#i have many plants to combat my depression

[starmocha]

*me realizing if I can get a Caleb plushie in the next 3-4 months, then that means come April/May, I can take pictures of it with the apple tree in my backyard when it starts flowering*

🥹

[sapphichotmess]

Always, Johnny

Johnny “Soap” MacTavish x f!reader (Bonnie)

requested by @cas-backwards-tie

sorry for the long wait for this. funny enough, i have been in a depression and trying to write this (or anything) has been too much.

18+ mdni (my blog is 18+)

2k+ words

Warnings: awful writing + depression and what comes with it

It’s been months since Johnny was deployed. 

At first, you were happy to keep texting when you could, maybe even a call or Facetime sprinkled in somewhere. But the happiness died after the first week alone in a seemingly colossal house. The rooms felt too big, too many. You barely move from the couch to the spare bedroom—you couldn’t stomach laying in your and Johnny’s shared bed, smelling his sweat and cologne embedded in the sheets from nights—and days—of sleeping and fucking. 

Your phone lies uncharged on the living room floor, tossed in frustration, when yet another concerned text from Johnny popped up on the blank screen you are mindlessly staring at. The laptop you usually use to write is also lying uncharged somewhere—you don’t know or care where. You have called in to work multiple times this month, guilt gnawing at your empty stomach; you haven’t been able to stomach much more than a few nibbles of food if you gather the strength or motivation to get off the couch or spare bed, let alone make something to eat. 

At the thought of food, your stomach grumbles angrily. At the sound, you sigh heavily, a shaky hand dragging through greasy strands of hair, causing you to cringe in disgust. You need a shower badly, but you just couldn’t get yourself to take one. If you got enough courage to drag your feet into the bathroom—maybe once a day, if that—you had just enough motivation to relieve your bladder and no more; just the thought of a shower made you even more exhausted. 

Not only are you a mess—oily hair and skin, pimples popping up across your face from hormones and lack of cleansing, and week-old clothes rumpled and creased with over-use, stains splattered across t-shirt and sweatpants—but the house is too, despite its lack of use. In the kitchen, barely-eaten pre-packaged foods are sitting on the counter, dirty cups, plates, and utensils practically overflowing the sink, the trash can overflowing with paper plates and food packages, some in a pile at its base. The living room is in a similar state, with used tissues dotting the carpeted floor because the trash was full, multiple blankets scattered and balled up on the floor and couch, half-drank bottles of juice or water on any surface available, and pillows thrown about every which way. The plants across the house look wilted and sad from not having water. To top everything off, you have every light in the house off and windows blocked by curtains or blankets; not a drop of light is able to penetrate the coffin you made yourself. 

Except for Johnny. 

Johnny has been concerned about your lack of reply for weeks. Even while he was in active combat, his mind was on you. He knows how you can get, how your mood can plummet during this time of year, and your distance has scared him. His mind races with thoughts of what he would find when he got home—whether you were alive or not. 

As his boots tread heavily on the gravel path up to their shared house, his heart races and pounds against his ribcage, raging to get out. He is terrified to open the door and find you lying in the middle of the living room, chest still and beautiful eyes closed. His notifications have been painfully empty of responses from you, and your chat is full of increasingly concerned texts from him. 

He opens the white, wooden door with shaking hands. His lungs deflate of breath when he spies your hair piled over the arm of the couch, hanging limply. He rushes over, footfalls echoing across the empty house, not bothering to take his clunky boots off, close the door, or be quiet. Johnny doesn’t care about waking the neighbors or disturbing any wildlife around. He just wants to get to you. 

Army-regulated boots thud to a stop in front of the couch, scarred, callused hands shaking as they cup your jaw tenderly, long middle and pointer fingers placed on your pulse. Hair moves with a shaky gust of air, and a chest deflates. 

You are alive. You are here in his hands, pulse thundering under his fingers, eyes blinking open, and lashes fluttering against your cheeks. Blinking your eyes a couple of times, you focus on the weight on your jaw. A breath of air flutters across Johnny’s palm as you nuzzle further into his warmth. It takes you a minute to hear the sound of staggered breathing coming from in front of you, but when you do, your eyes snap open. 

Your boyfriend is standing there in his civilian clothes, chest heaving and straining against his black hoodie. It takes another minute for your brain to process what is happening—Johnny’s home. 

With the most energy you have had since he left months ago, you leap off the couch and launch yourself into his strong arms. As soon as his strong, muscled arms tightly grip you, you open the floodgates. Your hiccup with every breath and your blotchy face feels hot to the touch as you grip Johnny like a lifeline. 

He is your lifeline. 

And he just holds you tighter, gently rocking you back and forth as he trails a hand up to the back of your head, cupping it and holding your face against his neck. He doesn’t care about the tickling feeling of your tears falling down his muscle-corded neck or your hot breath on the now-wet skin. Johnny feels like he can breathe for the first time in weeks. You’re finally in his arms. You may be a little broken, but he can help you put the pieces back together again. He’s here, your Johnny, your soldier. 

The first thing Johnny does when you pull away is take your face in his hands, thumbs wiping the tears from your face. He takes in your gaunt face, sunken cheekbones, and bags under your puffy and red-veined eyes—eyes that look so empty despite your joy at him being home. 

“Oh, wee lass…I am so sorry.” 

Choking on your breath, you mutter, “I love you,” and break down in tears again. 

_____

The first thing Johnny does is carry you to and sit you down at your island. Johnny is determined to find you food, opening every cabinet and standing in front of it for minutes, looking in every nook and cranny to see if there is something you will be able to stomach. The squeaking and slamming of the opening and closing old wooden cabinets make your head ache. 

Finally, Johnny lets out a short shout of joy, having found some canned soup that would be easy for you to stomach after such a long time without food. Opening the can into a bowl and throwing it in the microwave for a few minutes, Johnny clomps his way over to you, his work boots still on his feet. 

“I missed ye, bonnie…I missed ye so much.” 

“Johnny…” you breathe.

“Shhhh, bonnie lass, dinnae say nothin’. Save yer energy. Ah’ve got ya.” 

He doesn’t let you say anything more, taking your face in his hands again, leaning down to flutter a kiss on your forehead, and stuffing his nose into your greasy hair. He doesn’t care that you’re dirty—he’s been in worse conditions—he just wants to feel that you are alive and remember what you smell like. 

The beeping of the microwave sounds, causing you two to startle out of your stupors. Taking one last long look at your face, Johnny turns around and clomps back over to the microwave. He takes the soup out and grabs a soup spoon from the cabinet drawer just under the microwave. Walking on light feet to keep the soup from spilling, Johnny makes his way over to you. He sits the bowl in front of you, taking hold of your hands and bringing them to curve around the bowl, ensuring your hands are toasty warm. 

Johnny sits and encourages you to eat until the bowl is empty and your stomach is full. 

_____

The next thing Johnny does is carry you to your bathroom, delicately standing you on the fuzzy rug in front of the claw-footed bathtub. He rubs his hands up and down your gooseflesh-covered arms, trying to warm you up. 

“Hey, bonnie,” he whispers as he tugs on the hem of the dirty oversized shirt you wear, “can I take this off?” 

You hum in response, keeping your eyes down on your twiddling fingers. 

“Bonnie…” Johnny takes his pointer and middle finger and puts them under your chin, pressing the front of your chin and lifting your head gently, “words, please.” 

“You can take it off.”

At your words, Johnny moves his hand from your face and brings it back to the hem of your—his—shirt, pulling it up with slow movements and encouraging you to lift your arms when needed. When he has it over your head, he drops it unceremoniously to the cold, tiled floor. Then he settles his large, warm palms on your naked waist, waiting for your consent to take off the shorts you had on with brown, searching, puppy-dog eyes. 

“Go ahead,” you whisper, searching his face for disgust as he leans down and peels the shorts from your legs. 

You find none. 

Instead, you see love and care reflected on his face, his body relaxed, and his mouth dropped open in awe as he stares at your naked form. Even in your most depressed form, he sees your beauty. Your eyes well up, waterline misting. 

The choked sound you make trying to hold back your tears has Johnny’s head snapping up in concern, eyebrows pulled in, and a small frown pulling at his lips. 

“Bonnie?” 

“Y-you just—why do you love me?” you say with trembling lips.

Johnny’s lips turn downward at a sharper angle, eyebrows furrowing and wrinkles forming between brows. His overgrown mohawk ruffles as he shakes his head lightly

“Why wouldn’t I love you?”

“I have no excuse to be like this. Nothing has happened to me that made me this way.”

“You—”

“No. Johnny, it’s not fair to you. Not fair to have you come home from fucking war and have to take care of me.” 

“Bonnie, it doesn’t bother me…You aren’t a bother or burden. Your mental health is important to me. I worry about you every time I leave.” 

Now your eyebrows furrow, and hot, salty tears continue to fall from your eyes.

“But you shouldn’t have to worry about me.”

“My bonnie lass…I would worry whether or not you had depression. I hate leaving you in your apartment alone for months on end.” Johnny watches as your lip wobbles, bringing his hands to your face and wiping your tears with big thumbs. You let loose a sob at his words and gentleness. 

“I don’t deserve you, Johnny.” 

“Shhhh, lass. I’ve got ya,” he whispers, pulling your shivering form into his hard, warm body and running his hands up and down your back as you soak his shirt with salty tears. 

“I-I’m sorry, Johnny.”

“Shuh, bonnie. I’m here…you don’t have to worry your pretty little head.” 

After a few minutes of crying, you pull away from Johnny, wiping your running nose on the back of your hand. Johnny looks down at you with big blue eyes, softened with admiration and love. 

“Let’s get you in the tub, bonnie. I’ll even wash your hair.” 

You giggle slightly, lips turning up and eyes crinkling, nodding your head and letting him fully pull away from you. The cold air causes gooseflesh to prick up on your arms again. As you shiver slightly, you turn to watch Johnny lean over the bathtub to turn the faucet on and plug the drain. Steam curls up and around Johnny as he stands upright and turns towards you,

“Ya like what ya see?” he smirks. 

Giggling and feeling lighter than you have in weeks, you walk over to his outstretched hand. 

“Always, Johnny.”

[wanderingskemetic]

⚔️Subtle Anat Worship🏹

Greatly inspired by @khaire-traveler's wonderful subtle worship series, which can be found here.

Learn self-defence, weapons included or not

Work on becoming more comfortable with the idea of conflict; it is only natural that we sometimes disagree with people

Learn about and uphold Ma'at

Make a playlist or listen to songs that remind you of her or you think she'd like

Make a collage/moodboard/pinterest board/similar collection of photos and images you associate with her, especially if some of the images are your own

Wear a piece of jewelry or other clothing item that reminds you of her

Light a candle or incense that reminds you of her (safely)

Carry a picture of her in your wallet, pocket, phone case, etc. or as a phone or computer wallpaper

Have spear, shield, weapon, cow, or eagle imagery

Do something hard or challenging, especially if you've been putting it off, or it needs to get done

Make a list of your personal strengths and things you're proud of

Exercise a little, even if it's just stretching

Play combat-based video games

Practice standing up for yourself; speak your mind and assert your personal boundaries

Allow yourself to express your anger and frustration; sit with and feel your feelings

Carry a protective charm

Writing letters (that you will never send) to people who've hurt you and burning them

Stand up for family members blood or otherwise and other people you care about (keep in mind they might be in the wrong)

Get more comfortable with the idea that we don't get along with everyone; it's ok if someone doesn't like you

Stand up for what you believe in; attend protests or activism events (be safe, please)

Allow yourself to mourn over difficult changes or the end of relationships; allow yourself to miss people

Learn about healthy conflict resolution skills; try to implement these in your next conflict

Find ways to express yourself, even if it's small

Learn archery

Spend time out in nature (e.g. go on a hike, take a walk outside, visit a nature preserve, etc.)

Befriending neighborhood animals, such as cats, birds, or dogs; leaving food out for them

Learn about plants and animals, especially those that are native to your area or the areas she was worshiped

Learning how to safely forage for food, such as picking berries or mushrooms

Eat in season produce; support local farmers

Learn about local invasive species, plants or otherwise; get rid of any invasive plants you see, if safe to do so

Do things to help local wildlife like hanging up suet feeders, building bat boxes, etc.

Take care of your body physically to the best of your ability (shower, eat well, get a good amount of sleep, etc.)

Take your medications, if any; take medications as needed

Take care of a sick loved one or someone who is having a hard time

Learn about/research health conditions that you or your loved ones have; get a better understanding of these things

Clean anything you regularly interact with

Look into healthy coping skills for any anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. - anything that can improve your mental/emotional well-being

Learn about your healthcare options and medical rights (HIPPA in the US)

Donate blood

Set boundaries for yourself; I'll only give this much support to that person, I won't stay on my phone for hours before bed, I won't engage with this media that always upsets me, etc.

Although I am coming to this from a kemetic perspective, I have tried my best to research her so that this list is reflective of the many different places she was worshiped in and should hopefully be useful for those who worship her outside a kemetic context.

I may add more to this list in the future. Suggestions are always appreciated.

Link to the Kemetic Subtle Worship Masterpost

[nikofortuna]

JTTW Chapter 35 Thoughts

Chapter 35 for the @journeythroughjourneytothewest Reading Group!

This chapter is starting off very strong with gender shenanigans and this go about we are in for a doozey.

So one can either see Nüwa as a separate entity or go with Laozi being kind of genderfluid. Both options are delightful in my opinion, but personally I prefer the version that is not a desperate attempt to retcon Nüwa being a woman and a goddess.

Love the little fiend hand waving the sexes for they do not contribute to each gourd’s capabilities, that’s a great attitude to have! As much as the story has problems with some old fashioned ideas, it still has positive notions like this even if they weren’t originally intentioned to be read this way.

At least that’s what I would like to say if it wasn’t for the next bit messing it all up again. It could easily be rewritten as one gourd being older, that would work just as well and not have these problematic implications.

In fact that work around would not just work as well, but better even by making more sense! As it is the gendering of the gourds makes no actual sense since it is about the fruit and not the flower. Depending on the species of gourd they are either monoecious where they have both sexes in one flower, which would make gendering irrelevant. Or they are dioecious where they are separated into female and male flowers, but only the female flower has the potential to develop into a gourd, so there couldn’t be a ‘male’ gourd.

Bottle gourds, which might be the kind of gourd here, specifically are dioecious. They have pretty white flowers and it is easy to distinguish male and female flowers since the female one already has a little fruit attached.

For comparison here are the flowers of melons, which can have all three kinds of flower sexes. And yes, if a flower contains both sets of reproductive organs it is called bisexual!

Also here’s an extra plant fact! The first flowers to grow on some vine crops are predominantly male for two or three generations. Something interesting for gardeners.

First a mountain and now fire, Sun Wukong really can’t catch a break from traumatic callbacks this Arc.

He’s such a loot goblin, very relatable.

Hm, this chapter contains a fine description of depression actually. Much sad makes you much sleepy, that is very true.

They’re more of a footnote here, but it is nice to see the female demons be combatants as well and treated much like the other fiends in that regard.

The demons in this Arc were depicted in a very sympathetic light, which I appreciate since they are clearly people and not just pure evil. Then again in the end it is revealed that they technically weren’t demons to begin with.

Though I do feel a bit like Tang Sanzang might have some double standards, after all he usually preaches not to kill people, but he doesn’t seem very bothered about the killing of so many creatures this time around.

I very much agree with Sun Wukong that Guanyin can be quite devious. And I love to see it!

Also a neat little bit of trivia at the end from the German translation! Laozi, his two youths and the five treasures seemingly represent the “Great Oneness”, the duality of Yin and Yang and the Five Phases. Please correct me on the oneness part though, I did not know how to translate it or rather which specific thing it was referring to in English.

[hihello170]

(Ajax crushing my boyfriend's old art of Hank)

^^^ Using this as filler for a little sappiness. Read if you have the time or want to!

A letter of Love to the Community:

The Madness Combat Community means the world to me, even when it seems to be another added stressor. No matter how dark or rather discouraging my life's been, everyone I've made even the smallest of friendships with on here have encouraged me to keep going.

Keep my feet planted to the ground and keep facing the shit storm of life, as cringy as it sounds.

And I can't help but thank everyone more; to everyone from different walks of life who have given me advice to stay alive. It genuinely means a lot to me, and in many cases its those pieces of advice I think back to when I fall into my deep slumps of depression.

The internet at its whole, while at fault for some of the mistakes (many of) I've made since my childhood. The people in it, luckily for me compared to many, have been there to catch me when life around me in the real world seems to want me to suffer through things alone. And the Madness community has been one of the biggest ones to have impacted me.

Three years of supporting me through a major changing period of my life. Transitioning from my "childhood" to "adulthood" and finding the independence to stick to decisions, I made, not ones others have made for me. Three years of watching myself improve, and making friends who can see my progress.

No matter how easy it is to see the bad within the community, I always tend to find the good to stick with. Which allows me to hold steadfast to my beliefs and keep going on. Once again, one more time, thank you to everyone here in the community for being some of the most sweetest and supportive people in my life. And I hope to hold more good years with you all through this series.

[tammyfeabakker]

Looking for another job... of course life will fuck me like always... I swear this family is cursed.. no matter how much we give. Life takes never gives us a break. On the romance front my chart must of been a couple degrees out of whack.. I can't run out of sight out mind can't apply here. In my beautiful world that surrounds me... I have to take the punches again. I have plants a garden now. I'm being watched by my soul mate stops by for quick conversation... thats bout it. Ran into him at dollar general in the parking lot he called me stubborn... I cracked the fuck up pffffffft I'm so easy going. Learned along time ago people don't think alike if it makes them happy I'm happy. I'm laid back whatever makes you happy I'm happy. Stubborn now if he going to assume shit like that. Last week his ex again problem... I said get the fuck over it!!! Shes ugly. I did i said it inside and out ugly. I didn't include fat.. he closed his eyes... I said she's to ugly to be looking for a meal ticket... started talking bout the universe and how it bought Glen his mechanic into his life looking at me like I'm suppose to say did it bring me because it sure as hell bought you!!! I didn't. Then he told me go home your the second to sour my morning.. I said fuck you you soured your own morning... I walk my ass down here brightens your fucking day who the fuck you kidding bitch. In a quiet voice he said you do. His shop is attached to my back yard!!! Thanks fucking life!! I had no intentions to find a man. I just wanted some peace of mind. They say if your miserable do something I did I ripped apart my life tore it up. Took a chance and wtf. Going to tend to yard is now a torture. He watches me all the time. He has told me too. I go out that garage door goes up. He said can't wait for the pool to open. I'm like geat voyeurism... happy to watch but doesn't do shit. I can't I don't want him to think I'm looking for a meal ticket or jus say wtf!!! Jus ask me the fuck out you put more into breaking up with your ex then your future. I did tell him he is so cute witty sweet ect. I put it out there. Lemme see your attracted to me I have what your looking for and he fucking knows it! But nothing but watching its very uncomfortable.. I'm trying to over it. I have been avoiding him as much as I can. Its really hard since he is there 7 days a week 12 hours a day!!! Thanks life now what?!!! I know things can be worse i know this. But I'm trying to combat depression and did im suppose to do fucking fight fight for me to save my fucking beautiful soul!!! But no oh let's throw the guy I never had intentions for a relationship in the fucking first place!!! In my face thats in my lifes path!!! And jus lemme rot well I say 🖕🖕 you and him and everything else like the job applied for perfect for me I have the experience close to home!!! Nooooo its the only job I actually applied for that lifted my spirits but there's to many applications put in the first time I seen that!!!

[buttonsthenerdy]

My maternal grandad lied about his age to go fight in the army at the tail end of World War II. He was sent to fight the Italian front- the one nobody seems to talk about in the American education system. (And I can say that because I am a direct product of said system, but it never really registered that we were fighting the Italian regime at the time until I was in college.)

My uncle has his memorabilia - letters, his military jacket, a pinned and faded old National Geographic map of Italy, newspaper clippings, his discharge orders, the works.

Yet when my grandad got home, instead of becoming a bitter & depressed alcoholic living off his "glory days," as many of his peers at the time did, he became a professor. Taught Plant Pathology at Purdue University, married, and had 4 kids. He was utterly devoted to treating the youngsters in his life with respect and compassion.

When asked why, he would recount horror stories of the way he was treated - not in active combat, but in boot camp.

He swore he would never treat a young person the way he was treated, and he kept that promise till the day he died.

He refused to let trauma and bitterness define him. Instead, he chose to lead a life full of kindness and compassion for others, and I have met very few that live up to his measure since. Which is sad because I fully believe no one should have to live defined by trauma and bitterness.

[wikkafragrance]

Aromatherapy Expert

Aromatherapy has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek natural ways to alleviate stress, improve wellness, and enhance their overall quality of life. As an aromatherapy expert, I have seen firsthand how essential oils and plant-based therapies can be transformative for both physical and emotional health.

Understanding Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to promote healing, relaxation, and balance. These oils are typically used through various methods such as diffusers, massages, baths, or inhalation. Each essential oil has distinct therapeutic properties that can address specific needs, ranging from stress reduction to boosting energy levels or improving sleep quality.

The Science Behind Aromatherapy

The therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy are rooted in the way our brain processes scent. When we inhale an essential oil, the scent molecules travel through the olfactory system to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, memory, and behavior. This interaction can evoke an immediate emotional response, helping to alleviate anxiety, improve mood, or promote a sense of calm.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

As an aromatherapy expert, I have guided many individuals toward using this holistic practice for a variety of purposes. Some of the most popular benefits of aromatherapy include:

Stress Relief: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot have calming effects on the body and mind, making them excellent choices for reducing stress and anxiety.

Improved Sleep: Oils such as lavender, sandalwood, and valerian root can help promote restful sleep by soothing the nervous system.

Pain Management: Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are known for their analgesic properties, helping to reduce headaches, muscle pain, and joint discomfort.

Skin Health: Tea tree oil, frankincense, and rose oils are often used for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties.

Emotional Well-being: Essential oils like ylang-ylang, geranium, and jasmine are known for their uplifting effects on mood and can be used to combat feelings of depression or emotional fatigue.

How to Incorporate Aromatherapy into Your Daily Routine

As an aromatherapy expert, I always encourage my clients to incorporate essential oils into their lives in a way that feels natural and convenient. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

Diffuse Essential Oils: Using a diffuser, you can fill the air with calming or energizing aromas, depending on your needs.

Massage with Essential Oils: Combine a few drops of your favorite essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and massage it into your skin for a relaxing or revitalizing experience.

Aromatherapy Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath to unwind and relax your muscles and mind.

Inhalation: Simply inhale the scent of essential oils directly from the bottle or place a drop on a handkerchief to enjoy their therapeutic benefits on the go.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy is not just about pleasant fragrances; it is a powerful and natural tool that has the potential to improve your physical and mental well-being. As an aromatherapy expert, I believe that when used mindfully, essential oils can provide a gentle yet effective way to restore balance and harmony in your life.

If you're new to aromatherapy, start with one or two oils that resonate with you, and explore the ways in which they can enhance your self-care routine. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

By Rupal Shabnam Tyagi, Aromatherapy Expert

[garbagefarm]

Mutucule Farm (#7)

2023-01-27, Mutucule Farm session #7!

cast:

me (@mothmute)

Belle (@snacco)

Cam (@amanita-spore)

Erin (@salamand3rin)

Highlights include, but are not limited to:

no way, I’m not taking notes for everything before the game even starts

(“maybe our premium patreon donors can have the pre show notes”)

Belle has dibs on the watering can (but little do we know)

I read out the invite code—FDCZA009H3A—before copying/pasting but Erin said she’d already gotten it (I’m skeptical)

we continue referencing cowtown

I go to the mines, get our first stardrop!! Yeah!!

Belle delivering Sebastian his daily Frozen Tears

Cam finds some glasses in the lava......?

(they’re Erin’s, I put them there)

Erin almost forgets Jelly Night!

It’s Jelly Night!!!

Pierre is ignoring his wife to focus on his true love, Money

(camily is endgame)

Level 6 Combat! Slegg press......

I overexert myself, fishing is now forbidden

Robin puts up the Special Orders board, Lewis tries to take credit

(I keep mistakenly writing my notes in two places, whoops)

Watering can!!

... wait, Belle already has a copper watering can. Okay, Erin gets it instead

I defeat another slloor

Belle bullies me into going into Joja on a wednesday to get more pumpkin seeds

(I’d literally completely forgotten you could buy seeds from Joja)

Vincent wants to watch the bug race!!

Pompkin in the pumpkin patch!!

Rosie (the cow) exploring

I’m planting so many trees! Don’t ask what happens to them later, it’s carbon offsetting!

Beach crate??? ... 5 mixed seeds, thanks

Erin throws me a hazelnut from across the farm

George wants green algae to roast for dinner. I can’t tell if George is the best cook or the worst

Studying the scientific benefits of moose-sniffing

put my axe in the shop!

I saw bread in the trash, asked “is anybody gonna eat that?”, didn’t wait for an answer

Emily wants fancy rocks

SKULL KEY

Concern about accidentally taking the wrong bus and ending up in the desert

Back-to-back cutscenes!!

Haley absolutely does not want to clean under the couch cushions. I tell her to suck up and deal and she throws a tantrum

Emily is having a psychedelic dream about me

I’m gonna end up with Penny ‘cause her name sounds like pasta

Penny alla vodka......

Eel Quest??

Penny wants an eel for her sore head (???)

(bitches love eels)

I have no reserve eels, it doesn’t rain in time, and we aren’t set up to get rain totems yet. Eel Quest fails :(

Why do people live here? oh hey, Belle gets a cutscene of Shane depression drinking about it

Belle and Cam pile into my bed. Erin wasn’t invited :(

(to be fair ... nobody was.)

I get a mail pizza from Shane

Cam talks about going into the woods and cutting down trees to blow off some steam. Paraphrasing:

“You took a life!” “yeah but what about all the fish?”

“They’re fine, you can just put them in an aquarium and they perk right up!”

Belle got her steps!

Marnie’s cows can have a little amaranth, as a treat

Special order for TRASH

we don’t even get to keep it?? is man not entitled to the trash of his brow???

“a real live new england fishboy”

I have a secret project, it is not a birdhouse. none of us seem very interested in the coop.

There’s grass all over, I’d like to speak to the plantager

We should get another silo! needs copper bars, we’ve only got raw, aaand the coal is missing

Belle only needed the coal for a second! unfortunately, I also needed it for that same second!

Robin is not available to build a silo :(

Tomorrow is workout day :( :(

We gather ‘round the fire for a portrait

Cam and I get so caught up doing a sword dance that EVERYBODY DIES, costing us several thousand G in robbery! on our own farm!!

NEXT TIME:

Silo?

Coop??

HOG BARN???

festival, grange????

tool upgrades???

[patchbadger]

Second therapist chiming in please talk to an actual person!!!!

For all the flaws humans can have we actually have perspective, feelings, empathy, judgement, and most importantly UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD

The problem with AI fast tracking mental health supports is that it is stopping you from LEARNING IT YOURSELF.

Learned helplessness is not the same as skill building and doesn't supply you with the confidence you need to apply what you've learned.

My partner downloaded the app and it basically just reframed your day for you........

This is a basic technique anyone can do. Hell a hellofresh ad does this.

Yes combating depression and anxiety takes effort that is what therapy is about. Sometimes you need it modeled but using AI to consistently have it handed to you is NOT appropriate modeling.

These apps and ai are encouraging self isolation in individuals who self isolate like is no one thinking that???

But what if I can't leave my home: guess what? You still need social isolation in person. I'm saying it because i fucking see it everyday apps aren't an excuse to self isolate and not use community resources.

Use Psych2Go videos and other skill building videos to be an active participant in your mental health care.

But what if people can't afford a therapist?

OpenPath is an online US based therapy service offering 60$ and lower therapy rates. Many providers are LGBTQIA+ and telehealth.

Emergency hotlines are free. I will emphasize emergency hotlines are national wide no matter where you live and free.

You can even use a computer.

AI has also told a person to commit when the individual asked for mental health help. Like get off the trend train this isn't an appropriate use for AI.

Call a friend. Call a hotline. Talk to a pet. Talk to a plant- I have client practice mindfulness and mindfully caring for plants when they need extra support because the oxygen helps the plant and so does mindfully observing the plant. It grounds them in reality and engages them in a passive relationship.

Talk to a neighbor. You don't need to talk about what's wrong you can talk about the weather just engage in a social activity.

Tumblr is currently serving me an ad for "Voda, the LGBTQ mental health app" offering "daily meditations, self-care and AI advice" and as a therapist I am begging you not to download an app where an AI tries to help you with your mental health. Please do not. They tried to have an AI chatbot counsel eating disorder patients and it told them to diet. That shit is not safe. Do not talk to an AI about your mental health please. You don't need to talk to a professional but talk to a PERSON.

[wanderingskemetic]

🐎Subtle Astarte Worship👑

Greatly inspired by @khaire-traveler's wonderful subtle worship series, which can be found here.

Learn self-defence, weapons included or not

Work on becoming more comfortable with the idea of conflict; it is only natural that we sometimes disagree with people

Learn about and uphold Ma'at

Make a playlist or listen to songs that remind you of her or you think she'd like

Make a collage/moodboard/pinterest board/similar collection of photos and images you associate with her, especially if some of the images are your own

Wear a piece of jewelry or other clothing item that reminds you of her

Light a candle or incense that reminds you of her (safely)

Carry a picture of her in your wallet, pocket, phone case, etc. or as a phone or computer wallpaper

Have horse, horns, chariot, lion, or dove imagry

Do something hard or challenging, especially if you've been putting it off, or it needs to get done

Make a list of your personal strengths and things you're proud of

Exercise a little, even if it's just stretching

Play combat-based video games

Allow yourself to express your anger and frustration; sit with and feel your feelings

Carry a protective charm

Get more comfortable with the idea that we don't get along with everyone; it's ok if someone doesn't like you

Learn how to ride a horse

Go stargazing

Support humanitarian organizations especially those that help parents or children

Show support for any parents or pregnant people in your life, especially new ones; help out when/if you can

Be kind to children; play with them if offered

Donate children and baby supplies to homeless shelters

Help out or mentor others, especially children

Picking up trash at a beach, lake, or river

Fall asleep/meditate to ocean sounds

Stand in water; ground yourself around bodies of water; meditate standing in or near them

Meditate at night; try to relax at night; sit in darkness silently for a bit

Get a telescope; use it to observe the stars

Get involved with your government (vote, go to local meetings, protest, write/call a leader, etc.)

Take charge/leadership roles in parts of your life

Learn about plants and animals, especially those that are native to your area or the areas she was worshiped

Learning how to safely forage for food, such as picking berries or mushrooms

Stand up for what you believe in; attend protests or activism events (be safe, please)

Learn to take pride in yourself; be your own role model

Learning about and practicing healthy conflict resolution skills

Educate yourself on your rights (legally); keep up to date on new bills and laws

Take care of your body physically to the best of your ability (shower, eat well, get a good amount of sleep, etc.)

Take your medications, if any; take medications as needed

Take care of a sick loved one or someone who is having a hard time

Learn about/research health conditions that you or your loved ones have; get a better understanding of these things

Clean anything you regularly interact with

Look into healthy coping skills for any anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. - anything that can improve your mental/emotional well-being

Learn about your healthcare options and medical rights (HIPPA in the US)

Donate blood

Set boundaries for yourself; I'll only give this much support to that person, I won't stay on my phone for hours before bed, I won't engage with this media that always upsets me, etc.

Although I am coming to this from a kemetic perspective, I have tried my best to research her so that this list is reflective of the many different places she was worshiped in and should hopefully be useful for those who worship her outside a kemetic context.

I may add more to this list in the future. Suggestions are always appreciated.

Link to the Kemetic Subtle Worship Masterpost

[gunterfan1992]

Episode Review: ‘Together Again’ (Distant Lands, Ep. 3)

Airdate: May 20, 2021

Story by: Jack Pendarvis, Kate Tsang, Hanna K. Nyström, Christina Catucci, Jesse Moynihan, Adam Muto

Storyboarded by: Hanna K. Nyström, Anna Syvertsson, Iggy Craig, Maya Petersen, Serena Wu

Directed by: Miki Brewster (supervising), Sandra Lee (art)

Across Adventure Time’s ten season run, the show explored a bevy of “mature” themes and story ideas—topics, like love, sexuality, depression, and grieving. The show also touched upon death, but the emphasis was usually placed on the emotional toll of a loved one dying, not really what happens when you die. We knew there were Dead Worlds and Death. We knew that there was reincarnation. But how does it all fit together? What does it mean? How does it work?

With “Together Again,” we finally have many of the answers.

This special opens with a marvelous fake-out episode simply called “Finn & Jake,” that sees the two steal a magical cartoon of 50-flavor ice cream before rescuing Turtle Princess and LSP from the clutches of the villainous Ice King. This is all deliberately anachronistic and over the top. Ice King is back to his season one ways, Finn has both arms, and he is still wielding his golden sword that he lost in season two’s “The Real You.” There’s lolrandom dialogue and silly monsters; it’s like a parody of seasons 1-2. But then, this adventure starts to get all wonky, and in time Finn realizes that he is in a some sort of trance or illusion: one that ends with Jake being buried in the ground. Suddenly, Finn awakens from his reverie. He’s an old man. And he’s dead. We’re then presented with a new title card that lets us know the episode is actually called “Finn & Jake Are Dead.”

Holy Glob! They actually went there.

Turns out Jake died years before Finn, so naturally Finn is super excited to see his best bud. But something’s wrong—he cannot find Jake!! They planned to spend eternity together. But all that Finn can find is his very own psychopomp, Mr. Fox (voiced by Tom Herpich, whose purposefully stilted line readings are the epitome of delightful). Finn rightfully assumes that Jake is in a different Dead World, and so, being the ball of spunk and energy that he is, he demands to meet with Death, only to discover that there’s a New Death in town (voiced by Chris Fleming). The episode eventually explains that New Death was the son of Death and Life, and after New Death killed his father, he became the sovereign of the afterlife. New Death hates his job and decides to just blow up all the Dead Worlds so he doesn’t have to deal with it all. (I won’t get too much into the details here, because there would be a lot of story to parse out.)

Finn soon learns that Jake has reached nirvana in the 50th Dead World, where there is nothing but peace and serenity. Finn nevertheless tracks down Jake, pulls him from paradise, but in doing so, accidentally lets New Death in, who promptly obliterates Elysium, sending all the enlightened souls—including those from different levels of the afterlife—to the 1st Dead World. This gronks up the afterlife, temporarily halting the reincarnation process.

Well, Finn and Jake are rightfully ticked, and so they haunt the material plane looking for Princess Bubblegum. She’s not home (more on that later), but Peppermint Butler is! After Ghost Finn and Ghost Jake explain the situation, Peppermint Butler tells them what to do: They need to find Life and explain the situation. The duo manage just that, and Life is rightfully angry that her kid has stopped the transmigration of souls. After Life gives Finn a McGuffin sword that can hurt Death, Finn and Jake return to his abode. A brawl ensues wherein we learn that New Death has been possessed… by none other than that spirit of the Lich.

That’s right, it’s the Lich! He’s back, and boy is he evil.

The Lich explains that by possessing Death, he can destroy the afterlife, thereby destroying a key aspect of reality. Naturally, Finn and Jake are not cool with this, and they engage in combat. After Mr. Fox grabs the McGuffin sword and uses it to annihilate the Lich and New Death, he is proclaimed the New New Death and sets everything right. Finn is slated to be reincarnated, and Jake is slated to return to the 50th Dead World where he and Finn will one day be reunited. As Finn is pulled into the wheel of souls, Jake suddenly decides to go back with Finn, too, “Just for fun.” The episode ends with a card letting us know that the episode is neither called “Finn & Jake” nor “Finn & Jake Are Dead.” Instead, it is “Finn and Jake Are Together Again.”

As they say, “And there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.”

If you were to tell me several years ago that the last episode to star Finn and Jake would revolve around them dying, I think I would’ve been upset. Not simply sad, but rather frustrated because “they all died” can feel like a cheap ending. But with “Together Again,” it all works. And a large reason that it works is because the show goes all in with their ideas. Finn and Jake don’t magically leap back into their old life (no, no, they very much do bite the dust). Instead, the special emphasizes the cyclical nature of life through the transmigration of souls. The episode ends with a beautiful scene of Finn and Jake, bound together as soul-brothers, being reborn into a new, mysterious (possibly Ooo 1000+?) world. It’s both aesthetically and emotionally pleasing; it doesn’t feel off the way over finales might. This is right. This is the way life works. “Round and round as nature goes,” and all that jazz.

I loved the series explanation of how death works. It seems that souls land in a specific Dead World, where they ‘marinate’ for a bit, presumably being rewarded or punished based on their life in our meat reality. After a time, they are then reborn. This process repeats, with each soul reaching higher and higher levels of enlightenment until they hit nirvana, which is the 50th Dead World. So in a sense, Adventure Time has a roughly Buddhist cosmology with a dash of Greco-Roman mythos thrown in for flavor. (As to what happens after a soul stays in the 50th Dead World for a long period is anyone’s guess, but I’d speculate that when all the souls in the multiverse have been purified and land in the 50th Dead World, they will all collapse into one another and form one perfect Monad. Perhaps this is the sphere of perfection that the beings who merged into Matthew thought they were connecting to? Who knows! It’s anyone’s guess!) I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see who Death, Prismo, Life, etc.’s boss was, but perhaps that’s a mystery better left up to the imagination!

One minor thing that I loved about this special was the number of characters who made cameos as well as all the callbacks that were made to previous episodes. Regarding the former: Finn and Jake’s canine family show up (including the oft-forgotten Jermaine!), as do Tree Trunks and her myriad husbands. Tiffany plays a major role in all these shenanigans as a “death cop” of all things. There is a delightful rogues gallery stuck in the 1st Dead World (including, among others, Maja, Sharon from “The Gut Grinder,” and Wyatt). In the 50th we find Ghost Princess and Clarence happily at peace next to Booshy, the weird spirit mentioned in the Pen Ward classic “High Strangeness.” As far as callbacks go, perhaps my favorite is the clap (from “James Baxter the Horse”) that Jake taught to Finn in case they ever do get separated in the afterlife. And of course, there are myriad references made to “Death in Bloom,” the episode that planted the seed for what this would grow into.

Going into the special suspecting that it would involve Death, I was curious how they were going to handle Miguel Ferrer’s character. (In case a reader is not aware, Ferrer played Death in episodes like “Death in Bloom” and “Betty,” but he sadly passed away a few years ago). The producers’ choice to feature him in a non-speaking cameo—despite playing a relatively significant role in the story—was wise; I’m not sure if I can articulate the exact reasons, but something about his role felt appropriate and not gross, as some post-mortem memorials can be. Speaking of which, the wonderful, lovely Polly Lou Livingston was featured for the last time in this episode as Tree Trunks, happily in heaven with her literal harem of husbands. It was funny, it really was, and I’m sure that Polly Lou would’ve gotten a kick out of seeing it on screen. (Also, this is a pro-Tree Trunks safe space. Any Tree Trunks haters will be chucked into the 1st Dead World with Wyatt.)

The biggest mystery in this whole thing, for me at least, is the question of Princess Bubblegum and Marceline. Several years ago, I wrote an essay about what could’ve happened to them in the Ooo 1000+ universe. I speculated that they peaced out and left Ooo behind. In this special, neither Bubblegum nor Marceline are to be found in the Candy Kingdom—Peppermint Butler seems to be the one in charge, given that he is now wearing Bubblegum’s crown. Likewise, the duo aren’t anywhere in the Dead Worlds either. Maybe the two of them skipped town and got a duplex in the Nightosphere? Who knows… I just want my favorite gals to be OK!

All things considered, “Together Again” was a marvel: An episode that managed to feel like a series finale even more than “Come Along with Me” already did without taking away from the series itself. An episode that managed to make the idea of dying funny. An episode that brought back the Lich in a way that wasn’t forced. An episode that made Mr. Fox the New New Death. An episode that gave us a beautiful ending to Finn and Jake’s story… as well as the beautiful beginning to a new one. I said it on Twitter, and I’ll say it again here: “Together Again” was the end of a sentence in a book with infinite pages. Truly, the fun will never end.

Mushroom War evidence: Everything takes place in the Dead Worlds, so not really. Perhaps a more eagle-eyed viewer can inform us...

Final Grade: That’s right, I’m gonna do it...

Post-script, I actually messaged Jesse Moynihan to ask about his writing credit. He told me that it was for an unused story idea that he had developed. I’m not certain, but I’ll bet it was a part of the cancelled TV movie they were trying to make during season 5, since that would’ve seen Finn and Orgalorg journey to the various Dead Worlds.

[ideks-on-mars]

ReonSemiShira arranged marriage/royal au cuz it's my favorite trope and I'm desperately out of ideas 🤭🤭🤭 (send me requests I'm dying out here)

ANYWAYS REONSEMISHIRA ARRANGED MARRIAGE/ROYAL AU HCS LET'S GO!!!

- What do you do when three kingdoms all wanna become allies but you don't have enough children to spare? 🤔🤔🤔

- Easy, you stick em all together cuz why not

- Thus our three princes

- Yes, they're all men, keep scrolling 🙄💅

- They don't meet until their wedding day 👁👁

- Let's say the kingdoms have their different ✨️aesthetics✨️

- The Semi kingdom has that "if depression was a person" vibe

- Royal colors (or colors in the kingdom in general) are mainly black. If it's not black then it's nightmare blue

- Semi kingdom focuses mostly on their military. Most people in the kingdom know basic combat and probs carry a weapon on them.

- An apathetic ass kingdom

- The Ōhira kingdom is a lot more fun 😭

- The whole kingdom might as well be a greenhouse because by GOD do they love their plants

- Flowers on top of flowers, it's so pretty during Spring 🤧

- The main colors of the kingdom are jade green and white!

- The grass is, quite literally, always greener in the Ōhira kingdom

- Next is the Shirabu kingdom 👀

- This kingdom just wants a good rep 🤧

- Everyone must dress nicely. If you're not dressed in tip top clothing then why are you in the kingdom? 🤨

- Just as ruthless as the Semi kingdom. "Off with their head!" are the royals' favorite saying. It shows too.

- Their main colors are a darker beige linen with a light red. I would say pink but the color I have in mind is more on the red scale so we'll say light red.

- ANYWAYS

- None of them really want this per say???

- They all knew that it was gonna happen one day but damn they gotta marry two people each 💀 they weren't told that this was a possibility

- Shirabu's probably the most resistant. He's throwing a fit in the room where he's getting ready.

- Semi looks like he doesn't give a shit (he gives many). Just listening to his mom ramble on about how "this is for the good of the kingdom blah blah blah"

- Reon just hopes that they all get along.

- Now to the suits, I'm not good at explaining these, but I'll try my best 💀

- let's start with Reon

- Think Prince Charles' suit when he married Princess Diana (our queen 🙇🙇🙇)

- Forest green suit, black pants, white sash thingy, white gloves, and all his medals and shit. They're all tip top shape GOLD, polished and everything

- What a man 🤧

- Next we'll go for Shirabu

- Think Prince Haakon of Norway on his wedding day

- Except Shirabu's suit is tighter, I thought homeboy's suit was a bit too baggy 🤧

- The base is the beige linen color. His sash is light red along with small white stripes on either side. The outlining of his suit is also light red. His belt is also the light red. His gloves are white. His collar rides up his neck a bit and he has a medal right beneath the slit of his collar. All of his medals are shiny rose gold

- Next is SemiSemi

- I can't think of any Prince's wedding attire that I associate with Semi so I'ma wing it here

- Deep, nightmare blue base. His suit fits more in the Italian style suit category I'd say. His belt is tight around his waist and it's completely black along with his sash. His main medal is a cross under his collar, kinda like Shirabu's. Most of his medals are made of white gold. Has really sleek shoulder pads for some reason.

- They don't color coordinate ¯＼_(ツ)_/¯

- They all look good tho so it's ok

- Very up tight walking down the aisle but just know that they're all freaking out

- The kiss is very awkward LMAO

- They all just kinda press their lips against one another's 💀

- The little celebration part where everyone parties is a little better ig 😭

- They all awkwardly side eye each other the whole time

- Their parents are all pushing it WAYYYY too much

- "Oh, why don't you tell them about yourself, hm? 😃" "Um, so...I'm like..a prince, or whatever 😐"

- It's not working out too well 😭

- It's even more awkward when they have to stay the night in the Shirabu kingdom for the night before they travel to the Semi kingdom where they'll be living

- It's the "There's only one bed" trope but make it that there's three of them and they just got married after knowing each other for a long 2 and a half minutes

- Shirabu speaks up first

- "I'm going to go take a bath" "I was going to."

- Hence the awkward tension between Shirabu and Semi beginning already

- Reon wants his mom to come pick him up

- "Hey, it's ok! I can go last if you want to go next."

- Semi guesses that Reon is bearable

- Shirabu immediately assumes that Reon is a "yes" man and thinks he's a wuss

- Reon just doesn't want any problems.

- After the bath tub arc, they all crawl into bed.

- Thank God that they're royals and the bed is big cuz these mfs honestly want nothing to do with each other

- Reon sleeps in the middle because the other two are still mad about the bath thing

- "Well..goodnight..!" "Mhm." "Hn."

- Well fine then. Reon tried his best.

- Reon wakes up first. He curses whatever higher power there is because why does this have to happen to him

- He practically has to do gymnastics to get over Shirabu but he makes it over without any incidents and haha bitches, the bathtub is all his until the demons wake up

- Reon gets about an hour and a half to himself, he deserves it. Plus he's all sweaty from sleeping next to the heater that is Semi.

- Shirabu wakes up next. He sees Reon sitting by his bookshelf reading a book.

- I'm making this set in like a long time ago because it's just better that way 🙄💅

- "What are you doing?"

- A 'good morning' would have been nice but that works too Reon guesses

- "I'm just looking at the books, sorry I didn't mean to snoop around."

- Shirabu just shakes his head

- "It's fine. Don't ruin them."

- Reon could only get a nod in before being completely shut up once he saw Shirabu walk towards him, bedhead and all.

- Shirabu gently takes the book from him and, without losing Reon's spot, just checks the cover

- "Oh. I really like this book. I read it not too long ago."

- They quickly engage in a conversation about books and omg they're getting along.

- Shirabu is starting to actually like Reon

- But he think he'd prefer anyone over grumpy pants over there in the bed

- Speaking of him

- They quickly turn their attention to the other and they're looking at him as if he'd just rose from the dead

- Reon offers the other a small smile but Shirabu just rolls his eyes and goes back to talking to Reon

- Semi grunts at the action and quickly gets out of bed

- "The carriage is supposed to leave some time around noon. I expect that the both of you will be ready by then."

- Well damn, ok

- The carriage ride is equally as awkward.

- Reon and Shirabu are discussing still, meanwhile Semi's sitting across from them just staring out the window

- He's a bit jealous but no one needs to know that

- He's also a bit insecure but we'll get into that later

- Once they arrive at the Semi kingdom, Reon and Shirabu can physically feel the mood drop. Semi's just like "Finally, everything's chill again"

- It's dark, glum, and cloudy. The rain outside doesn't help. Is this kingdom haunted or something!?

- The inside of the castle isn't much better. The other Semi's are also wearing black and dark blue, along with their respective spouses. Would they need to dress like this?

- The most color in the kingdom was that the spouses of the Semi's got to wear pieces of clothing that associate with their home kingdoms

- Even the children looked down in the dumps. Was everything OK?

- They're escorted to Semi's room and low and behold, nothing special, except for a few things.

- It's dark, there's maps on the wall, every typical room of a young prince.

- However the suit of armor and multiple swords lined up on the wall were kinda cool.

- "This is nice." "I know."

- Ok then

- Everything is EXTREMELY awkward for the next few months

- Somehow, they find each other enjoying the others' company from time to time

- But the thing that really lit the spark was when Semi came up to the other two all bashful and shy

- "Would you guys like to watch me spar with my brothers?"

- The other two know that Semi has a special interest in combat, a lot like the rest of his family, so why not go?

- They see that a lot of the other spouses were lined up to watch to. They would all fan themselves all proper like and wave at their husbands

- Were they supposed to wave at Eita like they were his housewife too or??

- They settled for a small wave from Shirabu and a smile + thumbs up from Reon

- That's enough to get Semi motivated

- He totally kicks ass. Husbands are impressed.

- Husbands are also intrigued

- "You did good!" "That was very impressive."

- Semi's scratching the back of his neck all shy

- "Thank you both for agreeing to come." "I'm glad we did."

- That was officially the nicest thing Shirabu had ever said to Semi

- Reon's glad, not only because his husbands are getting along, but also because Semi was finally starting to open up about his interests

- This is slowly getting better

- Suddenly a problem pops up in the Ōhira kingdom 😱 Reon needs to go check it out!

- Reon's scared. He knows that they shared a moment but he's still scared that his husbands will completely forget about it and tear each other apart without him being there to stop it

- All he can do is hope

- "Alright, I've got to go now. I'll be back as soon as I can, ok?"

- The other two nod

- Said other two also almost explode when Reon kisses them on their cheeks and waves them goodbye

- Without Reon there it's, once again, awkward. He's the one who keeps them together in a sense. How are they going to survive without their sweet Reon?

- "Well...I'll be in the library." "Can I come?"

- Shirabu wasn't expecting that one

- "I don't mind."

- Semi just sits down on the love seat with Shirabu as he reads

- "Don't you want to read too?" "Um.."

- Long story short, when Semi was a kid, no one really cared about the importance of Semi reading. You didn't need to read to grow into a wonderful king. If you get a letter then you can just make one of the butlers read it to you.

- Shirabu just nods his head, and without another word, goes back to the beginning of his book and starts to read aloud.

- Semi's in a trance. The usual monotonous prince actually had a heart after all.

- They're actually getting along now. Eita even kissed Shirabu goodbye once when he had to do something with his brother

- Maybe this is what they needed

- Reon comes back all nervous. Are hubby 1 and hubby 2 ok? 😭

- He looks in the room and neither of them are there. He goes to the library expecting to just see Shirabu and ends up finding both of them???

- Shirabu's reading to Semi?? That's a little strange

- Once they see him they immediately perk up.

- Shirabu gets up and hugs him, the other not too far behind.

- Are these the same people???

- They even told him that they missed him and asked if he wanted to come read with them

- Reon's so happy. And since Reon's happy so are the other two

- Reading together and sharing their interests ultimately becomes the way that they begin to grow close

- Sometimes they even go out to the little library in town or down by the lake together just to relax.

- The town's people are shocked. Is that their prince? Smiling?

- It's a shock, really

- They're all very happy together, it's a relief to everyone around them. Even the kingdom seems to light up the tiniest bit.

- The first "I love you" is weirdly said by Shirabu

- It's rushed and very sudden.

- Shirabu's in a rush to leave their bedroom. He kisses them both and before he's out the door there's a small "Love you" heard.

- The other two scramble to stick their head out the door and exclaim that they love him too

- Reon and Semi spend their time fan-girling while waiting for the other to come back

- They're so cute, I love them, royal ReonSemiShira>>>, ok bye-bye lmao

[gerardswayg]

MEET THE FUTURE MAYOR!!

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and some of the work you have been involved in.

Lynch-Bastion: I'm an artist, philosopher and occultist who specialises in Deleuzo-guattarian theory and practice as viewed through a Thelemic lens, with an emphasis on Taoist and Sufic interpretation. I know that sounds like nonsense.

I have fought a forest fire and won. I have fallen into a waterfall and lived. I have crossed a chasm 'pon fallen tree. I have climbed atop mountains during thunderstorms.

Q: What are your top priorities and why?

Lynch-Bastion: To assist the homeless, the starving, the poor, the disabled and the exhausted—we all know why, or used to as children. Further, to combat climate change and its effects, the reason why being that many people still aren't taking their heatstroke seriously—to the point of denial! Wherefrom does the global effort to, literally, save the human species from dystopic barbarism eek out, insufficient. Immediate action is needed. Plus, I'm sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Q: The City is currently in the process of updating its Master Plan. What is your vision for the City of Grand Rapids over the next 20 years?

Lynch-Bastion: I would see edible plants and shade producing trees adorn the city as opposed to auditoriums and stadiums. I would see the homeless housed and our most vulnerable in a place of safety. I would see the work week decreased to no detriment and the worker's quality of life improved, their leisure time no longer dedicated to laundry. I would see the smog dissipate and the weather reports' color no longer red. I would see the buses filled and the bike lane busy. I would see my community as family and friends, and no longer strangers—even when strangers. I would see my community feel the same.

I would see the loss of young life decreased. I would see depression and anxiety addressed properly. I would see safe use locations used and rehabilitation offered. Further, I would see that the conditions that cause one to indulge vice—poverty and trauma—taken seriously and solved.

Finally, I would see what I will see and adjust accordingly.

Q: How will you work to maintain and/or improve transparency in local government?

Lynch-Bastion: If you follow my Facebook/Instagram, I post like the depths of my entire life lmao.

Like, I post every step taken on this silly little journey, my thoughts, the details of the process, etc., so at least from my position I will be able to continue and increase this form of engagement.

Q: There have been comments made about inequitable economic opportunities in the City, particularly as it pertains to the BIPOC community. How do you plan to address this?

Lynch-Bastion: Frankly, a system controlled by a massively white catholic and evangelical class is never going to willingly cede power to people of color, save for the minimal amount they can give away without losing any of their personal wealth and status—or in the liberal guise of progressive charity.

To begin with, we must uplift BIPOC people through financial support of their businesses, congregate and consult with indigenous leaders & communities and connect these disparate communities—all engaged in the same struggle to survive—that they might uplift each other en masse. However, it is not so simple as replacing the people atop the system in play, it is a question of instituting and maintaining a more democratic structure entirely.

Q: How do you plan to balance urban/economic development with the needs of the community? For example, how will you mitigate potential negative impacts on neighborhoods by redevelopment projects?

Lynch-Bastion: I will literally shred and eat any bill that prioritizes profit over people. Hell no. The fact that this is a valid question to ask somebody is horrifying to me. If the development doesn't benefit the people around it/within it, then what is the bloody point of calling it development? Growth doesn't inherently imply health—it is oft a sign of cancer.

Q: Many residents at City meetings have expressed feeling like they are not being heard by local government. How do you plan to engage with and involve the community in decision-making?

Lynch-Bastion: I will make a point to be available to the public for consultation as much as possible, both through the internet and by going around the city irl as much as possible. I believe frequent meetings with community-based interest groups both geographical (neighborhoods, wards, etc.) and cultural (Muslim & minority religious groups, indigenous communities, immigrant communities, etc.) will be beneficial and enjoyable for all parties involved.

I also genuinely feel like floor pillows would really help at the City Commission meetings.

adi endorses the true mayor of gr

[navarroserra]

Incense for Hel, Goddess of Death and Mercy

Another post for the incense series, this time we focus on Hel, the goddess of the underworld, goddess of mercy, whose home is in Helheim. As a follower of Loki I honor Hel on my alter with the rest of her siblings and when I first thought of this series I was making an Incense for her. With these ingredients, just like the Loki incense we can look at if these herbs match up with Hel and if so what they say about her. I believe the Norse didn’t just assign herbs without thought, there was a reason these plants are associated with each deity. Now lets look at Hel, Her incense is comprised of 8 herbs, each will be broken down below. 

 Jasmine: Jasmine is a powerful plant, one that works well within magical spells and workings dealing with the spirit and love, It can help ease a broken heart and aids in spells dealing with friendships. Jasmine also has a few medicinal benefits, some of these are easing menstrual cramps to relieve anxiety and depression. This plant can also aid with clarity, and help in healing, but on the other side aid in confidence building, and prophetic dreams. 

Juniper: Juniper is a very good cleansing tool when it is bundled and burned within a space, The smoke clearing was commonly used in the springtime, and when one considers own endangered palo santo and white sage is Juniper is a good alternative and considering we all follow a (though varying from person to person) a Norse belief this herb is a great way to honor the gods, Jotunn, Goddess, etc with a native cleansing herb. Juniper was without a doubt used by the norse, and a good amount of documentation can be found within Trolldom, the folk magic tradition of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, these documentations include many different uses for Juniper. The ash, oil, berries, and even branches would be used for removing curses. It is an herb that is heavily versatile.

Mullein: This herb for a long time has been respected and has earned a place in a healer’s bag, also known as Wild Ice Leaf, this herb has a cool feeling and its flavor is said to be akined to salted vanilla. If you are starting out in herbalism Mullein is a great herb to start with and is very safe to use. Many practitioners feel that when this herb is carried it protects the healer from illness and guides them in their work, and it is also known to be a protective plant spirit. 

Myrrh: This resin has a wide range for which it can be used, it has a fairly strong scent which is often used with other resin and herbs such as frankincense and sandalwood, Myrrh is associated with cleansing and purification, burning myrrh can help with banishing, breaking hexes, breaking curses, protection against magical and psychic attacks, and can purify sacred places. In some cultures it does have a connection to the dead and burial rituals. If you are nervous, stressed, or restless try burning some nearby to help you relax, or put some in a satchel under your pillow to help you sleep.

Willow: Willow is strong and deals with the cycles of life, death, rebirthm change, and the will, this wood is very emotional, and some say burning this wood can soothe and guide the souls of the recently deceased. Willow wood is very strong within magic, Willow aligns itself with your personal will and shakes its energy with yours, this tree is also extremely useful in healing magic, love spells, and any kind of ritual that involves emotions. Willow is also known to strengthen the third eye and is great for divination. 

Yarrow: This herb is good if you want to set up boundaries, and can help you with your creative energies, Yarrow can bring steadiness and a calm into your life while increasing precision and resistance. Yarrow is an amazing healer when it comes to emotion wounds! Placing yarrow over doorways can protect from negative energy. You can also use yarrow to banish bad habits, picking fresh flowers and leaving them in the sun will only boost their power. 

Chamomile: Chamomile is commonly used in tea, and helps aid sleep, but this flower can also be used to combat curses, sooth the body, help one focus, and can be helpful with dreamwork and banishing negativity. This herb was chosen because of Hel’s fondness for white flowers, this being a white flower commonly used by the Norse people I felt this calming sweet flower would be nice for her.

Grinding all of these in a mortar and pestle, I suggest starting with the hardest first, resin, and bark, the flowers being the easiest and power very easily. Once you grind everything up place it in a nice sealed jar with a label. When you are ready use a charcoal tablet, lighting it before placing it on your plate, in your bowl, or cauldron. when you add your incense mix be careful to only add a little at a time, it will release a lot of smoke, once all of the herbs turn black use something gentle to remove the blacken herbs from the charcoal before adding more herbs, this will help keep the incense scent instead of just having a burning smell. 

[husbandohunter]

It’s been a while since we tackle Stardew Impact especially the Outlander one that left a deep impression on me. So I’ve just finish Albedo’s story quest and I feel like he’ll stay in Stardew aside from Diluc will be the only one that’ll think of a way to convince the farmer to go with him and Kaeya... this is so sad bruh.

Can’t this boys just get a break? How about this? They manage to get Isekai to Stardew Valley, met the farmer who then directed them to the Wizard for help and they were told it would take time to make a portal that will take them back to Teyvat safely. During their stay with the farmer, because the farmer is the only one intimately aware of the supernatural in their world aside from the Wizard, they learn how to heal.

Kaeya finally having a taste of a stress free life where he doesn’t need to be a double agent, doesn’t have to be a Calvary captain, even just for a few months

Albedo having this childlike curiosity staring wide eye at everything and anything, dragging the farmer in his shenanigans. Asking so many questions, you drunk a potion concocted by the Wizard in order to understand Junimos, what are this Junimos? Are they the same as the elemental entities in his world, aside from understanding the language of this peculiar specie what else did they get from the potion? The ability to command Junimos? The ability to control plants? Or perhaps the ability to communicate with animals—

Diluc will be restless but strangely enough his calm at the same time. He and the farmer bond with the farm work exchange tips on managing the crops especially on the grapes as well as making wine. Teaching the farmer how to wield a claymore or improving their combat abilities.

And the good byes doesn’t need to be sad.

Communication is a valid option hello! *cries in Childe and Xiao’s part*

-Birdie stricken with inspiration and thirst for fluff

P.S college sucks 🥲

Oh man, Stardew Impact (*μ_μ) this brings me back so many memories. It all started out as simple fluff but of course there is always room for complex plots hehehe... (Mihoyo I'm looking atchu >.> why does Inazuma have to be so dark?)

Kaeya would def be the one who is most conflicted about leaving and Diluc being a close second (plus he's very very stubborn so most likely he isn't going to let things go so easily *ahem* like his father) and Albedo being super smart, he doesn't seem like the type to be so attatched at first, but saying goodbye=never seeing someone again (yes Albedo, theres no way around the meaning) doesn't make him very happy. So according to Mihoyo standards, no one gets a break :')

I've always loved the idea where Kaeya can just relax (PLS) for once and not worry about his super dark and complex life. Like even in the serenitea pot some of his voicelines have to be so depressing?!?!? Honestly he wouldn't even believe in 'peaceful lifestyle' cuz this guy is major skeptical about everything, watching whats gonna happen behind his back, he has to learn to actually grasp the concept for once and just be himself.

(I was actually about to put my headcanons in Stardew Impact 3 where Albedo and Rasmodius have developed a friendship along with Demetrius so lets not talk about it :3)

I LIVE FOR DILUC HELPING US FARM PLS PLS PLS ITS SOOOO ROMANTIC. Though I doubt he'd even let his lovely s/o wield a claymore since he's an overprotective softie (i love him sm). Maybe a stick for starters.

(Yuh Xiao just backstabbed s/o when he left ._. and Childe...damn you Childe!) But welcome to college life >:) we have reading and sleep deprived schedules.