#gift-guide-2018

[safetyall]

Holiday gift guide:

#HolidayGiftGuide#GiftIdeas#HolidayPresents#ChristmasGifts#GiftGuide#FestiveFinds#SeasonalShopping#HolidayGifting#PerfectPresents#GiftGiving

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

Struggling with self-compassion?

Recommended Reading:

Bluth, K. (2017). The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Overcome Self-Criticism and Embrace Who You Are. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Brach, T. (2003) Radical Acceptance: Embracing your life with the heart of a Buddha. New York: Bantam.

Brach, T. (2020). Radical Compassion. NY: Penguin.

Brown, B. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection. Center City, MN: Hazelden.

Desmond, T. (2015). Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy: Mindfulness-Based Practices for Healing and Transformation. Norton.

Germer, C. K. (2009). The mindful path to self-compassion: Freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions. New York: Guilford Press.

Germer, C. K. & Neff, K. D. (2019). Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion program: A guide for professionals.  New York: Guilford Press.

Gilbert, P. (2009). The compassionate mind. London: Constable.

Hickman, S. (2021).  Self-Compassion for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.

Neff, K. D. & Germer, C. K (2018). The Mindful Self-Compassion workbook: A proven way to accept yourself, find inner strength, and thrive.  New York: Guilford Press.

Neff, K. D. (2021). Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. New York:  Harper Wave.

Neff, K. D. (2011).  Self-Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself.  New York:  William Morrow.

Pollak, S. (2019). Self-Compassion for Parents: Nurture your child by caring for yourself. New York: Guildford Press.

Shapiro, S. (2020).  Good Morning I Love You.  Boulder, Sounds True.

Silberstein-Tirch, L. (2019) How to Be Nice to Yourself: The Everyday Guide to Self Compassion. San Antonio, TX: Althea Press

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Beltzner, E. (2019).  How to tame the tumbles:  The mindful and compassionate way.  Ontario: Mosaic Press.

Garcia, G. (2017). Listening with My Heart: A story of kindness and self-compassion. Gabi Garcia Books.

Marlowe, S. (2016). My new best friend. Summerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.

O’Leary, W.  (2023).  It’s OK: Being kind to yourself when things feel hard.  Bala Kids.

Source

[mikyapixie]

🌸🌸🌸

The Pizza Hut franchise announced a delicious and magical collaboration with Cardcaptor Sakura. It is a special pizza to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the anime, and the future sequel to Clear Card. The special edition of Pizza Hut "Key of Dreams" will be available from June 4 for diners in Taiwan. In a promotional video, other delicious products are announced, such as a bun filled with matcha and red beans, but with the appearance of Kero-chan.

In addition, for the purchase, fans of the CLAMP series will be able to take a special edition pizza box, which is shown in the advertising video. There are also four collectible keychains as exclusive gifts for purchases. Pizza Hut revealed on its official blog that an activation will be organized on a Sakura bus. The 48 winners of this promotion will be able to travel on this bus decorated with the illustrations of the anime. Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card began on Nakayoshi's pages in July 2016 as a sequel to Cardcaptor Sakura. The series follows Sakura in new magical adventures during high school. The anime adaptation aired from January 7 to June 10, 2018, under the direction of the director of the original series Morio Asaka for MADHOUSE.

This is the synopsis of the anime that is available on Crunchyroll:

Guided by the Key to Dreams, Sakura embarks on a new adventure. Sakura managed to capture all the Clow Cards that could have caused a cataclysm in the world and turned them into her Sakura Cards. Now spring has arrived, the cherry trees are in bloom and Sakura is about to start a new stage in high school. His beloved Syaoran has returned from Hong Kong and Sakura is very excited to be able to go to class with him again. That's when one night something strange happens to your letters...

[the-forest-library]

November 2024 Reads

In Memoriam - Alice Winn

A Sorceress Comes to Call - T. Kingfisher

Graveyard Shift - M.L. Rio

Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

A Curious Beginning - Deanna Raybourn

The Empress of Salt and Fortune - Nghi Vo

Bride - Ali Hazelwood

The Fifth Elephant - Terry Pratchett

Pony Confidential - Christina Lynch

The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love - India Holton

Here We Go Again - Alison Cochrun

One Last Shot - Betty Cayouette

Under Your Spell - Laura Wood

The Love of My Afterlife - Kristy Greenwood

This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune

Savor It - Tarah DeWitt

Kiss Me at Christmas - Jenny Bayliss

Christmas Is All Around - Martha Waters

XOXO - Axie Oh

Killing November - Adriana Mather

Miracles on Maple Hill - Virginia Sorensen

The Miraculous Life of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

Thunder Pug - Kim Norman

Stringbean's Trip to the Shining Sea - Vera B. Williams

Dr Seuss's Sleep Book - Dr Seuss

Leap - Simina Popescu

Uprooted - Ruth Chan

Taxi Ghost - Sophie Escabasse

They Called Us Enemy - George Takei

I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together - Maurice Vellekoop

Adulthood is a Gift - Sarah Andersen

Joyful Recollections of Trauma - Paul Scheer

The Deaf Girl - Abigail Heringer

True Gretch - Gretchen Whitmer

Growing Up Urkel - Jaleel White

How to Know a Person - David Brooks

The Expectation Effect - David Robson

Glory Days - L. Ron Wertheim

Democracy Awakening - Heather Cox Richardson

The Sleeping Beauties - Suzanne O'Sullivan

What It Takes to Heal - Prentis Hemphill

Vanishing Treasures - Katherine Rundell

Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice - Christina De Witte and Mallika Kauppinen

Appetites - Anthony Bourdain

Bold = Highly Recommend

Italics = Worth It

Crossed Out = Nope

Thoughts: Please read In Memoriam if you haven't yet. It's sweeping and sad and sweet and very satisfying. The audiobook is lovely and does some interesting things with the narration.

Goodreads Goal: 414/400 

2017 Reads | 2018 Reads | 2019 Reads | 2020 Reads | 2021 Reads| 2022 Reads | 2023 Reads | 2024 Reads

[annecoulmanross]

A Song from Swept Away for (not quite) Every Character from The Terror (2018)

In my ongoing quest to drag every terror fan into my obsession with Swept Away, I give you: a character from The Terror (2018) for every song from Swept Away: A New Musical Tale, Broadway’s new shipwreck cannibalism musical. Listen along here! Characters & select lyrics below the cut.

1. Go To Sleep = James Fitzjames

I spit a tooth in the palm of my hand Lay back, lay back, go to sleep my man Wipe the blood from you face and your hands Forgive yourself if you think that you can

2. Hard Worker = John Morfin

I got way down on my knees Sayin’ “Lord, can ya help me, If ya please, please, please— Can ya’ save me from this workin’ man’s disease?”

3. Nothing Short of Thankful = Henry Peglar

Do you think they’re listening To a thing? (No!) I wonder what’s On their mind; we all should (Go!) Break down the walls being built around us

4. Swept Away = James Clark Ross

Life is ever changing but I can always Find a constant and comfort in your love With your heart my soul is bound And as we dance I surely know that some kinda heaven will be found

5. Lord Lay Your Hand on My Shoulder = Sir John Franklin

Note: This one’s not on the playlist because it was written specially for the musical and it hasn’t formally been released yet! You can listen to a clip from it here though!

Lord lay your hand on my shoulder And guide me to our home

6. Ain’t No Man = Solomon Tozer

There ain’t no man can save me There ain’t no man can enslave me Ain’t no man, or men that can change The shape my soul is in

7. May It Last = Jane, Lady Franklin

There is a sea and I am a captain Of something unknown, waves high as mountains There is a key and there is a lie Here’s to times that I catch it

8. Murder in the City = John & Tom Hartnell

Make sure my sister knows I loved her Make sure my mother knows the same Always remember there was nothing worth sharing Like the love that let us share our name

9. Complainte d’un Matelot Mourant = HMShips Erebus & Terror

[Instrumental]

10. A Gift for Melody Anne = Harry Goodsir

Lord, I just want my life to be true And I just want my heart to be true I just want my words to be true I want my soul to feel brand new

11. Through My Prayers = Francis Crozier

Every night after and every day since I find myself crying when the memory hits Sometimes it knocks me down Sometimes I can just put it away

12. Satan Pulls the Strings = Cornelius Hickey

Mama’s cooking something up, serving to us all Satan’s ringing in now and I gotta take the call Gotta take the call, boys, gotta take the call Satan’s ringing in now and I gotta take the call

13. No Hard Feelings = John Irving

Will I join with the ocean blue? Or run into a savior true? And shake hands laughing, and walk through the night, Straight to the light, holding the love I’ve known in my life And no hard feelings

14. The Once and Future Carpenter = Thomas Blanky

Forever I will move like the world that turns beneath me And when I lose my direction, I’ll look up to the sky I’ll be ready to surrender, and remember, well we’re all in this together If I live the life I’m given, I won’t be scared to die

[jason-todd-centric-exchange]

A guide to signing up for the Jason Todd-centric Exchange

Go to the collection page.

Click the "Sign-up Form" button in the upper left corner.

You must create 3-5 requests. For each request, you pick 1 fandom, 1-2 mediums (fanart and fanfic), 1-10 relationships/characters, 1-10 freeform tags, any ratings, and any archive warnings you're interested in receiving a gift about.

Please keep in mind that the "/" is for romantic and/or sexual relationships and the "&" is for non-sexual and non-romantic relationships.

Choosing which fandom to use in a request under depends on your preferences. When it comes to comic books you have two options. If you don't care about a specific comic period, you can use "DCU (Comics)" and if you're interested in a certain comic run, you can narrow it down and use "Red Hood: Lost Days" for example. Please remember that "Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)" tag is for the movie and "Batman: Under the Hood (2005)" tag is for the comic book. Additionally, "Batman - All Media Types" covers all Batman canons so if you sign up with it as your fandom, you're opting in for anything from Arkham Games to WFA. Similarly, "Teen Titans - All Media Types" covers all canons with Teen Titans, including the comics, Teen Titans (Animated Series) and Titans (2018). "DCU" encompasses all continuities, timelines, and adaptations made by DC.

Please use the "Description" box to provide additional details, likes, and prompts for your you feel would be helpful for your fanwork gift creator. Make sure to write down any Do Not Wants you may have, as only DNWs included in your AO3 signup will be enforced. A DNW is anything that would ruin your gift and you absolutely do not wish to receive. DNWs should be clear, free of judgement, and not box your creator in or be in conflict with the request. Your fanwork creator is required to avoid your DNWs to the best of their ability.

If you want to provide additional information than you can't fit in the sign-up, use the "Letter" field to link to a post hosted somewhere outside of AO3.

After you finish writing your requests, you must create 1-5 offers. For each offer, you pick 1 fandom, 1-2 mediums (fanart and fanfic), 1-10 relationships/characters, 1-10 freeform tags, any ratings, and any archive warnings you're interested in creating a fanwork about. You don't need to include any additional details, but you have the option to inform the mods about something in the "Description" box.

If your offers are unmatchable you’ll be contacted after signups close and asked if you wish to drop out or add more offers. Make sure that the email address linked to your AO3 account is working and remember to check your AO3 email during the exchange.

Click the "Submit" button in the lower right corner. Your requests should show up in the "Requests Summary" tab.

[mpenvs3000w25]

Prompt #4: Interpreting Nature through Art

Who Am I to Interpret Nature Through Art? When I think about interpreting nature through art, what stands out to me is how it’s more about creating a connection than creating something physical. It’s an experience, a way of noticing and sharing the beauty and meaning in the world around us. Whether it’s through storytelling, reflection, or simply pausing to appreciate a moment, nature interpretation feels like an art form in how it brings people closer to the natural world and helps them see it in a new light.

Nature Interpretation: The Intangible Art

As mentioned in Chapter 3, interpretation isn’t just about providing information, it’s about meeting ones needs on different levels, from knowledge and understanding to aesthetic and even self-actualization. Interpreters help people form deeper connections with nature, making it something they not only see but truly experience. It helps us connect with it in a way that feels personal. It makes us slow down and see nature instead of just passing by it. Just like an artist uses color or composition, an interpreter uses storytelling, emotion, and perspective to shape how others see the natural world. It's fascinating to me how the variable of time is always part of that meaning. It's not just a backdrop but an active force that sculpts and transforms nature’s beauty. Whether it’s the erosion of mountains or the changing seasons, nature is constantly in motion, making every moment unique. Throughout this unit, we’ve read about how interpretation balances emotion and intellect. That balance is an art form in itself. Nature isn’t just about science, it’s also about how it makes us feel. The way trees sway, the sound of water moving, or a bird taking flight all have something to say. Interpreting nature is simply about being present and helping others see what’s already there.

That is exactly what I like most about it, there is no right or wrong answer to how one is able to view something

I've taken this picture of a starry sky, but through the art of interpretation, it becomes a map of constellations, stories, and connections that have guided humanity for centuries!

My personal Interpretation I interpret “the gift of beauty” as the ability to recognize and appreciate the details, emotions, and experiences that make something meaningful. Beauty isn’t just about appearance; it’s about the feeling a moment evokes. If I’m getting off my bus and it’s snowing, I find myself appreciating how pretty it looks, even if I wasn’t expecting to. It’s a reminder to slow down, see beyond the surface, and find value in the world around us. In nature, beauty is often fleeting, shaped by time and change, making it even more precious. It’s easy to overlook the fact that today’s fresh snow will be slush tomorrow or that the vibrant red autumn trees will be bare in just a week. The gift of beauty isn’t just in witnessing it but in sharing it, whether through words, art, or simply pointing out something others might not have noticed.

Here’s a White Admiral butterfly I would’ve missed if I hadn’t been appreciating the "gift of beauty", it flew away the very next minute!

How do you personally connect with the art of nature interpretation? I would love to know how your ideas compare and contrast with mine.

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For a better world (Revised ed.). Urbana, IL: Sagamore-Venture.

[ohmightydevviepuu]

fanbinding: our little life (rounded with a sleep)

my signature fic. our little life (rounded with a sleep) is a project i originally began in 2018, but abandoned as i realized i didn't yet have the support or ideas i needed to see it through the way i wanted to. in 2019, i signed up for the @captainswanbigbang Rewrite-a-Thon, a decision that ended up being a fateful one for me. (more on this in a later post)

but for now, let's discuss the binding. the cover is a modified paper casing i learned from sarah nicholls at the NYC Center for Book Arts. her original design (detailed in Bookforms, A Complete Guide to Designing and Crafting Hand-Bound Books) is based on an elaborate folded paper apparatus cased in paper, modified from a limp vellum style. i (perhaps?) went a bit overboard here in making the casing out of folded faux leather bookcloth with a longstitch-inspired spine. the textblock is sewn with a combination coptic/french link so that it opens completely flat, allowing flaps that slide into the case to be inserted or removed for ease of reading. the concept was intended to evoke a ye olde style booke appropriate for a fairy tale.

but. BUT. let's talk about this art. for my birthday, as a gift to myself, i commissioned the brilliant @camii-artt to draw characters inspired by scenes from the fic. i built the entire typeset around her work and it was completely worth it--everything about the style evokes the hard-boiled detective vibe of the fic, from the angles to the colors to the facial expressions.

this fic is, truly, the stuff that dreams are made of. (and this is only binding version #1)

[dynamic-swap-au-archive]

this is something that I've been waiting to be able to share for some time! I wanted to post it when I was close to having the guides for dynaswap finished (which I should, very soon <3)

it, quite frankly, changes everything for me.

dynaswap has made jokes about stu and murdoc having sex before [Link], and it's been implied that stu and murdoc were going to start Getting Along phase 4-5 [Link 1, Link 2, Link 3, Link 4], but this is Direct Confirmation that had dynaswap continued stu and murdoc would have been in a romantic relationship phase 5.

I say phase 5 Specifically because of Something Else

this is the full page of a teaser that was released august 7th, 2018 [Link]

this was a few weeks before the official blog came out, so these are Very likely early drafts for what would have been phase 5 (stu's appearance Especially seems to be based more on his appearance in phase 1 than the design they seem to have gone with for phase 4-5.

but this is Also where we finally FINALLY got the uncensored chart for stu's glass eyes [Link]

the red "souk eye" was a gift from murdoc, given to stu in phase 5. both for the obvious reason of It's Name, And because the only images for phase 4 that we have Very Specifically draw stu without any glass eyes at all, going back to having an empty socket [Link 1, Link 2]

it's Also notable because all of those teasers to stu and murdoc's relationship getting Better that the creators posted Show Stu Wearing The Souk Eye. this is clearly Very Significant to them and their relationship, and you notice it Everywhere once you know where to look.

I'll mourn that we'll never know how this happened, how they were supposed to work things out. but I'm so grateful that we Get to know.

these sketches (and several others that I'll be sharing shortly <3) were sourced from a friend who used to be in the dynaswap discord before it was deleted. I trust that they're telling me the truth (I know them personally, and of course we Know the second image is real).

But it's worth noting that we Do have overt proof that the first image was drawn by paleimitatorz.

october 2nd, 2018, they were asked to draw "lovesick murdoc," and in response they posted a colored and slightly edited version of the image in the lower right corner !: [Link]

and something to note here is What makes it edited. All of the images that we have for murdoc phase 4-5 show him with one permanently white eye. which paleimitatorz specifically drew Back In when they colored this sketch.

I don't know if this was done to hide that it was dynaswap or to avoid spoilers, but it Is worth noting that they've posted edited dynaswap images before [Link]

I bring this up for reasons. Firstly that I think this is a slight hint towards what would have happened to murdoc !

his eyes have always gone all white when he's possessed, so there's a lot of Demonic Implications if one of his eyes is now Permanently white. something that I've speculated about Here in regards to a different teaser [Link]

the other reason why I bring it up is because I've taken the liberty of editing it Back to being dynaswap, just for fun.

[stationintern]

Hello there!

July is a rainy month here in the mountains, but these fics felt like a ray of sunshine! I’m back with another favorites list, and very proud that I remembered to do this. Let’s go!

A Savior’s Guide to Manners and Decorum - E, 13k by @wolfpants

I think putting Draco Malfoy in any sort of teaching position is a recipe for perfection. So, that was a major factor in my enjoyment of this fic. Everything I’ve read from wolfpants has been incredible (I read Nightcall at least twice a month), and this did NOT disappoint. If you like a bumbling Harry with obscure hobbies, this is the fic for you.

Little Compton Street (One Rainy Night In Soho) - E, 65k by @writcraft and @celilasart for Harry/Draco Big Bang 2018

I saw this fic recommended left and right on the Drarry writers discord, and it’s been sitting in my marked for later forever. And, boy, do I wish I’d read it earlier. The art is BEAUTIFUL. I stared at it for about ten minutes. I’m a sucker for two lost souls finding their calm together in the eye of the storm, and I’ve been yearning for another fic that explores queer history as it pertains to the magical world. In conclusion, this was everything I needed. A rainy night for a rainy season.

Grounds For Divorce - E, 122k by @tepre

This is another one of those fics that I’ve seen recommended everywhere but just hadn’t gotten to yet. Fics that cover long periods of time hold a special place in my heart, and the journey I got to experience while reading this left me breathless by the time I was finished. I can’t wait to read it again.

Up The - E, 7k by @shiftylinguini

I’m not a big mpreg reader, not for any particular reason, but this fic was so sweet. The premise was hilarious and ridiculously fitting for these two. Love an established relationship, love a nutty plan to get pregnant. Loved it.

Faint Indirections - T, 29k by ignatiustrout

It’s so fun whenever I get to explore a new city with this pair. God, this was so fucking hilarious. Watching these two communicate in the least efficient way possible tickled me and I will be thinking about this fic for a very long time.

to be a bit of warmth (for you) - M, 9k by @softlystarstruck

This was just the sweetest thing I’ve read in a very long time. The intimacy, the characterization. How the author managed to pack so much beauty into 10k words is a mystery that I thank god for every day.

on open wounds - M, 16k by asofthaven

extremely loud growling noises (positive.) read this in my honda accord while eating a quesadilla and watching drunk rodeo goers mill about the town square and felt more emotions than i’ve ever felt before in my life. thank you. thank you thank you thank you.

Everybody Hates a Tourist - E, 51k by @wolfpants for @hd-wireless 2023

As I said before, I love getting to explore a city with these two, and watching Harry find himself with a Draco who has built a life for himself is something I will never get sick of. Especially when every bit of it is absolutely baffling for Harry. So excited to find out who wrote this. I enjoyed every second of it. (Should’ve known it was wolfpants! So, so good!)

Well, that’s all for now, folks! These fics helped with my July gloom, and I’m so thankful for all the wonderful writers in this community who gift us these beautiful stories.

See you next month with more recs!

xx, Moon.

[mybarrelgnome]

Blog Post 2: An Introduction to Poetry

Reflections on Meaning, Talent, and What It Means to Be a Poet

I took this photo in Florence during the climb to the top of the Duomo in June. To me, it tells three stories from three perspectives: the constrained view from inside the staircase, the midway image of the ionic column's rigidity, and the far-off vista of the city meeting the vast sky. Maybe a poem can be something like this picture, offering a glimpse of more than one viewpoint.

When I read a poem, I often look for meaning. When I write a poem, I always start with meaning. Reading Huey and Kaneko has given me a more nuanced understanding of meaning in poetry. First of all, poems can have many meanings which might even contradict one another. And while poems are open to many interpretations, they should always pursue bringing the poet’s concepts to the reader. To Huey and Kaneko, “A poem that can mean anything is a poem that says nothing” (Huey 9). Secondly, while meaning is central to writing poetry, it may not be the most important thing that a poem delivers. Instead of its meanings, it may be the experience of reading a poem, surfacing multiple thoughts and emotions, that resonates with readers. I’ll try to keep this in mind as I work this semester.

Another idea I’ll need to keep centered is that all good poets have demonstrated courage. They have developed their talent with words. And to develop talent, bravery is required. A new poet has to be willing to write and put their babies out into the world. This is something I struggle to do. It’s hard to be that vulnerable. However, without subjecting poems to daylight, without allowing them to be poked and prodded in uncomfortable ways, poetic growth is impossible.

Poets live in a world of contradictions. Huey and Kaneko point out that poets are loners who should seek out community, that their work means everything and nothing, they they can be themselves and also other people, and that they should be both citizens and activists. I feel the truth in their statement, “Civilians don’t think like writers, so they don’t always understand how the world is always offering up poems to be written. But you do” (23). I think most don’t people understand the gift and the burden of needing to write a poem. Some writers are uncomfortable with poetry. One published fiction writer told me, “poets are weird.” Maybe so, but more so than other writers, they are adept at finding and using the beautiful music of words to create worlds that hit us in the solar plexus, grab our imaginations, rip us from complacency, inspire us, and change us. Usually with a much lower word count.

Huey, Amorak, and W. Todd Kaneko. Poetry: A Writers’ Guide and Anthology. Bloomsbury Academic, an Imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2018.

[amblenvs3000w25]

Blog #4 Under the Northern Lights: Interpreting Nature's Gift of Beauty

When thinking about the idea of interpreting nature through art, the Northern Lights come to mind. The way their colours dance across the black sky feels like nature's perfect painting but in motion. When asked “who am I to interpret nature through art?” It genuinely got me stuck thinking of how to write about such a breathtaking phenomenon. The Northern Lights speak for themselves, how can one even possibly enhance its beauty that's already perfect? Through this week's readings, I've discovered that nature interpretation is just about enhancing nature's beauties; it's about creating deep connections for yourself and others. As stated in the textbook, interpretation is about creating new emotional connections and engagement with nature (Beck et al., 2017). My experience with the Northern Lights was more than a visual experience, it was emotional. I was starstruck and to this day still, something about the colours dancing across the sky kept me mesmerized. Therefore, it's the personal connection I have with this amazing phenomenon that makes me capable of sharing this moment with others. 

The first time I ever saw the Northern Lights was in Timmins, visiting my grandpapa. I remember it was freezing outside and the sky was completely clear when I saw the green, purple and blue lights dancing along the sky. I was so mesmerized, feeling calm and sane. Additionally, not only did I form a new connection but in that moment I felt how small I am compared to the universe, which was such a humbling experience. To this day I wish I was able to capture a photo of it but my memorie of it is so clear that I don’t need one. So, who am I to interpret nature through art? I am someone who has a deep connection to the impact that nature gives from my own experiences. I believe this connection can allow me to guide others into the same space I feel when looking at the Northern Lights. Furthermore, it's not about putting my perspective on others, but it's about creating their own moment where they feel drawn. As an interpreter, I am not aiming to speak for nature but to help the audience hear and see what it has to offer. For example the Northern lights cannot be reinterpreted, but as the role of an interpreter I would love to create that space for others to form their own connection to it and be able to witness it. 

How I interpret “the gift of beauty” is its ability to invite us to slow down, reflect and feel what nature has to offer. It's more than to see but to feel the world around us. When I see the Northern Lights, it was more than just the colours dancing in the sky; it was the unexpectedness of the emotional wave I felt and wanted to share with others. Therefore, as a role of interpreter, I would help others feel the beauty of nature, creating a safe space for them to connect and feel in awe, just as I did under the Northern Lights.

An aurora display captured just north of Kenora, Ontario. (Photo: Brandon Brown/Can Geo Photo Club)

Heres a picture I found that resembles what I saw.

Knudson, L.B.T.T.C.D. M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Publishing LLC. https://sagamore.vitalsource.com/books/9781571678669

[renneeofpeace]

Obyerodhyambo, Oby . “Poetry Is Dying and Poets Are an Endangered Species - the Elephant.” The Elephant, 4 July 2019, www.theelephant.info/analysis/2019/07/04/poetry-is-dying-and-poets-are-an-endangered-species/.

Blog Post 2: "An Introduction to Poetry"

Reflecting on meaning described in the book Poetry: A Writers' Guide and Anthology by Amorak Huey and W. Todd Kaneko, I found it interesting that the suggestion of readers interpreting a poem however they please is a mistake. There is a stark difference between a poem being open for interpretation and a poem having “specific experiences and understandings” (Huey and Todd 9). Being open to interpretation usually leads to how the reader relates to the poem but understanding the poem allows the reader to clearly grasp the ideas and experiences being told. This chapter also states, “A poem that can mean anything is a poem that says nothing” (Huey and Todd 9). This statement is powerful, and I agree 100%. I often feel whether I am reading a novel, a poem, listening to music or looking at art, if the meaning is lost to me, I immediately lose interest and disengage. The purpose of the art, no matter the form, should always be comprehensible.

Reflecting on the chapter discussing talent, although I understand how the word talent could affect writers, I do not agree with “recasting” the word. I say this because I do not feel there is anything wrong with someone having a natural ability to do something. I believe in the difference between talent and skill. I agree with what the adjective of talent could imply but it also holds some truth. For example, a person who is naturally good at baseball may not have to work as hard to play but that does not mean they do not practice or work hard or are automatically better than others. They just simply have a natural gift, meaning they may not have to go through the same adjustments or learning practices as someone who does not have the natural ability. “The message of everyone else being “clowns” or “not measuring up” to the talented player, I would argue, is a subjective feeling. So instead of changing the description of the word or as stated in the section, “let’s not abandon the word talent” (Huey and Todd 17), I suggest using another word to positively and if needed, to distinctively describe a writer such as skillful with the understanding that talent refers to having a natural ability and skill refers to development and practice to acquire such ability.

In reference to what it means to be a poet, overall, a poet is a person who writes, performs and or studies poetry. I enjoyed reading the many different layers of descriptions of what it means to be a poet in this section. The explanations I resonated with the most were thinking like a writer, the solitude of writing, being a part of a community and tradition, and being free to express and show empathy. These explanations also provoked my thoughts about the true difference and definition of a poet and a writer. Personally, I do not consider myself a poet but a writer simply because of the differences in the formality I convey my thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Both writers and poets share the same abilities to creatively express and describe stories, emotions and concepts that will connect with readers attractively.

Thanks for reading, until next time!

Huey, Amorak, and W. Todd Kaneko. Poetry. Bloomsbury Publishing, 11 Jan. 2018.

[cherryheairt]

Cherryheairt's Page Guide

Hello, one and all! Call me Cherry. I am a writer and reader who has been on Tumblr for a few years since around 2020, but I only recently started writing for the fandoms I am in around Autumn of 2024. My inbox is always open to those who have writing requests for shows/movies I know (see:request rules) or to anyone who simply wishes to chat.

My current biggest interests lie in HOTD, Arcane, Batman (2022), Genshin Impact, SM:ITSV and SM:ATSV, and Marvel (specifically X-MEN and old era), and Bridgerton.

I used to write pretty much non-stop years ago around 2017-2018 and stopped due to lack of interaction in my fandom. I only came back because of HOTD, which became my muse and quickly gave me my spark back, although I consider myself pretty amateur still. All my requests do get worked on at my own pace and motivation status.

Requests- Currently OPEN

My request rules

2024 Masterlist

Dragon Dreamer (Cregan Stark series fic)

The Lost Dragon (Aemond and Cregan series fic)

2025 Masterlist

My WIPS-

Collab Series

Dragon Dreamer chap. 17

Jacaerys Velayron Series

Viktor Series (The Weight of Us)

Viktor Series (The Line)

Legolas Fic (req)

Cregan with Blind!reader

Cregan with nontarg!'Lysandra' (req)

Cregan fic (Solstice Gifts)

Cregan fic pt.2 (Not Yet Blossomed)

More Cregan reqs in inbox

[ntenvs3000f24]

Unit 04 Blog Post

The interpretation of nature through art is not only reserved for professional artists or those in creative fields. As someone who is passionate about environmental interpretation, I think that nature itself is an artist, and it creates moments that can inspire reflection, emotional connections and allows for oneself to open up to the beauty that nature offers and finding ways to share that with others. Just as I have used nature as a learning tool in my previous experiences, I see art as a way to engage people emotionally, mentally and physically with the environment.

I believe that nature offers endless opportunities to capture moments of beauty, whether through pictures of a sunrise, the intricate patterns of leaves and tress, or the texture of rocks in the water. Here is a moment where I felt captivated by nature's beauty:

Art allows us to pause and appreciate these details in a way that daily life often doesn't. It is not about creating "perfect" paintings or sculptures but about recognizing the beauty in the world and helping others do the same.

The Group of Seven mentioned in the course provides an excellent model for this kind of interpretation. These artists captured the essence of Canada's natural landscapes not by showing human figures but by allowing the viewer to immerse. They cause an emotional response that helps shape our identity, and individual appreciation of the land we live on. As an interpreter, my aim is to channel that same emotional depth and feeling when engaging with audiences, whether through photography, a story, or an outdoor experience.

When I think of the "gift of beauty" in nature, I reflect on the concept of seeing and sharing moments of subtle beauty that might go unnoticed. It's in the sunset and sunrise pictures we always feel compelled to capture, or the first snowfall that makes us smile. These moments are brief but extremely important and profound, and when we share them, whether it be through pictures, words, or experiences, we show that appreciation to others. This act of sharing the beauty creates both a personal and collective connection to nature. By recognizing the "gift of beauty", we also might have a desire to protect and preserve it.

My role as a nature interpreter becomes not solely about providing information but about awakening a sense of beauty and responsibility in those who experience nature through my lens. I may not have the creativity/eye of a painter, or the skills of a photographer, but I can offer moments of beauty that invite others to appreciate the world around them. In this role, I would focus on using both emotional and intellectual approaches to communicate the beauty of nature, ensuring that everyone I guide walks away with a lasting connection. I would engage in creative activities that end in reflection, while incorporating their own personal experiences and skills to that. The goal is not only to see beauty, but to understand it and appreciate it.

Interpreting nature through art is a way of helping people slow down and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. It is not about being a talented artist but about sharing the gift of beauty that nature offers and inspiring others to see it and notice it too.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

Unit 04: Nature Interpretation through Art and Planning for “All” Scenarios. (2024). Uoguelph.ca. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/898489/viewContent/3863606/View

[confused-french-noises]

I've been tagged by the wonderful @learning-to-think for the 25 books for 2025 challenge, so here it goes!

I've read 30 books in 2024, which is way more than I anticipated, but which also means that I might actually get to 25 this year :)

🥐 for french books (french authors and translated books), 💂 for english books

1. The priory of the orange tree, second part of the first book, Samantha Shannon, 2019 (owned) 🥐

2. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, Becky Chambers, 2022 (gift from Christmas) 🥐

3. Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid, 2022

4. The Outsider, Stephen King, 2018 (owned, currently reading) 🥐

5. Vivantes, Clara Ysé, 2024 (gifted to my sister on Christmas and i'm nothing if not an opportunist) 🥐

6. Le dernier jour d'un condamné, Victor Hugo, 1829 (owned) 🥐

7. Wicked, Gregory Maguire, 1995 (will borrow from a friend) 💂

8. Before the coffee gets cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, 2015 (will borrow from my flatmate) 💂

9. The name of the rose, Umberto Eco, 1980 (owned) 🥐

10. Nos amours radicales, coll, 2021 (owned, currently reading) 🥐

11. Toworrow, and toworrow, and tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin, 2022 (owned) 💂

12. 4% en théorie, Mathias Chaillot, (owned) 🥐

13. Fairyland, Alysia Abbott, 2013 (owned) 🥐

14. Sois jeune et tais toi, Salomé Saqué, 2023 (will borrow from sister) 🥐

15. L'abolition - le combat de Robert Badinter, Marie Gloris Bardiaux-Vaïante et Malo Kerfriden, 2019 (owned) 🥐

16. The Women of Troy, Pat Barker, 2021

17. Les seigneurs de Bohen, Estelle Faye, 2017 (will borrow from other flatmate) 🥐

18. Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir, 2021 (gifted to my father, see 5.) 🥐

19. The Silence of the Lambs, Thomas Harris, 1988

20. Génération Lou!, Julien Neel, 2024 (gift from my birthday, currently reading) 🥐

21. The Trial, Franz Kafka, 1925 (borrowed from a friend) 🥐

22. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee, 1960 (owned) 💂

23. L'étranger, Albert Camus, 1942 (owned)🥐

24. My favorite thing is Monsters (book two), Emil Ferris, 2024 (gifted to my sister, see 5.) 🥐

25. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson, 2019 (gifted to my brother, see 5.) 💂

One of my goals is to actually read books I own, which is why I have most of the books on this list, but I also have 80 bucks on my pass culture that I need to spend before the end of the month so what I read might be very far from this list.