#i will add stuff to it as i find it but that's how i always do timelines. fill them up over time. and this is already massive.
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
lululuzzz08 ¡ 1 day ago
Text
I STAND by this (btw i wrote this 23 military time so it might be messy and a bit crazy, i don’t have sources but.. most of the proof i got has been talked about on Tumblr, i’m not someone who thinks about this stuff without some sort of base. Unless it’s something i really wanna think about.)
I love Snape, he’s so intriguing and the only character i can properly relate to. I get what it feels to make bad choices that other people never forget. I feel like Snape is the perfect morally grey character that all us 2 thousand mistakes losers can relate to.
I hate how the marauder fandom hate Snape cause he’s mean to children and is “ugly”.. Like my guy is literally a rockstar with how he’s described!! HES NEVER EVEN CALLED UGLY. And then these curtain lovers (yes that was a Stranger things ref, link at bottom) Stan and bow down to characters with half a page of info! Don’t get me wrong, i love Eileen Prince (which i don’t see enough of) and Regulus black, all of that sort. But come on man… Barty jr is not an angel compared to Snape! Thats a canon fact, he’s a cold blooded murderer. Snape feels remorse! For Lily OR not, it wouldn’t matter cause the same was with Regulus. He betrayed Tom for his house elf, not muggleborns. Snape betrayed for his MUGGLEBORN childhood friend. Pretty similar huh?
Just because Snape is weird and had unrequited feelings who he never forgot doesn’t mean he’s a creep?? Also saying Snape would touch Harry like THAT if he looked like his mother is HELLA icky. Don’t take traumatized characters with flaws and make them worse. People who have been in Snape’s situation will feel like shit. If i hear one more person saying that crap I’m gonna go insane. Because it connects to a much worse problem in real life. Curtain lovers (i cant find a better name, its just so broad) have always blamed the “Losers” for unordinary or bad situations, stuff that doesn’t fit well. Or stuff the Curtain lovers messed up on. An example would be the past belief that witches lived among us. Now, i don’t want to bring real life situations into this, but hey, at least I’m not saying that Death eaters ARE the Nazi’s…
“Witches” consisted of people the curtain loving in command people (i would say government but idk if it was called that back then, oh well. I’ll just say curtain lovers) found a threat. People that were out of the ordinary. People that thought differently, that were WEIRD and easy to miss-understand. The curtain lovers would blame misfortunes on witches. Uncle Sam’s crops died? Sweetie call the priest cause it’s another darn witch! Oh I’m sorry Rebecca? You like books? As a woman?? I need to call the priest you filthy witch!
I know this might be a bit too deep for some god darn children books but saying Snape would SA Lily is such a dirty way to say you hate a character that you don’t even try to understand. It really dives into what type of person you are.
Also, hating Snape for being weird is SOO hypocritical. I mean, have you seen the other Harry Potter fans? Eughh.. I don’t even wanna think about the Tom Felton fans 🤢. That poor guy.
My point is that undermining a character is the least diverse thing you could do.
And the thing og blog said about Snape looking Jewish really adds to it. People really pick and take favorites. Leaving others to rot.
Hope you like this text. I might make a more proper argument in the future, its too darn late rn.
Tumblr media
Marauders fans just be having double standards on the point they proud themselves the most on: Diversity
They be like "let's make James brown" (ik that it's in the whole fandom in general but ykwim) and reject the Jewish-looking guy
They be like "let's make Lily obese" and reject the underweight guy
They be like "let's make Regulus abused" and reject the canonically abused guy
They be like "let's make Regulus get groomed into joining the DEs" and reject the canonically groomed guy
They be like "let's make Barty's actions look right by saying it was for love" and reject the guy who did everything for the girl he loved (platonically or not)
Double standards, double standards everywhere.
Diversity only exists if Snape is not involved
233 notes ¡ View notes
vaguely-concerned ¡ 1 day ago
Text
:) :) :) hey. hey I'm scrEAMING.
Rook: You know... I think I knew the truth. Deep down. But I couldn't face it. (Varric: Why not?) Because it would mean admitting that I let you die.
Bellara: Maybe when I do, I'll feel it. (Rook: Feel what?) That he forgives me. And that I deserve it.
while we're on the subject of 'stuff that's completely recontextualized once you've played the whole game and that's driving me absolutely bugnuts insane on the replay'... hhhhhow about this scene, huh. I reacted the first time around to just how emotional rook's voice gets in this part (listen to that 'you lost someone important') -- her story is very sad, don't get me wrong, but it's early on in their relationship and it seemed so intense of him out of nowhere. and uh. well now I get it. and it breaks my fucking heart. who do you think rook is really talking to here? just as much as they're talking to bellara? just as much as she is speaking to something in them they cannot face yet, negative space grief you see everywhere around rook in this game when you come back around and understand what you're looking at. they're talking to each other, but each of them is also talking to themselves. all the scenes where Rook is guiding their companions through grief and loss... and winding through, over, under, all those conversations, a separate conversation Rook cannot have yet. because they don't know. they can't bring themselves to know it yet. but it's still here the entire time, leaking into everything like blood or ink into water. it haunts them every step of the way, and no one, least of all them, can see it.
It's not your fault. You have to know that./Then why does it feel like it was? You could switch that dialogue around between them after the regret prison and it would work exactly the same way. Two people talking with one voice of grief, of guilt, of 'he's gone and it's all my fault, I wasn't good enough. I wasn't good enough when it really counted' and not knowing it. I'm kind of speechless at how elegantly it comes together now that I know to look for it, and how much meaning it suddenly adds. It really is so FUCKING good. this game is so good, when you pay attention and start to understand what it's actually doing.
But if you don't learn to get past it, you'll drown. well, rook. you'd know lmao. it really is all
I was much further out than you thought    And not waving but drowning.
up in here in this lighthouse tonight
This convinced me irrevocably that Rook truly did know the whole time, deep down. it's right below the surface of their mind that whole time, kept from them both deliberately by solas and helplessly by their own brain trying to shield them from the pain. that whole time!!! and you can actually track it through the conversations they're having and see all the signs along the way, once you realize it
And now he's gone. Because I wasn't good enough. So I try to make up for it. Honor him. Find the truth. and maybe shared grief doesn't always make for half the sorrow. but it's something. and it's so much more than nothing.
79 notes ¡ View notes
neristudy ¡ 3 days ago
Text
Sharing my language learning apps!~
Tumblr media
I am not such a fan of "1000 and 1 app for every language" tbh, because mostly, i am just getting overwhelmed. I don't even use those every day, exept for 3 or 4 - and it's okay~
But anyway - my apps and their uses!
GERMAN // top and bottom row
Babbel - my main app, the best app for learning German for me, esp because there's a German course for Ukrainian learners. Also, it can be used w/o paying and w/o hella annoying adds. I love it.
Flashkards - basically for me, its Anki but better. Oh, but how can something beat The Anki? Answer is simple, because oh my siblings in Christ, how miserable I was, trying to set up Anki. It's long, its sad, and most of the time there's no sound! Flashkards, in turn, can be set up in minutes, even less, and has voice overs! In any languages! So I can even set up German/Ukrainian decks! Really useful, and, again, no ads.
Clozemaster - my gamification/listening stuff. I even have a guide for it!~
Tutor Lily - the least annoying chatbot for me, so I can train german speaking&writing. A bit silly, but a lot better for my anixiety than speaking to a real person! Has only 10 free messages per day, but if you speak/write a lot, you can really make them count.
Deutsche Welle - I honestly don't really love their explanation and find them a bit lacking, but I wanna use their german course as a bit of a crutch to my real life one!~
LEO - it's not a learning app per ce, its a dictionary. And really good one, at that! Really useful for me to find those pesky articles xD
CHINESE // second row
HelloChinese - my main app. And really, it's the app that brings me the most joy. It has native people speaking, it has a funny mascot, and honestly, it's first language learning app where I really think about buying premium at some point. It's really good, and fun!!
Lingodeer - a bit less fun and more focused. I find it a lot more "school-like", if that's make sence. Almost no fun, 100% concentration on a study. I am using it from time to time, but it's a lot harder for me to stay commited to it.
Immersive Chinese - basically a character drill app. A lot of concentrated knowlege and uses for a specific characters, I honestly use it and Lingodeer pretty interchangebly.
JAPANESE // third row
Renshuu - my main app. It has character drills, it has fun, it has everything. Honestly, one can use this as their main app, and with some books an youtube get pretty good, I think!~
Learn Japanese - kanji & hiragana drills, a bit extra to rensuu ones!
YuSpeak - basically a bit extra, as well, but in sentences and learning. Haven't use it as much as Renshuu and Lean Japanese, but it's a lot similar to HelloChinese (even from the same developers? Not sure) so hopefully will use it more in future~
Please, note that no app, even the greatest app in the world, will teach you the language by itself. But it can always be a fun hobby, give you a really strong foundation for a future course, or even just give you a bit of a taste for language to understand, do you want to commit or not, and it's tottaly, 110% okay.
Just make sure to not get unrealistic expectation of "I finish course in app X and will be fluent". It does not work like that, nor should it.
21 notes ¡ View notes
spotaus ¡ 2 days ago
Note
Hey! The ask!! Lets see if i can manage to type everything i thought about in the time i got my break!!
So. I got thinking. (This was also a half baked drabble idea but didnt feel like making it a full one so you are getting the idea like this!! >:D)
We spoke about how Killer would be guarding Nightmare in the raid where Dream manages to steal him.
The problem is. If Killer can still move this guy WILL throw himself at Dream to save Nightmare. Meaning that Killer has to be mortally wounded. (Also works with why Nightmare rushes to shield his older brother)
So we got Killer just laying in whatever room Nightmare and him ahd been in. Probably slowly bleeding out.
On one hand. You can have the Knights run in right after. But then what is stopping them from splitting up, one part staying with Killer and one part rushing after Dream? And it has been YEARS since Dream last visited the castle. He may not remember everything quite right.
So... in theory. It should take more time for the Knights to get to Killer. But Killer is mortally wounded.
So. In comes!! Ccino (my beloved).
Ccino had been going towards killer and nightmare after helping the servants and maids evacuate or go to the bunker.
He gets there to see Killer pretty much laying there dying on the ground, Nightmare no where to be seen.
What does he do?
Ccino's crisis management skills activate. He wants to find Nightmare but he has no clue of where Nightmare went and he has no way to fight whoever took him. Killer is in front of him actively dying.
He goes to Kilelr's side.
Killer, the romantic idiot, probably realises he is fucking dying. So maybe he is like. Maybe i can confess? (Add some extra angst and make it that the hit was by either his neck or spine or soul. Making him unable to communicate)
Ccino is trying to keep the wound closed but he has no healing magic. He doenst even have first aid kit on him beyond the bare minimum. What does he do?
Well... he knows there is one being still in the castle. He does a little prayer and asks for help.
For Killer? Killer is slowly falling unconscious. He tried to confess but cant speak. He cant even apologise for failing everyone and losing Nightmare. At least Ccino is here in his last moments. He isnt alone. So he falls asleep.
Maybe some warm light guides him. A familiar voice that was once a friend? He tries to follow only to be stopped. Stopped by something sharp and pulling him down. Back into the darkness. It feels like when he fell into a bush. The way those thorns prick his bones.
Killer at first tries to follow the image of his friend (were they his friend? They saved him right? So why shouldnt he follow them?)
Only to hear so soft. So quietly from the darkness. 'Please dont let him die...'
And that sounds like Ccino... so Killer follows that voice. Goes into the darkness and it feels as if he traveled through a overgrown forest with sticks and stuff all pulling on his limbs.
And he wakes up. His skull in Ccino's lap as Ccino keeps the wound closed and did the best first aid he did. Moments later the Knights rush in to assist.
(Yes. The tree pulled Killer's soul back to the living side while the memories of chara were trying to pull killer into oblivion and get him to die)
Okay that is all. I wanted to get that out of my system.
Okay. Hi. As always, losing my everloving mind over this. Gonna make a Cut so it's easier to scroll hehe-
First off, you are SO right about Killer fighting till he physically can't move. I think that the combat between Dream and Killer is actually decently drawn out, because Dream is kinda in a frenzy (Storm growing outside + just obliterated Cross as far as he knows) and as a mostly long-range attacker it was stupid of him to try and fight Killer alone in a confined space. Killer's fast, and has a lot more to lose if he loses this fight (Nightmare is still hidden but low key stuck, and Dream is very adamant about ending his life) so he gets up close and personal for a while and lands quite a few solid attacks. However, Killer has also heard about Dream. He saw the distress on his little face when Cross admitted who had sent him and why. How Nightmare refused to send an assassination party to end things prematurely. This is Night's brother, so Killer won't kill him. As much as he wants to.
This leaves him at a direct disadvantage, and anytime he backs off to recoup Dream shoots arrows at him. (I also think he took a couple on purpose, because where he'd hidden Nightmare was the trajectory and he couldn't block it fast enough). And then, I like to think that when Killer gets in really close one time, Dream summons his blades, the ones he was still a novice with. But! One of Them peirces Killer's outer ring of his soul, and Dream jabs upwards (kinda using his other hand on the hilt to have more force) and wedges it into Killer's spine just past his ribcage. When Dream does this it his the magical equivalent of a vein, and when he shoves Killer away and off his blade, the other can only stay upright for a few stumbles before he teeters and falls onto his back.
Soul out in the open, covered in wounds (I like to think Dream's arrows peirce and burn), and now bleeding and seemingly paralyzed, Dream pulls out his bow again, ready to shoot Killer straight in his target soul. But, he's still selfish, and he wants to monolgue a bit, curse Killer (who he believes has been controlling his brother for so long) and shoots his hand, then a gash in his neck from a well-placed arrow, until he can see that dusty layer rising on Killer's bones signaling it'll be a slow death.
But, when he finishes cursing out Killer, is ready to fire the final shot? Nightmare had been hiding in a wardrobe, when Killer had stopped talking he'd gotten worried and peeked out against his better judgement. Now, with the scene, he rushes into the crossfire and, like we've discussed, the arrow ricochets off the mask and knocks it off, revealing Night in his teen form.
And it's a quick pleading, a desperate little plea from Nightmare not to kill Killer, or hurt his knights or the people. To just stop. And Dream, after his moment of shock + probing Night's emotions to find this really is him, scoops him up. His intention was to finish Killer off, but the storm outside roars louder and he can feel a strong emotion hurrying his way, so he decides to retreat. Killer should bleed out anyways.
And now finally to your point!!! Ccino is absolutely the best option! The Knights have no idea what's happening inside, and all they can. Do to help is keep Blue and Ink occupied. Cross is down for the count and looking rough, and they just have to trust that Killer got Night out or somewhere safe. Ccino? Ccino finished his part of the job, efficient af, and is rushing to go find Nightmare and Killer. He doesn't know Dream got in, he doesn't know quite where they'd be, but he can kinda sus it out based on carnage and wet steps in the halls where *soneone* got it. If they did, Killer would probably be stalling with Night nearby.
And like u said, he gets there and finds Killer actively dying, and crisis management kicks in! Ough everything about this moment is so perfect... Ccino never learned medicine, and has no healing magic, so he can only make Killer a little more comfortable and put pressure on his wounds to try and stop the bleeding. And he *sees* that soul injury. No matter how well he staunches the blood flow with his apron, that would surely kill him without treatment. And Killer seems to still be conscious, but barely. He's fading. And silent, which is deeply eerie and Wrong.
And good gods. Killer wanting so so bad to confess because, he's gonna die anyways so he wants to get it out, but he Literally can't say anything?? Wauhh!!!!!
And Ccino reaching out to the Veing in the castle... praying, begging for Killer to be saved, because Ccino refuses to leave him alone, and also refuses to lose him. Killer was Night's first knight, the most important person in that kid's world (Ccino doesn't count himself). All the Knights rely on Killer for guidance and support. Ccino needs Killer in his life, this idiot, this criminal, is somehow one of his favorite people in this castle. Please, please, please don't let him go. Keep him here until help arrives. *please*.
And the Castle obliges. Not only is Killer the one who protected Nightmare, the prince who is restoring this land, but Killer is one Ccino values. Ccino is here, stopping his wounds, begging for help to save a life. He hasn't done that before.
And!!! The description from Killer's perspective!!!!! For all intents and purposes, it seems the warm friendly voice (Chara!!!) Should be the one he follows. It's gentle, beckoning towards a soft glow, it's peaceful. And then the tree's method of getting Killer back is to snag him. Darkness, unpleasant contact that stabs and pricks and scratches. It's not nice, it's not subtle, it's dragging him back into pain and agony of his injuries (even if it's not immediate). But Killer doesn't fight because he hears Ccino! Even if he doesn't process that it's him, it unlocks something in his core that makes him decide to take the hard route and push back through that dense forest until he's back to the living realm. Still on death's door, but alive!
Oh I love this visual so dearly, frothing at the mouth about it....
And ofc the aftermath. Dream couldn't find the main entrance, so he snuck out a servant's door and signaled from outside that he was ready to go. The militia (I think the guard was busy holding off militia members from entering the castle walls) retreats first, scattering into town and Rogers demands no pursuit, hold the walls strong. Then Blue and Ink narrowly escape by simply using Ink's magic puddles, appearing somewhere else in the city through a big enough rain puddle. (Though, miles out they're still dodging the occasional lightning strike).
Only after they're too far off do the knight rush back. Horror's got Cross (in critical condition due to a blow to the side of his ribs+spine but ultimately stable) and Dust leads the way to search for Night and Killer, also following the trail Dream had left, and... they find Ccino and Killer. Killer is very very much limp in Ccino's lap, they're basically sitting in a pool of Killer's blood, and Ccino upon spotting them rapidly tells Dust to go find a healer and bring them here. Immediately.
Horror sets Cross nearby and focuses his efforts on trying to help Ccino put pressure on Killer's wounds but he can't do much either.
But, y'know, the healers who have magic for it are able to stabilize him (they are flabbergasted that he's not dead) and Cross is alright too. Dust + Horror go searching for Night. Nowhere to be found.
23 notes ¡ View notes
lotsofsq ¡ 2 days ago
Text
THANK YOU SO MUCH I COULD CRY i was grinning wider with every word oh my gosh thank you so much i’m so so happy to hear about you noticing, and finding joy in the little things i add!!
id love to tell you about my process! i love rambling about why i do certain stuff because sometimes i don’t even realize until after it’s down! often i have a feeling of a picture in my head and i just need to think of how to capture it
overall i try to do what feeeels right, but i often focus the most on differentiating eyes, i like for my designs to have distinct eyes and i was really able to do that with TMBS.
also with the colors they are a perfect set like the minimum pack of crayons
for reynie: i really wanted him to look gentle but not completely round, he’s very dependable so that leans more toward square shapes. reynie has always had a very specific look in my head because for years i pictured him looking like one of my childhood friends. his eyes both, look more asian, and lower eyelids often make a character appear more calm. the clovers are a little indicator i put often to show like?? good will almost? idk how to describe it but like when you can see the genuineness of someone.
for sticky: he’s such a nervous ball of energy and so sweet, he has this really round visual energy his eyes really mirror the shape of his glasses, big open eyes can be nervous or observant, in this case both! sticky has always been that deep blue color in my head, deep blue is a great indicator of vastness; the ocean, the night sky. fits well. yes little nervous sweats.
for constance: the epitome of angry squishy little kid, the almost white hair actually makes her look younger, since most people’s hair darkens as they age. i love her little tiny eyes, it makes her look like a stuffed animal. and i feel like the hair clip shows there are people who care enough to put it there. the little jagged lines always make me think of glaring and intensity
for kate: out of all the kids her eyes are the most realistic, she has a true eyelid and a natural shape to her eyes. i’m not entirely sure why i like to do that but i might be because i find her very wise, old soul kind of deal. i tried to make her look slightly older than the boys and i just adore her sunny disposition and humor, it’s so important for her personality. of course hee symbol is little rays of light coming off of her.
all these answers are kinda all why i did things instead of how, if you want that for anything i’d love to tell you if i can but i’m not sure that will be very interesting its a lot of trying until it feels right.
-
once again thank you so so much for this i hope you enjoy my response! it really touches my heart to hear people try to pick apart my art it makes me so happy
Tumblr media
THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY!!!!!!
i’ll be posting most of my stuff chronologically so enjoy my journey
[ID copies from alt text: four headshots of the four society members: reynie is smiling calmly, his hair is sweeping left over his forehead. he is wearing a green sweater vest with a line of little sprouts on it over a button down. sticky has a nervous expression, he is fully bald. he is wearing a blue sweater over a button down. constance looks peeved and has wispy blonde hair with red hair clips. she is wearing a red coat over a yellow shirt. kate is excited and winking, her gold blonde hair is in a high ponytail. she is in a red and white striped t-shirt. all 4 have emphasized lines around them in their respective colors: reynie has green flowers, sticky has blue sweat beads, constance has red jagged lines, and kate has yellow radial lines around her. ]
164 notes ¡ View notes
witchygagirlwrites ¡ 22 hours ago
Text
Broken Bonds- Part 13
Tumblr media
Former (ish) Greg "Mouse" Gerwitz x Reader, BabyDaddy! Jay Halstead x Reader
Adeline Halstead makes her way into the world (Dad! Jay Fluff)
Warnings: childbirth?
Jay shifted in his sleep, hand unconsciously reaching out to find you. When he didn’t touch a shoulder or your stomach his eyes flew open. Your side of the bed was empty where just a couple hours before you’d been fast asleep even before he could get off the phone with Will. He knew he should probably have stopped staying at your place months before but he’d slept more the last few months than he had in years. If Mouse found out, well that wouldn’t help his argument that anything between the two of you was simply your friendship and the baby. He really didn’t want to hurt someone he loved as much as he loved Mouse any more than he had but you were to the point in your pregnancy now it was a little too late to stop staying with you, considering your water could break at any time.
He tossed the blankets off and threw his legs over the side of the bed. The bathroom door was open so that was out. He stood, wiping a hand across his face as he walked to the bedroom door to open it. The moment he stepped into the living room he knew where you were because the yellow glow of the lamp you’d picked for Addy’s room was shining under the door which was barely cracked open.
He walked past the couch and saw your favorite throw blanket which meant you’d been up for a while and hadn’t woken him like you’d promised you would. He shook his head as he got closer and he could hear light music playing from your phone, you were going through her clothes for the thousandth time. He silently pushed the door open and leaned one shoulder against the doorframe to watch the sight in front of him.
You weren’t ashamed of your pregnancy belly by any means but on a day to day basis you mainly wore work appropriate maternity attire. This though, this was what he loved to see. You moved around the room wearing a maternity camisole and a pair of sleep shorts. Maybe it was his “caveman” brain like you teased him about but something about seeing you, your stomach swollen big with his daughter and so damn relaxed with a small smile on your face, braids falling out where Stella had put them up a day before that tugged at him.  You were always talking about how your body was never going to be the same but he’d never seen a more beautiful sight.  
“Miss Kidd, are you planning to sleep any before Adeline gets here?” he asked and you looked over your shoulder at him with a small shrug “My hips hurt too bad to lay in the bed too long. I tried going back to sleep but I kept moving around so much I was afraid I’d wake you up”  “That’s when you should wake me up!” he argued, walking further into the room “what if the hip pain was labor trying to start?”
You put your hands on your hips and raised an eyebrow “Then my god call Dr Asher! I’ve been in labor for months!” he shook his head with a laugh “One thing for certain she’s gonna be sarcastic” you laughed at that before motioning at him “I know you’re not trying to say that gene would only coming from me Halstead” “Maybe a little would come from me” he teased with a grin. You shoved his bare shoulder lightly, a smile slipping onto your face “I’m just putting up the outfits Chief Boden bought her”
He nodded “Ok, want some help?” you pointed to a pink gift bag sitting across the room “There’s some socks and hairbows in there if you want to add them to her drawer. We really need to figure out a division of her stuff like that between here and your place. Maybe do a week by week thing? Or depending on when she’s where?”
He nodded as he listened to you “Whatever you want to do. I think a week by week thing would be confusing to us though” you laughed lightly “Yeah probably” between both of you her stuff was put away in no time. You’d already packed her hospital bag with so many outfits he was certain there was no way she’d go through that many the three days you’d be in there but he hadn’t questioned it. 
Once you were satisfied he gently put his hands on your shoulders that were left bare from the camisole, feeling just how warm they were under his hands. One good thing about you being pregnant was before you were always freezing in cold weather but Addy had turned you into a human furnace. There were nights he tried to sleep in a shirt or sweatpants and nearly melted. 
“C’mon. I need some sleep” he steered you towards the bedroom and you let him but looked over your shoulder as you went, trusting him to guide you “You can sleep without me Jay” he nodded “Yeah but I don’t like sleeping knowing you’re up because what if something happened and I didn’t hear you?” you rolled your eyes but he could see the tiny smile pulling at your lips “You’re unbelievable” 
He grinned at you “I could also use the excuse that you don’t want me tired when I’m out in the field to guilt you into sleeping” and that earned him a glare “If you weren’t my daughter’s father I swear there are times I may shoot you” he laughed as he opened the bedroom door and steered you towards your side of the bed “No you wouldn’t because I’ve been a pain in your ass for years and yet I’ve never gotten shot well not from you anyways” you climbed into the bed and shook your head at him “Ass” he winked at you and climbed into bed next to you “Night” 
Tumblr media
“Aren’t you supposed to be on maternity leave?” Kevin asked as he sat down on the edge of your desk while you typed. You shrugged “Technically. I’m not doing anything but desk work, not interacting with perps.No heavy lifting so the ivory tower doesn’t really care since she’s still snug as a bug inside me”
“Snug as a bug? Really?” he laughed and you shrugged, biting back a laugh yourself “So much baby stuff rhymes Kevin! So much!” he shook his head “It is good to see you laughing. I’m gonna miss seeing you at work while you’re out” you grinned up at him “Well my apartment is on your way to and from work so you could always stop by uncle Kev” he winked at you “Believe me mama I will. Addy is gonna know my voice, wait till she cries for me over you or Jay”
“That ain't happening Kev, sorry man” Jay’s voice drifted up from the stairs and you shook your head “I swear that man has sonic hearing when she is mentioned” him and Hailey made it up and she grinned at you “And selective hearing when she isn’t” you pointed at her and nodded “See? Upton gets me on a spiritual level! If I am marrying anyone it’s her”
“You’d make a gorgeous june bride” she told you with a wink as she walked past to her desk.Kevin looked from you to her then at Jay “Man I think you and Mouse both done lost a shot”  Jay shook his head “I was never trying to have a shot, I’m just her daughter’s father. Mouse on the other hand, he may have to admit defeat to a better opponent” 
You shot Hailey a look and she cleared her throat “Change of subject” both Kevin and Jay nodded “I got access to that bank account” Kevin told Jay who raised an eyebrow “Anything out of the ordinary?” The two went into a conversation running down the deposits and withdrawals so you mouthed a thank you to Hailey who simply smiled. She was becoming a life line when it came to calming things at work.
______________
It wasn’t that you minded Kevin joking like that, you knew him of all people didn’t mean anything bad. It was just when Jay made comments like that, no matter how he meant them that same guilt would flare up in your chest. Jay was such a good man. He was strong, brave, handsome and already excited to be the best father he could be. You were bringing a life into the world with him, sharing a bed with him most nights and did have love for him but it just wasn’t the same way you loved Mouse.  How did that make him feel? What thoughts went through his head that he’d never give voice to for fear of hurting one of you?
You leaned back in your chair, running a hand over your stomach. The skin was stretched tight enough you were applying lotion multiple times a day to keep the skin from splitting anymore. The stretch marks you had were already astronomical. When Mouse had gotten the use of an office for a zoom call and seen your stomach the look in his eyes had been such a mixed bag;
 “Well, can I see?” Mouse asked and you raised an eyebrow “See what?” he laughed lightly “The stomach sweetheart. Always been curious what you’d look like” “Oh, are you sure?” you asked, looking over at Stella who was across her living room watching you. She shrugged as he said “I mean if it makes you uncomfortable no but if you're comfortable showing me then yeah” “Ok” you agreed and stood up.
You uncurled the blanket from around your shoulders and turned to the side so he could get the full effect. “Damn” you cut your eyes back at the screen with a grimace “That bad?” but he shook his head “You’re absolutely beautiful” the smile he gave you made your heart flip but his eyes still held that touch of sadness that tugged your heart. You ran a hand over the top of your stomach and Addy stretched her leg out causing your stomach to jump and he laughed “She’s strong already, I saw that clear even over the screen”  “She’s gonna be boxing by kindergarten” you laughed and he nodded “Never doubted that for a second”
Even looking at your stomach swollen with Jay’s baby he’d told you how much he loved you before telling Stella to take care of herself and you then he had to end the call. 
“She kicking?” Kevin asked and you blinked a few times to get your mind back on the conversation happening around you. At least you’d been halfway paying attention to your computer. “If you can call it kicking, she’s almost out of room” you told him, cutting your eyes at Jay hoping he hadn’t noticed your mind had drifted. You weren’t conflicted like you had been or guilty like you had been. 
You were still very much in love with Mouse, yeah but there were still months before he’d be home and you weren’t sure if in action he could handle this.  Besides, even when he got home he had to go to Georgia for training. You couldn't stand in the way of his career and you weren’t being away from Addy or taking her anywhere that far from Jay so you and him would be separated for that time too. The fear still remained of him coming back just to officially walk away from you. 
Jay smirked when he saw your attention was on him “Want me to talk louder so she moves even more?” you grinned “Don’t you dare” his smirk deepened “Oh, that sounded like a challenge” you shook your head “Jay!” 
He grinned as he stood out of his chair and stalked over towards you “C’mon sweetheart I just wanna talk to my little girl” you shook your head “No, go sit down” he mock pouted “That’s mean” you laughed “Don’t do that pouting. You talk to her enough” he took another step towards you and you held up a hand “Jay!” by then Hailey was even grinning at the show the two of you were putting on. 
You shook your head “Kim and Adam are due back anytime from talking to his C.I. and Voight should be off the line with his contact any minute” Jay nodded “Even more of a reason to let me talk to her! I may have to gear up and roll out” your mouth fell open in shock. Was he really gonna do that? When you didn’t say anything else he grinned proudly and closed the distance between the two of you, squatting to be in front of your chair “Babygirl, it’s daddy. Wake up and let mama know you’re there” 
The moment he spoke it felt like she rolled her entire body. You groaned and he laughed lightly “I’m sorry sweetheart but I love how she reacts to me” you glared at him, rubbing a hand over whatever body part was slamming into your side “She’s always reacted like that to your voice but wait until she gets out. I get to hand her to you and take a nap” he rubbed a hand over your stomach before standing up then he leaned down to brush a kiss against your temple “I look forward to it”
Tumblr media
After Adam and Kim came back they had a cell number for you to run which gave a possible address. “Ok, let's gear up and roll out” Hank ordered once you sent the tracking to Hailey’s phone. Jay stepped over to your desk and leaned over you, running a hand across your stomach as he kissed the top of your head “Please stay up here. Don’t go downstairs unless Platt walks with you” you rolled your eyes at the reminder but nodded nonetheless “I know this Jay, I’m not trying to go into labor on the stairs. Be safe and get the team back in one piece”
He grinned at you “Don’t worry, I’ll always come back to my babygirl” and tapped his st michael pendant before following everyone downstairs.
_______________________
You were finishing up Adam’s and Kevin’s back reports for them. They hated doing them and you needed busy work. You ran a hand over your stomach, a gasp leaving you when a particularly hard nudge took your breath. “Addy calm down” your hips were aching and your lower back felt like a truck was sitting on it.
Maybe you needed to move around a little? Maybe it would help the muscles in your lower body loosen up or even help her move around to a more comfortable position? You pushed back from your desk so you could stand up but the moment you did a gush of warm liquid rushed from your core, soaking your inner thighs and some of the floor under you. You stared down at it in shock for a moment before reality set in. Your water just broke. 
Your water just broke, you were alone and Jay was in the field. Ok, Trudy. You reached for your phone as a contraction hit that nearly buckled you. You clutched the edge of the desk, concentrating on your breathing until it passed. You grabbed your phone and hit Trudy’s number “Hey sweetheart, something wrong?” she answered and you laughed painfully, holding your lower back “I’m alone up here and my water just broke” “Oh my god! Ok, I’m coming!” you heard the gate pop as she spoke and laid the phone down.
You felt her hands on your shoulders as she eased you back down into the chair “Just breathe. I’ll call a bus” you shook your head “Jay’s not here” She grabbed your phone and hit Jay’s number as she hit 911 with her own. She passed you your phone as she spoke into hers, it sounded like she was talking to Sylvie.
Tears hit your eyes when Jay answered on the second ring “What’s wrong?” “My water broke Jay. Trudy ordered an ambulance but I don’t want to go without you” “Shit, I’m coming sweetheart.I’ll beat the ambo there I promise you..VOIGHT” you heard him telling Hank what was going on and Hank telling Hailey to handle the scene and for Jay to get into his suv.  “Hey sweetheart, I’m on the way to you. Talk to me”
You laughed around the pain hitting you “I know it’s serious for you to ride with Hank willingly” “Only for you and her” he chuckled. Trudy had hollered downstairs for a uniform to let the ambulance up as soon as they got there. “They’re five minutes out” she told you once she hung up “And your sister is coming with them” you smiled at hearing Stella was on her way too.
“We’re three out” you heard Hank say and inhaled through your teeth “Do not wreck with Jay in the car Voight!” you heard Hank laugh “Love you too Kidd!” “Don’t worry, I’ll be there” Jay promised.
Before another contraction could hit fully, you heard Jay’s voice from downstairs “MOVE!” the moment you saw him coming up the stairs a part of you relaxed. He was to your side in an instant, Trudy moving to let him take her place. “I’m sorry” you whispered and he shook his head “For what?” you laughed as a contraction hit “She waited till you left” he slipped his hand into yours, urging you to squeeze as it hurt “It’s ok. I’m here now”
You heard Stella’s voice and leaned over onto Jay. “I’m scared” he nodded, kissing the side of your head “I’m not leaving your side, I promise. No matter what” 
When Stella and Sylvie made it up the stairs she smiled “Hey little sister. My niece ready to make her debut?” you nodded “I think so” she looked at Jay “Let’s get her going. I’ll call Kelly to grab my keys and go get her bags from her place” “I’ll call Will to get mine” he added.
Tumblr media
You were set up in a delivery room. Stella had helped you get changed into the gown while Jay called Will to let him know you were in the hospital and update the team. He came back in as Dr Asher was walking into the room “Detective Kidd, I hear we have a little one looking to make her debut?”
You nodded. She looked from Stella to Jay. “Birthing partners are aunt and dad?” you nodded so she asked “Are you ok with them being in when I check you?” “She’s my sister and well he is the father so he’s seen it” you joked, hissing through clenched teeth when a contraction cut you off. Jay was to your side, holding your hand the moment it hit. “Squeeze as hard as you need to” he spoke into your hair, one hand smoothing down your back.
Dr Asher smiled “As soon as it passes I’ll check and see how far dilated you are and we’ll go from there”
_________________________
You were exhausted. Every inch of your body ached to the touch. Your hair hurt and you never even knew that was possible. Jay was behind you in the bed, you supported back against his chest. 
Stella swiped a cloth across your face “You’re doing amazing baby girl” you shook your head, falling back against Jay “I don’t feel like it” Jay’s hands ran gently down your arms “Are you kidding me? You are amazing. She’s almost here” you felt him press a kiss to the side of your face and smiled weakly “Jay I’m so damn tired” he nodded “I know sweetheart. You're doing so good though,you’re so strong. You can do this”
Dr Asher walked back in and smiled “Are we ready for the final stretch?” you turned your head to look at Jay. His blue eyes held a layer of excitement to finally meet her but you could see the worry for you too. You smiled and pressed a quick kiss to his neck “Let’s do it” 
“Help her move down the bed dad. Aunt, help keep her legs steady” Dr Asher gave them their marching orders then looked at you “And mom when you feel the need to push, get as much air as you can into your lungs then push with everything” you nodded and let Jay support your body as a hard contraction hit. You did like she said and filled your lungs then concentrated on pushing. A loud gasp of pain escaped you when a feeling like a truck running over your lower abdomen slammed into you. 
You felt Dr Asher’s hands and the pain got bad enough you were sure you were going to pass out until it started to fade and a shrill cry filled the room. “Congratulations Detective Kidd, Detective Halstead. You have a beautiful baby girl” “Her name’s Adeline, Adeline Halstead” you were lying against Jay watching the nurse clean Addy and wrap her in a blanket then hand her to Stella. 
Stella had tears coming down her cheeks by the time she made it to the bed. “She’s so beautiful” she transferred Addy to your arms and you felt tears spring to your eyes. “Hey baby, I’m your mama” you placed a kiss to her head then looked back at Jay and felt your heart flip when you saw the tears in his eyes “And this is your daddy” “Hey baby girl” he spoke low, reaching one hand out to trace her face with a finger. 
He was looking at her like he couldn’t believe she was real, like she was the best thing he’d ever seen and you couldn’t blame him you felt the same way. “She’s perfect” he whispered, kissing your temple. You nodded “She really is” you heard a photo snap and cut your eyes up to see Stella tucking her phone away “I’m sorry but that was adorable. I’m leaving now to update the waiting room full of cops and firefighters. I’ll be back when you’re in a regular room”
You laughed lightly when she scurried from the room followed by the nurses saying you’d be moved to a regular room soon. Jay sat with his legs bent at the knees and his arms around you both as you held her “She’s really here isn’t she? We really made a baby” he whispered and you nodded “Yeah, we did” tears slipped down his face and you felt your own start to fall “Thank you sweetheart” “For what?” you asked and he shrugged “Her” 
You turned so you were laying with your head against his chest so he tucked his arms tighter around you and her “Can we stay like this for just a little while?” he asked and you nodded “Of course”
Tumblr media
You watched as Jay introduced Addy to Will and Kelly first considering Stella was correct in deeming they had first dibs on meeting her. The smile he had on his face and how he held her like he never wanted to let her go made your heart ache but in a good way. “He’s so proud and happy” Stella whispered to you as she brushed and braided your hair for you. You nodded with a small smile watching Jay talk to Will and Kelly with Addy in his arms “He’s wanted her since he knew about her and loved her since he felt her move”  “It’s nice to see” she agreed as she got done and kissed your cheek “I love you” “I love you too Stella bella”
_________________________
After Kelly and Will the unit met her. Jay let Kevin hold her, albeit for like fifteen seconds. Kim and Hailey gushed over her then moved to hugging you and asking what you needed brought back to you. Adam just kept staring at her and saying “She’s so tiny” in such an awed voice. Hank who kept emotions close to the chest, gently played with her fingers and said “Hey kid, guess I’m grandpa according to your parents”
Stella, you were certain had taken dozens of photos of Addy meeting everyone. Trudy managed to talk Jay into letting her hold Addy for a total of twenty seconds which was saying something. 
By the time visiting hours were over you were barely keeping your eyes open. Stella was the last to leave. She hugged you and said “You need anything, call me. I’ll be here in the morning” “I will, I love you” she smiled “Love you too”
She leaned over Jay who was sitting in the chair next to your bed feeding Addy “Bye Addy. Aunt Stella loves you baby” then to your surprise she tapped his shoulder “You’re family too Jay so if you need anything by morning feel free to call” “Thanks Stel”
__________________
You watched her leave then looked over to see Jay was burping Addy like the nurse had shown the two of you. “You know you look pretty good as a dad” he smirked at you “Oh yeah? You look pretty good as a mom” you motioned to yourself “Smoking hot”
He shook his head with a laugh before saying “You did amazing Y/N” you smiled “I had pretty good support”
He stood and walked over to transfer Addy to your arms “Here ya go mama, fed and changed” you kissed her head and mock whispered “Your daddy is a really good man but don’t tell him I said so” he shook his head and leaned close to you to whisper “Addy, your mama is a really good woman and you can tell her I said so” then kissed your temple.
15 notes ¡ View notes
psink ¡ 4 days ago
Text
Whilst overall I prefer the manga to the anime, there's one aspect that I think the anime does better - the very ending.
Tumblr media
Compared to the manga's very compactly shown thoughts of the cast, the anime gives each of them a short scene.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
But although that change already is great, what matters to me the most, is this added scene of Saiko.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Despite it being so short, it feels so fitting and important to Saiko's character, making its absence in the original seem wrong. (They also added Rifuta, though comparatively, her scene isn't so significant.)
Tumblr media Tumblr media
140 notes ¡ View notes
sskk-manifesto ¡ 5 months ago
Text
Bungou Stray Dogs: Dead Apple and how “ability users” (opposite to “normal people”) learning to accept themselves through the acceptance of their own abilities is a queer metaphor of acceptance of own's sexual orientation and gender: an essay by me
#bsd#bungou stray dogs#About: Dead Apple. Watched this a while ago with a friend and it was a lot of fun!!!#If you're reading this: thank you so much for hanging out with me I had such a good time (ㅅ´ ˘ )♡#Next to general considerations: wow they were right that Bungou Stray Dogs movie sure can Bungou Stray Dogs#It's always nice to see the detailed animation and elaborate backgrounds of movies. The animation quality compared to the manga is–#definitely noticeable and it's nice to see. That said... I still like the season 2 art style more? And I'm speaking strictly of art style.#The s2 one looks more soft and smooth while the da one is so much more rough.#The plot is... Very bsd-esque I don't think there's anything to add.#In my opinion Kyouka's arc is the one that turned out best tbh. I really like her narrative development and personal growth in this movie.#I like the complexity of her state of mind. how full of contradiction she is. I especially appreciate the recurring small changes of–#expression that indicate how she thinks differently from Atsushi even if she doesn't voice them. The fight between her cynicism and her–#kind nature. It's all very interesting.#Atsushi's development is interesting too. Although all the open questions about his ability we still have kind of leave me frustrated#I don't feel very strongly about Akutagawa in this movie? I mean‚ he's there. The ss/kk scenes are always great and in character and a joy–#to witness no matter what they do. He just doesn't shine particularly? Or at least personally I dont find the “proving my strength against–#myself” narrative arc to be particularly interesting. Imo it was a lot better flashed out in the da stage play! With the complexity that–#the dialogues with Chuuya added to the character. Dazai attacking him. And especially Aktgw understanding that Rashomon wasn't testing Aktg#but rather only expressing that unstoppable rage that is also Aktgw's own. About that I checked out the play and I really liked it!!#I only watched highlights (aka: ss/kk and chuu/aku scenes) but there's some stuff I really like. I like the conflict between Aktgw and–#Chuuya and how Chuuya messes up with Aktgw at first maliciously and then amiably. It's interesting how Atsushi himself observes that Kyouka#and Akutagawa get along. And especially the sskk almost-handholding and Atsushi saying Akutagawa has a nice profile were cute akjdhbsawhjb#Next. Da really is shipping paradise (╥﹏╥) Sorry but... It is. oda/zai. daz/atsu. ss/kk. s/kk. fuku/mori. chuu/aku. It really has everythin#and the moments are so good!!!! What else. Wish we'd see more of Tsujimura. And Christie. And women in general tbh.#Also‚‚‚‚‚ Atsushi's tiger form in this movie is ATROCIOUS. I've said it before but it's crazy how a franchises that relies so heavily on–#fanservice came up with something this hideous. Man the movie overall was pretty but Atsushi sure wasn't. Firmly stand by the belief–#that only Akutagawa would find that form attractive.#Oh last note. honestly if we're ready to accept a movie where an antidote has effect AFTER the person has effectively died then we really–#can't complain about any kind of insanity the manga brings up#random rambles
116 notes ¡ View notes
horsemeatluvr23 ¡ 8 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
zedaph!!! coloured pencil n fineliner :D ngl i rly struggled w getting a photo of this one .. i ended up scanning it but i think it washed out a lot of the pencil detail n ended up looking like i deep fried it lmao. u will all just have to trust me when i say this looks better irl
89 notes ¡ View notes
pleasantlyinsincere ¡ 2 years ago
Text
John and Julian (and Cyn) through the '70s
Last edited on 8 October 2023. All edits listed at the end. Text in between [ ] are my thoughts.
Since John and Yoko had moved into Tittenhurst in August '69 Julian often spend weekends with them there.
"And then I'd live for the weekends I spent with my dad and his new love Yoko at Ascot. My feeling toward their relationship was helped by the way I was treated. I was given incredibly expansive toys to play with and there was always something happening." Julian, 1982
Cynthia describes that she was relieved that Julian got on reasonably well with Yoko, but she was concerned by some of the more bizarre stories of what was going on at Tittenhurst park.
"One of the hardest aspects of letting Julian visit John was accepting that Yoko would presumably look after him when he was there. I didn't know what he would make of her cool manner. But in fact he seemed fine with it, and perhaps it was better for him to have a rather distant step-mother than one who was all over him. He never told me that she was unkind in any way, which was a relief. After that first weekend Peter rang regularly to arrange visits for Julian. Much to my amusement Julian had started to call Yoko Hokey-Cokey." Cynthia Lennon: John, p.314
Tumblr media
Photos of Julian at Tittenhurst in 31 January 1970. [John and Yoko only returned from Denmark January 27th, so Julian came to see them the first weekend back.]
Rest of the timeline including pics, quotes and audio behind the cut because it got ridiculously long.
23 February 1970
An article is published in the Evening Post talking about Julian and Kyoko. It mentions that in 1969 there were four months that father and son didn't get to see each other and also spent Christmas apart.
Some quotes from John:
"Julian, last time I saw him, was a bit too protected, like all kids are. It took him two weeks to unwind, when he was last with us." "I'm not a daddy with a set of bricks to play with. When I'm with the kids, they just come along with me and be with me, whatever I'm doing." Link to article
March 1970
Over the New Year John and Yoko had spent some weeks in Denmark with Tony Cox, his new partner and Kyoko. That arrangement had worked quite well and it seems it motivated John and Yoko to try to get closer with Cynthia and Roberto also. It seems in the end not much came of these good intentions.
Up until now, when Julian came to spend the weekend at Tittenhurst Park, it was Les Anthony who shuttled him back and forth between his parents. However, shortly after their return from Denmark, John and Yoko made a conscious effort to spend time with Julian, Cynthia and her fiancĂŠ Roberto Bassanini. John later remarked: "All five of us ate together and we saw to it that the children see us all together. Maybe six of us will go on vacation with Kyoko. Julian, Cyn and Roberto, so that everyone feels secure. That's very important. In order to have peace, it's necessary to start inside the family." Lennonology, source L'Express [3/23/70]
Instead John and Yoko left for LA 23 April 1970 to undergo Primal Scream therapy with Janov. They stayed for almost five months in the US and returned to England 15 September 1970.
June 7th, 1970
While John and Yoko are in LA doing their therapy with Janov. One of the topics discussed was John's troubled relationship with his son.
The meeting, which Vivian Janov describes as 'a very strong emotional day for him,' had taken place in April, and John was making an effort to maintain communication with his son. From Los Angeles, John posted a card to Julian today: 'I'm sorry I haven't called or written much. I've been a little sick. We miss you a lot, and send you our love... won't be long till I see you'. Lennonology
After the return from the US in September Julian continued to regularly visit Tittenhurst. During those visits he usually played a lot with Les Anthonys four stepchildren, who at the time were also living on the estate.
"Once Dad had a little white shed built on an island in the middle of a lake on the grounds of the house. He had bought these little white amphi-cars that sped across the lake. The three of us all dressed in white to spend the day there. Crazy, but wonderful."Julian, 1982
In this interview Julian describes going over to Tittenhurst just to be an idiot with his dad but also how scary the big house and his bedroom situation could be to him at night.
[The floorplan of Tittenhurst (LINK) actually shows Julian's room just across the hallway from John and Yoko's room but half a stairway down. There's not really a closer bedroom and he may have been put there, so that he has his own bathroom. It being so far away, small (somewhere he or Cynthia call the room a closet) and scary are after all the memories from a child's point of view.]
For the most part the visitation arrangements seemed to have continued in 1971. In the summer, when John and Yoko were filming for the imagine documentary, Julian can be seen roaming the property with his friends.
Saturday, July 17th, 1971 With the cameras rolling, John and Yoko roamed the Tittenhurst Park grounds in a golf cart with Jill Johnston. As promised, Blue Pools delivered the new lake house, and the Lennons spotted location. More footage was taken of the house under construction, the Lennons and Johnston rowing on the lake, and Julian and the neighbor children reading excerpts from Grapefruit on camera and running amok in the fields. Lennonology
Lennonology
Julian Lennon: Tittenhurst was this enormous palace-like place with 99 acres, golf-cart buggies, a lake, a little island in the middle of the lake. It was like a house of fun. It was wonderful. I loved the place.
LINK to a longer version of the quote but in German. Not adding much just both John and Julian sharing a mutual love for Dr. Pepper at the time, playing the mellotron and the children daring each other to enter a 'haunted' building on the property.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
It's also at Tittenhurst that Julian meets May Pang, who had started working for John and Yoko as an assistant through ABKCO in NY and had come to England as a messenger to bring film rolls.
"There were a lot of great moments at Tittenhurst that I do fondly remember, you know, giggling and laughing with Dad. And, as they say, shooting the shit. But it was difficult to know, you think, 'OK, well, is this going to stay? Is this what it's going to be, now? Can I count on this? Can I be here next weekend or the weekend after? Is that going to happen?' That was one of the, obviously, the hardest pill to swallow, was the constant change. You know, you thought things were going to settle down, but they just never quite did." Julian, 2018
"I lived an ideal life between then [Cyn and Roberto] and John and Yoko, but it all ended when Cynthia's marriage broke up and Dad and Yoko moved to the States." Julian, 1982
The big cut happens when on August 12th 1971 John and Yoko leave for NY and take up residence in the St. Regis Hotel.
At first their plan was to search for Kyoko, so that she too could come for visits at Tittenhurst like Julian. In September John and Yoko appeared on the Dick Cavett show and briefly talked about their wish that both their children could be with them.
youtube
Maybe a Christmas present:
Tumblr media
Christie's auction
[In her Lost Weekend doc, May talks about Julian calling and Yoko not allowing her to put the call through to John. She says at that point they hadn't spoken for a couple of years. Then a few weeks later she is in the audience for George Harrison's appearance on Dick Cavett. The show is aired in November '71, so if there is anything to her anecdote she may mean they hadn't seen each other for two months instead of two years.]
26 May '72
"Lennon admits that he is scared to say too much publicly about the case, because it was the initial publicity that had spurred Cox to vanish. He talks about how hard it is for Ono to see pictures of her daughter: I have to hide them. Asked about his own son, Julian, he says: I don't have that 'where the hell is he?' bit. But he reveals that when they were in England, and Julian visited them every weekend, it was difficult for Ono to be with him when her own daughter wasn't there: It was killing her." source
28 May '72
Cynthia quoted in a Sunday paper: "John hasn't seen Julian since he went to America. It is rather a long time. He seems to be occupied with Yoko's daughter now. He does write to Julian, just normal letters, asking how he is getting on at school and things like that. And he sends him presents. He sent him a toy truck at Christmas. I don't keep in touch with John anymore. It's purely through Julian that we keep in contact. Julian loves his father. He follows his career in the newspapers. He goes to a private boys' school where people don't bother who he is. He went to a state school but he had problems there."
14 June '72
Cyn's complaints are repeated in the LA times, where it said that John hadn't seen Julian in eight months. "He seems to be occupied with Yoko's daughter now."
On 22 September '73 John and May leave for LA and only a few days later on 2 October '73 it is reported in the newspaper that Cyn separated from Roberto Bassanini.
Cynthia gave some interviews on her recent separation and the fact that she and Julian moved back to Hoylake, where Julian goes to private school.
"Unhappily Julian misses his father, which is only natural. We only hear from John at Christmas and when the birthdays come around." 7 October '73, Sunday Mirror
"Julian is always asking after him but of course John is in America now. It's been hard for him not seeing John for several years. This sort of thing is naturally upsetting for a child." 7 October '73, Sunday People
According to May's book, while John had broken up with her, she went to the Dakota to be with Yoko. Yoko there told her that she had decided it was time for Julian to come for a visit and May should at least reunite with John for that period to help him with it. May agreed to go back to John for two weeks, but it ends up being more like a year.
Christmas gift '73
To Julian from Daddy Christmas 1973
Tumblr media
[Julian has sold an NFT of the black guitar. LINK ]
Shortly after Christmas '73 Julian and Cyn travel to LA to spend his school holidays with his father. They stay at least until the Happy Days taping they visit together on 5 February '74.
Tumblr media
During the over a month long visit May writes, that they went to Disneyland three times and had brunch together the first morning. Meanwhile John is still having some wild times. Since Julian is staying with Cynthia, he goes out with May. The Kotex incident and nearly killing Jesse Ed Davis happen at the same time of this visit. May also places Cynthia asking John to have another child together during this trip.
As the visit ends May makes John promise to call Julian regularly.
"It is the right thing to do. I promise you, Fung Yee." He was silent for a while, then John said suddenly, "I really would like to keep in touch with me son." May Pang, Loving John p.168
Julian too, took a lot of positive out of the meetings around this time.
"Mum and I flew out to the States and stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel. At least Mum did, I spend every minute of every day with my Dad and Yoko. " Julian, 1982
In later recollections Julian correctly puts the first visit in the time-frame that John was with May.
“Dad and I got on a great deal better than,” recalls Julian. “We had a lot of fun, laughed a lot and had a great time in general when he was with May Pang.” Julian in The Times, June 13 2009
May Pang: Loving John. About this visit and how it was set up.
In April 74 Julian sends a Thank you tape to John and Yoko for his birthday gift. Even though John is with May at this time, the present it seems was sent from the married couple.
The present in question according to Julian was a guitar, decorated with a mirror, writing and other stuff:
John writes to Cyn 22 June '74 a typed letter asking about Julian's holiday plans. Interestingly as the return address he gives the Dakota. He wants to send May to bring Julian.
Tumblr media
19/20-25 July 1974 Instead of being collected by May, Julian sails with Elton John, Tony King, and Cyn per boat from Southampton to New York.
[In her book Cynthia wrongly remembers this as her first visit with John in the US. She also claims this visit was completely her initiative, which as proven by the letter wasn't the case. The whole anecdote is interesting however because she says that it was never the plan to stay with Julian, John and May but stay in NY with Jenny Boyd. Jenny apparently wasn't told about that plan, because in the end she wasn't there to home Cynthia. (May on the other hand remembers that Cynthia was staying with friends but they left without her and she was lonely, so she ended up coming with them.) In the end (and to John probably rightly or wrongly suspiciously) what was planned as just a trip for Julian with his dad turned into Cynthia coming along most of the time.]
Cynthia'a account about how this meeting was set-up and why she was with them during the trip.
Tony King in The Tastemaker simply writes: “John Lennon wanted to see his son, so I took Julian and John’s ex-wife Cynthia along with me.”
August 6th '74
John, May, Cyn and Julian return to LA for John to record Goodnight Vienna with Ringo.
In the summer while working on Walls and Bridges Julian visits the studio. He records Ya Ya with his dad.
Little interview bit with Julian about being in the studio.
Tumblr media
August 19th, 1974
John and May take a trip to Denver. Instead of coming with them Julian stays with Cyn in LA.
When the whole vacation is coming to a close, it is decided that Julian should come for another visit for Christmas. John is clear that he wants him to come alone.
Both May Pang and Cynthia wrote about this visit in their memoirs. [Cynthia is clearly mixing up and merging the first and second trip together in her recollection of it.]
Cynthia's account.
May's account.
December 19th, 1974
Julian, accompanied by Apple staffer Steve Brendell, arrived in NY on this day for Christmas with John and May. Mimi was also invited but declined to come.
While they were in NY Yoko also came by because she wanted to greet Julian.
John, May and Julian flew to Florida on December 22. Lennon said he accepted Levy's Florida invitation "because I was so worn out anyway" from back-to-back studio projects "that I didn't know what to do with my son Julian." John figured that at Disney World, "I could sort of sit in a room or something and Julian could play with Morris's kid." John's quotes are from his trial testimony Big Seven Music Corp, 75Civ, 1116; In Stan Soocher Baby You're a Rich Man, Suing the Beatles for Fun and Money
Until 29 December they spent time in Palm Beach and later returned to Orlando (Disney World).
During this visit, Julian was helpful in influencing John and George making up and the thus the dissolution agreement of the Beatles coming along.
Julian remembers his Christmas visit with John and May fondly: “My memories of that time with Dad and May are very clear - they were the happiest time I can remember with them.” Julian in The Times, June 13 2009
May Pang in Loving John on this visit.
Cynthia writes about this visit in her book.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
youtube
Video from May Pang's Lost Weekend documentary. [She says Long Island but I guess it's Palm Beach.]
In early February 1975 John moves back into the Dakota and resumes his marriage with Yoko.
John gives an interview to SPIN magazine in early spring 1975. In it he is asked about his private life, his recent return to Yoko, what his relationship with May is like now, and also about Julian:
How about you as a father? How old is your son [Julian] now? He is 11 now. All I know is that you took him to Disneyworld … right? Yeah, that was hell. Disneyland was better, the first time, in L.A., I took him there. Because I went with a gang, and there were a few of us who were flying a little. But Disneyworld — I was there on the most crowded day of the year, around Christmas or something. Seeing him is good. What we do is irrelevant. I went through a period of, “What are we gonna do?” and all that crap. It doesn’t really matter. As long as he’s around. Cause I don’t see him that often. How is it for an 11-year-old boy to have John Lennon as a father? It must be hell. Does he talk about that to you? No, because he is a Beatle fan. I mean, what do you expect?? I think he likes Paul better than me … I have the funny feeling he wishes Paul was his dad. But unfortunately he got me … It must be hard to be son of anybody. He is a bright kid and he’s into music. I didn’t encourage him, but he’s already got a band in school. But they sing rock’n’roll songs, ’cause their teacher is my age. So he teaches them “Long Tall Sally” and a couple of Beatles numbers. He likes Barry White and he likes Gilbert O’ Sullivan. He likes Queen, though I haven’t heard them yet. He turns me on to music. I call him and he says, “Have you heard Queen?” and I say “No, what is it?” I’ve heard of them. I’ve seen the guy … the one who looks like Hitler playing a piano … Sparks? I’ve seen Sparks on American TV. So I call him and say, “Have you seen Sparks? Hitler on the piano?” and he says, “No. They are alright. But have you seen Queen?” and I say “What’s Queen?” and then he tells me. His age group is hipper to music … at 11 I was aware of music, but not too much.
Link to the SPIN interview
March 11th 1975
John is interviewed by Bob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test. He sends greetings to Julian, Mimi and the rest of his family in England.
unknown
30 July 1975
About Julian ... I'm lucky if I see/hear from him myself. She allowed him over here twice last year ... but insisted on coming herself! You can imagine how thrilling that was ... she thought she could walk back in coz I wasn't with yoko!! Now we're back together again she stops him phoning me ... which he did a lot last year ... once a week. He's a bright little boy ... a bit 'sneaky' like his dad ... but he's gonna need that to survive his mother! Our relationship is pretty good --- he knows where I am and what my life is like ... he thinks of me a litlle too much in terms of 'money' etc ... which is what cyn and her mother (so called) have taught him (by example). He will run right to me when he's older ... we all run somewhere ... so I can wait. I got him well hooked on America ... which isan extraordinary place to say the least ... more on that in other letters perhaps. Oh yes the baby is due in November! Conceived feb 6. I tried to send Julia to see julian ... she was given the cold shoulder. When I get to England I'll show you them both. I would love to see yours. Letter to Leila, John Lennon Letters edited by Hunter Davies
After only five months being back with Yoko, communication with Julian has become more sporadic again. To his cousin Leila John complains that it's Cynthia keeping Julian from calling and about her tagging along the previous year. He also claims that he sent Julia to check in on Julian.
Julia Baird in a '83 interview confirms John's claim to Leila, that he hadn't heard from Julian and sent his little sister to check up on him.
"He kept asking in letters and on the phone, 'Please will you go and see Julian? Will you go and see Julian? Will you go see and see Julian? I haven't heard from Julian. His mother's got a cob on. Can you please go and see what's going on?' [...] Anyway eventually Aaron persuaded me that I should go. He was the one that when we got another letter asking, 'Have you been to see Julian yet?', he said, 'Look, he's never asked you to do anything. I think you should go.' [...] We went and John had given us the address, I didn't know where it was. And she seemed very embarrassed to see me. In fact so much so, that I backed off. I just said, 'Is Julian there, please? I'd like to see him.' And she said, 'No, he's gone out.' And I just said, 'Well goodbye, then.' It was very odd, very bizarre."
In her memoir Cyn doesn't mention John sending family to check on them but has an opposing recollection of who was unreachable:
"Initially he did: he phoned Julian as before, every few weeks. But the calls became less frequent, and all too often when Julian tried to phone John he couldn't get through. Yoko, or one of their employees, would tell him that John was sleeping or busy. Discouraged, Julian would wait weeks before trying again. " Cynthia Lennon, John p. 346
1 May '76
Cyn marries John Twist. John and Yoko send a telegram: "Congratulations, good luck, God bless the three of you, John and Yoko.”
According to Cynthia a few weeks later John calls her to invite Julian over for a visit during the school holidays to meet his brother. Yoko and John take the children for a holiday to Long Island. Cynthia also writes that Julian was mugged during his stay in NY, when John told him to go out by himself to buy a harmonica he wanted.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Photos of Julian with John and Yoko in summer 1976.
The only other person I have read mention the '76 visit is John Green in Dakota Days.
As the apartment at the Dakota grew more crowded, John retreated to the quieter and more spacious southern shore of Long Island. He took Sean with him and brought Julian over from Britain. Yoko kept him posted with a barrage of phone calls. "How goes the war, Charles?" he chimed into the receiver. "No casualties so far. How goes the peace?" "Great. It's absolutely beautiful. I've got a bit of sea and a bit of green and my sons, and even once in a while I even have my wife. You should come out here and get some of this. It's delightful." Dakota Days, p.97
[Aside from Cynthia's and Green's brief mentions of the trip, there is very little information on this NY visit. Even Robert Rosen, who supposedly read John's diaries multiple times, has nothing to say about this or the '77 visits. He even claims repeatedly that Julian and John first reunited in 1979 and hadn't seen each other for four years at that point.]
One of Julian's memories that most likely fits this visit:
Julian first played piano when he was thirteen, visiting his father and Yoko in Montauk, Long Island, after Sean, his half brother, was born. Their next-door neighbor had a piano, and Julian and his father went there one day. Lennon played a couple of tunes, then Julian asked, "Can I have a go?" Julian to Rolling Stone, 1985
Another one that Julian doesn't connect to a date but he remembers the new situation after his little brother was born:
[Yoko] was very loving towards me, even after their son Sean was born. Right at the beginning I felt a few pangs. They were there with their own son. Where did I fit in? But every time I went over Dad would lay on amazing treats, and Yoko was always loving towards me." Julian, 1982
In the same interview Julian also tells the story of his dad offering him a joint when he was about 12, so that might have also been the '76 visit, or the '74/'75 Christmas visit.
Cynthia claims she had trouble getting the money she was supposed to use for Julian's school. She asked John to split the trust fund, so that she can withdraw money from it easier. John agreed.
Cynthia publishes the letter in her book John and calls it "cautious, polite and to the point":
"I explained that, as he and Yoko were out of the country, it was impossibly difficult for me to get at Julian's money: 'Nothing can proceed without your signature - it means I'm forever overdrawn at the bank and have to wait on the convenience of your lawyers ... I want the best for Julian, and his standard of life shouldn't suffer because of lack of good management on your part, which has been happening since the fund was set up ... The money, instead of having doubled through good investment, is dwindling through lack of interest on your part ... It's just so important that this whole arrangement is sorted out without animosity or aggravation ... The way things are going Julian's financial prospects when he is 25 will be virtually nil and he is going to want to know why... It is one thing fighting for your rights but totally ridiculous fighting against your own son's interests, which is what seems to be happening.' "
[She says she ends the letter with thanking them for arranging the Concorde flight for Julian last summer. However according to wiki Concorde didn't fly to NYC until November 1977. (That years Christmas John and Yoko do indeed book a Concorde flight for Julian.) So I suspect that her supposed letter is specifically written for her book and not an actual document as the presentation suggests.]
In mid-October Cynthia gives an interview to Woman magazine that also got picked up in multiple newspapers. In it she talks about their relationship splitting after their first LSD trip, John getting upset with Julian when he couldn't eat with a knife, alleges that she was being followed by a private detective in Italy,...
A report on the article in the Burton Daily Mail from 19 October '76 also quotes Cynthia as saying:
"Since then their relationship has been beautiful," she says. "They talk a lot on the phone, there've been other visits and he's going again this year. I believe now that John is completely off all drugs, has been off them for years, otherwise I'd never let Julian go."
[He's going again this year indicates that there was another visit planned in 1976. If that happened or fell through, I haven't found anything about that.]
October 25th, 76
John sends Julian a postcard from Singapore. “What happened to ya?”
Even though the previous few months there was a visit and positive communication about the finances, Cynthia's decision to publicly complain in the papers angered John. He responded on November 26th 1976 with an open letter in the Daily Mail.
"Lennon tells first wife: Stop blaming Yoko," it read: "As you and I well know, our marriage was over long before the advent of LSD or Yoko Ono. Your memory is impaired to say the least. Your version of our first LSD trips is rather vague. You seem to have forgotten subsequent trips altogether. You also seem to have forgotten that only two years ago, while I was separated from Yoko Ono, you suddenly brought Julian to see me in Los Angeles after three years of silence. During that visit you didn't allow me to be alone with him for one moment. You even asked me to remarry you and give you another child 'for Julian's sake.' I politely told you no and that anyway I was still in love with Yoko. Finally, I don't blame you for wanting to get away from your Beatle past, but if you are serious about it you should try to avoid talking to and posing for magazines and newspapers. We did have some good years so dwell on them for a change."
Cynthia answers to the press after this, saying she doesn't want them to throw mud at each other and repeated "All I want to do is forget the Beatles and enjoy my present life". Still, only a few months later in 1977 she starts to write A Twist of Lennon (allegedly gleefully on a typewriter Yoko had gifted Julian). In her later memoir John she writes she was persuaded to do it by her husband John Twist who believed it would make their fortune.
Julian is sent to boarding school for that time. [In her book John Cynthia explicitly remembers that she moved to Ireland to write. However newspaper reports from the time suggest that the move happened later. So, probably Julian wasn't boarding at this time but those months in '78.]
At the same time communication between John and Julian was happening regularly and according to his diaries he got excited by the idea of buying Julian a keyboard.
July 14th, 1977
Tumblr media
December 25th 1977
Julian comes by Concorde to stay at the Dakota during his school holidays.
[At the time of Julian's visit John and Yoko were still helped by the FBI to deal with the kidnapping threat and extortion attempt that had been going on for weeks and scared them badly. Also, Tony Cox had made contact by phone and agreed that Kyoko could visit for these holidays but then disappeared again and John would never hear again from Kyoko. I don't know if Julian was told any of this but I assume it probably was one of the more tense christmases.]
Going by Giuliano because neither Cynthia nor Robert Rosen mention this trip by Julian at all, John was very excited about Julian coming getting up early and baking bread for him. Julian gets close to Nishi and thereby brings forth John's competitive streak. John tries out the parental philosophy of wanting to spend time with Julian instead of giving him material goods, Julian goes 'oh, really' and John caves in. When he leaves John draws a portrait of Julian. Source
Tumblr media
[Since Robert Rosen, who also read the diaries, doesn't even know about the '76 or '77 visits (and Giuliano too thinks they saw each other last at Disney World), they may not be the source for the above. I thought it might have been from Dakota Days but it's not. John Green mentions the '77 Christmas visit but says the family were going to Florida to meet Julian there because of the security threats. I think Green is confusing this and a later visit, so I will insert his account of what John told him on returning there.]
Julian stays most of January. Goes to see the musical The Magic Show with Yoko and the band Riff-Raff with John. 
Tumblr media Tumblr media
In February of 1978 Cynthia and her husband sell their house and move away from Ruthin to Eire to avoid a 'wealth tax'. They leave Julian to be a boarder at his school. Cynthia and John Twist return in December, probably because they missed Julian.
April 1978
[It's not actually dated aside from being from 1978, I just assume the guitar was Julian's birthday gift.]
Tumblr media
GIBSON Les Paul 25/50 guitar
"Dad gave me this special order rare model - it was always exciting to receive something like this from my dad. When I visited Dad we would sit down together and he would teach me a few chords and help me improve my technique." Julian in Beatles Memorabilia. The Julian Lennon Collection.
May 19th 1978
A conversation with Cyn and excerpts from her memoir A Twist of Lennon are published in News of the World.
John, Yoko and Sean are in Japan for their summer vacation. Through his London lawyers John tries to stop the publication of Cynthia's book as a serial in the News Of The World.
Tuesday, June 13th, 1978 Having been telephoned in Japan with the details of Cynthia's memoir excerpt in News Of The World, John instructed his solicitors to issue a High Court injunction in an effort to prevent the publication of a planned second installment. Frere Cholmeley & Co., Lennon's attorney in London, described the piece as 'a salacious and gribby little article,' although it was qualified with the statement: 'He does not deny that he held parties or took drugs, but he deplores the publication of intimate details of his married life.' Friday, June 16th, 1978 In the case of Lennon v. News Group Newspapers Ltd and Twist, Lord Denning rejected John's application for an injunction in London's High Court today, permitting the publication of more excerpts from A Twist Of Lennon. For his par, Denning was not impresses with John's argument that the article's publication was a breach of confidence of the marriage: 'I cannot see that either of these two parties have had much regard for the sanctity of marriage ... It seems to me as plain as can be that the relationship of these parties has ceases to be their own private affair. They themselves have put it into the public domain.' Sunday, June 18th, 1978 Having successfully defended the right to publish excerpts from A Twist Of Lennon, today's edition of News Of The World featured part two of their series: 'How Yoko stole my husband.' " Lennonology
When the book actually was released feelings turned out to be much softer than expected. Cyn ends her first memoir with the words :
I still feel very proud of the Beatles and their accomplishments. My life during that period was an education, an education I wouldn't have missed. It has left me feeling enriched, not embittered, enlightened not blinded. All I can think to conclude my story is to say, 'Thanks for the memories, and in the words of the I CHING, no blame.'"
After finishing reading his ex-wife's book, according to Robert Rosen, John was relieved and enjoyed the nostalgia. He said a prayer for Cyn: "Dear God, please show her The Way. Thank You. Thank You."
Postcard to Julian:
Tumblr media Tumblr media
[I can't make out the date on the card. Julian's Beatles memorabilia book says it's from '71 but that's obviously wrong with Sean being included and Julian's Ruthin address on it. John makes the reference to being a farmer. They bought their farm in February 1978, so I put it that year. May be wrong though.]
March 21st 1979
Julian is supposed to join John, Sean and Yoko's visiting nieces in Palm Beach.
Tumblr media
[John taking a photo of Julian in '79]
There are multiple, very different accounts for this visit, that includes Julian's 16th birthday celebration.
John bought Julian a motorcycle for his birthday.
Tumblr media
At one point they went to Disney World, (which none of the accounts of the trip even mention), where this photo of Julian and Yoko's nieces was taken:
Tumblr media
Accounts from:
Robert Rosen [Rosen writes that Dan Richter's children came for a visit. Correction: I said before that that because Dan wrote in his book that he never saw John again after 1974, it seemes unlikely to me that his kids would be sent out to John and Yoko five years later. However Dan Richter does confirm that in his interview on the Podcast Glass Onion: On John Lennon episode 16:
"My kids would go down, they had a place down in Palm Beach or whatever it was down in Florida. And they were there at Christmas and bring Julian and they would fly my kids down to play with Julian. And everybody, the sense we got was they were happy!"
This visit doesn't happen over Christmas but it sounds like he is talking about more than one occasion that happened and probably Christmas is one example. Could also mean that Rosen is mixing up the occasion for that anecdote.]
Cynthia Lennon
Fred Seaman
Geoffrey Giuliano
John Green [Green puts this actually to the '77 holiday visit, where he wrongly writes they went to Florida. I think (if his stories are to be believed at all) he confuses John's anger and disappointment upon return with this visit of Julian's. It also fits with being in Florida.]
[I recommend to read all of them. Lots of drama. I may one day make a comparison post between all the account because they are fascinatingly different.]
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
April 9th 1979
John writes to Mimi saying Julian would be welcome to live with them if he so chose but there had been no arrangements made.
Q: Did you ever plan to go and live with him [John] in New York? Julian: "When I was in my early teens we'd spoken on the phone about the possibility of me going to college over there. I think it was wishful thinking on both our parts because I felt uncomfortable about the situation and I believe he did, too." Hello! Magazine, 1995
April 25th 1979, Postcard to Julian from NY:
Tumblr media
Julian declines to join his dad, Yoko and Sean for their family's yearly vacation in Japan.
[July 1979 In the context of getting one of his guitars Julian said that John bought him a Sony Walkman as a gift when they were brand-new. He puts around '73-'74. However according to wikipedia the Sony Walkman was first sold in July '79, so that present would have been sent to Julian around this time, maybe directly from Japan.]
December 1979
On 3rd-4th December there is a two part feature in the Daily Mail called "The Sons of the Beatles" on Julian and Zak.
"When I'm in New York, we go out quite a lot together round some of the art galleries, or to his house at Long Island. When we stay in we have musical jam sessions together singing out latest songs to each other. I still listen to Beatles music. Although I quite like some of my father's solo albums, I much prefer what he did with the Beatles." (quoted from Lennonology p. 508)
Also that month:
"More disturbing to John were the ongoing trials with Julian. The sullen teen continued to vex his father with his on-again, off-again plans to visit over Christmas. At first Julian said maybe, as long as they didn't go to Florida. Then it was a flat no, using school exams and a new girlfriend as an excuse. At the last minute he called saying he would come to New York only if he could bring a friend, but Yoko turned him down. As usual John didn't challenge her. Julian retaliated by sending his father a tabloid article about rock stars' sons, which focused on both him and Ringo's son Zak Starkey, and went into detail about the trials of being the offspring of a Beatle." Lennon in America by Giuliano p. 218
On the other hand John Green does write that Julian spent Christmas '79 with John, Yoko and Sean. He even says that Julian stayed until February. ("John stayed in the Palm Beach house until February, luxuriating in the sun and sea, forging new ties with Julian and delighting in rediscoveries of himself." p.229) [This can't be true however because John was definitely in NY for Christmas and New Years. John and Yoko did buy a house in Palm Beach late January however and were spotted there a few times in February. I can't find a mention of Julian being spotted with them, so it may or may not have happened. I do think between the two of them Giuliano's account is probably more accurate. The Daily Mail article he mentions of Zak and Julian had come out on 3 or 4 December, so that is also believable that it had come up in pre-christmas discussions. But of course it's possible that a visit happened anyway.]
1980
Julian called in February 1980 to set up another meeting with his dad. This time John denied him, surprisingly because he was worried about Julian's schooling. Through Cynthia he had learned that Julian was failing his O-levels, had started smoking, staying out at night drinking, had gotten in trouble with the police for setting up fires and racing through town on a dirt bike. "John just prayed that Julian didn't hurt himself." There is also continued conflict over money. John felt that Julian every time they spoke asked him for more money. "And though John continued to feel guilty about having abandoned Julian and Cynthia, he'd be damned if he was going to be like every other rich asshole father who'd abandoned his family and then used money as a poor substitute for love and companionship." source
In March 'A Twist of Lennon' gets its paperback release and new reviews are printed in the press.
Summer 1980
When John sat for a portrait painting with Sean for the artist Nancy Gosnell, he wondered if she could also do one of him and Julian from a photograph. He wanted to give him a father and son portrait for his birthday, according to Fred Seaman.
September 1980
PLAYBOY: "Your son, Julian, from your first marriage must be in his teens. Have you seen him over the years?" LENNON: "Well, Cyn got possession, or whatever you call it. I got rights to see him on his holidays and all that business, and at least there's an open line still going. It's not the best relationship between father and son, but it is there. He's 17 now. Julian and I will have a relationship in the future. Over the years, he's been able to see through the Beatle image and to see through the image that his mother will have given him, subconsciously or consciously. He's interested in girls and autobikes now. I'm just sort of a figure in the sky, but he's obliged to communicate with me, even when he probably doesn't want to." PLAYBOY: "You're being very honest about your feelings toward him to the point of saying that Sean is your first child. Are you concerned about hurting him?" LENNON: "I'm not going to lie to Julian. Ninety percent of the people on this planet, especially in the West, were born out of a bottle of whiskey on a Saturday night, and there was no intent to have children. So 90 percent of us... that includes everybody... were accidents. I don't know anybody who was a planned child. All of us were Saturday-night specials. Julian is in the majority, along with me and everybody else. Sean is a planned child, and therein lies the difference. I don't love Julian any less as a child. He's still my son, whether he came from a bottle of whiskey or because they didn't have pills in those days. He's here, he belongs to me and he always will."
Playboy: I was under the impression that you still weren't seeing Julian much. Lennon: Well, no, he's comin' here over shortly now. I see him whenever he get's off school. Playboy: Has it been hard for him to be John Lennon's kid? Lennon: Yeah, he has his own... Everybody has a cross to bear, and Julian has that cross, and he'll deal with it. He's a clever boy, and as he gets older we can communicate and he'll understand.
[I wasn't sure what upcoming visit John is referring to since I couldn't find one mentioned anywhere. However there is an article in the Daily Mirror from 8 October 1980 including interview passages with Cynthia that mentions Julian currently being in New York. So without any photographic evidence, he isn't in any of the birthday photos, or anecdotes about it, there still might be the possibility that there was a (pre-)birthday visit from Julian to John and Sean in 1980. Julian himself hasn't been completely consistent on when he last saw his Dad. He has said that his '79 birthday visit was their last meeting (which I think is most likely correct), but he also claimed that he was flying out regularly.]
"According to Cynthia, Julian, now 18, plays guitar better than his father. He has left school and is off to New York to stay with his famous dad." Link to the article
Tumblr media
In an interview with Jonathan Cott on 5 December John reflects more on the troubles of being a Beatle's son and on how mistakes in his decision for Julian's schooling changed his outlook on his plans for Sean. [Julian had been going to private school since at least 1973.]
"[...] because he can't possibly be an average child, being the son of famous parents. I tried that game with my son Julian, sending him to a comprehensive working-class school, mixing with the people, but the people spat and shit on him, because he was famous, as people are wont to do. So his mother had to finally turn around and tell me to piss off: 'I'm sending him to a private school, the kid is suffering here.' "
Cynthia writes that by the end of 1980 Julian felt a breakthrough in his and his father's relationship. John played Julian songs from his new album over the phone, asking his opinions. source
Julian himself reflects on his and his dad's relationship by the time of his death like this:
"I know that dad's presence will be around for a long time. He was always joking, always sounded happy, which made me think more of him as a friend than a dad. My earliest memory of my father was when I was about three and he sang happy birthday to me. We were living at Weybridge, Surrey, and dad threw a birthday party for me and brought in a long cake shaped like a train and festooned with candles." Sunday Mirror, 5 April 1981
As early as 1982 negative feelings would influence Julian's memory, saying he didn't get to see his father for five years, that he only heard on Birthdays and Christmas from him or that after the first US visit it was again years before he got to go another time, when it was merely months.
"The Beatles sang 'All You Need Is Love' - and that is all I wanted from Dad. It is difficult to explain why I should feel so strongly, when we shared so little. Never once in all the years he lived in America did he even think about coming to see me. Apart from rare visits, I lived from birthdays to Christmas just to hear from him." Julian, 1982
[Those false memories/presentations may have been the result of his beginning break from Yoko around that time and the conflicts about money, or maybe his memories just adapted to the way it was talked about in his family.]
"It was more of one man to another than the usual father and son relationship, because he had been away from me a lot, and he said he realized that. I was just getting through to him and growing up myself and growing out of the silly giggling I did as a young teenager that really annoyed him, when Dad was killed." Julian quoted in Ray Coleman's John bio, pp.620
"Dad was such an influence in my life, it must have been hard on Mum. She'd do her best with presents at birthdays and Christmas, but I always waited for that special present that was bigger than anything else - from him. Yet he never sent anything spontaneously. He'd phone up and ask what I wanted, and it would arrive. I don't think he was trying to buy me in any way. It was just a chance for him to do something for me. He knew I wanted to be a musician and kept telling me to take a long time to get it right. He removed a lot of the stress I suppose other kids might feel. I didn't do very well at school. I don't think I'm dense, but I suppose I'm a bit lazy. There's only one thing I want - to know for sure that Dad loved me as much as I loved him. Or maybe to have him back." Julian, 1982
Edits: 29 April - December 1974 John trial quote added; September 1980 Playboy interview quote added 6 May - added Julian quote about relationship to his father by the time of his death 7 May - added Old Grey Whistle Test clip March 11th 1975 18 May - added info about 3-4 December '79 Daily Mail feature on Julian and Zak, added all the info I could find on any visits in John Green's Dakota Days and multiple notes on to those mentions. 20 May - added Cyn's quote for 28 May 1972. 23 June - added the Tittenhurst floorplan and the link to an extended quote from Julian about being there in German 8 July - added quote from 5 Dec 1980 to Jonathan Cott 20 July - added Julia Baird audio on trying to see Julian for John 1975 22 July - added info on a possible 1980 visit, 1973 interviews, 1976 info, 1980's quote 30 July - Spin interview '75 added, Cynthia quote from Burton Daily Mail '76 added 1 August - added bits from Julian's 1982 article throughout, transcribed some of the jpg quotes, so that I may add more photos, some photos added 4 August - correction in my comments about the likelihood of Dan Richter's children being with them in 1979 19 August - Box of Smile 8 October - Added some postcards, the guitars, reset some photographs because of the picture limit 12 November - Added the video clip from May Pang's doc
327 notes ¡ View notes
wewerebornsextuplets ¡ 3 months ago
Text
thinking about the kiru and kara dynamic again. in particular karas view of her is very amusing to me
#larry time#to start out he views her as like. a glamorized version of how she portrays herself/wants to be seen#kiru likes to be seen as reliable and 'safe'#strong. unoffending and unassuming. calm and collected and the kind of person you'd like to ask for help#when they first meet kara sees her as this And a manifestation of his sort of ideal of masculinity. butches always winning etc etc#of course her dressing like (a classy and tasteful version of) the models in his magazines certainly adds to this#kara is also observably the kind of person who likes to help others. albeit because he likes praise and looking like a good person#so i think he would offer help to kiru quite often and do silly little tasks for her (esp. when she's still in college) to look good#BUT luckily for him unlike his brothers kiru is actually very appreciative of this#she's the kind of person who would drive herself to the ER because she didn't wanna bother anyone. like#egregiously independent and she has been since kennys death. she doesn't expect help so when she Does receive it she's very appreciative#this obviously only inflates karas ego further. but over time as they became close friends it becomes more genuine#especially after she starts helping him with learning english and other miscellaneous stuff#and even more so when he finds out about everything she went through before#that paired with kiru picking up the nickname of 'appi' (which is kiiind of a regional version of 'aniki')#just really gets to him. hes the second biggest offender of the moefication of kirumi nikuya#(guess who the biggest is. bet you can't)#so he goes from thinking of her as super cool + suave to like Ah. i need to protect you.. (loses at arm wrestling against her in 2 seconds)#ANYWAYS. im done rambling
9 notes ¡ View notes
puppyeared ¡ 1 year ago
Text
footnotes arent enough I need you to talk to me like im fucking Amelia Bedelia
#this isn’t about anything in particular btw. I just have to add a lot of memos when I’m doing things because some things are done a certain#way and it isn’t explained well in the instructions. like my mom has instructions on her baking recipes right#but when it says stuff like add dry ingredients to wet ingredients it also means you don’t dump it in one go you add it slowly by portion#this is probably why I find videos and demonstrations the most helpful when I learn something. like I almost always ask someone to show me#how they do it because there could be something they do that’s already second nature and wouldn’t really be considered in an explanation yk#I don’t think I’m an exception either. when the rice is done cooking I divide it into 4 quarters to bless it#but there are a million ways to divide rice and it makes me think that one persons way of doing it or not doing it all is just as valid#theres also technically no wrong way to divide rice afaik. this means either all ways of dividing rice is safe or valid until we find some#universally terrible way of dividing rice. until that happens nobody really thinks about specifying HOW you divide the rice#source: I have anxiety starting and doing things for the first time because I got way too many people yell at me NONONO WHAT ARE YOU DOING#THATS WRONG while I’m in the middle of doing the thing. I would rather have people think I’m either very stupid or overly specific#than go thru the panic inducing fear of ‘YOURE DOING THIS WRONG OMG WHY DIDNT YOU ASK AHEAD OF TIME THIS WILL BE FUCKED UP FOREVER’ 🧍#nothing wrong if you don’t give something a second thought because you’re so used to it. but I can and will ask about it and I don’t think I#really should feel bad about it if I don’t know enough to dispute it. idk#the other way around I try to be as specific as possible and word things in a way that people who might not get where I’m coming from will#understand. but the problem with that is my explanations tend to be lengthy and I lose them either way 🗿#Im. trying to work on that using examples and stuff because they seem to work the best#but if I could write everything down on a word doc and beam it into your melon that would save both of us time and embarassment#im rambling the short version is I have adhd#yapping
64 notes ¡ View notes
uniquezombiedestiny ¡ 9 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
must be nice, being free for once
14 notes ¡ View notes
doedipus ¡ 8 months ago
Text
a large amount of time I've been spending on -untitled undefined scope original fiction project- since the last time I posted about it has been trying to develop the protagonist concept I came up with last summer or whatever into like, a character that would feel real and era appropriate.
it's fun research to do. naturally a lot of the details I assigned to her are things that I already think are cool, so it's been a lot of fun trying to trace her traits back through the relatively recent past, getting reminded of how much things have changed, or where the gaps in my intuition are, and then doing a flurry of reading to get a sense for exactly how someone like her and the people around her could have happened and what her life was probably like leading up to her present day. hopefully this results in some good good verisimilitude.
#I wrote a short story from her perspective over the holidays and then didn't know how to continue it#and then I got distracted by real life stuff for a few months#I forget if I posted about that#and then I've been picking through archive dot org for the last few weeks looking at this stuff#the last big rabbit hole was trying to get a better feel for era appropriate ts/tv subculture#the current one I'm looking at is how she would've gotten into language learning and how that would've worked#nettle has been prodding me about the setting thing lately so I've been thinking about that more too#probably the biggest hurdle by far is figuring out how I want to play that#and how I want the thing to be divided up#since the original coc scenario I'm developing this out of is centered on a flight from LA to honolulu#and the airport dungeon was definitely meant to be a hook for a larger campaign#some amount of it is going to cover protag lady's failed life in LA and some of it is going to be worse things happening in hawaii#but it's like. how much do I want to balance it one way or the other#and realistically how much does the aesthetics of 20th century air travel add to the story#besides me personally thinking it's compelling ofc#a lot of what I find compelling about hawaii is that it's an east/west cultural crossroads and realistically that's also true of socal#and I can wax poetic about socal as much as I want without worrying all that much about mishandling something#and there's also a lot of socal specific history along similar parallels to pull from that I'm more familiar with#I guess it comes down to whether curiosity re: 'doing it right' is enough of a motivator to do the increased amount of research#which I guess it has so far with the above character details. so hopefully that will continue#but it also feels like using machine translation a bit yknow. it's hard to know how effectively I'll be able to sanity check#although depending on where this goes I might be able to get other people involved to sensitivity read down the line#with most of the creative things I do I just have a tendency to always rely really heavily on figuring things out myself#I also want protag lady to have a Cool Car and idk how to get that from point a to point b narratively#this is like an entire second or third post's worth of tags but I don't feel like unfucking this so whatever. suffer. I guess.
12 notes ¡ View notes
beesorcery ¡ 5 months ago
Text
google how do i tell my dad that the reason i keep bringing up elon musk's transphobia isn't that i've got gen z political tunnel vision that makes me blind to his "innovation" in electric cars but because i am desperately crying out for you as the father of a trans child to feel just as outraged and angry as i am that that man has so much power
#edit: warning the tags get pretty personal whoops. however tumblr is like a diary to me so. but if discussions of father issues arent for u#it's not anything he's directly said but like. when we talk about it i can tell he's clinging to this like#image of musk as this inventor working for the good of humanity#because he's admired him for a long time and like i get it it's hard to let go of your heroes when it turns out they're trash#but. he's always been trash. is the thing. and i've been saying this.#and it would be nice to feel some solidarity! or support! or empathy idk!#and not like. lectures why tesla is actually progressive or why spacex is the best thing to happen to science since fucking penicillin#and sometimes ppl who push the world towards progress rub people the wrong way#god like. we were in the car the other day talking about it and i mentioned tesla moving to texas bc of the law protecting trans kids#and he mumbled something like well sure yeah he said that but Really... really it's about the taxes......#okay!! who give a shit! that's not the point! the point is that he's got fucking legions of alt right fanboys who hang off his every word#so when he says something that is good for trans people is actually dangerous and bad and hurts kids#and when he openly publicly deadnames and misgenders and LIES about his TRANS DAUGHTER. it's fucking dangerous! and it makes trans people#(IE ME. YOUR CHILD.)#feel unsafe!#it should get you angry! it should make you rethink how you saw him previously! it should make you want to stop supporting him!#idk. i mean my dad has never been like. against me being trans. and he's worked really hard on the pronouns and not deadnaming me#but it's stuff like this where it feels like he doesn't grasp how he's de-prioritizing my perspective as a trans person and.#his Child.#and how his first reaction to me starting t was 'no.. why would you do that :('#it just feels bad. i love him so much but it's shit like this that makes me feel like i don't matter to him or like i'm disappointing him#and then he gets confused when i tell him that i feel that way#wow! sorry for this. i should get serious about finding a therapist i dont think i knew i felt all this until i typed it out#im gonna add a tag at the beginning of this. as a warning. lolololol. lol. anyway#got 2 pick up my t tomorrow and also email my dr for more wellbutrin haha slay! hit the slay button. dispenses ssris.#god i'm so tired sorry i'm delirious actually. also i saw my brother this weekend which was so nice and he's such a weirdo which also#makes me weirder by proxy
5 notes ¡ View notes
pyrosomatic-metamorphosis ¡ 2 years ago
Text
people can use this site however they want but there's something almost- idk, sad? about how few people are actually using their blogs. you can turn themes on and have skeletons dancing in the background. you can make everything hot pink. your blog is your scrapbook and you can put whatever you want in there. tags are okay at organizing things so you can have just a whole archive of cool shit to look at later. i know people complain a lot about people liking stuff about reblogging for engagement, and on one hand i get that- it is WILD to see a drawing i spent hours on get only 12 reblogs and 60 likes. Absolute culture shock compared to my previous fandoms. but i don't think you should reblog anything to make artists happy. i think you should reblog things so you can find them again. i think you should queue things to appear on the dash at specific times on certain days. i think you should reblog things so when you're talking to your friends about xyz post you saw you can look in your blog's archive and find it again. i think you should reblog things so that your dash is filled with one really sleepy cat. with the loss of reblogs there's the loss of engagement, which Does hurt the community-focus that makes tumblr so appealing, but idk i just wish people were more excited about the incredible amount of customization that tumblr allows and took advantage of that more
23 notes ¡ View notes