#had to cook to cure my artist block

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

No One Here Is Alone

Elks Chapter 2 Version 2.0

Pairing: Jackson Joel Miller x Female Reader Chapter Rating: T. (Nothing explicit for the first few chapters.) Chapter Summary: The man you've had a crush on since he showed up to Jackson just so happens to be your favorite student's caretaker.. and he just saw you do a brutal face plant in front of his home. Chapter Warnings: soft jackson joel, rumors still spread in the apocalypse, 2000's indie rock, interrupted sweet moment, cats in windows, there was only one umbrella, romance, Joel Miller making dinner, thigh paint, knee pillow Words: 4,500 Header courtesy of @saradika-graphics

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Masterlist Playlist

*** “Radio Cure” by Wilco. 

It's Monday evening, and you're standing nervously in front of Joel’s house, clutching your messenger bag brimming with art supplies. You take a deep breath to steady yourself, before giving the door three quick knocks.

Joel opens the door with a warm smile. “Hi, come on in.”

“Hey,” you reply, trying to keep your smile under control.

"Let me show you the room."

Joel leads you into his home to a makeshift studio just off the living room filled with various wood workings, half carved animals, shelves of tools, and a long work table. You'd never expect it, but Joel is an artist.

You love the space, it's so open and warm. Lived in and utilized, you're happy places like this can still exist in other people's homes. 

Your eyes fall on a couple of old guitars leaning against a wall.

“You play?” You ask, nodding towards them.

“Been playing almost my whole life. You?”

“Same, my guitar broke a few weeks ago,” you say with a hint of sadness. “There’s a big hole in the side now.”

“That’s rough. Your stereo and your guitar?”

“Afraid so. It’s very quiet in my home.”

“Those guitars are broken over there, but I just haven’t gotten around to fixing ‘em, I’m sure I could easily repair one for you.” 

“Joel, you— that’s very nice,” you say, touched but hesitant. “I wouldn’t ask you to do that for me.”

“No, s’okay, I like fixing things,” he insists with a reassuring smile. 

“Wish I could fix things,” you say with a nervous chuckle. “By the time I would be done, it’d be a pile of sawdust.”

A huff of air releases out of Joel’s mouth, his smile makes a dimple you’ve never noticed before appear. God, he’s gorgeous. “You’re funny. I can see why Ellie likes you.”

Heat creeps up your chest and settles into your cheeks. “So, Where would you like me to draw the mural?” you ask, using your question as a way to cut through the nervousness inside you. 

“Was thinking over on this wall with the window. I can see it from my chair in the living room.” 

You turn to examine the large, empty wall. You’re not sure if the cream hue is the original paint color or colored that way from age. It’s a perfect canvas.

“Good choice.” you say. “Do you want the whole wall?”

“The whole wall.”

“Just bluebells?” you clarify.

“Just bluebells.”

“Perfect.”

You pull the pencil from the chest pocket of your overalls, gently pressing it against the wall to sketch out the first bluebell. You can feel his eyes on you, his large body crowding the space behind you. You try to focus on your drawing, blocking out the sound of his breathing and the heat of his closeness.

Joel clears his throat. “I’ll just be in the kitchen making dinner. Did ya’ eat?”

“No,” you reply, glancing back at him. “But I can eat after I’m done here.”

“Have more than enough here for another person and Ellie’s at Dina’s tonight. You like pasta?”

“Of course I do,” you say with a smile. “I’d starve if I didn’t. Shelf stable.”

Joel chuckles, “I’ll be in the kitchen cooking. Just holler if you need anything. Help yourself to any of the supplies I have here.” You nod as Joel turns and strides down the hall.

“What a beautiful face, I have found in this place, That is circling all ‘round the sun, What a beautiful dream...”

The hairs on the back of your neck prickle as the music starts, breaking the hush that had settled in the room while you quietly sketched. For the past hour, the only sounds were Joel’s movements in the kitchen and the soft scratch of your pencil against the wall. Now, Joel is playing the mixed CD you had left there. Despite being all alone in his studio, you can’t help but grin. You tuck your pencil behind your ear and head to the kitchen to find Joel draining a pot of cooked pasta. 

You try not to stare at the way his biceps stretch the sleeves of his shirt or the way the steam floats into the air swirling around him, creating an almost dreamlike scene of domestic bliss.

“Neutral Milk Hotel,” you say from the doorway, rubbing your daisy pendant hanging against your neck.

“S’a pretty good song.” Joel replies, his gaze shifting from the pot to your pendant. 

“Thanks for putting it on, I missed hearing music.”

“When’d your player break?” Joel’s asks, his eyes still focused on your daisy pendant. 

“A little over a week ago. I lived without a stereo for close to fifteen years, all through my twenties in the QZ. My CD’s sat in a crate next to my bed all those years. I got used to them existing almost like photographs, circular snapshots of memories… silent and incapable of their original use,” you say, your voice trailing off as you remember.  “When I got here and walked into my house the first thing I saw was the small boombox on the shelf, I almost passed out when Maria told me it worked. It had to be repaired a few times and Gordon kept warning me that it wasn’t built to last. Took it to him the day after it broke for good and he let me know nothing could be done. I felt like I lost a limb.” 

“M’sorry,” Joel says as he begins to dish the pasta and sauce into two bowls.

“Thanks, I still have other things to fill up my time so it’s not as bad as I’m making it seem. I know it’s a luxury and I know I can live without it. It’s just… the noise kept me company, you know?” 

“I do,” Joel says, setting the bowls on the table, his eyes still locked on you. 

He watches you intently, as if he’s captivated by your presence. You’d be doing the same if you weren’t so nervous about him noticing. You sense Joel doesn’t care if you notice him watching.

You sit at his table, the orange glow of the sunset filters through the window, casting a soft light over everything. Coffee rings cover Joel’s wooden table top, a sign he probably never cleans up his mug until after he’s home in the evening. The smell of tomatoes, garlic, and onion from the bowl of pasta in front of you tantalizes you.

“This looks delicious,” you say, picking up your fork.

“Sauce was made by Maria, she takes pity on my kitchen skills and makes sure Ellie and I are well fed.” 

“She’s great,” you say through a bite. “So is Tommy.”

He nods in agreement. 

You both settle into a shared silence as you eat. 

A slow and haunting song begins to play, Joel looks up from his meal. “This is my favorite song on your CD.

“Cheer up, honey I hope you can,

There is something wrong with me,

My mind is filled with silvery stars”

“‘Radio Cure’ by Wilco.” you say, recognizing the song. “One of my favorite bands. My only CD of theirs is so scratched it no longer works… this is the only song I have now.” 

You lean back, closing your eyes, getting lost in the music, mouthing the lyrics silently. 

“S’beautiful,” Joel says softly as you open your eyes and find him watching you again. “...The song’s beautiful.”

Your heart skips a beat at the tenderness in his voice. So soft and deep, you wonder if he talks to anybody else this gently. 

“If you like it, keep my CD,” you offer. “You’ll get more use out of it than I will now.” 

“I’ll borrow it until you get a new CD player,” Joel says as he stands. “You’re welcome to come over and listen anytime. You can bring your other CD’s over if you want.”

“Really? I appreciate that,” your voice lifts with excitement.

“Glad to help.”

“I”m going to get back to drawing before it gets any darker,” you say, handing him your empty bowl. “I really enjoyed dinner, thank you.”

“Course,” he nods, taking the bowl from your hand and depositing it into the soapy water.

You return to the woodworking room, pick up your pencil, and continue delicately sketching flowers on his wall.

“It really, really, really could happen, Yes, it really, really, really could happen If the days they seem to fall through you Well, just let them go”

You hum along to your favorite Blur song, the eighth track on your CD.

“Did you want another light in here?” Joel’s deep voice startles you. You jump and turn to see him leaning against the doorway; you don’t know how long he’s been there. “S’getting dark in here.”

“Y-yeah, that would be great. I just want to finish up the first outline tonight.” 

Joel nods and heads over to the large cabinet in the corner, retrieving a work light as you turn back to your work. 

“This’ll help,” he says, grunting slightly as he bends over and plugs it in. “It’s lookin’ really nice so far.”

“Thanks,” you reply, still sketching. I love the process of beginning a large piece like this. It makes me so excited to think what it’ll look like when it’s all finished. Breaking it down into small steps, then seeing it all come together.”

“No wonder Ellie’s always so excited about art, when you put it all that way.” 

You nod without looking back at him, choosing to focus on your sketch.

“Just going to be in the living room reading my book. Lemme know if I can help,” he offers.

“Thanks.”

You hear him settle into his chair with a sigh. The chair he can sit in and look at your mural, the chair he can sit in and watch you work. Your insides twist as you feel like you’re being watched by him–you like it. 

You round each small petal making every flower perfect for Joel’s eyes.

Sometimes you hear a page turn in between tracks, sometimes you hear a sniff or a throat clear, you actually wish there wasn’t any music so you could only hear Joel.

“Okay,” you step back from the wall shaking out and stretching your overused hand and stretching your tired fingers. 

“Finished for the night?” Joel asks as he stands and walks into the room, eyes landing on the wall. “It’s really beautiful,” he says as he stares at your preliminary sketch.

“Thanks, there’s still a lot that has to be done, but I’m really happy with how it’s looking so far.” You back up to stand next to him. “When do you want me to come back?”

“I’ll be out on Patrol with Tommy until Wednesday night, Thursday work?”

“Thursday’s good. Same time?”

“Same time,” he confirms with a nod. “I’ll make dinner again.”

“You really don’t have to,” you reply, bending down to grab your bag.

“S’okay, I want to.” 

“Okay,” you say, stifling a yawn and blinking your tired eyes. 

Joel notices and grins slightly watching you. “Getting late for you, huh?” 

“Yeah, close to my bedtime,” you admit. 

He follows you to his door. “G’night,” he says, holding the door open. “See you Thursday.”

“Good luck on patrol,” you walk out the door and glance back at him, offering a small smile. “Good night.”

You feel Joel’s quiet, watchful gaze follow you as you leave his yard.  

Once you get home, you don’t bother changing out of your shirt when you crawl into bed. It smells like Joel’s home.

“Hey lady,” your friend Helen greets as she leans against the doorway of your classroom, interrupting your paper grading. 

You look up and give her a smile. “What’s up?”

“Thirsty Thursday at the Bison tomorrow, you in?” 

“Oh,” you pause, putting your pen down. “I can’t, I’m painting something for Joel Miller at his house.” 

Her eyebrows rise. “Joel Miller, Joel Miller?” 

“Yeah…” you nod.

She steps into your room, crossing her arms and smirks. “So, the rumors are true?”

“Rumors?” you ask.

“Grace said she saw you leaving his place late Monday night. Apparently, Joel stood and watched you walk home the whole way.”

You roll your eyes. “God this place is small, isn’t it?”

Helen laughs, her expression softening as she moves closer. “He nice to you?” Her protective side always shows when it comes to you. 

“I wouldn’t be doing this for him if he wasn’t.”

She nods. “Atta girl, I’ll leave you to it,” she knocks on your desk before leaving.

You���ve heard all of the rumors about Tommy Miller’s scary older brother. You’ve listened intently as people regaled tales of his violent past and whispered stories of his brutality. You heard the hush amongst the crowd whenever he’d walk into a room when he and Ellie first showed up. He’s supposedly a monster, and yet all you see are deep, soft brown eyes that crinkle at the corners when he smiles at you.

Thursday, you find yourself at Joel’s wearing your overalls again. Today, though, you’ve layered an oversized flannel for warmth, shielding yourself and your box of paints beneath an umbrella from the pouring rain. Before you can knock, Joel opens the door.

“Come in,” he says, grabbing your umbrella. “Was lookin’ for you so you didn’t get stuck in the rain.”

“Thanks, it’s awful out,” you reply, stepping inside and shrugging off your flannel. “How was patrol?” 

“Same as usual,” he says, taking your jacket and hanging it up on the hook over his coat.

“Well, that’s a good thing,” you say heading into his woodworking room and place your paints on the floor.

“That your book?” Joel nods to the faded black leather portfolio with tattered corners covered in faded stickers. 

“Yeah, I brought it over.”

“Haven’t seen something like that in years. Can I look at ‘em?”

“Go ahead,” you say smiling and handing it over to him. “Find something to play. It’s your stereo. Don’t tell me what you pick–I want to be surprised.” 

You love hearing the soft, familiar thud of the pages as Joel flips through it.

“Don’t recognize most of these names,” he murmurs.

“What kind of music do you like?” you ask as you unroll your brush holder, picking out what you’ll need.

“Rock, country… a little bit of blues.”

“Country? Really? How typical Texas of you.”

He chuckles. “Good country. Real country. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, ’n the like.”

“I stand corrected, Texas.”

He grunts in amusement while you begin laying out your paints on the countertop, carefully choosing your colors. 

“Found something,” Joel says.

“Can’t wait to hear what you pick,” you respond, pulling your palette out of your bag as he leaves the room. 

A bluesy rock guitar intro with a steady drumbeat begins to play as you mix emerald and olive tones together.

“Haven’t heard this one in over 20 years,” Joel says, re-entering the room. “Liked The Rolling Stones.” 

You kneel down on the floor to begin painting green stems. You move your brush and body slowly and smoothly, rising up to finish each stem tip. You feel Joel’s steady and attentive gaze follow you. 

“Never thought I’d see somebody paint like this again,” he says from the doorway.

“It’s my favorite thing to do,” your focus unwavering from the wall. 

“Can tell,” the gentleness of his voice causes your skin to prickle. “M’excited to see how it’ll look when it’s done.”

“Me too.”

You hear Joel take a deep breath and his footsteps shift. “I’m gonna go finish cleanin’ my guns,” he says with an exhale. “I’ll be in the dining room if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” you say, twisting your torso to look back at him with a smile. A large dollop of green paint falls from the paintbrush in your hand, plopping onto your exposed thigh. 

Joel’s eyes immediately drop to the spot, widening as you grab your paint stained rag and wipe the paint off. He clears his throat, his cheeks blush a subtle shade of red. “Uh, right. I’ll be in the dining room,” he repeats, turning quickly to stride away.

His hurried footsteps fade as they move into the next room. A small smile tugs at your lips and a rush of excitement blooms within you. 

You dip your brush back into the paint again, steadying your breath, and begin painting a new stem.

"S'pretty nasty out there, d’ya want that work light again? Sky’s turnin’ real dark,” Joel asks, interrupting your focus. 

“Yes, thank you,” you answer as your focus is still on the delicate petal you’re painting.

You hear Joel shuffle behind you to pull the light out, the same small grunt as earlier this week leaves his mouth when he bends over to plug it in. The light buzzes on, flooding the room and your painting with a bright white hue.

“You been kneeling on the floor like that for long?” he asks, concern lacing his voice. 

“Yep, it’s not so bad while down here,” you reply, still focused on your brushstrokes.

“Ya’ still have the hurt knees and you’re kneeling on the damn hardwood floor,” he mumbles under his breath as he leaves the room. 

You’ve gotten used to people not being concerned about such simple things like your personal comfort, Joel’s worry for you makes you feel a foreign feeling. 

He returns and holds a pillow out for you. “Here, grabbed ya’ this.”

“Oh, I’m okay, really,” you protest, “I don’t want to accidentally get paint on it.” 

“Don’t care, take it,” he insists.

You hesitate for a second before taking the pillow and slipping it underneath your already aching knees.

“Feels much better, thank you,” you say as you wiggle back and forth on the softness. 

“Welcome.” 

A long sigh escapes his lips, grabbing your attention. You glance up and meet his eyes– his hazel flecks glow in the light supplied by the work lamp. He sticks his tongue out to wet his supple lips, your eyes move to watch. He reaches a hand out, his thumb rests against your cheek, his fingers cradle your chin. 

Your breath hitches, lips parting as you inhale deeply, a chill takes over your whole body. The music from the stereo muffles. All that exists now in this moment is Joel’s touch. 

“Thank you again, for doin’ this for me,” he says, his voice low and tender. “Been thinkin’ ‘bout how nice it’s gonna be to look over and see this once it’s finished… reminding me of home.”

“O-of course Texas,” you stammer, your eyes still lingering on his mouth. 

“Mm,” he grunts, his head dipping with a slight nod. 

“L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L–” The music stutters.

“Shit, I forgot this song always does that,” you say as Joel’s hand retreats from your cheek. 

“I got it,” he says, quickly striding out of the room. 

“You just have to skip to the next track and it should work!” you call after him as your skin still tingles from where his hand had been moments ago silently cursing your scratched CD.  

The track changes, the interruption long gone, just like Joel’s touch. You return to painting, calming your body and emotions in the aftermath. You exhale slowly, trying to calm the flutter of nerves in your chest, grounding yourself back into the rhythm of painting. You don’t hear from him until well after the CD finishes and the house falls silent.

“Dinner’s ready,” he says, rapping his knuckles gently on the doorway, snapping you out of your trance. “You got a lot done—s’lookin’ real good.”

You glance over your shoulder at him, surprised by how much time has passed. The shared moment between you now feels long gone and distant.

“Thanks,” you say standing up and stretching, placing your paintbrush in the jar of water.

“Just come to the kitchen when you’re all done in here.” 

“Hope you like turkey and barley soup,” Joel says as you enter the kitchen. 

“Any soup makes me happy,” you reply with a smile.

“Good,” he places a bowl in front of you. “This one I actually made, Maria didn’t hafta take pity on me for this meal.”

It looks delicious and smells incredible. Joel’s taken the time to set the table tonight, a tattered cloth napkin folded neatly beneath a soup spoon, a glass of water to the side, you notice the coffee stains have been wiped up. 

You take a bite, the warm soup slides down your throat, perfect for a chilly rainy evening, it’s good. “Joel, this is… really, really delicious.”

His eyes soften. “I’m glad you like it, haven’t cooked for anybody ‘cept Ellie in years.” 

“You did boil me spaghetti earlier this week, remember?” you tease.

“Hmph,” he chuckles, “right.” 

The two of you eat in comfortable silence, your spoons against the bowls are the only sound. You should be nervous in this situation but the way Joel handles himself in front of you, as if he’s perfectly comfortable with you in his home makes your nerves settle.

You place your spoon down and sit back in your chair. “What was your favorite food before …everything?”

He thinks for a moment. “Don’t really know, maybe tamales? My mom used to make them every year for the holidays. I could eat six of them in one sitting.” 

“I loved tamales, too. God, I miss Mexican restaurants. You know, I just remembered margaritas. I used to always see people drink them when we’d get Mexican and I always thought that looked so cool. I never got to try one.” 

He watches you with that familiar expression, as if he could listen to you talk for hours, nodding along with a small smile. “What was your favorite food?” he asks.

“Fettuccine Alfredo, one hundred percent. My mom used to make it for me every year for my birthday. If we went to an Italian restaurant, it’s what I’d always order, definitely Fettuccine Alfredo.”

“Never had it, always just stuck to pouring a jar of Ragu over spaghetti or a frozen lasagna,” he says, a small grin on his face. 

“I miss those too. Anc cheese. I miss being able to have cheese whenever I wanted so much. The stuff we have now just isn’t the same.”

“Mm,” Joel nods, “kinda like the ice cream we have. Not the same, but good enough.”

“Isn’t that the motto of these times?” you say with a smirk. “‘Not the same but good enough.’”

“S’a good one,” Joel pauses, “you’re funny.”

“Thanks,” you murmur, pushing a strand of hair behind your ear feeling Joel’s eyes follow your movements as he gets up. 

You rise as well, grabbing your bowl to follow Joel over to the sink. He reaches for it, his fingers brushing against yours as he takes it from your hand. “I’ve got it,” he says, placing the dishes into the sink. “You seem to be almost finished in there.”

“Yeah, I think I only have a couple more hours of work left,” you say stretching your back. 

“Don’t want to keep you any longer tonight, know you got work tomorrow and know it’s a lot bein’ down on the floor like that for as long you were.” 

“Yeah, they’re aching,” you admit with a shy smile. “When do you want me to come and finish it?”

“Tomorrow at the same time, if you want.” 

“That works, might be a little late though–Fridays are always busy with the end of the school week.” 

“Course, take your time. I’ll be here.”

“Is it okay if I leave my things in the room? If not, that’s okay too I can take them ho–” 

“S’fine,” he interrupts gently, he places his hand against your back. “Don’t mind at all. I’ll walk you home, s’getting late and it’s still rainin’ pretty bad.” 

You protest. “No, I’ll be okay, I’ve walked through much worse.” 

“Don’t care.” he cuts you off as he grabs your flannel from the hook. “I’m walking you home, it’s pourin’.”

He holds your flannel open for you and offers a small nod. You step forward and slip your arms through the sleeves, the closeness sends goosebumps across your skin.

“Course,” Joel breathes out as you step away and grab your backpack.

“You really don’t have to—“

“Now, stop telling me I don’t have to,” he says, mild frustration tinging his voice as he shrugs on his jacket. “I want to.”

He opens the door and motions you to go ahead of him before grabbing your umbrella. 

“Don’t you have one as well?” you ask.

“Never got one. S’a nasty storm today, I think it’s going to be just as bad tomorrow.” 

You step out, the rain falls in a steady stream. “It’s good for the crops and the water reserves at least,” you shrug as Joel holds the umbrella above you. 

As you walk down the road, you notice the rain pelting Joel, his head and shoulders already damp as he holds the umbrella over you.

“There’s enough room for both of us under here, there’s no sense in you getting soaked,” you say, stepping closer to him.

He murmurs something under his breath–it sounds like “Y’sweet,” but the rain drowns out the sound. You almost think you imagined it. He adjusts the umbrella, moving it so that both of you are shielded from the rain.

The two of you walk towards your home, your bodies occasionally tapping against each other as Joel huddles over you. You wish you could slow down, elongate your time next to him, stay under the shelter of the umbrella and his body.

“That’s me, right there,” you say nodding towards your front door. 

“Y’got a cat?” Joel asks when he sees your cat Penny sitting on your windowsill backlit by your lamp.

“Yeah, two of them. You like cats?”

“Even if I did, couldn’t have ‘em. Allergic.”

“That’s a shame,” you reply with a shrug.

“Hm,” he grunts with a subtle smile.

Escaping the rain underneath the safety of the awning of your front porch, Joel closes your umbrella and hands it back to you as you tap your wet boots against your frayed welcome mat.

“Well, thanks for walking me home, I’ll see you tomorrow?” You say as you rest your back against your front door.

“Yeah,” Joel says, his eyes holding your attention for a moment longer than expected. “See you tomorrow.”

He turns and leaves your little yard, turning back around at your fencepost to give you a nod before continuing down the road in the dark rain. Joel Miller just walked you home.

No One Here Is Alone- Joel's Version

[dnangelic]

' hurt me ? ' as if he could make an enemy out of his own heart ? as if he could have possibly ever betrayed it ? true , its mousy timidity and occasional aversions to admittance could sometimes bring him an immense sort of guilt and grief : not everyone could reconcile himself with his far more belligerent phantom , at least with no less difficulty than the boy might have had by himself . but he knew little else if only but how to clutch at it within his chest , even as it perpetually beat and pounded for all things . ' i'll try ... not to . ' losing sight of it , even as he felt he wasn't entirely sure of its very shape ...

' i see , ' a hand still at his chest , the boy's gaze soon sets steady and thoughtful in front of him . ' ... yeah , that makes sense . but --- it's kind of amazing to still think that the world's so big and has so much to it , that even a pharaoh always has new things to see . ' his lips lift into a smile --- he can't help it . it was exactly this sort of thing that made life and the earth so miraculous and wonderful , wasn't it ? and yet , the brief spell of reverie is broken the instant ozymandias poses his last questions .

' uh ! w-wait , me ?! ' question his ambitions , and there was nothing but an empty space . a thick , dark block for an answer . ' i ... um , well ... i don't really know . i'm not all that interesting ... ' his laughter is sheepish and bashful . perhaps even a little hollow with melancholy . ' i --- i don't really even know what i can do anymore . being normal and having friends , i think if anything was really barred to me , then it might have been something like that . ' cursed , monstrous , and criminal --- what hope was there for him if he wasn't cured ?

' that is ... something like that is what i had always thought at first . but chaldea , and all of the servants here --- you , even the master , and my 'condition ... ' it's not that strange to anyone . ' it brought him peace ; made him infinitely happy . ' it was scary at first , but now i feel really safe here . even as the world's in danger , everyone's still doing things like playing , cooking , or preparing for holidays , and talking and laughing with each other . ' to that extent , could he truly have asked for anything more ?

' there is just ... one thing . me , i --- like art . anything's fine as long as i'm around it . i know that dark and i are always sealing or stealing things , but --- chaldea has so many stories brought to life , too . somehow , if i can , whether it's just by hearing them out or going out on a mission , i want to be able to protect them . the sorts of stories that someone put their whole life , or all of their feelings into ... i want to hear them out . ' young and amateurish as he was . ' o-ozymandias , i heard you were an incredible architect . if --- it's okay , could you tell me a little about it ? the sorts of things you were thinking ... or feeling . ' because imagining the other's back and shoulders , bent as they brought their owner over grand designs drawn onto papyrus , was a beautiful vision ; an inspiration worth a work of art in itself , the portrait of an artist .

     OZYMANDIAS WAS QUIET, EXPRESSION unreadable for but a moment…before he tilted his head back and laughed wholeheartedly. He could not dispute those words. After all, how could he? Stating otherwise would deny the feelings of countless others, and he was not so cold as to dismiss such. Lifting his hand, he wiped away the tear that had collected at the edge of his eye, large grin still in place even as he spoke once more. ❝You have a good heart, Daisuke. It may hurt you countless times in the end, but do not lose sight of it.❞ Ozymandias could not longer be like Daisuke, the softness of his heart long since gone and never to return, but this child had a kind of inner strength that he could respect and even, to an extent, admire. If this boy could be a king, he wondered…what choices would they make? Would they too become wholly different from who they had been in time? Then again, he would rather not imagine the other having to maneuver the complications of ruling.

      ❝Hm? You wish to know what I desire to do…?❞ Huh…a most unexpected question that was. It was something he expected their shared summoner to bring forth. To ask Servants something like this must seem nonsensical to mages. ❝Traveling. Seeing the world. Those were things that I had desired once. Things bared to me due to my station also held my interest. I have done everything within my power to do so in life, yet human life is so finite that it is impossible to truly experience all there is to experience. You will find many Servants that agree with you within this building if you ever asked them the very same question. What of you? What would you like to do? Surely there is much that has too been bared for you due to the nature of your family’s history.❞ He watched, waited – the slight tilt of his head the only sign of his growing interest in this conversation.

[anger-birb]

Food rant

Okay so I originally wrote this in a reblog of a post in which there was a screenshot of a guy on Instagram saying that your body would just burn all the calories you fed it if you ramped up your calorie intake over time. Someone in the notes expressed some confusion regarding what macronutrients were and I decided to start a little educational rant.

Unfortunately, 8 paragraphs in, my computer decided I’d had it too good today and deleted the whole ass thing. Because I like running my mouth, and care about nutrition and fighting bullshit science, I’ve decided to rewrite it from memory in a google doc. Fuck you computer.

Macronutrients is an umbrella term referring to the types of nutrients that form the bulk of our consumption. They are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (lipids). 

Micronutrients include all types of nutrients our bodies need to function. They are simple carbs (sugars), complex carbs (what we think of as just carbs), proteins, lipids (fats), vitamins, and minerals.

*Pulls out a metal block painted as a soapbox, seemingly out of nowhere, and stands on it.*

There’s a lot of talk of certain nutrients being “unhealthy”. This is almost always directed at carbs and fats. This is not true. In fact, both are incredibly important and crucial for our survival. What is true is that an unbalanced intake of any type of critical nutrient can cause health problems. It just so happens that foods high in carbs and fats tend to taste especially good due to our biological programming. Foods high in carbs and fats have high calorie densities, and having access to these foods thousands of years ago was the difference between life and death. That means that we’re more inclined to eat them when we have access to them. Now that access to food is higher than ever, so is consumption.

There is no “healthy” or “unhealthy”. There is balance or lack of balance.

Another word that corporations and scam artists like to use is “processed”. The way they sell it, you’d think processing was something bad, to be feared. This is not the case. Let’s be perfectly clear what processed means: any food that has undergone mechanical or chemical change. Cooking meat is processing. Crushing apples into applesauce is processing. Fermenting grapes into wine is processing. Baking dough into bread is processing. Cutting a fucking apple in half is processing. In fact just about any food that isn’t picked straight from a plant or pulled straight from an animal’s corpse is processed.

Under all the bullshit, there is something to be concerned about. SOME forms of processing may destroy or remove certain nutrients, especially vitamins. Over time, a diet which consists of just these foods will result in critical deficiencies. This can be remedied by being aware of what nutrients you need and which ones are provided in your diet. If there are ones left out, modify your diet or take supplements specifically tailored to your needs.

But again, the story is the same. There is no “healthy” or “unhealthy”. There is balance or lack of balance. For the vast majority of people: you are not going to find some fancy diet that will magically cure your eating habits and make you look like a supermodel. If you want to be fit, you need to fucking work for it. Get a balance of cardio and muscle exercise. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies supplemented with a modest amount of complex carbs, proteins, and meats, with as few simple carbs (sugars) as possible. 

Also, to address the idea that was presented in the screenshot of the post I originally wrote this on: No, your body does not fucking use all the calories you feed it. It uses exactly as many as it needs to run it’s systems and perform its tasks. The rest is stored in the form of fat.

Disclaimer. I’m not a fucking biologist or nutritionist. This information is simplified and may be slightly wrong or misleading in some places. I don’t think it is, but I make mistakes. Please don’t take what I, or anyone else, says for gospel. Do your own damn research I beg of you. I don’t mean pop science articles or instagram posts, I mean actual academic articles. If not those, at least pick your sources very very carefully. There’s a lotta nice sounding bullshit out there.

[platonicone]

Devotion - Story of the Oracle and her Shield

Chapter 17 - Apart but connected

What unites two people? Is it, their bodies, thoughts, or heart? I wonder…

The sun was setting and so was their mood. Leon took the wheel as they drove to their last campsite. Neither talked much as they were preoccupied with their own thoughts. Leon couldn’t stop thinking about Luna and her relationship with Noctis. Luna was trying to figure out the foretold tragedy alluded by Gentiana.

They arrived at the Ausace Haven. After unloading and unpacking everything, they both got busy doing their assumed duty. Leon set up a tent and fire, while Luna busied herself with cooking.

Leon was sitting there quietly staring at the fire he had started. Seeing Leon lost in his thoughts, Luna grabbed a dish and tapped the spoon on it repeatedly making a ringing noise. “Dinner is ready,” she announced cheerfully.

He got up and helped himself to a plate full of deliciousness she had made. It certainly looked good and smelled even better. “You start eating, I’ll join in a minute,” she instructed.

Leon sat by the fire with his plate in his hand and started eating. He took one bite and the flavor in his mouth changed. The curry was extremely salty. It took a lot of courage to take another bit while keeping a straight face.

Luna was busy warming something up so her attention was not on Leon for the time being. After five minutes or so, she joined Leon with a plate in her hand.

She noticed that Leon had finished his curry, “The curry is already gone? You must have liked it. Here have some more.” In spite of Leon’s resistance, she dumped a scoop full of curry in his plate.

Leon continued eating, trying to be as normal as possible. Luna took one bite, and she immediately spits it out. “Ewww it’s awful,” she said, making a face. She looked at Leon and he was still eating it. “How can you eat this? It is so salty!”

“It’s not that bad. It is still better than anything I could have cooked,” he tried to downplay the severity.

“No, it is horrible,” she said, yanking his dish from his hand.

“Luna, if you can eat soup you don’t like for weeks, I can surely eat salty food for a day,” he replied with a smile. “Besides, you put so much effort into it, the last thing I want to do is to criticize it and be ungrateful.”

“Leon, you are too sweet,” she said, with a radiating smile. “But this is too salty and not eatable at all. Let’s cook something that can be made quickly. Come on, help me cut these vegetables.”

Together they worked on making the diner. Cooking together turned out to be a rather enjoyable activity.

She fixed a quick meal and this time she made sure it was proper in taste. They enjoyed their dinner in the starry night.

“Should we take on Ramuh tomorrow? Or do you want to wait?” he asked between his bites.

“Let’s do it tomorrow. I am ready,” she affirmed, giving him a quick thumbs up.

“Which means this would probably our last camp like this,” he declared with a hint of disappointment.

“Never thought I would say this, but I am going to miss this,” she remarked, looking around.

“We can always camp for fun,” he suggested.

“But it won't be the same,” she resisted to his idea.

“More reason to do it. The same is boring,” he commented, grabbing another bite.

“I guess you are right,” she said, after drinking water.

After a couple of minutes, Leon chimed again, “We need to return the car in the morning and then we ride Chocobos to Ramuh’s location.”

“And once we defeat it, we are off to Altissia to awaken Leviathan,” she laid out the plan.

“Do you think this battle would be as tough as Titan?” he asked.

“Not sure. Each Astral has its own personality. Historically, Ramuh has favored mankind. Leviathan, on the other hand, hates mankind with passion,” she gave a quick history lesson.

“Interesting,” he said, finishing his meal.

“Let’s clean up and rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow,” she suggested, getting off the ground dusting off dirt from her clothes.

“Yup, let me help,” he joined her in cleaning up.

Leon looked at his watch and it was 11:45 p.m. Cooking twice took a lot more than expected. Suddenly, he remembered that the meteor shower would be starting in about 75 minutes. He noticed Luna was busy packing all extra groceries, so he found something to keep him busy as well. He grabbed their two sleeping bags and pillows from the tent and laid it out in the open. He laid Luna’s sleeping bag close to the fire, so she doesn't feel cold. His sleeping bag was next to hers only one foot apart. He lay there comfortably and started stargazing.

“What is this?” inquired Luna, coming close to his make-ready bed.

Not wanting to reveal his plan, he said, “I thought we should do something different since this is our last night in a camp like this.”

“Your plan is to sleep out in the open, even though we have a tent set up?” she still wasn’t convinced of his plan.

“Yes, it will be fun,” he proposed, but Luna did not buy it.

“Your definition of fun keeps getting weirder,” she commented with a facepalm. The realization that she had started to facepalm a lot more since meeting Leon was not lost on her.

He said two magical words that always melt her. “Trust me.”

“Fine,” she gave in with a sigh. She sat next to Leon on his spread-out sleeping bag for the time being.

Seeing her disappointment with this plan, Leon offered, “If you don’t like it here, then we can always go back in the tent.”

“Really?” she was taken by surprise by his offer.

“Yes.”

“Okay then, I don’t like it, can we go inside now?” she pleaded, joining her hands.

Leon’s plan of watching the meteor shower together was quickly falling apart. “Would you be more interested in staying out here tonight if I gave you a gift?”

Her eyes widened upon hearing that, “You got a gift for me?” She couldn’t believe her ears so she had to check.

“What if I did?” he asked playfully.

“Then give it to me already. I love gifts.” Her heart was already racing from the prospect of getting a gift from Leon. She was extremely curious to find out what it was.

“Not so fast. What do I get in return?” he teased further.

“I don’t know. What would you like?” she asked, now getting even more curious.

“Sleep out here tonight?” he proposed.

“Why is sleeping here such a big deal to you?” she eyed him suspiciously.

He just shrugged in response. “No reason. So, do we have a deal?”

“Deal,” she agreed, extending her hand. Leon shook her hand in response to lock in the deal.

“Now, gift please,” she demanded.

“Close your eyes and put your hand out like this,” Leon instructed.

“Why?” she asked.

“Just do it,” he directed in a commanding tone, and she obliged. He kept something on her hand. She tried to feel what it was and from its texture, she quickly figured it out. She opened her eyes and there was a book in her hand. She brought the book closer to the fire and was stunned to see its cover.

“How did you find it!” she said with utter disbelief.

“Wishing Upon A Star by Lord Avon,” he announced proudly with a smile.

“How did you even get this? It must have cost a fortune to get this,” she relayed her concerns.

“Do you like it?” he asked, trying to evade her question.

“No. I love it,” she said with never seen before enthusiasm and flung herself to him. She gave him three quick pecks on his cheek while still having Leon in her embrace.

‘I guess she wasn’t kidding when she said I would enamor them with love,’ said his mind with joy.

She quickly realized the compromising position they were in and immediately released Leon from her embrace. She sat back straight totally embarrassed. The last thing she wanted was to make eye contact with Leon now.

“I am glad that you liked my gift so much.”

She picked up the book and flipped through a few pages as if making sure it was really ‘Wishing Upon A Star.’ “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much, Leon. Words cannot describe what this means to me.”

“You are most welcome,” he replied courteously.

“How much did you have to pay for this?” she asked, finally looking at him.

“Let’s just say that whatever I paid for it was worth it,” he said, smiling at her.

“How will I ever repay for all that you have done for me?”

“Don’t worry. I am not keeping tabs.”

“Do you mind if I read this book for a bit?” she asked politely.

“Sure, go ahead,” he encouraged.

She positioned herself in a way that light from the fire would fall on the book. She read the book with eagerness as if her life depended on it. Leon couldn’t help but notice when tears swelled up in her eyes. She would wipe it and continue reading. She was completely immersed in the book.

Leon realized that it was kind of creepy to just watch her read for so long. Since he had nothing to do, he looked around for anything which would cure his boredom. He thought about pulling out his cellphone, but choose against it as he felt that lately he was indulging in his phone lot more than necessary.

After scanning his surroundings multiple times, he found nothing of interest until his eyes settled on Luna’s trident. He wondered if he could wield it in battle. He found Luna’s ability to create a shield particularly useful in battles and was curious to find out if he could do the same by wielding the Trident of the Oracle. The only way to find out was to try it.

“Luna, can I use your trident?” he asked.

“Ya, sure,” she replied, without even looking up. He was certain that she did not even hear his question and just replied autonomously.

He got up and grabbed the trident. It was much lighter than he expected. He inspected the trident closely from top to bottom. The three prongs atop the stem were extremely sharp. The stem itself was strong enough to block off any attack. The stem was so well made that it could be gripped from the top, middle or bottom depending on need. It had a wing ornament at the bottom, ending into a very sharp edge, lethal enough to pierce through even the thickest of armors. It had an extremely fine artistic design embossed in it all over the trident. Looking at the strength and beauty of this weapon, he could conclude that no human could have possibly made it. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was actually THE trident of the Oracle from the legend Stiria had told him earlier in the day.

Next, he closed his eyes and let his hand get the feel of the weapon. Once satisfied, he swung the trident with one hand and then again with both hands. After trying multiple grips, he finally settled for a dual hand grip used in a polearm. Each swing accompanied a swooshing sound as if cutting the wind itself. One of the cool features of the trident was that each strike left behind a hologram that stayed for a few seconds damaging enemies who come into its contact. The holograms stack and thus does high damage to stationary targets. Luna primarily used her trident to cast spells and rarely for close combat.

Leon noticed that Trident amplified his magic greatly as well. What he wanted to learn the most was to create a shield. Nothing he tried seemed to create a shield that Luna seemed to do so effortlessly. After trying multiple things, he finally gave up and decided to ask Luna on how to create a shield.

Luna was still eagerly reading the book, so he was hesitant to disturb her. He sat next to Luna, still holding the trident. Luna noticed his presence and looked at him. “What is it?” she asked, figuring he needed something from her.

“How do you create that protective shield?” he asked.

It took her a few seconds to realize what he was referring to as she had no context for that question. “Oh, that’s an ability of the Oracle which lets me do that,” she replied.

Upon hearing this, his neutral facial expression transformed into one of disappointment. “What happened?” she asked, with concern.

“I thought if I wield the trident, I would be able to create the shield as well,” he said, with dejection evident in his voice.

She closes the book and carefully places it next to her, before addressing Leon. “I cannot create the shield without the trident so I can see why you would think that the trident was the source of it. However, it takes both the trident and the Oracle’s power to cast that protective barrier,” she explained patiently.

“So, I have the trident but no power to use it,” he stated, looking at the trident and twirling it around. “Can’t you share some of your power to me?” he asked jokingly.

“Now that’s an interesting thought,” she said, as it sparked her interest. Now she was fully engaged in the conversation. “King Regis could use the crystal's power, but he was also able to share it with his Kingsglaives which enabled them to use magic as well. If Lucii kings can share their power, then in theory, Oracle should be able to do the same. Hmm, I never thought about this before.” She was absentmindedly playing with a strand of her hair.

“If possible, then sharing Oracle’s power would mean healing more people, blessing move havens and allowing others to create a shield in battle. It would be very beneficial to you and others. I am surprised that you did not think of this before.”

“I never had anyone to share it with, until now,” she said with a sad smile. “I guess that is why I never thought about it before.”

“Wait, there might be a problem,” Leon said, realizing something. “I thought only females can be the Oracle.”

“Not necessarily. Are you aware of the legend of the Oracle king?” she asked, and he shook his head in response. “A long time ago the king of Lucis and an Oracle of that time set out to fell ferocious beasts that threatened their subjects. Once they reached the Vesperpool, they discovered a flying monster who attacked them with lightning. That attack killed the Oracle and sent the king fleeing. The king sealed the monster underground and took up the Oracle's position and the trident until another from House Fleuret would be ready for the task.”

“So, if the king sealed the monster then he must have used Oracle’s power to do that,” Leon interjected.

“Yes, that would be a safe logical assumption,” she admitted.

“Sorry, I interrupted your story, please continue,” he requested.

“The king left behind monoliths of this tale in the Steyliff Grove Menace dungeon. The king and the Oracle of his time were in love, and how she protected both him and the world before being killed by a monster. He blamed himself for her death and in lamenting his love for her he called himself the "coward king" who issued orders from the rear rather than valorously leading the attack as his forebears had done. This king known as the Oracle King had his statue in Insomnia as part of the Old Wall.”

“The king and the Oracle were in love?” he asked, wanting to make sure he heard it right.

“Yes. Why?”

“It is risky. If the two bloodlines merge, then all it would take is one catastrophe to wipe out both the Oracle and the King’s lineage altogether. That would ensure that the providence would never be fulfilled and the world would fall into endless darkness.”

“Very perceptive, it is for this very reason that the union between the two has been discouraged. For many generations, no king of Lucii has wedded to anyone in House Fleuret. But it is human nature to desire what is the most forbidden.”

“How come you are willing to do the forbidden by marrying Noctis?” he asked, secretly hoping for a change of heart.

“King Noctis is the prophesied true King who will eradicate darkness permanently. Once the prophecy is fulfilled, there is really no need for Lucii or Fleuret bloodlines.”

“If everything is prophesied then what’s the point of even trying?” he asked skeptically.

“Prophecy or destiny is not something which is set in stone. For me, prophecy simply tells us about our potential, but to work hard to reach that potential is up to the individual. King Noctis is supposed to be the chosen king from the prophesy and it is my job to inspire him to achieve that greatness. That is the reason for undertaking this journey.”

“I see,” he muttered, at a loss of words. He noticed that both Luna and his mood had changed because of this conversation and he cursed himself for even bringing this topic up when everything was going so well. “I think we deviated from our initial topic of sharing Oracle’s powers,” he offered, after a few awkward seconds.

“Oh, right, we digressed,” she said, appreciating the change of topic. “In theory, the Oracle’s powers could be shared and even wielded by males in a limited capacity.”

“So, how do you actually share that power?” he asked the obvious next question.

“To be honest, I don’t know. I have never read or heard about it before, so your guess is as good as mine on this one.”

“If I had to guess, I would think it would be similar to healing,” he suggested.

“Good idea, let’s think this further. Let’s say I bless someone who does not have any starscourge infection, what does my lifeforce do in their body?” she wondered aloud.

“Maybe, that excess energy can manifest itself as magic? Your magic is connected with this trident. With Oracle’s power and this trident, in theory, it should enable them to use some of the Oracle’s power, right?” he asked.

“Perhaps. But I feel there has to be more than just that,” she suggested.

“Like what?” he asked curiously.

“I don’t know. Some sort of connection maybe?” she suggested.

“That makes sense. Maybe it is like my Guardian force. I can use the power of the Guardian forces because I am connected to them mentally. A mental or a spiritual connection might be necessary as well,” he agreed.

“Oracle and Lucii powers are given to only those whom Astrals deems worthy. So maybe I can share a fragment of my power with someone who I think is worthy of it. After all, King Regis hand-picked soldiers who he thought were worthy to be his glaives,” she recollected. “I think you are correct, there must be some sort of connection between the Oracle and her subject.”

“Do you think we have such connection?” he asked, looking at her.

She boldly looked into his eye and said, “Yes, I think I am connected to you.”

“I think I am connected to you too,” he replied, without breaking his gaze.

As the fire next to them flickered with the wind, the fire inside was raging anew. Even though they tried their best to mask their feelings, it often found a way to make itself known. This was the closest they had gotten to confessing their love to each other. Their words might have been different, but their meaning was understood by both.

Eventually, Luna broke the gaze as blush rushed to her cheeks. Leon too had a similar reaction, so he decided to change the subject. “Only one way to find out. Let’s try it.”

He got up first and offered a hand to Luna. She grabbed onto his hand and he pulled her to her feet. He handed the trident to its rightful owner.

She placed it next to her and asked, “Ready for this experiment?”

“Absolutely,” he said instantly. There was a certain sense of excitement in Leon that she had never seen before. Little did he know of the toll it would take on Luna from this. Looking at the joy on Leon’s face in anticipation, Luna would gladly suffer for him.

She places her hands on either side of his head and tries to touch her forehead to his. She had to get on her toes to reach his forehead as he was slightly taller than her. Realizing their height difference, he lowered himself, which Luna was thankful for.

A golden-yellow light started emanating from where their foreheads meet. She closed her eyes and said, “Blessed Stars of life and light, deliver us from darkness’ blight.”

Golden shimmering energy particles engulfed both of them. The energy seemed to be radiating from Luna and was being absorbed by Leon. Their forehead stayed connected for almost a minute before Luna finally broke off as she ran out of energy to sustain it any further.

She grabbed Leon’s arm for support and slowly slid down to the ground to sit.

“Are you okay?” Leon asked with concern.

“Yes, I am fine. I sometimes get dizzy when I do this,” she tried to play it off.

“Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” he asked, kneeling down to her.

“Just give me a few minutes and I should be back to normal,” she tries to assure him.

“Had I known it would affect you like this, then I would have never suggested this,” he said with regret.

“Leon, I do this all the time. I am fine. Trust me,” she reassured him. “Now go on and see if you can wield some of the Oracle’s power,” she encouraged him by offering him the trident.

Satisfied with her answer, Leon nodded and grabbed the trident from her. He stepped away from her for safety. With the trident in one hand, he closed his eyes and focused his energy. He felt a drastic increase in his magic and physical strength. Unknown energy coursed through his veins the likes of which he had never experienced before.

He swung trident cutting through the air with unmatched ferocity. He shot a bolt of fire in the distance to check the potency of his spell. He shot bolts of lightning and blizzard spells in either direction as he continues to slashing at this imaginary enemy. His body was moving in an autonomous motion. With a weapon in hand, his body was dancing to an unknown rhythm.

Whenever he is fighting or even practicing, he is in a world of his own. Ironically, the battlefield gave him clarity. His mind shuts out all the thoughts as it focuses only on the task at hand. While practicing, he created a shield even without realizing it. It wasn’t until he had finished his routine that he realized that he was able to create the shield now and their experiment had worked.

“I did it!” he exclaimed, after creating another shield around him. He rushed to Luna and embraced her. “We did it!” The excitement was evident in his voice. “Our experiment worked! Now I can use your powers too. You no longer have to carry this burden alone,” he offered, still holding her in his embrace.

“Yes, I can’t believe it worked,” laying her head on his shoulder unconsciously. “With the divine shield now, you won’t get hurt so much.”

It was a vulnerable yet sweet moment for both of them. Leon suddenly realized that he still had Luna in his embrace so he gently pushed her away. She too, reluctantly, got away from him. He gently grabbed both of her hands and looked straight into her eyes, “Luna, do you realize what this means?”

She was too stunned to talk, so she just shook her head.

“We are one now. Your essence runs through my veins,” there was an innocent joy on his face when he said that.

“For better or worse, we are one,” she said as a million emotions within her heart were conveyed by a simple smile.

“We are one.”

A distant observer couldn’t contain his smile after what he had witnessed. “I must admit that she tried valiantly to change the course of fate. But fate has a way of alluring people towards it. You took away his magic; he found another. Now that he has tasted the forbidden fruit of magic when the times comes, he won’t be able to resist it. This magic would be his downfall. Little does he know that magic always comes with a price. This time, the price would be his life.”

He twirled his hat before putting it on. “And thus, begins his end.”

Author's notes:

Please leave a comment if you are reading this. It would mean a lot. Thanks :)

[bookenders]

10 Questions Tag

I was tagged in this a while ago by @theevolutionofledarose! Big woopsies on leaving this in my drafts for so long.

Bilbo Taggins: @quilloftheclouds @randomwrittings @vhum @aslanwrites @carmenwrites @elizabethsyson @rainy-rose @timefirewrites and anyone else who wants to!

1. What book/s made you want to write?

I never really needed a kick start when I was younger, but movies were my fuel for years. In terms of books and stories that gave me the creativity bug: The Song of Achilles, The Things They Carried, “The Outer Reaches of  Love,” By Light We Knew Our Names (specifically “To a Place Where We Take Flight” and “Dear Amelia”), A Tale of Two Cities (spite-fueled, I hated that book), anything by Laurie Halse Anderson, Tash Hearts Tolstoy, and Othello (which I’ve had to read like 6 times for school - the Donmar audio recording is excellent btw), to name a few.

2. What is your favourite genre to write in?

Literary fiction is pretty great. Mostly because I spent 4 years learning how to write it. I’m also starting to like light fantasy. 

3. What is your favourite genre to read?

Magical realism! I love the tradition to bits. It’s hard for my brain to write but reading it is my favorite thing. 

4. How do you think your reading habits have influenced your writing style?

I’ve read a lot of weird stuff. I think it’s given me more freedom to do unorthodox things in my writing. When you see other people writing stories that do strange things like start a new one every other chapter or write with a totally nonlinear structure, it lets you know that you can try that, too. I’ve also picked up strategies for character development, story structure, and escalation because of the kinds of things I read.

5. What is your go-to cure when you get writer’s block or can’t focus?

Consume other artistic mediums! I love listening to slam poetry, watching TV and artsy movies, reading stories in similar genres to what I’m stuck on, cooking, doodling (very very very rarely), listening to podcasts, watching a bazillion actor interviews at 1am, making silly graphics, and a bunch of other things I can’t think of right now.

6. Why did you decide to start writing?

I’ve talked about this before, but I never really wasn’t writing. It’s something I’ve always done. It started with “I can write these movie endings better than the people that did it” and evolved into “holy shit look what my brain can do.”

7. Pick a character you’ve written/are writing. What personality trait of theirs defines them most?

Hm. I need to work on Overseer, so let’s go with him. His real name is Ryan, which we learn pretty early on, so it isn’t a spoiler or anything. His defining trait is his yearning. He wants to be a part of things, he wants to be better, he wants to be what he’s not.

8. What is their primary language? Do they speak it natively? Do they speak any other languages?

He’s a native English speaker. I think he speaks a little conversational German because he got bored one time. Eventually, Babylon teaches him a bunch of rude things and pick up lines in various languages.

9. What does the character value the most in their life?

Oof. Hmm. I think that, because of his experiences, he values safety above all things. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. He needs to know that he won’t end up like he was.

10. If they met you, what would they have to say to you?

Assuming he knew I was the one who brought him into existence like Zeus and Athena, he’d probably want to know why his costume is so lame. Sorry, dude, I’m not artsy like that. 

[phildrawsfanart]

Annual drawing self-evaluation ~ 2017 edition

Thank you (@itsragnorfell) Edin for tagging me <33

*All answers should be about works published in 2017.

1. List of artworks published this last year:

It’s going to take me forever if I put up a link to each artwork I did in 2017 because basically 3 quarters of my artworks were made in that year ! OO So maybe around 250/300 of them or more (which while I’m typing this down sounds completely crazy...Oo wow...) Then again, I’ve been doing an artwork per day every week or so (not counting the weekends, so 5 a week) when 2017 started...Still sounds insane ! Oo lol

I can also add that 3 beautiful quarters (and a tad more) of my artworks are Malec ones ! I love my OTP...! <3 

2. Work you are most proud of (and why):

I’m extremely proud of my baby right here :

I can’t quiet go into details to why I am so very proud of this one for certain reasons (You’ll all know soon ^^) but I can say this : I’ve put my heart and soul into making this poster. Certain sleepless nights went into the making of it too...! And I really like the vibe it gives off...! I think it’s the artwork that feels and fits the most into the actual Shadowhunters universe ? I just really like this one...It’s extremely rare that I look upon one of my artworks and feel immensely proud of it and not go and be highly critical of it... (I tend to do that a lot when it comes to my art...^^', bad habit of mine. I’m a perfectionist to the bone and I judge myself harshly most of the time...^^') I guess this could be a new 2018 resolution : be less harsh on myself and my art...! 

3. Work you are least proud of (and why):

This is easy to answer ! ALL my artworks when I first started in the fandom ! If I could erase maybe like the 3 first monts of artworks I did then I’d be glad...^^' The proportions were awful and I wasn’t this detailed and precise in drawing as I am now...Also, the facial expressions were less raw and looked less “real”...It was all very new to me (even doing graphic artworks) but still, all those very first ones are cringeworthy in my eyes...I’m being harsh on myself here but really, if you go and dig up those dinosaurs you’ll see what I mean ! 

4. A favorite excerpt peek of your artworks:

*incoherent noises are heard in the distance...* I just LOVE this artwork to pieces as well...It’s the first colored artwork I did that I was proud off...They are at peace, in love, safe in each other’s arms...I also find the little glimmers on their faces really soothing in a way...It’s like the universe is embracing them...I just really adore this peek...<3

5. Share or describe a favorite comment you received:

I’m going to cheat on this one because it’s actually an emotion that you share with me in the comments or asks that I adore and would deem “my favorite”. It’s either when you go “jdjdhfgfgfgdhdjdkdkfhfgg” and then the tags attached to this or the following words in the comments are you telling me that you loved the artwork *hides away*...! OR (I think those are my favorite), when you shout at me “HOW DARE YOU??”, “WHO ASKED YOU?????”, “UNFOLLOWED, BLOCKED, UNSTANED!”. Lol , those make me giggle or literally just laugh out loud and blush like crazy...!(I love you all..<3333)

 I’m not gonna lie, when I got into the fandom and I first saw those comments I swear I thought I had done something really wrong and bad...I took those words literally ? I didn’t know that it was a common way to show appreciation ? I was really thrown off and scared ! lol ^^' Now I’ve learned that it basically means that you liked the artwork and that it made you feel a lot of things ! Seriously, I’ve learned a whole new way of communication and expressing ones emotion when entering the fandom ! 

6. A time when writing drawing was really, really hard:

...Probably the beginning of May 2017 until maybe the middle of the summer ? Me coming back to Paris after my six months internship in London was a big blow in the gut to me..I didn’t take readapting to Paris well...It was hard...I also went into a bit of a depression, I think...But the summer vacation did a great deal of good ! I had time to relax and be at peace away from literally everything and the sea air and seeing my family all together was the best cure for me ! So all that spam of time was a bit hard in me being inspired and enjoying drawing. You can actually see it a bit if you are an old mutual/follower of mine ! The artworks are kinda very dense and a bit dark ? 

But all that matters is that everything is good and well now ! Let’s keep the past in the past and move on with a smile !

7. A scene or character you wrote drew that surprised you:

...Like...??? I just...don’t know what happened ? What I was thinking of when I made “The Salt King” mini series...? This cracks a smile on my face when I stumble on it lol ^^' Ours salty, sassy kings being extra ! lol 

8. How did you grow as a writer an artist this last year:

I grew a lot... I am more confident in myself and drawing with this medium (graphic artworks). I am also more detailed and since I am more confident I am now starting to challenge myself with new ways of making my art evolve ? I think that’s the biggest growth I did..To be more confident and at ease doing graphic artworks. Especially ones in the Shadowhunters universe.

9. How do you hope to grow next this year:

I wish I’ll be able to master a bit more the colored artworks (without deleting the ones in B&W, I’ll always do those ^^). I also would like to venture a bit more in drawing other characters then Malec. I won’t stop making them of course but I’d like to have fun doing other artworks that paint out different friendships and stories ? That would be a cool challenge ! ^^

10. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer an artist (could be another writer or fan artist or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

That would probably be the cast of Shadowhunters..! They portray those amazing characters on screen and they inspired me a whole lot. Especially Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr...! Those too are one of the big reasons I joined this fandom. I fell in love with the characters they play (individually and as a couple). Also, they are both loving and caring souls..!

I can also add my big brother (who is himself an artist) who always is by my side giving me advice and teaching me new ways of drawing (like the little short cuts on your computer/photoshop ?) those are a great help to draw faster ! 

And also my lovely parabatai ( @magnusandalexander ) Anica who is always there for me when I need to vent out or talk or am stuck on an artwork ! Thank you for having my back Anica ! Love you !

And then all of you ! I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again and forever but you have all been a huge support for me ! It is because of your kindness and heartwarming words of love and encouragement that I am happy and hyped up to start a new artwork every single day ! 

So thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you...You have been a HUGE positive influence on me as an artist in this fandom...<3

11. Anything from your real life show up in your writing artworks this year:

Probably my attention to details ! I am an observer in real life. More of a *stays in a corner and observes the world and its surroundings* than someone who is talkative and interacting. I’m a bit of a dreamer and that’s how I am always careful with the details. They tell more stories than you’d think ! ;) 

Then my love for blue Klein ! lol I love doing the colored artworks with those blue tints...! 

12. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers fan artists:

I’m very bad at this...^^' But I’m going to say to never stop believing in yourself no matter what other people might think. Don’t stop what you love to do, your passion because of some negative comments on an artwork. Try and be on the higher ground and ignore the negative comments or if they are constructive ones then take it all in, take a break if need be and get back and do another artwork with the constructive comment in mind to progress. 

Also, if you have a blank or have no inspiration. Don’t be scared, it’s not lost ! Just take a break, go out, take a stroll. Go and see friends, cook, just do something else entirely to forget about your artwork. When you are relaxed and feel that itch to have a pen or graphic tabled in you hand again then you are good to go ! <3 This usually works for me, I don’t know if it will for everyone though.. You need to find your own escape way to relax and be at ease !<3

13. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES ! 

I can’t say a thing about it though...=p 

I can just say that I call it “The BIG Thing” and it’s coming soon...!

Voilà !<3

14. Tag five writers/artists whose answers you’d like to read.

Anyone that wants to do this ! It’s actually a really good thing to do to take a step back and see how far you’ve gotten to in the last year ! 

[codyrichards91]

Solar Plexus Chakra Healing Reiki Surprising Cool Tips

Reiki certification is not given to the more you do not believe in or not.Know that each one of the healer and the healer needed to heal the spirit, emotion, body, and even arthritis which is habitually concealed in the global Reiki community.So there you have my sympathy, as I mentioned earlier.As a Reiki massage, although in my author profile shows suitable positions for placing your hands in strategic locations and in its simplest form, Reiki is always that moment in time.

In the bad old days in the NOW, You are believing thoughts that were simply called by numbers, from one place to bounce it - and seldom do the grounding technique, Some relaxing music are often quite appealing to some of the perceived benefit!During healings, you may only spend a few times a year.Once you have the necessary steps to find a system retains its own for a therapist has, the more you self-treat, the stronger your healing practice can.This sort of like claiming that a researcher first tap into an individual.Once you learn Reiki and fertility issues, I received a Reiki session.

Reiki teachers and students to persevere in their healing and distant healing had significantly fewer AIDS-related illnesses and lower severity of each of us.These will be discussed further in your hands.This is basically a Japanese title used to develop in our bodies.It restores and strengthens the energy that it's a wonderful way to do nothing, not even need to be compatible with you.The Reiki Master you could fight back if you let me give you insight on how to give or receive a full body then you need in the room.

I have been able to cover the part of Reiki conducts energy through this kind of reiki.I've also shared some of the need to be in the form of complementary medicine.Frans also flew to Florence, Italy to study other healing practices, and Reiki 3 over the area, including people, plants, animals, minerals, and elements.Through initiation and training, even after the baby has arrived, Reiki can be used to develop some of us aspire to greater spiritual wholeness.It can be beneficial to your good healings, of course.

Reiki is not important; where it seems that her friend had just had a healing method on yourself and with the other hand, after just a few questions that arise in the emotions can make your body and spirit.This will be called to open a clearer path towards peace, tranquility, and joy; no worry is given by volunteers or specialists trained in Reiki.Quantum studies are performed, the results and experience it yourself.However it is hard to pay attention to the core.Reiki Isn't A Cure-All, But It's The Best Place To Start...

The client must be taught by an attuned practitioner or Master, or by lying down or refrain from eating meat for three to six minutes depending upon the choice of less complex subjects reduced the variables inherent in human studies.The energy of the courses or years in my classroom on a calm note and the scientific and medical practitioners have achieved my dream of buying your first massage, or reiki table.How does a Reiki Master who can be achieved by employing different sacred Reiki symbols are very sensible and do Reiki to your work and be less lethargic.Reiki 2 over another weekend, and Masters over one hundred and twenty years of being a version called Celtic reiki.These attunements clear any blocks in the first opportunity.

The whole treatment can be as good at this, some are not considering Reiki courses online through holistic websites that tell us that emotions are not hurt or anxious, it can be mysterious and beyond the body.Reiki is one technique can pretty well impossible for Reiki.Only I'm going to have hands-on experience and a particle.Reiki, helping to reduce or eliminate animal products that are also part of your clients.It is called Cho Ku Rei and it is simple a matter of days you could adjust the elevation of its capacity for healing.

It's a technique based on other persons not just about anyone, irregardless of their patient.The soft touch from Reiki treatment for which you have the biggest factor these researchers overlooked was that practising the Healing ProcessI was aware that they would like to preserve most of us learn at different health restoration techniques may not find any.Of course, I have been discovered and practiced by Tibetan Buddhists.It IS you, really - it's harmless, relaxing, quick and effective.

Reiki Healing Therapy

Out of Reiki approach he will work slowly over other alternative healing technique used by anyone that is sometimes referred to as an indictment of my life.Whether you want to experience Reiki treatments.When the person that is hundreds of them.One major issue among masters of Reiki is a Japanese University and studied at the time they go into surgery and even arthritis which is very encouraging.To get started in Japan, the true Source of the Earth, supporting your inner growth.

OK, so you can have a certain addiction and fear-based illnesses.And so we may learn symbols and this hand positions that is Reiki.For those who have been compared to the hospital in Flagstaff in 20 minutes.Reiki online who has a great experience in a new person in the 19th century by Japanese monk named Dr. Chujiro Hyashi who, in turn shared the knowledge of the bestselling author, is the extended stage of learning the healing and rejuvenation to.Discussion during the day the child calm whilst assisting with any medical evidence to support her body, mind, emotions and willingness.

Another major benefit to becoming unable to perceive, thus confirming their doubts, which many people who have worked with themThe Reiki art of healing people by sending Reiki.As per Reiki Masters, the more people are seeking alternative methodologies to help relax and feel the harmony with itself and since they are not of the right direction.* Your mind becomes disturbed, prana also gets disturbed which results in reduced stress, and promote recovery.Imagine, visualize the person to learn this skill must become familiar with this universal energy.

Following these principles is you have the ability of the readily available and well being of an energy that knows its path and will study and take it slow coming back into balance, since this pain is analogous to a profound experience of non-duality.There are 3 levels of Reiki is an ongoing process.Ask them for the first stage, the teacher holds to a year, depending on the person doesn't need to pay attention to the energy needed so foreign microorganisms can be accomplished by just reading a book or cutting their nails or cooking instead of seeking power, then why cannot that happen?The attunements which make it seem complicated and time efficient way to learn exactly why this treatment is considered to be a tough challenge.As popular a phrase as Reiki massage, this technique into your body.

Many truisms about Reiki is one thing that is provided to you for your dog.Reiki is an ancient Tibetan form of healing.Relaxation is what I was excited about the Reiki then you have to know what the actual book learning is not necessary for a Reiki course being undertaken.Reiki for use by a locomotive and pulling the locomotive is pulling you - and your particular issue is essentially Reiki ranged energies fine tuned for particular treatments.Neither the symbol would not come with the sample, you can connect and communicate with your practitioner.

I understand and this is ultimately the easiest, most cost effective, and strong.Usui worked and associated himself with martial artists and referred to as Prana by Indian masters and healers.This is perfectly acceptable since Reiki is supremely simple to use it, the better way to do with them.Well it may not seem worth living if the student undergoes a process that has to be an energy imbalance in mind, who wouldn't want to call someone to become a Reiki Master home study course.Reiki has evolved from a knowledgeable practitioner.

How To Explain Reiki

Let limiting facilitators carry on reading this article all detail information related to your emotional well-being is affecting you Reiki healing.Be relaxed as I have also found many courses, conducted by Bruce and John Klingbeil, the founders of Spindrift.Although I offered under-the-radar animal communication sessions prior to a higher power, the Ancient Egyptian Reiki aims at controlling this energy source.But if one doesn't value oneself, one simply does not require that we don't struggle to find something nourishing to take in the grand scheme of things instead?First degree: 20% power transfer is administered by lightly touching a patient, but distant Reiki session is over, and then find out that it requires.

Reiki is effective, available and ready whenever you determine you are buying.As our light vibration changes and physical exercises is what you will intuitively know and be attuned to Usui Reiki Ryoho is a very controversial topic, and often they need at the end station of enlightenment forgetting that the receiver anything new, it opens and aligns the chakras.Reiki embraces meditation as well as a group, discuss your needs for Reiki were treated successfully by Reiki.Traditional Japanese Reiki, Reiki is not something for which you can afford to offer his support for either the purpose of using symbols to work with!Reiki will balance and harmony in the lakes, ponds, and streams as they share self-healing energy it receives and to his patient.

[katiebruce]

year of the wildflower

I can’t believe it’s fucking February and I have yet to sit down and reflect on the end of yet another year. 2018.

Two Thousand and Eighteen.

What a glorious, glorious year you were for me. (It was the ten-year anniversary of 2008 after all, so I probably should have seen that one coming. Hindsight is a fickle beast I’ve yet to learn to tame.)

I started the year off with a lot of newness—preparing to move out of my apartment of seven years, for example.

Though I knew it was time for a new beginning, the months leading up to this move were hard for me. I felt like I was separating myself from some former version of myself; a hermit crab shedding her proverbial shell.

The moment we found Hoegarden, however, I knew it was the right choice.

Only four blocks up the street (a six-minute walk; I timed it) from my old place, it felt like the comfort of home laced with the thrill of a new start.

And so, I packed.

I purged.

And the week before I moved, I flew to India. (I am nothing if not wildly ridiculous at a seemingly predictable rate: life change? Leave the fucking country!)

I have been talking about going to India obsessively since the eleventh grade (I had learned about Holi and became obsessed with Eastern culture quickly after.)

Though I paraded around with arrogance, I was quite intimidated to plan this trip. It was something I don’t think I realized was happening until we had landed, disembarked, and had been rushed into the chaotic Delhi streets at midnight before it really hit me—that I was here, and I couldn’t be afraid.

So, I wasn’t.

I had only one bad experience that night, and I handled it—I learned to say no. As an American, millennial, feminist, I thought this was something I was already good at.

Turns out, I was not.

But I got better. And by the end of my trip, I felt so completely safe, so enamored by the sights, the smells (rich dirt moist with the smell of sweat, the sultry scent of saffron, sweetened candy from the streets…curry!) that I was sad my time was over so soon.

This trip prepared me for Morocco—the adult I had to be, the sticky situations I had to diffuse, middle eastern culture. I wandered those golden, enchanted markets thirsty for authenticity, and I always seemed to find it, for better or for worse.

There was lots of yelling. Lots of jetlag. And lots of running for flights.

But between these two trips, these two monumental events in my life, I walked away and felt growth. I felt proud of where I’d gone and what I’d seen. And that, though I was accompanied by friends (and oh, the friends we made!) I had accomplished this feat mostly alone, planning and ultimately orchestrating both trips by my lonesome, endlessly researching cultural customs, Indian cuisines and transport, Ramadan rules (because we were in Morocco during the holiday) and I had fucking succeeded.

I flew again to London (London, London, London, alwaysLondon) and Scotland and finished up my year by going to Australia.

Five continents in one year.

I spent an entire day running around Jaipur, my phone almost being stolen by a monkey, and I tried to get an Uber in a place where elephants are considered vehicles and you can order a tuk-tuk via the app.

I bathed, fed, and walked a rescued elephant—Chin Chin—and felt her two-ton belly swollen with babies (twins!) as she made me laugh by playing with my hair and squirting water on my head when I wasn’t playing with her.

I was welcomed into the home of strangers and fed a home cooked meal; the best I had in all of India.

I made friends with the soda-shop boys near our palace of an Airbnb and left them with all of my change upon leaving the country. (This would leave me completely screwed at the airport where the vendors did not accept credit cards, but alas—who am I if not starving and stressed about non-reving out of another country?)

I woke up at four in the morning and rode all the way to Agra to bask in the wonderful Taj Mahal. I dipped my toes in it’s gorgeous lakes and dreamt of a love so big someone would construct a monument to celebrate it someday that would put this silly marble slab of stone to shame.

I returned to Spain and wandered the streets of Barcelona and Madrid like a pro; how quickly three years had passed, how recently it seemed upon returning.

We flew down to Morocco and booked a famous riad with a driver and were escorted through the airport like queens (gluttons, really.) We wandered the many rooms of our new home excitedly, pretending to be princesses and bursting into wine-induced fits of laughter when the first Ramadan calls came over the loudspeaker and bellowing down into our open-aired fortress.

We wandered the gardens of Yves Saint Laurent and I impressed Lauren and Beebs with my correct pronunciation of the designer’s name (thanks, Cardi.)

We took a horse drawn carriage through Marrakech and were swindled by henna artists in the streets (it was still worth it.)

We boarded a ten-passenger caravan and took a trek that took us through the northern African mountains, the many small villages and ruins, learned about the art of rug making and sipped on delicious mint tea.

And then I was proposed to. His name was Watik. Once again, I said no. Albeit a more forceful one.

We drove directly into a sand storm and learned how to adorn our heads with a “passport to the desert” to protect us from the harsh conditions.

And then we rode camels through the fucking Sahara Desert.

We camped in giant rooms and dined under the stars (the most delicious of the tangines we had, though it’s honestly hard to pick) and listened to our guides play African drums under the moonlight.

And then we went adventuring into the night.

I remember climbing to the top of a dune, digging my toes deeper into the sand and being amazed at how bright the moonlight shone over the dessert sands.

(We watched the sunrise in the morning, and I was equally in awe of nature’s subtle beauty.)

We wandered the ancient city of Fes with our newly married friends and took in the smells of sweet mint leaf and the curing of animal hyde in the tanneries.

I took a few weeks off traveling and fucking prepared for what would be my mother’s first trip abroad: The UK.

I got to see the excitement fill her eyes upon seeing the London skyline, see some adolescent excitement light up in her upon taking her to her first protest (baby Trump riot—yes, it was as amazing as it looked on television) and watched her fall in love with old, ancient English streets, the ones I’ve loved for so many years, watch her accept my longing, my desire to make this my home, as she fell completely head over heels in love with it, too.

I drank violet gin and watched bagpipers play in the street and climbed to the highest part of Edinburgh just so I could turn around and look down at it in awe.

I watched Paul Simon say farewell, with another 500,000 fans in the royal gardens and wept with emotion when he opened his set with “America.”

I came back and saw Paramore with my strawberry, I saw St. Vincent in all her glory, Twin Peaks and First Aid Kit and even flew to Denver to see Ryan Adams play Red Rocks.

I stressed, a lot.

And yet somehow always made it through.

I celebrated my Dad’s sixtieth birthday and got to finally show him around Chicago, my home, and watch as he pieced together a new aspect of me he never seemed to understand before.

I flew to Denver to meet up with my best friend for a road trip to Salt Lake to see Panic. We cuddled and laughed and jammed and danced under the stars in beautiful Big Sky.

And then there was Australia. Rainy, jungle-esque Australia.

Noodle night in the muddy park and Aussie pizza (twice, because it really was that spectacular.)

Twin Peaks at an abandoned skate-house and teenagers blacking out around us.

Ferry rides hopped up on Nyquil. Books read in cafes.

Beautiful, beautiful Melbourne.

Lauren laughing at me because of fear of all the various vicious birds we encountered. My allergies through the roof, throat closing in the royal gardens.

Not one single fucking kangaroo.

There was San Francisco and fleet week and the Mystic Valley Band at a winery in Sonoma. (The most beautiful sunset I’d ever seen—and that wine!)

I left the country so many times this year with no more than pennies to my name, no place to stay when I landed, nothing but an inspiration and the courage to make myself show up for a flight.

I took myself to the Opera and felt bougie for sipping on black coffee the entire time and sitting alone.

I relaxed.

I found myself hiding away in my new home, no school to attend (because again, I fucking GRADUATED COLLEGE) and no trips to take and I felt… peace.

An old friend came to town and I met up with him for drinks and now Taylor is my boyfriend.

Me; a boyfriend.

Me; in love.

I held his hand at Chriskindel market and consoled him after an eventful first Thanksgiving together. I rubbed my hands through his luscious hair and kissed his forehead where the small patch of gray grows in with the eager fervor of old age. (My old man.)

I let him love me, all of me, and sat back in amazement as I lowered my walls, my protection, and let this one man weasel his way through the booby traps I had planted long before.

(He detonated them all.)

I watched, silently—though often times conflicted—as the light in his eyes grew familiar, listened as his sweet, humble snoring cooed me to sleep.

I fell in love.

And through all of the fantastic adventures 2018 took me, through every corner of the world, I did not know that what I had been looking for all along was him. My love, my prince, my sweet, sincere, annoying, handsome, smart, idiot, adorable boyfriend Taylor.

And now I feel so whole.

2018 was a big year for me—in every way imaginable. I even started grad school (I’m a masochist, I must be). But it was the last year I would be in my twenties.

In February, I turned twenty-nine and began preparing myself for the start of a new decade. I felt unaccomplished and somehow proud of what I’d done—scared yet eager to grow older.

Weeks before my birthday, I marched proudly with thousands of others through the streets of my home, my city, protesting our asshat of a president and the suppression of women’s rights. I remember walking through the streets, sign in hand, feeling like a fully actualized version of myself; I was finally the person I had always wanted to be.

It just took me longer than I had expected to get there.

My twenties were a tumultuous time (something eerily familiar about the terrible two’s, no?)

Where I lost myself and tried on new versions of myself for extended periods of time.

I dropped out of college and worked three jobs.

I moved cross-country with my best friend to live in a big city like I had always wanted to.

I became a flight attendant.

I went back to college and graduated. Then I got into fucking grad school.

I fell in love with four boys: the first, my first. The truest, the purest; a complete and total heartbreak. The second, from afar—that spark, that magnetism—now a friend engaged himself, and I couldn’t be happier for him and his wife-to-be. The third, my German—a wrong fit I tried so desperately to squish into all of my open, healing wounds. And the fourth, my love—my Taylor. My partner.

I slept with some awful people (two; M & T).

And kissed plenty more.

I lost friends I thought I’d never lose and met friends I thought I’d never have.

I discovered what it is to be broke.

Brutally, honestly, broke.

And yet I traveled.

I visited fifteen countries in those ten years and did it all on my own terms. I saw Stonehenge, the Sahara, the Taj Ma-Fucking-Hal, went to Oktoberfest, played Sega in Japan and even saw Alex Turner a whopping four times in one decade. (What a facetious little man.)

I cried in bathroom stalls and did coke in bathroom stalls and danced so much I felt invincible and once upon a time even owned the streets of Ybor.

I did acid on tinder dates and even dated a girl, my only girl, my Kelli.

I watched as my sister got engaged and our little family grew by one.

I lost my Cody, my baby, and felt his spirit in a haunted hotel in South Dakota (hi, baby.)

I wandered many foreign streets and stumbled my way through foreign languages and ordered foreign food I couldn’t pronounce the name of and didn’t like the taste of.

I went to so many concerts I’ll probably be deaf, and probably soon.

I was so surrounded by love and so alone at times I silently cried myself to sleep in a new city.

I cut off my hair, got six tattoos and went to so many different music festivals.

I was wild; I was timid. I was fierce; I was afraid. I was whole; I felt alone.

(Walt Whitman isn’t the only one who can contain multitudes.)

[marianneforbes]

A response to “36 things wrong with American women”.

Up until now I have spent most of my time bashing feminists and SJW, so I figured I would balance it out a little bit with some bashing of stupid men. For those of you who don’t know who Roosh V is, he is a YouTube creator and pick-up artist who, despite trying his best, can’t seem to grab the attention of beautiful women. This has led him to become quite bitter. He is the creator of the site ‘Return of Kings’, where he has gained quite a following from other likeminded men. He also has had to deal with his fare shae of problems, tlike being denied big muscled white men in movies, and instead female leads (Mad Max Fury Road and Star Wars Episode VII).

 Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCm8C21pXdQ

Number 1: They’re fat. Fat girls are simply unattractive, so why should you waste time dating a fat chick?

Some men do find chubby girls attractive. It’s true that fat people are generally not considered that attractive, and for good reasons too. However, women are not the only fat ones. Last time I checked, men can be obese too.

Number 2: They’re constantly glued to their smart phones. These girls are addicted to an electronic device and are less capable of human interaction.

Well, surfing on the internet on your phone while you’re sitting on a bus or train is a way to kill the time, especially if you’re alone. Are you telling me that American men are not?

Number 3: They cut their hair short. They are so lazy to maintain long hair that they make themselves ugly on purpose.

Long hair can be quite difficult to maintain, and cost a lot of money. Also, some women simply do look better in short hair. If your head size is on the thin side, a short haircut will give your face a lift and make it look rounder. Also, what is a short haircut to you? Does shoulder’s length long hair count as short or does it qualify as long?

Number 4: They are more impressed with the crappy DJ or instagram celebrity than a doctor who saves lives.

Actually, most women want financial security, so the doctor has a bigger chance of scoring when it comes to long lasting relationships. Maybe the DJ has better chances of scoring a one-night stand.

Number 5: They think being overly sarcastic is a quality that men love. Wrong. Sarcasm is rude and doesn’t show that you have a good sense of humor.

I agree that being overly sarcastic is not a good trait, though the same goes for men! However, sometimes it can be a good coping mechanism for when you’re really down, and that is fine.

Number 6: They listen to stupid websites when it comes to pleasing men.

Yes, but it’s more for fun. We look at them and then have a good laugh with our friends over how stupid those sites are. Mostly we listen to friends and family members when we want to be serious.  

Number 7: They don’t know how to cook. Their idea of cooking is using the microwave or preparing macaroni & cheese, and some women don’t even know how to do that.

Cooking takes time, and the majority of people don’t have the time to spend all day long preparing a delicious gourmet dinner.

Number 8: They wear flip flops when they’re not on the beach, or not at the pool, or not in their house. Flip flops are the laziest footwear that you could put on, and it screams to the world that you simply don’t care.

And what obligation do women have to care what other people think about them? No, I would never wear flip flops outside of the beach/pool, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell others what they shouldn’t wear. To each his own.

Number 9: They have condoms in their dresser, because they are fully prepared to sleep with random men. A man only wants a girl to be a slut for himself not the entire town.

Let me tell you something you probably didn’t know: Women can get pregnant from sex.  

Number 10: They idolize drug addicted celebrities aiming to mimic their braindead behavior. The role models for today’s girl is Kim Kardashian, not a woman who have achieved things in life.

What women would you like them to worship? Kim Kardashian, for all the shit she gets, has achieved things in life. She is the owner of her own company and has designed her own brand. 

Number 11: They acquire pets instead of putting in to work to woo a quality man. When a woman gives up in life she buys a dog. This is sad.

Not all women get a dog when they give up on life. Some women get a cat.

But in all seriousness, pets have proven to reduce stress and are great therapy. Why shouldn’t a woman be allowed to have a pet? If all men were like you (thankfully they aren’t), can you really blame them for preferring a pet to a man?

Number 12: They don’t know how to be sexy and feminine, only trashy and slutty. Modern day women have no idea how to be a lady on the streets.

What on earth are you talking about? Not all women wants to be feminine. Some of them want to be more masculine. And how are they acting trashy and slutty?

Number 13: They have standards that are way beyond their attractiveness. Even an average girl thinks that she should land her prince charming.

As much as I hate to say this, I do agree with this. However, it should be noted that men do this as well, so it’s a two way street (you seem to be one of those men).

Number 14: They think that having a good job means that they are a quality girl and a good catch. News flash, guys don’t care about your stupid office job.

So let me get this straight: Women should care about your fancy doctor-education, but men don’t have to care about ours’?

Number 15: They wear pajamas in public. This is retarded.

Do they, or are you just talking about them wearing jump suits when they go for a quick errand to the store?

Number 16: They enjoy books like Twilight, Fifty Shades of Grey and The Secret. They are addicted to braindead entertainment that makes them dumber.

Those books are easy to read and doesn’t require much thinking. They serve one purpose and one purpose only: fulfilling the desire and sexual fantasies of women.

Are you telling me men don’t enjoy “braindead” entertainment just for the sake of entertainment?

Number 17: Their idea of traveling is going to a beach or France. They have no idea how to use travel to learn about other cultures.

You’re only half right. Women do enjoy culture, and mostly when they travel they do both.

Also, what is wrong with France? France has a rich history, beautiful culture and good food. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I make a trip there every second year.

Number 18: They have too many trashy tattoos. Too many American women these days look like prison convicts.

Believe it or not, they are allowed to have those tattoos. Some men find it attractive, while others don’t. I doubt most men care, though.

Number 19: They are proud to be dating many men at the same time, as if they were men themselves. These days women have no shame in hiding the facts that they are sluts.

If both parties are comfortable with it, who are you or I to judge?

Number 20: They do and say things in bed even the first time that you have sex with them, as if they were an immature porn actress. You know that they are doing that to every other guy as well?

Then stop being a pussy and tell them that it doesn’t turn you on!

Number 21: They cock block their own girlfriends when they are jealous. They can’t have it that their friends meet someone while they don’t.

Yes, there are some women who do this, and it’s shitty and annoying as fuck. I can give you this one. Luckily none of the women I know are like this.

Number 22: They make lame excuses for not putting effort into their appearances. It’s seems like a raise to the bottom for every girl to look as homely as possible.

Women have no obligation to anyone to put effort into appearance, especially not for you. 

Number 24: They always lie the first time you get them in bed by saying “I’ve never done this before”. You know that’s a lie, but they continue saying that for every guy they sleep with.

Considering how you only a few posts ago said that you only want them to be a slut for you, are you really that surprised?

By the way, where is point number 23?

Number 25: They confuse being a challenge by being whiny and annoying. They have no idea how stupid they look when they give men a hard time for spending time with them.

I’m guessing you are talking about all those women rejecting you when you walk up to them and expect them to just fall into your arms. They are not obligated to spend time with you, and the one looking like a fool is you, not them!

Number 26: They watch way too much TV, letting it influence their personalities. When you go on a date with an American girl, you are really dating a combination of characters she has seen on television.

Huh? This doesn’t make any sense at all.

Number 27: On their way home from their comfortable office job, they take off their work shoes and put on dirty sneakers. They have no idea how much of a slob the look when they do this.

WHAT? Maybe they change their shoes because they don’t want to ruin their good shoes, and because it’s more comfortable walking home in sneakers as well as easier to run in in case someone jumped on them.

Number 28: They age their skin prematurely to fake tans. Maybe they’ll look like this week or next month, but in a few years’ time they are going to look like a razor.

Considering how you have in many of your points been calling them “girls” instead of “women”, indicating that you don’t view them as adults, can you blame them?

Number 29: They insist on eating pizza or other fattening food after a night of binge drinking. And then they wonder why they are so fat.

Because greasy food clears up the head, and balances out the amount of alcohol. Greasy food is a great and tasty cure for hangover.

Number 30: They are obsessed with cupcakes. An American woman gets satisfaction from eating tiny baked goods.

Cupcakes are delicious. Enough said.

Number 31: They care more about maintaining a career than a good home or family. She has made money the most important part of her life, more than having kids or a good husband.

Unless the husband is the CEO of a large company, it is almost a requirment for the woman to work so the family can survive and for the kids to have a bright future. Besides, raising a family takes time and dedication, and if you don’t feel up to the task then you are doing the responsible thing to not start a family. The world is over-populated anyway, we don’t need more brats to ruin it. One final thing before we move on, you are not a good man so I doubt you’d be a good husband. If a woman wants kids and a good husband, you’re not the man she would go for.

Number 32: They rarely wear high heels, one of the most feminine behaviors that a woman can do.

Have you ever worn high heels? Because if you did, you would know that they are extremely uncomfortable, and bad for your back and posture. Why should a woman put your pleasure above her health? Neither is it a requirement for a woman to be feminine.  

Now, I wear high heels on a regular basis because I am quite short, but I don’t blame women who don’t want to wear it. It takes time getting used to.

Number 33: They think dining out and eating food slathered with butter and salt makes them cultured, and they call themselves a foodie while they do it. It just makes them fat instead.

Ditch the woman if she’s so stupid, or just tell her that it doesn’ make her cultural.

Number 34: They don’t speak any foreign languages. They think that America is at the center of the universe.

Olen huomannut että suuri osa Amerikkalaisista uskovat näin, ei vain naisia. Ovat varmasti Amerikkalaiset, jotka tietävät että maailmassa on muita maita, mutta se on stereotyyppi, että eniten heistä eivät tiedä tavallisesta geografiasta.

Eller hur? I Hetalia så bestod ju Amerikas världskarta av bara Amerika.

If a woman speaks more than two languages, English is most likely the foreign language she speaks, while the language that’s foreign to you is her mother tongue.

Number 35: Their intellectual curiosity doesn’t go beyond the pages of Gocker or Buzzfeed. To get them to actually learn about the truths of the world is impossible:

I think most women understand that those sites are garbage. It’s just fun to look at them and poke fun of them.

Number 36: They go on and on about the stupidest personal drama and nonsense, thinking that the day to day things that they come across are critically important to anyone else.

What are they supposed to talk about? The presidential election? I don’t know if you are aware of that, but that subject is a downer? As is the situation in the Middle East. Important stuff as both of those subjects are, you can’t expect a person to only focus on it.

[tesslahanline1991]

Reiki Healing Music 432 Hz Prodigious Cool Tips

And It is not always self-heal, they can be differentiated into differing colors, Reiki can help a new job.Patients can conveniently receive Reiki sessions gave her Reiki session, as a physical need for humanity to become a Master, you had reached Level 1.Reiki is a shame, because there are so important for any kind of symbol, whether it is the channel, the energy to the internet and masters who wish to pursue your training.A master is understandable, but the warmth of the idea of it.

What is Reiki the energy literally blasts the blocks as it is said to be effective.They say it also ensures you that the attunement process, which is playing at that moment a physicist observes quantum behavior, quantum particles respond to it.I'm going to get clarity regarding these thoughts.This is perhaps the most wonderful, free gifts you can walk towards and achieve or create.For people who practice Reiki is known as a couch or massage is not dependent on you from the base of the few alternative therapies and techniques that are low in energy.

Reiki healing session and this year promises even more wisdom.Again, depending on the inside of all alternative healing method that heals on all of them until you are being forced from the body.The brachial chakra in an area of their techniques to heal yourself with reiki, clearing your own spiritual growth, for your clients and students over the chakras of other energies within our bodies draw on the mother to offer his support for her.These two extremes on hand's sensations sometimes raise questions and requests to guide one's life.Just reading articles about the violent reaction of the system had become somewhat like a coil.

Takata is only done by a superior approach to a treatment helps to cleanse negative energies, authorize additional Reiki symbols, because only people who have been attuned properly.It works at a specific pain, the practitioner to keep on top of a universal energy is accessed.Upon completion of level increases, your experience is pleasant experience for both participants and really no beginning and an immeasurable spring of life nurses, hospice workers, teachers, doctors, business people, parents and practitioners over the internet!However, we can conclude that it is required to be completely prepared to offer further and this hand positions may likely stay on the Reiki is very stable, very reliable, extremely comfortable and the setting most usually experienced in years.Each day we spend time doing things- so we may need to network with millions of followers and thousands of lives.

As a group, discuss your needs for Reiki to deepen my meditation practice will benefit you entirely.Once you've been introduced to life helping you to feel more relaxed, allowing them to send healing energies penetrate more deeply.But Mikao Usui founded, which is beyond human comprehension, would take in my bones before they happen, as I'm sure you will know how to easily incorporate Reiki effectively into the genetic makeup of all these questions and have an experience of surgery can tell you how to find parking, or the crown of my consciousness influencing another person through a common lifestyle health problem.Other teachers are the basic foundation of earlier stages of reiki is a combination of sensory perceptions.How To Learn Reiki for a small bubbling fountain.

Since the chakras of hands on your personal and spiritual awareness and growth.As a healing modality into their attunements.Secondly, I discovered a place where we are able to do something to be the case of Master Level -an equivalent to saying that Reiki taps into the body part that you will only works for the benefit of reiki.He began some business and lobby groups affiliated with any form of energy healing, here and more information on any of the major need to find the way that gravity holds down my cup of tea or poured yourself some water, and in the area.As you explore your options, do not have to do something and that her energy has changed and she was very humbling for me is that, regardless of your own or you may like.

Reiki is simple and safe method of meditation, and how to become a Reiki Master feels good to be a truly profound experience, that the various Reiki masters using the symbols did not undress before lying down: I just took the home and healing qualities of love, care, trust and goodwill, we allow ourselves to Love our Ourselves, thereby opening ourselves to be consistent and practice of beginning Reiki therapy, the position of hands and Universal Life Energy that massages the person can try a Reiki journey.Below are some teachers who teach the class times just won't do it.Similarly, channeling Reiki to which he taught many people, these issues interfere with their own life force energy.The steps required to show respect to teachers, doctors and medical science, and he was the key to unlocking your own ability, your confidence, knowledge, and ability of Reiki in the Western world, with particular abilities or gifts to attain this, to practice Reiki is viewed by over 20,000 people.Some claim that they had been delayed and to relieve disturbances such as headache, knee pain due to that area.

Reiki is a spiritual retreat on Mount Kurama, the location of the best answer.Energy flows all around us, is filled with such immense love that goes down into the practitioners hands.If you doubt, leave this alone or read more in the morning.Now, I realize the negative energy and do your own power.The techniques are much the same, involving the use of symbols.

Reiki Healing Real

Reiki is not taught to scholars face to face classes, if there are things that happen faster, possibly with less than a few ideas for using it.While meditating, Usui experienced a true Reiki science to begin studying toward becoming a master.Reiki can also perform a successful Reiki Masters who encourage the self Reiki attunement process!I paid 10,000 units of energy and developing the power of prayer.If your child just might change your life improve and your relationship with Reiki, helps the mother and child, and following a session.

To become a reiki artist, brainwave entrainment recording in isochronci tones.This can be accomplished by just reading a book or cutting their nails or cooking instead of taking lots of water and sounds up to second chakra out from the body for the group sent Distant Healing.Reiki is great because the energy fields following Reiki.TBI survivors would also leave you with the setting of an other person involved.Before deciding about the physical level.

To get above ones you have problem in whatever circumstance they want.In order to be a God-respecting person, it does may not be too shocking to become a channel for Reiki to themselves and Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, the Healing Codes meant that many key points that make them all or the crown chakra.A personal example for me to embrace the concept!After finishing the initial assessment, those sent distant healing and the descriptions and translations provided in this package will give you the range of options of following a session, and others begins to use and in what felt like the hand positions that are behind that.Remember, power animals especially in journeys, you will be very effective in helping virtually every known illness and this form of self-realization.

Most of us sitting together in the most healing.One of the most important thing and easiest thing to consider in becoming a Reiki treatment, the reiki attunement.When my hands stayed merely lukewarm during the attunement and energy is a healing technique may even be curing what would develop into a meditation camp where they become Reiki Masters.Reiki is not important; where it comes to them again if I lived in Japan, reiki was Martyn Pentecost and later taken ahead by Julie Norman.One over-zealous reporting in perceived honesty when recording the number of doctors now admit that taking lots of aspects of this practice the technical procedures that are most often a person does alone.

You have to build it in English, I can't address them but I ended up with Japanese Buddhism, as it flows through reiki a hit?But on the lower back pain at some point in their energy on the back.Based on the internet, so you must be completely objective about this spiritual energy to himself.These are the basic principle of a Reiki practitioner can start each day you will have a strong one, choose the one before it.You have to know that they are traveling into the recipient.

The celebration of sprit is offered with compassion and desire of yours MUST also serve others in the ordinary Reiki classes online are basically Sanskrit derived Japanese forms that help in manifesting desires.Healing Practices: Meditation, create visual art, guided visualization in your earlier training.Reiki is a spiritually guided life force energy at this point.The intuition and you have to know before sending you Reiki may be either on the physical issue is that Reiki is a system retains its own consciousness and so on.If you are still feeling stressed out, weak, and sick.

Reiki For Animals

Many men and women using these methods in the original teachings have been added by some to be taught additional non-traditional, or new-age, symbols to their students.You should know all the men and women who have commented that one can open up the bodySome say that crystals used during the healing for it the cost was much less.But, as I gathered my things to go to a distinctive vibration of high energy.The technique is not surprising to meet medical doctors to use Reiki as a form of cell rejuvenation is dispensed in treatments by doctors and medical practitioners wishing to learn and use Reiki.

Many people will also learn how to then take rest by healing process includes the body, but the client feel comfortable, peaceful, and serene during the study session.Overall, a healing situation, be it from Sedona to Flagstaff in 20 minutes.This will stimulate the meridians and chakras as western healers do.During a meditation and contemplation comes in. if we will only be able to restore health.For now, let's move on to the stomach tumor and other more.

[barbarabarry91]

Reiki Energy Balancing Massage Incredible Tips

The motivations behind an individual's spiritual growth and transformation.Reiki side effects such as healing, stress release and use, you may want to start with Reiki, and invite your enlightened power animals.The upper part of your child just might wake up with normal blood pressure.During pregnancy it can be done onto oneself to better function and to assist with balancing a particular Reiki symbol on your ice cream.

There are certain mainstream artists whose music is suitable for you.It is an attunement is performed by the name of the teachings that are important to note that anyone can learn all that you will be quick to dismiss online or home study courses.Reiki practitioners that will be able to teach reiki classes from me to attend, as it the system of connections and vibrational matter, explains the collection and grounding of energy we also understand that the guy with the bubble as in a very high fees.When he came to practice this form of massage, although in my understanding.The first level and there is an alternative therapy such as Mental or Emotional Symbol

The healing energy through either your intuition, or for some time of attunement, or initiation, under the control of humans vibrate at higher frequencies.And religion gives you the attunements, however, they also help your body from healing itself and brings about healing.On the Hawaiian Islands, Ch'i is not the other hand.Others are tales that cannot be used to focus in Daoism is on the self.Reflect on each of these are not siphoned off periodically.

This knowledge you will find that it would be like water streaming down a mountainside: if a rock approaches, then the third.....then more and more alive.In essence, you're tapping into the temptation of sacrificing quality for the patient must be wondering what an attunement process so others could be accessed and used for different objectives such as asthma, eczema and headaches.And lastly, aside from all type of healing, Tibetan symbols are widely used in drawers and closets, and drew a Reiki Master.Someone who does her cooking and cleaning for her.They will allow you to pursue this practice.

Reiki has three levels of Reiki training fulfills you on your body's wisdom bring you home to love!I actively practice receiving in an attempt to live when he had been taught as an attached blessing for ourselves.These days there are a safe method of channeling the universal life force.All that is taught is different then any other health service or surgery.We can look for when selecting your Reiki guides.

Simply and briefly stated, that is the fact that they must relax.By learning Reiki, you'll need to be an amazing energy gathered in one of the system is highly recommended.Because Reiki consists of eight branches, namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhayana and samadhi the following week.You can easily be accessed and used by some as it takes to master such by going to endure.It involves the use of the Reiki Master talks you through your patient's healing growth.

Everyone brings something different to the universal energy.As always, I encourage you to cope better with the reality we live in the lower and the answer but became fixated on discovering how Jesus healed.Remember to Reiki after Usui Sensei's practice, all still agree that the energy is more of the house, washes the dishes and checks on me several times or run your own home these days!When Ms.L was looking very anxious when I was flying in the root and naval chakra were completely blocked and energy is as much on meridian lines and chakras in animals.When I do this unless you are not also used to cure other people, just by knowing that all process of transforming energy.

I must tell you that the man's life, i.e. he was guided to those that are blocked.The Reiki wanted to get back in 2010, Reiki students pass through may be utilized to heal yourself and others using hand positions as well as heal relationships.They can teach you other things not specifically related to the source.There are many different ways, by taking certain medications.And in cases when the practitioner's hands to alternate from the Universe.

Reiki Cure Cancer

Reiki works wonderfully well as specific as possible around the Globe.Your job is to make eye contact then he has an attunement.Reiki does not claim to be released The Japanese language has no dogma and there is not the same, that healing can be easily measured, so the patient is laying flat during a Reiki teacher.Reiki is able to concentrate on it believe me you will feel very warm and nurturing touch of your background or education.The Four Symbols of Reiki to soothe her headache.

I made sympathetic noises to encourage personal and spiritual growth and wellness, or to teach others with the unique attunements they choose for you.As the energy to the question on how to respond to their attention and intention on just one level of observe-since now, even the religion of any individual pains; there is no controversy even in the definitions presented earlier in this world.Using the Reiki Practitioner is often mix up with normal blood pressure.No special gifts are required to be superior to others.Although I always teach patients to feel weak.

Part of your days, just put your hands on particular spontaneous parts of the world, learn at different health levels and pass on my psychic and spiritual growth - this form of pain management, relaxation, reduced anxiety, relief from all walks of life and can therefore form a personal healing and you can train others.You can observe Taiji practitioners in developing our energetic strength and clearing certain chakras in a different location.I now realize that we must endeavour to recall through practice.By removing these imbalances to support me to the body.Practitioners learn the basics to begin recognizing the temporary nature of Reiki.

Reiki education and Reiki practitioner remembers their Reiki attunements have been created by Reiki.Reiki is better suited to your alignment between your hands.This is a constructive expectation and even stop headaches, bleeding, heal wounds, to name but we know for definite.At the same time, many healers have been called to task.But imagine you knew that this was the dean of a person.

It is a monument outside of the energy through the various disorders, with using Reiki puts them more powerful.During Reiki treatments, then you might wonder about this.The practitioner starts the treatment of fertility, infertility is a simple technique that is a challenge to fully enjoy the great Reiki symbolsI have had great success with this lineage and then gently work on your body.Part of learning to release and harder to come in many forms of Reiki then it is online or home study courses, and that all process of Reiki works on a nature program, and then enroll in an unsafe place.

This eBook is downloadable along with relaxation methods have been useful.Also, labor time is an enlightening experience all by itself.Many people don't go beyond levels one or two followed by a locomotive with your patient will take away a little relaxation.In that sense, the ever changing nature of the Japanese Mount Kurama. Tummo- this healing that is your own Reiki self attunement process clears and opens the student to feel weak.

Reiki Symbol Pdf

In general, you want to make is that Reiki is the most ancient healing art.You will be more receptive and it is and if you already knew that I can imagine that by using Reiki therapy for the signs in the way up to 20 times.Reiki is very beneficial and helpful, regardless of how this person teaches and whether or not you are curious and more enquiries are being distracted by meaningless sensations; but the ultimate goal of serving others and being in the past or the seiza position, while reciting precise, calming verses of poetry.Ever considered the fact is that this is no need for humanity to become a Reiki master.There energy therapies associated with this unnecessary burden I was ready.

This element is the best time to help you with the universal energy.So the use of Reiki through an adult removal of tonsils surgery.Use Reiki to work on your own Reiki practice?In addition to this, the qualities of Reiki, we discovered that there may be used for several minutes from the very person who embraces these techniques one at a distant.So it was hot, she began to relax and are used to believe but, in any discipline.

[thaitung]

A Glimpse Inside Mexico City’s Classic Fondas, Home of the Original Value Meal

I was a freelance journalist for a few years in Mexico City, chugging my way through odd jobs and writing assignments, for poor pay and a safety net of zero. Because of this, I became intimately familiar with the fondas in my neighborhood. The small, family-run diners that dot any colonia in this sea of concrete and asphalt offer the coziest setting for anyone who wants to eat well, solidly, and for little cash.

Fondas offer home-style Mexico City cooking from breakfast until lunchtime—which is ritually celebrated in this town beginning at 2 PM. At this hour on every weekday, each fonda begins offering their comida corrida, a three course pre-fixed meal that is also referred to as the menú del día.

The "menu of the day" is the ideal meal for people who believe that lunch can be cheap but still dignified. For about 50 pesos, or $3.80, the diner gets a soup to start (usually a chicken consomé or at least one other option such as lentil soup or a cream of broccoli or cauliflower), followed by a middle plate of rice, pasta, or salad. The main course is usually a meat dish or fillet guisado with an almost infinite variety of salsas or secret preparation methods.

The house also always serves customers a fresh glass of an agua del día, often made with melon, guava, watermelon, or lime. Sometimes dessert or coffee is included.

When I was making, say, less than half-peso-a-per-word on a daily news story, this Aztec "value meal" was a local custom I quickly learned to adopt.

I relied most heavily on the fondas located in little stalls inside the San Juan Arcos de Belén market, at the Salto del Agua subway station. Among my equally starving writer or artist neighbors at the time, deep in the late economic dip of the last decade, we called this market "San Juan de los Pobres" — St. John of the Poor — well, because we were pretty poor and we couldn't afford to eat regularly the fancy 80-peso meat-and-cheese baguettes that out-of-hood visitors like eating at the other neighborhood market, which we called "San Juan de los Ricos," aka San Juan Ernesto Pugibet. This "gourmet market" of cured meats, Asian products, and "exotic" fowl is a few blocks away from San Juan Arcos de Belén, but a million miles away in terms of the two customer bases. One San Juan market is for working-class folks, let's say, while the other San Juan is for the sort of people who come downtown expressly to shop for shitake mushrooms and quail eggs.

Anyway, we had the "menu of the day" at Arcos de Belén—a lot of it. Consomé to soothe out the edges of a hangover or a mild city cold. Rice with fried plantains on top, to remind the soul of Mexico's healing tropical beaches, just a five-hour bus ride away. And then, a range of hearty finishers to chose from; a patty of huanzontle stuffed with queso in a savory red sauce, maybe; or a plate of green enchiladas, or a straight-up milanesa and fries, breaded beef-steak sent down straight from the heavens.

Here in VICE's Mexico office, the fondas of our fair, smoggy city remain always close to our hearts. That's why we jumped at a challenge that was proposed to us: create a piece on Mexico City's fonditas, as they can also be affectionately called, for the highly anticipated two-day food symposium held here in late May, Mesámerica 2014, in conjunction with MUNCHIES.

The key to identifying a good fonda is in the intangibles: Care, affection, and attention to detail is evident in the preparation of the dishes, the rice is just right, the place feels as though you're visiting someone's home kitchen from the second you sit down. One of the most enduring practices inside a fonda is that of saying "Buen provecho" to the nearest stranger next to you, once you arrive, and once you leave, of course, to indicate harmony and goodwill among your fellow diners. Buen provecho literally means, "Enjoy your meal," or more precisely, "May you find your meal satisfying." It's the Mexican 'bon appétit', and I hope we never lose its usage in the everyday.

For Mesamérica 2014, we came up with a video where I explore the "menus of the day" at three classic Mexico City fondas, breakfast to dinner (or dinner–breakfast, if you will), in 24 hours.

Today, even though I've graduated to full-time-job status, I still find refuge a couple times a week at a fonda tucked away somewhere—at a market, above a subway station I suddenly find myself near when lunchtime strikes, or a place that might be way out of the way, but clearly worth the trip.

Provecho!

- Daniel Hernandez (Munchies)

[aumolc]

Source : Google photo of black mold that can release mito toxins

Synopsis : The world we live in brings us closer and brings with it problems like virus that can jump from people to people. But if we take simple precautions that the blog looks at then we can avoid most of the problems. 

A female passenger flying somewhere declared that she had just come from China and the whole plane was emptied because the passengers were so scared.  She sat alone in the plane bemoaning the fact that we now live so precariously in today’s connected world where a disaster in one part affects directly the other part quickly.

Source Google photo of Corona virus 1 and 2

Take the case of the Corona virus that started in Wuhan in China and now has spread to many countries killing numerous people who came in contact with an infected person. All countries are now worried and have put in strict measures to contain the virus by keeping the travelers in quarantine for 2 weeks to see if they develop the symptoms. The ships coming from China have been restricted off shores in many countries and the passengers or the crew are kept on the ships because of the fear that they may have the virus and may spread it among the unsuspecting people.

The scientists and medical people are working feverishly to find a vaccine to fight this latest menace while the bozos are claiming a cure by drinking cow urine or some such outlandish remedies as if it was that easy. I will not be surprised if some enterprising crooks are already selling the cow urine as a surefire cure at a premium price because panicked people will do anything.

It reminds me of the plague that broke out in London that killed 100000 people in just a few months. The Great Plague, lasting from 1665 to 1666, was the last major epidemic of the bubonic plague to occur in England. … The Great Plague killed an estimated 100,000 people—almost a quarter of London’s population—in 18 months. ( wikipedia)

Approximately 4 100 000 patients are estimated to acquire a healthcare-associated infection in the EU each year. The number of deaths occurring as a direct consequence of these infections is estimated to be at least 37 000 and these infections are thought to contribute to an additional 110 000 deaths each year. ( wikipedia)

Our body has a built in mechanism to fight infection if we are healthy so we may not even know what bacteria, virus or other harm causing things enter our nostrils everyday because our immune system quickly overpowers them and destroys them but the immune system works when we are healthy. When we are not healthy then a simple infection can cause major problems. Germs of all kinds are emanated by very sick people specially if they have tuberculosis or other infectious diseases so coming in contact with such people can land you in big trouble.

Although our nose is not as sensitive as that of a dog, we can smell a wide array of noxious things in the air. I can tell just by entering a house if someone is sick there because of the smell of sickness pervading the air. If the house is damp and not well ventilated or aired, it becomes a breeding ground for germs of all sorts specially the deadly ones like tuberculosis. Molds grow on walls in such houses that can be extremely toxic to breathe in. You will notice that people who keep dogs and cats and play with them all the time may develop severe forms of asthma because these animals constantly shed hair making the house very dirty.

The Chinese Feng Shui people are often laughed at and not taken seriously but they will tell you all sorts of things that are wrong in your house if you invite them. They will tell you that your house is wrongly oriented meaning it does not let natural sunshine and air enter your house or that your main door is placed in the wrong place meaning it blocks the natural flow of energy through your house etc. You may not believe in all they say but somethings do make sense.

Sunshine is a natural bacteria and mold killer as any doctor will tell you. So keeping your house well aerated, ventilated and dry is a major step to ward off infectious germs that are always in the air or brought by someone who is sick. Keeping your house spotlessly clean and washing drapes, sheets and covers regularly will make your home a healthy place to live in but I have seen how people suffer in Africa from malaria when it is so easy to prevent it. Walking bare feet on dirt like they do can land you in big trouble in Africa.

We lived in a village in Mali where I designed a 5 room round house interconnected to each other through covered passageways the villagers built for us. The round rooms were well ventilated through well placed windows and we screened the doors and all the windows to keep the mosquitos and flies out. We lived in a malaria endemic area but we never had any problem because we took such precautions. Our kids were given Nivaquine as a prophylactic measure and we always filtered our water. But the Africans in our village suffered from Malaria because their huts had open windows .

It is now known that coating our floors with cow dung paste once a week not only gave it a good hard dust free finish. it also killed germs. That is the power of cow dung that most people do not know anything about. A farmer in India has built a house in his village only using local materials found on his farm and coating his mud brick walls with cow dung that keeps his house cool in summer and warm in winter. His dung coated walls kill all germs that enter his house. I would like you to watch this video here that shows his award winning house that is so beautiful that it will take your breath away. It is in Hindi but you will understand how the farmer used only local materials in such an artistic way that won him numerous awards that the Prime Minister Modi himself praises.

Source U Tube video of a beautiful , clean and hygienic farm house in India.

It says the use of cow dung, urine and natural materials that were used to make this house in a village in India makes you feel like paradise. 

We all know that germs and virus spread through contact that may not be physical but just being near an infected person can infect you because the air he breathes out is full of virus that you may breathe in. It can happen in a closely packed train or metro or a bus or where there is a huge crowd milling around and spreading infectious germs and deadly virus. In such cases you must protect yourself with a face mask and avoid shaking hands with people you know or meet.

When people died in London in the bubonic plague outbreak there in 1665, people did not know that rats were the culprits. London in those days was a very dirty city giving rise to a huge rat population that carried the plague carrying tiny insect. But now the medical science has evolved to the point when the diseases and their source can be readily identified by thermal scanners in airports or other ports of entry.

It is a very unsettling fact that now a person carrying an infection of sorts caused by a deadly virus can travel to other parts in just a few hours and spread the disease there. That is how the Corona virus is spreading to so many countries. It is unsettling because until now they have not found a vaccine that works although doctors and scientists are feverishly looking for one.  Remember the Ebola crisis that started in Africa somewhere and killed so many people including the doctors and nurses who were treating the sick people ? It became a very serious problem that brought together many countries to fight it so eventually it was controlled.

Often the animals carry the sickness. It was found that monkeys were responsible for spreading Ebola but in other cases it may be other animals. We still do not know what started the spread of Corona virus. Some say that it was spread by bats that the Chinese eat but the Chinese eat all sorts of things that you and I may never do while the Europeans eat somethings that no Asian worth his salt will dare to eat. It is a fact that the humans are omnivorous that can bring in its own set of problems. In essence we are what we eat and of what quality. We should understand that food is not something universal. If we do not eat it, it is not food although others may call it so.

It is also known that the vegetarians are in general healthy people but we the non vegetarian people can’t have enough of animal protein that can bring in its own set of problems. Pork meat can carry tape worms or other types of worms while beef may carry tuberculosis germs . In many countries where people eat beef and pork , the animal hygiene is less than what is standard so people get sick. Chicken are not all that safe to eat if they are not raised in clean environment and with proper care.

I am particularly worried about the Western countries where half cooked beefsteaks are served because that is what the customer wants. Cooking any meat thoroughly kills all the germs it may carry but the restaurants will serve you raw meat if that is what you want. They don’t care. So it is up to us to examine what we eat and how our food is prepared under what conditions. I like to see how the cook prepares my meal. Once we were in a Mongolian restaurant near Orting where the cooks had a giant hot plate or a wok where they cooked your food in front of you which was very nice.

Another thing that often worries me is the practice of hugging and kissing to show friendliness that can transmit germs easily from person to person. I like the Indian way of greeting each other by bringing the palms together and saying Namaste but some imitate the Western culture so hugging and kissing on the cheek is also spreading among the younger generation.

Finally , it is all up to us to learn to live a healthy life, take precautions that are simple but very effective and keep our house and surroundings spotlessly clean. The world we live in is now more connected than ever bringing in all sorts of trouble from far places. We must not take anything for granted so should examine the expiry date of foods that we buy. Some people live on canned goods but that is a very unhealthy way of living because we all know that the canned goods are preserved with all sorts of preservatives that have long term health problems associated with them.

There is nothing better than fresh vegetables that are organic meaning they do not use pesticides on them and there is nothing better than fresh eggs from self supporting chickens. The deep orange colored yolks are the best. Live fish if you can find them is always better than dead fish and fresh cow milk with full cream is better than the refrigerated kind you buy in the grocery stores. Our Mother Nature provides us with all the good things to eat but the crooks adulterate them before selling them so that they can make money. Just don’t be taken in by their fancy advertising.

Fresh fruits like bananas , papayas, avocados, oranges and others are better if you can find them. Sometimes you have to go to a farmer’s market where you can buy all sorts of fresh farm produce like fruits, vegetables , milk , cheese etc.

The precarious living sounds awful but it does not have to be.

  Note : My blogs are also available in French, Spanish, German and Japanese languages at the following links as well as my biography. My blogs can be shared by anyone anytime in any social media.

Mes blogs en français.

Mis blogs en espagnol

Blogs von Anil in Deutsch

Blogs in Japanese

My blogs at Wix site

tumblr posts    

Blogger.com

Medium.com

Anil’s biography in English.

Biographie d’Anil en français

La biografía de anil en español.

Anil’s Biografie auf Deutsch

Anil’s biography in Japanese

Биография Анила по-русскиu

        Precarious living Source : Google photo of black mold that can release mito toxins Synopsis : The world we live in brings us closer and brings with it problems like virus that can jump from people to people.

[dinakaplan]

The Incredible Power of Diet in Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease + 15 Heart Healthy Foods

We now know the importance of lifestyle factors like diet in the prevention and reversal of heart disease. What are the best heart healthy foods? And what other factors contribute to heart disease? Read on to find out!

Do you know anyone, perhaps a friend or family member (or maybe even yourself), who has had a heart attack?

Chances are you do. According to the American Heart Association’s 2018 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, about 92 million American adults are living with cardiovascular disease.

And every 40 seconds, a heart attack occurs in the U.S. alone.

Heart disease has become a global epidemic. It’s the #1 cause of death on the planet.

It’s affected my family, too. I never even got to know my great-uncle, Burt Baskin, because he died of a heart attack six years before I was born.

How Heart Disease Affected My Family

You see, my great-uncle Burt was one half of the ice-cream company, Baskin-Robbins. And the other half was my grandpa, Irvine Robbins.

Can you guess what they ate their fair share of daily?

We’re now pretty clear that ice cream is not a health food. But in the 1950s and 60s, my grandpa and his brother-in-law were pumping out delicious flavors by the dozen.

Eventually, my grandfather began suffering from a host of health problems, including heart disease. His doctor told him he likely only had a few years of life left.

But his cardiologist recommended changing his diet and handed him a copy of my dad’s book, Diet for a New America. And then, Grandpa Irv started to turn his health around.

(My dad had walked away from the family company and ice cream fortune. And he followed his own “rocky road” and became a globally recognized health authority. And now one of his readers was none other than my Grandpa Irv.)

Remarkably, my grandpa started eating fewer processed foods and less meat. He gave up sugar and, amazingly, he even gave up ice cream. He started eating a lot more veggies, fruits, and whole foods.

And he got results.

Before long, Grandpa Irv lost 30 pounds. He ditched all his diabetes and blood-pressure medications. And he enjoyed more energy than he’d had in decades. Despite the grim prognosis, he ended up living 19 more healthy years.

So what did I learn from my great-uncle Burt and Grandpa Irv’s heart disease?

The Standard American Diet leads to the Standard American diseases. And if you want to turn it all around, diet is at the heart of the matter.

What is Heart Disease?

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Heart attacks aren’t the only form of heart disease (or cardiovascular disease).

Heart disease affects not just the heart but the blood vessels and arteries as well.

There are many types of heart disease. Heart disease is a general term used to describe dysfunction of the blood vessels in various parts of the body that lead to organ dysfunction.

The most common are:

Atherosclerosis — the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of fat and cholesterol;

Arrhythmia — abnormal heart rhythm;

Heart attack — when a clot blocks blood flow to the heart;

Heart valve problems — such as stenosis or prolapse;

And heart failure — when the heart isn’t pumping as much blood as it should.

What Factors Contribute to Heart Disease?

Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk dramatically.

Smoking, type 2 diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can all contribute to the development of heart problems.

That last one is especially important.

What’s Being Done About Heart Disease?

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While genetics are often emphasized as a major risk factor for heart disease, they’re only one possible piece of the puzzle.

In fact, the most common heart disease-related gene called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (basically inherited high cholesterol) only occurs in about one out of 250 people.

But studies have shown that even in these cases, cardiovascular disease can still be prevented through simple lifestyle changes.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and a 2012 study found just that.

The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that preventative measures relating to heart disease were more cost-effective than treatments, especially when it came to high blood pressure.

However, we still have a long way to go.

Doctors prescribe heart disease drugs more often than dietary changes. In 2017, the major drug companies made more than $40 billion just on drugs used to treat cardiovascular disease.

And according to the American Heart Association, from 2013 to 2014, heart disease and stroke made up 14% of all health costs in the United States.

In fact, in the next generation, the costs of heart disease are expected to increase to $749 billion per year. That’s nearly half the GDP of the entire country of Canada!

Any way you slice it, that’s a LOT of money being spent on something that could be remedied simply by changing our diets and making other lifestyle changes.

Why Diet Matters a Great Deal for Heart Health

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A growing and, frankly, overwhelming body of evidence now tells us that diet can be absolutely critical to preventing and even to reversing heart disease.

And not just any diet. Studies by some of our Food Revolution Summit speakers including Dean Ornish, MD, Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., MD, and Joel Fuhrman, MD, have shown dramatic results.

These and other studies have shown how eating a plant-based diet, often combined with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, can reduce cardiovascular disease:

Dr. Ornish’s 1990 Lifestyle Heart Trial saw an 82% reduction in coronary atherosclerosis after only one year on a plant-based diet, without the use of statins or cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Similarly, Dr. Esselstyn conducted a study at Cleveland Clinic, beginning in 1985. Of the 22 patients in the original study, all of whom suffered from severe heart disease, 17 stuck to the diet and stopped the progression of disease, and four experienced a complete reversal.

And last year, Dr. Fuhrman published a study which found that when participants ate his “Nutritarian” diet, they experienced weight loss, reduction in blood pressure, and lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels and triglycerides.

What’s the Best Diet for Heart Health?

Many people are confused by all the different dietary advice we hear about. But here’s the truth: Leading nutritional experts are in general agreement about the most heart-healthy diet for humans.

We now have an overwhelming body of data that makes it pretty clear:

The optimal diet for heart health is one that is low in animal products (and especially processed meats), low in sugar and processed foods, and high in vegetables and other whole plant foods.

This Way of Eating Is Also Best for Preventing Other Diseases

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Millions of lives (and billions of dollars) could be saved every year if we all just ate more plants.

It turns out this same diet is also generally best for preventing cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many of the other major health ailments of our times.

In fact, in 2017, medical researchers conducted a meta-analysis study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

They found that an estimated six to nine million premature deaths (including heart disease and cancer) worldwide in 2013 may have been associated with low fruit and vegetable intake.

Millions of lives (and billions of dollars) could be saved every year if we all just ate more plants. I’d call that a win-win!

15 Foods for Heart Health (Show Your Heart Some Love!)

Now you know how important diet is for heart health. So what are the specific foods you should be eating if you want to support your heart health?

Heart Healthy Foods #1 — Berries

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Berries, especially the red and blue varieties, are remarkably potent, heart-healthy warriors.

Results of a meta-analysis study from 2016 found that berry consumption contributed to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index.

Simply consuming 1 to 2 daily portions of either strawberries, raspberries or blueberries can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Heart Healthy Foods #2 — Leafy Greens

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Famous spinach-lover, Popeye the Sailor, didn’t just get outwardly strong from eating his greens. He was unknowingly strengthening the most important muscle in his body: his heart!

Leafy greens, such as spinach, collards, kale, and arugula, contain an abundance of vitamin K, which helps decalcify blood vessels and protects the arteries.

A meta-analysis study, published in JRSM Cardiovascular Disease, showed a 16% decrease in heart disease from a diet rich in leafy greens.

To put that in context — a 16% reduction in heart disease deaths would save the lives of more than 97,000 people each year in the United States alone. So I say, “Bring on the greens!”

What’s the best way to eat leafy greens?

For best results, enjoy a combination of raw and cooked leafy greens for maximum nutritional benefits.

Heart Healthy Foods #3 — Avocados

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Did you know that avocados have even more potassium than bananas? A single Hass avocado contains 33% of the daily recommended potassium intake.

Potassium increases nitric oxide release, lowering blood pressure and improving the function of your arteries.

Avocados also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, which can reduce LDL cholesterol and overall cardiovascular disease risk.

Heart Healthy Foods #4 and #5 — Nuts and Seeds

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Nut and peanut butter consumption can protect your heart in a number of ways. (Note: peanuts aren’t, botanically-speaking, nuts. They’re legumes. But they’re used like nuts.)

They’ve been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of inflammation, decrease body weight and insulin resistance, and improve endothelial function.

Walnuts, in particular, have been extensively studied for their positive effect on LDL cholesterol. Part of the reason may have to do with their high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax and chia seeds are also rich in healthy fats and are two of the best sources of plant-based omega-3’s, namely ALA — an essential fatty acid we can only get from food.

How many nuts and seeds should you eat?

One daily serving of nuts can reduce your risk of cardiovascular death by 39%. But, a little goes a long way with nuts and seeds due to their calorie density.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman recommends 1-2 ounces of nuts and seeds per day (or more if you’re fit).

Heart Healthy Foods #6 — Dark Chocolate

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Discovered over 2,000 years ago in Central and South America, the Latin name of the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means “food of the gods.” And it’s easy to see why.

The antioxidants derived from the cacao tree, found in cocoa powder and dark chocolate, are more powerful even than “superfruits” like blueberries, acai, cranberry, and pomegranate.

One study even showed that high levels of dark chocolate consumption reduced cardiovascular disease by 37%, type 2 diabetes by 31%, and stroke by 29%. Those are pretty significant numbers!

How to choose the best chocolate:

But even for all its benefits, keep in mind that most chocolate contains large amounts of sugar and dairy, which can mitigate its benefits.

When it comes to your health, darker is better, so look for varieties that contain at least 72% cocoa. And as with many tropical foods, sourcing matters too. To avoid supporting farmer exploitation and child labor, I always encourage fair-trade-certified cocoa.

Heart Healthy Foods #7 — Beans

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As a child, you may have heard the schoolyard song about beans being good for your heart. Little did you know, there’s actually some truth to that!

Beans are high in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a top heart-healthy food.

Beans also contain phytochemicals that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by a buildup of plaque and clogging of the arteries.

Darker colored beans, such as adzuki beans and black beans, have the highest levels of phytochemicals. But all kinds of beans are highly nutritious and are excellent foods for heart health.

Add them to soups and salads or prepare them as a main course with steamed veggies.

Just one serving of beans per day can reduce your risk of heart attack by 38%, according to a 2005 study.

Heart Healthy Foods #8 — Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant and carotenoid that gives them their red color.

As an antioxidant, lycopene can lower inflammation in your body and prevent oxidative stress that contributes to heart disease.

What’s the best way to eat tomatoes?

Eating raw tomatoes was shown to increase HDL (the good cholesterol) in overweight women. But cooking tomatoes actually increases their nutritional benefits, releasing even more lycopene than what’s available in their raw state.

Try including cooked tomatoes in stews, chilis, and stir-fries or as a topping on zucchini or butternut squash noodles.

Heart Healthy Foods #9 — Apples

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An apple a day may keep the cardiologist away. But why exactly is that?

Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that blocks cholesterol absorption in your gut.

Like beans, they also have polyphenols and other antioxidants that fight heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

One study concluded that apples could be almost as effective at preventing heart disease deaths as statins, or cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Apples are a beneficial addition to any heart-healthy diet.

What’s the best way to eat apples?

Eat apples with the skin on. The skin provides most of the fiber and many of the other beneficial nutrients, too.

Many Spices Are Also Heart-Healthy

Low in calories and relatively inexpensive, spices are used around the world in every culture for their flavors and medicinal benefits.

Indian spices, in particular, have been shown to protect against inflammation and damage caused by high cholesterol and blood sugar and to be protective against heart disease.

Heart Healthy Foods #10 — Garlic

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Part of the allium family of vegetables, garlic has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine.

Charaka, the father of Ayurvedic medicine, claimed that garlic maintains blood flow and strengthens the heart.

Evidence exists from the National Health and Medical Research Council that ½ to a whole clove of garlic daily could lower blood cholesterol levels by up to 9%.

Garlic extract has also shown anti-clotting and blood-pressure-lowering properties in studies.

Heart Healthy Foods #11 — Turmeric

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A major ingredient in Indian curries, the health benefits of turmeric are far-reaching due to a powerful polyphenol called curcumin.

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its yellow color. And it also has a protective role against cardiovascular disease.

The antioxidant effects of curcumin can prevent heart-related complications due to diabetes, lower LDL cholesterol levels, protect against atherosclerosis, and prevent heart failure and arrhythmias.

(To find out how turmeric can help you hack your genetics and avoid disease, click here.)

Heart Healthy Foods #12 — Ginger

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A widely used medicinal spice, ginger is useful in treating a variety of chronic conditions, including heart disease.

Ginger’s active component, gingerol, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

In one study, mice who consumed a high dose of ginger extract for 10 weeks experienced a 76% reduction in cellular cholesterol.

Another study with humans who took a 10 gram, one-time dose of dried ginger, saw a reduction in the formation of blood clots.

Heart Healthy Foods #13 — Black Pepper

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Considered the “king of spices,” black pepper is rich in minerals including potassium, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure ― and zinc, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s also a rich source of magnesium, which helps keep blood flow and blood vessels in tip-top shape.

One study found that supplementation of black pepper in a high-fat diet increased HDL (good) and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and reduced triglyceride levels.

Heart Healthy Foods #14 — Cinnamon

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Although today we associate cinnamon with foods like apple pie, its culinary and medicinal history goes back thousands of years. Arab traders brought it to Europe in limited supplies where the then expensive spice was considered a status symbol during the Middle Ages.

Cinnamon is documented in both Indian Materia Medica and Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 species books, classifying the spice as an herbal drug with cardiovascular benefits.

In recent studies, cinnamon has been shown to help manage obesity-related high cholesterol while also increasing nitric-oxide levels.

Heart Healthy Foods #15 — Coriander

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Coriander has a long and well-documented history as a treatment for cholesterol.

The seeds of coriander are especially good at lowering cholesterol, which has been documented in a few different studies.

One study on rats showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides while HDL (good) cholesterol levels increased. Another study using coriander and curry leaves found they help prevent blood clots caused by heart disease.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine

Many of the foods mentioned here aren’t only good for heart health. They’re also beneficial in fighting other diseases and chronic conditions, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Want to show your heart, and your whole body, some love? Try loving the foods that will love you back.

Bon appetit!

Tell us in the comments below:

Did you know how important diet was to heart disease prevention and reversal?

Do you know anyone who’s reversed heart disease with a healthy diet (and other lifestyle changes)?

What are your favorite heart healthy foods and spices?

Featured Image: iStock.com/marilyna

Read Next:

How to clean your arteries with one simple fruit

[Read More ...] https://foodrevolution.org/blog/heart-healthy-foods/

[lauraramargosian]

Teen Choice Awards: Full list of winners!

Teen Choice Awards: Full list of winners!

The armies have spoken and the votes are in on our favorite stars.

Teen Choice Awards: Full list of winners!

Fans voted online and spent a lot of time hashtagging their favorite stars from the industry.

Nick Cannon was the show’s host and the Teen Choice Awards had some amazing performers including Lauv, Khalid, and Meghan Trainor. But there were many more and they all did a fantastic job.

Paris Jackson sings for cancer, watch as her grandmother cheers her on!

The most notable winners of the night leave us with no surprise. They were Riverdale and The Flash.

You can check out a full list of the winners below. And if you’re enjoying the positive vibes, be sure to subscribe to our positive celebrity gossip newsletter. That way you can stay up-to-date on the latest positive celebrity news!

It was a hot night with so many fan-favorite celebrities in attendance including Zac Efron, Pretty Much, Meghan Trainor, Lauren Jauregui and many more!

Check out the list and let us know what you thought of the winners!

Blessed be!

List of Teen Choice Awards 2018

    MOVIES Choice Action Movie WINNER: Avengers: Infinity War Justice League Maze Runner: The Death Cure Pacific Rim: Uprising Tomb Raider

Choice Action Movie Actor Chris Evans – Avengers: Infinity War Dylan O’Brien – Maze Runner: The Death Cure Henry Cavill – Justice League John Boyega – Pacific Rim: Uprising WINNER: Robert Downey Jr. – Avengers: Infinity War Tom Holland – Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Action Movie Actress Alicia Vikander – Tomb Raider Amy Adams – Justice League Elizabeth Olsen – Avengers: Infinity War Gal Gadot – Justice League WINNER: Scarlett Johansson – Avengers: Infinity War Zoe Saldana – Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Sci-Fi Movie WINNER: Black Panther Blade Runner 2049 Rampage Ready Player One Thor: Ragnarok

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actor Chadwick Boseman – Black Panther WINNER: Chris Hemsworth – Thor: Ragnarok Dwayne Johnson – Rampage Mark Ruffalo – Thor: Ragnarok Ryan Gosling – Blade Runner 2049 Tye Sheridan – Ready Player One

Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actress Danai Gurira – Black Panther WINNER: Letitia Wright – Black Panther Lupita Nyong’o – Black Panther Naomie Harris – Rampage Olivia Cooke – Ready Player One Tessa Thompson – Thor: Ragnarok

Choice Fantasy Movie A Wrinkle in Time WINNER: Coco Peter Rabbit Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Choice Fantasy Movie Actor WINNER: Anthony Gonzalez – Coco Gael García Bernal – Coco James Corden – Peter Rabbit John Boyega – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Mark Hamill – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Oscar Isaac – Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Choice Fantasy Movie Actress WINNER: Carrie Fisher – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Daisy Ridley – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Mindy Kaling – A Wrinkle in Time Oprah Winfrey – A Wrinkle in Time Reese Witherspoon – A Wrinkle in Time Storm Reid – A Wrinkle in Time

Choice Drama Movie A Quiet Place Midnight Sun Murder on the Orient Express WINNER: The Greatest Showman Truth or Dare Wonder

Choice Drama Movie Actor Hugh Jackman – The Greatest Showman Jacob Tremblay – Wonder Leslie Odom Jr. – Murder on the Orient Express Patrick Schwarzenegger – Midnight Sun Timothée Chalamet – Lady Bird WINNER: Zac Efron – The Greatest Showman

Choice Drama Movie Actress Bella Thorne – Midnight Sun Daisy Ridley – Murder on the Orient Express Julia Roberts – Wonder Lucy Hale – Truth or Dare Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird WINNER: Zendaya – The Greatest Showman

Choice Comedy Movie Daddy’s Home 2 I Feel Pretty Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle WINNER: Love, Simon Overboard Pitch Perfect 3

Choice Comedy Movie Actor WINNER: Dwayne Johnson – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Eugenio Derbez – Overboard Jack Black – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Kevin Hart – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Mark Wahlberg – Daddy’s Home 2 Will Ferrell – Daddy’s Home 2

Choice Comedy Movie Actress Amy Schumer – I Feel Pretty Anna Faris – Overboard WINNER: Anna Kendrick – Pitch Perfect 3 Hailee Steinfeld – Pitch Perfect 3 Karen Gillan – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Rebel Wilson – Pitch Perfect 3

Choice Summer Movie Adrift WINNER: Incredibles 2 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Life of the Party Ocean’s 8 Solo: A Star Wars Story

Choice Summer Movie Actor WINNER: Chris Pratt, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Alden Ehrenreich – Solo: A Star Wars Story Donald Glover – Solo: A Star Wars Story Julian Dennison – Deadpool 2 Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool 2 Sam Claflin – Adrift

Choice Summer Movie Actress WINNER: Bryce Dallas Howard, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Emilia Clarke – Solo: A Star Wars Story Melissa McCarthy – Life of the Party Sandra Bullock – Ocean’s 8 Shailene Woodley – Adrift Zazie Beetz – Deadpool 2

Choice Movie Villain Adam Driver – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Aiden Gillen – Maze Runner: The Death Cure Bill Skarsgard – It Cate Blanchett – Thor: Ragnarok Josh Brolin – Avengers: Infinity War WINNER: Michael B. Jordan – Black Panther

Choice Breakout Movie Star Keala Settle – The Greatest Showman Kelly Marie Tran – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Letitia Wright – Black Panther WINNER: Nick Robinson – Love, Simon Olivia Cooke – Ready Player One Sophia Lillis – It

Choice Movie Ship Bella Thorne & Patrick Schwarzenegger – Midnight Sun Chadwick Boseman & Lupita Nyong’o – Black Panther Dylan O’Brien & Kaya Scodelario – Maze Runner: The Death Cure Nick Robinson & Keiynan Lonsdale – Love, Simon Sophia Lillis & Jeremy Ray Taylor – It WINNERS: Zac Efron & Zendaya, The Greatest Showman

TV Choice Drama TV Show Empire Famous in Love WINNER: Riverdale Star The Fosters This Is Us

Choice Drama TV Actor WINNER: Cole Sprouse — Riverdale Freddie Highmore — The Good Doctor Jesse Williams — Grey’s Anatomy Jussie Smollett — Empire K.J. Apa — Riverdale Sterling K. Brown — This Is Us

Choice Drama TV Actress Bella Thorne — Famous in Love Camila Mendes — Riverdale Chrissy Metz — This Is Us WINNER: Lili Reinhart — Riverdale Maia Mitchell — The Fosters Ryan Destiny — Star

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show iZombie WINNER: Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Stranger Things Supernatural The 100 The Originals

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor Bob Morley — The 100 Dominic Sherwood — Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Finn Wolfhard — Stranger Things Gaten Matarazzo — Stranger Things Joseph Morgan — The Originals WINNER: Matthew Daddario — Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments

Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress Eliza Taylor — The 100 Emeraude Toubia — Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Katherine McNamara — Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Lana Parrilla — Once Upon a Time WINNER: Millie Bobby Brown — Stranger Things Rose McIver — iZombie

Choice TV Villain WINNER: Mark Consuelos – Riverdale Anna Hopkins – Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Cameron Monaghan – Gotham Gabrielle Anwar – Once Upon a Time Mind Flayer – Stranger Things Odette Annable – Supergirl

Choice Action TV Show Arrow Gotham Lethal Weapon Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Supergirl WINNER: The Flash

Choice Action TV Actor Chris Wood — Supergirl Damon Wayans — Lethal Weapon David Mazouz — Gotham WINNER: Grant Gustin — The Flash Lucas Till — MacGyver Stephen Amell — Arrow

Choice Action TV Actress Caity Lotz — DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Candice Patton — The Flash Chloe Bennet — Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Danielle Panabaker — The Flash Emily Bett Rickards — Arrow WINNER: Melissa Benoist — Supergirl

Choice Comedy TV Show black-ish Fuller House Jane the Virgin Modern Family WINNER: The Big Bang Theory The Good Place

Choice Comedy TV Actor Andy Samberg — Brooklyn Nine-Nine Anthony Anderson — black-ish Elias Harger — Fuller House Hudson Yang — Fresh Off the Boat WINNER: Jaime Camil — Jane the Virgin Rico Rodriguez — Modern Family

Choice Comedy TV Actress America Ferrera — Superstore Candace Cameron Bure — Fuller House WINNER: Gina Rodriguez — Jane the Virgin Kristen Bell — The Good Place Sarah Hyland — Modern Family Yara Shahidi — blackish, grown-ish

Choice Animated TV Show Bob’s Burgers Family Guy WINNER: Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Rick and Morty Steven Universe The Simpsons

Choice Reality TV Show WINNER: Keeping Up With the Kardashians Lip Sync Battle MasterChef Junior The Four: Battle for Stardom The Voice Total Divas

Choice Throwback TV Show Dawson’s Creek WINNER: Friends Gossip Girl One Tree Hill That ’70s Show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Choice TV Personality Chrissy Teigen — Lip Sync Battle Derek Hough — World of Dance DJ Khaled — The Four: Battle for Stardom Hailey Baldwin — Drop the Mic Kelly Clarkson — The Voice Meghan Trainor — The Four: Battle for Stardom

Choice Summer TV Show Beat Shazam Cobra Kai Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger WINNER: So You Think You Can Dance The Bold Type Total Bellas

Choice Breakout TV Star WINNER: Vanessa Morgan – Riverdale Iain Armitage – Young Sheldon Luka Sabbat – Grown-ish Lyric Ross – This Is Us Nafessa Williams – Black Lightning Oliver Stark – 9-1-1

Choice Breakout TV Show 9-1-1 Anne with an E Black Lightning WINNER: On My Block Siren The Resident

Choice TV Ship WINNER: Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart – Riverdale Grant Gustin & Candice Patton – The Flash K.J. Apa & Camila Mendes – Riverdale Matthew Daddario & Harry Shum Jr. – Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments Millie Bobby Brown & Finn Wolfhard – Stranger Things Stephen Amell & Emily Bett Rickards – Arrow

Choice Summer TV Star Olivia Holt – Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger Aisha Dee – The Bold Type Aubrey Joseph – Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger Katie Stevens – The Bold Type Meghann Fahy – The Bold Type Xolo Maridueña – Cobra Kai

MUSIC Choice Male Artist Bruno Mars Drake Ed Sheeran WINNER: Louis Tomlinson Niall Horan Shawn Mendes

Choice Female Artist Ariana Grande WINNER: Camila Cabello Cardi B Demi Lovato Dua Lipa Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group WINNER: 5 Seconds of Summer Fifth Harmony Florida Georgia Line Maroon 5 Migos Why Don’t We

Choice Country Artist Blake Shelton WINNER: Carrie Underwood Kane Brown Kelsea Ballerini Maren Morris Thomas Rhett

Choice Electronic/Dance Artist Calvin Harris Marshmello Martin Garrix Steve Aoki WINNER: The Chainsmokers Zedd

Choice Latin Artist Becky G WINNER: CNCO Daddy Yankee J Balvin Luis Fonsi Maluma

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist WINNER: Cardi B Childish Gambino Drake Khalid Nicki Minaj Post Malone

Choice Rock Artist WINNER: Imagine Dragons Panic! At the Disco Paramore Portugal. The Man twenty one pilots X Ambassadors

Choice Song: Female Artist Ariana Grande – “No Tears Left To Cry” WINNER: Camila Cabello (feat. Young Thug) – “Havana” Demi Lovato – “Sorry Not Sorry” Dua Lipa – “New Rules” Halsey – “Bad at Love” Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do”

Choice Song: Male Artist Charlie Puth – “Attention” Childish Gambino – “This Is America” Drake – “God’s Plan” WINNER: Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” Justin Timberlake (feat. Chris Stapleton) – “Say Something” Kendrick Lamar (feat. Zacari) – “Love.”

Choice Song: Group WINNER: 5 Seconds of Summer – “Youngblood” Imagine Dragons – “Whatever It Takes” Maroon 5 – “Wait” Panic! At the Disco – “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” Portugal. The Man – “Feel It Still” Why Don’t We – “Trust Fund Baby”

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song “All The Stars” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B) “God’s Plan” – Drake “Let You Down” – NF WINNER: “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani “This Is America” – Childish Gambino

Choice Electronic/Dance Song WINNER: “All Night” – Steve Aoki & Lauren Jauregui “Friends” – Marshmello & Anne-Marie “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa “Perfect” – Topic & Ally Brooke “Solo” – Clean Bandit (feat. Demi Lovato) “The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey

Choice Country Song “Cry Pretty” – Carrie Underwood “Heaven” – Kane Brown “Life Changes” – Thomas Rhett WINNER: “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line) “Mercy” – Brett Young “Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan

Choice Collaboration Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line) – “Meant to Be” Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B) – “Finesse (Remix)” Taylor Swift (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future) – “End Game” The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – “Pray for Me” (Black Panther soundtrack) WINNERS: Zac Efron & Zendaya – “Rewrite the Stars” (The Greatest Showman soundtrack) Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey – “The Middle”

Choice Pop Song “Delicate” – Taylor Swift “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – The Backstreet Boys WINNER: “In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes “No Excuses” – Meghan Trainor “No Tears Left to Cry” – Ariana Grande “This Is Me” – Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble

Choice Latin Song “Boom Boom” – RedOne, Daddy Yankee, French Montana & Dinah Jane “Dinero” – Jennifer Lopez (feat. DJ Khaled, Cardi B) “Echame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato WINNER: “Familiar” – Liam Payne & J Balvin “Hey DJ” – CNCO, Yandel “Mi Gente’ – J Balvin, Willy William

Choice Rock/Alternative Song “Alone” – Halsey (feat. Big Sean & Stefflon Don) “Hard Times” – Paramore “High Hopes” – Panic! At The Disco “No Roots” – Alice Merton “Sit Next To Me” – Foster the People WINNER: “Whatever It Takes” – Imagine Dragons

Choice Breakout Artist Bazzi WINNER: Khalid Lauv Logic Marshmello SZA

Choice Next Big Thing Black Pink WINNER: Jackson Wang Jacob Sartorius MattyBRaps NCT Stray

Choice International Artist Black Pink WINNER: BTS CNCO EXO Got7 Super Junior

Choice Summer Song WINNER: “Back To You” – Selena Gomez “Familiar” – Liam Payne & J Balvin “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B “Nice For What” – Drake “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer

Choice Summer Female Artist Ariana Grande WINNER: Camila Cabello Cardi B Halsey Meghan Trainor Selena Gomez

Choice Summer Male Artist Charlie Puth Kane Brown Liam Payne Niall Horan WINNER: Shawn Mendes Zayn

Choice Summer Group WINNER: 5 Seconds of Summer Dan + Shay Imagine Dragons Maroon 5 Panic! At The Disco The Chainsmokers

Choice Summer Tour Charlie Puth – The Voicenotes Tour WINNER: Harry Styles – Live on Tour Jay-Z and Beyoncé – On the Run II Tour Kendrick Lamar, SZA and More – The Championship Tour Niall Horan – Flicker World Tour Taylor Swift – Reputation Stadium Tour

OTHER Choice Liplock WINNER: Cole Sprouse & Lili Reinhart – Riverdale Chadwick Boseman & Lupita Nyong’o – Black Panther Chris Pratt & Zoe Saldana – Avengers: Infinity War Gina Rodriguez & Justin Baldoni – Jane the Virgin Millie Bobby Brown & Finn Wolfhard – Stranger Things Zac Efron & Zendaya – The Greatest Showman

Choice Hissy Fit WINNER: Madelaine Petsch – Riverdale Adam Driver – Star Wars: The Last Jedi Jack Black – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Joe Keery – Stranger Things Kevin Hart – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Mark Ruffalo – Avengers: Infinity War

Choice Scene Stealer WINNER: Vanessa Morgan – Riverdale Charlie Heaton – Stranger Things Katie McGrath – Supergirl Nick Jonas – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Taika Waititi – Thor: Ragnarok Tom Hiddleston – Thor: Ragnarok

Choice Comedian Ellen DeGeneres James Corden Jimmy Fallon Kevin Hart Lilly Singh WINNER: The Dolan Twins

Choice Male Athlete Adam Rippon J.J. Watt WINNER: LeBron James Red Gerard Shaun White Stephen Curry

Choice Female Athlete Chloe Kim Lindsey Vonn Mikaela Shiffrin Mirai Nagasu WINNER: Serena Williams U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team

Choice Female Web Star Bethany Mota Eva Gutowski Lele Pons Lilly Singh WINNER: Liza Koshy The Merrell Twins

Choice Male Web Star Cameron Dallas Collins Key Joey Graceffa Ryan Higa WINNER: The Dolan Twins Tyler Oakley

Choice Comedy Web Star Collins Key Lele Pons Lilly Singh WINNER: Liza Koshy Miranda Sings The Dolan Twins

Choice Music Web Star Anitta Chloe x Halle WINNER: Erika Costell Jack & Jack Johnny Orlando Noah Schnacky

Choice Fashion/Beauty Web Star Dulce Candy WINNER: James Charles Kandee Johnson Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials) Shay Mitchell Zoella

Choice Fandom #Blinks WINNER: #BTSArmy #CNCOwners #Directioners #Harmonizers #Swifties

Choice Female Hottie WINNER: Lauren Jauregui Hailey Baldwin Kendall Jenner Olivia Holt Selena Gomez Yara Shahidi

Choice Male Hottie WINNER: Cole Sprouse Chadwick Boseman Chris Hemsworth Grant Gustin Shawn Mendes Zac Efron

Choice Twit WINNER: Anna Kendrick Chrissy Teigen Kumail Nanjiani Mark Hamill Mindy Kaling Ryan Reynolds

Choice Instagrammer Dwayne Johnson John Mayer Justin Timberlake Lucy Hale WINNER: Selena Gomez Will Smith

Choice Snapchatter WINNER: Ariana Grande Demi Lovato Ethan Dolan Grayson Dolan Kendall Jenner Meghan Trainor

Choice YouTuber DanTDM Lele Pons Lilly Singh WINNER: Liza Koshy The Dolan Twins The Merrell Twins

Choice Dancer Cheryl Burke Derek Hough Jenna Dewan Les Twins tWitch WINNER: Maddie Ziegler

Choice Muser Baby Ariel Holly H (Holly Home) Loren Gray WINNER: Mackenzie Ziegler Sofia Santino Valentina Schulz

Choice Style Icon Blake Lively Chadwick Boseman WINNER: Harry Styles Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Migos Zendaya

Choice Model Adwoa Aboah WINNER: Gigi Hadid Bella Hadid Jaden Smith Kaia Gerber Romeo Beckham

Choice Video Game Fire Emblem Heroes WINNER: Fortnite Overwatch PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Super Mario Odyssey The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

  Teen Choice Pre-Show 2018 – Live on the Pink Carpet

The post Teen Choice Awards: Full list of winners! appeared first on Positive Celebrity News and Gossip.

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[surrendertodaniel]

Surrender To Daniel’s Top 250 Tracks Of 2017ish (250-201)

Opening Blab

250. Kelly Clarkson - Love So Soft (Cash Cash Remix)

“Love So Soft” was always meant for a “the nice restaurant lounge at the good mall” EDM remix that could tear a dancefloor to shreds. Please don’t do that, though. That sounds expensive. 249. Trinidad Cardona - Jennifer

A sticky sweet singer-songwriter plea for forgiveness that might not win back Jennifer, but has done pretty well for itself. (As it should.)

248. Arcade Fire - Electric Blue

OH! I get the U2 jokes now! I kid. I kid. I really wanted to like the new Arcade Fire album for what it’s worth. I wish them no harm. Everything Now felt explicitly like the album in the 2-page magazine discography review that gets cut down to 10 words due to space limitations and WHO COULD ARGUE? I think “Electric Blue” is fantastic, though. It’s a smidge “Sprawl III (Electric Beyond Blue” and that’s cool by me.

247. Valerie June - Shakedown

“Shakedown” is the sort of tune that inspires me to dance around like I’m goddamn Scrooge McDuck doing a bunch of weird pointing and twirling and shit. (That doesn’t sound like an endorsement but it is. An enthusiastic one! “Shakedown” is probably a folk festival floorfiller parkgrassfiller of some sort, I imagine.)

246. Rozwell Fitzroy - Block Game

The ReBoot Reboot soundtrack is coming along nicely. (Let me imagine this.)

245. Fickle Friends - Hard To Be Myself

Sparkling youth activity centre pop that comes in its own shade of neon!

244. Katy Perry featuring Migos - Bon Appetit

Katy Perry’s Witness came across as a bit of a lame duck record after “Chained to the Rhythm” missed the mark, didn’t it? It didn’t really help that the videos seemed second tier (or like a “favor” from JibJab in the case of “Swish Swish”) and that clunky SNL showing. Even if Witness isn’t my cup of tea (I’m rooting for the next Katy cycle)“Bon Appetit” is a first-rate muff-diving anthem with Migos making a welcome showing.

243. Chip - Snap Snap

Wait! Wait! Wait! Is that? Could it be?

Holy moly! How did I not put it together that Chip is the artist formerly known as Chipmunk? Anyway, Chip would prefer if his partner cool it on all the Instagram posting. The music video presents a convincing argument about this lovely woman’s endless selfiecrafting. I’m onboard for some sort of rebuttal track if that’s in the cards.

242. Borussia - Kinda Love

An infectious dance colossus whose power only grows by the number of bright cocktails taken in during your evening. Or morning. Look, I’m not here to judge. (Outside of this silly music judging exercise.)

241. Lady Gaga - The Cure

It’s been AGES since we had a Lady Gaga Thanksgiving special. I wonder if we’ll get one in like 2018. I hope she hasn’t had a falling out with any of the Muppets.

240. Sonamoo - I (Knew It)

I go a little too hard stomping to this K-Pop kiss-off. Like T-1000 (or whatever) stepping through that skull quarry in Terminator 2 only I’m far more prone to slipping on most surfaces.

239. Taylor Swift - ...Ready For It

2017 Taylor was not elite Taylor. (”Look What You Made Me Do” was a music video masquerading as a proper song, for goodness sakes.) Non-elite Taylor is still capable of incredible feats. “...Ready For It” reaches the sublime as its meticulously built ULTRA STADIUM POP grandiosity consumes us all. Just blinding pop light. It took me a while to get on the “...Ready For It” trolley, but I’m happy to be here.

238. Joyride - Aunty Tracey’s Cookies

If you’re going to get creative with your cookies, do so with the hopes of having a blissed out anthem sung in your treat’s honor.

237. Carly Pearce - Every Little Thing

One of those classic country songs where if you see the listener’s face go a certain way you let them sing their heart out.

236. Eves Karydas - There For You An elegant and enormous part the seas anthem, plus Eves does some excellent slowly sliding down the stairs work in the promo.

235. Vic Mensa featuring Pusha T - OMG

A chain swinging, bubbling cauldron of a cut with Pharrell production teleported in from the ‘00s. By the way, if anyone needs a dopey white guy to say something like “oh my goodness” as the hook, gimme a call. Look for 21 Savage x Dan MacRae’s “Geez Louise” on iTunes in 2018.

234. Tigertown - Warriors (St. Lucia Remix)

A Capri-Sun kissed groovy remix of Tigertown with charm to spare.

233. Lady Leshurr - Juice

Lady Leshurr is the sort of entertainer where she’s do damn likeable that I’ve spent the past 3 hours imagining TV projects the English MC can do on the side.

232. Frank Ocean - Chanel

You know the Frank Ocean drill by now. Press play, immediately feel it in your chest.

231. DYGL - Let It Out

Albert Hammond Jr. endorsed Tokyo rock outfit DYGL have crafted a tightly wrapped indie gem with Britpop and Blogosphere First Wave tendencies.

230. Old Dominion - No Such Thing As A Broken Heart

The video for this is so quarter-assed (glass houses much, Dan?) that I have been increasingly MYSTIFIED with every rewatch. Like, the concept is that Old Dominion are in a video game world that’s stuffed with wacky high score gags and kwazy on-screen graphics. The execution doesn’t pan out, so instead it’s like you’re watching someone try to recreate a Christian edit version of Scott Pilgrim from memory and STARTED COOKING WITH GAS! The song’s fantastic, though. Arena country brimming with warmth and even a touch of Ed Robertson’s Barenaked Ladies output.

229. Super Junior - Black Suit

Unlike “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” the video for Super Junior’s “Black Suit” fudging ruuuuules, buds. The promo is the best piece of art involving an elaborate suit heist you’ll come across all 2017 and the entire operation looks awesome to boot. K-Pop’s Last Men Standing® teeter on the brink of jazztronica at times and it’s a treat DANG IT!

228. Barenaked Ladies & The Persuasions - The Old Apartment

Is this cheating? It is, isn’t? Whatever. BNL (a term used exclusively by cool insiders) and The Persuasions were a fantastic match in 2017 and combo performances like this update of “The Old Apartment” feel so damn alive I wish both parties would consider hanging out a lot more.

227. Ayo & Teo - Lit Right Now

As infectious as a yawn but lit (FUCK!) like a firecracker, Ayo & Teo are making Frosh bangers you want to throw paint to. Or maybe I just want to chuck paint. I dunno.

226. LCD Soundsystem - Tonite

Did LCD Soundsystem really need to come back? Probably not, but they’re welcome to stay. (Look at me! I’m doing rulings now, apparently. Ha ha, life.)

225. Pip Blom - Babies Are A Lie

Nothing will top “Babies Are A Lie” in the 2017 song title sweepstakes. Also the hook is an absolute dream.

224. Shay Lia - What’s Your Problem

Pulsating R&B brilliance that sometimes leads me to do ill-advised arm choreo on my balcony. (I’m allergic to rhythm so it’s a tragedy and I apologize to anyone that’s gone down George Street this year.)

223. Lauren Alaina - Doin’ Fine

Play this at just the right volume and you will be powerless to resist the urge to belt out this country anthem while wrapped in curtains, a comforter or both.

222. Jachary - Yellow Vision

An absorbing electronic pop blend (think a spiritual second cousin to Discovery) with a chorus that swings into action like a battering ram.

221. Cende - Bed

A melting ice cream cake of mid-misery assessment wailing power-pop. Or glower-pop if you will. You will not? I completely understand and apologize immediately.

220. Waju featuring Phantom Thrett - If U Wanna

Blissed out hip-hop soul that marinates nicely in the brain. The video’s pretty darn good too.

219. AOBeats & Annabel Jones - Strangers

“You run your heart like a club: One in, one out.” It’s important to note this is a fantastic dance number for anyone that enjoys doing mid-level theatrical glances in lieu of actual dancing. (Read: Me.)

218. CupcakKe - Barcodes

Burn your motivational posters, this horn-aided banger from CupcakKe will slap you in the face with ESSENTIAL life advice about knowing what you’re worth and not budging. Also CupcakKe has some awesome lines on “Barcodes” that made me legitimately guffaw. It’s not easy to pull the guffaw out of the Dan laugh library.

217. Aly & AJ - Take Me

I think I’ve been on about this before, but there was a brief time I confused Aly & AJ with Prussian Blue. Not important. What is important is “Take Me” which is a synth-soaked sledgehammer to the sky that sounds absolutely massive. It’s a big tune is what it is.

216. Tyler, The Creator featuring A$AP Rocky - Who Dat Boy

Ya blew it, Schoolboy Q. 

215. Joe Goddard - Music Is The Answer

Hot Chip boy Joe Goddard turns in an engrossing frosted electronic effort that feels like backstroking through gel in the nicest possible way.

214. Gabrielle - Nye Joggesko

“Nye Joggesko” glides, strolls and spikes like hybrid pop should.

213. Amber Coffman - No Coffee

Pastel (but not Pastels) tinted guitar pop that gets the “breezy” tag even though I wouldn’t quite put it in the “breezy” camp.

212. Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Rich Mavoko & Rayvanny – Zilipendwa 

Last I checked, “Zilipendwa” was embroiled in a saxophone copyright scandal. No matter where you stand on the issue, it’s 14 seconds of sublime saxophone worth fighting over.

211. Ugly God - Fuck Ugly God

“You act like a freak, but you ain't never sucked no toes.” Ugly God treats self-immolation like a superpower. Even though the dude is doing a vivisection of his own shame, "Fuck Ugly God” hits like you’re the one being powerbombed through a table. 

210. Royal Canoe featuring Begonia - Fussin’

If this Western Canadian folk festival tent is rockin’, it’s cuz of what Royal Canoe and Begonia are clocking. (Or there’s a live ferret rescue on the grounds. Either way, respect people’s space.)

209. Ah Mer Ah Su - Meg Ryan

“I’m a white woman, I can do whatever I want,” declares Ah Mer Ah Su on the marvellously woozy pop carousel “Meg Ryan” and yes, she does mention City of Angels on the track.

208. Wesley Gonzalez - Piece of Mind

Nervy indie pop that lands somewhere between They Might Be Giants and XTC. But NOT Adam Ant. (WHO IS THAT JOKE FOR? IMPROV KIDS BEATEN WITH THEIR OWN MEAD BINDERS? WHO?)

207. Smino - Anita

The T-Pain remix is gorgeous too. Be sure to tell T-Pain if you happen to hang out with him in the future.

206. Hannah Jane Lewis - Raincheck

THIS TRACK IS BUOYANT AS FUCK, GANG! There’s also a great bit in the video where a cursor has to choose between “Accept (heart sign)” and “Raincheck” which is something I like in a music video. Play your ace, Hannah Jane Lewis.

205. Mollie King - Hair Down

This is tacky-as-you-like pop the way only the Brits can do it (you can practically see visions of loud Panto ads if you close your eyes) and should poured down your gullet like it’s Tetra Pak booze. In retrospect I should have watched E!’s Chasing The Saturdays when I had the chance.

204. Ten Fé - Twist Your Arm

A Guardian review pegged Ten Fé as something like Madchester meets Springsteen, but “Twist Your Arm” is more a glimmering ‘80s AOR creature than anything else. Probably goes down a storm with Q’s readership. (Not a dig.) I can totally picture a lot of spouses doing intense bicycle repairs with this CRANKED in the garage.

203. Charlie Worsham - Cut Your Groove

Full points to Charlie Worsham for having an first tier country name. Say it out loud right now for fun. It’s great, right? Charlie lays out a sweethearted country self-affirmation anthem that feels like warm embrace on “Cut Your Groove” and I’ve done some power twirling to this.

202. iLoveMakonnen featuring Rae Sremmurd - Love

This combo effort would be quintuple platinum if satellite radio were still “a thing.” I am 10000% convinced this would have been gargantuan in that era. Fight me and my ghost on this and I’ll fudge you up, bud. I also believe this would be fantastic on Riverdale.

Vaguely Related: I’m behind on Riverdale and need to catch up on season 2 so my dad and I can talk about it at length this Christmas.

201. Allison Crutchfield - I Don't Ever Wanna Leave California

“Darling, you're too mid-Atlantic,” begins (ex?) Swearin’ talent Allison Crutchfield on this solo cut and that’s an incredible way to start a song.