#ginger nuts of horror

[karlachismylife]

The Queen of the Clan Masterlist

When you decide to shake up your life a bit and partake in a trip with a documentary crew, you have no idea that meeting an unnaturally friendly hyena and have it mark your backpack would be only the beginning of weird things to come. Whatever will you do when a leaderless clan of four male hyenas chooses you as their matriarch?

CW: hyena shapeshifters 141 au, fem!reader, written with chubby!reader in mind. Will be adding tags as the story progresses.

Part 1: Spotted Your first big animal encounter goes a little bit wrong. Or does it?

Part 1.5: [redacted] Johnny tells the rest.

Part 2: Tough Spot While trying to get over your things being ruined and get back to work, you find a new human friend. And four non-human ones. Which can save your life though?

Part 3: Blind Spot A respectful ghostly guest guards you through an important mission to pee in the middle of the night.

Part 3.5: [redacted] Simon comes back to the den.

Part 4: A Spot of Lunch You forget about your weird feeling for a moment, when two playful furry babies come visit and bring a gift.

Part 5: Spot on the Mark You have an unexpected visitor on a night stakeout.

Part 6: Local Spot A short procedural delay sends you back to your temporary home at the sanctuary, and a friend shows you around.

Part 6.5: [redacted] Coming soon.

Singular spin-offs/AUs to the AU

Hyena Cerberus!Ghost headcanons

It's a Trap!

Tale of Four Danaës Coming soon.

Taglist: @elaineiswithyou-blog @creepingeva @my-halo-is-a-little-broken @sillymanjaro @ihatethinkingofnames10 @ravensfeatheruniverse @yaminax @ljh861 @darkangel4121 @ginger-n-coco @grey-shadow6475 @cryingpages @mothsdrabbles @mc-glare-is-king @vixxie22 @aldis-nuts @terraantarctica @henhouse-horrors @blizzivy @perfectus-in-morte @danielle143 @llavalada @yukichan67 @sleepisfortheweakpooh @ilxina @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @misscaller06 @etherealinthewoods @svnh6021 @pleasedontaskme @shadowentity6 @everything-is-awesomesauce

If you want to be tagged in each part of the series, comment under this post! Keep in mind that this series will contain NSFW moments, so minors and ageless blogs DNI!

All headers and dividers used in the series by @saradika-graphics

[drchucktingle]

"a damn near visionary ability to speak directly to bleeding edge concerns of the cultural moment." VERY KIND and spoiler free review of BURY YOUR GAYS from GINGER NUTS OF HORROR thank you buckaroos this proves love

[lisbeth-kk]

Sherlock fandom

The Key to His Heart

It is often said that the key to a man’s heart, goes through his stomach. Well, that doesn’t apply to the man who owns my heart, and vice versa. By all means, we do indulge in culinary treats. 

In our younger days, it was heaps of take-away; Indian, Chinese, Indonesian. Never Italian, though. Angelo would’ve been devastated if we sought out Italian food somewhere else.

And there were of course the sweets, to satisfy the madman I lived with. 

(Still lives with, to be clear.) 

Ginger nuts, jammy dodgers, scones, Mrs. Hudson’s home baked cakes and biscuits, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and sticky toffee pudding.

But I’m rambling. My madman, the great Sherlock Holmes, still doesn’t eat the amount of food I would like him to. He still claims that it slows him down. Not that he has places to be nowadays. If you don’t count his beloved beehives that is.

I seem unable to keep my thoughts collected on one topic today. The thing I was going to tell you about, was how I, John Hamish Watson, was given the key to the detective’s heart.

Everyone thought we were a couple from the day I moved into Baker Street. Quite a lot of them took it as a personal insult, when we, well, mostly I, objected to the assumption.

“Not gay!” I shouted out to anyone who cared to listen.

Few did, but the one that mattered the most, always listened. It still hurts to think about. 

Sherlock is interested in all kinds of things, but the thing that has stuck with him since childhood, is the fascination for bees. I was stunned when he told me about it quite early in our acquaintanceship. Living in London assured that we didn’t come across them very often, unless we walked the parks. We mostly ran through the parks, always chasing the bad guys. That was a relief, because I was terrified of the tiny creatures. 

“How is that possible? You invaded Afghanistan,” Sherlock protested when I told him.

“Well, childhood trauma isn’t that easily forgotten, Sherlock,” I stated.

When I was eight years old, I was stung by dozens of bees. I had been fighting with Harry, and she pushed me against our uncle’s two beehives. The push was hard, and both hives fell to the ground. I can still recall the angry buzzing and the bees’ fierce attack. It was summer, and I was only wearing a pair of shorts… 

Enough about my childhood horrors. 

It took me too long to realise that I loved Sherlock. Even when he came back from the dead, I acted like I hadn’t grieved him like a lover.

Keep calm and carry on.

Sherlock’s sudden illness, which forced him to stay in bed for almost a fortnight, made us both come out of our shells. His high fever made him hallucinate, and he was quite talkative throughout. He pledged his love for me numerous times a day, mostly in his sleep, so I didn’t put much into the declarations. I worked it out in the end and did some pledging myself.

He wasn’t entirely convinced at first. The not gay statement still lingered in his mind, and he was reluctant to do more than occasionally holding my hand and hug me. So, I decided to convince him. I just had to get Harry on board. She was surprisingly amenable to my suggestion to buy her share of our uncle’s cottage, which we both had inherited some years previous. 

Sherlock didn’t know about it. I had almost forgotten about it myself by that time. 

The cottage was called “In the Meadows”, and the name fit perfectly. It was surrounded by them on three sides, and said meadows needed some taming. Nobody had lived there for at least three years. An old neighbour had kept an eye on it, though, so it wasn’t in total decay. It needed some loving hands, which I hoped Sherlock and I could provide.

I took him down to Sussex one sunny Saturday in May. The neighbour had assured me that beehives were in place, and the gear needed to tend to them.

“Happy belated birthday, Sherlock,” I said when we stood outside the house.

“What do you mean, John?” he asked, too stunned to deduce and observe properly.

“It’s for you. Or us, really,” I told him.

I was so anxious for his reaction.

The blinking came first. I had anticipated that. What came as a total surprise was the kiss once he had spotted the hives.

He turned to face me, cradled my face, and pressed his lips softly against mine. I almost stopped breathing but finally got my arms to work and circled them around his waist.

“My John. You…how…but you’re terrified of…” Sherlock stuttered after he broke the kiss.

“Well, I’ll just have to trust you to protect me for once, then,” I murmured, still dazed from the tender kiss.

“Do you really love me that much, John?” Sherlock inquired.

“More than anything,” I told him, which lead to further kisses.

If you wondered; yes, we’re both retired, and our address isn’t 221B Baker Street anymore, but “In the Meadows”, Sussex.

-------------------------------------------------------

This is also my entry to the Sherlock Challenge of July, prompt: key.

@flashfictionfridayofficial @sherlockchallenge @totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes @calaisreno

@helloliriels @raina-at @meetinginsamarra @safedistancefrombeingsmart @gregorovitch-adler

@topsyturvy-turtely @jolieblack @peanitbear @phoenix27884 @bs2sjh

@brandiwein1982 @meandhisjohn @a-victorian-girl @221beloved @ninasnakie

@shy-bi-inlovewithregandmoony @lhrinchelsea @missdeliadilisblog

(Tell me if you want to be tagged or untagged)

[miiilowo]

Since yyou are a horror fan i was wondering. I really wanna get into horror, but i am EXTREMELY jumpy. Jumpscares and sudden loud noises always shake me up badly. I can literally deal with anything as long as there are no jumpscares qwq i know there probably arent many, but could u recommend any cool movies that dont use that many? (horror media seems to overuse them nowadays...) thank u! \(^_^)/

Honestly, I have no idea. Jumpscares don't get me often nowadays so the ones that do or don't have em don't stick out in my memory much. The first 3 I can think of that I (think?) dont have that many are american psycho, jaws and ginger snaps, though american psycho and jaws aren't horror movies as much as they are thrillers. Psychological ones tend to have less, but theyre also usually "make you stare at a wall for 2 hours after the movies over" type movies. Unless that's your thing. Then go nuts

The Thing doesn't have that many in my memory (and I also heavily recommend it in general). Cabin in the woods has like. One. The shining has jumpscares but they're not like. Noisy in your face ones. Big big boys. The vvitch is generally clear of them IIRC

Ur best bet is to probably just look up where jumpscares are in a movie if you wanna avoid em 👍 I'm sure guides for that sorta thang exist. if anyone can think of some feel free to drop them in the comments or something but my mind is totally fucking blanking rn. Might be wrong about some of these too tbh

[the-mortuary-witch]

DEITY MASTERLIST (PART TWO)

📿 Kuan Yin

Goddess of: mercy and compassion

Culture: Chinese/Buddhist

Symbols: vase, rosary, willow branch, fish basket, and pearls

Plants: lotus, willow, and bamboo

Animals: horse, peacock, dragon, and birds

Colours: white

Tarot: Judgment

Offerings: oranges, pomegranates, spices, oolong tea, incense, and love and compassion for both yourself and others

🌱 Lada

Goddess of: spring, beauty, love, and fertility

Culture: Slavic

Symbols: Lada Star, bells, and Spring Equinox

Plants: linden, dandelion, peony, and birch

Animals: lark, deer, ant, and eagle

Colours: red and white

Tarot: Page of Cups and The Lovers

Offerings: honey, music, mead, apples, sweets, lemon balm, cherries, and chestnuts

🌉 Lilith

Goddess of: love, demons, beauty, wisdom, life, rebirth, fertility, motherhood, inner-strength, illumination, mysteries, spiritual initiation, the night, and The Evening Star

Culture: Demonic

Symbols: sword, pentagram, scythe, moon, dragon, snake, crossroad, dark moon, and pentacle

Plants: apple, poisonous plants (belladonna, hemlock, and mugwort), sandalwood, rose, dandelion, red hibiscus, witch hazel, lilac, and patchouli

Animals: black cats, snakes, owls, dogs, spiders, bats, and goats

Colours: red, black, purple, blue, green, silver, and gold

Tarot: The Devil

Offerings: black candles, black stones, or black crystals, honey, champagne, seductive perfume, fancy jewelry, tea, exercise, having sex and/or masterbating, swords and daggers, pomegranates, dark chocolate, sex toys or other items related to sex and pleasure, dragon’s blood, flowers and herbs: lilies, red roses, sage, basil, mugwort, and rose, dancing, red wine, clay, depictions of owls, snakes, cats, dogs, bats, dragons, and spiders, mirrors, apples, red or black silk, and poetry.

🤘 Loki

God of: mischief and trickery

Culture: Norse

Symbols: serpents, wolves, ax, raven, masks, fire, Bjarken and Logr Runes, fishing nets, earthquakes, infinity snake and ouroboros, number 8, chaos star, runes that spell out his name: Laguz, Othala, Kenaz, Isa as well as the rune Hagalaz, and Helmet of Dread or the Helmet of Horror

Plants: mistletoe, birch, common Haircap moss (Loki’s Oats), bentgrass (Loki’s Grass), cinnamon, dandelion, beech, blackthorn, elder, elm, ivy, juniper, mullein, thistle, mint, holly, cedar, juniper, elder, clove, patchouli, tobacco, willow, and yew

Animals: salmon, crows, , ravens, falcon, vulture, flies, goats, flea, horses, wolves, foxes, and spiders

Colours: green, gold, black, violet, yellow, orange, and red

Tarot: The Fool, The Tower, The Devil, The Wheel of Fortune, Page of Cups, and Seven of Swords

Offerings: candles, especially black ones, incense, a musky or mysterious scent would be appropriate, red fruits or flowers, gems or metals, herbs, such as dill, ginger, and mugwort, art or poetry, toys, such as the ones you used to play with as a kid, acts of chaos, subversion, or mischief, flowers: daisies, roses, and lilies, crystals, hanging mistletoe at Yuletide, foods and drinks: sweet foods, alcohol, spicy rum, candy, mulled wine, chocolate with nuts or funny names, spongecake, coffee or other caffeinated beverages, honey, and pastries, knives and daggers, doing something you are scared of (safely), and cinnamon.

🌅 Lucifer

God of: illumination, light, darkness, change, rebirth, challenges, innovation, logic, truth, knowledge, wisdom, strategy, persuasion, revolution, luxury, pleasure, freedom, The Arts and The Morning Star (“Morning Star” is another name for the planet Venus)

Culture: Demonic, Pagan, and Greco-Roman

Symbols: Sigil of Lucifer, The Morning Star, violins and fiddles, dragons, wings, serpents, black goats, inverted pentagram, light, and the pentacle.

Plants: belladonna, mulberry, patchouli, myrrh, min, tobacco, marigold, lilies, hyacinth, rosemary, and black poppies, lavender, mint, blackberries, sage, apples, pomegranates, lilac, rose, black pepper, hyssop, gardenia, geranium, garlic, yarrow, and cypress.

Animals: black animals in general, snakes, spiders, ravens, wolves, dragons, eagles, crows, goats, bats, rats, moths, flies, peacocks, insects, and swans.

Colours: blue, red, black, gold, emerald green, and silver.

Tarot: The Devil.

Offerings: candles or torches, sweet treats like dark chocolate or pastries, red, black, or dead roses, incense like sage or cinnamon, red wine, whiskey, especially Jack Daniels, champagne, pomegranate/pomegranate juice, black tea, especially earl grey, cooked goat meat, venison, apples, honey, good quality cigars, tobacco, daggers and swords, silver rings, emeralds and emerald jewelry, goat horns, black feathers, seductive colognes, crow skulls, bone dice, devotional poetry and artwork, and classical music, especially violin.

🦁 Lugh

God of: the Sun, The Arts, storms, The Harvest, oaths, Kings, justice, craftsmanship, smithcraft, light, and warriors

Culture: Celtic

Symbols: spear, harp, and slingshot

Plants: apple, oak, hazel, holly, marigold, goldenrod, sunflower, carnation, rose, gorse, bay, basil, allspice, rosemary, and cinnamon 

Animals: lion, horse, raven, stag, crow, hound, and lynx

Colours: brown, gold, yellow, green, red, and blue

Tarot: The Emperor, Justice, Strength, The Sun, and Suit of Wands

Offerings: wine, mead, apple cider, corn, bread, apples, berries, potatoes, beer, harvested fruits and vegetables, corn dolls, cloves, gorse flowers, and handmade crafts

🪐 Ma'at

Goddess of: truth, justice, cosmic order, harmony, wisdom, morality, and balance

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: scales, ostrich feathers, Ankh

Plants: papyrus

Animals: vulture and ostrich

Colours: purple and black

Tarot: Justice, Temperance, and Judgment

Offerings: no drugs and alcohol, cold water, tea with milk, dates, plums, fish, chicken, olive oil, vinegar, hummus, barley biscuits, reeds, gold jewelry, and white linen.

🦭 Manannan Mac Lir

God of: the sea, weather, navigation, and Guardian of the Otherworld

Culture: Celtic

Symbols: cups, cloak, a silver branch with three golden apples on it, and mermaids

Plants: alder, apple, hazel, blackberry, bramble, reed, meadow grass, yellow flowers, and seaweed

Animals: horse, pig, cow, seal, crane, swan, boar, dog, dolphin, sea horse, and whale

Colours: blue, silver, and gold

Tarot: The Chariot

Offerings: yellow flowers, sea water, bread, ale, and mead.

🌒 Máni

God of: personification of the Moon and protector of children and the mentally ill

Culture: Norse

Symbols: silver, the Moon, and astrology

Plants: jasmine, carnations, night-blooming flowers, and aromatic flowers

Animals: horse, rabbit, and wolf

Colours: blue, silver, black, lavender, and white

Tarot: The Moon

Offerings: peppermint-flavored sweets, peppermint Tea, angel food cake, relaxing tea, and salt

♟️ Marduk

God of: justice, compassion, war, healing, magic, storms, and agriculture

Culture: Mesopotamian 

Symbols: lightning, war chariot, and weapons

Plants: grain

Animals: horse, dog, dragon, and eagle

Colours: gold

Tarot: The Emperor

Offerings: beer, ale, daggers, golden jewelry, bread and grains, coffee, artwork and poetry, feathers, meat, and fruit.

🕯️ Medea

Goddess of: Witch and Priestess of Hecate, invoke for justice, vengeance, and protection

Culture: Greek

Symbols: poisons, cauldrons, and golden fleece

Plants: juniper, olive, and wolf’s bane

Animals: dragon and snake

Colours: gold and white

Tarot: The Magician

Offerings: wine, frankincense, milk, honey, poisons, artifacts of Witchcraft, flowers, and snake and dragon imagery.

🤰 Mokosh

Goddess of: spinning, weaving, fiber arts, moisture, shearing, protection, childbirth, spell casting, fate, fertility, life, death, and rebirth

Culture: Slavic

Symbols: mokosh tones, rain, solar and earthly symbols

Plants: local seasonal plants

Animals: sheep, cat, and horse

Colours: gold, white, and red

Tarot: The Empress

Offerings: personal needlework, wool and flax, grains and bread, salt, oilseeds, dairy, berries, eggs (especially Pisanki), porridge, milk, honey, herbs, fruits, vegetables, a lock of your own hair, and locally sourced seasonal crops.

☃️ Morana

Goddess of: winter, death, and rebirth

Culture: Slavic

Symbols: poppets (spell dolls) and water

Plants: evergreen, berries, grass, rosemary, cypress, wormwood, mandrake, and elderberry

Animals: snake

Colours: white, red, black, and grey

Tarot: Death

Offerings: tea, water, rocks, bones alcoholic beverages, bread, oats, seeds, fruit, and homemade foods and baked goods.

🪄 Morgan le Fay

Goddess of: Witchcraft

Culture: Welsh/Arthurian

Symbols: artifacts of Witchcraft

Plants: honeysuckle, henbane, reed, aspen, oak, and willow

Animals: crow, crane, raven, black dog, horse, cow, and wolf

Colours: red, black, and lavender

Tarot: The Moon and The Magician

Offerings: red ribbons, crow and raven feathers, whiskey, rum.

✊ Nemesis 

Goddess of: retribution, fairness, and Punisher of Hubris

Culture: Greek

Symbols: sword, lash, dagger, scales, and apple branch

Plants: Apple Tree, Thistle

Animals: griffin and goose

Colours: red, black, silver, gold

Tarot: Justice

Offerings: wine, olive oil, water, fruit, honey, milk, feathers, apple seeds, apple blossoms, bones, scales, chains, daffodils and narcissus flowers.

😷 Nergal

God of: war, death, plagues and disease

Culture: Mesopotamian

Symbols: lion-headed Mace and sword

Plants: thistle, grapefruit, and pomegranate

Animals: lion, bull, and bat

Colours: red, black, silver, and gold

Tarot: The Tower, The Devil, and Death

Offerings: animal bones, thorn branches,  bitter lemonade, absinthe, and pomegranate juice.

🏋️ Nike

Goddess of: victory

Culture: Greek

Symbols: balm branch, wings, a wreath, sash, and lyre

Plants: palm tree and laurel tree

Animals: horse

Colours: silver, gold, and blue

Tarot: Wheel of Fortune, Justice, and Strength

Offerings: feathers, trophies, medals, palm branches or leaves, and athletic equipment.

🪴 Ninhursag

Goddess of: the Earth, motherhood, childbirth, fertility, nourishment, agriculture, and vegetation

Culture: Mesopotamian

Symbols: omega symbol, bow, and mace

Plants: all grown vegetation

Animals: Cow, Lion, Fish, Serpent

Colours: green, gold, white, and silver

Tarot: The World, The Empress, Suit of Pentacles, and Queen of Pentacles

Offerings: wine, beer, fresh water, cooked fish, eggs, vegetarian foods, bread, honey, butter, myrrh, and all flowers.

🐚 Njord

God of: the sea, the wind, abundance, and wealth

Culture: Norse

Symbols: ships

Plants: avens, ferns, oak, oak moss, polypody, verbena, rosemary, reeds, and bay

Animals: fish and aquatic creatures

Colours: blue

Tarot: King of Cups

Offerings: fish, seafood, pork, chocolate coins, sea salt chocolate, dark beer, gin, golden items, beads, shells, tobacco, and fishing gear.

🌃 Nut

Goddess of: night 

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: Ankh and water pot

Plants: sycamore and fig

Animals: boar, cow, vulture, and hippo

Colours: dark blue

Tarot: The Star

Offerings: milk, cool water, star-shaped foods, blue goldstone, and blue flowers

🌌 Nyx

Goddess of: the night 

Culture: Greek

Symbols: crescent moon, mist, darkness, and stars

Plants: poppies, night blooming lilies, moon flowers, and gladiolus

Animals: owl, crow, and bat

Colours: dark blue and black

Tarot: The Star

Offerings: milk, black coffee or tea, dark chocolate, silver jewelry, dragon fruit, dew gathered before the sun rises, wine, dark beer or liquors, and starry and celestial items.

📖 Odin

God of: wisdom, healing, death, royalty, the gallows, frenzy, knowledge, war, battle, victory, sorcery, poetry, and Runic alphabet

Culture: Norse

Symbols: valknut, right-legged horse (Sleipnir), wolves, ravens, spear (Gungnir), and the Othala Rune

Plants: mugwort, plantain, wormwood, chamomile, pine, apple, fennel, juniper, elfwort, and wotan’s herb

Animals: wolf, raven, snake, bear, and horse

Colours: grey, deep blue, and black

Tarot: The Hermit, The Magician, and The Hanged Man

Offerings: red wine, mead, beer, ale, quality alcohol, whiskey, smoked salmon, red meat, beef, leeks, asparagus, garlic, and honey

💦 Ọṣun / Oshun

Goddess of: water, purity, fertility, love, sensuality, freshwater, wealth, diplomacy, and The Osun River

Culture: Yoruba

Symbols: seashells, and amber beads

Plants: cinnamon, sunflowers, oranges, yellow squash, marigold, pumpkin, rosemary, and lantana

Animals: peacock, vulture, catfish, river fish in general, cricket, leopard, and crocodile

Colours: white, gold, amber, yellow, and coral

Tarot: The Empress

Offerings: honey (taste before you offer it) , bowl of water, flowers, seashells, beauty items, chamomile tea, cooked shrimp and spinach, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, sliced orange drizzled with tasted cinnamon honey.

⚰️ Osiris

God of: the Underworld, death, resurrection, fertility, and agriculture

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: crook and flail, atef crown, ostrich feathers, mummy gauze, and djed

Plants: willow, tamarisk tree, and many types of houseplants

Animals: bull, ostrich, and dog

Colours: black and green

Tarot: The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Hanged Man, Death, and Judgment

Offerings: green and black crystals, bread, beer, beef, bird meat, and nice clothing

🌫️ Ọya

Goddess of: weather, death and rebirth, a psychopomp, and patron of the Niger River

Culture: Yoruba

Symbols: lightning, sword, machete, and fly-whisk

Plants: akoko tree, camwood, camphor, cypress, marigold, and mimosa

Animals: water buffalo, antelope, sheep, and locust

Colours: purple, burgundy, and the rainbow

Tarot: Strength, The High Priestess, and The Empress

Offerings: starfruit, black-eyed peas, plums, purple grapes, mine eggplants is a traditional offering (or one eggplant sliced into nine pieces), and red wine

🐐 Pan

God of: the wild, shepherds, flocks, rustic music, fertility, hunters, mountains, forests, and meadows

Culture: Greek

Symbols: panpipes

Plants: Coriscan Pine, Water-reed, Pine Trees

Animals: goat

Colours: green, brown, and purple

Tarot: The Fool, The Lovers, The Devil, King of Pentacles, and Page of Pentacles

Offerings: pine cones, pine branches, animal bones, musical instruments (especially Woodwinds), milk, honey, and lamb or goat meat

🌋 Pele

Goddess of: volcanoes, fire, Land lightening

Culture: Hawaiian 

Symbols: volcano, fire, and lava

Plants: ohi’a lehua, lehua lower, strawberry, sugar cane, tobacco, coconut, and pineapple

Animals: Hawaiian honeycreeper, sea turtle, fish, and white dogs

Colours: red, orange, yellow, green, and black

Tarot: The Tower and Suit of Wands

Offerings: fruits, flowers, forest plants, berries, vegetables, gin, and cigars

⚱️ Persephone

Goddess of: the Underworld and spring

Culture: Greek

Symbols: pomegranate, grain, torch, and flowers

Plants: asphodel wheat, willow, narcissus, lily, ivy, lily of the valley, daisy, and lavender

Animals: deer, bat, black ram, parrot, and monkey

Colours: green, black, light blue, purple, magenta, indigo, and yellow

Tarot: The Hermit, The Hanged Man, Death, Judgment, and Knight of Pentacles

Offerings: pomegranates/pomegranate juice, honey, floral tea, breads and sweets, flower crowns or arrangements, dark chocolate, flowers, crushed mint, animal bones, jewelry, and/or your artwork

🌊 Poseidon

God of: the sea, water, horses, and earthquakes

Culture: Greek

Symbols: trident

Plants: pine tree and wild celery

Animals: fish, dolphin, horse, and bull

Colours: blue, teal, green, and silver

Tarot: King of Cups and Suit of Cups

Offerings: ocean water, honey, olive oil, seaweed, white wine poured into water, wild celery, homemade seafood, seashells, sea salt, coral, mint, and sand

☀️ Ra

God of: creator god, and the sun

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: sun disk, ankh, , and sceptre

Plants: citrus fruits, marigold, sunflower, papyrus, daisy, and lotus

Animals: falcon, lion, and eagle

Colours: yellow, gold, orange, red, and white

Tarot: The Emperor and The Sun

Offerings: fruit juice, citrus fruits, honey, water, beer, wine, bread, barley, figs, dates, chocolate, chicken or duck, beef, and frankincense.

🚢 Rán

Goddess of: the sea

Culture: Norse

Symbols: Fishing Nets, Stormy Seas

Plants: beech, buckthorn, elder, elm, ivy, juniper, willow, and yew

Animals: aquatic Animals

Colours: black an sea-green

Tarot: Queen of Cups

Offerings: clean up the ocean, seashells, fishing with a net, seafood, gold, coins, sea rocks, flowers, sand, seawater, bread? cakes, and mead

🐎 Rhiannon

Goddess of: the moon, horses, songbirds, wind, gates, and horseshoes

Culture: Welsh

Symbols: the moon, horseshoes, waning moon phases, gates, the winds, and the number 7

Plants: cedar, pine, narcissus, daffodils, pansies, rosemary, sage, bay, lavender, and all white flowers

Animals: horse, frog, dog, songbird, dragon, badger, and hummingbird

Colours: green, silver, black, white, grey, red, maroon, and brown

Tarot: The Moon

Offerings: soft-sounding music, a white candle with the number 7 carved into it, white flowers, apples, willow, ivy, evergreens, caring for horses, caring for dogs, and studying liminal spaces and astral work

💀 Santa Muerte

Goddess of: healing, protection, financial wellbeing, and the afterlife

Culture: Mexican

Symbols: scythe, globe, scales of justice, and oil lamp

Plants: fresh flowers, apples, and marigolds

Animals: owl, dogs, cats, dove, crows, and snakes

Colours: red, white, black, blue, and green

Tarot: Death

Offerings: cash, cigars, apples, tequila, cannabis, fresh water, candles, candy, fruit, roses, and bread

🌙 Selene

Goddess of: the Moon

Culture: Roman

Symbols: crescent, torch, chariot, billowing cloak, bull, stars, moon, horse, lunar cycle, torch, and bull horns

Plants: willow, moonflower, lavender, wisteria, oak, lilac, birch, rose, dandelion, and jasmine

Animals: horse, bull, mule, and ox

Incense: frankincense, rosemary, guaiac, orris root, and tonka bean

Colours: silver, blue, white, and grey

Tarot: The Moon, The Star, and Temperance

Offerings: white foods, moon water, dew, glitter/shiny objects, olive oil, flowers, fruit, moon-shaped things, water, honey, nephalia (wineless libation), milk, statues of horses, cakes, and crystals (moonstone, quartz, selenite, and pearl)

🦁 Sekhmet 

Goddess of: war, destruction, healing, divine wrath, fire, and the sun

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: the sun, scimitar, ankh, the desert, and pomegranates

Plants: carnation, rose, cloves, cinnamon, juniper, and orange blossoms

Animals: lion and cobra

Colours: red, gold, yellow, and white

Tarot: Strength, The Tower, and The Sun

Offerings: red wine, rum, beer, meats, bones, tobacco, wild cat skulls, weapons like daggers and swords, pomegranates, spicy foods, gold Jewelry, red Flowers, milk, blackberries, raspberries, mushrooms, and bread

💣 Set

God of: the sky, storms, the desert, disorder, war, foreigners, and a trickster God

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: was sceptre and ankh

Plants: lettuce

Animals: hippopotamus, crocodile, scorpion, snapping turtle, wild pig, and donkey

Colours: red

Tarot: The Chariot, Death, and The Devil

Offerings: beer, whiskey, red wine, spicy foods, red meats, lettuce, shellfish, maces and daggers, bird eggs, cherries, dark chocolate, and shiny things

🪞 Sif

Goddess of: grain and fertility

Culture: Norse

Symbols: golden hair, loom, and mirror

Plants: birch, chamomile, fir, hawthorn, mugwort, rose, and willow

Animals: songbirds

Colours: gold and green

Tarot: Suit of Pentacles and Queen of Pentacles

Offerings: beer, honey, mead, grain, and bread

🎿 Skaði

Goddess of: winter, wilderness, mountains, bowhunting, and skiing

Culture: Norse

Symbols: skis, bow and arrows, snow, mountains, frost, and snowshoes

Plants: beech, blackthorn, elder, elm, ivy, juniper, mullein, and willow

Animals: wolf

Colours: white and brown

Tarot: The Hermit and Temperance

Offerings: vodka, traditional Scandinavian foods, meat from hunted animals (rabbit, deer, etc.), animal pelts, animal bones, and snow Water

🌞 Sol / Sunna

Goddess of: the Sun

Culture: Norse

Symbols: the Sun and gold

Plants: chamomile, cinnamon, corn, daisy, marigold, citrus fruits, rosemary, sunflower, and wheat

Animals: horse

Colours: gold, red, yellow, orange, white, and green

Tarot: The Sun

Offerings: mead, honey, bread, cider, and fruit juice

🪦 Thanatos

God of: personification of death

Culture: Greek

Symbols: sword, inverted torch, theta, wreath, wings

Plants: poppy and cypress

Animals: butterfly

Colours: black, silver, white, and purple

Tarot: Death

Offerings: (traditional liquid offerings are poured into the ground and food is buried), red wine, olive oil, water, honey, poppy seeds, black tea, dark chocolate, feathers, animal bones, snake skin, and graveyard dirt (collected respectfully)

🍃 The Dagda

God of: fertility, agriculture, strength, magic, druidry, wisdom, father-figure, King and Druid

Culture: Celtic

Symbols: club, cauldron, and harp

Plants: grains and oats

Animals: pig and bull

Colours: black, silver, white, and purple

Tarot: Strength, Wheel of Fortune, The World, King of Pentacles, King of Wands

Offerings: Porridge, Mead, Milk, Honey, Pork, Beef, Mutton, Music, and Laughter

Offerings: honey, olive oil, sweets, flowers, herbs, plants, bread, wheat, fruit, sunflower oil, beer, mead, spring water, vegetables, grains, and baked goods

🔮 The Morrigan

Goddess of: magic, battle, life and death, sovereignty, fresh water, prophecy, and fate

Culture: Celtic

Symbols: cloak, spear, chariot, sword, and shield

Plants: willow, aspen, rowan, snapdragon, hawthorn, yew, belladonna, mugwort, and nightshade (do not consume, handle with care!)

Animals: crow, raven, horse, eel, serpent, and wolf

Colours: red, black, white, blue, and green

Tarot: Suit of Swords, Queen of Swords, Justice, and Death

Offerings: red meat, red wine poured into the ground, apples, mead, milk, whiskey, storm water, crow feathers, knives and daggers, and artwork

🌩️ Thor

God of: thunder, lightning, strength, protection, fertility, masculinity, and protector of humanity

Culture: Norse

Symbols: Mjölnir

Plants: oak, garlic, onion, gorse, thistle, hawthorn, leeks, houseleek, mountain ash, hazel, pine, acorns, and oak moss

Animals: goat and bull

Colours: red, white, gold, and blue

Tarot: Strength and The Chariot

Offerings: hearty foods with lots of meat or onions, mead, beer, flattery, oak, whiskey, coffee, and honey

✒️ Thoth

God of: knowledge, wisdom, writing, mathematics, science, magic, truth, integrity, time, and the moon

Culture: Egyptian

Symbols: scales, papyrus scroll, stylus, crescent moon, and a pen

Plants: papyrus and sweet flag

Animals: ibis and baboon

Colours: white, blue, and teal

Tarot: The Magician, The Hierophant, The Star, and The Moon

Offerings: black tea, water, honey, blackberries, apricots, salmon, tuna, oranges (and orange-flavoured things), walnuts, cashews, quills, fountain pens, leather-bound books and journals, books you think he’d enjoy, silver, poetry, dark chocolate, whiskey, gin, mead, mint tea, and moon water

🗡️ Tyr

God of: war, lawgiver, justice, oaths

Culture: Norse

Symbols: weapons like arrows and spears

Plants: flowering spurge, holly, wolfsbane, and monkshood

Animals: wolf, bear, and eagle

Colours: red, silver, grey, and gold

Tarot: King of Swords

Offerings: wine, strong beer, salt, honey, bread, grains, beef, pork, and potatoes

🐄 Veles

God of: the Underworld, Earth, water, music, magic, trickery, cattle, and wealth

Culture: Slavic

Symbols: the symbol of Veles

Plants: willow

Animals: cow, bear, snake, wolf, dragon, and owl

Colours: gold, yellow, and red

Tarot: The Magician, The Hierophant, The Star, and The Moon

Offerings: cooked corn, bread, herbs (especially basil), wooden flutes and string instruments, black wool or fur, things carved from wood, coins, chicken, mistletoe, and music, 

🌧️ Zeus

God of: King of the Gods, the sky, weather, law, order, justice, hospitality

Culture: Greek

Symbols: lightning bolt, cloud, sceptre, throne, and aegis

Plants: oak, olive, wild celery, artichoke, white poplar, and linden tree

Animals: eagle, bull, cuckoos, and swan

Colours: gold, yellow, blue, white, purple, and silver

Tarot: The Emperor, Justice, Wheel of Fortune, King of Swords, and The Fool

Offerings: wine, olive oil, water, honey, milk, red meat, bread and cakes, rainwater, golden objects, crowns, scales, eagle feathers, oak branches and leaves, beef or mutton, whiskey, and cinnamon.

[i-hear-a-sound]

RWBY

Thank you for the ask! Here we go:

Favorite female character? Ilia Penny Pyrrha Ruby Nora(!!!!) Emerald Weiss and most of all… maria😔she’s so fucking funny i loved her energy v6. Further explanations, Ilia has an adorable design, great voice actor and decent enough representation. Nora’s timeskip design was unmatched and she’s very quotable, plus her personality reminds me of one of my close friends irl. Ruby’s struggles in V9 (until they fucked that up) really hit with me as I’d gone through something very similar, and Penny… Penny just makes me happy. What they did with her makes me angry, but Penny makes me smile. :D

Favorite male character? I got a couple but at the moment it’s tied by Sun and Roman. Sun has fun energy and Roman is himself and iconic. Others are: James is hot and so is the bad bird BF he got by being autistic. Mercury is cool for the 5 seconds of screentime he gets every volume now. Tyrian and Watts got impeccable swag and the 5 hour long make out scene between the two of them was very interesting. Adam is cathartic and fun as hell to write my little meow meow. Jaune is best when he’s just a little loser dork, and Ren is very pretty.

Favorite Volume? Surprise surprise, Volume 3. I fucking love tournament arcs. I. Love. Tournament. Arcs.

Favorite Episode? That whole Apathy Arc in V6!!! Great horror in my opinion. I wish they’d show off more creative Grimm like that again. And as a side note, V6 is just… the best looking volume.

Favorite cast member? If they count, Jeff and Casey!! SUCH good music.

Favorite ship? *cracks knuckles* Freezerburn, Catmeleon, Monochrome, Schne//ekos, Pussy Magnet Purrah, Greek fire, nuts and dolts, Bees Schnees, Khali, Spicecream, Seamonkeys, Emercury, If there’s one between Ilia and Ruby put it here, Ginger Snaps, Arctic Winter, Silver Lotus, *looks at writings on my palm* Snow pines, Ironqrow, James x Oz, Crimsun, Strawbana, Nuts and Volts, and Rosebird. To name a few. Some might not be my favorites, these are just ones I like/like in concept. :) Character I’d die defending? Sienna fucking Khan. The whole White Fang, honestly. I do think protesting through violence against your oppressors is very swag and real actually. Plus she’s hot.

A character I can’t sympathize with? Uhhhhhh…… SALEM!!!!!!!!!! Cinder too ish but Salem mostly. Like, I feel a TINY bit bad, only because the gods are undeniably awful garbage horrible terrible. She still sucks though.

A character I grew to love? …Adam. I did not give a single shit about his decently attractive redhead ass until that reveal and his death in V6. He has become my blorbo; my skrunkly. My cringefail loser, my girly pop. Engrained within my brain like a silly silly worm. He’s fun to draw. Fun to write. REALLY fun to write. I can put him in so many situations. So many bittersweet, melancholic situations. And in so many outfits.

My Anti-otp? Ive got a couple.

Bumbl//Bee. Not my thing. Could have been, had they not continually tried making “Only disabled main character losing her arm” something “romantic” as well as paralleling said character to her partner’s… um… ex abuser? Hello?

Embe//rald. Fuck Abusive ships.

Taura//donna. Fuck Abusive ships.

Frostbite. This one is actually one of my least favorite ships, as it is essentially a pairing between the ex-racist ex-heiress of a huge company to the in universe minority said company enslaved and branded while he was a child. Plus, again. Fuck. Abusive. Ships.

Ar//kos. Not… my… thing.

Winter and Marrow or Robyn and Marrow. Nope nope nope. No. Thank. You.

Etc etc etc I could go on all day. Thank you for the ask!

[thecollegerations]

Mystery Quiche

As I make my way to the secret location of the peace treaty I find myself in a desolate town. It is in this town I lose my way and comment on a crime. It is when I finally come to, I find myself  standing over a Quiche, hands covered batter and crust, I understand immediately what I have done.

Shocked and lacking guilt I quickly consume the remaining evidence. As I grab the lasting remaining slice I notice it resembles a pie if a pie is worked out. It could almost be mistaken for a beef and thick omelet. The outer shell was soft and squishy as if i was squishing an infant's skull 

After taking a bite I was flooded with a thusmime of flavors, spongy, eggy, peppery, crumbly, and more I can't put into words. It is if a tasty omelette decided to cosplay as a pie. It has a nice springy and spicy taste to it that makes my tongue tickle. When consuming further I was able to go past the flesh to the pure meat and the bottom crust. It is safe to say my crime will not be found. I would rate this 39 buried 0 found

The brutal cookies civil war of 2023

Right away when observing the circular edible circles, better known as cookies, I am able to notice their differences. It seems as if the 4 nations of cookies have finally come together to discuss a peace treaty. Little do they know it is their judgment day.

Ginger chew

The first diplomat is most notably the smallest, perhaps from a weaker nation begging for mercy from the bloody wars. It is durable perhaps from all the horrors it has seen. The darker complexion makes me believe its nation is heavily focused on farming and other manual labor.

After sustaining a wound I was able to determine it was in fact cinnamon or a gingersnap flavored. Its innards were soft and warm when consumed. Its people should fear further cannibalism.

Snickerdoodle

The next of the fatal four has a spotted appearance. It reminds me of those freckles you might find on a ginger. I hate gingers. Immdentilany I notice that despite its second largest size it’s considerably softer. A once powerful nation turning soft, as they spread themselves too far and became comfortable therefore lax. A perfect nation not prepared for an attack.

It practically melts on my tongue as I taste the buttered infused tissue. I was unfortunately unable to discover the supposed doodle, further consumption is recommended

Chocolate chip

The largest of them all, the empire that holds them in a chokehold. A true king amongst kings. This nation fears nothing and they make sure to advertise it. A ballsy move instead of sending a peacemaker or a diplomat they send their best general. The texture of it is rough and bumpy showing the scars from previous victories, chips still embedded after being shot at.

The taste of its chocolate blood runs deep showing its great pedigree and status, the taste is rich and prevalent. The hard crunchy outer meets the pliable and flexible innards of the general and creature, a texture I can only equate to sex. My only wish is for the general to return my phone calls… 

Oatmeal crazen 

The last and the least suspecting of the fetal four. A peacemaker hiding a trettours past of a war criminal. A truly crazy and unstable individual, with a plan of mutual destruction. Similar to the chocolate chip general this one has seen its fair share of battle leaving it scared and branded. Its nation purposely looks weak and submissive but is any but. Spending years of research and training they have amassed an army of genetically modified soldiers ready to invade after the peace treaty meeting. It bump outside hides a terrible weapons

Instantly I was attacked with a bomb of raisin infecting my tongue with flavor, the nuts and oatmeal took advantage of my surprise and held my hunger hostage. 

Overall my time acting as a scribe during the peace meeting has left me fearful of these great nations' future. After witnessing and unashamedly taking part of the consumption, I have decided that eating them all will solve our problem of war. I would rate this venture mutually assured destruction.

10/19/2023

[cozza-frenzy]

9 people you would like to get to know better

The post bis getting long enough that it's breaking my ability to tag people, so here's mine. Terry here reporting for duty, tagged by @markingatlightspeed. Let's do this.

3 Ships: Heavy/Medic, Sans/Toriel (don't @ me with your teenage Sans headcanons, I see them both as adults and queerplatonic pun buddies), Alucard/Trevor/Sypha (my favorite bisexual throuple)

First Ever Ship: First ship I really got deeply into? Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth. Delicious delicious subtext (and Miles deserves to be happy, he's been through SO MUCH shit)

Last Song: "Mirror" by Porter Robinson. The 'Nurture' album was so worth that long wait it's unreal; there isn't a single track on it I dislike, and I think anyone who's ever made anything can relate to its message of artistic struggle, self-hatred, and ultimately - inspiration.

Last Movie: Master Of Disguise. It's one of my friend Sigyn's favorite movies, and I'd never seen it before. The child alters in our system loved it, though fair warning, there are some jokes in there that are very much a product of their time.

Currently Reading: I need to finish up "Sensory: Life On The Spectrum". More of a comics anthology than a proper book, but an awesome way of understanding life with autism, whether you have it and want to go "!!! IT ME" or want to better connect with someone in your life.

Currently Watching: I just realized there's a NEW VIDEO BY CYRIAK and it's just as surreal as ever. (Content warning for emetophobia, also the surreal body horror-esque stuff that Cyriak is known for)

Currently Consuming: We had a big lunch, so just water for now. Lunch was at Houston's brand new Nando's restaurant, and dinner's going to be Shogayaki Ginger Pork.

Currently Craving: Chocolate. It's 'that time' right now and it's been pretty hellish. Gonna tag uhhhh @rinjak3, @shybluewaters, @kf-tea, @klavierr, @revcleo, @fimbry-talks, @cosmictuesdays @reneelouvier and whoever the hell else wants to do this. Entirely optional of course, I know some of y'all don't go in for this sort of thing and that's valid. Systems following us, you and your alters can go nuts, just tag us so we can see <3

[toomuchlovereviews]

Ginger Snaps Back (2004)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Coming from a Canadian, I LOVE the use of indigenous folklore in the prequel for the Ginger Snaps series! The white people during this time are obviously very problematic at times and don’t believe The Hunter and The Seer, and that it worth mentioning, but this movie does take place in the late 1840s.

I am a big fan of Lore in any movie franchise, but chocking the whole story line to a curse and then using that curse to really focus on sisterhood was genius. This prequel didn’t talk as much about coming-of-age, or girlhood, but I think it solidified the unbreakable bond that Bridget and Ginger have through the series.

The buzzing, nearly heartbeat-like score was so unsettling and I loved it. Very organic and cohesive to the time frame.

I will most definitely be watching the third movie, which was filmed in succession with this one.

Side note: I couldn’t tell where this movie was filmed. I just know the first one was filmed in Etobicoke, Scarborough and another Ontarian suburb. During the few family trips I have had out to that province, and taking into consideration how much of a war history nut my father is, I want to say I have been to this fort before. Like within 5 minutes of the sisters walking around, I was like: “I’ve seen this before.” Anyone know what fort this was filmed?

You should watch this movie if:

You have read any book by Kelly Armstrong, specifically the Darkest Powers/Darkest Rising series crossover

You love a good folk horror movie

You love it when the weird girls fuck with fate

Titles Similar to this:

Ginger Snaps (2000) (obviously)

Midsommar (2019) (Swedish folk horror, what are you doing if you haven’t seen this yet?)

1922 (2017) (American midwestern folk horror, PTSD and fate)

[gnofhorror]

Bark deploys some jaw-dropping textual conceits, alongside some absolutely pitch perfect classic horror setpieces, to build a sense of dread on several levels https://gnofhorror.com/draw-you-in-vol-1-collectors-item-by-jasper-bark-book-review/

[irishghostwriter]

I’m working on a sequel to this. It’s perfect for Halloween - especially if you plan to spend the Spooky Season in Dublin (please, please see the #Hellfire Club before it goes all touristy and vanilla).

[williemeikle]

Get a free ebook of my Scottish Dark Fantasy THE EXILED

https://williammeikleblog.wordpress.com/free-ebooks/

“Totally gripping, The Exiled delivers a killer story that will appeal to fans of both crime fiction and dark fantasy.” – GINGER NUTS OF HORROR

[joanshan]

Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

We have been inundated with reasons why our cholesterol is too high and that it’s bad for us. Then there’s the idea that there’s “good” cholesterol and “bad cholesterol.” Then we take a ratio of the good and the bad, and voilà – we have a percentage of average risk. Who can really understand all this, and what is this science based on?

Let’s understand that cholesterol is necessary and very much needed by the human brain. A huge part of our brain is composed of cholesterol! A doctor I used to go to once told me that he had patients coming in complaining of brain fog, and when tested, their cholesterol levels were very low. When they began to eat healthy foods containing cholesterol, their clarity of thinking improved.  

So, let’s see why we need cholesterol first. Although higher levels of “bad” cholesterol have been linked to heart disease and are still problematic, the Cleveland Clinic says that we don’t have to worry anymore about eating foods high in cholesterol. (If you have diabetes, many cardiologists believe you should still avoid foods high in cholesterol.) 

Our genes are more implicated in heart disease than diet. If your body is wired genetically to create high levels of bad cholesterol, what you eat is not going to affect that. On the other hand, the field of epigenetics (how environment and your genes interact) shows us that we can quiet adverse gene expression through higher quality diet, supplements, mindfulness, etc. 

Just be sure you work with a very competent health care practitioner – you don’t want to play Russian Roulette with your health!

Cholesterol is needed to maintain cell health and build cells, and it is a precursor for synthesizing things like sex hormones, the bile in the liver, and vitamin D. So, folks, we really do need it!

However, if our percentages of good to bad are out of whack, and so many of us have this problem, it’s time to go to work on our diets. Start by cutting way back or completely out the junky foods and drinks full of sugar and refined grains and other chemicals. That’s a big part of the problem. Read food labels and avoid foods containing hydrogenated oils, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, for one big example. This has even been banned by the FDA earlier this year. 

Eat foods that are healthy – even saturated fats. For example, although many will cry out in horror, meat fat consumed in moderation will not be harmful for most people! Coconut oil, a very healthy fat, is a saturated fat so you get a green light on that.

Foods which can help lower LDL cholesterol are oats, barley, beans, eggplant, nuts, fruits such as applies, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits, being rich in pectin, represent soluble fiber that helps lower LDL. Fatty fishes (think mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, trout – preferably wild caught) can also help, because they are rich in omega-e fats, which help in the battle against high triglyceride levels.

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids are also helpful. It almost goes without saying that extra virgin olive oil is heart healthy – go for the cold-pressed ones, as needed nutrients are not lost through the heating process this way. 

A few supplements which are protective of your cholesterol levels are niacin (vitamin B-3), soluble fiber, psyllium, garlic, red yeast rice (white rice fermented with yeast), ginger, which is completely healthy for your gut as well as tasting yummy, and flaxseed. 

Make other needed lifestyle changes. If you’re a smoker, or perhaps even a drug user, STOP! I know it is much easier said than done, but please work on it because your life may depend on this.

In fact, if you quit cigarettes, after 20 minutes, your blood pressure and heart rate recover from the spiking that smoking causes. Within three months of quitting, lung and blood circulation function start to improve. Within a year, your risk of heart disease is 50% lower than people who still smoke! 

Please get enough exercise that you find invigorating and fun. You’re probably not going to continue to exercise forever if you’re not having fun doing it. You can do this in moderation – too little won’t be much help, and neither will too much! (You can actually hurt yourself by exercising too much.)

Although it is just one of many, many diverse health factors, it can be helpful to lose some weight. If you have a lot to lose, this may be especially beneficial. However, just changing your diet may help in this path to recovery.

If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, please do so in moderation. As a drug counselor and prevention specialist, I would not recommend drinking every day. In fact, a couple times a month is plenty in my opinion, and I’m talking about one to two drinks. You shouldn’t get tipsy – if you do, in my educated opinion (remember – I’m a nerd!), it’s too much. 

I cannot recommend starting mindfulness activities on a daily basis. This can even be five minutes a day! Do something you enjoy, which helps calm you, relax you, and helps you be in the present moment. Some favorites are diffusing essential oils, bubble baths, reading, taking a walk in the woods, etc. 

If you find yourself in a dangerous position with your cholesterol, you can implement natural ways to lower it and also take medication until you can lower the amounts of medication needed or stop completely. This is a good way to control for negative side effects. 

For more detailed information, visit Health And Wellness

As always, please have a happy, holistically healthy day!

Dr. P

Source: Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

[alexracheltravel]

Our Experience at The Gallery - Koh Tao

It's truly a coincidence that The Menu just released on HBO Max. The film, released in theaters earlier this year was a horror-thriller that took place at a tasting menu for upscale diners and patrons. To be honest, neither of us had seen the film, but, it was hard to shake the similarities as we booked a reservation at a small course menu in the remote center of Koh Tao, in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

The taxi dropped us off in what felt like the middle of nowhere. "You walk from here," our driver said. We got out of the car and looked up at a long flight of stairs. Greenery lined each step and as we walked up we recognized some plants. Eucalyptus. Basil. Even marijuana. Halfway up, we began to hear music play. The thumping bass called us upward.

The first floor of The Gallery is called The Gold Bar, and it is a fairly modern space, open air, with plants hanging from the ceiling and wall. The bar was bright and neon lights lit the bottles to make them glow. The co-owner, Chris, greeted us at the bar and poured a glass of chilled Chilean merlot. On a hot day nothing felt better. We hung over the balcony that overlooked Koh Tao. The moon was close to full, lighting up the jagged shadows of the hilltop and the blue sea. Lights from ships circled the bay, fishing for squid. We imagined that during the day, or better yet, by sunset, around six, or if it hadn't been the shortest time of the year, we would have seen the sun beside the mountains and their shadows stretching across the island.

The wine was cool, the music was serene and the guests had all arrived. There were 15 diners in total. We joked under our breath that this was our The Menu. As we looked out on the water we heard a gong, informing us it was time to be seated. 

We walked upstairs to a small dining area. The Gallery, of course. Each table had a wine bottle with the diners names. Rachel & Alex 2/1/23. Flowers and dim lights set the gentle ambiance. Behind us, we could see two Thai women getting the first course together in the kitchen. 

Chris, who we hadn't described, was a white man, tall and broad, grey hair and a blue sparkle in his eyes. His accent drifted between English and Australian. It turned out he grew up in both places but, as he announced, had lived in Thailand now for 26 years.

"Tonight we are going to take you on a journey through Thailand," Chris said. "We will encounter foods that you often will not find on a menu, but encompass a historical culinary journey across the country." He left to the kitchen and the group waited, hungry, in aspiration.

1- 

The introduction to our tasting menu came from a traditional ethnic group of Thailand, the Hmong people. Suni Lee, the American gymnast from the most recent olympics, is a Hmong athlete. This dish was precisely what we expected on this menu. A small, single bite, a slice of pineapple with a red ball of mixed pork, nut, and spices. Chris introduced it as mahore. The word that means welcome. It was a palette-opener, and as we ate, our taste buds were activated on all ends. We tasted sour, spicy, nutty, fruity, savory, sweet—just about the entire range of the tongue was touched with one single bite.

2-

The second dish was one that was easily found on Thai menus, however, not in the states, and not presented in this way. Miang Kham is a “make-your-own” dish that originated from royal cuisine in Northern Thailand. The plate before us contained a set of large, lush leaves, and small bowls of various toppings. The leaf was (I will definitely misspell) called bichapu, and it was a pepper leaf. The bowls contained: toasted coconut, lime, red onion, fresh ginger, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, thai chili. In the middle of the plate was a nam chin sauce, which was sticky and sweet. The trick was to fold our leaves into little cups, and place the ingredients in the center. The taste was nutty, sweet, tangy, and spicy. Well, the first one was at least. The fun of Miang Kham is that we get to make multiple, and each leaf can be a different combination. Perhaps we want less, or no spice. So, nix the chili. Perhaps we want a more pronounced acidity. Add more lime. Miang Kham was an example of what Chris called traditional medicinal Thai foods. We may know and think of Thai as fried noodles and bowls of curry with rice, however, much of this country’s culinary tradition was in the belief that food contained curative properties. Some even believed that it could cure COVID. This dish was more filling than expected and left us feeling warm and healthy.

3-

The cuisine was taking us on a physical journey. We had started in the north, and now moved into Central Thai food. Central Thailand is the location near Bangkok. Chris called this Yum Bai Mom Graw, and it was a dish that no longer exists outside of this restaurant. But at one point in history, it was very real. The translation of the name: mulberry leaf salad. On the bottom was a tempura-fried mulberry leaf. The leaf was crisp, and the coating was thin, yet unbroken. Atop was a specific kind of local shrimp, with thinly-sliced red onion, green onion, and lemongrass. Thai people don’t name their dishes after the protein. This is why it is called “massaman curry,” and not “chicken curry,” or in this case, “mulberry leaf salad,” and not “shrimp salad with mulberry.” The dish is easy enough to make, but why, then is it no longer easy to find? Mulberry leaves, as we were told, have a short shelf life. From the time they come from the farm, to the market, to the restaurant, they have already begun to wilt. Luckily, the restaurant’s mulberry tree is just at the bottom of the stairs, and these leaves were freshly picked today. We were able to taste the crispness of the salad alongside the savory feel of the shrimp.

4-

Our next dish came in a finely-woven basket, and presented atop a small banana leaf. This was one of the prettiest dishes that was served to us that night, and there was a good reason for that. This was called Gratun Khong, which translated to “good cup,” and it was a cashew and chicken stir fry served in a tiny rice cracker cup. Even though it looked fragile, when we held up, it was sturdy enough to hold twice as much as what it contained. This dish was meant for celebrations, and the circular cup represented the toast that one might give after some form of achievement. Chris asked all of the guests to discuss a celebratory moment for this dish, and it felt like a perfect moment to really remember that this is in fact our honeymoon, making us both smile from end to end through this entire dish. This dish was a family recipe by the chef, and tasted like a honey chicken cup. Sweet, nutty, and delicious, all in one complete bite.

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Thailand, like much of Southeast Asia, focuses much of its cuisine on seasonal fresh ingredients. This dish was a Dragonfruit Salad. We had moved down the coast and were in Southern Thailand, where these fruits grow. The plate contained a thin slice of a ruby dragonfruit, topped with cubed white dragonfruit, drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce. Beside the fruit we had a huge slice of calamari. Squid fishing often occurs at night, and we were reminded of the boats currently out at sea, many of which could be observed from The Gallery as they circled the black waters with nets. We have to be honest: while the dragonfruit was fresh, we’re not the biggest fans of it. Dragonfruit is a little bland for our tastes, and not our favorite compared to say, jackfruit, or mango. The calamari, however, was crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside. By smearing it over the sauce, we got to feel a little bit of island flavor that we had come here for.

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If you could believe it, we were only halfway done. The next dish was too hard to transcribe from Chris’ Thai pronunciation, which was great, but it signified “mix of many things.” This was a traditional summer Thai dish, mostly eaten in the countryside and at home. It was a cooling type of Thai food, a dish that was meant to literally cool the diner off. It contained a small salad in the center, and on one side, a slice of hard-boiled duck egg. On the other side, a cooked tiger prawn. On top of the salad was perfectly fried cubes of tofu, made in-house, so small we didn’t understand how it chopped so finely. The leaves were delicious and dressed in a sauce that paired perfectly with the shrimp. The duck egg was boiled so perfectly that it left the middle still a little creamy, like velvet.

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We had arrived at our final region of Thailand, the Northeast. This region is the one that borders Vietnam and Laos, and has quite a different culture from the rest of the country. This dish is called the Tears of the Tiger. It was also called “beef waterfall,” but that didn’t have as good as ring to it. This was a Kobe beef salad covered in onions and peanuts. Remember, this was a farm-to-table restaurant. Kobe beef is actually impossible to get outside of Kobe. Therefore, the cows that produced this beef were actually imported and raised in Thailand illegally. A reminder that we were in the middle of a tropical island in the middle of the gulf. Laws aren’t so strict out here. As we had just spent a week in Vietnam, the taste was actually quite familiar to us. The beef was as tender as imaginable, and the flavors reminded us of some of our favorite dishes from Hanoi.

Following this dish, we had a short break to take a walk, use the restroom, and relax. We recognized the plants down below the bar, and many we realized were used in the dishes we had just eaten. We were getting quite full at this point, and very sleepy. We were both still pretty sick from a minor bout of food poisoning, most likely from Cambodia. But the food was so good, we had to power through for just three more courses.

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Earlier, Chris reminded us that Thai food is medicinal at its core. Our next course was the epitome of medicine in food. We had a leaf soup made from bai shamoa, which looked like a bay leaf, but had the taste of citrus. The soup contained many mushrooms, which alone were poisonous, but together, counter-acted each other, and contained the ability to help clean out the liver. The soup’s goal was to produce a feeling of “oppun,” which meant embraced, loved, and at home. We had come from a place of “mahore,” where we were outsiders to this cuisine and this world. We knew little about Thai food. Now, we were welcomed in their home, in their community, and in their culture. This dish tasted healthy. It was strong, herbal, with light notes of citrus, and balanced out by those mushrooms and their earthy bite.

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All of the previous were appetizers, as Chris referred to this one as the main course. We looked at each other. There’s more food? We couldn’t possibly fit more in our stomachs. Little did we know that we were about to eat the best dish of the night. No Thai meal is complete without a curry. It was a fish curry, with a small side of jasmine rice. Simple enough. But the main course had to elevate what we believed we knew about Thai food. The menu had taken us on a journey, recreating our understanding of this country’s cuisine, only to lead us back to what we already knew. Therefore, this curry had to be special. The fish we ate was called a African Pompano. This was a special fish, and it is hardly ever found in the market. Often, when fishermen catch it, they don’t sell it, they take it home and share it for their families. But The Gallery has a special relationship with the fishermen, and managed to get a hold of one. In fact, the chef only got word that she could get it mere hours before seating. Not only did she have to then create this dish in a few hours, but then had to change other courses to work off of each other in that regard. This dish was a unique creation of the chef, a type of Bangkok curry that is now a Southern Thai curry. And the rice that came with it was textbook definition of ideal jasmine rice, what Chris claimed to be the best in the country.

And this meal was spectacular. The fish itself was small, almost like tilapia, but fatty and thick, like a cut of swordfish. The curry itself was not spicy, but fragrant, even by taste, and the light amount of coconut cream poured on top added an element of sweetness to the taste. The rice itself paired nicely with the dish, and had nice snap to its bite. We were full, but could not resist cleaning our plates. Safe to say, this was the best curry we had eaten in our lives.

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Nine courses in and we had gone up and down Thailand, redefining our concept of culinary cuisine. Dessert had arrived, and it came with an introduction from the chef herself. This bowl conceptualized the sweet and salty elements that Thai people love in all their desserts. It was a syrupy pudding-like dish, covered with salted coconut milk. The syrup came from a tree that originated in this area, and was a cousin to the palm tree. Coconuts need no explanation. The bottom was earthy but sweet, and the coconut milk on top was as salty as a potato chip. The chef recommended mixing them up and eating together. Sweet and salty, two different flavors that matched up in a perfect combination, seemed to be the ideal ending to an excellent meal.

Halfway into dessert, the chef and her husband “abandoned ship,” as they said to the bar downstairs. Before we left, we sat and chatted with them. Throughout this meal we had wondered: how has this place not blown up in the last ten years since they opened? How is this not on every top restaurant list in the country? We asked Chris and chef (whose name, we realized, we never learned, that was their choice to keep) as politely as possible about growth or expansion. They told us that the 10-20 head meals with small farm-to-table success was precisely their dream, and they were living it day after day. They haven’t blown up in popularity simply because they don’t want to. They are successful. Incredibly successful. And for $60 per person, this restaurant experience would impossible to do anywhere else in the world. We know and understand the concept of “farm-to-table.” However, when the farm is the jungle, and the ocean can be seen from a distance, then what gets put on the table so much more diverse and interesting than anything that we could find in America. 

As we wrote earlier, this meal took us up, down, and around Thailand. It took us through time, and across history. We left this meal not only with swollen stomachs and dizzy heads from wine, but also with a clearer picture of how important cuisine and dining and food and ingredients are to a culture. The true cooking and understanding of a people can be found in a restaurant, but The Gallery showed us a Thailand that tourists rarely see. Much of what we ate was based on the food from homes. Chris and the chef research their menu by traveling around the country, visiting homes, and tasting their food. Much of it comes from an older generation—the Thai grandmothers who spend their days hovering over pots of stew and curry. What this restaurant gives is a different type of tour to the patron. Just as we visited and went on tours for temples and historical sites, this was a culinary tour to give us a better feeling and stronger feeling that ultimately made us feel “oppun.”

[kristipetersenschoonover]

Time to celebrate! ANNE RICE TRIBUTE ANTHO is here and gets awesome reviews!

Time to celebrate! ANNE RICE TRIBUTE ANTHO is here and gets awesome reviews!

IT’S RELEASE DAY FOR DANCING IN THE SHADOWS: A TRIBUTE TO ANNE RICE! Don’t miss this one—fabulous gothic stories, 100% of proceeds goes to Animal Rescue of New Orleans. No one in this antho has made or gets a dime. Help us help them! In addition, this volume, which includes my short story “Haint Gonna Happen,” has been getting rave reviews—The World According to Jay! calls it “a party for Anne…

[spoldhamauthor]

Ginger Nuts of Horror - Childhood Fears

Childhood Fears - my article for the presitigous The Ginger Nuts of Horror is up today. Click the link https://gingernutsofhorror.com/.../childhood-fears-by-s-p... and leave me a comment. Do you have any childhood fears that have followed you into adulthood? Any stories or experiences you want to share?

Feel free to share with your friends. Loads of great articles here to keep horror lovers happy!