover and a lot of kids fall through).

Well this turned into a ramble goodnight lmao. I’d say this was a decently microwaved thought track lol

[royllowarch]

Tower of London by Roy Llowarch Via Flickr: The Tower of London. Photo taken with my Nikon camera from Tower Bridge. Just another one of my thousands of London photos! The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new Norman ruling class. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham) until 1952 (the Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site. The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country. The Tower has served variously as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. From the early 14th century until the reign of Charles II in the 17th century, the monarch would traditionally prepare for several nights at the Tower, and lead a procession from there to Westminster Abbey for their coronation. In the absence of the monarch, the Constable of the Tower was in charge of the castle. This was a powerful and trusted position in the medieval period. In the late 15th century, the Princes in the Tower were housed at the castle when they mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered. Under the Tudors, the Tower became used less as a royal residence, and despite attempts to refortify and repair the castle, its defences lagged behind developments to deal with artillery. The zenith of the castle's use as a prison was the 16th and 17th centuries, when many figures who had fallen into disgrace, such as Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth Throckmorton, were held within its walls. This use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower". Despite its enduring reputation as a place of torture and death, popularised by 16th-century religious propagandists and 19th-century writers, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the world wars of the 20th century. Executions were more commonly held on the notorious Tower Hill to the north of the castle, with 112 occurring there over a 400-year period. In the latter half of the 19th century, institutions such as the Royal Mint moved out of the castle to other locations, leaving many buildings empty. Anthony Salvin and John Taylor took the opportunity to restore the Tower to what was felt to be its medieval appearance, clearing out many of the vacant post-medieval structures. In the First and Second World Wars, the Tower was again used as a prison and witnessed the executions of 12 men for espionage. After the Second World War, damage caused during the Blitz was repaired, and the castle reopened to the public. Today, the Tower of London is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Under the ceremonial charge of the Constable of the Tower, operated by the Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, and guarded by the Yeomen Warders, the property is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a World Heritage Site.

[kkoct-ik]

i fear my media recs betray the sheer amount of weeb shit im into

[theenglishnook]

Columbus Reports His Discoveries – A Letter That Shaped Language and Perception

Columbus’s 1493 letter shaped exploration and enriched English with indigenous words like "canoe" and "hurricane," introducing Europeans to the landscapes, foods, and cultures of the New World through language.

February 15, 1493 A Voyage of Words and Discovery On February 15, 1493, Christopher Columbus penned a letter to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, reporting his discoveries in the New World. This letter, widely circulated across Europe, became one of the most influential travel reports of the Age of Exploration, shaping how Europeans viewed the lands and peoples across the…

[9yardsmedia]

In this heartwarming episode of No 309, we dive deep into the emotional journey of love, commitment, and the unbreakable bond of family. This story captures the essence of a young man who, despite life's challenges, finds himself deeply in love and immensely grateful for the continuous support he receives from those closest to him. His partner stands by his side with unwavering dedication, and his family’s love provides him with the strength he needs to pursue happiness and face life’s ups and downs. 👉 Subscribe to my channel to stay tuned:     As we unravel his story, we witness the true meaning of unconditional love, where trust and loyalty transcend any hardship. Through beautiful, heartfelt moments and touching dialogues, this episode highlights the importance of having a support system that lifts you up, keeps you grounded, and empowers you to become the best version of yourself. The themes of this episode resonate with viewers who understand the profound impact that love and family support can have on a person’s life. It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes us, the presence of loved ones makes every challenge manageable and every success more meaningful. Join us on No 309 as we explore these universal themes of love, trust, and the powerful influence of family. Whether you’re a fan of romantic dramas or simply in need of a heartwarming story, this episode promises to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired by the beauty of true connection. 🍁𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗙𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹🍁 Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Turkish entertainment with TurkFlix Official, your one-stop destination for enthralling Turkish series and movies! We bring the magic of Turkish storytelling to your screen, all meticulously presented with English subtitles for your viewing pleasure. Dive into heart-wrenching dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and pulse-pounding thrillers, all boasting rich cultural experiences and unforgettable characters. Subscribe to TurkFlix Official and unlock a treasure trove of Turkish entertainment, waiting to be discovered!

[muses-of-the-memory]

Happy 29th Anniversary Pocahontas

As it is the 29th Anniversary of Pocahontas, one of my favorite Disney films, I took it upon myself to roleplay as the titular character, and I may roleplay as John Smith as well.