#i really like her so i must bestow the highest honour

[youve-always-had-me-cas]

See the thing that compels me about aroace jinx is that on the surface level it BLOWS. “The trauma made her unable to love” no no no. That’s terrible. She does love. Deeply. Underneath all the layers she's built up to stop that hurting her ever again. But all her life she's been doing everything just a little bit... wrong, hasn't she? Undoing her self destructive coping mechanisms is never going to turn her into Vi. It's supposed to turn her into who she is meant to be, after all. But who is that? How does she know when to stop? An absence of something is not proof of anything. There is no finish line of asexuality. No point where you know for certain. One day you just have to look in the mirror and accept that you are enough. But how hard must that be when who you are was shattered into a million pieces? COMPELS ME.

[ro-botany]

It has come to my attention that today is

♠️ Ace Day ♠️

And in honour of my being way too obsessed with the man, I will award a character the highest honour I can bestow:

Frederick Fire Emblem is acespec and you can't change my mind. He may be demi, may be gray, may be garden variety ace, but either way he's on the ace spectrum.

As evidence, I offer you a read more with quotes:

Fred's supports with Olivia...

Olivia: No, I'm not talking about being a soldier. What I mean is...What do you think of me as a woman? Frederick: Do I find you attractive? Is that your meaning? Olivia: I suppose so, yes. Frederick: Hmm... A difficult question, if I may speak bluntly. I'd not thought of you in such terms before, and so cannot provide a meaningful answer.

Frederick: I must say, milady, having spent so much time with you recently, I... Well, I am starting to see why the others found you so charming. Olivia: Y-you are? Frederick: Yes, I am. Olivia: Erm, I don't suppose you could tell me exactly what you like about me? [...] Frederick: May I have time to put it into words? My feelings on the subject are still...vague.

...In which Fred is completely unaware of the supposed charms of a dancer widely regarded to be quite attractive, until he really gets to know her and thinks Really hard about it.

And also, his early Chrom supports...

Frederick: [...] Ah, and one final thing: I've taken measures to raise troop numbers and morale. I had an artisan create posters emblazoned with your noble image. It's milord in a bold pose - naked, save a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. And at your feet, I scrawled our new recruiting motto: "Chrom Wants You!" I had them pinned inside each and every tent. Surely the troops will be thrilled to rally behind their common leader, milord. Chrom: ...Wait. You did what?! In whose... You hung this pict... In EVERYONE'S tent?! Frederick: No need for thanks, milord. Merely doing my duty. And that concludes my report. Rest well, sire! Chrom: F-Frederick! Wait! We really need to... talk. ...Oh, gods.

Frederick: My deepest apologies, milord. Had I known you'd run from tent to tent rending the posters, I never would have— Chrom: Gods, I've never been so embarrassed in all my days! My sister nearly pulled a muscle laughing!

...In which Fred appears to be completely, hilariously oblivious to the connotations of a naked poster captioned that the subject "wants you". Classic fire emblem hyperbolization of the classic ace unawareness of the preoccupation with and importance of sex in the rest of the world's minds. He's genuinely sorry afterward, it apparently just didn't cross his mind that that is not inspiring in the way he expects.

Look into your heart, reader, you know this to be true. This man is ace.

[jimlingss]

Member: Any genre: angst, angst, angst. AU: joseon?? Sentence: any Prompt: any

Man, you know I historicals are weakness, don’t you? hahah and angst, angst, angst?! Three times?! Don’t blame me if I don’t hold back.

↳ Lotus Blooms in Mud

2.3k || 100% Mild Angst || Park Jimin || Historical!AU

There is nothing safe within the palace.

Inside the four stone walls, where every commoner can only dream of entering, kindness is weakness. Compassion leads to another getting ahead instead of yourself. The only shields are silk, gold, and extravagance as the higher the status, the more power one can wield. 

Inside the palace, nothing is safe. No belonging, possession or secret. Not when every maid, minister and eunuch have ears open wide and eyes that wander. Not when anything can be taken at a moment’s notice. Even kings are killed. Kingdoms are conquered. Dynasties fall. 

But you will protect what is yours.

“Your Highness.”

Seohwa, Minister Kim’s daughter, bows to you with one mere servant behind her. You’ve seen her many times, enough to recognize her face and know who she is. Your eyes flicker down her frame to notice her pink and white hanbok that’s clearly been newly tailored with the best silks. You don’t miss the golden ornament on the side of her braided hair either. Or the rosy colour on her cheeks that’s also pressed onto her plush lips. 

“Are you here for His Majesty’s banquet?”

Her head delicately lifts and her eyes meet yours. “Yes, I am.”

“You came with Minister Kim?”

She nods. “My father thought it would be good to visit the grand palace to learn more.”

The two of you walk alongside one another with your entourage of servants trailing after you at a distance. You stop by the lily pond and take her hands within yours, offering a warm smile. “Then he made a good decision. There’s not enough girls my age at these banquets and I’ve been in need of a friend for a long time.”

Seohwa visibly brightens. “Then, if you are willing, I could ask my father if I could come more often, Your Highness.”

“Yes, of course. That would be nice.” Behind the two of you, the drums start to resound through the courtyard. “It looks like the banquet’s about to begin.” 

“Shall we?” The girl looks to you, excitement clear on her features.

You nod, but your lips remain in a tight line. “I wish I didn’t have to.”

“Why?” The girl is genuinely perplexed. “Aren’t the banquets supposed to be the best celebrations in the kingdom?”

“They are. But His Majesty is expecting me to perform today. I hurt my ankle while practicing and now I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint him.” You sigh, but then your eyes flicker to her. “You dance, don’t you?”

Seohwa grows shy. “Only a little.”

“You’re being modest. I’ve heard from Minister Kim that you’ve been performing since you were young.” You step towards her. “How about you take my place?”

“C-Can I really?”

“Yes, of course, and His Majesty should be very happy with today’s celebrations. If you do well enough, he’ll reward you with anything you want.”

“Anything?”

“His Majesty is generous and kind. Surely he will be able to grant you anything you desire,” you tell and she seems to contemplate whether to accept or not. Your gaze turns desperate. “You can do this favour for me, right, Seohwa?”

She nods after a second. “Yes, I would be happy to.”

The entire court gathers in the throne room. Each person is seated on cushions with tables of lavish food in front of them. The ministers are having their alcohol poured while Emperor Park looks out at his court on the highest seat in front.

Your eyes travel diagonally to Crown Prince Jimin who’s dressed in red with the gold emblem of a dragon on his chest. In spite of the extravagance, his smile is still sweet and his eyes are soft. But they don’t look at you. No. You catch his gaze fixing onto Seohwa down the hall all too easily. Said girl is all too bashful as well with his unspoken attention and affection.

There are no secrets in the palace. 

You have long known their tenderness to each other.

“Princess Y/N,” the Emperor pipes up as the drums cease. You re-direct your attention to him with a perfect smile, posture straight and character poised. “You have promised a performance for me today?”

Several of the men around the room murmur, nodding in anticipation.

Your voice is clear and crisp as you speak, “Yes, I was. Unfortunately, Your Majesty, I have recently gotten injured but I have found my replacement. Lady Park Seohwa is a much better performer than I. You will not be disappointed.”

“I see.” The older man’s eyes look towards the girl seated farther than you are. Then they trail to the older man beside her who’s beaming proudly. “I did not know your daughter could perform, Minister Kim.”

“Yes, she can do many things. Hopefully you can find enjoyment out of her skills.”

Seohwa stands, bowing her head towards the Emperor before she comes to the middle of the room. Your eyes narrow in on the way she glances at Crown Prince Jimin and how he shifts with a gentle smile, anticipation alight in his features.

The zither is plucked. The flute is blown. A drum keeps a steady beat.

Seohwa smiles and lifts her arms gently. She steps forward and twirls. Her skirt moves along with her body. 

Other than the music, there’s not a single sound. Breaths are held and as you look around the room, you find each and every person has become enraptured by her performance, from the Emperor to Jimin himself. He smiles and it grows wider by the second. The girl’s own expression starts to ease. Their eyes are connected to one another’s.

Once the dance ends, there is resounding applause and nods of approval from the men.

“Very good!” the Emperor praises with a bellowing chuckle and she bows. “Minister Kim, I didn’t know you had such a talented and beautiful daughter.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“For your performance, I would like to grant you one reward.” He turns to her and her head lifts, youthful eyes brightened. “Is there anything that you wish for?”

Seohwa glances at you, recalling your words and seemingly gathers her courage. “There is one thing, Your Majesty, but I am unsure if I will be allowed to have this wish.”

“Nonsense.” He gestures to her. “There is nothing the Emperor cannot give to you. What is it?”

She bows her head deeply and reverently. “Please allow me to stay by Crown Prince Jimin’s side.”

Instantly, there are murmurs that ripple throughout the entire room of court ministers. Jimin is wide-eyed at the bold proclamation. You conceal the smirk sneaking up on your lips. 

What a fool.

The Emperor slams his hand down on his armrest and she jolts. “How imprudent!” he shouts. “The Crown Prince has been betrothed to Princess Y/N before you were even born. How dare a measly girl like you get in the matter of politics for your own greed!”

“I...I…” Seohwa’s eyes are rounded and she stumbles back.

It’s your time to act.

Immediately, you stand. “Your Majesty!” You round your table and come beside her, only to fall to your knees with your forehead pressed to the ground and the sleeves of your hanbok out in front of you. You lift your head. “Please forgive Seohwa! She only said such a thing because she wants to be in the palace and continue performing for you and His Highness.”

“Hmph.” He looks at her. “Is this true?”

She frantically nods. “Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Rise, Princess Y/N,” he says and you get onto your feet. The Emperor shifts to Seohwa and exhales steadily. “You should thank Princess Y/N for speaking on your behalf. I have no plans on punishing anyone when this is supposed to be a joyous occasion. I will forget what you said.” He motions to the girl. “However, if that is the true intention behind your wish, I will still grant it for you.”

The Emperor exhales. “I do agree that your talents would be wasted outside of the palace, so I shall bestow you the honour of entering the women’s internal court as my new concubine.”

At his declaration, Seohwa’s head snaps upwards. You mask the smirk tickling on your lips. 

Jimin has a horrified expression and he opens his mouth, moving to speak, but he’s interrupted by Seohwa’s father, Minister Kim. “Your Majesty!” 

He stumbles forward beside his daughter, pressing a harsh hand on her shoulder and the two of them drop to a kneel. “I-I’m afraid my daughter is not suited to palace life. She’s much too clumsy and young. I haven’t taught her well enough yet.”

“Nonsense. There is nothing she will not be able to learn inside the palace.”

“Your Majesty—”

He slams his fist against the table. The both of them flinch. No minister, servant or eunuch dares to speak or utter a single word. “You dare refuse a generous offer from the Emperor? This is a higher status than you could ever ever obtain on your own!”

“Father.” Jimin clears his throat, expression composed and he turns to the Emperor. “Don’t be angry. I understand Minister Kim’s worries. Perhaps she can stay in the palace, but she may be suited to wed someone younger.”

“Who? You?” He chuckles. “You are betrothed. You cannot have a consort already.”

You look over to Jimin. 

His lips are drawn in a tight line, the furrow of his brow deeply set, and after a moment, he sits back. Jimin is a coward who cannot conjure persuasive words or change the mind of the Emperor. He doesn’t even try to.

“A father must let go of his children eventually, Seokjin. No good will be done by holding onto them.”

Minister Kim stays quiet and then raises his head. In a quiet voice, he responds. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

In one single command, servants come to take Seohwa to prepare her for tonight. The Emperor says he would love to see another dance — a private one. And that implication is enough for you and a few others to secretly snicker.

She, however, is on the verge of tears. She calls after her father who doesn’t answer. She looks to Jimin who has diverted his vision. And then she shifts to you.

You hold Seohwa’s stare, watching as she’s taken out of the doors.

Then, you smirk.

...

The moon hangs high above the horizon. The warm candlelight illuminates your room and you listen to the sound of the brush stroking against the parchment, watching as each flicker of your wrist leaves a trail of ink. 

You’re interrupted by a servant girl coming in. “ Your Highness, His Royal Highness, the Crown Pri—”

Jimin enters, steps heavy and firm, gaze darkened.

You look to the servant. “Leave us.”

She bows her head, stepping backwards gingerly until you hear the doors shut.

You set the brush down, half-way through copying the poem, and a soft smile graces your features as you gaze at him. “What’s the matter? It’s not like you to visit me so late.”

“Why did you do it?” His voice is thick and you notice the clench in his jaw, the burning of his eyes.

“I don’t understand.”

“Don’t pretend you’re stupid,” Jimin spits, “You are the one who set Seohwa up! It was you!”

You scoff, unable to believe that he came all the way here for her when you thought he was coming for you. You should’ve known. “She brought it onto herself. Who told her to be that foolish?”

“You told her to perform at the banquet. It was you who kneeled in front of the Emperor and said she wanted to stay in the palace—”

“It was her fault for trying to take what wasn’t hers! She is greedy, stupid and small-minded.” 

Nothing you said is wrong. She jumped at the opportunity to show off her skills without thinking twice. She wanted attention. She carefully picked out what she would wear today, from tailoring new attire to the ornament in her hair that you strongly suspect Jimin gave to her.

His jaw is set, frame rigid. But Jimin’s glare is unmatched to yours.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t know about your feelings for one another? How that wrench was trying to take you away from me? Who does she think she is.”

“Don’t you dare speak about her like that!” Jimin shouts and seethes, “It’s your fault. It’s because of you— because of you that she has become my father’s concubine!”

“And you think you’re blameless?! You’re the only one who could’ve saved her and you didn’t. You couldn’t.”

You’re close to him, a crazed look present in your eye. Guilt flashes across Jimin’s face underneath his boiling anger. In spite of his status, he is as weak as you are. In this palace, you have to grasp onto what you can. You have to protect what is yours closely before it’s taken away. It’s a hard lesson you had to learn and one he will have to learn as well. Even as the Crown Prince.

“I will never love you.” It’s a simple whisper that befalls his lips. His expression glosses over into impassivity. “Not when you do the things that you do.”

Your heart drops to your stomach. It aches, feels like your heart has been torn from your chest and crushed in his cold hand. Your rib cage is left bruised, hollow, and tears well into your eyes.

Jimin turns around, but before he gets to the door, you make your last words known—

“You can have as many concubines and consorts as you want. You can take maids and court ladies in. But none of them will ever last.” It’s a vow you swear aloud, as strong as Heaven’s Mandate and one you will write in blood instead of ink. “I will always be by your side. Nothing will change that, Jimin.”

The doors slam open and shut.

[godsofhumanity]

⚝──⭒─ 30 DAY HC’S | OURANOS ─⭒──⚝

OURANOS | his skin is a dark tan. there are pale swirls of a sky blue colour that wrap around his neck, shoulders and arms, and around his thighs down to his feet. he has long, choppy white hair- rough, and untamed. his eyes are like amethysts. his face is well-defined- his cheekbones and jaw are sharp and strong. he is tall, and athletic, leaning towards the more muscular side.

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something i've already said a few times is that i really like the idea that Ouranos was the very first creation of the gods. before Gaia created Ouranos, none of the primordials had ever made anything.

as such, i don't think Gaia created Ouranos consciously. i think she was lonely and she wanted someone to be with her,, and in her desperation, she created a being entirely devoted to her, "a perfect fit on all sides"- and that was Ouranos.

i have this image in my head of Ouranos being born from the gathering of clouds around the peak of the highest mountain... and when he was formed, there was all lightning and thunder, and the Earth trembled before him.

because Gaia created Ouranos unwittingly, i think she also unintentionally bestowed upon him great power. even though Ouranos isn't a primordial, i think he has power on par with them.

i don't think that Ouranos was ever a child. i think from the moment he was born, he was fully formed.

i also don't think anyone ever named him "King of the Cosmos". it was a title he just assumed. i mean, i don't think i've ever heard anyone call Gaia the "Queen of the Cosmos", even though technically she must have been if she was Ouranos' wife.

adding onto this, i think that Ouranos is extremely... arrogant. he's very full of himself. very confident in his abilities.

he's the personification of the Heavens.. so i imagine him to be an immensely proud god. he sees himself as invincible. as the god of gods.

in an earlier point i said that Ouranos was created to be entirely devoted to Gaia. and i think he took that extremely literally.

with Ouranos, i believe that what he calls "love" is actually "possession"... "obsession" even. he doesn't believe in autonomy. he was made for Gaia, and in his head, Gaia was made for him- they are inseparable.. he belongs to her, and she to him. Heaven and Earth, joined in union.

because of this belief, i think that Ouranos' primary reason for existing is to be with Gaia. there is no other goal more important for him... and i say this because i think it explains why Ouranos treats his children so badly.

when the Titans are born, Ouranos worries that Gaia is going to be spending time with them. he worries that Gaia isn't going to give him all her love anymore.. his children are his competition.

but the Titans are very small compared to Ouranos,, and he himself is still new to the whole fatherhood business, so i think he lets it slide at first. Gaia assures him that he is not going to be replaced. and Ouranos believes her.

from the start, i don't think Ouranos ever wanted to be a father. he only ever wants to be with Gaia. but i don't think it's the same for Gaia. she loves Ouranos of course, but she wants something more- she wants to create life, she wants to explore, she wants to do many things, and she still needs her independency. and this is where they fall out.

when the Cyclopes are born, they are powerful. a lot more powerful than the Titans. and Ouranos knows this. he sees Gaia with her new children and she's having fun. she's happy. and it's not because of Ouranos.

i think this pisses him off. he throws them into Tartarus in a rage because he's scared that Gaia might actually not need him in order for her to be happy... and if that's the case, then what was he born for? what's his purpose?

when Gaia finally rallies the Titans together to kill Ouranos, i think he feels a deep sense of betrayal. i think it's confusing for him because at this point.. he hates Gaia, but he loves her. he wants to kill her, but he also wants to kiss her.

also another thing- in Hesiod's Theogony, Ouranos is castrated. i think this is really the final blow for him- his castration, at the hands of his own children no less, symbolises his dethronement. the power that he thought he had is completely and utterly destroyed.

i think the castration part is really important because Cronus doesn't get castrated in the traditional myth when it's his time to get KO'd by his son. why? why Ouranos and not Cronus? well, my hc is that because Ouranos was so proud,, because he believed so much in his own potency and power,, he had to lose it. it's not the act of physically losing his organ.. it's the phallic imagery that surrounds it- the idea that he doesn't have power anymore. the ultimate power is that which creates life,, and he doesn't even have that anymore. the Heavens, which covers the whole Earth, doesn't have the power to create life. to rule. he's not the King. it's different from Cronus who, in my interpretation, did wicked things because he thought he was doing the right thing- there was still a sense of nobility and honour.

in Greek mythology, gods never die. but i think for Ouranos, that final battle certainly felt like death... in the end, he is left with nothing,, nothing at all except his words,, and as the story goes,, he curses his loathed son Cronus with a cruel fate- to be destroyed by his son as Ouranos was betrayed by his.

i have another hc here- and that is that the curse wasn't really about making sure that Cronus got his ass handed to him by his own son- i think the true curse was that he'd be betrayed by Rhea, the one he loved, the way Ouranos was betrayed by Gaia. that's the true tragedy.

after Ouranos is castrated, my hc is that he was probably imprisoned, perhaps in Tartarus. but tbh, i think he assumes an intangible form. he goes into a stasis.

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[seizasa-a]

(   PROMPT   )

@flutewield​ WROTE :

B rank. Catching bandits or minor shinobi/hunting down lesser missing-nin. (with keisuke or seiki? )

Keisuke was confused   ,   at first   ,   to learn that he would be going on a B - rank mission with two children   .      It wasn’t as if it were unheard of   ;   it just struck him as a bit odd to place a such two young shinobi on a team with only one jonin   .      The mission summary didn’t mention a rank   —— —   just the names Tayuya &&. Seiki   .      Of course   ,   he recognized one of them   ;   he damn well better have since she was his own student   .   He didn’t recognize the other   ,   but he certainly knew her face when he walked into the Hokage’s office to receive their debriefing   .

Ah   .      The Otogakure girl   .      Orochimaru’s experiment turned   . . .      Was she an ally   ?      A hostage   ?      A rescue   ?      The last Keisuke had heard of her   ,   she had been brought back to the village following the abduction of SASUKE UCHIHA   ,   worse for wear on account of her injuries   .      He wasn’t even sure how she managed to survive   .

Seiki looked a little uncomfortable   ,   standing off to the side &&. throwing subtle glares toward the redhead from the corners of her eyes   .      He’d stared at her for a long time himself before giving his student a very pointed look &&. diverting his focus to the explanation of their mission   ,   silent &&. attentive   .      The three of them were to track down &&. apprehend a ROGUE SHINOBI who had wandered into Hi no Kuni territory on behalf of Kusagakure   .      Fairly standard   ,   all things considered   .      The target wasn’t suspected of being exceptionally dangerous   ,   but she had left behind several injured civilians in her wake &&. one confirmed fatality   .      According to the request sent from Kusagakure   ,   that particular instance was to be regarded as a fluke   ,   but it understandably necessitated caution   .

&&. with that done   ,   they set out   .      Keisuke found it a bit ironic   ,   now   ,   that the Hokage had deemed it acceptable to send out two shinobi on a mission who were   ,   for all intents &&. purposes   ,   traitors to their homelands &&. very frequently still had their loyalties questioned   .      Given   ,   Keisuke had been living in Konoha for much longer than Tayuya &&. thus experienced significantly less DISCRIMINATION than he did upon his first arrival   ,   but the fact of the matter still stood   .      Not to mention that he was expected to look after his own student   ,   as well   .      Lord Hokage must have had a great amount of faith in him to entrust him with such a task   .

Much like when he had been assigned his own team of genin   ,   Keisuke took this as yet another SIGN OF TRUST from the Hokage that he would bestow the responsibility of supervising Tayuya &&. another young genin on his own   .      In all honesty   ,   he was excited   .      He always leapt at any opportunity to prove himself a loyal asset to Konohagakure   ,   but more specifically to Lord Hokage   .      It was his highest honour to be seen as just another shinobi rather than a FOSTERED TURNCOAT   .

❝      Is this your first mission   ?      ❞      he asked Tayuya once they were well into their trek through the woods   ,   darting from tree branch to tree branch   .      It would be several hours before they reached the halfway point to their target’s last known location at a small town near the border between Kusagakure &&. Hi no Kuni   ,   so he only thought it appropriate to try to make some small talk along the way   .      ❝      Since coming to the village   ,   I mean   .      Are you nervous   ?      ❞

Seiki scoffed from the other side of Tayuya   ,   still keeping a fair distance between the two   .      Keisuke raised a brow in her direction   .

❝      Did you have something to say   ,   Seiki   ?      ❞      he asked   ,   not at all surprised by the roll of her eyes she gave in response   .

❝      No   ,      ❞      she shrugged   ,   then continued regardless   .      ❝      It’s just   —— —   I mean   ,   come on   .      Really   ??      We’re the ones who should be NERVOUS about gettin’ stabbed in the back   .      Literally &&. figuratively   .      ❞

❝      That’s a very inappropriate thing to say about a TEAMMATE   ,      ❞      Keisuke retorted without hesitation   .      ❝      I’m   . . .   sorry   ,   Tayuya   .      It’s just going to take some time for her to get used to you being a part of our village now   .      Please don’t take it too personally   .      ❞      As if she could take it any other way   .      Keisuke just hoped he would be able to mediate between the two of them without it devolving into VIOLENCE   ,   at least until they completed their mission   .      This would be a long one   ,   no doubt about that   .

[smilingformoney]

Platinum Diamond Scene: Rooftop with Avery

You find Avery at their assigned seat, surrounded by big names in fashion. You lean down to whisper in their ear. You: Ready to explore that rooftop? Avery: Always.

Later that night, you climb the stairs to the rooftop of Avery’s townhouse… and you gasp. You: Wow, Avery! This view is stunning. East River, all the twinkling city lights… Avery: It’s something, isn’t it? But not nearly as lovely as the view right here in front of me. You: Oh! You mean me? You’re talking about me? Avery: Do you see anyone else here who fits that description? Avery: Would you like to do the honours? Avery hands you a bottle of champagne, and you hold it aloft.

BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE -Uncork it!

…And you send froth spraying everywhere. You: An honest-to-god champagne shower. I could get used to this. Avery: I think it’s about time for a toast, don’t you?

You: Definitely. A toast to… -Art.

You adopt a formal tone. You: In being nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance, Avery Wilshere has joined the pantheon of our greatest artists. May she continue to make beautiful music, forevermore. Avery: Oh, stop. I’m not the only one here who makes beautiful music, you know. You: Yes, but you’re the only one whose beautiful music has a Vinyl nod.

-Hard work.

You: Avery Wilshere had a dream, and they worked relentlessly in pursuit of that dream. And now, they’re being recognised with the highest honour in our industry. Avery: Oh, stop. I’ve been nominated for it. I’ve not yet won anything. You: Yeah, but it’s only a matter of time, I’m sure.

-Romance.

You: Romance is one of the important motifs in Avery Wilshere’s music. But it’s not just above love. You: It’s about the full spectrum of human emotion. It’s about emotional vulnerability. It’s about being brave. You: And now, that exploration has led her to the highest renown our industry can bestow. Avery: Oh, stop. I’ve been nominated for it. Nothing’s been bestowed yet. You: Yeah, yeah. But it’s only a matter of time.

You clink your glass against Avery’s and take a long, slow sip. Then you take a seat together. Avery: I’ so glad you could join me tonight. Avery: I feel like we haven’t had much alone time lately, not really. You: I know… it’s been go, go, go every since the Odyssey dropped. Avery: And I’ve been so busy with my second album. Avery: Although, I must say, I’ve had an easier go of recording since you came along. You: Really? But I haven’t done anything! I… Avery: Helped me believe in my voice again. Gave me room to be real, authentic, vulnerable. Avery: In a world full of people who want me to be someone else, you just want me to be… Avery: Well, me. You: Avery, wow. I… I don’t know what to say. Avery: May I say something, then? Avery: I… I’ve grown to feel strongly for you. I’m not sure what it is. Your spirit, your tenacity, your passion for what you care about… Avery: I thought walking into the studio for a sophomore album was going to be a chore… but I lit up inside every time I saw your face there too.

You: Avery… -I care about you, too.

You: I mean, in a way, I’ve had feelings for you since I first heard your voice. You: But meeting you, really knowing you… that changed everything. Avery: you know, I sing love songs every night. But it’s been so log since I’ve felt the way the songs describe… Avery: It feels amazing to remember. Avery: Now, I don’t suppose you want to stay the night? No need to make the long trek home when there’s plenty of space here. Avery smiles cheekily. Avery: Although… it’s up to you how much actual sleep we’ll be doing.

-Our friendship is gonna be responsible for some major bangers!

You: Our musical collaboration is gonna take the world by storm. All the hemispheres. All the time zones. Avery: They won’t know what hit them. Avery: Now, you’re welcome to stay the night. No need to make the long trek home when there’s plenty of space here.

You: Avery, I want… -To kiss you all night.

Avery grins slyly at you. Sitting on the couch close together, you lean over and meet Avery’s soft lips. You: Mmm… You close your eyes and feel their arms envelop you. You feel like you’re falling and safe all at once. Their tongue darts gently between your lips and your heartbeat quickens. Avery: I’ve been waiting all night for this…

You: Avery… -I want to go all the way with you tonight.

Avery: I was hoping you would say that. Their hands go to the back of her dress. Avery: I don’t suppose you’d like to help me with this zipper? You: Only if you return the favour. Soon, Avery is bare before you. They help you out of your clothes, pressing a kiss to your skin as each inch is revealed. You: Avery, god… I’ve wanted this for… so long… Avery: Tell me what you’ve wanted. Exactly. You take in a deep breath. This is, literally, a dream come true. Like, you have had so many unmentionable, embarrassing dreams about this exactly.

You: I want… -You to taste me.

Avery: Cadence… They push you lightly back against the sofa, so you’re staring up at the cloudless sky. You feel them slide your lacy underwear down your legs… and then… You: Oh my god, Avery. Don’t stop. Avery: Wouldn’t dream of it. It’s a matter of moments before you feel your whole body lighting up, your vision going white. You pull Avery up, kissing them full on the mouth. You: Avery… That was amazing. I want to make you feel that amazing. You: Well? What are you waiting for?

-To taste you.

Avery: Cadence… You push Avery lightly back against their sofa. You slide their bottoms down her legs… and then… Avery: Oh my god, Cadence. Don’t stop. Please. Avery’s hand clenches your shoulder as they squirm in their seat, groaning in pleasure. Later, they pull you up, kissing you full on the mouth. Avery: Cadence, that was amazing. I… They kiss you again, speechless.

You hop on top of Avery, straddling Avery’s hips with your own. Slowly, you begin to rock back and forth, and Avery’s hand caresses up your thighs… It’s not long before you’re gasping, your knuckles turning white against where you’re gripping the sofa for support. Avery’s finger nears your mouth, and you suck on it, moaning. You: Avery… I can’t… You move faster and look Avery in the eyes, their blue ones swimming with desire. Avery: If you keep this up, I’m going to… Suddenly, they reach up, pulling you close. You trace your nails down her back and shudder, riding out the waves together. You let out a gasp, then go limp, falling forward into their arms with a sift smile on your face. Avery: Cadence… come here. That was… perfect. You lean down for another kiss, and another, and another. Eventually, you drift off to sleep in her arms, nothing but stars and skyscrapers above you. You feel nothing but contentment.

-Let’s stay like this…

Avery: Of course. You take in a deep breath. This is, literally, a dream come true. Like, you have had so many unmentionable, embarrassing dreams about this exactly. You pull Avery closer to you, kissing them full on the mouth. You: Avery… You lean down for another kiss, and another, and another. Eventually, you drift off to sleep in her arms, nothing stars and skyscrapers above you. For now, everything is… Avery: Perfect.

-To call it a night.

Avery: Of course. We’ve had an extraordinarily long day, both of us. You: Tell me about it, I think I’m going to pass out any minute.

CHAMPAGNE -Clink your flutes one last time!

You down the last of your champagne, and then you pull Avery in for a hug. You: Thank for tonight, Avery. And congratulations again on your Vinyl nomination. Avery: No, thank you. For making this the most special MoDA Gala I’ve ever had. After a few more minutes chatting together, Avery accompanies you downstairs and calls you a cab home.

[blackrose-ffxiv]

Attempted Alliance 11/24

"She despises cowardice. And you did surrender, rather than meeting your end like a warrior." Gilbert Viscart looked over his mug towards the other. There was no aggression in his words. It sounded simply like an evaluation of Lebeaux' worth. "Yet you still live", he added as the mug came down. "You still have time to seek to become worthy of Her."

Lebeaux Desrosiers smiled, though he did lower his eyes back down to his glass in an effort to look ‘chastised’. “There is too much to be done in Her glory to die in a snowdrift under the blade of a heretic.” He explained calmly. “She has shown me such during my prayers and the blessing of my blade. When the time comes and I do move again to strike Idristan down and rid Ishgard of his tainted presence, will you support my efforts.”

Gilbert thinks on this: "I'm not going to have you cower behind my shield to do your dirty work for you", the Knight says a bit harshly. "Heretic though he may be, he had the right of it. He won fairly by force of arms. Under the sight of the tower. It would have been an honourable death, if not for the accusations leveled against you." He picks  up his mug, then sets it down again with a small sight and continues: "You can't change overnight. It's a long process. You can become a better person if you really want to." He sets his shield and blade down. This was going to be a longer conversation. "What kind of tainted presence do you mean?"

Lebeaux shook his head firmly. “I wouldn’t ask you to fight my battles for me.” He lied pleasantly. “Only to stand as an ally should it come to it. You were gracious enough to help me once, despite my defeat. I would hope to call you a ‘friend’ as I train and pray to return to Her grace.” He explained calmly, though in his opinion he had never fallen from it in the first place. As the phrase he had used was called into question he shifted his smile to appear sad. “You were there, weren’t you supposed to bear witness? You didn’t see it?”

Gilbert nodded slowly. The others' words seemed to make sense. "I saw you both using some strange magicks. Not the sort of thing that one would use in the line", he admitted. "Believe it or not, I am no expert on magicks. But I'm usually pretty good at sniffing out daemons and their ilk. That's why I have been tracking down that family. That's why Ser Agache came to me. He knew I had access."

Lebeaux nodded solemnly. “It was a difficult thing to understand, I’m sure.” He agreed sympathetically. Not bothering to elaborate on why that would be. Instead he took a small sip of whiskey. “ ‘That family’? And how did tracking down a family come to asking you to pull my own personal records.”

Gilbert stiffened some: "Can't talk about it, official business", he said in a clipped tone. "And you haven't answered my question. Tainted in what way?"

The elezen glanced over the edge of his whiskey glass as he took another sip. “You used your official contacts for a private inquiry?”

Gilbert flustered, caught out. "Can't talk about it. Official business", he said. He looked away, quickly draining the rest of his mug.

Lebeaux furrowed dark brows, looking very very concerned all of a sudden. “Gilbert. It is my business as well. It sounds as though you abused the privilege of your position to find information on another Faithful Ishgardian national to hand over sealed records to a bastard-born halfbreed who dabbles in befouled magicks. Halone have mercy on you, what have you done.”

"...." Gilbert looks up then. "I recall you asking me to do just that", he protests. "The only reason you did not get any of that, is you lost."

“Only after you all but admitted to doing this in the first place. Records I very well would have had access to myself if I was still permitted the rights bestowed upon my position during the War.” Lebeaux pointed out calmly. “It is only by Her grace that you do not have the death of a devout on your hands. After you orchestrated it.”

"You don't have access to those records because you are wanted for crimes against the people of Ishgard", Gilbert counters. "I had my doubts about it. You knew that. But you lost to Ser Agache in Trial by Combat. You lost in accordance with the old ways we both hold dear." He huffs: "What do you think would have happened to you had we stood before the highest magistrates and seen this fight?"

Lebeaux tilted his head as though considering it. “Let’s think about this honestly and rationally.” He began slowly. “If we had stood before the Tribunal, as it stood, I suspect it rather would have gone along the lines of never getting started. As a high-born son of a founding House I would have been given the opportunity to publicly repent and likely have my House pay a stiff fine. Possibly some reparations. That is, if I wasn’t praised for my attention to detail and enthusiasm for my work. Ser Agache, should he try to attack me, would have been executed for his dealings with dark arts and the nerve of being a lowborn bastard daring to accuse a highborn.”

Gilbert glares. He saw the truth of it. "Mayhaps", he admits. "Is it those old ways that you miss, then? The corruption? Your own privileged position? If so, it would seem that I misjudged you, Ser."

Lebeaux shook his head slowly. “Not at all.” He corrected calmly. “If some empty words of penance and a slap on the wrist were enough I would have returned to Ishgard long ago. Paid the lip service to the new Republic and found myself a comfortable position in the clergy or a clinic.” He shook his head firmly. “Our city is sick, Gilbert. Rather than bickering between us and allowing that sickness to spread … or helping it to spread…” he noted as looked pointedly down his nose at the blonde. “We must be willing to work together. All of us of the old, True Faith.”

Gilbert looked at the other. "Is that what you truly want? To work together? With a mere lowborn hyur?" He sneered and looked back at the other. "I miss the old faith. The honour of warriors. The fight against evil. But we both know why the Fury punished Ishgard. Don't we?"

Lebeaux relaxed the judgmental look and smiled cordially at the hyur, even as he sneered back at him. “Even if we are of the old faith there is no need to return to all of the old ways. I see no reason that an honest, devout and pure lowborn cannot rise up to glory in Her name.” Actually, he could see several but telling Gilbert that certainly wasn’t going to help his cause. “Why shouldn’t She rise you up to what you have earned.” He nodded solemnly in agreement to Gilbert’s question, but didn’t elaborate. Allowing the hyur to keep talking if he really wished to go into ‘why’.

"That's right", Gilbert agreed. "It's the tainted blood of the nobles. All of you drank of the dragons blood. It's a curse on all the generations. Only those of us who do not descend from the Knights are free of that taint."

“Mind yourself, Gilbert.” Lebeaux corrected coolly. “These are the words of the New Republic that you’re bandying about despite claiming to be adherent to the true faith. Why would the Fury wait until now to punish us for the supposed sins of so long ago. The blame cannot be placed solely on the founding families. All of Ishgard has allowed its Faith to rot. What few believers that remain are charged with the task of saving the entire city and returning it to Her light. Will you have yourself be counted as one of them.”

"Of course I count myself among them", Gilbert said with a huff. "But what has been revealed can not be hidden again. You are highborn, are you not? Do you deny that your ancestors drank the dragon's blood?"

The elezen prickled slightly in return. “It has never been told to me while learning my family’s lineage. There was no mention in such records of our founding Father drinking the blood nor eating the flesh of a wyrm. Should I truly have such a taint in me, wouldn’t I have stooped to drinking dragon’s blood to save myself from defeat.”

Gilbert thought about that. "Mayhaps", he ponders. "But then it's not as if your families' chronicle would document how your women fornicated with dragons and beasts, or how your men experimented with foul blood magicks. And if you are highborn then you do indeed descend from these people. If you think you do not, then you are as lowborn as I am. Which is it?"

Lebeaux set his whiskey glass down firmly. “Bear in mind, Gilbert, that the situation did not take a turn for the worse until the foreigners were allowed into the city. We were not thriving but we held our own against the Horde. Then these outsiders infiltrate with the aid of bastards and byblows and suddenly the City is under onslaught. That cannot be coincidence. Now they would muddy the waters to hide their hand by declaring the Archbishop an abomination and his Heavensward monstrosities.” He spoke quickly and sharply. “As you are a low born and hyuran besides, I understand fully why you would gladly open your mouth wide for these lies. How sweet they must taste sliding down your throat. Not only would they tear down the class separation with this re-writing of our history but they would also account your deeds for naught as you achieved your glory slaying dragons, did you not.”

Gilbert frowns. What Lebeaux was saying made sense. "My status has nothing to do with it", he said, though he wasn't entirely sure of it. "I've seen the corruption in Ishgard. I've seen the plotting and the scheming. I've seen you and Ser Agache do it both, with your fine words. Trying to get an advantage using words and paper. It is very different from the wholesome, simple worship we did in the Real Ishgard." By which he meant, not Ishgard proper. "... if these accusations of yours are true then my liege would be in on it as well. And why would he? He had nothing to gain by this. He heads one of the High Houses!"

Lebeaux extended his hands, settling them palm up on the tabletop. “There is corruption. There always has been. It is a symptom of the sickness but not the cause itself.” His tone had calmed considerably, a far gentler sound now that Gilbert seemed to have undug his heels from his previous stance. “Your liege lord is a clever man. He saw the changing tides, considering it was under his roof that one of the bastards allowed the foreign contagion to fester. Rather than stand against it, he chose to move with it. Should it turn again, you would best believe he would repeat the process in the new direction as well. You notice that he still has his fine house and brimming treasury, despite his cries for change.”

Gilbert sat back and frowned. He was silent for a few moments, thinking of this. "She would not have us win the war. She brought her icy breath over our lands. If the corrupted blood is not the cause of the sickness, then what is?"

Lebeaux exhaled a quiet chuckle. “I would ask you think and pray on it. Perhaps seek the advice of Father Liautroix.” He suggested as he finished the glass and rose to his feet. The remaining whiskey was slid towards Gilbert. “Their answer isn’t an easy one, yet we must look beyond such things as highborn and lowborn. Elezen or hyur. Look to the Faith. It will be meaningless should I just set it in front of you.” He walked past, giving the blonde a pat on the shoulder as he strolled leisurely by to stand on the far side of him. “Then I would be no different than the non-believers shoving their ‘truths’ down your throat.”

Gilbert nods. "I'll seek his advice", he remarks. That seemed like a good idea. Gabineaux would know the answers. He looked to the side when the other raised and patted him on the shoulder, the gesture prompting a faint smile. "Faith will save us", he agreed. "I will pray on your words, Ser."

Lebeaux nodded softly. “And I will pray for you. That She should guide you to the truth. You are a good man, Gilbert. Yet you seem to be easily distracted along the way. Even if you stop to look at the scenery do not stray from the path. Not for the sake of pretty boys that bruise easily. Nor for the chance to take a cheap shot at a highborn whom you envy. I do look forward to hearing from you soon and perhaps sharing another drink. It was certainly enlightening.”

@gilbert-ffxiv

[izzystitchlover2]

Animation Principles Analysis

All 12 Principles of Animation by Alan Becker

I started my research by coming up with a list of films which I though showed use of the principles in certain scenes. Though I first watched the full series Alan Becker created on each of the 12 principles to remind me of what each one was, by also showing me examples of them being used in different situations.

Squash and Stretch - Tom and Jerry:

Tom and Jerry are one of the best when it comes to animating squash and stretch action, as almost all movement is exaggerated to the max. In this example Tom opens the door to look for Jerry, not expecting him to be bigger than he is. Jerry then hits Tom on the head with a hammer causing him to be squashed, his body then stretches upwards as he springs back up again like a jack-in-the-box. Involving squash and stretch also helps exaggerate motion and make for a more believable appearance. If the animation didn’t include the principle, the force at which the hammer hits Tom wouldn’t be as believable, it would also give a different effect making the hammer appear lighter.

I’d like to incorporate this principle a lot more in my work, especially in the morphing animation I'm working on at the moment where Maleficent's staff turns into a ball which then morphs into the spinning wheel. I’ve only just made a start on my morph at this moment in time as I've been struggling a lot with it, so I might even restart it depending on how easy it is to edit as it is, but I would somehow like to incorporate this principle into the finished piece.

Anticipation - Tangled:

This is a really good example of anticipation as you know something will happen before it even does. Just before Rapunzel accidentally whacks herself in the head with the frying pan, she gives it a spin to make herself look ‘cool’. In the film the spinning of the pan beforehand goes on for longer (the gif only really shows the end result), starting slow and speeding up. This build up of momentum shows her gaining confidence with her skill of using the frying pan. The anticipation allows the force at which the pan hits Rapunzel’s head to appear harder, thus more believable to the audience. The anticipation also gives the audience time to capture what is about to happen, so where on screen they need to look next.

Staging - The Lion King:

The Lion King is one of my all time favourite films by Disney, from its musical script to its visuals, its definitely one of my favourites. Staging plays a large part in the film too, especially right at the very beginning where it contains multiple examples of good staging. The gif above shows one of these well staged scenes. It captures how high up Rafiki is on ‘Pride Rock’, when the camera zooms out on him showing Simba to all the other animals. The scene captures Rafiki's importance in the film when he is bestowed the honour of holding up the future king to the animal nation on the highest rock in the Land. The staging also makes the audience focus on what the animator wants them to see, and the order they want them to see it in. In this example your eyes are drawn to Simba being held up by Rafiki, then it zooms out on them and is aimed at the animals cheering from below.

Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose - Bolt:

The straight ahead technique is to animate an action from drawing 1 to the end of a sequence. In the gif above the action is Bolt as a puppy running up to his carrot to pounce on it. The pose to pose technique is when the keyframes are drawn first (often the beginning and end drawing of the action). The in-betweens are then added to fill the rest of the animation. Here the key poses of Bolt are; at the beginning when he's about to charge, then at the end when he returns to the ‘play’ position after he has pounced onto the toy carrot. Actions that require tight timing and structure are often animated with the pose to pose technique to show more realistic movement. This method also helps to maintain a solid structure and preserve the volume.

Follow Through and Overlapping Action - The Little Mermaid:

Follow through and overlapping occur when momentum makes part of a person or item keep on going, even when they have come to a halt. In this example, Ariel’s hair carries on moving in a spiral, even after she has stopped spinning. This motion allows the audience to identify that she is in water as the rates objects come to a stop is far slower in water then it is on land. Overlapping is shown by Ariel spinning and her hair then following just behind. Follow through and overlap occur as it takes allot of effort to get an object to a speed, objects don’t just instantly gain speed.

Slow in and Slow out - Sleeping Beauty:

Slow in and slow out (easing) is used to make small and large movements more believable. For an object to move it needs to build up speed to start with and it needs to slow its speed in order to stop. In this scenario, Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip are dancing together across the patch of grass. At the start (to step into the dance), Phillip slowly walks in front a little to pull Aurora towards him. At the end, Aurora is twirled outwards (away from Phillip) until she comes to a stop, for realistic movement. 

Arc - The Jungle Book:

People and animals naturally move in arcs, from arms swinging when a person walks, to an animal’s head swinging to and fro whilst it’s moving. They all move in a non linear way. In this example, Kaa the Snake is swinging a sleeping Mowgli back and fourth, as if he was being a hammock. The shape Kaa has created with his body is a physical ‘Arc’, and his movements are like that of a pendulum. Even Mowgli’s arms react in a similar way (they follow through). This movement makes the idea of Mowgli being swung more believable.

Secondary Action - Winnie The Poo:

Secondary action is very important in order to make a movement more believable. In this case Tigger from Winnie The Poo has the primary action of turning his head, followed by the secondary actions of his ears drooping and him closing his eyes. This not only adds more effect to showing Tigger’s guilt, but it also gives the primary action more flow and making it less robotic and more smooth. If Tigger just turned his head, the motion would just seem scripted with no emotion. However, due to the secondary actions, the ears and the closing of the eyes allow for the head turning ‘in shame’ to look more believable, thus helping the animation of Tigger appear ‘guilty’.

Timing - Howl’s Moving Castle:

In this scene from the Studio Ghibli film ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, Turnip Head the Scarecrow is slowly standing upright. The speed at which he stands up at is fairly slow and steady, meaning more frames would have been added in-between the two main poses to make the action slower. This is a good use of timing as it also brings across Turnip Heads nature and personality more, as the speed the character moves at helps show his kind and easy-going nature in the film.

Exaggeration - Monsters Inc:

In this scene, Sully from Monsters Inc is my favourite example for the use of exaggeration. The exaggeration is heavily used for both comedic purposes (for the audience) and extreme terror and worry (for Sully). It helps to convey the characters emotions much more effectively and is especially needed for this particular scene. Exaggeration allows the audience to quickly and easily identify what it is the animator wants to portray. Here, Sully is seen pulling his face down whilst his eyes go all dazed and his mouth opens wide to form an ‘0′ shape. This gives a strong indication that he is utterly traumatised by what he is seeing. If this scene wasn’t exaggerated, you might get the impression that Sully wasn’t as horrified as he looks in the gif above.

Solid Drawing - Mickey Mouse:

Solid drawings are important to use as it ensures consistency with the character design from each pose. It is especially needed for complex 3D characters but also 2D ones as well to keep consistency perfect, such as Mickey Mouse. The use of solid drawing also helps to understand the perspective of the character as you draw even the stuff you don’t see, so when you do see it it’s in perspective. In this example, Mickey’s left hand is not really visible until he moves it from his side to use it to turn on the ice cream tap.

Appeal - Inside Out:

For any animation to be successful, it must have appeal. This includes the design of the characters, the set, and the overall aesthetics of the film. Inside Out definitely has appeal, taking inspiration from the five main human emotions and turning them into their own unique characters, as well as bringing Bing Bong, a child’s imaginary friend to life. Inside Out also has appeal in the way they have interpreted a person’s ‘memory’ by turning each event into a ball once it had taken place in real life. This is one of my favourite films in terms of its appeal and aesthetics. This appeal helps to draw the audience into the story, unappealing characters lead to a loss of interest in a story.  

[a-dream-of-green-and-gold]

Bitter Vines

Though the sun has long risen, its rays only barely peek over the high walls, and the air in the shaded garden still holds the ghost of the morning-dew's chill. These scarce moments of quiet solitude have become as much of a precious ritual to you as the lilies you are here to collect. The space is by no means grand, only a small cloistered courtyard beside the temple, and its well-manicured flora stands in stark contrast to the sacred and untouched wild beyond the walls. Satisfied that you are alone, you let your veil slip down to hang from your shoulders so that you might soak up what little warmth the sun can bestow upon your silvery-bronze forehead.

"You don't get enough light in here, do you," you whisper to the flower beneath your knife. "But you are loved."

"Dal? Is that you?" an airy voice lilts from behind you.

You turn, rushing to cover yourself again, and come to face to face with an old acquaintance from quieter times. Friend? No, friend is too strong of a word - a former peer, a maid in the temple. She carries a bronze hydria clearly meant for the garden's low, bubbling fountain, and a vaguely concerned look on her face. "Ave cognata," you answer with a curt bow.

"It's been so long. You stopped coming to vespers with us."

"My Lady is very busy, and I must tend to her needs."

She bites her copper-green lip and shifts on her feet. "We've been worried, we'd heard.. troubling things. Is she..?"

You offer only a quick, hollow smile before you turn back to your work of flower-gathering. "It is the highest honour to serve my-- our Lady. Please refrain from disrespecting her with vain rumours." Your voice lowers as your knife's edge cleanly snaps a stem. "Or me."

"I've seen you at court beside her. You veil your eyes, just as she does, but sometimes I catch glimpses. Where do you go? It's like you aren't even there sometimes."

"Don't pretend to know me or where my thoughts dwell," more sorrow in your voice than the venom you'd intended. "What you see is hallowed joy."

"Joy. Of course." She stands silent for a long moment. "Come pray with us, cousin. Please."

When you don't answer she starts to fidget, and you consider ordering her to leave. As much as it is unexpectedly pleasant to speak with someone less than royal, she is intruding upon your few minutes of peace and her pitying gaze is starting to feel like broken glass in your skin. "Please," you whisper in echo.

"God, I didn't believe it until now. You really are in love with her."

Snap. The knife cuts through the stem and deep into the side of your finger, forcing you to twist your hand away awkwardly to keep from burning the poor lilies with your blood. Such wretched loss would've been unforgivable, even if only in your own eyes. A sob half-escapes your clenched teeth, twisting into soft, cold laughter instead. "Go back to your duties, sparrow. You are interfering with mine."

She flinches, more at the harsh command than the insult, but offers no protest. "Yes ma'am."

At last, you are alone with your beloved moon-white lilies in your tiny, walled garden. Tranquil and alone.

[pamphletstoinspire]

Prayer For The Day - Grade 9

St. Teresa of Avila's Nine Grades of Prayer:

Preface:

St. Teresa's teaching on the following grades of prayer clearly shows us that in varying degrees all souls on earth are invited to Grade Nine in prayer, a prelude to Heaven. Since each of us is born to spend eternity with God in Heaven and that everyone living in Heaven now is praying at least in Grade Ten, we can safely assert that every single person in the whole humanity without exception is created to attain Grade Nine here and reach Grade Ten in Heaven. If Grade Nine is Heaven on earth, then Grade Ten is Heaven in Heaven. There is always sufficient grace to do so. Everything depends really on our unceasing cooperation with God's superabundant grace.

Souls, who pray and live oftentimes in a higher grade of prayer on earth, live and pray oftentimes in a higher level towards Heaven on earth. Apparently, if a soul in the state of grace cannot reach or maintain Grade Nine of Prayer upon death, then there seems to be three possible ways in which she would reach Grade Ten in Heaven: a) she may have to be given God's special mercy, e.g., a baby who dies prematurely; b) she may have to be given God's gracious intervention, e.g., a martyr in Grade 5 who would go to Heaven instantly; or c) she may have to be given extra time and grace to complete her homework in Purgatory. It appears that most of us have yet to do our very assignment here on earth.

Introduction:

Although the editor of this present website attempts to integrate the following with the Eastern Orthodox concept of God's Energy as God's grace, the essence of it is taken from Jordan Aumann, O.P., Spiritual Theology (Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1980) pp.316-357. Credits are hence due to the Holy Spirit, St. Teresa of Avila, and Rev. Prof. Jordan Aumann. To obtain the best results, readers may have to read and re-read the pages in Spiritual Theology or those in St. Teresa's works. Indeed, the purpose of this summary is reached if it could help inspire readers to further study and progress in the nine grades of prayer as taught by this woman Doctor of the Church (1515-1582). Fr. Aumann notes (Ibid., p.316):

"We are indebted to St. Teresa of Avila for the clearest and best classification of the grades of prayer. Her concept that the intensity of one's life of prayer coincides with the intensity of one's charity is based on solid theology and was confirmed by St. Pius X, who stated that the grades of prayer taught by St. Teresa represent so many grades of elevation and ascent toward Christian perfection.

These grades are (1) vocal prayer, (2) meditation, (3) affective prayer, (4) prayer of simplicity, (5) infused contemplation, (6) prayer of quiet, (7) prayer of union, (8) prayer of conforming union, and (9) prayer of transforming union. The first four grades belong to the predominantly ascetical stage of spiritual life; the remaining five grades are infused prayer and belong to the mystical phase of spiritual life."

Note: St. Teresea clearly did not mention any grade of prayer beyond the above.

A Christian more perfect in loving God and others is one who prays more perfectly or powerfully. Living and praying in a higher grade of prayer is living and praying in a greater intensity of love, grace or Divine Energy. All are called to be filled with God's grace, resembling Holy Mary who was "full of grace" in the ninth grade while living on earth.

Grade 9: Prayer of Transforming Union

According to Prof. Jordan Aumann, "The last grade of prayer is the transforming union, identified by many mystics as the spiritual marriage. It constitutes the seventh mansions of The Interior Castle of St. Teresa and is the highest degree of perfection that one can attain in this life. It is, therefore, a prelude to the beatific life of glory… In this grade of prayer there is a total transformation of the soul into the Beloved. The soul has entered into its very center, so to speak, which is the throne room of the interior castle where the Trinity dwells through grace. There God and the soul give themselves to each other in the consummation of divine love, so far as is possible in the present life. There is no more ecstasy, for the soul has now been strengthened to receive the full power of love, but in the brightness of an intellectual vision the soul experiences the Trinity with vivid awareness" (Spiritual Theology, pp.350-351)

In the words of St. Teresa, "First of all the spirit becomes enkindled and is illumined, as it were, by a cloud of the greatest brightness. It sees these three Persons, individually, and yet, by a wonderful kind of knowledge which is given it, the soul realizes that most certainly and truly all these three Persons are one substance and one power and one knowledge and one God alone; so that what we hold by faith the soul may be said here to grasp by sight, although nothing is seen by the eyes, either of the body or of the soul, for it is no imaginary vision. Here all three Persons communicate Themselves to the soul and speak to the soul and explain to it those words which the Gospel attributes to the Lord -- namely, that He and the Father and the Holy Spirit will come to dwell with the soul which loves Him and keeps His commandments." [Interior Castle, translated and edited by E. Allison Peers (New York: Doubleday, 1989) pp.209-210]

Fr. Aumann continues, "We can distinguish three elements in this loftiest degree of the prayer of union: transformation in God, mutual surrender, and the permanent union of love… Concomitant with the permanent union of love is the soul's confirmation in grace. St. John of the Cross maintains that the transformation union never falters and the soul is confirmed in grace, but St. Teresa warns that as long as we are in this world we must walk with caution, lest we offend God. However, the apparent contradiction is readily resolved when we say that confirmation in grace does not mean intrinsic impeccability, for the Church teaches that it is an impossibility in this life. Nor is it a question of avoiding all venial sins in this life, for that would require a special privilege of grace as was bestowed on the Virgin Mary. Consequently, confirmation in grace must be understood as the special grace and assistance from God to avoid all mortal sins and thus have moral certificate of salvation." (Spiritual Theology, p.352)

Concerning the awesome effects of Transforming Union, St. Teresa said: "First, there is a self-forgetfulness which is so complete that it really seems as though the soul no longer existed, because it is such that she has neither knowledge nor remembrance that there is either heaven or life or honour for her, so entirely is she employed in seeking the honour of God … The second effect produced is a great desire to suffer, but this is not of such a kind as to disturb the soul, as it did previously. So extreme is her longing for the will of God to be done in her that whatever His Majesty does she considers to be for the best… [The third effect:] When these souls are persecuted, they have a great interior joy, and much more peace... They bear no enmity to those who ill-treat them, or desire to do so. Indeed they conceive a special love for them … [The fourth effect:] They have now an equally strong desire to serve Him, and to sing His praise, and to help some soul if they can. Their conception of glory is of being able in some way to help the Crucified, especially when they see how often people offend Him … [The fifth effect:] These souls have a marked detachment from everything and a desire to be always either alone or busy with something that is to some soul's advantage. They have no aridities or interior trails but a remembrance of Our Lord and a tender love for Him … [The sixth effect:] The soul has no more raptures accompanied, that is to say, by the suspension of the senses, save very occasionally, and even then it has not the same transports and flights of the spirit … [The seventh effect:] Here to this wounded hart are given waters in abundance… Oh, Jesus! If only one knew how many things there are in Scripture which describe this peace of the soul! … I assure you, sisters, that they have no lack of crosses, but these do not unsettle them or deprive them of their peace. The few storms pass quickly, like waves of the sea, and fair weather returns, and then the Presence of the Lord which they have within them makes them forget everything." (The Interior Castle, ibid., pp.219-225)

Finally, Fr. Aumann sums up this ideal of Christian perfection as follows: "Such is the bittersweet path the leads to the heights of contemplative prayer and the transforming union. It is the sublime ideal of Christian perfection, and it is offered to all souls in grace. When Jesus pronounced the precept: 'You must be made perfect as your heavenly father is perfect' (Matt. 5:48), he was speaking to all souls without exception. The Christian life, if it is developed according to the supernatural powers that are inherent in it, will lead to the transforming union of charity, which is in turn the prelude to the beatific vision." (Spiritual Theology, p.354)

For further comments on this grade of prayer see below:

All Roads Lead To Transforming Union

Just as all roads lead to Rome, many spiritual authors feel that all roads should lead also to transforming union with God which St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross speak of. For example, Fr. Thomas Dubay puts it firmly as follows:(1)

"Our being filled with God is, of course, the reason for everything else in the economy of salvation … the transforming union is likewise the purpose of all else in the Church. The Eucharist itself, the Sacrament of all sacraments, is, according to the word of the Lord, aimed at producing eternal life here on earth. Jesus declares that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His Blood has eternal life. It is a life that is to be abundant, to the full. The fullness is transformation; there is no other. In this Mystical Body of Christ we are to find our fulfillment, not something less. Thus all structures in the Church - institutions, priesthood, curias, chancery offices, books and candles and all else - are aimed at producing this abundance of life, this utter immersion in triune splendor, this transforming union."

Likewise, Ralph Martin states: (2)

"Jesus wants the individuals he has chosen, the institutions he has established, the rituals he has authorized, the teaching he has given all to lead to a deeper, life-giving relationship to him in the power and freedom of the Holy Spirit. They are not ends in themselves; they are pathways and doorways to him or responses to him. When they function as substitutes for personal union with him or as obstacles, it is a grave matter to him."

(1) Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., Fire Within (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1989) pp.196-197.

(2) Ralph Martin, The Catholic Church at the End of an Age: What Is the Spirit Saying? (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1994) p.149.

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New Post has been published on Webpostingpro

New Post has been published on https://webpostingpro.com/un-chief-selects-education-advocate-malala-yousafzai-for-top-honour/

UN chief selects education advocate Malala Yousafzai for top honour

United Countries Secretary-Fashionable Antonio Guterres has selected Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai to be a UN messenger of peace, the highest honour bestowed by the UN chief on a worldwide citizen.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric introduced Friday that the 19-yr-antique training propose will awareness worldwide attention on the need for all ladies to move to school. She may be officially particular at a rite on Monday and then maintain a verbal exchange with Guterres and youngsters representatives from around the world on women’ training, he stated.

Yousafzai have become the youngest-ever Nobel laureate in 2014

While she changed into known for her advocacy of the proper of all children to training. Her marketing campaign led to a Taliban assassination attempt near her home in northwest Pakistan that left her significantly wounded. She went to Britain for scientific remedy and now goes to highschool there.

“Even in the face of grave hazard, Malala Yousafzai has shown an unwavering dedication to the rights of women, ladies and every body,” Guterres stated.

“Her brave activism for ladies’ schooling has already energised so many human beings around the arena,” he stated in a announcement. “Now as our youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace, Malala can do even greater to assist create a greater just and peaceful global.”

Different messengers of peace which includes actors Michael Douglas and Leonardo DiCaprio, primatologist Jane Goodall and musicians Daniel Barenboim and Yo-Yo Ma.

Messengers of Peace volunteer “their time, expertise and passion” in exceptional fields to assist recognition worldwide attention at the paintings of the United Countries, according to the UN.

How to Get Your Music Business Education

While there are numerous methods to get your song business schooling, a few methods are greater valuable than others. Here are four approaches to research what you want to study the enterprise of music.

The College of Difficult Knocks

Revel in is the finest trainer… Or is it?

The Faculty of Hard knocks isn’t most effective the hardest manner to learn what you need to know, it is also the slowest and most tedious. There are a good deal smarter and faster approaches to get the competencies, understanding, and Enjoy you need, however there is no denying that existence’s challenges educate us what works and what doesn’t.

College or College

College is a good deal too expensive to be worthwhile, and it molds you into a manufacturing facility employee – forever shackling you to antique philosophies and ideals which can be becoming much less applicable by way of the second – specially Here in the virtual age.

Faculty has some benefits, such as the connections you make and the resources you’re given access to. however unless you’re gaining knowledge of underneath someone with actual consequences, you are simply kidding yourself.

Self-schooling

Self-education is one of the satisfactory approaches to get the information you need. The best disadvantage is that you have to make feel of it, arrange it, take a look at it, and separate the wheat from the chaff.

Forbes education rankings

Books, guides, seminars, conferences, podcasts, blogs, magazines, TED Talks… There may be an countless supply of data to dig into, and plenty of it is loose.

Mentorship

Mentorship is likewise an brilliant manner to examine, and with the aid of a ways one of the exceptional. There may be one primary downside – it could be Hard to find a mentor.

If they have a a hit business in their personal, they may be likely busy strolling it. And if they’re now not seeking to encourage greater opposition of their area of interest, they may not be interested in helping you.

For those and different motives, precise mentorship may be Tough to find. but it is still worthwhile.

Conclusion

Our opinion is that a aggregate of self-education and mentorship is the fine way to get the track commercial enterprise training you want.

What’s the Difference Between: A Lawyer, Solicitor, Advocate, Barrister, Counselor, and an Attorney

Have you ever ever puzzled in which a majority of these quite confusing terms came from? Properly the answer is they may be all styles of Attorneys originated from numerous prison structures. A number of the phrases are from the English legal gadget, a few are from Scotland and some from the yankee criminal machine.

An Legal professional is any individual legally empowered to symbolize some other character, or act on their behalf.

A Legal professional is any person who can supply felony advice and has been trained in the law.

Are Attorney and Attorney are synonyms? Basically yes, but they are not necessarily Interchangeable phrases, you can not as an example say I come up with the Power of a Lawyer, however you truly might say I give you the Strength of Legal professional…

Appearance once more at the above definitions, does it now make any experience? Off direction it does.

An Lawyer in truth is an agent who conducts business under authority that is controlled and restricted with the aid of a written report referred to as a letter, or Strength, of Attorney granted through the main. An Lawyer at regulation is an officer of a courtroom of law legal to represent the man or woman using him (the patron) in felony court cases.

A Solicitor- One which solicits,

Particularly One that seeks alternate or contributions. The leader law officer of a town, city, or government department however does not act as an advise in courtroom, rather than the Attorney who pleads in courtroom. (English regulation).

A Barrister(known as advocate in Scotland) presents the case in court. Maximum senior and outstanding barristers are precise King’s (Queen’s) counsel.advocate antonym

A Counselor at regulation- inside the past at the least in a few Usastates there was a distinction among the time period A Counselor at regulation who argued the case in court and an Lawyer who organized the case but failed to argue it.

In recent times an Legal professional at law is authorized to exercising all the capabilities of a practicing Attorney. All of them have to, however, like the regular Legal professional, be admitted to the bar. The time period Legal professional is also used for county, country, and federal prosecuting officials, as county Lawyer, district Attorney, and Lawyer fashionable.

Legal professionals, additionally called attorneys,

Act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they constitute one of the parties in crook and civil trials by way of imparting evidence and arguing in courtroom to assist their patron. As advisors, Attorneys counsel their customers concerning their criminal rights and responsibilities and advocate unique publications of movement in enterprise and personal matters. Despite the fact that all Legal professionals are licensed to represent parties in courtroom, some appear in court extra often than others. Trial Legal professionals, who specialize in trial work, ought to be capable of think quickly and communicate effortlessly and authority. Similarly, familiarity with court docket rules and strategy is mainly vital in trial work. Nonetheless, trial Legal professionals spend most of the people in their time outside the court, engaging in studies, interviewing customers and witnesses, and managing other info in practise for trial.advocate in a sentence

In Honour of Fathers Who Choose to Be Dads

I can continually don’t forget the wise phrases of a young female as she defined the names she used for her step-father and her father. She used Dad to refer to her step-father and Father to consult her organic father, because “everyone may be a father; not every body is a actual dad.” I concept of her innocent wisdom often during the years in which my very own children ached for his or her father to choose to be a dad and to put them first. I write this letter on behalf of kids who yearn for dads they are able to really honour on Father’s Day and who positioned them first every day.honor vs honour

Pricey Dads,

I want you to realize how a good deal it manner on your children which you play with them. Oh, how they love whilst you interact and play with them! Whilst a dad performs along with his youngsters, that time and interaction sends an unstated message that they’re valued and crucial. that point tells your kids that they be counted, and they need to know that to construct their sense of really worth inside the global.

I want you to know how a great deal it method in your youngsters that you speak with them and absolutely concentrate to what they have to say. You do not must set aside time for talks. Just contain your youngsters in what you’re doing or take them with you on tours or errands. speak and share as you’re doing some thing or going someplace together. Your kids want to recognise which you are interested in them and that you pay attention them. They need to realize that what they share with you topics.your honour vs your honor

I need you to realize how a great deal it approach

To your youngsters which you come to observe them participate in their sports and activities. It subjects to them that you are looking or, even higher, involved with their teams and companies. They search for you to be there, to be at the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on. Your presence tells them which you trust in them; which you are their best champion. They need you to agree with in them so they can learn how to consider in themselves.

I need you to realize how a good deal it manner in your youngsters while you hug them and maintain them and inform them how plenty you love them. Your unconditional love teaches them to like themselves. When youngsters develop self-love, they have got a robust internal base from which to venture forth into the sector.

[webpostingpro-blog]

New Post has been published on Webpostingpro

New Post has been published on https://webpostingpro.com/un-chief-selects-education-advocate-malala-yousafzai-for-top-honour/

UN chief selects education advocate Malala Yousafzai for top honour

United Countries Secretary-Fashionable Antonio Guterres has selected Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai to be a UN messenger of peace, the highest honour bestowed by the UN chief on a worldwide citizen.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric introduced Friday that the 19-yr-antique training propose will awareness worldwide attention on the need for all ladies to move to school. She may be officially particular at a rite on Monday and then maintain a verbal exchange with Guterres and youngsters representatives from around the world on women’ training, he stated.

Yousafzai have become the youngest-ever Nobel laureate in 2014

While she changed into known for her advocacy of the proper of all children to training. Her marketing campaign led to a Taliban assassination attempt near her home in northwest Pakistan that left her significantly wounded. She went to Britain for scientific remedy and now goes to highschool there.

“Even in the face of grave hazard, Malala Yousafzai has shown an unwavering dedication to the rights of women, ladies and every body,” Guterres stated.

“Her brave activism for ladies’ schooling has already energised so many human beings around the arena,” he stated in a announcement. “Now as our youngest-ever UN Messenger of Peace, Malala can do even greater to assist create a greater just and peaceful global.”

Different messengers of peace which includes actors Michael Douglas and Leonardo DiCaprio, primatologist Jane Goodall and musicians Daniel Barenboim and Yo-Yo Ma.

Messengers of Peace volunteer “their time, expertise and passion” in exceptional fields to assist recognition worldwide attention at the paintings of the United Countries, according to the UN.

How to Get Your Music Business Education

While there are numerous methods to get your song business schooling, a few methods are greater valuable than others. Here are four approaches to research what you want to study the enterprise of music.

The College of Difficult Knocks

Revel in is the finest trainer… Or is it?

The Faculty of Hard knocks isn’t most effective the hardest manner to learn what you need to know, it is also the slowest and most tedious. There are a good deal smarter and faster approaches to get the competencies, understanding, and Enjoy you need, however there is no denying that existence’s challenges educate us what works and what doesn’t.

College or College

College is a good deal too expensive to be worthwhile, and it molds you into a manufacturing facility employee – forever shackling you to antique philosophies and ideals which can be becoming much less applicable by way of the second – specially Here in the virtual age.

Faculty has some benefits, such as the connections you make and the resources you’re given access to. however unless you’re gaining knowledge of underneath someone with actual consequences, you are simply kidding yourself.

Self-schooling

Self-education is one of the satisfactory approaches to get the information you need. The best disadvantage is that you have to make feel of it, arrange it, take a look at it, and separate the wheat from the chaff.

Forbes education rankings

Books, guides, seminars, conferences, podcasts, blogs, magazines, TED Talks… There may be an countless supply of data to dig into, and plenty of it is loose.

Mentorship

Mentorship is likewise an brilliant manner to examine, and with the aid of a ways one of the exceptional. There may be one primary downside – it could be Hard to find a mentor.

If they have a a hit business in their personal, they may be likely busy strolling it. And if they’re now not seeking to encourage greater opposition of their area of interest, they may not be interested in helping you.

For those and different motives, precise mentorship may be Tough to find. but it is still worthwhile.

Conclusion

Our opinion is that a aggregate of self-education and mentorship is the fine way to get the track commercial enterprise training you want.

What’s the Difference Between: A Lawyer, Solicitor, Advocate, Barrister, Counselor, and an Attorney

Have you ever ever puzzled in which a majority of these quite confusing terms came from? Properly the answer is they may be all styles of Attorneys originated from numerous prison structures. A number of the phrases are from the English legal gadget, a few are from Scotland and some from the yankee criminal machine.

An Legal professional is any individual legally empowered to symbolize some other character, or act on their behalf.

A Legal professional is any person who can supply felony advice and has been trained in the law.

Are Attorney and Attorney are synonyms? Basically yes, but they are not necessarily Interchangeable phrases, you can not as an example say I come up with the Power of a Lawyer, however you truly might say I give you the Strength of Legal professional…

Appearance once more at the above definitions, does it now make any experience? Off direction it does.

An Lawyer in truth is an agent who conducts business under authority that is controlled and restricted with the aid of a written report referred to as a letter, or Strength, of Attorney granted through the main. An Lawyer at regulation is an officer of a courtroom of law legal to represent the man or woman using him (the patron) in felony court cases.

A Solicitor- One which solicits,

Particularly One that seeks alternate or contributions. The leader law officer of a town, city, or government department however does not act as an advise in courtroom, rather than the Attorney who pleads in courtroom. (English regulation).

A Barrister(known as advocate in Scotland) presents the case in court. Maximum senior and outstanding barristers are precise King’s (Queen’s) counsel.advocate antonym

A Counselor at regulation- inside the past at the least in a few Usastates there was a distinction among the time period A Counselor at regulation who argued the case in court and an Lawyer who organized the case but failed to argue it.

In recent times an Legal professional at law is authorized to exercising all the capabilities of a practicing Attorney. All of them have to, however, like the regular Legal professional, be admitted to the bar. The time period Legal professional is also used for county, country, and federal prosecuting officials, as county Lawyer, district Attorney, and Lawyer fashionable.

Legal professionals, additionally called attorneys,

Act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they constitute one of the parties in crook and civil trials by way of imparting evidence and arguing in courtroom to assist their patron. As advisors, Attorneys counsel their customers concerning their criminal rights and responsibilities and advocate unique publications of movement in enterprise and personal matters. Despite the fact that all Legal professionals are licensed to represent parties in courtroom, some appear in court extra often than others. Trial Legal professionals, who specialize in trial work, ought to be capable of think quickly and communicate effortlessly and authority. Similarly, familiarity with court docket rules and strategy is mainly vital in trial work. Nonetheless, trial Legal professionals spend most of the people in their time outside the court, engaging in studies, interviewing customers and witnesses, and managing other info in practise for trial.advocate in a sentence

In Honour of Fathers Who Choose to Be Dads

I can continually don’t forget the wise phrases of a young female as she defined the names she used for her step-father and her father. She used Dad to refer to her step-father and Father to consult her organic father, because “everyone may be a father; not every body is a actual dad.” I concept of her innocent wisdom often during the years in which my very own children ached for his or her father to choose to be a dad and to put them first. I write this letter on behalf of kids who yearn for dads they are able to really honour on Father’s Day and who positioned them first every day.honor vs honour

Pricey Dads,

I want you to realize how a good deal it manner on your children which you play with them. Oh, how they love whilst you interact and play with them! Whilst a dad performs along with his youngsters, that time and interaction sends an unstated message that they’re valued and crucial. that point tells your kids that they be counted, and they need to know that to construct their sense of really worth inside the global.

I want you to know how a great deal it method in your youngsters that you speak with them and absolutely concentrate to what they have to say. You do not must set aside time for talks. Just contain your youngsters in what you’re doing or take them with you on tours or errands. speak and share as you’re doing some thing or going someplace together. Your kids want to recognise which you are interested in them and that you pay attention them. They need to realize that what they share with you topics.your honour vs your honor

I need you to realize how a great deal it approach

To your youngsters which you come to observe them participate in their sports and activities. It subjects to them that you are looking or, even higher, involved with their teams and companies. They search for you to be there, to be at the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on. Your presence tells them which you trust in them; which you are their best champion. They need you to agree with in them so they can learn how to consider in themselves.

I need you to realize how a good deal it manner in your youngsters while you hug them and maintain them and inform them how plenty you love them. Your unconditional love teaches them to like themselves. When youngsters develop self-love, they have got a robust internal base from which to venture forth into the sector.