#food is the messenger of goodwill and love

[lotuskks]

The Journey of Food: From Ancient Times to Modern Cuisine

What food would you say is your specialty? Food! The very word is enough to tempt anyone hungry. Food connoisseurs and gastronomes hop from place to place to explore and get new, unique tastes. It has played a crucial role in defining history. Had it not been good if the topic was open and not confined only to a point? I am not a cook but know well how to cook. My cooking does not involve any…

[plaguedghosts]

25 and 26 🌸

25: My idea of a perfect date

I think my idea of a perfect date is spending time with my boyfriend. The day starts with waking up naturally and then getting ready in a cute but quirky outfit (the goal is to never look straight because yikes), then going to a japanese bakery place that isnt too far from where we live. There I'd either get taiyaki or jiggly pancakes. After, we go thrift shopping around for home decor and goblincore esque clothing, at least two different Goodwills and Savers. Mind you, I am trying to get my home to have Howl's room from Howl's Moving Castle vibes. After, maybe we would go to a craft store or to a rock store, or perhaps both. We would get caramel frappe's at some point as well. We both really like those. During dates, we like to try to go to new places that dont have too many people there due to COVID-19. We also would stop at the asian market where it has food and things from different countries that make up the asian continent, which is always fun to go to because the food there is pretty good, plus I can find some anime merch, I am on the hunt for a better Totoro plush. I do want different characters from Studio Ghibli movies. This next weekend (not the one coming up but the one after) we are trying to get tattoos but Facebook Messenger is being really difficult and snapchat is a slow process of communicating for a tattoo artist. I am getting a piece of art work I originally found on Tumblr a while back, and through reverse search I found the artist's diviantart, and his username was on IG and he eventually got back to me giving me permission to get his art tattooed. As for my boyfriend he is getting this piece he loves, but he isnt getting it exactly like the picture he found. So that date will be absolutely perfect.

26: My biggest pet peeves

Nosey people, it's like hop off my dick already and fuck off, my business is my business and not yours. rude people at thrift stores. If you're rude at a thrift store you do not deserve to be there. If you have a crusty attitude in my happy place, you need to leave and never come back because you're honestly not welcome. Loud chewing, oh my god when I hear loud chewing it's all I can hear and it makes me want to throw rocks. I always try to be kind about it but it makes me want to scream and throw things. I was taught as a child to chew quietly and to eat quietly, and was usually yelled at if I was being a loud eater. A lot of people use their tongue while they eat, which creates those loud obnoxious sounds and it makes me literally want to scream. People who pause a movie to make or take an insignificant and unimportant call, like are you serious??? It's very rude and honestly and cunt move. I dont give a shit about your call just shut the fuck up, hang up, and continue the movie. Your life is insignificant to me and not important. Texting and driving, I want to throw rocks AND ALMOST HAVE thrown rocks at their windows. You texting about your day is not important and honestly your life is meaningless if you text and drive, if you want to die go do it elsewhere and not while you're driving where you can put others lives at risk because you can't pull away from your phone for 10 fucking seconds.

[hualicn]

50 questions tag

okay this was pretty fun!! i was tagged by @gunsatthaphan thanks for tagging me!! i didnt proofread these so good luck lol

1.      what color is your hairbrush?: so my hair is too short to really brush but before I shaved it all off I used a blue hairbrush lol

2.      name a food you never eat: I honestly will eat anything?? Sometimes ill pick out tomatos and not eat those I guess

3.      are you typically too warm or too cold?: I am sweaty 24/7

4.      what were you doing 45 minutes ago?: baking a cake for my friends birthday J 

5.      what’s your favorite candy bar?: I feel like I always choose a different candy bar, last I had was twix 

6.      have you ever been to a professional sports game?: yeah ive sat on the field during an la galaxy game once

7.      what’s the last thing you said out loud?: “by the way theres donuts inside”

8.      what’s your favorite ice cream?: hmm I like mostly any Tillamook brand ice cream rn all im thinking is the marionberry pie one 

9.      what was the last thing you had to drink?: kamboucha it was strawberry coconut flavor

10.    do you like your wallet?: this one is so random haha I mean yeah it’s a simple brown wallet

11.    what’s the last thing you ate?: a donut

12.    did you buy any new clothes last weekend?: just got some shorts from goodwill actually

13.    what’s the last sporting event you watched?: probably the superbowl?? Televised ofc

14.    what is you favorite flavor of popcorn?: kettle corn slaps

15.    who’s the last person you sent a text to?: strictly text and not like snapchat messenger was my sister (about getting donuts)

16.    ever go camping?: god yes I used to all the time and im finally going again soon!! 

17.    do you take vitamins?: vitamin T ;)

18.    do you go to church every sunday?: no I don’t practice religion 

19.    do you have a tan?: actually yeah I tan very easy and live in the desert, my friends look very pale compared to me lol

20.    do you prefer chinese or pizza?: 100% Chinese  

21.    do you drink soda through a straw?: ok listen I don’t drink soda unless its at a restaurant and they always give you straws so yeah almost every time which is wild

22.    what color socks do you usually wear?: black ones for work and then I have a bunch of random neon colors too

23.    do you ever drive above the speed limit?: not as bad as I used to

24.    what terrifies you?: the future

25.    look to your left, what do you see?: my water bottle

26.    what chore do you hate the most?: cleaning my pets cages fo sho

27.    what do you think of when you hear an australian accent?: my coworker who does a really good Australian accent

28.    what’s your favorite soda?: …la croix 

29.    do you go in fast food places or just hit the drive thru?: drive thru always

30.    what’s your favorite number?: ?? idk maybe like 72 idk why

31.    who’s the last person you talked to?: my parents

32.    favorite cut of beef?: tbh don’t eat a whole lot of beef

33.    last song you listened to?: listening to motion sickness by phoebe bridges rn actually

34.    last book you read?: currently re reading its kind of a funny story by ned vizzini 

35.    can you say the alphabet backwards?: maybe if I go super slow haha

36.    favorite day of the week?: hmm maybe tuesdays

37.    how do you like your coffee?: over ice and just a lil bit of sweetener, always very bitter 

38.    favorite pair of shoes?: probably my spiderman vans cuz good mems

39.    time you normally get up?: like 3 am for work and 6/7 am off work

40.    sunrise or sunsets?: sunsrise

41.    how many blankets on your bed?: honestly like for but I only use one at a time

42.    describe your kitchen plates?: paper lol

43.    describe your kitchen at the moment?: cake and donuts on the counter lol 

44.    do you have a favorite alcoholic drink?: vodka cranberries hehe 

45.    do you play cards?: yes all the time!! Its what we do whenever my family gets together

46.    what color is your car?: its like a dark grey and its brand new (to me) and I am in love with him

47.    can you change a tire?: ..maybe if I used youtube… tbh I actually helped my uncle change a tractor tire but they r like bike tires not car tires

48.    your favorite state/province/county/etc.?: that ive been to?? Probably oregon

49.    favorite job you’ve had?: working at a Halloween store was really fun but I also really love my job as a barista rn 

50.    how did you get your biggest scar?: honestly I don’t really have any?? The only on e I can think of I cant really see anymore but the story is we used to have this giant revolving table that was hocky table on one side and pool table the other. Anyways a friend and I decided to spin it super fast and somehow I got my hand stuck in it and uhhh yeh yikes that wasn’t fun haha

im gonna tag... @lovetines cuz she told me to and any of my mutuals who see it do it and tag me love ya mwah

[wisdomrays]

Rights of Neighbors

QUESTION: Rights of neighbors are commonly ignored in our time, just like some other rights. What is the importance of observing neighbors’ rights in Islam? What are the benefits of such observance at the formation of a healthy society?

ANSWER: Observing neighbors’ rights is an issue that the Qur’an emphasizes, along with treating one’s parents kindly, being faithful to relatives, and caring for orphans. It is commanded in Surah an-Nisa (Women) (as interpreted): “…worship God and do not associate anything as a partner with Him; do good to your parents in the best way possible, and to the relatives, orphans, the destitute, the neighbor who is near (in kinship, location, faith), the neighbor who is distant (in kinship and faith), the companion by your side (on the way, in the family, in the workplace, etc.), the wayfarer, and those who are in your service. (Treat them well and bring yourself up to this end, for) God does not love those who are conceited and boastful.” (an-Nisa 4:36)

Here, directly following the command to worship God and not to associate any partners with him, doing good to parents is commanded. Actually, when love, respect, and yearning to meet someone are concerned, what comes after God’s right is His Messenger’s: we recognize our Lord thanks to him; we learn the way to perceive and interpret creation correctly thanks to him; and we understand that we are created and meant for eternity thanks to the messages he brought. In these respects, we are greatly indebted to him. However, as the verse mentioned above addresses this issue, not in terms of theory but practical deeds, parents’ rights, not the Prophet’s, are mentioned second. The fact that the beginning of the divine command is not related to faith in God but to worship Him also indicates this.

After mentioning parents, the verse commands doing good to relatives, orphans, and the destitute, respectively. Then, the verse draws attention to the rights due to neighbors by commanding the doing of good to both near and distant neighbors. Accordingly, all people living around us are included in this meaning, and they deserve to be treated well.

A way to attain perfect faith

An authenticated saying of the Prophet, confirmed by great scholars including Bukhari and Muslim, stresses the importance of neighborliness. Indeed, Gabriel gave such insistent advice to the Prophet about neighbors that he thought Gabriel would nearly declare neighbors as inheritors to one another.

Given that a person’s inheritors are their closest relatives, we can imagine how important neighbors’ rights are in the sight of God. Actually, we do not know all of the advice concerning neighbors’ rights that Gabriel gave to the Prophet as the Messenger of God did not relate the details of the case. However, the fact that the Prophet nearly thought neighbors would become inheritors to one another indicates how much emphasis Gabriel placed on this issue.

Another saying of the Prophet relates this issue to faith: “Whoever believes in God and the Day of Judgment let him be good to his neighbor. Whoever believes in God and the Judgment Day, let him treat his guest. Whoever believes in God and the Judgment Day, let him speak goodness or be silent.”

As it is seen, being good to neighbors is mentioned as a requirement of having belief in the true sense. There is another point to note here: Faith in God naturally requires belief in other essentials of faith, including belief in the Judgment Day. It is additionally mentioned in this context, since goodness done here for the sake of God will be rewarded generously when the Judgment Day comes.

Good neighbors who offer the key to eternal bliss

The Messenger of God also gave warnings that a person who comfortably sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbor is hungry cannot be a believer in the true sense, and that a person whose neighbors are not safe from his harm cannot enter Paradise. If the rights of neighbors are stressed so much in the Qur’an and the Tradition of the Prophet, it is an issue of great importance. In this respect, a Muslim should embrace—near or distant—all of their neighbors magnanimously. People with sound faith should know how to share all of the beauties they possess with their neighbors; it is a requirement of Muslim ethics. When rights of neighbors are mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the material kind of aid, such as offering them food, clothes, and the like. As it is known, zakah—the prescribed alms—is given to Muslims only; however, other kinds of alms can be given to non-Muslims. For example, one can provide financial aid to near or distant neighbors whether they are Muslims or not, because these are basic human needs. Particularly in circumstances of poverty, Muslims should never let their neighbors starve, no matter who they are, and should absolutely provide them with support. Helping a neighbor find a job is also a very important means of doing good. But it is not a correct approach to reduce neighbors’ rights to material aid alone. Greeting neighbors and asking about their well-being, getting acquainted better through mutual visits, paving the way to friendly relations between people, and making efforts to eliminate negative feelings—if there are any—are also very important points. It is essential to establish a relationship with one’s neighbors, particularly for Muslims living in a foreign country. For example, they can take the opportunity on special days to make their neighbors happy with presents and visits. In this way, they can find chances to warm hearts, eliminate biased opinions about Muslims, and introduce their values to others. When the issue is seen from this perspective it is more easily understood that rights of neighbors should not be reduced to a notion of material aid.

Grounds of sin that grow into a disaster

There is another matter worthy of attention concerning neighbors that the Prophet mentioned. Adultery is many times over a graver sin if it is committed with a neighbor. As it is well known, forbidden and disliked acts have a certain ranking. For example, attributing certain things to God Almighty is such a grave sin that, as related in the Qur’an (Maryam 19:90) (as translated), it would nearly bring a great destruction: “The heavens are all but almost rent, and the earth split asunder, and the mountains fall down in ruins…” Similarly, there are certain kinds of sins that nearly shatter the heavens and earth asunder. As fornication between relatives fall into this category, such a sin between neighbors is evaluated by the Prophet in the same way—as an evil made worse many times over because the predominant feelings between relatives and neighbors must be trust and safety. Therefore, an evil committed by the people whom you trust will not be an ordinary evil; rather it will grow into an evil of manifold ramifications.

Bridges of friendship build through a bowl of pudding

Unfortunately, it is a bitter reality that there exists a serious void in terms of neighborly relations, as a result of neglecting our own values. To such a degree that even in Muslim countries, an entire society lives in their own worlds, retreated in their apartments. Neighbors knock on one another’s door only when there is disturbing noise, in order to warn the latter. Therefore, we need to do our best to make use of every possible means in order to eliminate this chronic problem. But it should not be forgotten that changing the established notions and understandings in people’s minds is not something easily done like taking off a suit. This issue requires persistence and resolved efforts. Sometimes, you take this chance through the tradition of cooking Noah’s pudding and offering your neighbor upstairs a bowl of pudding. Sometimes, you contact them while celebrating the birth of the Messenger of God, or sometimes, you show your good intentions on some other day that is important to your neighbor. Let us not forget, benevolence is a part of human nature and we do appreciate kindness. Therefore, acts of kindness will definitely make their effect one day, sooner or later. Maybe your neighbors will try you for a long time but once they see that you seek no personal benefit, they should gradually open their doors and mutual visits will begin. The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, compared the situation of believers with respect to one another to a good building whose bricks are soundly integrated. Naturally, all the factors—observing parents’ rights, strengthening bonds of kinship, caring for the needy, and observing neighbors’ rights—mentioned in the initially quoted verse play an important role at building such a society. Since neighborly relations undergo serious destruction in modern life, the first attempts to enhance relations may not be welcomed at the beginning. However, acts of kindness—even an individual gesture of goodwill—continued in a resolved and steady way will melt the icebergs between people. After a while, they will stimulate good feelings in hearts and, over time, turn into such a strong connection that they will become solid bonds between individuals. Thereafter, individuals will support one another without any expectations in return. When one falls, the other will lend a hand, and they will set about a race of goodness toward one another. An ideal society, without clash and conflict, can only be built from individuals such as these.

In order to become a healthy society, it is an important duty for individuals to support one another at protecting against sins and getting rid of vices. God Almighty reminds believers of their responsibilities toward one another with the command (as translated): “…help one another in virtue and goodness, and righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sinful, iniquitous acts and hostility” (al-Ma’idah 5:2). In the name of maintaining such a feeling of help and solidarity, relationships between neighbors provide a very significant ground and opportunity, in my opinion, and is a responsibility that should not be ignored.

[rihometal-moved]

tagged by @walmartlipgloss !!! ty sophie ilyyy !!!!!!!

nicknames: ajskdfjdks its not used often but if u call me rubes ill fall in love w/ u :///

zodiac: capricorn babey !!

height: 5′1 ajksjskdj

last movie i saw: donald glover’s weirdo technically but if that doesnt count then hairspray aksdjdsjk

last thing i googled: mammoth city messengers (i was looking at gay baby pics of hayley william sksjakdjskj)

favorite musician: def waterparks they own my whole damned heart

song stuck in my head: you by dodies ajskdfjdsk cuz im gay

other blogs: god man i have so much ajsdkjd i only use like one other than this one lmao

do i get asks: ajkdjsdk sometimes !!

following: 227 f

amount of sleep: ajskdlfjdsk not enough

lucky number: 4 lmao

wearing: a neon yellow shirt with a racecar on it and text that ive never bothered to read correctly(it was the tackiest shirt i could find at goodwill) and some dark gray sweatpants akjdskjds

dream career: ooh either a musician(basic ik) or a artist !! or a lawyer but i dont wanna go to school for 7 years lmao

dream trip: anywhere tbh !! tho going to australia would be nice(i only wanna go cuz my bff lives there fuck australia)

favorite food: haklsdjksjsdk idkk food . goodb

instruments: ukulele(cause im edgy) a little bit of the melodica and violin, and im learning bass(i havent gone to a lesson in a while so dont pin me to that)

languages: english, a bit of spanish, and japanese

random fact: i be lovin women

aesthetic: cupidcore babey !!!!!!!!!! heart eyes 24/7 yeehawww

tagging: @waterparksbf , @cultsykes , @posergf , and @hopeworldtual ajksdjfkds and anyone else that wants to do it <3

[nancypullen]

We’re Home!

We’re home and I did it again - took my laptop and never opened it.  Turns out that chasing a 1 year old around takes up the better part of your day.  I knew that, but it’s been three decades since I’ve done it and you tend to forget just how busy a curious baby can keep you.  It’s also the best, most delicious, most delightful sort of busy.  I think the mister and I laughed more the last few days than we have in ages.  Our grandbaby is hilarious.  And beautiful. And smart. And perfect.  Really.  You’ll have to take my word for it because I am not allowed to post photos here.  We celebrated her first birthday and had loads of fun with her parents. We ate delicious food, even played some games (Tyler and I both cheat at Exploding Kittens, or we try), and tried to cram lots of love and fun into a few days.  Grandpa and I had two full days of babysitting while mommy and daddy worked and it was THE BEST.  Our little miss is a good-natured, happy baby and took it easy on the old-timers. We spoiled her rotten. It’s our job and we take it very seriously.   I guess what I’m trying to say is that we enjoyed every second of our quick trip and soaked up all of that baby sweetness. We drove home yesterday, from the Chesapeake Bay and down through the Blue Ridge Mountains and across to Tennessee.  I snapped this when we were about a half hour from home.  We were so ready to be off the road. We were lucky enough to have good weather and light traffic. Can’t ask for much more than that.

 Today we ran a couple of errands, loaded in new groceries, and the mister packed to depart before dawn tomorrow.  He’ll be gone for about ten days.  He’ll actually come home Friday night long enough to pack a bag, kiss me, and fly off on Saturday.  Guess who’s cruising her Pinterest boards looking for projects to complete during her ten days solo?   I’m also going to purge more stuff from this house.  Goodwill, you’ve been warned.  In other news, a messenger from Mother Nature was singing  just outside the kitchen window today.  

He was letting me know to get my garden plans in order and that spring will be here before we know it.  It’s been raining, raining, raining all winter long and we’ve hardly even seen flurries.  I’m over it.  Unless March can promise me at least one good blizzard I’m ready to just start planting.   As always, since the season is teetering on change I’m tempted to drastically change my hair.  That may happen this week too. Stay tuned (and have a hat ready). XOXO

[aros001]

First time read through light novel vol. 10. Random thoughts.

Okay...I wasn't expecting that.

I fully admit I nearly cried when Emilia asked Subaru to tell her about Rem on the ride back to the mansion. It was sad, it was sweet, it was touching. It hit a lot of spots for me.

The Sleeping Beauty illness is a pretty interesting sickness. Rem won't age or need to eat while she's trapped in her coma. She is basically kind of immortal and it's a very subtly cruel fate. No one remembers the victim and not even a natural death can free them of their fate, as they just simply exist without even their loved ones to acknowledge them.

“The contents of the letter of goodwill were written by Rem. I’m the one who asked it to be sent, so if Crusch handed it to the messenger...only the fact that it was handed over stayed the same, and only the contents were erased.”

That was the sloppy adjustment to the erasure of the memory of Rem from the world.

I love stuff like this. A clue hidden in plain sight that was always there and brought up repeatedly, kind of like the small dog in the village being the shaman. Subaru didn't make a stupid mistake and there was no sabotage to try and get the two camps to be against each other. The letter was blank because Rem wrote it and all traces of her existence, save for her body, have been erased. Also really drives home the tragedy that, even if Subaru's save point hadn't been updated to Rem's bedside, there was no way to save her after defeating the White Whale. It was too late to catch up with her. Though now I'm curious, because I don't remember if it was ever stated how far before Subaru had arrived that Ram received the letter, so there is a chance she had read Rem's actual message before it was erased from her mind. I wonder if she was in the middle of making any preparations when it was replaced in her mind as a blank letter?

Obviously it's always been a thing in the story but I think it finally fully hit me with the art

of Subaru and Petra watching the comatose Rem that, yeah, Subaru's eyes really do look pretty villainous.

I know it's an easy typo to make but I can't help but notice the number of times this volume and last keep mixing up Rem and Ram's names, saying that Rem is at sanctuary when they really mean Ram.

“Now, what do you wish to ask about? Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony, creator of beasts in defiance of the will of Heaven to save the world from starvation? Camilla, the Witch of Lust, filled with love for the world, granter of emotions to they that are inhuman? Minerva, the Witch of Wrath, who, lamenting a world filled with conflict, sets people straight through her fists? Sekhmet, the Witch of Sloth, who, wanting a moment’s peace, drove the dragons beyond the Great Waterfalls for that reason alone? Or Typhon, the Witch of Pride, the young, innocent, merciless one who continued to render judgment onto sinners?”

F**k yeah, lore drop! It also again opens up the question of whether Satella and the other witches were really evil or if misunderstandings had history turn them into monsters? Because honestly even this has it feel like it could go either way. We already met the White Whale, which is associated with gluttony. If Daphne created the creature to "save the world from starvation", then it is accurate in a very twisted way. Yeah, people won't starve when they're dead and forgotten or trapped in a stasis coma. Unless Echidna means the beast were created to provide more food, which I don't think works out either given how strong they are. Given Satella's warped way of showing her "love" for Subaru, the implication could be that all the witches desire pure and noble things but are also bat-sh*t f**king crazy and have really messed up ways of going about that.

“...It bears mentioning that I’m a pauper up there with the best of ’em. A Witch’s compensation is not paid in coin. What I seek from you is a pact. My terms are that you are forbidden from speaking to others about what took place at this tea party. You are bound by a similar pact, so it is a simple matter for you, is it not?”

So RBD may be a pact? Would that imply is was something Subaru agreed to? In the story we've seen, I think the pact might have been formed upon his first death, with Emilia dying beside him, and him doing whatever it'd take to save her. I can see an opening for Satella there.

“I succeeded in forming an alliance with Crusch. Satisfied with the results of leaving me there now?”

“Ahh, I am most saaatisfied. Truly, truly, you have acquired something difficult and long yearned for.”

“...That so.”

Subaru: "Oh, by the way, you owe a bunch of money I promised to people in Anastasia's group. Have fun with that."

“The reason is simple. This land has been under the care of the Mathers family, passed down from generation to generation. It began under the lord of this house at the time...the Roswaal from which I inherit this name. In other words, it is from this Roswaal in history that this Sanctuary has been passed down.”

When Subaru broached the issue of his relationship to the Witch, Roswaal followed suit, filling in the blanks. The explanation left Emilia touching her own lips, knitting her refined eyebrows.

“‘In history’... Then the Mathers family has been involved with the Witch of Greed since long...”

So Roswaal and his family have a personal connection to Echidna, one of the six witches Satella absorbed and the enemies of the dragon, whom Roswaal talked about in his goal relating to when the dragon dies. Though it's still up in the air how nefarious his goals are or even what specifically he wants.

“Setting that aside, what are you gonna do about this plate of green peas? I tried to pass it to Daddy, Daddy passed it to Mom, and Mom passed it to me, and we’ve been going around in circles...”

“But Mom hates green peas. I hate even looking at them.”

“And you were trying to overcome me being picky?!”

“Ah, don’t misunderstand me, it’s not just green peas that Mom hates, it’s all food that’s little and round like that. It feels icky to put them in my mouth.”

“That’s not a misunderstanding, then—if anything it just sounds even fishier than before!”

Deflated by his mother’s impactful statement, Subaru grudgingly pushed the plate of green peas Kenichi’s way.

“Well, it’s the husband’s place to take responsibility for the wife, so I’ll leave it to Daddy to reap the fruits of defeat.”

“Hey, don’t make me feel all lonely here, Subaru. We’re family getting along like few do these days, right? In other words, if Mom hates it, Daddy hates it, too.”

“Man, I really feel for this forest of green, nobody’s happy with it!”

What the f**k am I reading?

In all seriousness, this whole section of the book is pretty good. In regards to light novels, I've only read three other Isekai series: Overlord, Konosuba, and Rising of the Shield Hero. And in all three series the MC's parents aren't really a factor that get brought up in many significant ways. Ainz's parents sadly died when he was a kid. Kazuma died and was reborn into a fantasy world, with everyone including his parent having trouble not laughing over the really pathetic way he died, so he doesn't like thinking about them too much. And while Naofumi sometimes thinks about his parents, it's far more often his brother comes up because of the pressure that was placed on him because of their parents. I never would have thought Subaru's relationship with his parents would be such a major thing the story would explore.

This whole part feels a little like a self-help book, in a good way. Subaru reflects a lot on his faults and why he retreated into himself for so long. He's grown, but his also still growing, which I think is really important for a character like him. I know there are people who've seen Re:Zero who have a problem with how sad and pathetic Subaru can be, but given that it serves a purpose and it consistently has had payoff, I don't see why it's a bad thing. Subaru as his is now is not the same man as he was when he first entered the story and, if the quality stays consistent, he won't be the same later in the story as he is now.

“I mean, if you want me to abandon you, you’ve gotta be more proactive about it. Who abandons his own kid just because he crawls into his own shell? If you want me to hate you, you should commit genocide on half of humanity for no particular reason. Then I’ll hate you.”

“That’s a crazy thing to ask for!! You don’t see many villains like that even in shonen manga!!”

Funny enough I feel like a version of Subaru who'd do that would be more like comic Thanos than movie Thanos. Less about trying to save humanity from itself and more just trying to impress a girl. I wonder which AU sin version that would be?

He’d been so convinced he’d kept his inner feelings hidden, but in truth, it had all been in vain. This in spite of the fact that he’d thought himself lonely and miserable with not a single person the wiser.

I love how this can relate back to Emilia and Rem's relationships with Subaru. During the mansion arc and White Whale arc Subaru was cracking under the stress and despair RBD had given him, trying to hide it best as he could but the two still saw through him anyway. Emilia is the one who I think most directly commented on it, offering him the lap pillow when he was overworking himself out of fear and even when he said a lot of terrible things to her on his last loop before they took down the whale, she talked about how sad he looked and how much pain he was in.

It was his bad habit to suddenly lose it in the middle of a conversation. Just how much had he run in circles at the royal capital because of that short temper? He focused on deep breathing. Breathe in, breathe out. He did this a second time, and then a third.

“...Let’s...talk about everything in order, starting with this coconspirator business.”

Character growth. Always welcome. Obviously it might be a little too early to say this but I'm glad Subaru isn't just repeating the same problems and conflicts he did in the first three arcs. He's not over his faults but he's not being tripped up by the same personal flaws that tripped him up before. He's actually learned from his experiences and grew as a person.

Even before Rem was erased, Ram's loyalty to Roswaal was greater than anything else. But I'm really curious what effect we'll see going forward. Is Ram even more devoted to Roswaal than before or has the loss of someone she loved so much detached something within her? Rem was clearly important to Ram too, as we saw fully in the mansion arc loop when she died. Is her relationship with her master going to change now that a significant part of her life is just gone, like it never existed?

“For three days I’ve been watchin’ Lady Emilia challenge the trial, same as you. It’s breakin’ her. Seein’ her come out all messed up like that���I can’t stand to watch.”

Crinkling the skin of his nose, Garfiel brought up the heartbreaking sight of Emilia right after emerging from the tomb.

The number of times Emilia had failed to overcome the trial were adding up. But it wasn’t just that—it was the sight of her turning back: broken, panicked, calling for Puck, then finally sleeping as if her strength was exhausted.

I wonder if the story is trying to put Emilia through basically a similar experience as Subaru's? Being broken by repeated failures in a past she can't overcome. The one advantage she has over him is that everyone knows she's going through a terrible ordeal, even if they don't know what specifically, while Subaru's curse keeps him from letting anyone know he's been going through anything.

“—I told you to take care of your bowels until the next time we meet.”

Oy, this bitch.

This book gave me two things I'm glad about. The first is that it made the loss of Rem a lot easier to deal with by simple virtue of everyone believing Subaru that they knew Rem and she was erased from their memories, in no small part in that the characters aren't stupid and can see the similarities between her and Ram. She hasn't been abandoned and Subaru doesn't have to carry the burden of trying to bring her back by himself. The other is something I've wanted to see for a while and it's Subaru and Emilia on the same page and working together. They're trusting and relying on each other, even if neither knows the other's full story. They're not pushing each other away or keeping the other at arms length. Their relationship can actually DEVELOP because they're actually moving forward together.

Original Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Re_Zero/comments/hb6g4v/novels_first_time_read_through_light_novel_vol_10/

[itsmichealwalsh-blog]

Top Celebrities who loves Nature

1. Emma Watson:

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is an English actress who acted in various movies. She is also a model and activist. Emma Watson Acted in the Harry Potter film at the age of 10 in her role as Hermione. Emma Watson has a huge interest in the environment. She has joined with luxury Italian designer Albert Ferreti to create more Eco-friendly clothing. She has also shared her opinion and suggestion in some magazines “I think it’s important to be conscious of what we’re buying and where it comes from. As consumers, we have so much power to change the world just by being careful in what we buy”. Emma Watson loves wearing a dress that does not harm our environment.

2. Leonardo Dicaprio:

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is a famous American Actor, Producer, and Environmentalist. He is one of the to celebrity to jump on board to green car movement and in his recent announcement he said he will start investing in Eco-friendly car racing team which has only electric cars. He also donated millions of dollars to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to save tigers and to protect their habitat. He created much awareness about environmental issues. “Messenger of Peace on climate change” award has to announce to him by the UN government.

3. Ben Affleck:

Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt is a Filmmaker and American actor. He is the lover of sustainability he used hybrid cars had it for so many years. The hybrid car which he used conserves energy And drives cleaner and more efficiently, it makes Environmental friendly. He recently founded the Eastern Congo Initiative in the year 2010 it raises awareness of threatened natural resources in the region.

4.Drew Barrymore:

Drew Blythe Barrymore is a Talented Actress, Producer, director, model, and entrepreneur. She had huge respect in nature and started her own home good line Flower beauty, eco friendly make up line. Those products are produced in the US to avoid the shipping and environmental impact of transportation. The product is made up of natural ingredients that do not harm the environment and available at a very low cost for consumers.

5. Jamie Oliver:

Jamie Oliver or James Trevor Oliver is a British based Chef and Restaurateur. He wants to make the world a greener place both inside and outside. He will cook only natural and organic foods. He always promotes fresh ingredients, and the use of natural veggies he also encourages all his followers to grow their own in their little garden which is good for health and environment.

6. Cate Blanchett:

Catherine Elise Blanchett is one of Australia’s most accomplished Actress. Her love for nature is significantly higher and she unfailing support and advocacy for environmental problems. Her environmental action includes serving as an Ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation for a carbon tax in the year 2011. It includes investing in start-up solar energy companies.

7. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy smart:

Carter Oosterhous and Amy smart got Married on September 10, 2011, the beautiful thing in their wedding was it is entirely green. They both planned for their sustainable wedding before six months. Every product they used is Biodegradable like Natural plates, Eco-friendly dress, Organic foods, etc. More than 200 people participated in their wedding celebration but they can see only half the bag of garbage. Amy smart and carter Oosterhuis were able to accomplish this recycling and composting everything used during their big day.

8. Gisele Bundchen:

Gisele Bundchen is a Top model, environmental activist, actress, businesswoman. She got Best Green International celebrity award in the year 2011. Through her Eco-friendly line she has raised funds for conservation efforts in the Atlantic forest and Amazon forest. In Brazil, she launched a clean water project with her whole family her mission is to restore vegetation and the micro basins in her native place. She also made her first visit to Africa as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Environmental program.

9. Jessica Alba:

Jessica Alba is an American actress and later turned as a businesswoman. She wanted to give families access to natural, Eco-friendly products, and Nontoxic household products due to this reason she launched a company called The Honest company. The products manufactured from her company avoids the use of toxic chemicals, Artificial color, maximizing reusable materials, minimizing waste.

10. pierce Brosnan:

Pierce Brosnan has become the fifth actor to play the secret agent James Bond 007. He is an actor, activist, film producer, and environmentalist. He cares deeply about nature and what is happening on our earth and determined to fight for the causes. He also supported so many protests to save natural resources. He and his wife created a website and they detailedly documented what they have done to Earth. Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Brosnan have narrowed their attention to saving the world’s whale population and protection of wetlands, Fresh air, and clean water.

[but-the-library-of-alexandria]

30 Day Flash Fiction Challenge - Day 27

I made it another day! This was a long one too, but luckily this is an existing piece of mythology from a fantasy story I’m not working on. For the sake of now, imagine this to be set in a lotr/dragon age-type fantasy world. Charlie and Linnea are soldiers, one human, one an elf. 

Day 27: story sandwich

Charlie woke up far earlier than he usually did. It was bizarre. The world looked different at this hour. He could see the sunrise from the opening of his tent. It was beautiful. It was cold. What an odd time of day. Unnatural. He shouldn't be conscious for this. His human gaze was profaning this inhuman world, this place of mystery and transition.

He checked the time. It was eight forty five.

As he emerged he saw Linnea pass by the dead campfire. She looked surprised to see him.

“Morning, sweetie,” she said. “I didn't make tea yet, sorry.”

“It's okay. Is there something off about you?”

She frowned. “No. I don't think so. Why?”

“You look different. Are you sick?”

She turned towards the mirror that was sitting on a log bench near the fire, rubbing lotion into her face. “Well sweetie, you aren't usually awake this early. I haven't put on my makeup yet.”

“You wear makeup?”

Other people were beginning to pass by, the camp coming alive with activity.

“Of course I do. You thought I looked like that naturally?”

“I guess.”

“You're too nice, Lin,” a passing soldier commented, stopping mid-hair-tying to use Linnea’s mirror. “I would have slapped him for saying I looked sick without makeup.”

“My heart is full of love and empathy,” Linnea replied. “Just like my namesake.”

“Who are you named after?” Another nearby soldier asked.

“Linnea,” Linnea replied.

“And who is that?”

“She was the… ah, I'm not sure there's a word for it in your language. It's sort of like a goddess, but they were a real person? Like a… a saint, is that what you say? Somewhere between a saint and a goddess. And she… ah, I don't know how to explain! She resides over a certain thing…?”

“Like a patron saint,” a soldier suggested.

“Yes. The patron saint or the patron goddess of love. She famously fell in love with a human. It's a lovely story.”

The kettle boiled. Charlie decided to repay her daily favour of making tea for him and poured a cup for her.

“So tell the story,” he promoted. By now, several soldier were listening: they added their voices of encouragement to his.

“Alright,” Linnea said, sitting down and settling. “Gather around if you want to hear.”

“Millennia ago, in the days when our people were at their greatest and most powerful, there was born into a proud tribe deep in the south forest a beautiful baby girl. Her parents named her Linnea, after the flower the people call Twinflower - for it was evident for a young age that her particular gift was the gift of empathy.

“Linnea felt the emotions of everyone around her as if they were her own. She would be filled with joy on the morning of a stranger’s wedding, and weep when the woman next door was broken hearted. She would fail to sleep for nerves on the evening before the novices had their exams, and laugh at joke told across the town. She was vastly useful to her people - she would seek out and counsel those who were miserable in silence, she would alert authorities of hunting accidents and unexpected childbirth the moment it happened, long before messengers arrived, and she could match a couple who were quietly in love when their own courage failed them.

“Years passed, thousands of years. Ages came and went. Communities rose and fell. Linnea and her people, touched by the blessings of magic, remained unweathered and unchanged. And eventually, man came to the forest. They built a great city on the edge of the forest, and the city grew and grew until their leader had grown from chief to lord to duke to king.

“Tensions began to rise between the two civilisations. The king finally agreed that the forest should be the property of the elves, and that the humans would not disturb them as long as they lived there. And so, an uneasy peace was forged. Until the stocks of prey in the forest began to fall.

“One day on the edge of the forest, Linnea was walking when she sensed the feelings of a human nearby. She turned to see a human poacher taking a deer from the elves’ land.

“‘What, stranger!’ She cried. ‘You dare to steal prey that is not yours to kill?’”

“The poacher turned to see her. ‘My fair lady,’ he replied, ‘please forgive my impertinence. Our people are suffering from a great famine. Our people are starving, and my father is sick. My siblings are so busy taking care of him that I am the only person able to provide food for our family, and the other families who likewise need my help. Understand I would never profane your rightful territory if lives were not at stake.’

“The Lady Linnea could feel his honesty, his genuine desperation and charitable drive as if it were her own. She almost went to feel the despair of his people. ‘Take your prey and go,’ she said. ‘Tomorrow, may your leader come to the citadel to meet with our people's leader. Perhaps we can offer you some allowances.’

“The poacher thanked her and left. Linnea returned home, and told the tale to her father, the elves’ king.

“‘What gives you the right to invite a human to our inner sanctum?’ He admonished, and Linnea summoned all her powers of emotive persuasion to represent the plight of the humans and the honesty of the poacher’s intentions until he agreed to meet their leader. Lady Linnea went to sleep with the heart and the face of the poacher haunting her vision as she closed her eyes.

“The next day, the prince of the humans came to meet the king of the elves in the place of their sick king. Linnea was surprised to recognise the poacher himself, his clothes no more fine than before, with only a slim circlet and a well-bred horse to mark his rank. After discussions with the king of the elves, he and his people were granted permission to hunt in the forest. The two civilisations agreed to an alliance of sorts, and the prince agreed to act as ambassador, visiting the elves regularly with reports on their activity in the forest. Before he left for home, he visited Linnea. She was overjoyed to see him under such excellent circumstances, and she could feel his own gladness and relief in her head as well. He thanked her for making his people's salvation possible, and promised with a kiss of her hand to see her again, and to repay her kindness however he could.

“Time passed and things improved for the humans. The prince, as ambassador, came at first to the citadel every two weeks. He would meet with the king, and then went to attend Lady Linnea as well. Before long, he was coming once a week, then twice a week, and eventually he was coming to see Linnea every day. And over the course of the year, the two fell deeply in love.

“The only thing preventing Linnea from being perfectly, blissfully happy was that their love was secret from her father. Before long, the prince asked Linnea to marry him, and got only tears in response.

“‘My father may never consent to such a union,’ Linnea grieved. ‘And I cannot imagine, my love, that yours would either.’

“‘What my father thinks is irrelevant,’ the prince stated courageously. ‘I love you more than the sun loves the sky, and I will marry you. The only person who can refuse me is yourself.’

“Linnea asked for a day, to approach her father. She could sense his worry, but he agreed.

“That evening, Linnea went to her father. Sensing that he was in a good mood, and his goodwill towards the worthy prince, she confessed the truth and asked for his approval to marry.

“‘My daughter,’ he replied solemnly. ‘What you choose is not up to me, but I ask you consider carefully. This action has consequences you may not yet know.’

“‘What consequences?’ Linnea asked.

“‘My daughter, you have failed to consider that the man you love is mortal. His life will pass in the blinking of an eye, and you will suffer on, alone and broken hearted. How do you imagine he will feel, growing old and ugly and infirm while you remain untouched by the ravishes of time?’

“‘He will never be ugly to me,’ Linnea swore.

“‘He will be ugly in his own eyes. He will resent your beauty, your eternal youth, the millennia you will live after her is gone. He will devote all his life to you, while you only devote a tiny portion of yours to him, and no exchange so unfair can ever lead to a union of equality and trust. Resentment and imbalance will fester until your love is poisoned forever. Only if you sacrificed thousands of years of your own life can you ever hope to be truly bound to this human.’

“‘A single year of misery and poverty beside him as his wife would be more joy to me than a hundred thousand otherwise happy years without him,’ Linnea declared. ‘I shall sacrifice immortality for love, if you will promise me your support as my father.’

“‘If you so decide, I shall. But be wary! Ask yourself, is this human worth such a grave sacrifice? If he proves to be untrustworthy or untrue, if he hurts you or fails to please you, then the sacrifice you have made cannot be undone, and you will never again be the woman you once were, never again be one of us. I ask you, if you value yourself, consider: is this man worth giving so much of yourself up for?’”

“Lady Linnea went to bed disturbed and confused. All night her mind was haunted with the questions her father had put to her. Could she be sure enough of the prince’s eternal love that she would maim herself for life to marry him? Was she sure this marriage would be worth it? Was there nothing else in the world she valued more? The next morning, the prince came again, full of hope and anticipation to hear Linnea’s answer.

“‘My love,’ Linnea said. ‘For us to be married, I would have to sacrifice my immortality forever, and so I must ask for some proof of your eternal love and devotion. How can I be sure you will dedicate all our years together to making me happy? How can you assure me we will live together in love for the entirety of a mortal life?’

“To Linnea’s surprise, she felt anger surge in the prince’s heart.

“‘My dear lady,’ he replied, ‘I understand the solemnity of the decision you must make, and I respect the fact that you are feeling uneasy about it, but you wrong me, you gravely wrong me in asking for proof of my love! I have told you what I know - that I love you, that I want to marry you, that I want to share my life with you and make you happy. But I will not demean myself to grovel for your love, to jump through hoops to prove myself. If you do not trust in my words, then you should not marry me at all. So consider, Linnea - trust in my love, or do not patronise me with your faithless love any more.’ And with that, he left for home, leaving Linnea tearful and full of remorse.

“Linnea considered now. Did she really not trust her prince? Was there really any proving that his heart would forever be true, any telling what the future would bring? She realised that he was right to insist upon blind faith, for not only was it the greatest proof of love they could ever share, it was all they had. And, most of all, she realised that his anger, which at first had been so hateful to her, was the very thing that convinced her of his trustworthiness - for where another man may have pandered to her will, he was not afraid to be honest, to say what was right to say, and to stand up for himself. His very willingness to let her go if she did not feel the way she should convinced her that she could trust him to be truthful and to place her happiness above all.

“The next day, Linnea trusted that her angry lover would return to her. Trust, she now understood, was all she had. And she was right. He came to see her at midday.

“‘My love, forgive me,’ Linnea cried, throwing her arms around him. ‘I understand now. I trust you. I love you. And I will marry you, and we will be happy.’

“And the prince smiled, and his joy mingled with her own in her heart. So Linnea gave up her immortality, and lived a mortal life full of love and joy with her beloved human prince.

“And so to this day,” Linnea the younger said to the enraptured soldiers, “Lady Linnea is our patron of love. Not just for what she sacrificed in the name of love, but for the understanding of it she taught us. Love can never be proven, only trusted in. And you should always be able to trust the one you love to be honest and do what is right, whatever that may mean for either of you.”

“It's very different from our stories of love,” Charlie told her softly.

She smiled a brilliant smile. “Then evidently you have learned an important lesson this morning. Are you not glad you got up early now?”

[cherriesink]

Chapter III – The Empress (Night) Symbolism

The Devil dines in Hell.

The Painting

Inarguably, the most important object of symbolism is this chapter is the oil painting that hangs above the Countess’s long dining table. It features richly-dressed anthropomorphic animals before a luxuriously spread feast, with a red-eyed goat in the emphasized center. There are eight background characters, but presumably only five are important: the ox, cow, dove, wolf, and Death. When adding in the goat, it balances quite neatly in count with that of the main human cast.

This composition parallels The Last Supper, twisting similarities between the divine and the demonic. The goat is representative of Lucio, as mentioned by Nadia, which is…not a good sign. If sheep are traditionally innocent, loyal animals, then goats are disobedient and a metaphor for sin. They are associated with the satanic, diabolical, and wicked. Baphomet is a good example. However, goat gods transcend further back in mythology than Catholicism, as evidenced by Pan of Greeks and the Horned God of the Wicca. Their ties constitute to the more neutral areas of nature, wildness, sexuality, hunting, and/or revelry, of which we know Lucio enjoyed throwing fanatical fantastic parties with even the lowest commoners. This painting is, in theory, one such a scene.

However, it is putting the Devil (or Lucifer, because Lucio is a derivative any Granblue player knows) in the place of Christ, complete with holy illumination and proffered hands. Nadia mentions that he liked to view himself as a “provider,” an entertainer, and was loved by the people, in contrast to how they fear her. But if Lucio is the Devil disguised as a savoir, then his generous offering is to partake the food of sin, meaning that the characters surrounding him at the table are all sinners in some shape or form. Is that wine or is it “the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:17–20)? Why are there animals eating other animals? Quite alarming implications when dinner can be your first action in the palace, with one of the dishes being lamb…

The other easily identifiable creature is Nadia, as the dove. This is due to a) placement to Lucio’s immediate right and b) her dress style. Her hands are clasped demurely, and her head is tilted upwards in admiration, which is already a blatant diversion from her present character (she’s tall and would probably cut off someone’s legs before having to look up at them). Perhaps it is a sign of her past temperament, before she became a Woman Wearing the Queenly Mask. The symbolic opposition between her and Lucio has never been clearer, as doves are associated with peace, grace, love, messengers, and God. It was obviously a rocky marriage, as God can be ruthless and the Devil can be cunning, which subsequently ended terribly for at least one party.

The dove might also be propaganda of Nadia’s innocence in her ex-husband’s “death,” as it is starting to look like she’s hamming it up in recent chapters. She may not have killed him, but it’s obvious she is also not harboring any goodwill. Her tarot reading of I, the Magician, implores her to enact a plan “years upon years in the making,” her intention being to hunt down the so-called-murderer Julian and hang him in the gallows before the Masquerade. Besides Nadia, no one else knew about the scheme (evidenced by Portia’s shock), implying the number of people who know the truth of the Count’s death is limited. Did she arrange to kill her husband? Her disgust at his frivolity, pride, and self-worship seem to point towards that, but we’re only on Chapter III and thus can’t conclusively judge.

The other four characters are rather murky and unclear at this point, so I’ll refrain from making assumptions. But, I’m going to throw out there that Julian is likely not Death, but rather the wolf with the popped collar. Despite drawing XIII in his tarot reading, he stated “Death cast her gaze on this wretch and turned away,” that it had no interest in him. He implies that Death is an outside force to him, not an internal one. Plus, he directs his rage at Asra, not Lucio, which would not make sense if Julian did indeed purposefully murder the Count.

What IS abundantly certain is that the Devil and Death are separate entities. The former ironically gives holy sustenance, while the latter is a betrayer placed in the position of Judas if one wants to compare placement with da Vinci’s Last Supper. It signifies that Death was someone Lucio personally knew as a friend, and that Lucio also was/is above Death and mortality, and ultimately was not permanently killed.

What is also worth mentioning is that Nadia hates the painting to bits, but has never had it removed due to “sentimental value.” Is it a trophy over subjecting her ex-husband? Is it a warning for her own hubris? Is it a reminder about secrets that still need to be buried six feet under? Her motive is unclear, especially since her reply to your response on the painting veers into at least four directions depending on her mood.

The Dogs

These two lovelies have names, Mercedes and Melchior, which both have biblical ties to the Gospel of Matthew. Mercedes is of Spanish origin, meaning “mercies,” and consequently is used to refer to the Virgin Mary as “Our Lady/Mother of Mercy.” Melchior is the name of one of the Magi of Bethlehem who appear before Christ after his birth, bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The “gold I bring to crown him again / King forever, ceasing never / over us all to reign” (We Three Kings of Orient Are hymn) is attributed to Melchior. Both names are only present together during the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18-2:23), which has unusual connotations on the dogs’ natures and the steps they are guarding, especially considering they are most likely hellhounds.

The myth of the hellhound arises from folklore, not Christianity, and is likely a tie to the game’s overall duality of the occult. A hellhound is an ominous being of Hell, which traits including black fur, glowing red eyes, super strength or speed, ghostly characteristics, and a foul odor. They are often assigned to guard the world of the dead and act as protectors to the supernatural. Mercedes and Melchior are obviously not black, but a rather beautiful white, and likely aren’t smelly (as befitting of palace pets) since the narrative text doesn’t mention it; however, they each have one red eye, confuse those that stare at them, and never slow in chasing you down the corridor at night. Time also plays a key role in their response to you, as in the day they will snarl and act aggressive, while at night they will sniff your hand and wag their tails. Their obedience or interest toward you (depending on choice) certainly doesn’t bode well thematically.

The steps themselves are described as dark, cold, and smelling of ash. We don’t know what this means quite yet, but it probably has something to do with Lucio, as he was killed by being burned in his own bed. On the other hand, vampires disintegrate to ash, and there ARE vampire eels swimming in the moat. Heck, Lucio might be a vampire himself. Regardless, there is death, or some form of undeath or rebirth, beyond those steps.

Faust in the Garden

Despite her cute face, Faust’s potential symbolism is not one to take lightly. The narrative at the end of Chapter III (Night) is fairly straightforward: you wake up in the middle of night, eventually wander your way into the palace gardens, find Faust in a tree, and contact Asra via fountain. That conversation goes in circles, of course, but it’s the setting that is more important here. The garden is described as “lush” and “teeming with life,” with “many eyes, from every corner of the garden” whose owners comment on how Faust has grown bigger. Rather eerie and frightening, especially since there should be no one else awake.

We’re in Eden, arriving from the surrounding wasteland that is human civilization. Faust is our Serpent, dangling invitation and the opportunity for knowledge (the water) from a tree. If you arrived late for the dinner, you eat before the fountain. However, your food is bread, not an apple, which is quite a contradiction. Bread is seen as sacramental, humble, and good in Christianity, not temptation. Faust is also a white snake, which are connected to purity, good feelings, positive intentions, or a clean heart in most mythologies. She provides comfort, and alleviates Asra’s worry over your situation. The surrounding garden, in contrast, is dark and strange and unwelcoming. The devil goat is common iconography again, considering it’s on the fountain. An Eden for monsters, perhaps? You leave before outstaying your welcome, with hints that Faust, and consequently Asra, have been there before.

Conclusion

This chapter is full of examples of twists on Christian symbolism. These religious themes are stronger around the palace, while occult folklore is stronger in the city. It seems Lucio is only main character to fall under religion (he commissioned a Last Supper portrait, his pets have biblical names, he has a biblical name), while the rest of the cast dwells more in the realm of miscellaneous magic: Nadia has precognitive dreams, Portia visits fortunetellers, Julian is tied to alchemy, Asra is a magician/witch, and Muriel is…something. It stacks the rest of main cast against Lucio, and he likely “died” because of one or more of them were furious over being tricked by his different “generosity.” 

As in Chapter III (Day), Muriel warns, “He will return uninvited. He will offer you a gift, when you need it most…Turn it away. Or you will fall into his hand…Just like the rest of us.” This quote could reference either Lucio or Asra, since a) both are not around you this point, b) both are disliked by other characters, and c) both are seen as bestowers (i.e the feasts and Julian’s curse)—but, Lucio has a higher chance of being the prophesied Big Bad due to the “uninvited” phrasing. And, well, Asra bums off your shop, guilt-sulks, and admits to being weaker, so 99% chance he’s not going to have something to offer you that is otherwise unattainable.

Of course, this post is assuming all of Chapter III’s symbolism was deliberately picked and that I’m interpreting it correctly. Who knows, maybe Faust is the true Chessmaster.

Personal notes:

I want save slots /cries

This game now has time-based events. I played it once in the afternoon, and arrived on time to Nadia’s dinner; then I replayed it at night with the same choices, and was late to dinner.

The dogs’ responses are also time-based.

[effieworldwide]

Winner Spotlight: Burger King & Interaction, “Whopper Dealer”

February 2, 2017

Images courtesy of Interaction.

On October 5, 2015, Burger King ceased operations in Costa Rica, closing all 29 of its locations overnight. While the restaurant had previously enjoyed success in the country, the abrupt closure left customers with a bad taste in their mouths. Costa Ricans were confused by the sudden disappearance, yearning for one last bite of Burger King’s most famous menu item: The Whopper.

In 2016, Burger King was set to relaunch in Costa Rica, but new competition had gained ground. Burger King not only needed to raise awareness, but also improve brand perception. To remind people in Costa Rica of their love for the Whopper, Burger King teamed up with agency partner, Interaction, to launch “Whopper Dealer.” The Whopper Dealer was a mysterious entrepreneur who sold burgers exclusively through WhatsApp messenger, first selling to “friends” (paid influencers), then to friends of friends connected by word of mouth.

After hundreds of real orders and significant earned media coverage, the Whopper Dealer was contacted by a Burger King representative, who announced the return of BK by offering the Whopper Dealer a job. During its opening month, one of its reopened locations achieved the highest sales per capita among all Burger King locations worldwide. “Whopper Dealer” took home four trophies at the 2016 Effie Awards Costa Rica Gala, including the Grand Effie.

We asked Néstor Villalobos, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Interaction, to share how the notorious “Whopper Dealer” came to life. Read on to learn the three key ingredients of the effort, and how the team rejected traditional media in order to make an authentic connection with consumers.

Tell us a bit about your Grand Effie-winning effort, “Whopper Dealer.” What was the objective of the effort?

NV: The main objective was to re-launch Burger King in Costa Rica.

In order to understand why this was a challenge, you must know that BK closed in Costa Rica two years ago in a dramatic and controversial way, shutting down its operation overnight due to problems with the former franchise managers. As a consequence, 29 restaurants were closed, 434 people were laid off and severe damage was caused to the brand. As BK exited the Costa Rican market, its main competitors took advantage and improved their market position.

The challenge was to relaunch the brand in a highly competitive market, 24 months after abruptly leaving the industry and with a limited budget, given that the new owners were starting the business from scratch with only two restaurants. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a communication strategy to announce the comeback, generate buzz, and incorporate a major positive component to restore the brand’s image.

What was the insight that led to the big idea?

NV: BK’s restaurants literally closed overnight; therefore, the customers did not have the chance to say goodbye to the brand by tasting its products one last time. As it happens sometimes when couples end a relationship, this one did not have closure and led the customers to realize how much they missed it. It even got to the extreme that whenever they traveled to cities with BK restaurants, they documented the achievement of having a Whopper. They even tried to find the Whopper’s iconic flavor in BK’s competition. From the customer’s desire to taste the Whopper again surged the idea of the Whopper Dealer.

The idea was simple: Selling Whoppers in a country with no BK presence, so that the public realized how much the brand meant to them, and that its return would be “hoped-for” instead of “unexpected.”

How did you bring the idea to life?

NV: Given that BK was no longer in the country, we had to prove to people how much they missed it. We created a character “from the people” that showed how much they missed the product. This was the same character that the brand would later decide to support as sign of goodwill and the brand personality they would bring back this time, showing BK as a modern, open-minded, non-restrictive brand.

The Whopper Dealer is a guy that sells Whoppers so similar in taste to the originals, that even the biggest skeptic would be curious. However, we started his story as an entrepreneur selling his Whoppers only to friends and friends of friends, all through its personal WhatsApp number.

How did we scale a “clandestine dealer?”

To make it big, we needed 3 ingredients: 1. A powerful story that could be shared organically. 2. Massive channels to plant our message without it feeling paid. 3. Validation among the real people that used the service.

THE POWERFUL STORY: An entrepreneur “from the people” that sells a quality product, that polemically is called and tastes like one from a big fast-food corporation, from a brand that left our country in a dramatic way.

PLANT THE MESSAGE: We partnered with digital communities “from the people” that are massive in our country, with the goal to use them to release the key message. We also used influencers, but instead of them publishing on their public social networks, we requested that they share the story only on their personal, private WhatsApp groups, where other influencers and also journalists were. This way, the message felt real and not paid.

VALIDATION FROM REAL PEOPLE: Finally, it was key that the proposal of the dealer was real. The Whopper Dealer not only prepared and delivered the Whoppers, but actually charged for them ($5 for a Whopper and the express delivery). This made people feel the service was real and without loose ends. The dealer also asked their clients for a photo of the delivered burger to check if everything was ok. However, this was really intended to encourage people to have digital proofs of the Whopper, so they could easily share them on social networks.

BK Global HQ contacts the Dealer: The buzz was so big that unpaid media gave coverage to the Whopper Dealer. At this moment, we released the final phase: BK Global contacted the dealer. However, instead of censoring or threatening him for the prohibited use of the brand, they offered him a job at the first new BK location they would open in Costa Rica. This helped to achieve good publicity among the people, and also officially announce the big return of BK to our country.

The big news was first announced by the dealer to his WhatsApp contacts, making them feel grateful for the scoop and for the positive outcome the dealer achieved.

“Whopper Dealer” relied on very little traditional media to make an impact. How did your marketing approach help build momentum for the return of Burger King and spread your message to consumers without them “feeling” like they were being marketed to?  

NV: The key was that the dealer actually worked for the people. He replied naturally to all messages, he actually delivered all the burgers (and even charged for them), so people were never tricked. Also, the real story that inspired the dealer (ex-employees that used to work at BK) was completed with BK actually hiring as many ex-employees as they could, so people really felt good about the brand’s intentions in Costa Rica.

What was the biggest challenge that you faced throughout this effort? How were you able to overcome that challenge?

NV: The biggest challenge with this kind of idea is not allowing any loose ends in your story. We developed tons of extra material, for inner or outer use, only to correctly develop the story behind the dealer. We actually built a “bio profile” to really get to know who our fictional dealer was, where he was raised, how he was, why he would act like this, etc., so that every interaction, press inquiry, and WhatsApp message would be coherent with his story.

What is the biggest learning you’ve taken away from this effort?

NV: We all love great stories. For decades, advertising has let people be spectators of great storytelling, but when you let them be the protagonist of these unbelievable real-fictional stories, people will never forget how you made them feel. Making advertising that actually puts the consumer at the center of the experience, presented as reality and not advertising, is a formula that has worked for us over the years.

To learn more about the Effie Awards Costa Rica program, visit effie.cr. 

[dailybiblelessons]

Tuesday: Reflection on the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Revised Common Lectionary Proper 13 Roman Catholic Proper 18

Complementary Hebrew Scripture Torah Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-15

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, “Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.” When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: “A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labor on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year (which is the year of the tithe), giving it to the Levites, the aliens, the orphans, and the widows, so that they may eat their fill within your towns, then you shall say before the Lord your God: “I have removed the sacred portion from the house, and I have given it to the Levites, the resident aliens, the orphans, and the widows, in accordance with your entire commandment that you commanded me; I have neither transgressed nor forgotten any of your commandments: I have not eaten of it while in mourning; I have not removed any of it while I was unclean; and I have not offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the Lord my God, doing just as you commanded me. Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel and the ground that you have given us, as you swore to our ancestors—a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Semi-continuous Hebrew Scripture from the Torah: Genesis 32:3-21

Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have lived with Laban as an alien, and stayed until now; and I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves; and I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’”

The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies, thinking, “If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it, then the company that is left will escape.”

And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good,’ I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. Yet you have said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.¹’”

So he spent that night there, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milch camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. These he delivered into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me, and put a space between drove and drove.” He instructed the foremost, “When Esau my brother meets you, and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob; they are a present sent to my lord Esau; and moreover he is behind us.’” He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you meet him, and you shall say, ‘Moreover your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterwards I shall see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” So the present passed on ahead of him; and he himself spent that night in the camp.

¹This verse is recounted in Hebrews 11:12, part of a passage about Abraham's faith (Hebrews 11:8-19).

Semi-continuous Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;  incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable;  I will utter dark sayings from of old.¹ things that we have heard and known,  that our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their children;  we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,  and the wonders that he has done.

He established a decree in Jacob,  and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors  to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them,  the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children,  so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God,  but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their ancestors,  a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast,  whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Yet they sinned still more against him,  rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart  by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying,  “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? Even though he struck the rock so that water gushed out  and torrents overflowed, can he also give bread,  or provide meat for his people?”

Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of rage;  a fire was kindled against Jacob,  his anger mounted against Israel, because they had no faith in God,  and did not trust his saving power. Yet he commanded the skies above,  and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat,  and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels;  he sent them food in abundance. He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,  and by his power he led out the south wind; he rained flesh upon them like dust,  winged birds like the sand of the seas; he let them fall within their camp,  all around their dwellings. And they ate and were well filled,  for he gave them what they craved.

¹Jesus quotes this passage in Matthew 13:35, a chapter in which he tells a series of parables.

Semi-continuous Psalm 17:1-7, 15

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;  give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. From you let my vindication come;  let your eyes see the right.

If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,  if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;  my mouth does not transgress. As for what others do, by the word of your lips  I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths;  my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;  incline your ear to me, hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love,  O savior of those who seek refuge  from their adversaries at your right hand.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;  when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

New Testament Lesson: Acts 2:37-47

[In verse 36, Peter says, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”]

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Year A Ordinary 18, RCL Proper 13, Catholic Proper 18 Tuesday

Bible verses from The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All right reserved. Selections from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright 1985 by the Consultation on Common Texts. Image Credit: The Holy Spirit by FrostRyu via Diviantart.net. This image licensed under the CC 3.0 by NC-ND license.

[zolganif]

The last time you were at a diner, what did you order?: I don’t remember the last time I been to one :(

Do you usually buy souvenirs when you go to amusement parks?: Sometimes 

When you last watched a movie, did you watch it alone or with someone?: Alone 

Are you happy with your weight?: I’m trying to lose some weight 

What’s the dress code for your job? Do you like it?: Black pants and shirt 

Does your job allow piercings or tattoos?: Sure 

How often do you wash your hair?: Every other day.

Do you want to get married? If so, what color will your dress be?: Purple :)

Ever had a caricature done of yourself? How much was it, and were you satisfied with it?: No 

Do you like peanut butter and fluff sandwiches?: Never tried them 

Last color you painted your nails?: Dark blue 

Last time you got a hair cut?: Last year 

When you want to buy coffee, where do you go?: 7 eleven, corner store, Tim Hortons 

Did you try McDonald’s new smoothies? What do you think of them?: 

What are some things you like fashion-wise that most people don’t?: Don't know, don't care.

What are some trends you dislike that everyone seems to love?: A lot of things 

Ever been to Gaia Online? Do you have an account?: Yes. I have an account but hardly ever use it anymore 

Where can you usually be found on a Friday night?: At home 

What do you think of underage drinking?: Just be smart about it 

What’s your relationship status? Are you happy with it?: Single 

If you got married and then got divorced, would you want to re-marry? Maybe 

If you could dye your hair any color right now with absolutely no restrictions, what color would you dye it?: Purple 

What shoes do you usually wear in the summer?: Flats, vans 

What’s your favorite amusement park?: Six Flags 

Do you like rollercoasters?: Yes 

How old are your siblings?: 27

Would you ever enlist in the army?: No

Do you use pads, tampons, or the cup?: Pads.

Are you afraid of public restrooms?: No.

What perfume do you wear?: 

How often do you use lotion?: Every now and then 

Do you play video games? If so, what kind?: RPG 

How old is your oldest and youngest friend?: Marie’s about my age. The youngest would be Colin, but I can’t even remember his age 

Do you donate your old stuff to Goodwill? If so, what was the last thing you donated?: Not really

Would you buy used clothes?: Yeah

Do you wear jeans? Yeah

How many hours do you usually work a week?: It varies 

How old were you in 1999?: 9.

Last time you were at a job interview? How did it go?: Last year 

What’s one place you’d NEVER want to work at?: Fast food restaurant. I just wouldn’t want to be around food that much. 

How many kids would you want?: None 

Do you wear lipstick? If so, what color?: Red ..

Do you use Tumblr? What do you normally post?: Yes. 

How often do you wear skirts?: Every now and then 

Was your first Green Day album American Idiot?: No 

Do you do your own laundry?: Yeah

Do you get paid weekly or bi-weekly?: Weekly.

Did you tease freshmen in high school?: No.

What have you done so far today? Not much

Are your nails painted any colors right now? No 

Do you think kittens are cute? They’re adorable 

Have you ever submitted a story to fmylife.com? No 

What color are the sheets on your bed? White 

What’s your favorite room in the place you’re in? My bedroom 

Is there someone you wish to call your boyfriend/girlfriend right now? No

What messenger services do you own (AIM, MSN, Yahoo, etc)? Just facebook messenger & hangouts 

Name someone you know who has dyed their hair. A lot of people 

What job could you never see yourself doing? Doctor

How weight conscious are you? Not a lot 

Have you ever shot a gun? No 

What’s your favorite eye color? Blue 

Rent a movie or go see one in theaters? Just watch one on any app that streams free movies 

Is there anyone else with you right now? My mom, Chico and Fuzzball

What’s your biggest physical turn off for a potential partner? Huge muscles 

What’s the biggest personality trait turn off for a potential partner? Ignorance 

Would you consider yourself a hopeless romantic? Yeah.

What color is the shirt you’re wearing? Black

How many times have your changed your clothes today? Once 

Have you ever been accused of cheating? Nope 

How about having an eating disorder? Being accused? No 

Would you ever go on a birth control pill? Never used it 

Do you know how to do your own laundry? Yeah

Is your bed made? No.

Where’s your cell phone? In my room

Have you ever taken a train? Yes 

[anndroidgirl]

What a crazy day!

Okay, so, I'm at Myrtle Beach, yay!  It was some fun today buddy. lol . Let me tell you.  First of all I could not sleep worth a damn last night.  I was soooo tired this morning.  I got up at 6:30!  We were supposed to be on the road by 7.  We didn't get on the road until 8:30. D'oh!  I was ready, my friend was not. :p . I watched a few random episodes of Adventure Time while waiting.  That was fun!  He came with breakfast for us and we ate and headed out.   We stopped at Sheetz right outside of Greensboro to take a bathroom break and get a soda.  I got a cupcake. Yum!  I needed a bathroom break because I went to MedExpress yesterday.  I have a UTI. Boo! I was able to get prescriptions yesterday, so I am on my way to healing! So, we got back on the road and headed on.  We got to Rockingham and stopped like we always do.  I got a Mountain Dew (my precious) and a Reeese PB cup. :p . Another bathroom break and we were on our way!  We stopped again in Longs SC at a Goodwill.  It's a nice one and we always go on our way down and our way back up.  I got a cute little zipper bag that is perfect for pens and pencils.  Like I need another pencil bag. lol . I also got a Jack o lantern! lol  We left there and headed for the beach. We got here a bit early for check in.  The lady said we'd have to come back in a while, so we headed out and looked for eats.  We were going to go to Victoria's Country Cookin, but we got there and they were closed. I guess for the holiday.  So we looked around.  We were going to Dairy Queen when we spotted the K&W Cafeteria.  We decided to do that instead.  It was delicious! I got chicken, potatoes and some delicious mac and cheese.  It tasted like the kind my granny used to make.  Delicious.  After eating, we came back here and got our room.  It was a nice room, but there were issues.  First of all, it was only on the second floor.  We like to be at least 3rd floor but usually a little higher.  Also, it had a deck on the level right below us so that people would be right there and possibly smoking.  Neither of us our smokers and we didn't want to spoil our balcony time like that! Then, the door to the balcony was weird and there was a small window and hardly any view from inside the room AND lol .The view from the balcony was not that great.  So, we went to the desk and asked about a possible move.  The lady said she see what she could do, but it was prime check in time by that point and she asked if we'd come back in an hour or so.  We said sure and went to a couple of goodwills.  I got two  unopened puzzles at the first Goodwill and an awesome mini messenger bag.  I'll do a post about it later. lol At the other Goodwill, I got another unopened puzzle and another jack o lantern. LOL!  My friend found a nice camera bag for me and got it.  I have a bag, but it wasn't ideal for the camera he got me so this was a nice find.  We left the first Goodwill and before we went to the other, he went to the Cookout drivethru and got himself a milkshake.  This is the Cookout that is right next to a Starbucks!  Guess where I walked to while he was in line?  I got a venti caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino and it was LIFE!  I also was able to get a stack of new Starbucks cards I didn't have to add to my collection. Score! After the second Goodwill, we came back here to see what could be done.  We were moved to another tower (There are two towers to this hotel) and the fifth floor.  We also got upgraded to a two room room! WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!  So, you come in the door and there is a bed, tv, air conditioner, chair, nightstand.  Then, there is a hall that is the kitchen with a little closet. On the other side of that is the other room with bed, tv, etc.  There is also a table and chairs in that part.  Also the balcony with that ocean front view!  So, I have my own area and it's bliss.  My window opens too if I want it to and there is a view of Ocean Blvd.  Coolness!  I took this picture to share: Nice view, yes?  That is the Family Kingdom amusement park you see lit up in the background.  We are very close to the 2nd ave Pier in the other direction and they shoot off fireworks from it on Wednesday's all summer long. YAY! So, we got in our room and then went down to return the luggage cart.  My friend said we should go ahead and go to Food Lion and get our groceries.  We did just that.  That is why I have no beach pictures to share for today.  It wasn't dark when we got back, but I had to unpack and put all my stuff away. I'll be sharing pictures tomorrow, I'm sure! So, I walked down to the ocean and only walked a little way tonight since I'm draggy and so tired.  I walked to the 2nd avenue pier from the beach. It's a Pokestop, so that is convenient.  I won't have to worry about being able to get to one this week. I did that and when I came back to the room to post to my blog, my friend asked if I wanted pizza.  Silly question, I always want pizza, lol. He ordered it and we are waiting on that now.  As soon as it comes, I'm taking a couple of pieces out on the balcony and eating them and enjoying the evening.  It's seriously HOT here.  Even at night.  The beach was lovely, but when you walk at the door of the room, it's intense!  I can imagine tomorrow's walk is going to be interesting. Yow!  Anyway, I guess I'll close this book.  I write more later.  Probably not tonight, but you never know! ;P   source https://www.anndroidgirl.com/my-blog/2019/05/what-a-crazy-day.html

[angelsandcelestials]

Messages from your Angels & Guides~12/18-25/2017

Good morning my friends! This week leading up to the holidays, your celestial messengers speak to you of Peace and Goodwill. Being open to the guidance of Spirit and learning how to receive. Receiving is not always so easy. We find it hard to do and it makes it us uncomfortable.  It's ok and it's your Divine Right to receive.   Tis the season for Goodwill, love, peace, and receiving. 

Monday-Wednesday~Selenite/Divine Guidance

Totem Tuesday~ Turtle Dove

( This lovely pair belong to the Dove & Pigeon family and therefore don't have seem to have their own symbolism so this will have to do..lol)

The Dove has seemingly inexhaustible sources of symbolic flavor throughout most histories, cultures, and myth.

Doves are commonly considered a symbol of motherhood because of their unique ability to produce their own milk. Another confirmation about maternal attributes, as well as self-sacrifice for the sake of their offspring, is that they cease foraging for food just before their babies are born. This temporary starvation ensures a purer milk formulation for their offspring.

Historically, dove symbolism is associated with several mother figures:

The Mother Mary in Christian legend (care, devotion, purity, and peace)

Ishtar in Assyrian culture (promise of hope and salvation)

Aphrodite and Venus (viewing the soul or a sense of higher love)

The softly lulling coos of the dove are a testimony to a divinely calming presence among us. In fact, their soft vocalizations and docile appearance enhance their interpretation as celestial messengers – or the symbolic link between earth and air. The dove is a symbol of the soul’s release from its earth-bound duty.

On earth, they are intimately aware of their environment and demonstrate a highly developed sense of presence. As creatures of both the earth and the air, doves serve as liaisons between intuitive thought and common reality. This ability to move between two worlds (sky and earth), bird totems are uniquely poised to funnel higher knowledge down to our human conscious awareness. They link intangible knowing (thought, dreams, intuition) with physical practicality (hearth, home, security). Doves represent the balance between thought (air) and matter (earth).

Bridging this link between the higher mind and the more practical level in which we live makes the dove a perfect guide for dream interpretation as well. Bird totems offer inspiration combined with a grounding element to make new ideas implementable.

The dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried or troubled thoughts, enabling us to find renewal in the silence of the mind. The dove’s singing is most prevalent when the veils between the physical and spiritual worlds are thought to be at their thinnest – first thing in the morning and the last thing at night – again representing a link between two divergent domains.

Doves teach us that, regardless of external circumstances, peace is always a touch away – within us – and always available. It is said that if a dove flies into your life, you are being asked to go within and release your emotional disharmony. The dove helps us to rid the trauma stored deep within our cellular memory. Doves carry the energy of promise. When inner conflicts are banished from our thoughts, words, and feelings, goodness awaits.

The dove’s roles as spirit messenger, maternal symbol, and liaison impart an inner peace that helps us to go about our lives calmly and with purpose.

via pure-spirit.com

Wednesday-Friday~Zoiste with Ruby/Angel of Receiving

Just for Fun~ Your 2018 in 3 Words

Friday/Weekend~Green Aventurine/Angel of Good Fortune

This week’s message comes to you courtesy of The Angelic Gemstone Oracle.

I do hope that this week’s messages resonated with you. If it hasn’t upon first glance, then feel free to re-read them. There may be a deeper or hidden message specifically for you from your angels and/or guides. These messages may also apply to several people and/or the collective. That’s how Spirit works..lol   Let me know though I would love to hear from you. Also, please share, reblog, and like. This way you will be paying it forward for others to receive this guidance. Follow Angels & Celestials on Instagram And on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AngelsandCelestials111/

[itsmichealwalsh-blog]

Top Celebrities Who Loves Nature

1. Emma Watson:

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson is an English actress who acted in various movies. She is also a model and activist. Emma Watson Acted in the Harry Potter film at the age of 10 in her role as Hermione. Emma Watson has a huge interest in the environment. She has joined with luxury Italian designer Albert Ferreti to create more Eco-friendly clothing. She has also shared her opinion and suggestion in some magazines “I think it’s important to be conscious of what we’re buying and where it comes from. As consumers, we have so much power to change the world just by being careful in what we buy”. Emma Watson loves wearing a dress that does not harm our environment.

2. Leonardo Dicaprio:

Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is a famous American Actor, Producer, and Environmentalist. He is one of the to celebrity to jump on board to green car movement and in his recent announcement he said he will start investing in Eco-friendly car racing team which has only electric cars. He also donated millions of dollars to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to save tigers and to protect their habitat. He created much awareness about environmental issues. “Messenger of Peace on climate change” award has to announce to him by the UN government.

3. Ben Affleck:

Benjamin Geza Affleck-Boldt is a Filmmaker and American actor. He is the lover of sustainability he used hybrid cars had it for so many years. The hybrid car which he used conserves energy And drives cleaner and more efficiently, it makes Environmental friendly. He recently founded the Eastern Congo Initiative in the year 2010 it raises awareness of threatened natural resources in the region.

4.Drew Barrymore:

Drew Blythe Barrymore is a Talented Actress, Producer, director, model, and entrepreneur. She had huge respect in nature and started her own home good line Flower beauty, eco friendly make up line. Those products are produced in the US to avoid the shipping and environmental impact of transportation. The product is made up of natural ingredients that do not harm the environment and available at a very low cost for consumers.

5. Jamie Oliver:

Jamie Oliver or James Trevor Oliver is a British based Chef and Restaurateur. He wants to make the world a greener place both inside and outside. He will cook only natural and organic foods. He always promotes fresh ingredients, and the use of natural veggies he also encourages all his followers to grow their own in their little garden which is good for health and environment.

6. Cate Blanchett:

Catherine Elise Blanchett is one of Australia’s most accomplished Actress. Her love for nature is significantly higher and she unfailing support and advocacy for environmental problems. Her environmental action includes serving as an Ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation for a carbon tax in the year 2011. It includes investing in start-up solar energy companies.

7. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy smart:

Carter Oosterhous and Amy smart got Married on September 10, 2011, the beautiful thing in their wedding was it is entirely green. They both planned for their sustainable wedding before six months. Every product they used is Biodegradable like Natural plates, Eco-friendly dress, Organic foods, etc. More than 200 people participated in their wedding celebration but they can see only half the bag of garbage. Amy smart and carter Oosterhuis were able to accomplish this recycling and composting everything used during their big day.

8. Gisele Bundchen:

Gisele Bundchen is a Top model, environmental activist, actress, businesswoman. She got Best Green International celebrity award in the year 2011. Through her Eco-friendly line she has raised funds for conservation efforts in the Atlantic forest and Amazon forest. In Brazil, she launched a clean water project with her whole family her mission is to restore vegetation and the micro basins in her native place. She also made her first visit to Africa as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Environmental program.

9. Jessica Alba:

Jessica Alba is an American actress and later turned as a businesswoman. She wanted to give families access to natural, Eco-friendly products, and Nontoxic household products due to this reason she launched a company called The Honest company. The products manufactured from her company avoids the use of toxic chemicals, Artificial color, maximizing reusable materials, minimizing waste.

10. pierce Brosnan:

Pierce Brosnan has become the fifth actor to play the secret agent James Bond 007. He is an actor, activist, film producer, and environmentalist. He cares deeply about nature and what is happening on our earth and determined to fight for the causes. He also supported so many protests to save natural resources. He and his wife created a website and they detailedly documented what they have done to Earth. Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Brosnan have narrowed their attention to saving the world’s whale population and protection of wetlands, Fresh air, and clean water.

Many celebrities started to support our natural resources and nature. Celebrities may act as a Heros in so many films but one who love and care for our nature is the real hero to the earth. As human beings we should not harm our beautiful nature by using Anti-Environmental products which create a detrimental impact. Nature is the precious things we should save our nature and let our future generations to enjoy it as we all did.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere”.