#green mountains review

[marvelousmsmolly]

[leastparanoidandroid]

John Green talks about The Mountain Goats — The Anthropocene Reviewed

[beautifulbookishdisaster]

Sometimes, I need art to encourage me... Other times, I only need art to accompany me.

John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed (The Mountain Goats)

[moreclaypigeons]

we all know how loving ends

the anthropocene reviewed by John Green / my beautiful kitty / love love love by the mountain goats / an oil painting by me / a moth that chilled out on my shoulder

[godzilla-reads]

🏞️ Think Like a Mountain by Aldo Leopold (Penguin Green Ideas Series # 20)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Aldo Leopold was a forester and conservationist whose writings on wildlife ecology sowed the seeds of contemporary environmental thought, cumulated in his book “A Sand County Almanac”.

“Think Like a Mountain” contains some of the essays from Leopold’s book, finishing off the Penguin Green Ideas Series. I read the first two books in the series, got overwhelmed by the third, so I decided to start at the end. I had already read “A Sand County Almanac” and this is a great condensed version of the highlights from the book. It felt a little disjointed near the end, not really getting a “finis” feeling at the last sentiments, but I still enjoyed revisiting Leopold’s writing.

My favorite essay was the titular “Thinking Like a Mountain”, which is a very poignant reflection on the war on wolves in the United States.

“Perhaps this is behind Thoreau’s dictum: In wildness is the salvation of the world. Perhaps this is the hidden meaning in the howl of the wolf, long known among mountains, but seldom perceived by men.”

[hauntedvermont]

Documentary Review: Glastenbury Mtn & The Bennington Triangle | Exploring A Ghost Town & Mysterious Cairns

Documentaries play a vital role in showcasing history and facts in an interesting way. One recent documentary we watched was the documentary by Green Mountain Metal Detecting titled “Glastenbury Mtn & Bennington Triangle: Exploring a Ghost Town & Mysterious Cairns,” available on YouTube. Here is my brief review on it.  This documentary shares a realistic and logical representation of the area…

[readerviews]

"Daughters of Green Mountain Gap" by Teri M. Brown

Generational Tug of War #books #bookreview #reading #readerviews

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap Teri M. BrownAtmosphere Press (2024)ISBN: 979-8891320567Reviewed by Ashley Hooker for Reader Views (05/2024) “Daughters of Green Mountain Gap” by Teri M. Brown is a poignant story that spans centuries. Maggie, Carrie Ann, and Josie Mae are the daughters of Green Mountain Gap. Maggie is a granny woman who has spent her life working to heal others from illness and…

[selineram3421]

*friend comes up with something*

Royally Pissed

Part 1

Prologue

Alastor X Morningstar Reader

Warnings ⚠

⚠ Italics=thoughts, implied/suggestive *cough* bedroom name ⚠

In all honesty, Alastor didn't know why he did it but it just happened.

He pulled the small blonde out of the way, holding them close to his chest as a large dust cloud came from the now broken chandelier.

Mostly everyone in the room coughed as they tried to clear the dust from themselves.

"Are you hurt?", he asked them, noticing that the top of their head barely reached his chin.

How small.

"I'm fine.", they turned away to cough. "That was a lot of dust.."

Before he could ask for their name again, they were suddenly pulled away by none other than the King, Lucifer.

"ALRIGHT THEN!", he said before pulling them towards Charlie.

Haha!

The blonde slid over to his daughter, bringing along his other child as he began.

Looks like you could use some help

From the big boss of Hell himself

He held Charlie close before pushing her to see him sitting on a throne with fire rising behind it.

Check out daddy's glowing reviews on Yelp

He sang, scrolling on his hellphone to show her the reviews.

(Five star! Flawless! Greater than great!)

Three puppets said one after the other.

Oh, with the punch of a pentagram

A wap-bam-boom! Alakazam!

Alastor rolled his eyes as he watched on, but then he was suddenly pouring wine into a glass.

Who needs a busboy, now that you've got the chef?

The deer demon was pulled by the waist and landed in a pan, ears folded back as he angrily smiled at the King who grinned evily before he was flipped onto his front.

(Wow~)

I'm going to kill him.. Alastor thought before lifting himself up.

.

You were pulled into song and at the moment, were now sitting at a dinner table with your sister as your father was dressed like a server, hand about to reveal a meal.

Michelin-tasting menu

He lifted up the silver cloche, revealing a a "decapitated" Alastor, then some tentacles with red eyeballs, and finally a cake with him holding Alastor's head.

Free à la catre!

Oook.. You cringed. Dad doesn't like Alastor.

I'll rig the game for you because I'm the ref!

He started focusing more on Charlie and started to make more things appear.

Champagne fountains, caviar mountains, that's just the start~!

And then Alastor jumped in with blacklight, his backgrounds looking vibrant.

Who's been here since day one?

The deer demon pushed your father away, making him spin out of song.

Who's been faithful as a nun?

He was suddenly dressed as a nun, holding his hands in a praying position.

Much like how your father changed his scenes quickly, so did Alastor. You were having some trouble keeping up with it. His appearance looking slightly different with the lighting, his irises now green.

I'm truly honored that we've built such a bond

"Aw.", Charlie smiled.

He was now at the top of the stairs with your sister.

You're like the child that I wish that had

Alastor cupped your sister's face,

"Uh, what?", your dad said shocked.

Then your sister was like a child tucked in bed, literally. Alastor sitting at the edge and patting her head.

I care for you, just like a daughter I spawned

"Hold on now!", your father lifted up a finger.

The deer demon suddenly leaned his elbow on top of your dad's head, smooshing the white top hat.

It's a little funny

He started and pulled your sister to face away from your father.

You could almost call me Dad!

Suddenly you pulled into the song and were spun into a dip, finding Alastor smiling down at you with a seductive gaze.

(You can call me Daddy~), he whisper sang to you.

Your face turned bright red as you let out a squeak.

.

How adorable~ His smile widened as he saw them hide their blushing red face with their hands.

Now this one was on purpose.

After seeing the immediate reaction Lucifer had with him touching them. Oh, he had to cross multiple lines to see what the man would do next.

They were practically shaking in his hands, no doubt a little overwhelmed with what he had just sang just for their ears alone.

Let's see if I can fluster them more. He thought and raised a hand towards their face.

Suddenly they were ripped out of his hold and it was just the two men on stage.

The King growled, face darkening before he began to angrily play a fiddle, walking up to him with a scowl.

Alastor just smiled, standing up straight with his hands behind his back. Taking a step back as he dropped a piano on the short King before taking a seat on the piano bench, playing it confidently and showing off his skills before cringing at a loud sound.

His piano solo interrupted by an accordion.

Looking behind him, he saw Lusifer holding the instrument above his head with a frown, playing just one long note.

Really? He thought with a raised brow.

The two glared at each other before the spotlights above the two flickered out.

*me and my friend holding back our laughter* We can't laugh! It's 2 am!

~Seline, the person.

Part 2

Taglist@

@ducky-died-inside @scary-noodlesblog @c4rved-pumpk1n @stolas-thebirb @naelys-the-aster @biromanticboba @kiraisastay @pooplyface1423 @lbcreations-blog @gallantys @117s-girl @spiderlegsling @alastorsgoldie @repentant-repeller @kcsketches @lofasofabread @kotaleee @im-coolrat @superzombiewho @speckle-meow-meow @jammcookie @dilucragnvindr-my-beloved @trashbin-nie @valenfawkes @fatherlesschild2 @mmik3yy @just-here-reading @nealeart @hudiexiaoying @crystal-multiplefandomlover @glowinggoldfish0 @tiredgamerhere @fluffy-koalala @+?

Taglist continued in the comments🔪

ML II for Alastor🎙 | RP ChL 👑

[vestaignis]

Лай-да-Пальпуонья (Lai da Palpuogna).

Lai da Palpuogna (романш.; нем. Palpuognasee ) — горное озеро на перевале Альбула в коммуне Бергюн , в канто��е Граубюн , Швейцария.

Окруженное лиственницами, сосновыми лесами и величественными горными вершинами, озеро предлагает безмятежную обстановку, которая очаровывает посетителей в течение всего года. Озеро с кристально чистыми водами сине-зеленого цвета отражает небо и горы, создавая живописную сцену, которая идеально подходит для фотографии .

В телевизионной программе швейцарского канала SF 1 в 2007 году озеро было признано самым красивым местом в Швейцарии . Многие туристы и местные жители посещают это природное чудо, чтобы отправиться в поход, устроить пикник и погрузиться в его спокойную красоту.От железнодорожной станции «Преда» (Preda) до озера примерно час ходьбы. Степень сложности данного маршрута и уровень требуемой к нему подготовки – простые.

Lai da Palpuogna.

Lai da Palpuogna (Roman; German: Palpuognasee) is a mountain lake on the Albula Pass in the municipality of Bergün, in the canton of Graubün, Switzerland.

Surrounded by larch, pine forests and majestic mountain peaks, the lake offers a serene setting that enchants visitors throughout the year. The lake's crystal-clear, blue-green waters reflect the sky and mountains, creating a picturesque scene that is ideal for photography.

The lake was voted the most beautiful place in Switzerland by the Swiss television channel SF 1 in 2007. Many tourists and locals visit this natural wonder to hike, picnic and soak up its tranquil beauty. The lake is about an hour's walk from the Preda train station. The difficulty level of this route and the level of preparation required for it are simple.

Источник:/www.myswitzerland.com/ru/destinations/lai-da-palpuogna/#:~:text=Озеро%20Лай-да-Пальпуонья%20с,пикник% 20 на%20площадке%20для%20барбекю.,/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_da_Palpuogna,/blog.hitrental.ch/ru/сокровища-швейцарии-осенью-и-зимой/,//www.tripadvisor.ch/Attraction_Review-g1048240-d6938209-Reviews-Lai_da_Palpuogna-Preda_Canton_ of_ Graubunden _Swiss_Alps.html,://t.me/roundtravel.

[cosmerelists]

Rosharans Rate Foods Not Native to their Planet

As requested by @makothedorito :)

@makothedorito wanted to know what would happen if Stormlight characters encountered food not native to their planet. Here's what I think!

1. Szeth reviews Mountain Dew

Szeth: Horrible. Szeth: A bright, unconscionable green color. Sickly, horribly sweet. Like acidic poison in my throat. Szeth: Also made me feel, strangely, as though even without powers, I could fly. Szeth: ... Szeth: 3/5 stars.

2. Lift reviews Mountain Dew

Lift: Actually,SzethonlytooklikeonesipbeforeItookitfromhim. Lift: IsawthecrazylookhewasgettinginhiseyesandIwaslikenosir. Lift: Luckily,IdrankthewholebottleandI'mnotbeingaffectedatall! Wyndle: [crying]: Mistress, PLEASE use Regrowth I think you're dying!

3. Shallan reviews chocolate

Shallan: Oh, 5/5 for sure! Shallan: Radiant likes the dark chocolate because the "bitterness adds to the sweetness," apparently. Shallan: Veil likes milk chocolate coating other things--so like sugar with another, harder layer of sugar. Shallan: I gotta say--I like the bars! Something about being able to crack off pieces and eat them is so satisfying. Adolin: So the 19 wrappers I see around our room... Shallan: Head's up, I may never sleep again!

4. Rushu reviews coffee

Rushu: My research indicated that this drink is supposed to make you alert and eager for action! Rushu: But...my thoughts have never BEEN so sedate. Honestly, I could take a nap right now. Rushu: Odd. Rushu: 4/5, I suppose.

5. Nomad reviews hot 'n' spicy wings

Nomad: [a single tear running down his face] Nomad: Finally...some good fucking food...

6. Renarin reviews steak

Renarin: You would think that "well done" is the opposite of "badly done" but Renarin: ... Renarin: I suppose I know what it is like to eat leather.

7. Bridge Four reviews pizza

Lopen: Man, it's great! Look at this one--so thin and droopy you have to roll it up to eat it! Rock: What is your insanity? This one that is so thick you must cut into it with a large knife is the way to go. I want my pizza to be as deep as my fist. Lopen: Thin is better!! Rock: Thick is superior!! Skar: I can't say why, but I'm partial to the one cut into squares. Really crackling crust, too. It just feels right, somehow... Rock: Skar, friend, I respect your opinion even though it is 100% wrong. Kaladin: Isn't all pizza just a tad...greasy? Lopen: Ha ha! You say such weird things somethings, Kaladin! Lyn: Ooooh....this one with ham and the sweet yellow fruit is AMAZING! Best pizza of all time hello?? Lopen: ... Rock: ... Skar: ... Kaladin: ... Lopen: I can't believe we have to kick Lyn out of Bridge Four. Lyn: HEY

[mayakern]

upcoming store stuff & why we're doing a super sale

omg hiiii it's devin again, and this time i'm bringing store news

the short version: we're moving ourselves back to minnesota, and we're moving order fulfillment to a fulfillment center

wow, that's big news! maya and i are so so so excited to be closer to our minnesota friends (and also my family lol). i'm hoping to be back in northeast minneapolis, but let's be real we're probably gonna get priced out and into the suburbs

in addition to that, due to a variety of reasons i'll explain in more detail below, we're transitioning from in-house fulfillment to working with a fulfillment center (or 3pl, short for third-party logistics). we're at an awkward size that makes staffing difficult and have had issues with extended processing time. the 3pl should be set up by september, and we're working on the back end to have fulfillment centers in australia, canada, the UK, and eventually the EU. if tax authorities work with us we should have all that ready by december 2024!

to prepare for that we're doing a super sale. ash told me not to call it liquidation but she said that like 30 seconds after i hit send on the marketing email, sorry about that. items that we don't want to pay to move to the 3pl are discounted by 25-70%, with some of them priced at cost. under no circumstances will anything ever be 70% off again

if you're nosy you can read the q&a i made up in my head while eating pigs in a blanket:

how are the labor protections at the 3pl?

pretty good! we were shocked to find anything even halfway decent in the US; we went looking for a fulfillment center in the EU to handle all international fulfillment, and the one we found just so happened to have bought a US location two years ago.

they're located in ohio, pay $19/hr, and provide health insurance and 401k matching. that seemed too good to be true so we dug through employee reviews on places like glassdoor, and while there were some bad reviews those were all dated prior to when the facility was purchased by this new company. they also have a very low turnover rate which is a HUGE green flag

why are you transferring to a 3pl?

the serious

sometimes we have a high volume of sales, and it makes sense to have two full-time employees plus a part timer! but usually we have a low-to-medium volume of sales. we can float by on that, but it gets risky, and the economy is in a bad enough state that we're concerned about the longevity

related, the 2023 holiday sale showed us some major flaws in our fulfillment process. if the same issues were to happen this year the business probably wouldn't survive

we're moving cross-country in early 2025 and would've had to close this location anyway

the dumb:

i'm sick of dealing with commercial landlords and if i have one more wall leak i'm going to throw it into the river brick by brick

what about your staff?

unfortunately we will have to say goodbye to our office staff. they have been given 3.5 months notice and no-questions-asked PTO for interviews with a small severance

why are you moving back to minnesota?

troy was always meant to be a temporary move. initially the plan was to move to vermont or massachusetts, but after being out here for 7 years we just kinda want to go home. the weather in troy is perfect for us, we love the mountains, and we have some great friends here, but for some goddamn reason we want our eyelashes to freeze together.

will you be returning to midwest cons?

if we return to cons at all it will be with ariel and/or ash running the booth, maya will not be involved. this would likely be in california and/or in the northeast US.

my friends are begging me to go to CONvergence as an attendee so ig you might see me there? maya has pledged death before crowded venues tho

will you do any local events in minnesota?

we might do sample sales. honestly idk what we're gonna do with the samples we have in troy, most of them are terrible. do you want samples of the strangest low rise bell bottom pants ever created? please take them from me. my bush hangs out

also my kid brother has gotten really into library events and if he asks nice enough we might do some of those

is there anything else?

i mean probably, but i started this last week and i haven't had any other ideas on what to include

[unsoundedcomic]

Is there anything fun that you can tell us about any of our characters? Just something lighthearted.

Leysa brought home a new kind of paper for Simon today. Simon likes to make tiny folded and glued paper sculptures - Crescian and Aldish constructs, vehicles, military pymarics, mostly. When she runs errands, his mom keeps an eye out for scrap paper he can use. Today's treasure is the end pages from last year's Royale Review patterns catalog, which her favourite dress shop was very near to throwing out. They're big poster-sized sheets, pale green, heavy and textured. Simon's going to use them to make the fleshy bits of a mountain ogre construct he read had been stolen from the state by a treacherous Plat years ago. Mikaila can critique it when she gets home~

[hunn1e-bunn1e]

神話 - "Fallen Star Seeking Enigmatic Clouds"

🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.

In which the Traveler and Paimon unknowingly come across a mysterious adeptus by the name of Sky Weaver while the two are exploring near the sparsely populated cliffsides of Mt. Mingyuan. Or; In which the long-forgotten tale of the adeptus Sky Weaver is uncovered by Aether from the lips of the various Adepti of the Nation of Liyue and the people who know them.

  Prologue | Part 1 | (1.5) | Part 2 | (2.5) | Part 3 | (3.5) | Part 4 | (4.5) | Part 5 | (5.5) | Part 6 | (6.5) | Epilog | Extra 1 | Extra 2

                                                                                                   

🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞

The swirling cloud of mist watches closely as the golden blonde boy descends the mountain with his fairy-like friend in his arms. As the boy becomes but a silhouette, the cloud glows the colors of the night sky once again as it changes shape into something more humanoid. The white mist fades away and in its place stands a beautiful man with hair so long it sprawls out against the off-colored teal-green grass.

"...A most gracious and inquisitive fallen star has stumbled upon one's mountain dwelling..."

The man mutters quietly as he rests a thoughtful thumb against his lower lip; eyes still trained on the path that the boy left from.

" ...In One's sky it is most often that stars fall in pairs... thus, this must be the star that accompanied the tenacious one all that time ago..."

The man closes his painted lids as he recalls the time he met the first of the pair. A girl, with hair and eyes of gold who dressed in otherworldly garb. The tenacious little star, who descended from the sky and assisted in slaying his God, his creator, in cold blood and sunk into the abyss to become a "god" herself.

"Master?"

A soft and youthful voice to his left curiously called out to the man.

The beautiful man glances behind him and spots a small child with winged ears and small purple markings on his face. Yu Wuzhe, a half-adeptus child whom he found not too long ago and took under his guidance. The man sighs softly and gently rests his hand upon the young boy's choppy white hair in a silent assurance of his well-being.

"Why'd you go and help that nosey mortal? Ugh, I– er... One is most tired of those humans en... encro...—"

"...Encroaching..."

"—encroaching upon my– uh... one's masters territory. It is quite bothersome."

The the half-adeptus grumbles as he crosses his arms; his winged ears give a few frustrated flaps with puffed-up feathers as he glares at the spot where the blonde traveler once stood.

The boy's master hides an amused chuckle behind the sleeve of his silk robe; watching his pupil cutely puff out his cheeks as he pouts. He pets the five-year-old's little head to calm him down; already used to the child's antics from raising him till now.

"...Compose yourself, Yu Wuzhe. One simply sensed that the mortal was one of the two stars of gold that were fated to descend upon Teyvat long ago..."

The man utters intelligently; momentarily forgetting that he's speaking to a young child.

Upon seeing the utterly lost look on the you boy's face, however, he quickly corrects his wording.

"...The mortal is important..."

The man simplifies; his face betraying his hidden exasperation.

Yu Wuzhe huffs, slightly envious of the golden blonde being considered important to his fath– master before grabbing onto the adeptus' large hand and tugging along as he starts to march higher up the mountain. The older man only chuckles at his pupil and easily follows along at a slow pace.

"...Once we've arrived, one must review your vocabulary, you seem to be struggling..."

"Aw man– er... I mean uh... how um, o-di-ous?"

"...Yes, one shall most definitely be occupied once one reaches their abode... how arduous..."

🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞•♡•🏞

                                                                                                    Footnotes:

I wanted to give Sky Weaver a half-adeptus companion to teach as Cloud Retainer did with Shenhe and Ganyu since I thought that it would be cute. Yu Wuzhe's name came from the Traditional Chinese translation of Raindancer or 雨舞者, which was originally what Sky Weaver was supposed to be called. 神話 means Myth. Sky Weaver's banner is a placeholder; the character used is Chuyi Flower Cake from The Tale of Food.

🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.•°•.🐇.

Wanna see similar content? Check out my Genshin Masterlist and Series Masterlist!

If you want to be added to the tag list, please let me know! #thetaleofskyweaver @itztaki @sassy-cat-in-town @xharisrealm @lupicalbestwolf @pjmsies @just-here-reading @chibiduck @dellalyra @kiiyoooo @heavenlysilence0vx @2nd-number @yourfavoritefreakyhan @mshope16 @paastaboi @a-little-pebbl

[plor-bindery]

Bound: Under Giant Mountains by wolfpants

The delightful, evocative, and thoughtful Under Giant Mountains by @wolfpants is up next in my tour of wolf’s fic I bound. This landscape of this fic is soaring: mountains and dragons and wilderness. But at the same time, its subject matter is as small and carefully contained as Harry's postwar pain. This is a Harry who is struggling, and struggling to even admit he's struggling. At the risk of spoiling anything, the way wolf writes Harry's breakdown and surrender is so, so soft and sweet and real. I love a Harry who confronts any danger head-on except the danger of what's going on inside him.

(Fun fact: this fic was posted while I was in the midst of writing Polar Night/Midnight Sun and I was like OH GOOD WOLF HAS DONE THE DRACO IN NORWAY THING AND DONE IT BETTER THAN I COULD, I CAN STOP WRITING NOW but of course, I didn't stop; I let wolf's words inspire me onwards, and this is another reason why I love fandom: the overlapping of writerly worlds, the echoes and resonances we experience as creators and fans.)

For this bind, I chose a relatively simple aesthetic, but couldn't resist inserting little tiny dragons as scene breaks.

More process and materials talk under the cut.

Materials: This was my first go at making bookcloth! I had purchased a little remainder scrap of forest green cotton at the fabric store and only noticed after ironing it out and laminating it to the tissue that there were stripes of sun damage on the creases of the cloth, sigh. I had to start over. I used mulberry tissue but some of the fibres are palpable through the cloth, which I am not wild about. Still -- homemade bookcloth! Fun!

Text block is printed on 24 lb cream letter cut down to a quarto bind, and is actually the first bind I did where my grain direction was correct. (I know, I know...) Sewn on two linen tapes with waxed linen thread.

Endbands (which I neglected to photograph, apparently) are machine made.

End papers are just scrapbook paper, nothing special.

The decoration is gold HTV. Hoo boy. More on that shortly.

Process: My first quarto bind! First bookcloth making! First bind with the grain direction correct! So many firsts!

That being said, there was nothing particularly special about this bind's process. My biggest struggle (which is visible) was the gold HTV. I think I've since cracked the code more on how to apply larger bits of HTV without making marks in it (short version: higher heat, less pressure, more patience) but I was still struggling here, as you can see. That being said, I do love the sort of hobbity vibe of the rune-ish font and the dragon/mountain.

I made myself a copy of this as a test first, and the HTV is even more messed up on that. :| Also, I realized when reading it afterwards, I fucked up the page order in one signature. This is fixed (god, I hope it's fixed) in wolf's copy.

Signature length is a tricky thing with case binding/sewn binding in general. I wound up needing a bunch of blank pages at the back of the typeset so I did something I have since done in other binds: added a "selected praise for" section where I copy/pasted AO3 comments into the text block like literary reviews. I love this so much: the juxtaposition of the formal literary trope with the squee and all-caps and hype of fandom commenters. I am not the first to do this, of course, but you'll see it appear again in future binds from me for sure. (And of course I put my own comment first. OF COURSE I did. Binder's privilege!)

[azure-firecracker]

The X-Files Season 1 Review (First-Time Watcher)

(Any fans-please come talk to me about the show and send me asks-I’m obsessed!)

It did not take long for me to realize that this was going to become my newest hyperfixation show. It has everything I love in my shows-a strong focus on its main characters, campy sci-fi monsters mixed with some genuine creepiness, slow burn romance, banter. In short, it’s the perfect show for me. I was basically hooked right away.

Like all first seasons, it was pretty clear that the show was still finding its footing. There were some clunky bits to iron out and the show definitely found its vibe more and more as it went along. I would say it began getting overall more consistent around episode 10 (with individual exceptions before and after that).

In terms of episodes, I enjoyed almost all the episodes of this season even though I would only call a couple stellar. Most episodes were fun or at least had fun moments, and the banter between Mulder and Scully (what’s their ship name?) is enough to keep me going through even the clunkiest and cringiest plots.

Speaking of Mulder and Scully, it’s rare that a show can make me love two characters so equally but I really do. Although Scully is much more in line with my usual favorite characters (she is my special girl and I will do anything for her), I also have a special place in my heart for Mulder’s neurodivergent traumatized puppy energy. Of course they really go together so it’s natural that I love them both.

The only weighty criticism I have for this season is that I feel Mulder gets more spotlight moments than Scully. Not egregiously, but it feels like he’s usually the one in the final fight, seeing the aliens, figuring it out, etc. I do know that they were trying to break gender roles by making Scully the skeptic, but given that the aliens are so real…here at least she often came off as oblivious and she sometimes felt like she was tagging along on Mulder’s quests. Which SUCKS! Because I LOVE HER and she could be SO USEFUL if the writers LET HER. This is why I really loved the moments where she got to step up. Veteran viewers…want to tell me if this gets better?

That criticism aside, I could watch these two fight monsters for days, and I know the S2-S5/6 stretch is considered the show’s best, so I’m looking forward to that.

Individual episode reviews under the cut.

Pilot: Fantastic introduction! It did a great job establishing the characters and their dynamic pretty seamlessly, as well as introducing the alien lore in a way that we could digest. It wasn’t perfect and the story was a bit clunky at times, but it got me hooked and did its job well. I also liked Scully being the audience surrogate here. 8/10

Deep Throat: This episode really solidified the dynamic introduced in the pilot, and is packed with great character moments. It gets a HUGE boost from Scully exchanging the guard to rescue Mulder at the end. I mentioned living for the moments when Scully gets to step up, but I think it was necessary to put this moment so early. Because Scully is new to the X-Files and also clearly wrong about aliens, it was necessary to show us that she had a lot to bring to the table and that Mulder needs her. Also a special shoutout to Seth Green as a stoner. 9.5/10

Squeeze: A very fun monster of the week episode, slightly reminiscent of BtVS. Decently creepy with that 90s horror/sci-fi vibe we all love. Plus lots of great Mulder/Scully moments. (Also, despite my complaints about Scully being underutilized, I enjoyed Mulder saving Scully at the end. Rescuing one another from mortal peril is actually my favorite trope, as long as it’s balanced. In that regard, this season has been). 8/10

Conduit: Honestly this episode was a little slow for me, I felt like the pacing could have been better. I had a hard time staying interested. Also it was hilarious that this was supposed to be Iowa because Iowa does not have mountains like that. It gets a boost from the ending scene which in itself is a 100/10. 6/10

The Jersey Devil: Now this is campier and goofier than suits the show, and I feel like they realized that soon after this. The Mulder/Scully banter still made this a good time, but it wasn’t great. Also not helped by the fact that everything happened during the day (the only time in this show where the lighting was too bright) and the Jersey Devil looked like a normal person with some dust on her. 6/10

Shadows: I found the mystery of this one quite engaging. Back with those 90s horror vibes we love, and it kept me guessing right up until the agents figured it out. Negative points for the lack of Mulder/Scully banter though. 7/10

Ghost in the Machine: Was this cheesy? Yes. Was it objectively good? No. Did I enjoy it anyway? Yes. Who doesn’t love a killer computer? Also Scully crawling out of the vents was badass af. Objectively like a 6/10 but 7/10 for my personal enjoyment.

Ice: Now THIS was the stuff. An objectively great episode of television. The tension, the paranoia, the fallout, seeing what our leads do under that kind of stress…brilliant. (Although my dad the geologist couldn’t help but point out that there is no ice sheet in Alaska). Very tempted to write an alternate version where Mulder actually is infected and Scully has to find a cure before the others kill him. That would’ve been interesting. Anyway 10/10

Space: Apparently people don’t like this episode but I enjoyed it. It had a ticking time bomb feel that I quite enjoyed. Also Mulder’s space nerdiness was adorable. 8/10

Fallen Angel: Similar to Conduit, this episode felt rather slow to me despite the fact that there was a lot happening. It just sort of failed to hook me, which is a rarity for this show. 6/10

Eve: This was FUN! I love when we get to unravel the mystery along with the agents and the plot twists definitely kept me guessing. Props to the child actors who did a great job. I did get thrown off by the many parallels to Stranger Things-even though this obviously came out first. 8/10

Fire: Once I got over my anger at sharing a name with Mulder’s horrendous ex, I liked this one. Both Mulder and Scully got good character moments here, with Mulder trying to shield Scully from all his drama and also showing one of his flaws-he’s susceptible to manipulation. Scully, conversely, was really the MVP of this episode and carried the investigation on her back. Also props to our bad guy of the week-great job being creepy! 7.5/10

Beyond the Sea: Immaculate. Probably my favorite episode of the season. Scully burying her grief in work and Mulder being gentler with her than he’s ever been. Scully’s family lore reveal. Both of them going toe to toe with this killer (forgot his name) and not knowing what to believe. Mulder getting shot and Scully getting FURIOUS. Scully’s complicated relationship forming with this killer while she also thinks about her father (rather reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs). Cinema. 10/10

Genderbender: So we have gender switching aliens who kill people…I’ll give the show overall a pass since it’s 1994 but I will not be revisiting this one. Extra points for Mulder yelling GET OFF OF HER at the guy who’s working his weird magic on Scully. Minus points for him blaming her for it after. 2.5/10

Lazarus: So we got panicked Scully 2 episodes ago and now we get panicked Mulder and it is GLORIOUS. I also found all 3 side characters-Scully’s ex as well as both criminals, interesting, especially as Scully’s ex began to mix with the bad guy. Minus points for not shooting the bank robber until after he started shooting up a room full of civilians, extra points for Mulder being great this entire episode. 9/10

Young at Heart: Episodes with creepy killers are always my favorite, and I loved seeing Mulder get toyed with. Reverse aging science…eh it’s not the main point. Minus points for the worst plan ever (let’s invite the killer into a crowded area and let him shoot at Scully even though apparently her bulletproof vest barely saved her), but extra points for Mulder angst. This man has so much guilt. 9/10

E.B.E: Honestly the plot of this one wasn’t super interesting but that’s not what we’re here for is it? Every Mulder and Deep Throat interaction? Perfect. Scully’s little « the truth is out there, but so are lies » speech? Immaculate. The ending where Deep Throat reveals his backstory and Mulder says « I’m trying to decide which lie to believe? » Cinema. 9.5/10

Miracle Man: A bit of a letdown after such a strong streak, but still solid. Pretty good! And I admired that they had the guts to kill the kid too. 6.5/10

Shapes: Another fun 90s horror episode, HEAVY on the BtVS vibes. And it actually dealt with all of the Native American issues better than I thought it would! Not necessarily well in every aspect, but I was expecting much worse considering Genderbender. 7.5/10

Darkness Falls: Y’all this was GOOD! I loved the sense of impending doom that was just present the whole time, and the melancholic feel of the entire thing. Minus points for the anti-environmentalist sentiments and for the blatant plot armor at the end (they really should have died…but then there wouldn’t be a show). 9/10

Tooms: While Tooms being let out on parole was a bit of a stretch, I enjoyed seeing Mulder stretched to his limit. He’s a good character to do that with. Tooms was an even better villain here than in Squeeze imo, because his craftiness really got to shine through. Huge bonus points for the scene in the car. « Mulder, I wouldn’t put myself on the line for anybody but you. » I’M DEAD. 8.5/10

Born Again: The most memorable parts of this episode for me were the thick fake New York accents and the fact that the kid was named Michelle so I kept quoting Derry Girls in my terrible fake Derry accent the whole time. 5/10

Roland: This was the only episode I hated. I could barely get through any Roland scenes-I thought the autism portrayal was clunky and unnecessary and I just don’t want to watch autistic people suffer. It pained me. There wasn’t even any Mulder/Scully banter to salvage it. In fact, it seemed they were barely in the episode at all. It gets half a point because Scully looked really pretty this episode. 0.5/10

The Erlenmeyer Flask: Now this was GOOD STUFF. I feel like since we know the aliens are there and there’s less mystery, alien-focused episodes so far have been slower and I’ve liked them less but THIS kept the pace up and the mystery going throughout. I was fully hooked. I was also WORRIED for Mulder at the end-I thought we were getting a season cliffhanger! And those chemical burns looked BAD. And I DID NOT expect Deep Throat to die OR for them to get shut down. Where the heck are they gonna go from here? I love it. My favorite thing about this episode was really getting back into Scully’s headspace for the last 10 minutes or so. With some exceptions, I feel like a lot of the season has been shown through Mulder’s eyes (part of my gripe from earlier), but the pilot was 100% Scully and circling back to her here felt right. I also liked that she had to do another hostage exchange-a parallel to the first time she really showed why Mulder needs her. So much to love here. 10/10

Idk how many txf fans I have here aside from my one post that made the rounds, but if you’re here congratulations for making it through my essay! Let me know if you’d like any more thoughts/analyses, and if you’d like shorter, episodic posts when it comes time for Season 2:)

[hami-gua]

子(Zi)衿(Jin) · His Collar

This fic came as inspo after listening to 相和歌 where they took the poem written by 郑风 and turned it into a song and dance. Honestly it could fit any hsr men but because the poem talks specifically about a green (more turquoise like green) collar and I thought the only character that would have that kind of collar would be Dan Heng. I would describe this poem as a poem of longing (cuz it actually is lol).

Dan Heng (implied imbibitor lunae) x Reader (female as per the poem)

Warning: Chinese (translated), shit translation, not reviewed, spelling errors and grammatical errors (idk so I just put here in case), attempt on classic poetry was made, redundant use of certain words.

Contains: Fluff, mild hurt/comfort

青青子衿(Qīngqīng zi jīn)，悠悠我心(yōuyōu wǒ xīn)。      [The green on his collar, my heart longs for.]

纵我不往(Zòng wǒ bù wǎng)，子宁不嗣音(zi níng bù sì yīn？)？  [If I never go (to him), will he not send a message?]

青青子佩(Qīngqīng zi pèi)，悠悠我思(yōuyōu wǒ sī )。      [The green that he wears, my thoughts linger to.]

纵我不往(Zòng wǒ bù wǎng)，子宁不来( zi níng bù lái)？     [If I never go, would he come to me?]

挑兮达兮(Tiāo xī dá xī)，在城阙兮(zài chéngquē xī)         [I wait and wait, by the city gate.]

一日不见(Yī rì bùjiàn)，如三月兮(rú sān yuè xī)。      [Days pass without a sight of him, as three months have passed.]

How long has it been since his departure? The lady could only wonder. The turquoise green of his collar glow as his robes woven of silk glimmer under sunlight. His voice, a gentle lull, always putting those who hear it at ease. His touch is gentle and careful but held with steadiness. A steadiness she longs for. The bells let out a low hum, breaking the lady out of her stupor.

         It’s been days since he last sent a letter. She wonders if he intends to send another, or if her letter has been lost along the way. The lady wonders if she should go to him, lest he doesn’t want to see her. Not yet at least. But she could only hope – that he misses her as much as she misses him.

         The turquoise green of his collar brightens against the long dark strands of his hair. The lady feels as if the man her mind flits off to have currently been busy. Endless worry floats about in her mind: wondering if he ate, if he slept, or if he’s been taking breaks. She hopes that all are going in his favor – for war is not so easily won nor so easily fought.

         Each day, the lady passes by the tops of the city’s gate. Stopping right above the doors to gaze out over the horizon, as if looking for a figure among many to arrive at the gate. But alas, each day was met with nothing but the land as the sun arches over the mountains and peaks between the valleys. And like that, three months have passed with no news of the war or the man.

         On the eighth day of the fourth month, the sound of galloping startled the civilians as many rushed to supposed safety. Until all was calmed when a voice from the guards cried out, “They have returned!” And upon hearing those words, the people cheered with jubilation – relieved at the thought of their loved ones returning. The lady stood there very still, trying to gather the information that was given. It wasn’t until her maid spoke did she finally realize what has happened.

         A proud and steady figure with turquoise green collar entered through the gates first, leading the rest of the soldiers. Cheers and cries broke out around him as he allowed his men to join their loved ones. His turquoise green eyes darted from one face to another, trying to find the one he loves. And at last, with a call of his name did he find the one he sought.

         “Dan Heng!”

He turned, only to see his love with her maid chasing her – begging her to slow down. Dan Heng only had a second to brace as the lady crashed right into him, with her arms embracing him tightly.

         “你回来了！你回来了！你终于回来了！” [You’re back! You’re back! You’re finally back!]

He smiled as he softly stroked her head, “嗯，我回来了。” [Mhm. I’m back.]

         The lady looked up at him, tears brimming her eyes. Dan Heng’s hand reached up and gently brushed those tears away as more fell. Unbothered, he brushed more away as the lady giggled. That prompted him to also giggle a little. With a kiss to her head and a gentle voice, he told her:

         “我们回家吧。” [Let’s go home.]

After writing I realized the kind of green 青 means. It's the kind of greenish blue you would see on oxidized bronze. I wonder if bronze is called 青铜 because of the oxidization.