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overthinkingkdrama · 5 years ago

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Exit Review: Psychopath Diary

Synopsis

Yook Dong Shik is a hogu. Softhearted and easily taken advantage of, he’s miserable in his job as a stock analyst, where his good nature is abused by his boss and coworkers. In his off hours he finds some small solace is walking neighborhood dogs and escaping into his favorite movies: crime dramas and psychological thrillers.

After a big investment by one of the higher ups goes sour, Dong Shik is picked to take the blame. Even then, he can’t seem to stand up for himself. Pushed to an act of desperation he composes a suicide note and goes to a nearby construction site to take his own life. There he unexpectedly stumbles a real life serial killer preparing to murder his most recent victim. In the chaos that follows Dong Shik gets a hold of the serial killer’s journal, is badly injured, and loses his memory.

Upon regaining consciousness, the only clues to his former personality are the contents of his apartment and the red-bound diary that was found in his possession. Dong Shik can only come to the conclusion that he was in fact the serial killer whose thoughts and desires are so graphically portrayed within the diary. However, rather than cracking under the horror of such a revelation, Dong Shik experiences a surge of newfound confidence. He’s not the loser his family and coworkers believe him to be! Beneath his fleecy hogu exterior--he decides--lies a vicious wolf: a predator. Now he’s off to live his best serial killer life.

Review

Story: I think an important thing to know about this drama right off the bat is that the main character is an idiot. And that makes sense for the kind of drama this is because you don’t get to the point where sweet baby rabbit Dong Shik thinks he’s capable of serial murder without establishing early on that he has the personal emotional intelligence of a small box of gravel.

So that’s square one. Don’t go into this thinking that Dong Shik is going to intuit his way out of this situation, or that he’s going to pick up on hints that often have the subtlety of a head on collision. Expecting that is a one way ticket to frustration. If you’re with me so far, then you’re ready to watch Psychopath Diary. This is a black comedy and the underlying concept is built at least partly on its absurdity. All that being said, this drama is very, very funny. Sometimes it’s cuttingly funny, deriving laughs from situational humor, and sometimes it leans heavily on Yoon Shi Yoon’s skill at physical comedy. I thought the balance of dark themes and zany comedy was quite expertly done.

Acting: This is one of those roles where I find it impossible to imagine any other actor playing the same character even half as well as Yoon Shi Yoon does. If this script wasn’t at least partly written with him in mind or if he didn’t heavily improvise his role to make it his own, I would be very surprised. He thrives in playing characters that require rapid switches from serious to silly, from intense to ludicrous. I suspect he picks this kind of drama on purpose.

If I had privately hoped before PD aired that we might see a continuation of the quieter more serious side of YSY, like we got in Nokdu Flower, that turned out very much not to be the case. If anything YSY is more bombastic and overblown than usual, but for me it works and what might be fairly called his habitual overacting was tonally appropriate and consistently made me laugh rather than cringe.

Park Sung Hoon as the real serial killer Dong Shik only believes himself to be is a scene stealer, and I can’t wait to see what else this guy is going to do. Even though Psychopath Diary did rather disappointingly in the ratings I hope some sharp casting director snaps him up and puts him in a big role very soon because I would be ready to watch him do practically anything else after this. What a force of sheer charisma this guy is, and he and YSY have magnetic chemistry.

This is the second time I’ve seen Jung In Sung do one of these concept heavy, love-line light dramas with a comedy bent (the last one being Terius Behind Me) and if this is going to be here brand, I’m down for it. I think she does a very good job with these sorts of roles, and I was unperturbed by the near lack of romance with her character. If anything she is underutilized, but still shines at the right moments.

This is the first time I remember seeing Heo Sung Tae in a comedic role, and at first it was quite jarring after WATCHER, but he was my favorite member of the supporting cast, and as good as he is as a villain watching him in PD made me wish he would do only comedies from now on.

Production: This is a quality drama. It looks good, it has great sound design. I love the way whenever Dong Shik is “getting into character” we see a videotape slide into a VCR. I also really liked the lighting. Costuming and set design are fairly minimal and unobtrusive. The only think that I wish they would have done more with was Bo Gyung’s hallucinatory version of her father, who I thought was very interestingly and amusingly employed in the first couple of episodes and then disappeared for large portions of the drama after that. It felt like a missed opportunity for her character.

Feels: This drama is consistent in delivering both laughs and suspense, and while I did think they somewhat belabored the point in the last two episodes, it gives a satisfying resolution for the all of the characters. I was impressed at how they developed the scenario and kept in interesting week to week. I worried that it would lose its novelty after the first few weeks, but to my relief the drama remained well paced throughout--aside from a few rough patches in the last two episodes--and the writers seemed to know how to milk the absurd situations the characters found themselves in for comedy. I don’t think there was a single episode where I didn’t belly laugh. During its run this was easily one of my favorite airing dramas, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up on a best list at the end of 2020.

Would I recommend Psychopath Diary? Definitely. Especially if you like black comedies and unusual drama scenarios well executed. 8.5/10

#psychopath diary #yoon shi yoon #park sung hoon #jung in sun #heo sung tae #exit review #kdrama reviews #tw: suidice #tw: suicide mention

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freddiesaysalright · 5 years ago

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Dancing With Ben Week 5

A Ben Hardy x Reader Series Halloween Night - Contemporary

Summary: Reader is one of the pro dancers on Dancing With the Stars. It’s her second season on the show, and this time, her partner is none other than Ben Hardy. Will they win the Mirror Ball? Maybe they’ll win something even more meaningful!

Word Count: 3.5K

Tag List: @psychosupernatural, @someone-get-a-medic, @twigleektribute23, @ionlyhavepicturesofflowers, @asquiresofftime, @caborhapch, @iwasnothingbutacityboy, @a-kind-of-magik, @anxious-diabetic, @royalblueviper, @toms-irish-girl, @doingalrightt, @borhapqueen92, @angiefangirlworld-2, @ziggymay, @pink-lemo, @riddikuluslypotter, @wearewiththebands If you’d like to be added, let me know!

A/N: Just a wee bit of angst/jealousy in this part. Hope you like! Also, we have a surprise guest for the next chapter, coming soon!

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

Week 5 here we go!!!

You loved Halloween. The costumes, the candy, the pumpkins, everything. You especially loved watching Hocus Pocus and handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Also, for Halloween week on Dancing With the Stars, Emma and Sasha always hosted a movie night for the remaining couples to come and relax after rehearsal, so you were looking forward to going with Ben.

Ben arrived at the studio shortly after you. You beamed at him.

“My hero!” you called, walking over to pull him into a hug.

You’d taken to calling him this after he took care of you that night at the bar. He always rolled his eyes at the term, and did so again now. Still he lifted you off your feet and spun you around.

“How’d you like country night?” you asked as he placed you back on your feet.

“Is was more fun than I thought it would be,” he told you. “I was pleasantly surprised.”

“You did really well,” you said. “I can take you honky tonkin’ now.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

You giggled. “It’s just a silly word for bar hopping at country western bars. It’s popular in places like Nashville.”

“Please don’t take me honky tonking,” he said.

“Oh, ew, it sounds so weird when you say it,” you returned with a laugh. “I promise, I won’t. Besides, this week we get to do something spooky! Do you like Halloween?”

“I liked it more as a kid,” he said.

“What’s the best costume you remember from your childhood?”

“I went as a Ninja Turtle several years in a row,” he admitted. “Painted my face green and everything.”

“Wow, so you were committed to your roles at a very young age,” you joked.

He chuckled. “Sure was.”

“Good! Because you’re gonna get to show off those acting chops a bit this week,” you said. “For our Halloween dance, we have contemporary. This opens up a whole new world for telling a story.”

“Oh, I like that,” he said. “What story are we telling?”

“You’re a creepy stalker,” you told him. “And I’m the sweet innocent girl you’re stalking.”

“I’ve not gotten to be creepy very much,” he said. “I like it.”

“I really think we’re gonna kill it this week,” you said. “Contemporary is very expressive and creative, so I think we can have some fun with it. Because it’s so open, I want you to tell me if you have any ideas for the choreography.”

“Really?” he asked. “You want me to help you put it together?”

“Just this time,” you said with a smirk. “I think your experience in movies can add something more dramatic to this dance.”

“Sweet!”

You began rehearsal, with Ben adding things here and there. He did really well with all dances, but contemporary was proving to be something he thrived with. His ideas truly added to the storyline of the dance and made things more interesting. And, you could see how great of an actor he was as he really got into character for the dance. It was a little intense at times, but it would be in those moments that he’d miss a step and you would laugh together.

It went so well, you decided to end rehearsal early and head back to your place for dinner. You told him you’d cook for him, and you would avoid the prying eyes of the paparazzi at your apartment. He agreed, and off you went.

“Ben, I’m honestly so impressed with you,” you told him in the car. “You’re doing so well. I feel like we can really win this thing.”

“I think so too,” he agreed, taking your hand and smiling at you. You grinned right back.

You made it back to your apartment, and you were grateful you had tidied up beforehand, unlike last time. Although, Ben had not once made you feel bad about that night. He seemed almost as bashful as you were about it, if not more so. He took a seat at the counter while you started dinner.

“Can I get you anything?” you offered. “Beer or a glass of wine?”

“Just water for now,” he said. “I’m exhausted after today.”

“But I’m excited about this dance,” you replied, getting a glass of water for him. “Like, it’s creepy, but without ghosts or monsters, which is usually what Halloween night is all about on the show.”

He said a soft thanks as you gave him the water and he took a sip.

“So,” he said. “What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?”

You thought about this as you put some olive oil in a pan.

“Probably in the fourth grade when I went as Cher,” you said. “My mom even did my makeup so I’d have the right bone structure. It was awesome.”

He chuckled. “That is awesome.”

You chatted casually as you made dinner, when a sudden knock on the door stopped everything. You asked Ben to watch the stove while you answered the door. You opened it to see it was James, you partner from the previous season, standing there and smiling widely at you.

“Y/N!” he cried, opening his arms for a hug.

You jumped into them. “James!”

He laughed as he embraced you, and you rocked him back and forth.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” you exclaimed as you released him and allowed him inside. “What are you doing here?”

“Just taking a break,” he said with a shrug, but you could tell he was holding back since he noticed Ben in the room.

“This is Ben,” you said, walking James over.

They stiffly shook hands.

“Nice to meet you,” Ben said.

“You too,” James returned, noticeably warmer than Ben was being.

You frowned but didn’t want to start anything. So you ignored it.

“James, why don’t you join us for dinner?” you offered. “There’s plenty, and I’d like to catch up. Ben, do you mind?”

“No, not at all,” he said, although his expression faltered when you extended the invitation.

The guys sat down at the counter and you resumed cooking. You gave James a glass of red wine you knew he would love, and you told him so. He took a sip and hummed.

“Oh, this is fantastic, Y/N,” he said. “You know me better than I know myself.”

You smiled. “Maybe you’re just predictable.”

“Hey, so you two are doing incredible on the show,” he said, ignoring the jab. “I’ve been watching. I can’t believe you already got a perfect score!”

“Thank you!” you replied. “I could hardly believe it either.”

“And on week four!” he continued, clapping Ben on the shoulder. “Seriously, well done. I think it was week six or seven before we got our first perfect score.”

“It was week seven,” you reminded him. “And I seriously thought I was going to cry I was so happy.”

“Got anything fun planned for Halloween week?” he asked.

“We’re going a contemporary,” you explained, and went on to tell him some things you and Ben had come up with. Ben was being oddly quiet. “It’s going to be so cool and creepy. Right, Ben?”

“Oh, yeah,” he said shortly.

You frowned but by then it was time to plate the food. You served them and then you all moved to the table to sit down. You and James still did most of the talking throughout the meal. It was bothering you that Ben was being so unfriendly, and you wondered if you should talk to him about it. You just weren’t sure if that would help or make things worse. Time dragged on slowly before dinner came to a close, when James said he was going to step out onto the patio for a moment.

“That sounds great,” you agreed. “Ben, you down?”

“I’ll start cleaning up,” he said, declining. “But you two go ahead. I’ll join you when I’m finished.”

“You don’t have to clean up, it’s not even your house,” you said.

“You cooked, I’ll clean up,” he insisted.

You opened your mouth to argue some more, but James put a hand on your arm to stop you.

“Let him help, Y/N,” he said lightly. “He’s a much better guest than I am.”

He finished with a small laugh, but you couldn’t join it. Something was off. Begrudgingly, you and James got up and went outside, and you closed the door behind you. You looked through the window and watched Ben collect the dishes and carry them to the sink before turning back to James.

“I’m sorry about him,” you said. “I don’t know why he’s being so weird.”

“I do,” James answered. “He’s jealous.”

“No way, I told him we weren’t dating or anything,” you said. “Not that it matters because Ben’s not my boyfriend either.”

“Well, then it is kinda silly, but honestly, even I thought there was something more between you two,” he said.

“Are you serious?” you cried. “After everything we went through last season, you’re gonna jump on the ‘are they dating?’ train too?”

“Look, I know that we had a lot of chemistry because we were such good friends,” he said. “But I’ve seen you dance with plenty of people between me and the other pros when you were on your. You’ve never danced with someone the way you dance with Ben. In that rumba, it was clear you much you wanted to be in his arms.”

“Even if that’s true,” you said, ignoring the blush coming over your cheeks. “He knows we weren’t a couple. I told him.”

“He thinks we had sex,” James said simply. “It’s all over his face every time I touch you.”

“Why would that matter?” you wondered.

“Because we’re still friends and see each other,” he went on. “Jesus, Y/N, you can’t really be this ignorant about this.”

“Excuse me for not having a perfect grasp on a man I’ve known literally a month,” you returned. “Ugh, what am I supposed to do about this?”

“Nothing, unless you want to bring out how you feel about each other,” he said.

“I don’t want him to hate you.”

“He doesn’t hate me,” he said. “He probably doesn’t even know he’s feeling this way. If he does, he’s going to keep it from you.”

“You’re not making this any easier,” you said.

He shrugged. “It’s not an easy situation.”

“Ugh, I don’t wanna talk about it anymore,” you groaned. “What brought you to LA? Seriously.”

“Had a fight with my boyfriend,” he said. “I needed to get away for a little bit. So, I figured I’d come see you. I’m gonna go to the show this week too.”

“Seems a bit drastic,” you teased. “Can’t you just go for a drive like a normal person?”

“Honey, you know I am extra as hell about my emotions,” he returned with a laugh. “Anyway, I wanted to see you.”

You hugged him. “I’m glad you’re here. Do you wanna talk about the fight?”

You felt him shake his head. “Nah. I just want to forget about it honestly.”

You stood with him on the patio for another few minutes, just holding each other. When you shivered from the cool night air, you decided to go back inside. When you re-entered the apartment, it was empty. The dishwasher was running, but Ben was nowhere to be found.

“Ben?” you called, checking the bedroom and bathroom just to be sure. But he wasn’t there. You opened the front door and looked down the hallway.

“Ben!”

Nothing.

You whipped out your phone, but you didn’t have a text or call from him either. You texted him, asking where he was and if he was safe. You waited five minutes and still heard nothing. So you called, but he didn’t answer.

“Is he seriously fucking ghosting me right now?!” you cried, irritation crawling over your skin. “This is ridiculous!”

“He’s gotta show up for rehearsal tomorrow, so you know you’ll see him then,” James said.

“If he doesn’t come to rehearsal tomorrow, I will actually lose my shit,” you said.

That night, after James had gone and you were in bed, your fury kept you awake. You switched between worrying Ben was lying dead in a ditch somewhere and fantasizing that you had done the deed yourself. In between, you cried softly, hurt mixing into your anger and confusion.

The next morning, you arrived to the studio early. You told the camera guys to hold off until you told them to return because you needed to talk to Ben about something serious. Reluctantly, they obliged and left the studio. Ben arrived shortly after.

As soon as he stepped foot through the door, you shoved him against the wall.

“Hey!” he protested.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” you demanded. “You really thought you could just leave without saying anything?! And then when I try to reach you, you blow me off?! What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“Look, I’m sure you had a very nice night with James,” he said bitterly.

“So that is what this is about!” you gasped. “God, Ben, just how little do you think of me?”

“What?!” he cried.

“Do you really think I’m the kind of person who uses someone else for sex?” you questioned. “Do you think I place that little value on intimacy? Well, I don’t!”

“That’s not what I -”

“Oh, it isn’t?! Because that’s certainly what it feels like!” you shouted. “Even if I did, what right do you have to judge me for it?!”

He opened his mouth to reply, but you cut him off again.

“And I told you - I told you James and I were never together! But in case it’s not clear enough, we never had sex, either! Not that it’s really any of your business! I just thought I should share since it bothered you enough to just fuck off and ignore me! I was up all night worrying about you, you punk!”

He looked at the floor. You glared at him. He muttered something under his breath.

“What was that?” you asked sharply.

“I’m sorry!” he snapped, flush coming over his cheeks and ears. “I’m sorry, okay? I don’t...I don’t know what came over me.”

You sighed and softened. “I forgive you. But don’t you ever do that to me again, got it? I was worried sick about you.”

“I won’t, I promise,” he said gently.

You stepped closer to him wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your forehead on his chest. His arms folded across your shoulders. Tears had formed in your eyes and you sniffled, blinking them back.

“Are you crying?” he asked, pulling back.

“Shut up!” you returned. “Bitch, I care about you, and I’m sick of it!”

He chuckled. “Let’s dance, yeah?”

You nodded, wiping your cheeks and smiling again.

Rehearsal went well and you felt like you and Ben were back on track. That night, he went with you to Sasha and Emma’s, where you were nervous because scary movies tended to really freak you out, and you had already lost a whole night of sleep for Ben. You sank into the couch beside him and put on a brave face.

The movie was one of The Conjuring series, though you weren’t sure exactly which. All you knew was that you were going to be terrified. You were right, too. The movie began, and you took Ben’s hand. Several times throughout, you would gasp quietly, and Ben would give your hand and comforting squeeze. But then, during one particularly horrible jump scare, Sasha also reached over and grabbed your leg, shouting at you. You screamed at the top of your lungs and crawled into Ben’s lap, hiding your face in his chest while the others laughed at you.

“That’s not funny, Sasha!” you whined as Ben wrapped his arms around you.

“It’s a little funny,” Sasha laughed. “I get you every time.”

“You’re a bully,” you whimpered.

Sasha started to protest, but Gleb shushed you both. You didn’t dare turn your eyes back to the screen. Ben pressed his lips to your temple and stroked your hair. You remained in his lap the rest of the movie.

On your way home, Ben held your hand as your drove. You were still jumpy from the movie, and his presence kept you calm.

“Hey, can I ask you a favor?” you said.

“Sure,” he said.

“Will you stay with me again tonight?” you asked. “I know I’m gonna be freaked out, and I can’t go another night without sleeping. But I’ll be okay if you’re with me.”

He chuckled. “Of course. I suppose I owe you one, anyway.”

“Thank you,” you sighed.

When you got to your apartment, you turned all the lights on on the way to the bedroom. Ben followed behind, turning them off but after you were past the area. You made it to your room and quickly changed into pajamas. Then Ben came in, and he took off his shirt before you settled into bed together.

Sober, this was different, but still not strange. It was just an innate easiness about being around Ben. You snuggled beneath the covers and he smiled at you.

“Are you ready for me to turn the lights off?” he asked.

You nodded. “But you have to cuddle me right after.”

“You got it.”

He reached over and flicked the switch, turning off the lamp on the nightstand. The room disappeared in the darkness, and you squeezed your eyes shut until you felt Ben’s arm around you. Then, you relaxed into him.

“Thanks again,” you whispered.

“You’re welcome,” he replied.

A beat passed and then he spoke again.

“I really am sorry about yesterday,” he said.

“Ben, I already told you I forgive you,” you assured him.

“Yeah, but I really acted...shitty,” he said.

“Well, you’re certainly making it up to me now,” you joked. “It was just a misunderstanding. Now, go to sleep.”

“Good night,” he told you.

“Good night, Ben.”

Once again, show day was upon you quicker than you expected. You and Ben were going fourth, and you had a blast watching the couples going before you. People really got into Halloween night and the production was always incredible. By this time, you were no longer nervous about performing with Ben. He was ready, and so were you.

youtube

The dance came out incredible. It was truly the best you had ever performed it. You and Ben battled it out through the movements and yet, it was beautiful. When it was over, you couldn’t help but beam at him as you went to get the judges’ opinions.

“Oh my God!” Carrie Ann cried. “That was terrifying! I mean, I knew you were a good actor, but this was a side of you that was really different and scary!” She laughed. “The dance was incredible. You told the story perfectly with that choreography. I honestly could have watched a whole movie of that.”

“I sort of felt like I was watching a movie,” Len said. “I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary routines, but that was very entertaining and you really had control throughout the whole dance. Very well done, indeed.”

“You were incredible!” Bruno shouted. “You really duked it out with Y/N, and had us frightened. I agree with Len, it was very controlled, and you looked great.”

At that point, Tom mentioned James.

“So, Y/N, I understand your former partner is here tonight,” he said. “Can we get him up here?”

“Oh, no, you -”

You were ignored as the crew brought James up to the stage, and you looked at Ben apologetically. He shrugged and smiled assuredly at you.

“James, what do you think of Ben and Y/N?” Tom asked.

“They’re amazing, like the judges said,” James said. “I’ve been watching all season, and rooting for them. They did great tonight!”

He gave you a quick hug and shook Ben’s hand before heading back to his seat.

“Very graceful, we miss you in the ballroom, James,” Tom said. “Now, let’s get your judges scores.”

Once again, you got a perfect score. You hugged Ben in celebration and headed to the red room to watch the rest of the show. The other couples did amazing, but you and Ben were still on the top of the leaderboard. And it was still enough to get you through the elimination. You were relieved once again, that you did not have to say goodbye to Ben, even if you were angry with him about the other night. But after you said goodbye to Gleb and his partner, you saw Ben go over to James and talk to him. He was his usual self, friendly and sweet. It warmed your heart that he trusted you and was making a real effort to correct what he had done.

You approached and slipped an arm around Ben’s waist.

“Hey, I was just about to come get you,” Ben said. “James would like to have dinner again tonight, what d’you think?”

“I think that would be great,” you said. “Only, let’s go out, I don’t feel like cooking.”

“Fair enough,” James said.

You and Ben went to change and told James you would meet him out in the lot when you were ready. As you headed to the dressing room, Ben stopped and looked at you.

“So, what’s the theme for this week?” he asked.

“It’s trio night!” you told him. “And I’ve got a really special surprise for you.”

#ben hardy #ben hardy imagine #ben hardy x reader #ben hardy x you #ben x reader #BoRhap #BoRhap cast #borhap boys #borhap imagine #bohemian rhapsody #bohemian rhapsody imagine #Queen #queen imagine #roger taylor #roger taylor imagine #roger taylor x reader #roger taylor x you #dancing with ben series

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thecomedybureau · 5 years ago

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The 100 Best Things in Comedy We Were Witness to In No Particular Order of 2019

OK, 2019′s officially over and we’ve wrangled our 100 truly favorite things in and around comedy (and it really spans all of comedy) that are not ranked whatsoever. It’s just like the title says and, it’s, as it is every year, quite long, so we won’t waste any more time with this intro.

Oh, in case you forgot and/or curious and/or need a quick refresher, here’s our 2018 list.

1. Rory Scovel Live Without Fear-This documentary follows Rory Scovel and his journey through six nights of completely improvised hour sets. In a single word, it’s inspiring. You see the way Scovel truly connects the audience and keeps it that way through his indelible charm and endless curiosity. The near unbelievable story of the Relapse Theater in Atlanta is also beautifully threaded in the doc as well. The clips of the improvised performances capture the magic that stand-up comedy can be that’s absent from the majority of comedy specials. You should be required to see this whenever and wherever it comes if you have any level of interest in comedy at all.

2. Naomi Ekperigin-From her own stand-up, to her podcast with husband Andy Beckerman, Couples Therapy, and her writing across TV, and everything else she does, Naomi is such an thoroughly commanding, yet delightful presence that we love seeing every time anywhere (and she should already be way bigger of a star already).

3. Cait Raft’s Presentation on “Bradley Cooper’s a Star Is Born Takes Place in an Alternate Reality Where 9/11 Never Happened”-Witnessing the imagination of Cait Raft up close was a privilege for us. This amazing dissection of the zeitgeist left us in stitches and with our mouth agape for how thoroughly it proved its point.

4. Corporate Season 2-The second season of the ultra dark workplace comedy delivered once again on its hysterical nihilistic satire that’s so prescient, yet still so unbelievably funny.

5. Mom-Prov Presents Family Therapy-Improviser Izzy Roland was daring enough to have her mom and her grandmother, both of whom are also in showbiz, to join her on stage for one of the most madcap, fourth wall-breaking, entertaining improv shows we’ve seen all throughout 2019.

6. Jena Friedman-So, this year, Jena delivered yet again with her subtle delivery and calm demeanor that hides her absolutely killer jokes. The follow-up to her Adult Swim special, Soft Focus, upped the ante with an interview of a gun-toting John McAffee and her brilliant Conan set about everyone’s true crime obsession.

7. Brendon Walsh’s Afternoon Delight-This last year, Brendon Walsh let everyone know that he was and still is one of the best at pulling prank calls, which is so much harder now than it was even ten years ago. This live show actually has Brendon place live prank calls in between stand-ups and the ride you go on is absolutely thrilling.

8. Jacqueline Novak’s Get on Your Knees-Novak’s solo show has more than earned its spot as an Off-Broadway show with bringing such an exquisite, almost never before seen comedic sensibility to the topic of blow jobs.

9. #F*ckF*ckJerry-Props to Vulture Senior Editor Megh Wright for sparking the fire to take out the egregious social media accounts of F*ck Jerry that just lifted jokes from comedians all across the Internet without pay or attribution.

10. Lorelei Ramirez-We’ve known distantly about Lorelei Ramirez for so many years, but seeing them up close was a breathtaking experience that had us laughing so hard. Their artistry in comedy that gracefully borders on performance art and even horror is absolutely inspiring.

11. Aaron Urist-Denver’s Aaron Urist is such a killer joke writer and joke teller and has been for years. We just were reminded about that with his burning bush joke during his latest LA trip.

12. Booksmart-Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut was not only a reinvigorated take on movies that specifically hone in on the end of high school, but also had a sincerely hopeful vision of the future generation. We hope that Booksmart finds its way to the top of the coming-of-age comedy films pantheon.

13. Rachel Mac on Lights Out-One of the highlights of Lights Out with David Spade is how unfiltered and raunchy they let comics get during their sets on the show. Rachel Mac took that amount of comedic license and thrived in getting into the nitty gritty about her last teaching job.

14. What We Do In The Shadows-The FX TV adaptation of the seminal Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement film in 2014 exceedingly succeeds in nailing the comedy of minutia in the world of the undead that also happens to be in a (somewhat) grounded reality.

15. PEN15-Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle’s vision of 2000 and their performances as teens were so spot on that PEN15 would deserve acclaim just for that. However, the heart of this show made its humor stand out in an ever crowded field of coming-of-age comedy.

16. Tiffany Haddish’s Black Mitzvah-A lot has happened for Tiffany Haddish since her last special (she’s a legit A-list celebrity now), but it’s clear that she is still her unapologetically positively, life loving self. This special is evidence of that, especially with her bit about her New Year’s show that she got undeserved flack for.

17. Straw Men-Lindsay Adams, Danny Palumbo, and Sam Wiles (and producer Kimmie Lucas) put on what is our favorite imagining of a comedic debate that we’ve seen thus far. The encouragement to make the most ridiculous, baseless arguments and being transparent about the whole thing is a golden goose of comedy.

18. The ending of Gloria Bell-Well, we can’t very well give away the ending to this English language dramedy remake from Sebastián Lelio that has Julianne Moore shine as bright as she has ever shone before, but just know that we stood out of our seats, applauding what she did to John Turturro right at the end.

19. I Think You Should Leave-Tim Robinson’s unflinchingly absurd sketch series unequivocally has many of the best sketches of 2019. The hot dog costume and Mexican restaurant sketches will have us busting up through, very likely, the next decade.

20. Les Miz and Friends-Bonkers (and we mean that in the best way possible) doesn’t begin to describe how wild this meta and great this puppet and human hybrid take on the theater institution of Les Miserables. The sheer cleverness on every level is awe-inspiring.

21. Dave Ross’ The Only Man Who Has Ever Had Sex-Ross has been a longtime favorite of ours for the contrasting bounciness and darkness of his comedy. His debut album captures this dichotomy perfectly.

22. Nikki Glaser: Bangin’-Nikki Glaser’s first Netflix hour special started off with a bang, pun intended. Her frank, but heartfelt exploration of all facets of sex is so damn funny that Glaser gets away with being as blue as she wants.

23. Super Dating Simulator-This live, interactive version of various Japanese video game dating simulators is one of the more innovative and surprisingly charming things we saw this year. Creator Sam Weller did a bang-up job not only making a video game work as a stage show, but doing so with a very off-beat sub-genre of video games

24. Emmy Blotnick’s Party Nights-Blotnick’s latest album shows Emmy at the peak of her delightful observational powers. The concept of a “Self-Potato” is just priceless.

25. Tammercise!-Folks in comedy are getting all sorts of clever these days to redefine traditional formats and disciplines and push the art form forward. Madeline Wager does this exquisitely with a solo show of a woman unraveling that doubles as legit aerobics class.

26. The Cherry Orchard w/Chad Damiani and Jet Eveleth-Damiani and Eveleth explore a new angle on postmodern clowning by supposedly doing a Chekov play going through dress rehearsal without any of the players knowing what they’re supposed to do. The back and forth between the live direction and the tomfoolery on stage is truly hysterical.

27. Bake Stuff with Lindsay LIVE-It’s about time for a comedic cooking show that actually does teach you a wonderful recipe and also explores and resolves(?) childhood trauma. Lindsay Adams’ Bake Stuff with Lindsay, which we indeed saw live, accomplishes all of that and inspires all those watching to cook through their feelings.

28. Shalewa Sharpe’s So, You Just Out Here?-Shalewa imbues homespun wisdom with marvelously colorful descriptions all throughout this very satisfying album.

29. The Amazing Johnathan Documentary from Ben Berman-The Amazing Johnathan’s life story is pretty captivating as is. The story about Ben Berman trying to tell his story amidst several other people trying to tell his story is absolutely engrossing and is somehow all true.

30. Julio Torres’ HBO special “My Favorite Shapes”-Torres’ special is simultaneously one of the most daring and silly hour specials in recent memory and his elevation of prop comedy to a whole new level is to be commended.

31. The Underculture with James Adomian-James Adomian has been one of comedy podcasts’ most in-demand and bright shining stars. It comes as no surprise that his own podcast that revs up all his characters has some of the best, most dynamic, absurdist interviews in political and pop culture satire.

32. Daniel Van Kirk’s Thanks Diane/Together Tour-Van Kirk’s first, complete hour that he both toured with and released as an album is so impressive with how deftly Dan manages a balance of sincerity and mischief from wire-to-wire.

33. Conan in Greenland-Conan marvelously turns his travel specials series Conan Without Borders on its head by attempting to buy Greenland based off of Trump’s stupid tweets.

34. Mary Beth Barone’s Drag His Ass: A F*ckboy Treatment Program-Mary Beth Barone’s live show exploration into her dating life is illuminating and hilarious throughout, but the actual interview that she does live with a “f*ckboy” is transcendent.

35. Obvious Plant’s Carnival of Toys-Jeff Wysaski AKA Obvious Plant really outdid himself this year in his quest to permeate everyday reality with a satirical twist. He not only made a whole line of custom toy figures that satirize pop culture on so many levels, but opened up a whole pop-up museum for several days to exhibit them in all of their bizarre glory.

36. Sports Without Equipment with Coach Keith Alejo-This Dress Up Gang sketch is one of those ideas that are simple, yet so out-of-left-field. Literally, they take sports without equipment to its funniest conclusion.

37. #Squatmelt-Howard Kremer’s desire to keep the spirit of The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail alive has evolved into its own very special thing in the form of a DIY stand-up comedy show/walking tour that periodically migrates around LA.

38. Catch-22-Trying to adapt such a monumental literary work like Catch-22 is almost a fool’s errand, but writers Luke Davies and David Michôd do a smash-up job for not only bringing Heller’s immortal words to life, but also sticking the landing for all the darkly absurdly comical moments that run rampant throughout the story.

39. Get Rich Nick-Even if they didn’t have the fantastic banter, riffs, and asides from the very funny duo of Nick Turner and Nick Vatterott, this podcast that explores how to make money real quick is one of the best new podcasts of the whole year. Fortunately, Nick and Nick’s humor runs rampant through every episode and makes Get Rich Nick engrossing and makes you actually laugh out loud.

40. MK Paulsen-The comedy of MK Paulsen can be faster than a bullet, but as satisfyingly silly as a gun that shoots a flag with the word ‘bang’ on it. Every time we see him do stand-up, it’s a fun, rollicking ride that’s equal parts offbeat whimsy, clever wordplay, and an agile sense of timing and play.

41. Father Figurine by Matt Kazman-The dour faces of the family in this dark comedy short play to the highest comedic effect perfectly. A dead patriarch and an apathetic family make for some of the best dry humor in 2019.

42. Funk Shuffle-Danny Cymbal, Dennis Curlett, and Michael Gardner comprise Funk Shuffle, an improv group that manages fly freer and more untethered than almost any other improv group that we’ve ever seen. They make their defiance and experimentation with improv forms really work due to the trio’s unflinchingly playful spirit.

43. Gary Gulman’s The Great Depresh-Gulman, as one of comedy’s premier craftsman, of course, delivers an hour of stellar comedy with this special. He also manages, this time around, to destigmatize depression and, in general, be hopeful. That particular comedy trifecta is such an impressive feat that very few can accomplish.

44. Greener Grass-The scope and ambition of Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe’s directorial debut hints at some really special things to come from them in the future. Their absolutely demented, pastel drenched absurdist vision was a shocking delight through and through.

45. Jenny Slate’s Stage Fright-Slate’s best comedic strength is her unshakeable vulnerability. This hour special lets Jenny present that trait as intimately as she has ever presented it and gives an in-depth look as to where that hilarious vulnerability comes from.

46. Heather Anne Campbell swatting a baby out of someone’s hands in an improv scene-At this point, it should come as no surprise that Heather Anne Campbell is one of our absolute all-time favorite people in comedy and thus, she kind of just ends up making it on this list annually on her own someway, somehow. This year, during a performance of her improv group, Heather and Company, we laughed as hard as we’ve ever laughed at Drew DiFonzo Marks initiating a scene by rocking a baby back and forth and then, Heather insanely swatted it out of his hands and stomped on it. It sounds ludicrous, but trust that Heather made that so unbelievably funny.

47. Adam Cayton-Holland’s Happy Place-Cayton-Holland’s live solo show based on his critically acclaimed book of the same name pulls off oscillating between cleverly wrought and self-aware comedy and some of the most heartbreaking stories you’ll ever hear about his late sister. Holland’s focus and calm make it all miraculously blend together.

48. The Authorized Unauthorized My Favorite Murder Musical-In the world of unauthorized musicals about things that you wouldn’t really think about being adapted into unauthorized musicals (it’s a bigger ever-burgeoning world every month it seems), the staged reading of this My Favorite Murder-inspired musical that we saw was phenomenal. The full stage production to come in 2020 will undoubtedly be something really great.

49. Pedro Gonzalez-Pedro’s jokes are so expertly written and crafted that you forget that he immigrated to America as a teenager from Colombia and learned English as a second language.

50. Garry Starr Performs Everything-UK comedian Garry Starr’s solo show is a genius send-up and celebration of theater as a whole. The physicality and the sheer madness of the whole show are so thoroughly hysterical.

51. Kira Soltanovich-We just want to take a moment to appreciate the agility of the comedy of Kira Soltanovich. Not only does Kira play any room or any show as far as we’ve seen, but her drive is just unstoppable (see ep. of The Honey Dew).

52. Mike Birbiglia’s The New One-Though it seems almost too routine that Birbiglia comes out with a new hour special that garners tons of acclaim for its ornate and complex and, ultimately, very satisfying tapestry of stories, Birbiglia delivers exactly once again with one such solo show/special on fatherhood.

53. Michelle Buteau-We saw Michelle headline just a few months ago at Dynasty Typewriter and were reminded of just how good Buteau is. She combines being heartfelt, having a fun bit of attitude, and an absolute command of the stage in such a beautiful way.

54. Gareth Reynolds’ Riddled with Disease-Many folks know how great Gareth is from his madcap riffing on The Dollop, but Reynolds shows he is fantastic with a sharp, hilarious, yet still fast-and-loose-feeling hour.

55. Sara Schaefer’s LIVE LAUGH LOVE-Sara, above most folks working in comedy today, goes to great lengths to be considerate, inclusive, and vulnerable in her comedy and it’s so, so wonderful because of that. This album is yet another great example of that mix.

56. Sean Patton’s Scuttlebutt-Sean Patton’s latest album is a fantastic note to any and all that Sean is, hands down, one of the best comedians ever to spin a yarn (and also share some damn fine true stories) and deserves way more accolade and attention for that now and going forward.

57. Matt Rogers’ Have You Heard of Christmas?-Rogers had quite a 2019 in putting culture on notice, but his queer and subversive holiday musical extravaganza might be one of the best pieces of holiday themed comedy of all time.

58. The Chris Gethard Show with Robby Hoffman-Not only does Robby Hoffman keep the punk rock, conventions-be-damned spirit of TCGS alive, but she makes it so much her own and lets her hilarious, domineering persona transform the show into another very special, unique round of controlled chaos.

59. The taping of Eddie Pepitone’s latest special-Eddie’s sound and fury and his irreverent stream-of-consciousness-seeming comedy were flawless in this latest hour. Everyone in attendance, including ourselves, were in stitches for the whole taping. Props to director Steven Feinartz for one of our favorite looks of a special that we saw last year (which you’ll all get to see soon in 2020).

60. Eric Dadourian’s closer on Nebraska 2-Dadourian is always all in for the sake of a real bold, imaginative bit and, as such, pulled off one of our favorite closers of the year on his very first full length album.

61. Jessica Kirson: Talking to Myself-Kirson’s hour special on Comedy Central really let Jessica cut loose and let her showcase her stand-up expertise. From the way that Kirson contorts her face to her deep well of voices/characters to razor-sharp quick wit to, of course, her signature asides to herself, Jessica really kills it in this hour.

62. Brody Stevens-Long live the “jock doing performance art” comedy (one of our favorite descriptions of Brody’s comedy by his dear friend Zach Galifianakis) and may he rest in peace. Yeeeees! Enjoy It!

63. Byron Bowers on Colbert-Byron Bowers and his clever, yet sincere, dark, vulnerable comedy put up one of our favorite late night sets this year. From the opening to his frank jokes about his dad make us think that it’s just a little crazy that this is his network TV debut.

64. Desus and Mero on Showtime-With the upgrade of being on Showtime, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero are having the most fun in late night with the freshest voices and format (and they’re able to pull that off with only being twice a week).

65. Fleabag Season 2-creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge assuredly has more masterpieces ahead of her, but managing to top herself from one masterpiece season of dark romantic dramedy with another one is something that deserves all the accolades and awards that it has gotten.

66. Kenny DeForest on Corden-Kenny dismantles toxic masculinity so incisively through the whole set that he most certainly earns all the applause breaks he gets the whole way through.

67. Josh Gondelman’s Dancing on a Weeknight-Gondelman is often thought of as one of the best, sweetest people in comedy. This latest album, for all of its being clever and genuine, is proof that he indeed really is that sweet and funny.

68. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 3-The perennial prestige comedy from Amy Sherman-Palladino earns its keep by having some of the best writing (it’s almost impossible to write jokes that are contextualized for the 50s/60s and make them actually funny for 2019 audiences) and also being one of the most gorgeous looking shows in all of television.

69. Nick Ciarelli and Brad Evans-Whether it be pulling pranks on Twitter, their plethora of hysterical sketches doing an impression of Jack FM on shows around town, or their monthly live sketch character showcase Atlantic City, Nick and Brad are a damn fine comedy duo and have been for quite some time.

70. Caitlin Gill’s Major-It’s quite the magic trick to make an hour of comedy that’s entirely clean and have it being clean not be a thought that you’re thinking about at all when listening or watching it. Caitlin Gill spectacularly does just that with this album as Gill can make all of her earnest rants, imagery, and observations work in any way that she needs to.

71. 97.9 The Rat Race-Ben Roy’s satirical reimagining of a morning radio “zoo crew” is so spot on, then gets real twisted to make this one of the most surprising and rewarding podcasts of 2019.

72. Mike Lane’s Picture Frames-This short film from Lane heightens the idea of remembering those you love after they’ve left this mortal coil to such a ridiculous level every step of the way (and is more and more enjoyably unpredictable the further it goes).

73. Paige Weldon on Corden-Paige’s upbeat self-deprecation is just hard to resist and it makes the best impression in this late night set on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

74. The Righteous Gemstones-Danny McBride’s latest HBO series that darkly and comically dissects the South might be his most ambitious yet, but, of course, he nails it. The constant suspense perpetuated by hysterically tragic characters in the world of televangelists is profound.

75. My Friend Chuck-Comedic erotica author Chuck Tingle (one of the absolutely most unique voices and cadences we’ve heard in awhile) and friend McKenzie Goodwin celebrate their friendship every week for a podcast that’s preposterously funny and, also, more heartwarming than almost anything we’ve heard or seen.

76. Joey Clift’s Telling People You’re Native American When You’re Not Native Is a Lot Like Telling a Bear You’re a Bear When You’re Not a Bear-Clift makes such biting, pun intended, commentary with this short film/PSA that is also so playful that the message about Native identity will undoubtedly stick with you.

77. Megan Gailey’s My Dad Paid For This-Gailey strikes a wonderful balance of charm and attitude and fervent desire to burn down the patriarchy. Such a mix accents her very delightful observations about herself and the world around her in this marvelous debut album.

78. Robin Higgins as Baby Yoda at Tournament of Nerds-Higgins might have made one of the best, first attempts at Baby Yoda cosplay. She also, for what’s supposed to be a roast-style competition between fictional/pop culture characters, perfectly imagined how Baby Yoda would roast someone while maintaining Baby Yoda’s sweetness that has captured the hearts and minds of the Internet.

79. The Man Who Killed Don Quixote-Terry Gilliam went through hell, did a few laps, and came back over several years to get this meta-quixotic tale about reimagining the legendary novel Don Quixote made. The finished film, for us, was worth the wait.

80. Jo Firestone on The Tonight Show-Jo’s sense of play is so pure and present that it’s kind of irresistible. Combined with a perfect amount of self-deprecation, Jo really delivered a terrific set we’ll probably never get tired of.

81. Paul Rudd continues his time honored tradition of playing that one clip of Mac & Me on Conan-Rudd evolves the arc of this long running bit on Conan where, instead of playing a clip of what he’s on Conan to promote, he plays the same exact clip of the universally panned alien comedy Mac & Me. We all know what’s coming and yet, without the benefit of surprise, Rudd’s annoyance of Conan still keeps on being so damn funny.

82. Billy on the Street featuring Reese and Mariah-This year, we were lucky enough to get two instantly classic episodes of Billy on the Street with Reese Witherspoon and Mariah Carey that gave us our fix for our obsession with Billy Eichner yelling at strangers on the streets of NYC.

83. The Dollop England & UK-As Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds embarked on an entire England & UK tour of The Dollop, they thought it prudent to do a mini-series specific to Great Britain and did a smashing job making fun of British history. The Cyril the Swan episode is particularly brilliant.

84. Lost Moon Radio-The live musical sketch comedy theater troupe (Lost Moon Radio truly lives up to such a description) marked their 10th anniversary and put on an absolutely fantastic “Summer Block Party” this year that both showed that they still got their ingenious musical sketch comedy chops.

85. Nate Bargatze’s The Tennessee Kid-The calm with which Bargatze pervades all of his comedy is part of what makes it beloved by nearly any and all that see or hear Bargatze’s stand-up. That’s such the case now that Nate gives updates to stories from previous specials on this latest hour.

86. Beth Stelling on Kimmel-Every detail of this set on Jimmy Kimmel Live is pretty stellar. That includes Beth, in general, for her warm demeanor, smile, and cleverness, the Chippendale’s story, Beth’s mom being there in the crowd, and, of course, the surprise guest at the end.

87. Liz Climo’s Please Don’t Eat Me-This illustrated book is just the latest in a long line of uber-adorable and genuinely-funny-for-all-ages books from Climo. Liz seems to have quite the knack for making unlikely animal friendship jokes.

88. John Hodgman’s Medallion Status-Hodgman’s journey through the various statuses of airline privilege/celebrity is a superb serving of existential humor, done up with Hodgman’s painstaking attention to the exactly right details.

89. Jane Curtin’s 2019 New Year’s Resolution “My New Year’s Resolution Is To Make Sure The Republican Party Dies”-Said during a CNN interview with the SNL alum, this was the first thing to make us heartily laugh in 2019.

90. Alex Kavutskiy’s Squirrel-Kavutskiy’s short film dives into the concept of forgiveness unlike we’ve really seen and, as is Kavutskiy’s style, is so darkly spellbinding and so pointedly funny at the same time.

91. Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show-The long running comedy troupe known as Astronomy Club really ran with their chance to do a full-fledged sketch series on Netflix. They’re so endlessly clever on in their sketches, especially when it comes to the subjects of identity and oppression, and pack in so many jokes and sight gags that you’ll definitely want to watch it more than once so you don’t miss anything.

92. Dolemite Is My Name-Eddie Murphy seems poised to make a real return to comedy (and stand-up comedy in particular) and this marvelous biopic of comedian and blaxploitation star Rudy Ray Moore AKA Dolemite is the perfect way to start.

93. Anna Drezen on Corden-Drezen has such a perfect sense of farce and misdirection and puts on a beautiful display of those two things from start to finish in this set on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

94. BUTT’s Yoda themed dating app sketch-This sketch is so prescient of the resurgence of the world’s current (baby) Yoda obsession. Also, while this is so absurd with its deep dive into various Yoda fan art and cosplay, Joe McAdam and Chris Stephens’ take on dating apps is so sharply and deeply funny.

95. Mel Brooks Unwrapped-The never ending bit of attempting a documentary between Mel Brooks and the BBC’s Alan Yentob is yet another display of the true, unquestionable genius of Mel Brooks.

96. 50 First Stephs-The amazing, hysterical Steph Tolev kicked off 2019 with a show where 50 or so of her compatriots and contemporaries did various impressions and characterizations of her. Part roast, part loving tribute, part amazing showcase of the depth of creativity in LA comedy, Tolev’s night for herself was something really special.

97. The Bongo Hour with Sandy Honig and Peter Smith-Honig and Smith brought their wild variety show that featured such wonderful bits, characters, drag, and burlesque to LA and showed, truly, how much better life is when you’re fluid about nearly everything.

98. How Did This Get Played?-Hosts Nick Wiger and Heather Anne Campbell and their take on the “worst and weirdest” video games do their namesake, the beloved How Did This Get Made?, proud. Even if you’re not a gamer, the way they dissect the most bizarre video games ever made along with Heather and Nick’s chemistry is very, very enjoyable.

99. Joe Pera Talks With You Season 2-This second season of Joe Pera’s unique talk-to-the-viewer series is so calming that the comedic twists sneak up in the most delightful way possible. There is a certain beauty to Pera’s show that makes us want to have Joe Pera Talks With You playing on a loop in a contemporary art museum.

100. John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch-John Mulaney does “it”, yet again. “It” being releasing another hour of comedic brilliance that’s so markedly different than whatever he did before, yet, somehow still stamped with an indelible mark of Mulaney’s comedy of obtuse hyper-specificity.

#top 100 #100 best #best of 2019 #2019 comedy #best sketch #best stand up #best improv #best comedy specials

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volantedesign · 5 years ago

Text

Join us on Discord

Dear People who follow Volante Design,

I think it's time you had a name. David and I have been joking for years that instead of a child we've got a business. There are some funny parallels. Hear me out. At the beginning you have no idea what you're doing and it keeps you up at night. When something goes wrong it's the worst thing that has ever happened because there is no precedent. You make mistakes, you later see that there were higher roads, or more diplomatic answers. Now our business is about 6- it does basically let us sleep through the night. There are a few nightmares but not so many. It goes out on adventures without us. Is this metaphor getting weird yet?

The point is, Volante Design has been both intensely personal for David, me and our team and also very, very public, because obviously (to us at least) without you, the audience, our people, folks who think what we're doing is worth while, there would be no Volante Design. At the risk of sounding hopelessly momish- you're our village. We may not be the biggest village in the nerdy cultural bubble but you're here and we notice it every single day.

Some seasons are slow- this is normal for any business- but it can be hard to believe that it'll pick up again. When it's June 5th or 6th and we haven't sold more than a pin in a few days it always feels like we'll probably close on June 7th. While I know that June is slow and I prepare by having at least a few months of operating costs in the bank, it still seems like the end is nigh. It hasn't ever been the end. Knock on wood.

This is the season (August to October) when we take the show on the road. I usually get to see you people, I think of you as my people, our community, in all the various cities that we hit up. This year I'm at home packing for a show and taking care of things in the office. I'm both intensely grateful to have the amazing team that I have who go on the road and allow me to stay home (it's so easy to get burnt out on the road and I don't travel that well). And also, I'm a little sad. I miss seeing you. I miss hearing what you think of the newest design or what you want us to design. I miss seeing your costumes and the amazing colors of your hair and make-up. I miss the couple who visit every show they're at with their therapy dog. I miss those funny stoic guys who say very little and then when they try on a jacket they start to giggle and jump around.

I know that I need to be able to travel less, to work on the big picture strategy, to design a LOTR collection(sqweee), to file taxes and royalty reports (uggg). I know that I don't travel well- I don't time change well, I don't food change well, I am basically a fussy pants in every way you can imagine. But maybe we can have a conversation here? Maybe you can send me your photos of your dope outfit? I can tell you what pants to wear on your date, or not to wear. We could talk about sustainably made clothes and what a superhero means in today's language. We could discuss how interesting that the villain of Spider-man: Far From Home is basically a master of CGI.

No artist can thrive without their supporters. Da Vinici was supported by his few but very powerful patrons, the Medici. Amanda Palmer has a Patreon with many people who give her a few bucks. There are a lot of models out there. You can support us by buying a jacket, or by helping to share our work, or by inviting us to a panel at your local con, or to have coffee in your local town if we happen to be going by. You support us by telling us what we're doing well and what you love, as well as what we can get better at. SO what do we call you? How can we connect and say thank you?

So, I'd like to invite you to join our discord server. Let's have a conversation. What's your name Volante People?

We have only come up with silly things like "the Volantini" which ensues a chorus of "Utinni!" or "the brotherhood", which is too franchise specific and a bit dudeish.

TLDR: Volante Design and I are on Discord and I like you. I'm testing out what it might be like to talk to you as me... and not as Volante Design. Also, I think we need a club/gang/initiates name.

Stay Badass,

Willow

Our Discord: https://discordapp.com/invite/cvD64V9

#volante design #superhuman streetwear #discord

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nekojitachan · 7 years ago

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Do a prompt please! I need something to last me trough this shitty day (If you're okay with doing that, of course. It's totally fine if you decide to do something else)

Hmm, looking at prompts… not sure if there’s anything I want to ‘rush’ which means I may do more RP (that and I won’t have to worry about next week throwing me off schedule, and I need to get back to the BB fic soon), so how about a peek at RP22 to tide you over until tomorrow?

******

For some reason the sophomores and freshmen were lookingforward to the game against the Foxes on Friday, while the upperclassmen werefocused on beating a Day back in his prime. If there was one thing the Ravensthrived on, it was a challenge, and taking down their former ‘2’? One of thePerfect Court turned ‘traitor’? Oh yes, it would be a good game.

Neil sighed when Marley andEthan put their phones in front of his face while he sat at the back of the buswith Jean. “Come on, Shorty and Crusty, give us something good!” Marley frownedwhen Neil held up two fingers and Jean one. “Now that’s not nice.”

“I can work with it.” Ethan grinned as he swiped away on hisphone.

“I hate Riko even morenow,” Jean muttered as he fixed the two with a baleful stare.

“Huh, didn’t thinkthat was possible.” Neil tugged the hood of his (Jean’s) sweatshirt even fartherover his head in an attempt to block out the photos.

“Aw, come on!” Marley chided him. “No hiding the cuteness!Captain! Make Neil stop being an anti-social bastard, I want to try this newkitty filter.”

“Maybe I can climb outthe window,” Neil mused aloud as he craned his neck to check out the escaperoute once again; he hadn’t thought it possible before, but he had addedincentive now – especially when that small, pleased smile spread across Jean’sfull lips. “Ah hell.”

Before he could make his escape (the bus wasn’t going that fast), Jean wrapped an arm aroundhis shoulders and yanked down the hood, then held him in place so Marley (andEthan and Miranda) could take pictures of him. He had hope of Dan putting astop to it when she came to the back of the bus, but all she did was suggestnew filters for them to use, the traitor.

“Where were you when I really needed you?” he complained toBren once the bus reached the Foxhole Court. “I was horribly abused.”

Bren and Declan gave him concerned looks while Dan andMarley didn’t bother to hide their laughter and Jean rolled his eyes. When Brengave Dan a questioning look, she held up her phone by way of answer. “Right,yeah, real abuse there.” He reached over to tousle Neil’s hair. “I liked thekitty one best myself, and I’m not alone.”

Neil decided he didn’t want to know.

They were escorted to the Away locker room, and once thereNeil wasted no time in changing into his uniform then joining Dan in the loungeso they could go out into the tunnel leading out to court, the tunnel whereAndrew and Matt were waiting for them.

Neil felt his heart race as if he’d been running when hecaught sight of Andrew and he started smiling for no reason. All at once hethought of the fox plushie hidden in his closet and how he wanted to findanother of those silly goth-baby ones so he could send it to his friend andhopefully get some sort of reaction out of him, how he was so excited to seeAndrew out on the court and play against him, how he could hear his deep voicein person, could look into his almost golden eyes and-

And it was so much.He didn’t know why Andrew always brought out so much.

Andrew looked him up and down then gazed at Dan in anunimpressed manner. “Where’s his collar?”

“Did everyone see those damn pics?” Neil gritted out.

Matt beamed as he reached out to hug Dan. “The puppy one ismy new screensaver! Missed you, babe,” he told Dan before he gave her a kissand didn’t catch the flat look directed his way from Andrew.

“Do me a favor and aim the balls at Marley, okay?” Neilasked Andrew as he went to stand by his friend.

“I didn’t hear that!”

He ignored Dan and gazed at Andrew, who seemed to beconsidering the request. “What’ll you give me for it?”

“Uhm… what do you want?” He knew that Andrew would keep the‘favor’ within limits.

Andrew was quiet for a couple of seconds, and Neil wasunable to look away from him the entire time, found himself noticing how hisfriend smelled of cigarettes, the faint, pale stubble along his strong jaw and cheeksas if he hadn’t bothered to shave that day, a cowlick near his left temple and-“You’ll owe me.”

“Okay.” Neil was fine with that. He resumed smiling asAndrew reached out to tug on the front of his shirt to pull him a littlefurther from Dan and Matt. “You pick your Halloween costume yet? Gonna surpriseme and wear something other than black and depressing?”

“That’s Kevin. I’m going to be an ornithologist this year,”Andrew told him with a straight face, and it took Neil a moment to figure thatout.

“Ha, ha.” Neil leaned against the concrete wall of thetunnel, a small moue of distaste on his lips over all the bright orange whichhe knew that Andrew noticed. “I’m sure you’ll be popular at that club youlike.”

“Yes.” Andrew leaned next to him, their shoulders almost butnot quite touching. “What about you? Any wild and crazy parties at the Nest? Orthat fancy house of yours?”

Halloween was on a Sunday that year, and usually they wereback in the Nest by Sunday night so they could be on court for the earlymorning practice. However…. “I’m not sure,” Neil admitted. “We’ve nevercelebrated it before, maybe Coach will let us do something this year. Sure itwon’t be anything big, though.” He fussed with the front of his jersey as hethought about the ‘holiday’ weekend. “That’s if I’m not in New York or… well,you know.” If he wasn’t with Ichirou, like that weekend.

“Yeah.” Andrew’s lips pressed together for a moment as if tokeep from saying something and then he glanced aside. “What’s the point ofcelebrating when you don’t like candy?”

“Not all of us are trying to come down with diabetes beforewe’re thirty,” Neil said as he thought of Meg, Dan and Matt’s stories about howmuch ice cream Andrew could eat.

“Now you sound like Kevin,” Andrew shot back, well aware ofhow little Neil would appreciate the remark.

“Go ahead and aim those balls at me, too.”

“Oh no, I want you to suffer,” Andrew told him in allseriousness. “I’ve changed my mind on that whole ‘throw you off the roof’thing. Too quick a death.”

“Ah, now I feel so loved,” Neil quipped as he struggled tonot toy with the necklace, his hand sliding down his chest instead.

For some reason, Andrew stared at him for several secondsbefore speaking. “Do you?”

“Huh?”

“Feel loved.”

“Uhm….” Was that a joke?

Andrew rubbed at his eyes with the heel of his hand. “Nevermind. Who’s going to help you pass your classes once I take out Patel?”

“Hey! I’m not doing too badly this semester!” He wasn’t foronce; Chinese was proving a fun challenge and he was taking more linguisticclasses since he’d gotten a lot of basic requirements out of the way. Theytalked about their classes until the rest of the Ravens came into the tunnel sothey could enter the court and warm up, which made Andrew step away from Neil.

#nekojitachanfics #ravens partner fic #preview

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kalosstarters · 7 years ago

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Marisson for the ship!

Yay finallytime for my favorite children!! My apologies for taking this long (I’m a bit disappointed with my answers but I hope you guys enjoy them nevertheless)

Who gets excited about Halloween in July:

It’s probably a surprise to absolutely no one that it’s Mairin! I havealways headcanoned she’s is a huge fan of all the holidays and particularlyHalloween is one of her favorites because for once you get to express yourselfand dress up as funnily as you want. And Halloween several months early? It’slike Christmas to her. Alain, well Alain stands it because he wants to make hisfriend/later gf happy.

Who starts wearing sweaters and scarves on the first day of September and completely overheats:

Mairin :’) She hates cold so tries to protect herself from it as well asshe can, but… turns out the first of September in Kalos isn’t that cold afterall :P Alain likes scarves as well (as we know) but he doesn’t overdress.

Who thrives in Fall/Who prefers Summer and warm weather:

Quite a few people seem to consider Mairin a fall child but for somereason (I admit it, it might have something to do with me liking these seasonsin question) I think she’s more of a spring and summer person. Alain, on theother hand, enjoys that he can start wearing his fluffy floofiness and theleather jacket so fall sounds good to him.

Who thinks the other looks so cute when they’re cold and trying to fight it with 50 sweaters:

Alain thinks Mairin is cute; as said I think she’s someone who /hates/cold and sweaters are naturally the solution!

Who offers the other their jacket:

Alainbecause he always has one :D And his jacket is probably pretty warm as well.

Who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning because it’s too cold and has to run from the warm covers to the shower:

(Why are these questions so similar?) Mairin again! She doesn’t likemornings either so she’d rather stick in the bed even when it’s not cold, butadd that coldness and Alain might have to use drastic measures (use yourimagination) to get her out of there.

Who touches the other with their freezing cold feet at night:

Alain isn’t that rude (unlike a certain other fave boy of mine), it’sgotta be Mairin. Though mostly she’s just trying to seek for warmth butsometimes she might want to tease Alain a bit.

Who makes the hot cider to snuggle under a blanket and drink:

Maybe it’s Alain this time :D One of the reasons for this is that he doesnot trust Mairin near the kitchen (at least not without his supervising) andthe other reason is that he knows Mairin hates cold and likes to make her happy(hey, Alain can be soft as well! He’s not all edge.)

Who loves carving pumpkins and buys about 300:

Take a guess. When Mairin does it for the first time, it’s really messy(fallen pumpkin guts are most likely involved), but she actually has rathercapable hands so she gets the hang of it pretty soon. Alain isn’t too bad iteither but his pumpkins are more typical, while Mairin’s are quite artistic.

Who is terrible at carving pumpkins:

Oh I accidentally answered this above. Neither is terrible, but Mairin isbetter than Alain.

Who thinks pulling the pumpkin guts out with their hands is icky:

Hmm probably neither, I don’t see them as people who would care about thedirt too much. They deal with it on a regular basis while traveling.

What is their favourite Fall activity:

I wish I had something original to answer here… I don’t think their favoritefall activities have to be that different of their favorite other activities?Of course Pokémon training/battling is a thing they like to do a lot of time,but idk, it’s probably admiring the colorful nature from above while riding onCharizard, the yellow and orange and red trees look so pretty from there.Mairin also likes to stop and draw or take pictures of those trees. Anotherthing they like (while traveling) is cuddling against Charizard and drinkinghot chocolate or something while looking at the camp fire.

Who gets scared when they watch Horror movies:

Mairin does. The Flare Incident affects her for a long time and for exampleloud noises during a movie really startle her. And if Alain gets scared, it isreally hard to see (maybe his hand moves a tiny bit closer to Mairin’s but that’sall).

Who hands out candy to trick-or-treaters:

Both, but Mairin more often as she likes kids and has the happy, bubblypersonality that the kids like as well.

Who accidentally scares the kids:

Possibly Alain, one time Mairin makes his vampire look (she paints hisface) look really convincing and he actually looks very scary to the kids.

Who suggested the couples costume:

I certainly would like to see Alain suggest that. But we all know it’snot gonna happen. Mairin initiates a lot of things when she wants to dosomething cutesy/couple-y.

What is their couples costume:

I actually have a perfect answer for this! And it doesn’t even requiremuch from them. Mairin is a weeaboo so she loves all kinds of anime and mangaand is definitely familiar with Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun. She would dress asSakura (tiny, red headed, artistically talented, a bit silly and has a hugecrush on Nozaki) and Alain as Nozaki (he looks a lot like him as well :*)) So,Alain would have very formal clothes and Mairin a short skirt, jacket, and lotof bows in her outfit.

What is the best Halloween they ever had:

When theyalready have a family of their own, their favorite Halloween is when Mari andAlex go to “trick or treat” for the first time and manage to get a lot ofcandy. That makes them beam happily for the rest of the evening/night and that makestheir parents happy. Before having kids they love it when they spend the daywith Professor Sycamore and his various assistants and get to dress themselvesand the pokemon in some cute/funny outfits they find from Sycamore’s closets(trust me Augustine has some interesting ones, Halloween is his favoriteholiday)

What is the worst Halloween they ever had:

Their worstHalloween happens when their neighbor decides to shoot some fireworks eventhough that usually never happens during that holiday, and the two of them aretotally unprepared and the flashes and bangs remind them of Rayquaza’s DracoMeteor. After that they don’t want to go out anymore, but in some othercircumstances cuddling under a blanket with some hot drinks (which they doafter calming down a bit) might have been very nice.

Who eats too much candy and ends up sick the next day:

Mairin, because while Alain has a sweet tooth as well, he has learned along time ago what’s too much candy. He tries to warn her several times butMairin just claims that “one more doesn’t hurt”.

I’m too tired to spell check, but anyway, thanks so much, you know I love to talk about these two dorks :33

#marissonshipping #my headcanons #answers #arigatoo!!#11random-person11 #long post #sorry i'm lazy no read mores

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fiftyeightminutes · 7 years ago

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sense8 ships + happy endings

wow this took longer than i expected to write sorry anon. but uh yeah here enjoy!

these ships are not listed in any particular order lol. this is just the way it all came to me.

1. nomi/amanita

these two are the definition of ride or die. nomi and the cluster have to fight long and hard against bpo, but amanita never falters. no matter how many times nomi gives her an out, amanita makes it clear that there was never an out for her. she needs nomi just as much as nomi needs her. (and if that means that now they both need the rest of the cluster, too, then so be it. amanita didn’t exactly grow up in a traditional family anyway, so fuck it.)

when it’s finally safe enough, they get married. they had considered just running to the courthouse at some point, but in the end nomi insists on giving amanita the massive, fabulous wedding she’s always dreamed of. (nomi would never, ever get between amanita and a costume opportunity.) the cluster is all there, of course. they’ve all loved amanita through nomi. they feel the nomi’s joy as their own. the emotions are almost overwhelming. amanita and nomi have been together for years, but this culmination of it after so long feels perfect. right. when the ceremony is over and they kiss, nomi’s seven other selves feel like they’re home.

2. lito/hernando

it was hard for hernando to understand the whole sensate thing at first. he honestly worried that lito was losing it. but he couldn’t deny that maybe there was some truth to all of this when they get to london and he meets the other members of his boyfriend’s cluster. it’s clear these people are not just friends to lito. family isn’t even a strong enough word for it. these people are all a part of lito. and by extension, hernando accepts them all as a part of himself, too.

after the gang rescues wolfgang, lito and hernando (and daniela of course) head back to la. lito films his new movie and it ends up being a fucking hit in hollywood. the love and support he (and by extension hernando) receive there are almost more than he can handle. after a long talk one night, they decide to move there. it’s emotional, and part of them feels like mexico city will always be home, but in the end it’s the right thing for them. in la, the only reason anyone looks at lito is because he’s famous. no one gives the hand he has linked with hernando’s a second glance. lito’s made his living out of lying, but he finds that telling the truth here is the easiest thing in the world. (plus daniela thrives in la.)

3. riley/will

they’re not naturally happy people. even together, it’s hard. riley has her past, and will has his, and fighting bpo exactly easy, either. but together, they are stronger. they put everything they have into it. and with the help of the rest of their cluster, they finally win. they’re free from whispers, and it’s the best day of their fucking lives.

it’s weird for them at first. riley and will have never been together when they weren’t in danger. they don’t know how to do all the things normal couples learn at the beginning of their relationship. but they love each other more than anyone in the world, so they don’t let a little thing like figuring out which country they should live in stop them. in the end, they move to chicago. riley can dj in the states (she’s already got a bit of a following thanks to the internet), and will just wants to go back to being a cop. it takes some getting used to, but in the end, they finally learn how to be happy.

4. kala/wolfgang

things are complicated between them, to say the least. when the cluster first trades whispers and jonas for wolfgang, he won’t let kala see him. he hates himself for allowing whispers to use him to find her. but the rest of the cluster knows that nothing will stop them from loving each other. it’s not long before they convince wolfgang to at least talk to kala. and once they talk, that’s it. wolfgang’s gone. he could never let her go again. (it helps that kala doesn’t blame him, not even slightly. she never did. she knows wolfgang would never have willingly put her into danger. she blames everything on whispers, and she tells wolfgang that he can blame himself all he wants but he’ll never convince her that this isn’t whispers’ fault.)

kala wants to divorce rajan as soon as she and wolfgang finally meet face to face. the moment their hands touch, she knows that she can never be with rajan again. she could never, ever give up what she has with wolfgang. it fills her, makes her whole. before wolfgang, she felt she could have grown to love rajan. but now? she knows she will never love anyone as much as she loves wolfgang, so why bother trying?

it’s not until after they defeat bpo that kala can come out of hiding and finally divorce rajan. when she does, though, she and wolfgang pop a bottle of champaign and book the first flight to paris.

5. capheus/zakia

after a long time, capheus explains to zakia why he had to go to london. she think’s he’s crazy at first, but eventually he convinces her to let him use her computer to skype the rest of the cluster. after they confirm to her that yes, they’re real and no, capheus isn’t just making things up, zakia realizes life is a lot weirder than she knew. after a day or so, though, she decides to roll with it. this wonderful man, and all of his pieces, have made her happier and given her more hope for this world than anything else she’s ever seen.

capheus goes on to win his election. zakia is ecstatic. together, they take on the corruption in nairobi. it’s not easy, but honestly after bpo capheus is pretty sure he can take on anything. and with zakia at his side, he knows he’ll always have someone to tell his story.

6. sun/mun

clearly sun’s name is complicated, to say the least. but after everything with bpo is settled, she decides it’s worth trying. detective mun, to his credit, keeps his word about protecting her. despite every law she broke to save herself, he testifies on her behalf in court. he reveals to the world what a monster joong-ki is. for this, sun will be forever grateful. but this is not what convinces her to finally give mun a chance romantically.

it’s later, when he finds her practicing. he challenges her again, and she laughs but accepts. it’s different fighting him this time, though. she remembers what he said before, about why she doesn’t remember her fights. she decides to pay more attention to him this time. see what it feels like to really fight HIM, instead of just fighting for the sake of it. in the end, even though she stills hands his ass to him, she realizes she wouldn’t mind getting to spend more time with him after all. (within two weeks they’re a sickeningly adorable couple. mun dotes on her constantly. sun pretends to mind, but neither mun nore the cluster are fooled by it.)

7. felix/daniela

(because i’m a fucking mess and couldn’t leave them out of this.)

daniela and felix hit it off when the whole cluster and their families are together. at first, felix just thinks she’s hot and doesn’t think much of it. after wolfgang threatens him if he even thinks about hurting daniela (which weirds felix out at first until he understands how close his best friend truly is with his cluster), felix figures he’ll just let it go. but they end up becoming friends. daniela is fun-loving and easy-going, and felix is the same. they end up sitting together for hours, just joking and talking about how weird their lives have become due to their makeshift families.

felix realizes daniela is actually hilarious and so smart and fiercely protective, and before he knows what’s happening he’s kind of in love with her. it’s slower for daniela. she’s not really looking for a relationship, not after joaquin. (it doesn’t help that, even though lito clearly trusts these people with her life, she can still tell wolfgang and felix are criminals. she’s grown up with criminals her whole life, she knows how to spot one, and they’re not exactly trying to hid it.) but as she gets to know him better, she realizes felix is nothing at all like joaquin or her family. he’s a big dork. he drinks too much and starts quoting movies, and she finds herself laughing no matter how silly he gets. she finds out he’s loyal to a fault, willing to put his life on the line for wolfgang no matter the cost. and she learns that he can be sweet, too. before they know it, they sort of accidentally end up being a couple without ever really deciding it out loud. it would be weird, but neither of them are exactly traditional relationship people, so it works for them.

#sense8 headcanons #anonymous #answers #my stuff

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chasindtrevelyan · 7 years ago

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TAL/MAX FOR FALL SHIP MEME THING

Who gets excited about Halloween inJuly: Probably Talon, although come september Max is pretty muchright there with him.

Who starts wearing sweaters andscarves on the first day of September and completely overheats: Ifone of them did, it would be Talon, because Max usually won't startwearing sweaters until deeper into the winter.

Who thrives in Fall/Who prefersSummer and warm weather: Max is such a fall and winter child it isn'teven funny. Talon probably prefers summer though, since it's easierto stay warm.

Who thinks the other looks so cutewhen they’re cold and trying to fight it with 50 sweaters: I don'tthink this is a thing either of them would do, mostly because Maxrarely gets cold and Talon is stubborn.

Who offers the other their jacket:Max. That or he'll just wrap his arms around Talon is he's allowedto, let the man soak up the heat he gives off. (Boy is a damned spaceheater)

Who doesn’t want to get out of bedin the morning because it’s too cold and has to run from the warmcovers to the shower: Talon never wants to get out of bed so...

Who touches the other with theirfreezing cold feet at night: Talon, because he's a dick like that attimes, and also, it usually gets Max to call him an asshole and thenkiss away his grin.

Who makes the hot cider to snuggleunder a blanket and drink: Max, he would spoil Talon with all kindsof things like that.

Who loves carving pumpkins and buysabout 300: Talon if he's allowed

Who is terrible at carving pumpkins:Neither, though I feel like Talon would make a well done one, andthen carve a couple of silly ones just for fun.

Who thinks pulling the pumpkin gutsout with their hands is icky: Neither, in fact, they probably bothfind it oddly fun.

What is their favourite Fallactivity: Sleeping in, and probably just settling together somewherewarm.

Who gets scared when they watchHorror movies: Neither

Who hands out candy totrick-or-treaters: Both, though Max lets Talon do it more often thannot, because he likes watching him with the children.

Who accidentally scares the kids:Depends on the day

Who suggested the couples costume:Neither

What is their couples costume:sleepwear? Because honestly the only thing they might wear thatmatches is something to sleep in, and that's not much of a costume,nor would they be intending for it to be because it would be entirely accidental

What is the best Halloween they everhad: Their first. Mostly because Max had never seen him quite sorelaxed and happy, and it ended in a rather pleasant manner.

What is the worst Halloween theyever had: It's Holloween, there hasn't been a bad one yet. Unless onecounts the near meltdown Keryth had when he got spooked at the firsthaunted house they took him too. (Talon got defensive, Max had toapologize to the staff and take them both home, but they made up forit by putting on a favorite movie and curling up on the couch towatch it)

Who eats too much candy and ends up sick the next day: Keryth.Talon doesn't like sweets and Max never indulges that much.Unfortunately Keryth sometimes manages to eat more than they wouldnormally allow, which ends up with upset tummies and curling up inbed with his daddy until he feels better. (Max has a picture of themthat he refuses to delete because it's a favorite)

#ask response #ship meme #I had to put keryth in there #I couldn't resist #also #if Talon would allow it #there would be a lot of curling up together with a blanket when it's cold #and just general cuddling because Max is like that #slightly auish because it would be a more modern thing #ass--sass--sin

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papermoth-bird-blog · 6 years ago

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New Orleans: clowns & cowboys; pairings & partings

The past few days I’ve slowed my steady current of explorations and settled into a much more casual canter about town. In doing so, I’ve been able to start to crack the doors open as to what the people who live & stay & play here are really like. What they like to do. You know, community stuff (which my Hufflepuff heart truly craves). I’ve been riding a bike around the bywater & marigny. I’ve been feeling like Kiki (from Kiki’s delivery service) & it’s filled me with a certain kind of witchy-bliss. My heart is truly happy here- it feels understood here (not because of the people, necessarily but) because of the rhythm of the city itself.

It feels ridiculous to say- but I am really going to miss this city. It feels like one big White Rabbit that never ends. I love hearing the murmurings of what people are planning for their Mardi Gras costume & the Krewes they are apart of (Krewe de Crow! Krewe du Vieux!) The costumes- as Asa put it- are the physical articulations of every individuals personal God. Empowering themselves in their truest forms. It has my head spinning. I’d really, really love to get a Mardi Gras tradition kick started in Halifax. I kinda feel like we could have a good thing going- I mean at least for a house party, because God knows no one would actually want to be outside that time of year in Halifax. In the very least, I’m going to strongly encourage Costumes at this upcoming White Rabbit (although, many people already get that).

I’m still circling the idea about “learning about death” here. I mean, in a way, I feel like if anything I learned about what inside me really makes me feel alive- that being art, oddities, openess and kindness. I certainly learned a lot about that. It helped me let go of a lot of the heaviness that followed me from Halifax & beyond. I mean, there is something to be said in that too in the way that New Orleans celebrates death itself. I learned a lot about the Second Line funerals. Apparently the Prince & David Bowie parades were just as/ if not wilder than Mardi Gras. There is so much to that. In celebrating the ends of things, just as you do the beginnings. I mean, the trip itself was such a big learning thing for me. The death of the chapter of stuck-ness. I’ll take that- if that’s what it was.

Life & Silliness found me at many many points throughout my days here. Even in the later ones in which I fell ill. I feel in love a few times over here. I found myself craving to stay. At the very least, I want to come back. I really do think I will- but with art supplies- which I think would make the whole thing so much better.

The last few days were slow, because I decided to make the evening activities more of a priority. Shaking “farm time” is still proving a little difficult. I am so glad I did try to fight it though. We went to Preservation hall (which is expensive, but worth it) for some of the best jazz i’ve heard all week. Later, we went to st. Roch (which on tuesdays you can get a beer & a hair cut for 10$!) & we tried our best to keep up with all the other fantastic country dancers. Siberia is another fun bar/music spot- with really great eastern european food. Milly played there- her set was great. She has a very witchy/eastern/traditional thing going for her. I really am glad I got to see her play while I was here. Actually, last night I got to see her puppet show as well! It was about aliens & global warming. She dressed as a grampa (which had Artemis cracking up the whole time) & sang all the dialogue. It was pretty brilliant.

In fact, all the acts were kinda wonderful. There were some really vulnerable writing pieces. A poetry/harp/performanceShavingPiece, story telling, a drag cowboy, self-written show tunes. The evening ended with a candlelit saw song performance. The whole thing had me very inspired and ready to create myself. There were also such great pieces of wisdom that were dilvulged. Particularily something said by Charlie “the cowboy prince”- who said something about making a point of saying “Human becomings” instead of “human beings” that had me thinking quite a bit. Catherine- the woman hosting the show, made a little booklet of lots of great questions/prompts that I believe I will be thinking on for some time yet.

All these people seem to be wanderers too- which is quite inspiring in grounding in someway. They clearly have a thriving community here too, despite the consistent comings/goings of this group of people. It reminds me that you can always come back, no matter how far you wander. I’m just a little sad that I’m going right when I was really starting to feel at home here.

Funny enough though, another reminder of this lesson croped up quite magically. Last year, I travelled to Colombia with a couple friends for an art residency. There we met another young artist named Molly- who goes to Oberlain, but is from Chicago originally. A couple days ago she messaged me out of the blue to say that she saw that I was in New Orleans- and she was too= for another few hours. We weren’t sure if it would work out for us to meet. Then her flight got cancelled, and so, I met up with her & her parents. We had a bit of lunch at Elizabeth’s (in the Bywater). We chit chatted & it felt natural all over again. It’s funny. Some people (and it seems, more and more people) don’t waste time with strangeness- that is to say committing to strangerhood. Life is too short not to take risks and be vulnerable. I haven’t regretted one moment that I took a chance to talk to someone, despite is being a challenge to get myself to do it at certain points.

A trope that keeps coming up for me in such an obvious way is that of the cowboy. (UMMM HELLO my going away party was SPACE COWBOY. Which was the most well suited theme party I’ve ever had). The lonesome wanderer. With nothing but the desert surrounding them, to act as their mirror. Ryn talked about that last night. Being alone in the desert. The enforced meditation that happens there. A perfect place to think. “Where you can be without walls.” A perfect place to pray. Actually, as it happens, Ryn was just living in Sedona for 6 months. She said “Sedona is a really special place; it’s where healer’s go to heal.” It’s given me a lot to think about, but everyone of them draws me closer to that place. The more I do, the more people come into my path & encourage me to go there too. It feels a little spooky & oh so right. A few different people have said this journey sounds like a movie script. I always laugh, but it’s kinda true. I feel very guided & supported in my efforts. I mean........ I definitely need to be more mindful of my budget for sure, but outside of that it’s going quite well.

I was on the phone with Morgan this morning scheming up very good schemes. A friend of his is coming to New Orleans by chance, in the next few days. So, we were dreaming up a scavenger hunt I could make for her when she arrives. I mean, I do wish I had more time to do so, as my bus for Nashville leaves tonight. I love scavenger hunts though- and I especially love making them, so I’m quite thrilled to have the project to fill my day. Silliness & friendship & adventure all around. I couldn’t be happier--- except perhaps, if I didn’t have this cold.

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allthislove · 8 years ago

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Dis Kpop rant bout to be real unappealing to most of my followers lol

But bear with me, y’all. If I go long, I’ll make a jump.

Y’all, I’m old. Okay? Like, let me tell you how old. I’ve been a K-pop stan for 10 years, no exaggeration. Literally, my first introduction to K-pop was one of my friends when I was a teenager sending me a BoA song because he thought I’d like her. This was literally 2007 (or maybe even 2006??? IDK) I have my biases from over the years, but also, I know pretty much who were the hottest groups/solo artists at the time. Like, when time passes and you get a little more removed from your biases, you can report honestly (I also just so happened to stan a couple of the hottest, but that’s par for the course. They’re the hottest for reasons.)

So, literally, when I see newer K-pop fans say artists like BIGBANG, EXO, Super Junior, and SHINee were irrelevant, or are currently, I get a little dumbfounded. Literally at some point, or even now, these were the hottest boybands in Korea. Many of them, in much of Asia.

Wait, let me clear one thing up. I’m K-pop Rip Van Winkle. That’s a story about a man who falls asleep for a very long time, and wakes up to a very different world. So, my long sleep was college. For a while, while I was in college, I stanned K-pop hard, still. I even went to concerts when I had time off from classes, traded photocards with friends, downloaded songs on iTunes... Then, school got more serious when I started in my major. I had almost no free time outside of it (theatre major = death lol), and so I stanned online very little. I still sometimes watched YouTube videos or downloaded songs I liked, but my fandom became very casual. And y’all, this is a big deal for me. I mean, I was THAT fangirl. I had all the merch, spammed all the comments sections, wrote all the fanfiction, saved money so I could fly across the country to go to concerts, ran stan twitters and tumblrs, like, I was an all-in fan. By somewhere around 2014/15, I had no choice but to chill on that. It was either that, or, like, not have perfect grades, and perfect grades were my LIFE. No joke.

So, in December of 2016, I graduated from college (university, for non-Americans), and I was ECSTATIC, and I’ve been doing well, having been accepted to grad school and done all this fun shit. So, of course, I went back to stanning. But, yenno, I just went back to stanning Marvel hard online, at first. (Did I mention Marvel? Yeah, I was a k-pop and Marvel fangirl, lol. Real man-catching shit. It’s why they’re always in my DMs, amirite?) Occasionally, I’d check back in with K-pop when something cool happened with a group I loved. Or something fuckING SAD AS FUCK, like 2NE1 FUCKING DISBANDING WTF YG???

But I noticed something. This newer group that I sorta liked when I checked out of K-pop standom had blown up. But, with their newfound fame and success came a new, horrible group of stans. Y’all might get mad, I remember Kpop savagery... but that group is BTS.

Don’t get me wrong. K-pop been like this. Fanwars are like... ubiquitous with K-pop. It’s really funny, when you’ve been far removed from K-pop for a prolonged period of time. Like, the rose-colored glasses come off and you see the shit for what it is, and it’s just dumb as fuck. Like, everyone who isn’t a k-pop stan thinks k-pop is dumb as fuck, or either irrelevant, and everyone who is a k-pop stan thinks all other k-pop is dumb as fuck or irrelevant other than who they stan. It’s counter-productive, crab-in-a-barrel shit.

And like, I’ve been heavy in black tumblr/twitter during my K-hiatus, too, and like, I’m so used to the positivity shit, like supporting other black women/woc and supporting black-owned business and also feminist twitter/tumblr, like sisterhood and supporting and uplifting each other. So, seeing people essentially on the same team literally tearing each other down and saying how lame/ugly/untalented/irrelevant/whatever the fuck the other thing is, it’s like jarring AF now.

(Also, K-pop... itself, and often the fandom, it’s just toxic in many ways. Racially... like, the weird racial shit still happens in 2017, and many kpop fans write that shit off. Also, with queer shit, like... the weird, fetishy way people act about queerness vs the straight up homophobic way people react to the idea of legitimate queerness in kpop, and like... lot’s of shit, but that’s a topic for another rant.)

But anyway, BTS stans. Listen, I liked BTS back in like 2014 or whatever, right before I checked out, for school. At the time, they were relatively new (rookies, even), and they had a growing fandom, but yenno, that’s normal for pretty much every newer idol group. My point is: I thought BTS were cool. That “American Hustle Life” or whatever it was was fun to watch, if mildly problematic, but eh, everything hip-hop in Korea is mildly problematic.

So, when I came back and saw them thriving, I was kinda happy. I knew they had increasing fans (many of my classmates who liked K-pop liked BTS, among other groups... often including the earlier ones I mentioned, and then shit like Monsta X and Ikon.), but I had no idea they were like... competitive with EXO until I really had this free time to stan again.

Going long, so it’s under a cut, if you GAF. I write a lot (I’m literally a writer, and writing a lot is beautiful, ask Alexander Hamilton, ask Leo Tolstoy, ask ya mama).

But then the Armys. Mostly on twitter, like, I don’t really see y’all on tumblr. I don’t follow a ton of K-pop twitters, on this blog. (I have an old stan tumblr that I sorta forgot the password to, so IDK.)

IDK, like I said, I’m old. So maybe this is a teenager thing? But there’s this obsession with calling everyone, literally every idol group outside of BTS, irrelevant.

Also, there’s this obsession with believing BTS is the only idol group to make it alone (going platinum with no features!) or, basically, without a Big 3 label to back them. OR, that none of the other idol groups struggled to gain their positions.

Both things are silly, and to me, say you’re not a k-pop fan. Which is fine. I “wasn’t a k-pop fan” for probably the last two years. I was pretty much just watching for 2NE1 updates, or BIGBANG news via alerts on my phone, and whatnot.

But, if you are a K-pop fan, and you consider yourself a K-pop fan (like I was, pre-2015), you ought to really know better. I consider myself a bit of a k-pop historian. No, seriously, my concentration in college was pretty much performance studies/dramaturgy; which if you know what that means, it means I’m the nerd that wants to know how performers in Renaissance Italy got costumes, and what connection the play Hamlet has to Shakespeare’s relationship with his own son, Hamnet. So, when I obsessed over K-pop, I literally STUDIED it. Like, I read actual books and journal articles about hallyu, that’s the kind of nerd I am. So, here it what I know that I know about K-pop.

You do have idol groups who benefited from the level of fame their Big 3 label gave them, and especially the big idol groups that label had before them (that’s kinda... Ikon, Winner, EXO... not that they didn’t have their own journeys, but the BIGBANG, Suju/SHINee bump really benefited those groups.)

But then you have BIGBANG, and Block B. BIGBANG is a group that literally started out flopping. They began in a time when YG was a hip-hop label, and the idea of them putting out an idol group was laughable. The most similar thing YG had at the time was 1Tym, and that wasn’t an idol group, but a hip-hop group. BIGBANG was an experiment, for Yang Hyun Suk. He wanted to bring a different flavor to idol groups, who at the time, were essentially Korean versions of the Backstreet Boys. Mind you, this was around 2005, when the decision was made. So, he took his kid rappers G-Dragon and Taeyang, and his kid singer Daesung, and he brought in underground rapper T.O.P, former SM trainee/reality TV contestant Seungri, and another kid he had as a trainee, Hyunseung. Some of them were not happy that they were going to be in an idol group, as they had joined YG because it was a hip-hop label and they wanted to be rappers. (Yes, Taeyang was a rapper. He became the main singer of the group because Teddy and them thought he had a nice singing voice. Mind you, they were still very young, at this time.) Hyunseung actually got cut, and eventually went on to be a Troublemaker (lol).

BIGBANG debuted to mix reviews. They were weird, ugly (compared to other idols), and people didn’t really get them. They had some fans, but again, that’s not what idol groups were. Idol groups were, well, TVXQ.

Then, G-Dragon happened. YG let GD play around with music a lot, and he wrote these two songs. YG liked them, so he told GD that BIGBANG would record them. GD wasn’t happy about that, either. He thought they’d be his solos. But, it was still a big opportunity for a kid his age to get their songs produced (again, at THIS time, idols did not write their own songs. Idols barely had autonomy at all, back then. These days, a lot of idols write songs.)

Those songs were “Lies” and “Haru Haru”. Both were smash hits. I’m talking, burn up the charts, blow up, K-pop-will-never-be-the-same hits.

Let me remind you, I was actually a k-pop fan, by then. I literally remember the shift. I was stanning Rain, at the time, because he was different than all the other idols.... who were still mostly doing cutesy shit, and a lot of ballad.

When BIGBANG blew up (I wasn’t their fan, yet), other companies followed suit, and started changing up their boyband format. The first was probably 2PM (I DID stan them... because, yenno, Rain was JYP, and so were 2PM.). That sorta hip-hop slant to k-pop groups, it was added largely because BIGBANG changed the game. Don’t get me wrong, those guys were already JYP trainees, for the most part (Jay Park was actually a JYP trainee at the same time that GD and Taeyang were YG trainees; y’all probably know the story about YG and JYP planning to make them a trio.) But, I still say most of the hip-hop style in k-pop, specifically, came from BIGBANG. Obviously, there were already hip-hop groups, but they were hip-hop, and the genre wasn’t really crossing with K-pop in a significant way.

Yadda yadda, Heartbreaker, Alive, GD&TOP, the rest is history, IDK.

Now, Block B. My in-depth knowledge of them isn’t as great, but I know their story.

Block B was another project-group. Cho PD, also, wanted to make a hip-hop idol group. But his idea, I guess, was to go more of a pure hip-hop direction than BIGBANG. (As you probably know, BIGBANG are genre chameleons, while Block B lean much more heavily hip-hop than BIGBANG. This isn’t commenting on anyone’s ability. Block B can cross genres well, and the hip-hop members of BIGBANG do it well, too.)

So, Block B comes out, and you know, they have kind of a smash debut (not on like a MONSTER ROOKIES level, but they did damn good.) But also, immediately, they have controversy... mostly over dumb shit like “you copied BIGBANG!” (Which is also really funny, because Cho PD and Yang Goon actually had beef of some sort. Which also made it awkward, because Block B members actively tried not to mention BIGBANG, even though several of them like BIGBANG. And I think vice versa.)

But, Block B can’t be held down. Like, no. Seriously. So, the thrived, until the fire nation attacked. There was controversy over statements made, over their song contents, all this shit. It seemed like Block B was going to end before they started, which was tragic because there’s a lot of talent there, and nobody wanted to lose them.

Then, just as things started to look up, again, Block B had had enough with their label, Brand New Stardom (or just Stardom). They straight up weren’t getting paid. They were literally hungry, having to scrounge or ask their parents for food, transportation, etc. It was a mess. So, eventually, they left Stardom, and the CEO committed suicide. It got really ugly.

It really, again, seemed like Block B might be over before they even started. Which was a shame, because honestly Zico. Zico was a talent that didn’t need to be wasted (this is not shade to the other members, but seriously. Zico was their GD, he’s the Zion.T, he’s the Tablo, and if you’re a kpop fan, you SHOULD know what that means, and what kind of musician he is.)

But again. Block B can’t be held down. They rose, once again. Triumphantly. They came out with “Very Good”, which, like, GOT THEM ON BILLBOARD, and one them their first music show award, and like, blew them up.

And I don’t think you guys understand how much we all cried when “Be The Light” came out.

And, yenno, lot’s of good things, the rest is history, yadda yadda.

These are just two stories, but yea, no, BTS isn’t the first, or last, to claw their way up from nothing, from obscurity, from relative doom. (I didn’t even talk about all the career-ending scandals that both of these groups had, that they survived and overcame. Seriously, BIGBANG almost legitimately ended in 2011. Why do you think they came out with ALIVE in 2012?)

“But, random old-head kpop fan,” you might be thinking, “nobody did for hallyu what MY BIAS-”

but let me stop you right there, see, because that’s cRAZY, to me. Hallyu been poppin since, like, IDK 2002 or 2003.

Like, who are the Hallyu Kings? DBSK/TVXQ. That’s just Kpop 101. They are practically the reason for Hallyu.

Let me give you some major Hallyu players from the past, eh, 15 or so years. DBSK, HOT, Rain, Se7en, BoA, Super Junior, SNSD/Girl’s Generation, Wonder Girls, BIGBANG, 2NE1, SHINee, EXO. Are there other realllly popular idol groups? Sure. Infinite, VIXX, BAP, f(x), just to name a few. But if you really get down to it, who was leading Hallyu all those years? These are the major players. These are the people whose music, style, popularity, made the world look at K-pop. I PROMISE you. I mean, look up Stephen Colbert’s rivalry with Rain. Look up Cassies record in Guinness for largest fan club in the world. Look up BoA’s dance chart topping US debut. Look up these people’s fame in Japan. In China. In South America. These names WERE k-pop, some still are. (Big daddy Rain/Bi has Hollywood movies, for fucks sake. Don’t you talk to me about Hallyu!)

“But, old lady,” you say to me, “I never heard of them, then!”

I know. And plenty of people, today, haven’t heard of K-pop, outside of Korea and regions where the idols are mainstream. But, yeah, the fact that a lil black girl in North Carolina in 2007 could be listening to BoA, before we had stan twitter and tumblr and YouTube was a baby that only had random uploads and when all my k-pop updates had to come from forums.... that just further proves that hallyu was already a thing. Also, my dear, I bet you’re a LOT younger than me. You could’ve been, like, 5, in 2007. I was in high school. I’m in my mid-20s, many of you are teenagers. That’s also really lovely. I love that K-pop is continuing through the generations, and didn’t burn out as a fad (which is what people have been saying ever since I bought my first Rain album.)

So, what I’m saying is... even if it’s uncomfortable for you to admit... your faves, whether that’s BTS, or Monsta X, or Ikon, or Black Pink, or whatever, ABSOLUTELY owe their success to the HUGE Hallyu strides made by: DBSK, HOT, Rain, Se7en, BoA, Super Junior, SNSD, Wonder Girls, BIGBANG, 2NE1, SHINee, and EXO. THERE WOULD NOT BE ACCESS TO KPOP OUTSIDE OF KOREA if it wasn’t for OUR presence back then. Us, in the US and Canada, and Europe, and South America, who struggled in forums just to get morsels of BoA or Rain music, who tediously translated variety shows featuring BIGBANG and Suju before there were official uploads, who made our faves SO POPULAR that shit like KCON, allkpop, and soompi were created to give us better access to them, who made such a loud impact that companies started making official twitters and YouTube channels for their idols.

I literally watched ALL OF THAT unfold. It all unfolded before my eyes in the last 10 years. It’s INCREDIBLY RIDICULOUS to suggest that shit didn’t emerge because of hallyu; because hallyu was emerging. That’s why you were even able to FIND small idol groups that didn’t come from big companies. In 2007, if you were an idol group from a small company, you’d better pray you got good variety slots to garner interest. Now, it’s par for the course for them to easily connect with fans through shit like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram (even shit like weibo, which isn’t Korean, but to reach other Asian fans.)

I’m not even going to get into skill, talent, and respect for position because of these things (because that’s a deeper convo, and look where we are already, son and daughter!)

Just... even if you never want to pick up a SHINee album, or watch a BIGBANG MV, let’s not resign ourselves to some foolish notion that every newer idol group owes not their very existence to these cats. This is not a commentary on talent, effort, or anything else. But realistically, you likely wouldn’t have even found them. They also may have never been formed (the influx of foreign fans also brought on an influx of new idol groups. That’s why there are literally hundreds of idol groups, now, versus when, say BIGBANG debuted. There’s so much pie, that everyone is jumping at the chance to get a slice. If there were only fans in Korea, new bands would still emerge, but way fewer, and less frequently.)

Also: it is entirely possible to stan your bias group AND acknowledge the impact that seniors had on them. Wanna see me do it? BIGBANG is my bias group, but they would NOT exist without 1Tym, or DBSK. DBSK is THE boy band model. Yes, there are earlier idol groups, and ones just as big (OMG I LEFT OUT SHINHWA, WHICH IS BLASPHEMY), but DBSK CHANGED the fucking GAME, for K-pop idol bands. They’re the blueprint. 1Tym is literally the styling for every hip-hop influence group in Korea (them and Epik High, but BIGBANG is more directly styled after 1Tym). Besides that, 1Tym is the band that bore Teddy Park, who gave BIGBANG much of their early sound, and to this day helps write many YG artists’ music. If 1TYM or DBSK had never existed, there’s a large chance BIGBANG never would’ve existed.

And, if DBSK didn’t blow up so hard, there’s a large chance BIGBANG would’ve never gotten as much international interest, especially in the early days. (The same could be said for their connection to 1Tym, who actually introduced them in the States at an early YG Concert.)

**small amendment: BIGBANG also owe a lot to Se7en, who was their big bro when they needed it most, and also fixed their names right on up. (I believe he named several members, and saved them from Yang Goon’s terrible naming. Seriously, TOP was gonna be Mark. Which is fine, if your name is Mark, but his name is Seunghyun, and YG just liked the name Mark for some reason. Se7en saved TOP’s life.)

So, can y’all soothe my old ass heart and at least pretend to understand the history of the genre you claim to love? Is that alright? Can that be a thing?

No? Y’all hate me, now? Okay...

Till next time, K-poppers!

#aka the history of korean entertainment as told by raven #bigbang #bts #exo #shinee #super junior #monsta x #black pink #2ne1 #dbsk #idk i mentioned a lot of y'all faves #is this a can of worms?#or did i just save kpop?#just call me raesus #alright read this long ass shit or move on #one rule #DO NOT REPLY IF YOU DID NOT READ TO COMPLETION #mostly because i hate repeating myself

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pretty-perdita · 7 years ago

Note

Simber / Helle

SIMBER

Who gets excited about Halloween in July:

Simba. Always. For everything.

Who starts wearing sweaters and scarves on the first day of September and completely overheats:

Ber. BC he is always overheating bc he wears fuckin BLACK PANTS ALL THE TIME

Who thrives in Fall/Who prefers Summer and warm weather:

They both prefer summer and warmer weather.

Who thinks the other looks so cute when they’re cold and trying to fight it with 50 sweaters:

Simba thinks Ber is precious when he’s cold.

Who offers the other their jacket:

Simba also gives Ber his jackets; but Simba is more likely to forget his walking out the door and Ber has to remind him. Or probably just grabs it for hi at this point.

Who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning because it’s too cold and has to run from the warm covers to the shower:

Berlioz. He’ll just drag the whole comforter with him.

Who touches the other with their freezing cold feet at night:

Berlioz also. Simba hates it but loves it.

Who makes the hot cider to snuggle under a blanket and drink:

Simba, but Ber does it sometimes too.

Who loves carving pumpkins and buys about 300:

Simba. He will carry as many as possible.

Who is terrible at carving pumpkins:

Also Simba. He is TERRIBLE but he lOVES it.

Who thinks pulling the pumpkin guts out with their hands is icky:

Berlioz. Wimpy little boy.

What is their favourite Fall activity:

Snuggles by the fire. Also Carnivals. Also raking leaves and jumping in them. Okay that’s just Simba.

Who gets scared when they watch Horror movies:

Lowkey Simba.

Who hands out candy to trick-or-treaters:

Both of them!! It’s adorable.

Who accidentally scares the kids:

Neither of them?? Really? Unless they’re like makin out and the kids see that.

Who suggested the couples costume:

Simba.

What is their couples costume:

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.

What is the best Halloween they ever had:

Oh gosh last year was a little rough bc of the whole Lou almost died thing. But the year before that they weren’t together soooo

What is the worst Halloween they ever had:

La--well they were moving in together sooo

Who eats too much candy and ends up sick the next day?

Simba.

HELLE

Who gets excited about Halloween in July:

Neither of them that’s silly.

Who starts wearing sweaters and scarves on the first day of September and completely overheats:

Belle. She likes all those things. And she hates being cold.

Who thrives in Fall/Who prefers Summer and warm weather:

Belle likes Fall but she’s wimpy when it comes to cold weather. Sooo Hades.

Who thinks the other looks so cute when they’re cold and trying to fight it with 50 sweaters:

Hades thinks Belle is ridiculous w her long sleeve shirt, oversized sweater, jacket, scarf, hat etc

Who offers the other their jacket:

Hades would do it probably and Belle would stubbornly refuse it probably and then they’d argue.

Who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning because it’s too cold and has to run from the warm covers to the shower:

Belle. She haTES being coLD, she’ll drag the comforter with her.

Who touches the other with their freezing cold feet at night:

Belle deff that’s so a belle move

Who makes the hot cider to snuggle under a blanket and drink:

Belle. She loves warm drinks like that.

Who loves carving pumpkins and buys about 300:

Guess who has never carved a pumpkin? BELLE. SO Hades by default, he probably did it w Sephy.

Who is terrible at carving pumpkins:

I feel like neither of them would be bad really. Belle is secretly a p good artist and I feel like Hades ain’t too shabby either.

Who thinks pulling the pumpkin guts out with their hands is icky:

Neither they’d roll their sleeves up and get into it.

What is their favourite Fall activity:

Uhhhhh idek man they’re not that like COUPLE ~~ that has ~~ favorite fall activities ~~ maybe just hanging out and reading but they do that all the time.

Who gets scared when they watch Horror movies:

TBH Belle wouldn’t really like jump scares and then she’d get mad about getting scared.

Who hands out candy to trick-or-treaters:

Both of ‘em. That’s cute. Tho I mean their house is really out of the way I don’t think they get many trick-or-treaters.

Who accidentally scares the kids:

Hades. Is it an accident?

Who suggested the couples costume:

Lol gosh would they do this?

What is their couples costume:

Literary characters probably. wow it’d be so nerdy whatever it is. (tho okay imagine them as like idk i just totally blanked on like all power couples ever but IMAGINE IT ANYWAY)

What is the best Halloween they ever had:

uhhh last halloween was their first i think? that was probably funnnn i don’t think seph was dead yet and hades was home so woo good times.

What is the worst Halloween they ever had:

they only had the one.

Who eats too much candy and ends up sick the next day:

neither of them rly like candy that much

#asks #headcanons #andrina-the-amazingsupergenius

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papermoth-bird-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Austin: Postcards from places.

It’s a common thing for tourists to pick a single item in each place they travel to. I guess it’s kinda a cool idea- I mean then you have items that remind you of all your travels. On a trip like this I can’t exactly start collecting pottery mug or anything though (although y’all know how much I love a hand crafted item). Besides that, I’m also trying to *cut down* on my own personal possessions as I make steps towards moving into my future cabin at Red Clay. Collecting items like that feels slightly less personal/sentimental than I usually am, anyways. For the past few years of my life I’ve been collecting postcards which I keep in my top drawer for sentimental emergencies. They are postcards from all over the world that my friend’s have sent me. Some of them are silly (like one my friend grace sent me of a burnt piece of toast, without much written on it-- adding to the mystery of it) & some filled entirely up on the back with worlds of love & amazing stories. For the past few years, I’ve been collecting postcards for myself as well. Postcards are abundant when travelling generally (except in Colombia I learned). I make sure to sit down at a cafe soon after buying one & write a little note to myself. Like a diary entry on how I’m doing, what I’m experiencing & what I hope for myself in the future. I mean- these are the best gifts to myself I could ask for honestly. An added bonus is that they are beautiful on the outside & don’t take up much room at all. It’s really a win-win-wine x million.

______________________________________________

Austin has a very particular aesthetic to it. I mean, I can’t tell if it’s just millennial aesthetic taking over, or it’s were that aesthetic was kinda born. I think it may be the latter, though. Like any big city, of course there is aspects on anonymity in terms of grey skyscrapers. In the parts of town that aren’t populated with them, there is a lots of colours to explore. If you liked mural art, Austin would be the perfect spot for an art walk of sorts- I mean, I’ve unintentionally kinda been doing that myself. There are some really famous ones like “you’re my butter half”, “I love you so much” & of course the “welcome to austin” one. There are also TONES of Willie Nelson, who is basically the unofficial mascot (or spiritual mayor or something). Also. I will note that Matthew Mcconaghey does the announcements for the Austin metro system. I was sitting there going “wow that voice is familiar” & then he literally said “it’d be pretty cooool if you did” in regards to keeping the bus clean. I just about fainted. And then I really wanted to watched Dazed & Confused again.

Austin has a thriving food truck & drive-thru culture. Which sounds potentially tacky & disengaged, but it’s actually very cool. I mean- this is still a place that says “howdy” completely unironically... but now it makes me question if that is really as grampa-ish as a sentence as I mean most of the food trucks have lawns or picnic tables that you can sit outside on etc. All the trucks are all decked out with cool graphics & paintings too. Or they are in really cool airstream trailers. Volkswagen bus’ are abundant here as well. I wouldn’t be entirely shocked to learn there is also a thriving micro-home community as well. I really feels like the vibe of this city- modern, but with one toe in the past, just out of sentimentality. There is also a huge chunk of kitsch met with a self-awareness that makes the city a really fun place to be. I mean it’s light hearted enough. People are here to have a good time & enjoy being young. In a very Montreal kind-of-way there are a lot of people zooming around on bikes,& yoga in the park, yada yada. Aesthetically speaking, Austin sure does love their neon signs too. They also love a good round lightbulb. And decorating their trees in lights all year round. Walking around South Congress has been my favourite thing to do so far. The stores are quirky, but also filled with a lot of locally made art. There is still a maintained “you are in the heart of Texas” vibe to it. Tex-mex style & food all around. Skulls, colours, leather good, crosses, tin sculptures. In this neck of the woods there are also some great costumes & Vintage stores which I had to try my very best to shut my eyes in. Of course I find myself being my own personal juke box walking around these streets. Singing Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves & Paul Simon songs. I feels like a really happy, sunshine-y city. Even in grey, cold weather, I myself have been very happy and sunny too. Just enjoying being.

And eating. I’ve really really been enjoying eating. Which has been a struggle for me for the last year or so. But I’m really falling in love with food again. Between the amazing Ramen here, and the Tex-Mex & the Southern-comfort food. Equally, I’ve really been enjoying excersizing & riding bikes. I can’t wait to get my bike back home all tuned up again. (I haven’t ridden it since I got into a bad bike accident a couple years ago & re: kicked my concussion again). I feel excited again about my life back home (not that it ever really went away, but you know, it feels shiny and new again). I’m happy.

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I am feeling strangely about time. I think it’s because I’m feeling a shift coming up, with the upcoming trip to the Ashram. To prepare, I’ve been trying to stretch & meditate on my own more regularly again, although I’ve been struggling with the discipline of it all a little bit. Mostly in terms of the sitting for a long time. I feel too wiggly & ready for adventure. But my abundant mind-energy is something I’m working on soothing & making friends with again- and not let her run as wild as she always craves to do.

I have made more efforts to ground myself in my life back home a little bit more, which honestly feels good again. I’m going to be secretary of the Red Clay Studio this year. I’m getting excited to go back to the farm & to start getting affairs in order for White Rabbit. I’ve been speaking to lots of friends back home, and in Ontario. I didn’t realize how big of a deal it’d be to spend time back where I’m from. I am an ocean girl through & through these days. But there are things about Ontario that are important to me too & I haven’t given myself anytime in the last 5 years to really sit with them. I’m glad I’ll get to spend a lot of time in the country out there though. Because after so much city time, I know I can really ground that way. (Although I did try a grounding excersize by “holding hands” with a cactus... not a spike-y one... but it felt right. Anyways, it was definitely less affective than the oak trees in Louisiana. So I found some other trees & made friends with the loud birds that lived in them & had a little ritual for myself in the half-sun.)

I booked my trip to Europe too. The last leg of my trip. I feel time pulling quickly towards me again. Greece has been the trip my sisters & I have talked about for our whole lives & it’s finally happening. I’m gonna meet my extended family & see where my grandparents grew up. It’s gonna be super special. ...And then I’m flying right back into Halifax & going to crash back into my life again. I guess I should start looking for apartments too- but I’m not quite ready for that yet.

I think it’ll be easier to be silly around people I know again. I’ve had a very adult-hat on. Which is probably good for me. I’m taking good care of myself & being firm with strangers. (Including multiple strange men that have invited me back to their apartments without any prompting.) I talked to Bria again on the phone yesterday, because she had to notify me that she bought a Donkey in Morocco. Which made me laugh really hard & filled me up with silliness that I’ve missed.

I’m learning that there is a difference between adventure & travel. Travel is more about changing space. Adventure could be near or far, but it’s about experimentation with life itself. If that makes sense. You can travel without adventure. You can Adventure two blocks from where you grew up. I hope I am doing both on this trip.

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