#honeysuckle hill farm

[essentiallybetterliving]

Things to do in Fall in Middle Tennessee

Every fall I make a bucket list of things to do with my girls, and it changes every year! However, there are also some tried a true traditions that make the cut every year. That being said, over time I have developed an extensive list of things we love to do in the fall in the Tennessee/Kentucky area. We live in Clarksville,Tennessee, and we have a true color change if leaves that is beautiful…

[enigmaticexplorer]

Let Me Love You - Part I

Masterlist | Next Part

General Summary. An opportunity to expand your grandmother’s business brings you to Coruscant and a chance-encounter with Commander Fox. Friendship is your intent. But feelings grow, and with them, renewed fears. 

Pairing. Commander Fox x female!OC

General Warnings. Self-esteem issues; intimacy issues; trust issues; explicit sexual content. 

Fic Rating. E (explicit)/18+/Minors DNI.

Word Count. 2.4K

A/N. Happy Kinktober! My kink is the hyper-independent FMC who’s convinced she’s incapable of being loved, and the confidently-patient MMC resolved to prove her wrong.

Also, this story wouldn't exist without @/dystopicjumpsuit's In the Matter of Marshal Commander Fox vs. the Stocking Kink, the Court Finds the Defendant Filthy. There is zero correlation between the two, but DJ's one-shot reminded me how much I love Fox. And thus, this story was born.

9 Yelona, Zhellday

Autumn on Coruscant elapsed like the other seasons of the year—controlled temperature, heavy traffic, and malodorously polluted air. The environment was a stark contrast to your home planet, Lefaepa. 

With its fields of amber, and its hills of autumnal red, and its valleys speckled with clumps of asters and sunflowers, Lefaepa was the planet to visit for the annual Harvest Festival. 

It was a tradition that dated back ten thousand years. Month-long festivities concluded on the 35th when everyone gathered in their local towns and shared the reaping of their harvest. 

The communal and unevolved technological aspects of Lefaepan culture set it and its neighboring systems apart from the rest of the galaxy. “Backwater,” they were called. “Archaic.” 

But the Lefaepans didn’t care. They were so far removed from galactic societal expectations and dictations that the opinions of those located billions of kilometers away hardly mattered. What do the people who live in cages know? they laughed among themselves.

You missed it—your home, the silence at night, the fresh air with its honeysuckle breeze. 

Since you first arrived on Coruscant two years ago, you’ve returned home twice for the Harvest Festival. Your parents appreciated the extra help on the farm, and you enjoyed the pitchers of apple cider, the twangy music, and the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

This year, however, you were missing the festivities. An argument with your mother left you too raw to visit home. No matter how much your heart longed for the stars and your soul yearned for the quiet of those red hills, your pride kept you away. Your mother had gone too far this time. 

Her constant pressure to settle for the first man who gave you attention—her constant remarks that you weren’t “getting younger”—had coalesced into a resentment unbreakable. Even now, three weeks after your argument, a bitter taste filled your mouth. Ire clenched in your jaw. 

Was it not enough that you had performed well in university? 

Was it not enough that you had expanded your grandmother’s business?

Were you not enough on your own?

Conflicting thoughts clashed within your mind, a war raging. 

Swords clanging—an adamant acceptance of your independence. 

Cannons blasting—a defiant roar against your mother’s comments and interferences. 

Arrows piercing armor—a desperate, silent plea for someone to see you, to believe you were enough to be loved.

Over time, many battles were fought. 

For weeks, the armies fell quiet, re-strategizing, allowing you a moment of peace. And then they surged forth, a surprise attack spurred by your mother or your insecurities or—

“Excuse me, ma’am.”

The voice plucked you from your spinning thoughts and you recoiled, looking up from the thin coin you were cleaning. Weaving his way through the glass cases of artifacts strolled a man in red armor: helmet tucked beneath an arm, curly hair close-cropped, groomed stubble faintly shadowing his jaw.

A member of the Corrie Guard. You were familiar with them. 

After the Clone War ended two years ago, the Jedi uncovering and preventing a massive scheme to destroy the Republic, the Grand Army of the Republic was restructured. A tentative peace encompassed the galaxy. There was no longer a need for full battalions of soldiers. 

Pension plans passed, many soldiers retired. Some remained, though. Some, like the Corrie Guard, who were organized into an internal defensive bureau—the Department of Security—dedicated to protecting the New Republic from terrorist cells. Cells that were keen for chaos and anarchy.

So, the Guard’s random visit to your gallery was surprising.

“Can I help you?”

The Guard approached your counter—where you conducted all final transactions—with an aplomb that clued you into the seriousness of the situation.

“Are you the owner of the gallery?” At your nod, the Guard extended a gloved hand. “I’m Commander Fox.” The handshake was firm and brief. Matter-of-fact, just like the commander’s tone. “Yesterday, two Weequays were spotted on a public cam just outside this gallery. They were wearing black cowls and dressed in dark clothing. Do you know anything about them?”

The description, while slightly vague, was familiar. Your eyes narrowed. “They came inside and looked around a bit.”

The commander maintained eye contact with a calculation that made you tense. “For how long?” 

“Maybe five minutes.” You rounded the counter and motioned for the commander to follow you. A couple paces led you toward an unseemly case in a corner near the locked door that led to the backroom. “They spent most of that time looking at this: the Sword of Skander.”

Commander Fox peered into the case, eyeing the ancient sword inside. “What’s its story?”

“The sword belonged to Emperor Skander of the Meso civilization that existed ten thousand years ago,” you said with a cool, blasé inflection born from years working in this field. “When he assumed emperorship, his empire was close to collapse. To fight off his greatest enemy, he went to a sorcerer-type people and begged for an undefeatable weapon. They gave him this sword.”

“Undefeatable?” The commander raised his gaze to yours. A white scar cut across his chin. “It’s a sword.”

You offered him a bland smile. “The metal of the blade is unique. It no longer exists. It’s either been depleted so much it’s undiscoverable or it’s been hidden.” 

Commander Fox observed the sword with an unreadable expression. “And yet the metal in the sword remains.”

“The sword is protected by both cultural heritage laws and general artifact preservation laws,” you explained. “It was given to my grandmother forty years ago by a local community with ties to the Meso empire. One of their children was playing in a random cave when she found the sword. The locals recognized it from their legend. They wanted to protect it. So they asked my grandmother to safeguard it from those who would test the metal and replicate it.”

The commander ran a thumb along his lower lip. “Did the Weequay ask you any questions about it?”

“No.” You crossed your arms over your chest. “When I asked if I could help them, they left.”

“What’s so special about a rare metal?” Commander Fox mused aloud. At your silence, he pinned you with a hard look. “You know something.”

You hesitated. When you inherited the gallery, you had promised your grandmother to protect the sword’s secret capability. A capability that would earn the interest of different parties, including terrorists. 

“Very few people know this,” you said quietly. The commander shifted forward. “The sword’s blade can cut through any material. Including beskar.” His eyes widened. “And its blade is imbibed with a quick-acting poison. One little scratch and you’ll be dead within a minute.”

“That makes it a dangerous weapon,” Commander Fox murmured. He surveyed the front windows. Stained glass. An assortment of colors. They shielded visitors from Coruscant’s environment, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient times, transplanting visitors from the modern world into history. “In the wrong hands—”

“That’s why only a handful of people know the truth.” You gestured to the case’s peeling wood and scratches. “And why its appearance is so modest.”

The commander released a contemplative sound.

Unease pricked the back of your neck. “You think the Weequays may suspect its true origins.”

His demeanor was impassive. “If I asked you to move the sword to your backroom, would you?”

“Only if you answer my question.”

“You haven’t asked me a question.” The corner of his mouth curved at your annoyed eye roll. “But…I believe there’s merit to your suspicions.”

You gave a sharp nod. “There are cases in the back with strong security systems. I’ll move it into one of those.”

“Thank you.” Commander Fox adjusted the helmet beneath his elbow. “Do you have private cams set up?”

“I do.” You extended your head to the one behind him, well-hidden among lacy drapes. 

“Good.” He scanned the gallery, most likely searching for the others. “Can I get a copy of the last week’s footage?”

“The last week?” His nod was perfunctory. You pursed your lips. “I don’t have time right now—”

“I’ll return to tomorrow.” He glanced once more at the sword. “If that works with your schedule.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

Commander Fox offered his hand and you accepted it. Again. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

10 Yelona, Benduday

“Commander Fox.” You greeted the man with a close-mouthed smile. “Give me a minute.”

The commander, with his helmet cradled in the crook of his arm, nodded. The patient apathy on his face hid his true thoughts as he appraised a glass case housing five clay tablets inscribed with an indecipherable language. Your radiocarbon tests dated them nearly one-hundred thousand years old.

“As promised,” you said to the elderly man opposite your counter. Removing the lid from the large, nondescript box, you beckoned the man to peer inside. Joy played on his withered mouth.  

“Your payment,” he said, brandishing a bank card, “as promised.”

A swipe of his card deposited the credits into your account. It would take no more than thirteen hours for the transfer to complete its process. 

With a wave at the elderly man, you turned your attention to Commander Fox. 

“As promised for you.” You slid a datafile across the counter. “The five days preceding the Weequays’ visit, and the day of.”

Commander Fox rested a hand atop the ‘file. Like yesterday, red armor accentuated by a white chest plate covered his body. A black kama encircled his waist; a white utility belt sat snuggly on his hips. He set his helmet atop the counter.

“You must make a lot of money to afford these pieces.”

“I don’t sell the artifacts,” you said. The commander straightened slightly at your terse tone. “A majority of them were gifted to me by my grandmother. The rest are on loan from museums or private collections.” Your arms crossed your chest. “Artifacts are meant to be admired, studied, and respected. I’m not in this trade to buy and sell rarities just for the ego of having lots of money.”

If he was bothered by your sharp response, he didn’t show it. “Then how do you make money?”

“Through appraisals and consulting, mostly.” You rested a hip against the counter. “Preserving certain artifacts is expensive. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be either dangerous or ruinous. Lots of people will pay a good amount of money for an expert to preserve their family heirlooms or treasures they’ve accumulated. And they’ll pay even more to store their collections. I also document and organize assets for clients.”

Commander Fox dipped his chin toward the front door. “And that man—what did you do for him?”

“A cleaning.” You shrugged at his bemused frown. “Inside that box was a stack of plates that have been in his family for eight generations. Each plate is painted with a unique decoration. The paint is hundreds of years old and frail. A regular cleaning wouldn’t suffice, so I handled it.”

“That’s a lot of work for…” The commander cut himself off.

“Junk?” you surmised. He offered an apologetic grimace. “It may be junk to you. But artifacts mean different things to different people. Not only are they a way to study history and cultural nuances, they also connect you with people you might have nothing in common with. They offer a new perspective.”

You gestured to an ornamental warrior’s mask hanging on the wall behind you. “This mask belongs to my oldest client. She’s lost mobility in her hands and her eyesight is waning. She asked me to store the mask for her granddaughter, who will inherit the heirloom on her twentieth birthday. It’s been in their family for nearly two thousand years.”

Commander Fox whistled lowly.

“That’s a lot of history stored within a single, material item.” You scanned his face. “But it’s not just about preserving that family’s history. The mask is symbolic—it represents the family’s drive and resilience in times of turmoil. It’s survived horrific times, and so can they.”

For several seconds, Commander Fox scrutinized the green-blue mask. 

“I…don’t have anything like that,” he said slowly, almost as if to himself. Awkwardly, he cleared his throat. “I’ve never been one for history. I prefer a quantitative approach to my work.” 

“Different methods of thinking,” you said. “But equally important to society.”

He levelled a shrewd look at you. “What does it mean to you?”

“I told you—”

“I don’t want a practiced answer.” He arched a brow. “Why do you care about this stuff?”

“It’s history.” Your eyes drifted across the gallery, perusing a set of dry scrolls, a painting of unfamiliar constellations, a set of vases detailing a primitive form of hunting. “Being around these things—holding them…it reminds me that my life is short and insignificant. History won’t remember me, so I might as well live my life how I want.”

For someone like you—someone who experienced the heavy, debilitating pressure of responsibility when making even the smallest of decisions—it was comforting. 

Commander Fox braced an elbow on the counter. “You don’t think you’ll be remembered?” 

“I’d rather be known than remembered.”

“A contradictory sentiment for someone in your industry.”

You conceded his point with a small smile. “There are people who leave a lasting impression on others. I’m not one of those people.”

He cocked his head to the side. “You left an impression on me.” 

A doubtful eyebrow quirked. “Is that so.” 

“You shared a secret with me.” The beginnings of a smirk ghosted his mouth. “One that only a handful of people in the galaxy know.”

A quiet laugh escaped, and you shook your head, amused. “I hope I don’t regret that decision.”

Commander Fox tapped a slow rhythm against the countertop. “Nah. You won’t.”

“I gave it some thought,” you said, while Commander Fox pocketed the datafile. His silence demanded an explanation. “A Guard investigating something is serious. I mean, you jurisdiction is terrorism.” Whatever vestiges of humor remained vanished. “Tell me, Commander, will my gallery be safe?”

“You’re concerned with the gallery?” At the incredulity in his voice, your eyes squinted in confusion. He searched your face. “Not your life?”

Your blank blink earned you a displeased frown. 

“They’re after the sword,” you said plainly. “If I don’t get in their way, I doubt anything will happen to me.”

Displeasure remained present in the scoured lines of his forehead but the commander didn’t press. Instead, he grabbed his helmet and gave you a final onceover. “I’ll be visiting every day for the foreseeable future. To keep tabs on things and to sweep the area.” 

Dark brown eyes—like the blackest of caf with just a dash of milk—held yours. He waited for your nod of acknowledgement and then turned on his heel.

“ ‘Til tomorrow,” he said in farewell.

Masterlist | Part II

A/N: This story exists because I wanted to see someone like me fall in love, and be loved. I wanted to know it’s a possibility for me.

[shannonpurdyjones]

Appalachian Gothic Storytime!

This is "The Honeysuckle Weave" - a short story featuring spiders, weaving, and what happens when prey turns predator. Originally featured in issue 20 of Grim & Gilded, and posted here for your spooky season reading fix.

Hazel sits at her loom and weaves. Back and forth, back and forth she passes the shuttle between warp strands threaded smooth as the millpond on a windless day. Back and forth, back and forth the spiders in the corners scuttle, weaving their funnel webs in the cracks between rough hewn logs, sealing over pinpricks of light.

In spring Hazel helps Mama plant the vegetable patch. She hoes and tills and runs off groundhogs and deer with a broom, keeps after Edie and Harlan to mind that they don’t trample the neat new rows of green. In summer they put up food for winter—peas, pickles, peaches from the Gleason’s orchard that they trade for when they have eggs to spare, so many tomatoes her hands stain bright red. When the days grow short she strings beans and shucks corn, their papery husks rattling like the gold and red leaves on the trees when the wind kicks up the ridge.

When her other chores are done, Hazel tromps up the hill from their cabin to the loom house. The squat little barn’s barely big enough for the loom itself, with just enough space for one person to walk all the way around threading the warp and getting everything set for a new weave. Slits in the walls let in the afternoon sun as her feet work the treadles up and down—one and three, two and four, one and three again—the wood beam clacking and clattering along. Shuttle passes from left to right, right to left. Up and down, left to right, breathing in and out and in and out air that smells of old wood and the oil that keeps it smooth, and the faint sheep musk remembered in the woolen thread.

Weaving’s slow going at first, but Hazel knows how to wait. With enough clacking and clunking the pattern emerges, fabric smooth and whole spooling out of the chaos.

Hazel sits at her loom and weaves, and so she doesn’t hear his boots creak the porch steps that first cold week of October, though of course the spiders do. She doesn’t hear the wrap of knuckles on the old wood door, or maybe he never knocked at all. Maybe he came upon Daddy and Jeb in the fields as he ambled up the cart path and they had the whole thing settled before she or Mama ever got a say.  All she knows is when she walks down the hill still blinking away the loom house dim there he is, sitting on the porch steps pinching a cob pipe between his teeth, bandy legs crossed long out in front of him in the bright gold afternoon.

They never get visitors up here, except inviting the neighbors around for the occasional quilting or singing of hymns. Their land hunches on the back side of the ridge, a full quarter day’s walk past the Hilliard’s farm. Anyone looking for work stops there. Hazel knows because Millie Hilliard is her best friend, and it’s news worth sharing when anyone on this mountain looks up to see a face they don’t already know staring back at them.

He must’ve seen her coming down the hill, head still full of the complicated pattern she’s working up into a new coverlet for her and Edie’s bed. He doesn’t stand, doesn’t doff his worn out felted hat or introduce himself as would be proper. Hazel’s not quite grown, but she’s old enough for a man to tip his hat brim when he comes to call. Instead he watches her in that long, hateful way men watch a big buck that crosses their path on the way to church when they have no rifle on them to shoot it.

He sits without moving his scuffed up pant legs until Mama calls out the window for her to come help get supper on. He takes his time uncrossing his legs, like he’s doing her a favor even though he’d rather not go to the trouble. Hazel itches to smack his hat clean off his head, but of course she never would do it. She’s to turn the other cheek, as it tells in the good book.

Continue reading here

[medtech-mara]

Soon I will be moving to a place I’ve only ever seen from movies, or from the lips of my husband and his childhood stories. Saying goodbye to the only stability I ever had growing up.

See, a thing about me is, I grew up almost a nomadic lifestyle, never living in one place too long, and not for reasons like the Military, but because my family was too poor to stay someplace too long. I’ve moved so many times, I can’t even tell you how many houses, how many different towns, sometimes other states.

Except for my grandmother’s farm. A place full of old souls and bones, I can feel my ancestors near by as they inhabited this plot of land long ago with their mark in history left inside a branch of Mammoth cave in my backyard. The rolling of the blue hills in the sunset will only be a distant memory in my mind, as I romanticize every little piece of this place I called my home for 30 years before having to finally say goodbye.

This morning, I’m choosing a cloudy morning, with a threat of a lightening storm coming in. Watching the wind blow the same wall of tree’s that soothed my restless mind as a child, listen to the melodies and secrets that the leaves and branches share just for me. The tall grass waving to me possibly one last time in this certain lighting with this particular smell on the air, one that only comes from late may/early June before it rains, the wild honeysuckle are starting to die but leave such a sweet smell and taste in the air before their depart. I think this is what I’ll miss the most..

[clipstone]

Weingut Werlitsch

Weingut Werlitsch Morillon Vom Opok Styria, Steiermark, Austria 2020/2021 Morillon (Chardonnay)

Austrian wine is for those who like delicately perfumed aromatics and mouth-watering acidity. Austria grows wines with great elegance and acidity, because the country is on the same parallel as northern France and Canada. The majority of Austria’s production is dedicated to Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. As such, Austria is known for its minerally whites and spicy reds.

The Werlitsch winery sits at the bottom of steep vineyards that surround the winery like an amphitheater. These steep ridges produce strong winds that create the ideal climate for Morillon grapes. This Morillon is grown in ‘opok’, a limestone rich clay soil that is the bedrock of Styrian hills. The salinity adds freshness and finesse.

The wine is 100% Morillon, the Styrian term for Chardonnay. The wine has mouthwatering acidity and is fresh, with flavours of green apple, quince, honeysuckle and mint. Very acidic compared to a French Chardonnay.

Biodynamically farmed, it spends up to 2 years on its lees in oak. Despite the creaminess on the nose, it is light and fine on the palate with enveloping and energetic texture.

Quite funky on the nose, bright acidity, aperitif kind of wine.

A natural oaked Chardonnay with a long saline finish.

Tasting notes: burnt butter, salty minerals, smokiness, quince, ripe apples, thyme, grapefruit

Pairing: white meats, soft cheeses, white fish

[covingtongardens11]

From Mountains to Coast: 5 Captivating Venues in North Carolina

North Carolina is a state of stunning diversity, boasting everything from majestic mountain ranges to serene coastal landscapes. This rich tapestry of natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. In this guide, we'll explore five captivating venues in North Carolina that showcase the state's remarkable landscapes and offer unforgettable experiences for guests.

1. The Omni Grove Park Inn

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Omni Grove Park Inn is a historic resort that exudes Southern charm and elegance. With its stunning mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, it's no wonder that this iconic venue has been a favorite destination for weddings and special events for over a century. Whether you're exchanging vows on the outdoor terrace, hosting a reception in the grand ballroom, or relaxing in the renowned spa, The Omni Grove Park Inn offers a captivating setting for any occasion.

2. The Biltmore Estate

Situated amidst the rolling hills of Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is a true marvel of architectural beauty and grandeur. This historic estate, built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, boasts breathtaking gardens, a majestic mansion, and acres of pristine countryside. With its timeless elegance and Old-World charm, the Biltmore Estate provides an enchanting backdrop for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings. Whether you're saying "I do" in the garden or dancing the night away in the ballroom, this iconic venue promises a truly unforgettable experience for guests.

3. The Barns at Honeysuckle Hill

For couples seeking rustic charm and natural beauty, The Barns at Honeysuckle Hill offers an idyllic setting in the heart of the North Carolina countryside. Set on a historic farm surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, this charming venue features beautifully restored barns, picturesque meadows, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're planning a casual outdoor wedding or a rustic-chic celebration, The Barns at Honeysuckle Hill provides a captivating backdrop for your special day.

4. The Whalehead Club

Located on the scenic Outer Banks, The Whalehead Club is a historic waterfront estate that exudes coastal charm and elegance. Set amidst acres of pristine marshland and overlooking the tranquil waters of Currituck Sound, this picturesque venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, receptions, and special events. Whether you're exchanging vows on the lawn, dining al fresco on the terrace, or dancing under the stars, The Whalehead Club provides a captivating setting for a truly unforgettable celebration.

5. Bald Head Island

For couples seeking a secluded and romantic destination for their wedding or special event, Bald Head Island offers an unparalleled setting on the North Carolina coast. Accessible only by ferry, this charming island boasts pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and stunning ocean views. Whether you're planning a beachfront ceremony, a sunset reception, or a weekend getaway with family and friends, Bald Head Island provides a captivating backdrop for an unforgettable celebration.

Conclusion:

From the majestic mountains of Asheville to the serene shores of Bald Head Island, North Carolina offers a wealth of captivating venues that showcase the state's remarkable landscapes and provide unforgettable experiences for guests. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or special celebration, these five venues offer stunning settings, world-class amenities, and unparalleled hospitality that promise to make your event truly unforgettable. With their unique charm, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality, they provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[vidrphotography]

Honeysuckle Tea House Wedding in Chapel Hill, NC

~Rustic Fall Wedding at the Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill, NC~

Just outside the heart of Chapel Hill, at the enchanting Honeysuckle Tea House, Criss and Emily were joined by their friends and family in celebrating their wedding day. They began with a private first look at their home in Durham, joined by their dog, Wellie, before meeting up with their loved ones during the ceremony.

Honeysuckle Tea House

Honeysuckle Tea House is a wedding and event venue located just 15 minutes outside of the heart of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The venue is hosted on a 30-acre farm full of gorgeous and sustainable greenery. The venue’s team describes it as “a hidden gem just 15 minutes away from Chapel Hill…your destination for majestic nature, rustic charm, and unforgettable events.” The venue focuses on sustainability in all its practices and is even constructed out of shipping containers and other repurposed materials. I absolutely love this venue as it offers stunning views with cute quirks around every corner. This venue is just as beautiful in the spring, as the flowers bloom, as it is in the fall when the leaves start to change colors. The Honeysuckle Tea House is especially gorgeous at night. The venue has multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, a hammock circle, and a large tent outdoors all decorated in lights. This ambient lighting allows for the perfect mood to get the dance floor going. At Criss and Emily’s wedding, their guests absolutely tore it up on the dance floor and had a blast. I absolutely adored being able to capture some special moments from their dance party. Another great bonus of the Honeysuckle Tea House is that they offer their own signature products! From tea blends to farm products and mead, trying some of their products is an absolute must. At this time the Honeysuckle Tea House is available for booking special events, retreats & weddings. They also host special events and festivals for the general public. Feel free to check them out, I highly recommend them!

Private First Look

Criss and Emily began their special day with a private and intimate first look at their home in Durham, North Carolina. They were joined by their lovely dog, Wellie, who was a great addition to this moment. Criss initially stood with his back facing Emily before the final reveal. This made for some adorable shots where you can feel the anticipation from the couple. After the initial reveal, we captured some shots on a bench in their backyard. There were actually some cute yellow flowers that paired perfectly with Emily’s yellow dress which I made sure to get in the shot as they sat on the bench. Eventually, Wellie could no longer contain his excitement and joined his parents by the bench for a few photos. We continued to capture some different poses before moving to the front yard. Their wedding was actually right before Halloween and their front yard was decorated perfectly for the occasion. From pumpkins to spooky Halloween decorations, we were able to get some pretty fun and creative photos that capture Criss and Emily’s personality as well as the fall weather. I love when couples can have fun in front of the camera and just let loose. I think that often makes for the most memorable photos and I think Criss and Emily were able to do just that. It seemed like they had a lot of fun messing around with the decorations and posing for the camera. After the first look at their home, there were a few hours before the ceremony began at the Honeysuckle Tea House.

Rustic Fall Ceremony

Criss & Emily’s Ceremony took place at the Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The venue was perfectly decorated with lights and fall décor which fit the overall atmosphere. At the end of the aisle, under the white arch, were multiple pumpkins which paired perfectly with the yellows and oranges of the surrounding foliage and with Emily’s stunning yellow dress. Criss and Emily shared beautiful vows that captured many inside jokes and displayed their deep love for one another. Many of their vows centered around moss, as Emily is very fond of moss. Emily happens to be so fascinated by moss that they even had mini terrariums as wedding favors for their guests! The ceremony was full of laughs, tears, and smiles. After Criss and Emily shared their first kiss and walked down the aisle, we took some portraits in the farm area of the venue. These colors were absolutely stunning and fit the desired fall aesthetic perfectly. Wellie even joined the newlyweds during this section to get some more photos together.

Furry Friends

One of my favorite things to see at weddings is the inclusion of a couple’s pets! Having your pet as part of your special day can be so much fun and make for some amazing memories. It can be difficult to think about all the added elements that come along with having your pet as part of your wedding day. Couples will often have a trusted friend or family member responsible for taking care of the animal on the day of or even hiring a third-party service that takes care of your pet for the day. These services will even bring your fur baby to the venue, ensure they are getting the best of care, and allow your guests to not have to worry. When it comes to photos with your furry friend, it's important to just have fun! You know more than anyone how to make sure your animal has fun and what will make them smile for the camera. Criss and Emily seemed to have so much fun with their dog Willie. He was absolutely adorable and was one of the highlights of the night.  

Vendors:

Photography: Vidr Photography

Vidrphotography.com

Officiant: P&M Notary

Diana Giraldo

pmnotaryandofficiant.com

Venue, dinner, and drinks: Honeysuckle Tea House

honeysuckleteahouse.com

Dessert: Richardson Cakes

srichardsoncakes.com

Videographer: Summit to Sea Photography

summittoseafilms.com

Ceremony sound technician: Triangle Sound Service

trianglesoundservice.com

[brookston]

Holidays 6.11

Holidays

American Evacuation Day (Libya)

Cousteau Day

Davis Day (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada)

Dirty Book Day

Escape from Alcatraz Day

Evacuation Day (Libya)

Fandens Fodselsdag (Devil’s Birthday; Denmark)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Day

Folding Chair Day

Honeysuckle Day (French Republic)

International Balloon Artist Day

International Day of Solidarity with Long Term Anarchist Prisoners

International KBG Syndrome Awareness Day

International Lynx Day

Jurassic Park Day

Just One Day

Kamehameha Day (Hawaii) [Unless a Weekend, then Friday before]

National Cancer Thriver Day

National Feed the Ducks Day

National Hot Rod Day

National Hug Holiday

National Impressionists Day

National Making Life Beautiful Day

National Olivia Day

Navy Day (Brazil)

Peace of Chaco Day (Bolivia, Paraguay)

Polyamory Pride Day

Queen Fabiola Day (Belgium)

Say Hi Day

Student Day (Honduras)

Umbrella Day (Japan)

William Davis Miners' Memorial Day (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Women Generals Day

World Agriculture Day

World Jaguar Day

World Prostate Cancer Day

Yarn Bombing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Corn on the Cob Day

Cotton Candy Day

German Chocolate Cake Day

Pizza Margherita Day

Royal Hot Dog Day

2nd Sunday in June

Abused Women and Children’s Awareness Day [2nd Sunday]

Bunker Hill Day observed (Massachusetts) [Sunday before 17th]

Canadian Rivers Day (Canada) [2nd Sunday]

Father’s Day (Austria, Belgium) [2nd Sunday]

LEAF Open Farm Sunday (UK) [2nd Sunday]

Multicultural American Child Day [2nd Sunday]

National Career Nursing Assistants’ Day [2nd Sunday]

National Children's Day [2nd Sunday]

National Garden Day (Germany) [2nd Sunday]

National Puerto Rican Day [2nd Sunday]

Race Unity Day (a.k.a. Race Amity Day; Baha’i) [2nd Sunday]

Ride the Wind Day [2nd Sunday]

World Pet Memorial Day [2nd Sunday; also 2nd Tuesday]

World Swallowtail Day [2nd Sunday]

Write To Your Father Day [2nd Sunday]

Feast Days

Arrephoria (Ancient Greece)

Barnabas the Apostle (Christian; Saint) [Harvests]

Bartholomew the Apostle (Eastern Christianity)

Day of the One Hit Wonders (Church of the SubGenius)

Festival of Goibnui (Provider of the Ale of Immortality; Celtic)

Festival of Mater Matuta (Goddess of the Dawn; Ancient Rome)

Fish Day (Pastafarian)

Fortuna Virgo (Ancient Rome)

St. Francis Xavier (Positivist; Saint)

Gimley’s Boss (Muppetism)

Holiday of the Happy Gnomes (Pagan)

Ignatius Maloyan, Blessed (Armenian Catholic Church)

John Constable (Artology)

Loki’s Day (Pagan)

Matralia (Old Roman festival to goddess Mater Matuta)

Paula Frassinetti (Christian; Saint)

Riagail of Bangor (Christian; Saint)

Rites of Matralia (Honoring Mater Matua, Goddess of Dawn & Childbirth; Ancient Rome)

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Christian) [Sunday after Trinity Sunday]

Tochumra of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [22 of 53]

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (Film; 1999)

The Caine Mutiny, by Herman Wouk (Novel; 1952)

E.T. the Extraterrestrial (Film; 1982)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Film; 1986)

Garfield (Film; 2004)

In the Heights (Film; 2021)

Jumpin’ Jive, by Joe Jackson (Album; 1981)

Jurassic Park (Film; 1993)

Karate Kid (Film; 2010)

Katnip Kollege (WB MM Cartoon; 1938)

Moonlight for Two (WB MM Cartoon; 1932)

Napoleon Dynamite (Film; 2004)

Nashville (Film; 1975)

The Negotiator, by Frederick Forsyth (Novel; 1989)

Papa Don’t Preach, by Madonna (Song; 1986)

A Passion For Excellence, by Tom Peters and Nancy Austin (Book; 1985)

Play That Funky Music, by Wild Cherry (Song; 1976)

Poor Papa (Disney Cartoon; 1928)

Primary Colors, by Anonymous (Novel; 1996)

Rabbit Rampage (WB LT Cartoon; 1955)

Teddy Bear, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1957)

True Grit (Film; 1969)

Winter’s Bone (Film; 2010)

Today’s Name Days

Alice, Barnabas, Paula (Austria)

Barnaba, Bogumil, Borna, Roza (Croatia)

Bruno (Czech Republic)

Barnabas (Denmark)

Imbi, Imme (Estonia)

Immi, Impi (Finland)

Barnabé (France)

Alice, Barnabas, Paula, Udo (Germany)

Varnavas, Vartholomaios (Greece)

Barnabás (Hungary)

Barnaba (Italy)

Ingus, Mairis, Sigrida, Svens, Vidvuds (Latvia)

Aluona, Barnarbas, Flora, Tvirmantas (Lithuania)

Bjørg, Bjørge, Borgar (Norway)

Anastazy, Barnaba, Feliks, Radomił, Teodozja (Poland)

Luca, Pavel, Petru, Vartolomeu (România)

Dobroslava (Slovakia)

Bernabé (Spain)

Berthold, Bertil (Sweden)

Bartholomew (Ukraine)

Barnabas, Barnaby, Barnett, Barney, Barret (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 162 of 2024; 203 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 23 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 28 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ding-Si), Day 24 (Geng-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 22 Sivan 5783

Islamic: 22 Dhu al-Qada 1444

J Cal: 12 Sol; Fiveday [12 of 30]

Julian: 29 May 2023

Moon: 40%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 22 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Francis Xavier]

Runic Half Month: Dag (Day) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 83 of 92)

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 21 of 32)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 6.11

Holidays

American Evacuation Day (Libya)

Cousteau Day

Davis Day (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada)

Dirty Book Day

Escape from Alcatraz Day

Evacuation Day (Libya)

Fandens Fodselsdag (Devil’s Birthday; Denmark)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Day

Folding Chair Day

Honeysuckle Day (French Republic)

International Balloon Artist Day

International Day of Solidarity with Long Term Anarchist Prisoners

International KBG Syndrome Awareness Day

International Lynx Day

Jurassic Park Day

Just One Day

Kamehameha Day (Hawaii) [Unless a Weekend, then Friday before]

National Cancer Thriver Day

National Feed the Ducks Day

National Hot Rod Day

National Hug Holiday

National Impressionists Day

National Making Life Beautiful Day

National Olivia Day

Navy Day (Brazil)

Peace of Chaco Day (Bolivia, Paraguay)

Polyamory Pride Day

Queen Fabiola Day (Belgium)

Say Hi Day

Student Day (Honduras)

Umbrella Day (Japan)

William Davis Miners' Memorial Day (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Women Generals Day

World Agriculture Day

World Jaguar Day

World Prostate Cancer Day

Yarn Bombing Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Corn on the Cob Day

Cotton Candy Day

German Chocolate Cake Day

Pizza Margherita Day

Royal Hot Dog Day

2nd Sunday in June

Abused Women and Children’s Awareness Day [2nd Sunday]

Bunker Hill Day observed (Massachusetts) [Sunday before 17th]

Canadian Rivers Day (Canada) [2nd Sunday]

Father’s Day (Austria, Belgium) [2nd Sunday]

LEAF Open Farm Sunday (UK) [2nd Sunday]

Multicultural American Child Day [2nd Sunday]

National Career Nursing Assistants’ Day [2nd Sunday]

National Children's Day [2nd Sunday]

National Garden Day (Germany) [2nd Sunday]

National Puerto Rican Day [2nd Sunday]

Race Unity Day (a.k.a. Race Amity Day; Baha’i) [2nd Sunday]

Ride the Wind Day [2nd Sunday]

World Pet Memorial Day [2nd Sunday; also 2nd Tuesday]

World Swallowtail Day [2nd Sunday]

Write To Your Father Day [2nd Sunday]

Feast Days

Arrephoria (Ancient Greece)

Barnabas the Apostle (Christian; Saint) [Harvests]

Bartholomew the Apostle (Eastern Christianity)

Day of the One Hit Wonders (Church of the SubGenius)

Festival of Goibnui (Provider of the Ale of Immortality; Celtic)

Festival of Mater Matuta (Goddess of the Dawn; Ancient Rome)

Fish Day (Pastafarian)

Fortuna Virgo (Ancient Rome)

St. Francis Xavier (Positivist; Saint)

Gimley’s Boss (Muppetism)

Holiday of the Happy Gnomes (Pagan)

Ignatius Maloyan, Blessed (Armenian Catholic Church)

John Constable (Artology)

Loki’s Day (Pagan)

Matralia (Old Roman festival to goddess Mater Matuta)

Paula Frassinetti (Christian; Saint)

Riagail of Bangor (Christian; Saint)

Rites of Matralia (Honoring Mater Matua, Goddess of Dawn & Childbirth; Ancient Rome)

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Christian) [Sunday after Trinity Sunday]

Tochumra of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [22 of 53]

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (Film; 1999)

The Caine Mutiny, by Herman Wouk (Novel; 1952)

E.T. the Extraterrestrial (Film; 1982)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Film; 1986)

Garfield (Film; 2004)

In the Heights (Film; 2021)

Jumpin’ Jive, by Joe Jackson (Album; 1981)

Jurassic Park (Film; 1993)

Karate Kid (Film; 2010)

Katnip Kollege (WB MM Cartoon; 1938)

Moonlight for Two (WB MM Cartoon; 1932)

Napoleon Dynamite (Film; 2004)

Nashville (Film; 1975)

The Negotiator, by Frederick Forsyth (Novel; 1989)

Papa Don’t Preach, by Madonna (Song; 1986)

A Passion For Excellence, by Tom Peters and Nancy Austin (Book; 1985)

Play That Funky Music, by Wild Cherry (Song; 1976)

Poor Papa (Disney Cartoon; 1928)

Primary Colors, by Anonymous (Novel; 1996)

Rabbit Rampage (WB LT Cartoon; 1955)

Teddy Bear, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1957)

True Grit (Film; 1969)

Winter’s Bone (Film; 2010)

Today’s Name Days

Alice, Barnabas, Paula (Austria)

Barnaba, Bogumil, Borna, Roza (Croatia)

Bruno (Czech Republic)

Barnabas (Denmark)

Imbi, Imme (Estonia)

Immi, Impi (Finland)

Barnabé (France)

Alice, Barnabas, Paula, Udo (Germany)

Varnavas, Vartholomaios (Greece)

Barnabás (Hungary)

Barnaba (Italy)

Ingus, Mairis, Sigrida, Svens, Vidvuds (Latvia)

Aluona, Barnarbas, Flora, Tvirmantas (Lithuania)

Bjørg, Bjørge, Borgar (Norway)

Anastazy, Barnaba, Feliks, Radomił, Teodozja (Poland)

Luca, Pavel, Petru, Vartolomeu (România)

Dobroslava (Slovakia)

Bernabé (Spain)

Berthold, Bertil (Sweden)

Bartholomew (Ukraine)

Barnabas, Barnaby, Barnett, Barney, Barret (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 162 of 2024; 203 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of week 23 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 28 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ding-Si), Day 24 (Geng-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 22 Sivan 5783

Islamic: 22 Dhu al-Qada 1444

J Cal: 12 Sol; Fiveday [12 of 30]

Julian: 29 May 2023

Moon: 40%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 22 St. Paul (6th Month) [St. Francis Xavier]

Runic Half Month: Dag (Day) [Day 2 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 83 of 92)

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 21 of 32)

[daphnesims]

Saint Greer Islands

Azalea Island Foxglove Bay: 25 x 30 1 Banyan’s End: 25 x 40 2 Banyan’s End: 30 x 40 Lupin Beach: 40 x 40

Snapdragon Run: 25 x 25 Oak Point: 25 x 25

Buttercup Orchard:  40 x 30

Elm Place: 33 x 30

1 Hazel Road: 15 x 25 2 Hazel Road: 20 x 25

1 Iris Avenue: 15x20 2 Iris Avenue: 20x20 3 Iris Avenue: 30x20 4 Iris Avenue: 35x20

1 Jasmine Court: 20x30 2 Jasmine Court: 30x30 3 Jasmine Court: 20 x 25 4 Jasmine Court: 30 x 25

1 Azalea Park: 50 x 43 2 Azalea Park: 30 x 43

1 Lilac Avenue: 30x20 2 Lilac Avenue: 30x30 3 Lilac Avenue: 30x30 4 Lilac Avenue: 30x20

1 Cedar Terrace: 30x30 2 Cedar Terrace: 25x30

1 Honeysuckle Row: 20x25 2 Honeysuckle Row: 25x25 3 Honeysuckle Row: 20x25

1 Plum Drive:  2 Plum Drive: 25x20 3 Plum Drive: 25x30 

1 Snowdrop Passage: Oliphant Cafe and Studio By @littlemisstery (Pic Here)  Bluedrop House ? By @asexualsims 2 Snowdrop Passage: Green Drop House By @asexualsims 3 Snowdrop Passage:  Blue Redrop House By @asexualsims

1 Peony Street: The Oak House By @littlemisstery (Pic Here)  Water Home? By @asexualsims     2 Peony Street: Misthaven Home By @thewinterflakesim 3 Peony Street: Slerras House By @my-special-sim 4 Peony Street: Little Flower Shop By @littlemisstery 6 Peony Street:  Jaspers House By @my-special-sim

1 Magnolia Parade: Minty HouseBy @littlemisstery (Pic Here)  California Rustic By @asexualsims 2 Magnolia Parade: Peachy Delight By @littlemisstery (Pic Here) Shingle Style By @asexualsims 3 Magnolia Parade: Sunkissed Hideout By @littlemisstery (Pic Here) Beach House By @asexualsims

IIex Lighthouse: Sun Sea Lighthouse By @my-special-sim IIex Bay: Sun Sea Bay By @my-special-sim

IIex Lighthouse: Saint Greer Nautical Museum By @littlemisstery (Pic Here) IIex Bay: Forgotten Shore By @littlemisstery (Pic Here)

Chestnut Bay: The Old Fishing Boat ?By @littlemisstery (Pic Here) —

Holiday Colonial  - 2 Lilac Avenue By @asexualsims

Saint Greer Central Park (Festival Grounds)? by @asexualsims

——-

Violet Island 2 The Wharf: The Waterfront By @amphoraesims Art Studio By @asexualsims 1 Rose Garden: Community College/University By @gruesim

1 Sunflower Garden: Lirael’s Trailer By @simplyimaginarypeople (Image Here) 2 Sunflower Garden: Misty’s Trailer By @laurenisasimmer 3 Sunflower Garden: Blue Dutch By @littlemisstery (Image Here) Purple Caravan By @rubyred-sims & @simplyimaginarypeople (NO Image) 4 Sunflower Garden: Starter Dutch By @littlemisstery (Image Here) 5 Sunflower Garden: 6 Sunflower Garden: Community Garden By @littlemisstery (Image Here)

1 Willow Stroll: Grey Willow Maisons by @littlefrenchsims 2 Willow Stroll: Willow Apartments By @littlemisstery (Pic Here) 3 Willow Stroll: Three Townhouses By @littlemisstery (Pic Here)

Bluebell Park ( To be used has a lot for different things): Little Hill Pumpkin Patch By @pixelatedmuffis Harrison Christmas Tree Farm By @pottery-sims Falling Leaves Wedding Venue By @thesimperiuscurse Bluebell Park By @littlemisstery  (Image Here & deco ferris wheel)

Willow Park: Paravel Park By @amphoraesims Willows Church By @asexualsims Willow Park (Big Park) By @littlemisstery (Pic Here)

1 Clover Creek:  Luka & Zoe’s House By @simplyimaginarypeople (Image Here) 2 Clover Creek: Mortinez Beach House By @jenba ? 3 Clover Creek: Oak Nook By @my-special-sim 4 Clover Creek: Rustic Beach House By @asexualsims

1 Sweetgum Mews: Oleander Cottage By @oleander-sims 2 Sweetgum Mews: The Plum  By @littlemisstery 3 Sweetgum Mews: Saida and Karsen’s House By @simplyimaginarypeople 4 Sweetgum Mews: Reese Cottage  By @simplyimaginarypeople

1 Lavender Promenade: Bridal Boutique (Salon) By @thesimperiuscurse 2 Lavender Promenade: Big Tree Park By @littlemisstery  (Image Here) 3 Lavender Promenade: Grey Stone Home By @littlemisstery (Image Here) 4 Lavender Promenade: Yellow Promenade By @simplyimaginarypeople (NO Image)

1 Violet Square: Supermarket (Grocery RH) By @littlemisstery (Image Here) 2 Violet Square: Galleria Square  By @littlemisstery (NO Image) 3 Violet Square: Caffè Murano (use this mod to run as cafe) By @littlemisstery 4 Violet Square: Blanche’s Cafe & Bakery By @asexualsims 5 Violet Square:  Moonlight Cine By @littlemisstery 6 Violet Square: Midori Asian Cuisine By @littlemisstery (Image Here) 7 Violet Square: Sweetlove Cafe and Bakery By @littlemisstery

1 Tulip Place: Affordable Family HouseBy @littlemisstery (Pic Here) Ascension Park By @amphoraesims Minty House by @rubyred-sims 2 Tulip Place: Holiday Garden & Gift Shop By @jenba 3 Tulip Place: Saint Tulip By @s3mpcdesings

Poppy Field: Victorian CharmBy @littlemisstery (Pic Here) Lavender Fields By @amphoraesims Sunnyside By @my-special-sim

1 Juniper Cove: Modern House By @littlemisstery 2 Juniper Cove:  Water Lily By @littlemisstery  (Image Here) 3 Juniper Cove:

—-

Violet Square: Row Shops - ? by @asexualsims

Violet Square: Dante’s Music Store? - by @asexualsims

Violet Square:  Rabbit Holes Lots? - by @asexualsims

Community Gardens - ? by @asexualsims

White Lake Meadows  - ? by @asexualsims

—–

Lily Island 1 Phlox Bay: Bay Shack By @littlemisstery 2 Phlox Bay: Old Factory (Science rabbithole) By @littlemisstery  (Image Here)

Dandelion’s end: The Refuge By @littlemisstery  (Image Here) Lion’s End By @amphoraesims

1 Foxtrail Trail: Hidden Cottage By @my-special-sim 2 Foxtrail Trail: A-Frame Cotage? By @littlemisstery (Image Here) 3 Foxtrail Trail: Lover’s Nest  By @littlemisstery  (Image Here)

1 Lily Grove: 2 Lily Grove: Wooden Le Chalet By @littlefrenchsims Family Manor? By @littlemisstery 3 Lily Grove: The Lake House  By @simplyimaginarypeople 4 Lily Grove: Leisure Logs By @asexualsims Fallen Leaves Memorial By @amphoraesims

[outofangband]

Hiya! I love your blog, and I was won whether you had any headcanons about the cuisine and cultural dishes in Valino, Doriath etc, or even Angband! Thank you :)

Oh this is such a great question! I love world building asks like this! I’ll start with Doriath because I can draw from my Flora and fauna post but definitely feel free to ask about other locations too!

(I also do go into food in Angband on a few posts here though I am also planning a longer post about that!)

Like with my flora and fauna posts I use a combination of canon information and my own headcanons!

thank you so much @moveimbi I hope this is ok! Feel free to ask more

As always please feel free to ask more! I wasn’t able to cover everything here and I’m always interested in researching, taking more specific topics or going into more detail

Cuisine in Doriath differs slightly in Menengroth to the wood elves outside there but near all of the food is foraged or grown within Melian’s Girdle. There are not many formal gardens or farms but rather woodland plants and other flora are cultivated and nurtured by the elves as they’re found. 

I have a post about the gardens of Menengroth soon!

Green amaranth, spring onion, tree onion, lotus root, lemongrass, hyacinth bean and more are all brought to Doriath from the magic of Melian.

A variety of berries grow in Doriath and are common as food themselves as well as garnishing and decorations for other dishes. Blackberries are one of the more common ones as are black currents, elderberry, mulberry, and bilberry. 

Roots, nuts, and seeds are common components of meals, both simple and complex. Some examples include salsify, wild carrots, daylily, earthnut pea, acorn and hazelnut, pine nuts (somewhat rarer inside Melian’s Girdle), and mustard seed. 

I headcanon that in Doriath meats are rare however the captains and wardens are skilled hunters who do not consider a respect of nature as mutually exclusive to eating meat. They are after all part of a world where many creatures hunt others.  Meats are almost never served during feasts or celebrations but are rather eaten during longer missions and during non celebratory communal meals. The most common meat is ground birds such as pheasants and partridge (black and hill partridge in Eastern Doriath, gray partridge in Nivrim, blood pheasant in the very North of Neldoreth.

Occasionally wild rabbit is eaten and in the very Northeast of Doriath, guinea pig like creatures are raised to eat by some families, similar to the practice in Peru.

Birds eggs are eaten more commonly than meat throughout Doriath

Fish are also eaten somewhat more commonly and are served at some feasts with mild sauces made with sage and other herbs. Freshwater trout is perhaps the most common.

True salt is rare until Thingol establishes somewhat more widespread trade. There are salt like substances that are made by enchantments prior to this :)

Honeysuckle, elderflower and other fragrant flowers are used in the production of wines and other cool beverages. 

[pasture-raised]

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

[dylandavisfit]

Lots of Red Bull was consumed this day.. 🤪 Awesome time helping make content for the upcoming Redbull TKO Extreme Enduro event! If you’re in nashville and enjoy seeing the best of the best do what they do go check it out! . . . . . . #redbull #extremeenduro #redbulltkotennesse #redbullnashville #fitness #redbullrampage #redbullunlocked #redbullgivesyouwings #redbullgirls #pridemonth (at Honeysuckle Hill Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChNPSfdOhYp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[basimcly]

Curb Appeal Set

DOWNLOAD

This is a 22 item set which includes

Plant pot (in 4 sizes)

Outdoor lights (ceiling, wall, lamp post, and 2 path lights)

Welly boots (In man, woman, and child, and with muddy overlays)

Boot scrapers (dog, horse and cat)

Front door mats (2 wooden semi-circle ones, and one rectangular with different designs that are all recolourable)

The wreath from my Heritage Plus+ set as a wall and floor wreath

A house name sign that has 80 variations which can be recoloured (see after the gap for all the names)

A recolour of sims 4 plant ‘a tuft outside’ that has 3 fully recolourable channels

I get the feeling that there will be updates to curb appeal as for each house I make, I can guarantee I will be wanting something different outside, but before I went too nuts, I decided to stop, and present this to you now

House names:

Bridge cottage/ Church Farm/ Corner Cootage/ Fairview/ Fell View/ Fir Trees/ Greenacres/ High View/ Highfield/ Hillcrest/ Hillside/ Hill View/ Holly Cottage/ Home Farm/ Honeysuckle Cottage/ Ivy Cottage/ Lilac Cottage/ Manor Cottage/ Manor Farm/ Manor House/ Meadow View/ Mill House/ Oaklands/ Orchard Cottage/ Orchard House/ Pear Tree Cottage/ Primrose Cottage/ Prospect House/ Riverside/ Rose Cottage/ School House/ South View/ Springfield/ Stone Leigh/ Sunnyside/ The Anchorage/ The Beeches/ The Elms/ The Gables/ The Granary/ The Grange/ The Hollies/ The Laurels/ The Nook/ The Old Post Office/ The Orchard/ The Barn/ The Bungalow/ The Coach House/ The Cottage/ The Croft/ The Firs/ The Haven/ The Lodge/ The Old Rectory/ The Old School/ The Old School House/ The Old Vicarage/ The Stables/ The White House/ The Willows/ Toll House/ Treetops/ Wayside/ West View/ White Cottage/ Willow Cottage/ Woodlands/ Woodside/ Yew Tree Cottage

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Wednesday 11 September 1839

3 ¼

11

F61 ½° at 4 ¼ am much rain in the night and sandy road .:. 6 horse off at 5 6/.. at Kyrkstad at 6 55/.. I hot and much bit in the night

K- to Bolstad 14 w.

Njölbolstad 13 w.

Helsingfors 68 w.

St. P- 480 w.

the woman had not been able to get us any Swedish money .:. agreed that she should take a 10 Rubel bill and be answerable for 6r. for the horses and take 4 towards her own bill and I paid her (at the rate 40sk. rigs per rubel) for the 2 remaining rubels

7 eight sk. banco notes i.e. 1.5.4+0.2.8 given over – very civil good tempered looking woman – much pleased we were so satisfied – remembered Handbook and his friend very well – said they had given her a small bit of money which she kept for their sake – I happening to have my 3 silver ½ dollar banco silver pieces in my pocket gave her one of them (that has a hole thro’ it) and desired her to keep it for I should ask to see it again sometime – Better rooms and house at Keala [Kealanoja]  last night but better eating here – Rain again and off in the rain at 5 6/.. – I slept most of the way – all forest till 6 55/.. when fine and sunny, and stopt to change horses /4 again) at some distance from the station house (did not even see it) near a small cottage where the red square headed mile post is set up – I got out for a few minutes very usefully the village must be near the station house on our left – scattered farms and cottages about – a pretty opening – very pretty country – wide winding wooded hill enclosed valley – a bit of forest again (young wood) in about hour+ - but good road – sandy land – but the road hard gravel like an English park road about 12ft. wide as usual, but sometimes less nice country all along to Bolstad at 8 ½ - stopt again in the road so[me] distance (left) 200 or 300 yards from the station house – walked to it – to see the direction post – could not find one – poor place – I think we could not well sleep there – the people 2 or 3 men and a woman

SH:7/ML/TR/13/0030

September Wednesday 11 at breakfast a little fish (apparently salted?) and boiled potatoes 2 rigs dollars a ton dearer here than at Stockholm – at last it was agreed that the woman should pay for our 4 horses from here 15 ½ w. to Everby [Ofverby] = 3.72 and the young man (her son?) gave me two 20kop. notes + one 75 kop. + two two-kop. copy pieces + two ½ sk. banco pieces for 4kop. = 5 Rubel – 5 kop. no wonder Handbook complained of their accommodation for the night – that is not the place to stop at – all Finnish commerce with Stockholm .:. all their money payments among themselves are in Swedish money but they are obliged to pay the taxe for posting in Russian money .:. are obliged to receive it for their horses – their wood (salmon) butter all goes to Stockholm but now they have the douane to pay = 2 rigs dollars per 60lbs. and being obliged to sell their butter at the Swedish price as they did before without duty they of course now lose this – and so equally the whole of the duties paid by them to Sweden is now a loss to them – the village of Bolstad not apparently very near the station – nice country – off from B- at 9 2/.. and at 9 ½ pretty lake and unpainted cottages and hamlets dotted here and there – green basin valley and lake and rounded wooded hills – in about 10 minutes more or ¼ hour come down upon the water wood bridge and cross it at one end where it looks river like – very pretty hereabouts rock and wood and water and villages and farms or cottages – a good deal of wind which curly the water – corn cocks as yesterday but now 9 ¾ it is rye – steep pitch up from the bridge and sandy road – at 10 ¼ moss-rocky forest – uphill and our horses hardish passed – all along sandy – pretty country – very pretty drive – at 10 50/.. at next stage to Finns 12 ½ w.

Helsingfors 39 and St. P- 451 w.

Öfverby (pronounced Everby) – small unpainted house – but probably might sleep tho’ not good - but the woman a decent woman – off at 11 – cocks of corn out here – rye I think – very pretty – rocky wooded hills and scattered unpainted little cottages and so red – the village of Ofverby (its neat little church at the foot of the hill just beyond the station) seems

September Wednesday 11 seems widely scattered in patches – winding pretty valley – round hilly and rather sandy – in ¼ hour (11 ¼) foresty again – several of the bare rocks today very white – all granite

the Fins a stupid looking people – here and there a red house but the red seems to bespeak a certain degree of [afflict] – the being better off than common – and here as in N. and S- the [?] (contamine) is growing as a weed among the rocks – we have not seen it as weed elsewhere because the land kept too clean – no weeds seen – now at 11 50/.. another wooded pretty lake right – and A- and I have just had a little of our Keala [Kealanoja] coq du bois that we brought away in paper – very good – many hamlets scattered about today – the country today seems more populous than yesterday? – at Finns at 12 13/..  

to Grahn 14 ½ w.

Helsingfors 26 ½ w.

St. P- 438 ½ w.

might sleep but not perhaps good place for it tho’ the civil woman came to say she could change a 5 Rubel note

nice open country about here wooded in the distance – 2 or 3 cottages near the station house – and large village or two of unpainted houses little distance (left) – rather pitchy last stage and at = off at 12 34/.. from Finns out with a steepitsh pitch from here and then pass thro’ a few houses and over 3 [?] bridges the unpainted cottages very picturesque dotted all round about interspersed  with patches of fir wood and wooded hill and well cultivated vale – now at 12 ¾ a little sun forest light – little pretty vale just below us right green rye and corn in cock (probably rye) not much oats grown in Finland? cottages or barns dotted up and down – fine foresty peopled drive this stage at 1 ¼ unpainted village in the widish basin vale little distance left of road and good yellow house and one or 2 red houses near – all looks well hereabouts – and slow at 1 20/.. descending and at the bottom of hill another pretty little lake near (left) – the openings and rounded dark pine wooded hills very picturesque – much mammelonné [mamelonné] rocky hill and bare and moss covered rock and boulder in our forest and sandy road now at 1 1/2 – here and everywhere much more Scotch fir than Spruce – this forest now at 1 ¾ the best as to size of trees (but none large) we have passed thro’ -

SH:7/ML/TR/13/0031

September Wednesday 11 in Finland – it opens out and we stop at Grahn at 1 57/.. nice little single house on a little [eminence], looking dry and comfortable – I should suppose one might sleep there as well as at Nyby or better? – the wide valley on plain studded with houses, farms, barns – the proportion of red increasing as if to denote our approach to the capital Helsingfors 12w. distance – large [?] beautiful lengthy finely wooded wooded island lake right sweeping along the wide valley – road hilly but tho’ rather sandy, good – forest covered rock alongside (left) – have written, or rubbed out pencilling, or read Handbook (article St. Petersburg) all this morning except added up the whole but 1 or 2 pp. of the Swedish account – since leaving Götheborg [Gothenburg] It seems (vide p. 174. 2nd vol.) that our pastor on board the steamer was M. Edouard de Moralt minster of the reformed church at St. P- and ‘the learned editor of an edition of Minuties’ Felix’ – probably Handbook knows him and sent him his book en cadeau? now at 2 20/.. road very sandy in the forest – at 2 40/.. gentleman’s house right – very pretty – a company of soldiers pass us – forest and break – very pretty – at 2 ¾ pass (close) broad shallow lake – at 2 55/.. Helsingfors church in sight – whitewashed like several other large neighbour buildings – church a fine object – fine looking town with its beautiful fjord – forest and break till now 2 55/.. that we emerge to bare Götheborg-like [Gothenburg] scantly wooded rocky hill – and gardens and houses marking our approach to the capital – at 3 at the water – beautiful view – cross good wood bridge – and at 3 ¼ at the Hotel du Nord – the fine dressed woman who came to us could do nothing – must wait for mademoiselle how should we stay – there was a room au 3me – I got tired of this work and drove off to the society’s house fronting the harbour – settled

September Wednesday 11 there very comfortably at 3 ½ - 2 nice rooms and lodging for the servants at 6 rubels a day – au 3me? but good – ordered dinner at 6 ½ and A- and I out at 4 10/.. – took John – to the botanic garden –

Stymphoricarpus [symphoricarpos] racemosus (snowberry bush) in flower

Vïburnum [Viburnum] Lentago a little like prunus padus but with broader leaf

V- dentatum (leaf something between the hazel and syringa leaf?)

Lonicera caprifolia [caprifolium] (as called by the gardener) the shrub I observed at Åbo with a little orange coloured berry, looking a [specie] of honeysuckle

Populus canescens (white abele)

P. cardifolia

Delphinium.  several specie large beautiful blue flower – a little in the style of aconite – have often seen it in a pot in the window in these northern parts

Lythrum, several specie pretty pink flower in spikes 6 or 8 inch long – narrow leaf – would be pretty (to give colour) at Shibden and hardy enough -  

Asclepias incarata [incarnata] (in flower – pinkish – pretty would do at Shibden)

Phlox several specie pretty little genus-pink and white – in flower like a smooth sweet William – 6 petal flower – the white very common in England gardens

Borago officinalis – pretty blue flower – 5 petals woolly stern and leaves – whatever will do well out of doors here, would do at Shibden – much wind today must be very cold, and exposed in winter – the garden garden divided into small compartments for the flowers, and sheltered by hedges the tall ones of lilac, and acacia, and Norway maple and the low ones of Spiraea calcifolia [salicifolia] – try this hedging plan at Shibden with along the middle a hedge of Spruce firs – or Sycamores? a very pretty hardy looking mespilus? or [?]? with clusters of hawthorn-like (but larger) red haws – Inquire for this –

In returning about 5 ¾ set John at liberty and A- and I sauntered into and about the handsome new not finished church – a Greek cross with 4 Corinthian porticos and pediments – then stood some while listening to the military band and came in at 6 ½ - dinner at 6 ¾ soup, mutton cutlets, sort of

SH:7/ML/TR/13/0032

September Wednesday 11

sweet omlet, and afterwards a sort of roll pancaky thing for dessert – no mead now – too late in the season – had plenty in the summer - .:. had each 2 cups of coffee – then siding had Grotza – then wrote the last page till now 10pm. very fine day – a good deal of wind all day but this afternoon particularly, and particularly here – a very handsome town – fine day F61 ½° now at 10 ½ pm

[oliviafrankenstein]

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