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dreamer213 · 2 years ago

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Broken Machines: Between Shadows

Chapter 1: New Normal

The sea of darkness around her feels endless, a void too vast to see the beginning or end. Entrapped in this endless abyss was Penny Poledina, seemingly falling further and further into the all-encompassing emptiness. Despite the grimness of the situation, the young military android was calm and collected in this odd environment as if she knew it wouldn’t last long. In a flash the scenery around her changes, now Penny was in a lush garden dressed in a white sundress. Sitting on the grass and picking flowers, Penny looks completely at peace with her surroundings. But her serenity turns to joy when a white-haired young man appears behind her. Sensing his presence Penny turns around and holds her arm out to him, ready to embrace him. He dives at her and tackles her to the ground, holding her tight in his arms as he nuzzles into her neck. The two hold each other and giggle like mad, giddy just being in each other’s presence. They lock eyes, summer green to a brilliant blue, and he leans in for a kiss. But before their lips connect the scene fades in an instant.

Penny wakes up in her bed, rest but a bit groggy at the loss of her sweet dream.

Penny: Why do I always wake up in the middle of a good dream but stay asleep throughout nightmares every time?!

She gripes to herself before sitting up, unplugging herself, and stretching out. Looking over to her nightstand Penny leans over and picks up her plugged-in scroll. She goes through her contact and locates a number saved number under the contact ID “My Prince”. She selects the video call option and combs her hair with her finger, trying to tame her bedhead a little, as the call connects. Soon the screen shows a video feed of none other than Whitley Schnee, already dressed and sitting at his desk.

Not long ago he’d be a little crabby at being awake so early in the morning but now he looked forward to it. Before morning started with a quick breakfast then straight into the grind of his daily studies and work. But now it started with the sleepy voice of a sweet red-haired girl, a vision of cuteness in her pajamas and bedhead.

Penny: Good morning, Whitley. Did you wake up before me again?

She says sweetly but with a hint of uneasiness. She’d always worried about how little he slept no matter how neat and chipper he looked every morning. Penny was already beyond what most people consider to be an early riser, so having someone who worked so late get up even earlier than she did was always an immediate cause for concern. One that had been prevalent since the very beginning of this odd relationship. And ever observant, Whitley quickly notices her concern but decides to brush it off, not wanting to spoil the morning mood.

Whitley: Yes, I had some paperwork I want to get through before lunch, so I got up early.

Penny: Is it urgent work?

Whitley: No, not really.

Penny: Then you could’ve slept more instead of working so early in the day, again.

Whitley: Yes, but I want to get it done early so I could make time to call you at lunch. That and I just couldn’t risk oversleeping and missing the chance to see you with that adorable bedhead.

He says sweetly, eyes half-lit but already full of a mischievous sorta passion. Penny stutters as she formulates a reply, caught off guard by the flirtatious undertones of his last comment.

Penny: I-I-That-(sigh) While I appreciate the thought, I would prefer you get a proper night's sleep over working early to make time for me.

Whitley: Speaking of sleep, how did yours go last night? Have the nightmares gotten any better?

He asks deflecting from his own bad sleeping pattern and refocusing the conversation on Penny’s. Penny knows his avoiding the topic again but doesn’t want to press him on it and does want to share her new findings, so she plays along with his game a little.

Penny: I actually did very well, I managed to change the nightmare completely this time. I turned into something positive and dreamed about you.

Whitley: Oh really? Nothing scandalous, I hope.

He teases, making Penny blushes bright red in embarrassment. Now Penny had grown wise to the way Whitley like to tease her for fun sometimes around they started this arrangement. She knew he was just trying to get a rise out of her, but he was implying was too embarrassing to stay calm! With a bright red face and her gazes darting away from the camera, trying desperately to not make eye contact as she explains herself.

Penny: N-no, it wasn’t anything s-shameful at all! I just dreamed of being with you in the garden! Hugging and having fun…and...kissing..you. But nothing truly inappropriate at all!

She admits in a stuttering ramble, which elicits a low chuckle from Whitley as he stares her down with a sly grin from the other side of the phone. God, she was so adorable in the morning. Her soft voice, flustered face, and genuine care for him were a better morning pick-me-up than even the best-quality coffee and Whitley couldn’t resist lapping up as much as he could get every time. Even if that meant pushing Penny’s limits from time to time.

Whitley: So, you miss my kiss that much already?

Penny: No!-(hiccup)-Well yes, but not like-

Whitley: It’s okay, I understand I really do. I mean our first kiss was dulled by rain and the smell of grime and fresh blood. Hard to get a proper feel or rather…taste of such intimacy in those conditions.

Penny: I-I-You’re-that’s too-

Whitley: But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you on my next visit. We’ll get lunch, maybe take a stroll, then go find a nice quiet place to spend some quality time together. I’ll let you indulge in every little desire you have of me until you're completely satisfied. It’s the least I can do for troubling you like this.

He says in a soft but flirtatious tone that makes Penny’s face even redder than it already is. Her burning embarrassment was not helped by the fact Whitley was most likely being honest to a point but phrasing it suggestively to rile her up. Not wanting risqué thoughts permeating her mind during patrol Penny decides it’s time to end the call before she lost her sanity to Whitley’s teasing completely.

Penny: We’ll talk about this more later. I need to get dressed and ready for work soon.

Whitley: Already? But we haven’t even picked a location yet.

Penny: Which is why we’ll talk about this more later.

She states firmly, not letting Whitley even attempt to extend the conversation any further. Whitley sighs at her obstinate tone and relents.

Whitley: Fine. But I will call you back around lunchtime. Take care and stay safe for me.

Penny: I will, see you soon Whitley.

They wave at each other through the screen then hang up. Now alone Penny slouches down against the wall and lets out a deep breath she didn’t know she was holding.

They had decided the morning after Whitley’s grand escape that Whitley would use his backup scroll to keep in touch with her and that he would only visit if his father was out for a long enough period that he could sneak out and get back unnoticed. That and Penny had to escort him to and from the subway every time. It had only been a week, but they had already gotten into a rhythm of video chatting first thing in the morning, again before bed, and sometimes in the afternoon if Whitley could find some time to be alone to call her. And though Penny loved seeing him so bright and happy in the morning and wispy and drowsy before they say their good nights to each other she couldn’t help but worry about the underlying issues that lead to this situation. Whitley had to be careful when calling her, so no one heard and reported it to Jacques. He was also planning multiple ways of escaping his own home as if he were a convict on the run. And finally, he couldn't tell anyone in his own home of his newfound joy for fear of punishment. What kind of punishment Whitley won’t say but the way he looked when he dodged the question made it seem like he couldn’t say without some kind of mental trauma.

Penny loved him so much but knowing how much he had to endure and overcome to be with her made her heart ache. As a born and crafted protector being unable to help him better or escape his circumstances more than a temporary retreat made Penny feel so helpless. Though that protectiveness only reminded her of the other big issue in their relationship.

Getting up and going to her closet, Penny grabs a set of her everyday clothes and heads to the bathroom. She washes her face and brushes her teeth but as she pulls off her nightgown to change, she looks back into the bathroom mirror. She was at just the right angle to see that the outlet for her charging plug was still open. Her shoulders tense and the hole closes in on itself seamlessly, leaving no indication that it had ever been there to begin with. It was a special type of nanotechnology; Penny had been a lifelong test subject of creating a human skin for cybernetics. The research had come a long way over the years and now Penny was nearly indistinguishable from any normal human woman. Even her internal works were almost identical to any girl her age, minus a few small organs and add components. Physical she was exactly what she was made to be, an artificial human being. With a soul and mind of her own, allowed free will by design, she existed on the same level as everyone else born in Remnant. But still, Penny was a creation of humanity, a warrior made of the finest materials, and no amount of similarity to the beings she was modeled after could change that fact. A fact the young man she loved so dearly had no knowledge of.

Penny: Maybe I should tell him the truth. He should know all the facts about me and what I am after everything he’s done to be with me. If I don’t then things might-

As Penny thinks she recalls the fairytale Mary read to her, recalled all the pain and loneliness Whitley went through before they meet. And most vividly she recalls the question she couldn’t answer when Mary prompted her on her morality.

Mary: How can you say you truly care for him when your identity to him is a lie?

Her words ring in Penny’s mind filling her with guilt and shame. She shakes her head, trying to chase away the maid’s cold words but the doubt has already settled into her heart.

Penny: No! It’s too soon! It’s too sensitive a topic to talk about this early! And It’s classified information I shouldn’t be speaking about with a civilian! Especially without permission!

She thinks as she discards her pajamas and puts on her blouse, justifying her inaction to herself before refocusing on her primary task. It was quite ironic in a way that the incredibly honest android could dance around the truth in her own head so easily. Pushing aside the uncomfortable subject Penny gets dressed and does her hair before heading back to her room. She picks up her essentials, backpack, scroll, and the like, then takes a moment to pick out a brooch to wear for the day. Choosing practicality over presentation, she wears her old brooch then heads downstairs for breakfast.

Pietro had worked late on some modifications to the large mecha stationed at the kingdom’s border and little sleep that night. But out of habit he had awakened up on time and make breakfast before heading right back to bed without actually eating any of it. It was a simple dish, a pot of cream of wheat left still cooling on the stove, to which Penny helped herself to a bowl, putting the rest away for her dad to finish later. It had just cooled down from being too hot to eat and the top layer had solidified enough to trap the remaining heat. Sat at the table bowl in front of her, Penny dogs her spoon into the soft porridge. Steam bellowed from the crack in the creamy porridge’s surface and from the spoon as she raised the utensil to her mouth to take her first bite. The top was slightly chewy, but the rest was creamy, warm, and soft, the taste of wheat, milk, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon speared through Penny’s mouth. It was a cozy taste, one that warmed people up and helped carry the anxiety and worry about the day to come away. And by the time Penny finishes she’s completely distracted herself from her early anxious musings as is ready to go to work. Cleaning her dishes and putting her boots on by the door, Penny gives one last look around the ground floor before heading out.

Walking the streets, assisting with arrests, helping children and elders across the road, and aiding emergency responders, nothing was out of the ordinary for Penny as she went about her patrol. At least until she spots a case of public intoxication right around the corner of one of the local dive bars. This particular instance was of a young man, most like in his early twenties, slumped against the building still dressed in what appeared to be a factory work suit. He looked weary and bleak, with dark bags under his eyes and the musk of liquor, sweat, and vomit wafting from him with the thickness of a skunk’s spray.

But he was unarmed and showed no outward hostility, so Penny approaches him cautiously walking towards him slowly and sitting down beside him. She stays silent, allowing him time to notice her presence and look in her direction. Their eyes lock and Penny gives him a cheery wave before greeting him.

Penny: Good morning, Sir.

She says with a bright smile, the young man next to her doesn’t react to the warm greeting. This doesn’t dissuade Penny and she continues the exchange by introducing herself.

Penny: My name is Penny Polendina, I’m one of the soldiers assigned to patrol the city. What’s your name?

She asks politely, the man tenses at the mention of Penny’s occupation and stays quiet for a while. But eventually, he calms as Penny doesn’t display any of the hostility or sternness most associated with the armed forces. Having nothing to gain and nothing to lose, he lowers his head to avoid her gaze before telling her his name.

Franklin: Franklin…my name’s Franklin.

He’s so quiet it comes out as a soft whisper, but Penny still hears it and smiles at his cooperation. With the introduction out of the way Penny persists, making small talk and asking Franklin some leading questions to uncover how he ended up in this state.

Penny: Nice to meet you, Franklin. It’s a lovely day, isn’t it? The sky is clear, and the temperature is relatively high for this area of Solitas.

Franklin:…Yeah, I guess.

Penny: Indeed. So, how has your morning been so far? Mornings with clear skies are often more pleasant due to the higher volume of sunlight! At least for people who like sunshine, others not so much.

She jokes awkwardly, hoping some humor would lift the mood more. Franklin looks at her puzzled by her chatter and replies nonchalantly.

Franklin: ..It’s been..fine.

Penny: Really? It doesn’t seem like it.

Franklin: What do you mean?

Penny: Well, from my perspective sitting on the ground next to a building clearly inebriated before noon doesn’t come across as a good way to start the day.

That statement shocks Frankie out of the drowsiness and he looks at her like a deer in headlights.

Franklin: Wh-you-D-Do I look really that fucked up?

Penny: A little but the smell was also a contributing factor.

Franklin: Oh, fuck my life.

The young man hangs his head in shame, embarrassed that a kid had seen him acting so sloppy that she felt the need to check up on him. As if the night before hadn’t been bad enough now he was getting pity from a little girl in a puffy skirt. How pathetic.

Franklin: God, I’m so fucking stupid.

He throws his hands in his face, trying to hide the tears forming in his eyes. Penny almost instinctively pats his back as he silently cries, a small act of comfort in what was clearly a trying time for him. After a while, Franklin collects himself and explains how he ended up in this state.

Franklin: Sorry about..all that. It’s just that things haven’t been too great for me lately. The steel plant I work at’s been getting product stolen off us for weeks and people are starting to get worried for their jobs and their safety. This week has been worse yet.

Penny: What happened?

Franklin: I was in the loading dock when the last time they got in, and shit got ugly. My buddy was closest to the hauler when they took it and got messed up real bad.

Penny: Oh no! Is he..was he critically injured?

Penny questions sympathetically, heart growing uneasy as the situation sounds unfortunately familiar. Franklin shakes his head and proceeds with his story.

Franklin: No, but his leg got messed up trying to dodge something he couldn’t see. Him and a bunch of others on the loading crew had to go to the hospital and’ll be out for a while. Now we’re short-staffed, some of us got to work double to cover for it, even though we could just LOSE EVERYTHING ALL OVER AGAIN AND I-I…I just need to get my mind off this shit for a day.

He slumps further down, resting his head on his knees, as he sobers up to the unaddressed stressors he’d drowned away in alcohol. The stress he was now spewing to a cheery child in the middle of the morning. It’s humiliating but still, Franklin couldn’t keep this in anymore.

Franklin: I drank too much, ran my mouth to the wrong person, and got thrown out here. Now I’m whining to a kid on the street like a dumb drunk.

Penny: You’re not a dumb drunk, Franklin. Just a very stressed young man who’s made some poor decisions while seeking relief. Which includes public intoxication.

Franklin: Oh shit, really? Come on man.

Penny: But since you aren’t being a public nuisance or danger and this is the first time I’ve seen you here it would be excessive to site you for it.

Franklin pulls his head up and stares at Penny with hopeful eyes.

Franklin: S-so you’re not gonna-

Penny: No, not today at least.

A weak smile forms on the man’s face as for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he’d been given some grace.

Franklin: Thank you, Ma’am. I don’t know what I would’ve done if-

Penny: But-

She cuts him off, Franklin shrinking back a little at the prospect of this free chance having a catch. Penny notes his nervousness and quickly continues to lull the situation down.

Penny: You can’t stay here, and I don’t want to see you here again. There’s a library not far from here a safe space for homeless and lost people to rest for a few hours. Go take a nap and get the rest of the alcohol out of your systems then go home, okay?

Franklin: B-but I haven’t been to a library since I was a kid. I got no clue where to go.

Penny: Oh. Well then-

Penny stands back up, dust herself off then offers a hand to Franklin, the morning sun beaming down on her forming an almost halo-like ring.

Penny: I’ll just have to lead you there.

Franklin takes her hand and Penny pulls him to his feet, leading him away from the bar and toward the library. By the time they part ways, Penny realizes the detour made her miss her break time. She signs, a little disappointed at the missed rest time, but marches along without a second thought. Continuing her patrol delighted by the knowledge she’s helped someone down on their luck.

By lunchtime, Penny’s arrived at the Huntsman and Military Academy and is ready to take her first real break of the day. Heading to the cafeteria, she passes by many huntsmen in training on their way to class or walking in the same direction. Some wave to her, others give her a quick hello, and a few look a little intimidated by her presence. Penny just waves back and greets them warmly as she enters the cafeteria. Getting in line with the other students and waiting patiently for her turn to order, lets her arm sway slightly at her side with every step forward. When she’s finally at the counter Penny picks a tray and utensils then looks at the selection of sustenance on offer. Depending on the day and time some foods would be low in stock, high, completely gone, or replaced with something else entirely. This and the creativity of the cooks meant the menu was always changing and that meant Penny always found something need to try every day. Looking at the spread, which was separated by food group, Penny decides to be adventurous and get a little of everything. Looking up from the food to the cafeteria worker, Ms. Asa, Penny gives her a winning smile as she greets her.

Penny: Good afternoon, Ms. Asa.

Ms. Asa: Hello Penny, what would you like to eat today?

Penny: I’d like on serving of kimchi fried rice, a serving of steamed aubergine, a fruit salad cup, and a small piece of the rotisserie chicken. Oh! And a pudding cup, please.

Ms. Asa chuckles and shakes her head before grabbing the tray from Penny and filling it up. The first time she was here it came as a bit of a surprise as most who knew the girl was a robot had no idea she could eat, nor that she had such a healthy appetite. Frankly, she was no different than most active huntresses but still, her enthusiasm for food was adorable and was just what the grizzled old lunch lady needed during her shift. When she’s got everything, the girl asked for on the tray, she sides it back to her and motions to the next student to step up as Penny takes her food and moves down the line.

Grabbing a cup of iced water to go with her meal, Penny strides around the cafeteria until she finds the door to the outdoor seating area. Usually, she’d be all for sitting among the students and socializing while she ate but not today. Today she had some special company to keep during her lunch break. Sitting down at one of the metal picnic tables a bit further from the cafeteria, Penny sets down her food and drink then takes off her backpack just as her scroll starts to ring. She places her bag firmly on the ground then takes out her scroll and props it up as she sits down. Adjusting the angle of the camera until she and her lunch are in proper view of the viewfinder before finally answering the video call. Soon the visage of Whitley sitting in one of the libraries in his home, tucked in a corner most would most likely not see if they weren’t actively looking for it. He waves to her with his free hand, and she waves back as their afternoon call commences.

Whitley: Hello again.

Penny: Hi, did you finish all your work?

Whitley: For the moment, but I still have some calls to make and invoices to review so I can’t be long.

Penny: Aw.

Penny pouted, she hated how much Whitley worked especially since he also studied and ran the manor when his father wasn’t around. It always meant their time was short and he was always stressed even if he hide it well.

Penny: Please tell me you’ve at least eat something before you called me.

She questions, hoping her love had remembered to do the bare minimum to care for himself while she wasn’t within sight.

Whitley: Yes, I had a cold club sandwich and a glass of mineral water.

Penny: Is that all?

Whitley: Unfortunately.

Penny: Whitley!

She whines, frustrated by causal his admittance.

Penny: You know you can’t keep doing this! Your metabolism is too fast for you to eat so little; you need to eat more, or you’ll end up malnourished!

Whitley: I know, and I’ll be sure to eat well the next time I come see you.

Penny: That’s not the point. You should be eating adequately even when we’re not together!

Whitley: But I just can’t help it, food taste so much better with you around. Your presence just nurtures my appetite. In more ways than one.

He muses sweetly with a smirk and wink, bringing the argument to a full stop as Penny breaks out into a blush for the second time today. Whitley chuckles at her adorable, flustered face, breaking the tension, and Penny eventually cracks a smile. Founding the humor in how easily Whitley got her again and happy to see her prince smiling just as easily. With the mood lift Whitley picks up the conversation.

Whitley: Now if we’re done with the topic of my lunch, I’m really interested in the colorful spread you’ve picked up. Looks like you have a taste of every kingdom on your plate.

Penny: Incorrect, I only have dishes from three out of the four kingdoms. I’m missing Vacuo.

Whitley: Oh pity, it would’ve been a treat to watch you react to the flavor differences.

Penny: I know but three of four is still a good ratio for trying new things.

She states with a smile before digging her fork into the rice and taking a bite. Whitley’s eyes widen as he recognizes the redness of the dish and tries to warn her.

Whitley: W-wait, don’t start with that!

Penny looks at him through the scroll screen quizzically until the lovely sour taste of the pickled cabbage is suddenly overpowered by burning spice! Penny yanks the fork out of her mouth and sticks her tongue, trying to keep the burning from spreading. Seeking relief, Penny grabs the fruit cup and sips some of the juice to quell the heat, much to the horror of Whitley.

Whitley: No! That won’t-

But before he could finish his warning it's too late, the burn spreads through Penny’s mouth as she swallows the juice! Causing her to slam the small fruit cup onto the table as she begins flailing!

Penny: HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!

She cries, this newly found pain reaction making her panic and once again seek the most obvious option to alleviate it by drinking her water. She takes a big gulp, washing away most of the spice down her throat. Most of the tingle in her mouth is gone but still remains in the back of her throat, burning slightly every time she breaths but is much less painful than earlier. Penny lets out a few short coughs from the irritation before finally calming from the onslaught of spice.

Whitley: So, I take it you’re not a fan of spicy food.

He jokes but Penny shoots him a hard glare and the entire incident is overlooked immediately as they move on with their conversation. During this Penny vents about what happened to Franklin and her frustration with the state of Mantle’s factory workers.

Penny: He wasn’t even in the direct path of the thieves but still he and many of his co-workers are dealing with the fallout of it!

Whitley: And there are still no clues as to where they’ve been hiding the stolen shipments?

Penny: No. There has been no sign of any of the materials being smuggled out, resold, or even destroyed! They just vanished along with the thieves who leave a trail of destruction in their wake every single time!

Penny almost shouts as she stabs into her chicken and cuts out a bite. As she huffily stuffs her face, Whitley ponders the thefts and the oddity of the ongoing heist.

Whitley: They’ve taken a hefty amount of high-grade materials, disturbed an enormous contact between multiple powerful companies, and made themselves enemies of the state by taking from the military, not to mention all the harms they’ve caused to both civilians and soldiers. And yet, they’ve done absolutely nothing with the spoils of their heist? Strange.

The unusual nature of the situation confuses Whitley and as he contempts possible motives behind the crime he glances at the time and realizes it’s getting close to 2 p.m.

Whitley: Oh dear, seems like I’ve run out of time.

Penny stops eating and swallows before setting her utensils down with a pout.

Penny: Already?

Whitley: Afraid so. Don’t worry I’ll still call you again before bed tonight.

Penny: Promise?

Whitley: Of course, how else am I supposed to have good dreams without your beautiful voice lulling me to sleep?

He says, jokingly propping his head on his hand and closing his eyes to mimic sleep. Penny giggles at the display and then reaches over to the end call button.

Penny: Okay, see you tonight.

Whitley: See you.

He waves to her as Penny hangs up and resumes eating her lunch. She avoids the rice for a while until it’s the only thing left on the tray besides the pudding. Not wanting to be wasteful Penny had to pair the spice rice with gulps of water just to get it all down, only knowing true relief once she has a spoonful full of sweet milk chocolate pudding. The comfort from the dulling spice and sweetness of soft treat makes it extra delicious. When the pudding’s gone Penny wipes her mouth with a napkin, dumps her trash, puts her tray into wash bin before heading to the training center to start the next part of her day. The rest of her afternoon is spent watching over the sessions of many huntsmen, both in training and professional, and reset the room to suit each teams need or requested difficulty.

During this she gets a text from Neon, asking how she’s doing and if she needs some company over the weekend to help with her whole “lost love” situation. Penny looks at the text intensely as she realizes the possible predicaments that could arise from this.

Penny: I need to find a way to tell her about him without revealing Whitley’s identity or lying before she tricks me into telling her or starts stalking me over it.

Penny thought as she types back a noncommittal response to keep her at bay for a day or two. She continues on with her work until it’s time to depart to the outpost to fill out her daily reports. With the day being a calmer one Penny doesn’t have to stay too long and rounds out her documentation in less than an hour. Clocked out for the day Penny heads home smiling gingerly as the sun sets on the horizon. When she arrives home, she is welcomed back with the sight of her dad at the dinner table and a takeout bag. Seems Pietro had needed more rest than he’d thought and couldn’t muster up the strength to cook. No problem, Penny never minded a substation as long as she had her dad and a good meal to share.

After dinner and talking about each other’s day, Penny helps clear the table before going upstairs to unwind. Some little reading and weapon cleaning takes up much of her downtown before her nightly shower. After which she brushes her teeth, and changes into pajamas before plopping down on her bed and staring at her scroll. She fidgets around as she waits for Whitley’s return call, checking her face and teeth for food residue or grime through the camera app a few times as she sits. Until finally, after many painstaking minutes, she gets the video call. Penny picks up immediately and almost squeals at the sight of Whitley in his pajamas and towering off his wet hair. His skin seemed aglow from the recent bathing, steaming still tricking off him. The edges of his carefully brushed hair had curled upward after being drenched from a good wash.

Penny: So cute!!!

Penny loved seeing him like this but was also frustrated by it. It was just so unfair for him to look so cute like that and be so far away! And since it was right after a shower his hair would be soft and fluffy when it dried and the lingering scent of his body wash and shampoo would make him smell especially good too! At this very moment, Whitley Schnee was at his absolute most cuddlable and Penny couldn’t be there to hold him!

Penny: I wanna hug him. I wanna snuggle and cuddle him up so bad!!!

She thinks enthusiastically, grabbing one of her pillows and giving it a good squeeze to help suppress her hug craving.

Whitley: Uh, Penny?

Their gaze met as Whitley finishes drying off his hair and rests the towel on his shoulders.

Whitley: What are you doing, love?

Penny: Hugging.

Whitley: I can see that, but why are you hugging a pillow? And so tight?

He asks with a chuckle and Penny responds matter of factly.

Penny: Because I want to hug you.

Whitley: Excuse me?

For the first time today, Whitley’s face goes bright red as he gets flustered by Penny’s bluntness. The blush goes beyond his face, as his ears, neck, and the top of his shoulders become rosy. Penny takes in his disposition and decides to enact a little counterattack for the day’s teasing.

Penny: I said I want to hug you. But I can’t right now so I’m hugging this pillow and I’ll keep hugging it until I can hug you again.

Penny states with a cheeky grin as she pulls the pillow closer, holding it right on top of her chest. Whitley averts his gaze, trying to hide the ting of jealousy he felt for the little square of cotton and stuffing laying where his head should be, and attempts to redirect the conversation before he loses his cool.

Whitley: I-I see. W-well I hope you plan on showing the same affection you’re giving that silly cushion.

Penny: No.

Whitley freezes, a little taken aback by her answer. A look of confusion and annoyance flashes on Whitley’s face as he internally questions why a pillow was suddenly entitled to more love than him! But his thoughts are cut short as Penny continues.

Penny: This is just a substitute to keep me calm for a while. It’s a limiter, so when I see you again, I’ll be able to unleash all my restrained cuddling desire onto you! Just like you said I could!

Penny cheers, reminding Whitley of the sly promise he’d made that very morning in his bout of playful teasing. Whitley himself looked a bit shocked at how easily she’d used his own words against him like that. But then again, it was he who had taught her that like trick hadn’t it?

Whitley: A-Ah, right. I did say something like that, didn’t I?

Penny: Yes, you did. So be prepared because I’m not holding back when I see you again!

She says cheerfully and without a hint of shame, making Whitley blush even brighter. From the tips of his ears to the top of his chest, the boy was red as a fresh cherry. Complete and utterly defeated by his precious lover in another round of flirting.

Whitley: I-I’ll ready myself for the onslaught. Now, how was your day?

Knowing when to back down Whitley backs off from the flirtation and the conversation turns into more mundane topics. They chat about nothing and everything until Whitley starts to get drowsy, deep yawns alerting him to his body’s need for rest. He tries to push past the tiredness and stay on the line, but Penny insists he goes to sleep immediately for the good of his health. Too tired and too in love to fight her on it, Whitley bids Penny goodbye for the night.

Whitley: Good night, my love. Sleep tight and have sweet dreams.

Penny: I’ll try, good night Whitley.

He blows her a kiss before hanging up and Penny plugs in her scroll then herself. She wraps herself in her covers and gets into a cozy position before drifting off into slumber. Though things had not returned back to normal like she wanted, Penny’s day-to-day had changed for the better in many ways. And hopefully, if she kept working hard things would one day return to a more comfortable and safer situation for everyone in the kingdom. But until then she would take life day by day, holding on to its joys and hurdles as they came.

#rwby fanfiction #fanfic #penny polendina #rwby #beta testers #fanfiction #whitley schnee #angst #fluff #cute #broken machines

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zombiesama · 5 years ago

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Bro I can buy stuff now that Halloween is over and I dont need money for emergency costume expenses lmao

Anyone wanna commission me for pix arts? I'll be getting my surface pen soon now that halloween has past (it was my bday present from my mom but things have been chaotic with all the sewing and trips to the store lol) so I'll be opening digital commissions soon too umu

#rice rambles #ok.#i need 80$ for my prim dress.#then ill need 30 for switch online and spotify premium #then ill buy a binder #thats not too bad #and i bet i can beg a family member or two for money for prom #so i may push that back until adter christmas anyway #if the dress ends up being a pos i have a new dress pattern i want to try out eventually so tcg bat would work as an emergency dress #ignore me

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felassan · 5 years ago

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Tevinter Nights: Random new fact-stuff that I love and think everyone should be aware of

Basically a TN minor highlights reel. Random stuff I appreciated. Spoilers under the cut.

the references to other stories in many of the stories, woven throughout

all the different details about character/different region’ and races’ accents, and characters saying some words in their own languages, like Orlesian and Antivan

Strife the elf is a silver fox with a Scottish accent

Bas-taar[d]

retractable daggers that go in your sleeve, i.e. Assassin’s Creed style hidden blades, are a canonical thing some assassins have

Dalish elf mage shapeshifter who transforms into a halla

Desire Demon taking male form

“Andruil’s tits!”

Vitaar color and pattern has a symbolic meaning

Manfred the skeleton butler

Carriages drawn by undead skeleton horses which glow green

Audric’s driving passion and keen interest in architectural art through the ages and associated trivia knowledge

Audric-Curiosity has to give consent to serve the Mourn Watcher under a modicum of magical control as a librarian otherwise it’s anomie

Older gays

Sten-related cookie reference

Wardens don’t leave anyone behind

the works of Kal-Sharok have more delicacy and skill than those of Orzamar

Dwarves have lyrium charges which are drums with fuses that blow stuff up. I imagine banging the drum = boom

A Tevinter mage who is a Warden

Sutherland and Co are now landed and titled w/ a minor hold of their own; Ser Donal of the Hinters, Crosscut Brother; Ser Shayd, Lady of Evesol, bard of secret distinction; and Ser Voth Dale’An, free mage by special commendation.

Elven ears twitching in annoyance is a thing that happens

Sutherland and Shayd’s relationship

how the Inquisitor inspires and prompts the feels in Sutherland

Sutherland’s sheer cinnamon rollity. he is pure

Shayd originally came from a place called Dales End

the reason why Voth rarely speaks

Voth seems to favor ice magic

massive exploding amphora full of bees. Dagna’s handywork, Sera-inspired no doubt. Sera would be proud.

“Oh, pebbles!”

Cabot and Elam Ve’mal are now in love. He says she’s beautiful and she tsks in the way that he loves

Master Ignaldo’s Fabulous Circus of Rivain

Dorian’s mom had a dear pet nug until it passed away. its name was Hollix, which means something like “irrepressible rascal” in old Tevene

Josie is a dear friend of Dorian’s and she sends him gifts of choice bottles of wine from her vineyards

Antiva and Rivain have a sort of light rivalry over stuff like “Antivan wine is superior!”

The Inquisitor managed to change Dorian’s views on slavery in the end during his time in the south. He now thinks it’s bad, no longer has slaves - only paid servants - and is ashamed of how long it took him to realize this. he came home to Tevinter with fresh views

Mae is splendidly dressed and “has such a presence!” “You turned to her like you do the first breeze of spring.” She is shrewd. she calls Dorian “dear heart”. she’s courteous and exceedingly generous

Mizzy

Tevinters love their horse-sized lizards and use them to draw carriages (clearly dracolisks)

Solas’ spirit army

Antoine. so cheerful, light-hearted and trying hard to live up to/embody the classical heroics parts of Warden-dom

how grim and dour Anderfels people are lol

Evka is from House Ivo. & as a former-underground dwarf sth she hates about the surface is being rained on, especially in the dark

Charter thinking of, wishing for and missing Tessa

sweet rolls

detailed insight into Sidony’s past and mindset

Cyrros, an example of an elf with high standing and who commands respect among Nevarran nobles. dresses in lavish finery like the nobles and is able to get away with disrespecting/mocking them. they’re afraid of him and bow to him

Lucanis freeing the elven slaves and Vadis and Irian making sure not to kill elven servants or elven Qunari who were just doing their jobs. Teia’s policy not to kill the help, which is probably a House-wide rule in her house

literally everything about Irian... hunter, thief and staff-fighting expert, good fighter/combatant, sought after for recruitment by Qunari and Solas’ goons, used to occupy a high-ranking post in the magisterium and the magister she used to work for was annoyed about losing her skills. can read Qunlat

Laudine’s synesthesia-esque condition

Vyrantium is a very sharp-dressed city where people have all the latest fashions. Vint parties are lavish opulent affairs of excess - they literally have retching vases to vom into when you’ve overindulged so that you can then get back to it. like Roman vomitoriums in popculture

Teia’s eyes are halla-gold

someone worked out that a clay fragment, previously claimed by the Chantry to be artifact that proved elven belief in the Maker’s flowering glory, was in fact a “manual of marital instruction” (so like a tantric sex manual lol? something like the Kama Sutra?). It’s still in a chantry Mother’s sealed vault, and is privately examined on special occasions

The Randy Dowager, anonymous writer who routinely outsells many of the best writers in Thedas with her collections of scarf-fluttering smut.. is none other than Genetivi!! scholarly, serious, devout old Genetivi. everyone is shocked. at one point he snipes to another character that they could not afford her rates lmao

there’s a roaming public house called The Hilt which moves location each month according to a dice roll

big meat-eating creatures called raytooths live in the Minanter River. they have leathery flaps and teeth on the underside, and long tails, and are also referred to as rays. sound like a scary combination of catfish and manta-rays

the Prince of Starkhaven enjoys a solid reputation throughout the Marches. a red Starkhaven tail is the emblem of the Vael family

2 Lords of Fortune were once chased by the Sandy Howler

at the handoff of the amulet from Bharv to Vaea in the tavern, Ser Aaron is surreptitiously watching her back. he’s off to one side pretending not to know her and regaling other customers with stories. thought this was a lovely moment between them

feral barefoot always-smiling sleepy old Grandma Crow, Lessef (and her relationship w/ 76 yo Tainsley), and Ruthless duchess-like Grandma Crow-Queen, Caterina Dellamorte. Crow Grandmas!

Teia and Caterina’s relationship. Teia calling her “Nonna”

getting vengeance for some Dalish

the 5 foot tall male Magister who overcompensates for his height by working out and flexing all the time lmao. its also interesting to find an example of a mage, especially a Magister, who is very physical and feels more at home in military camps w/ soldiers

many Antivans get high by burning a herb like in a lamp, to make the vapor from it. it gives them a heady feeling, a mellow lethargy that suffuses the body. the first joyous slumber is so peaceful, the first time you use it has the greatest effect. sounds like sth you’d find in an opium den

non-mage non-templar lyrium addict

some Crow Talons being elves

abusive exes and racist evil dudes getting their just desserts

Bolivar Nero’s (an elf) family made their fortune as pearl divers/hiring pearl divers and were once the wealthiest elves in Antiva. he lives a lavish lifestyle

Crow history and legends

Antivan gondolas

Teia’s rise to power among the Crows, meteoric at a young age, controversial, for an elf born in an alley with no family or connections. actually in general there are so many examples of competent and variously-powerful elves in this book

Tevinter has examples of floating buildings, floating chandeliers and barman-less bars. shows you what magic can do and why they think the south is quaint and backwards. that stuff is advanced

magic gadgets and booby traps, magic dust that shows what happened in a place, enchanted sound-blocking curtains, street lamp-lighters who use magic to do their job, nuances of what blood magic can do, the capabilities of necromancy, awesome uses of magic like using wind spells to blow a ship.. just all the new details about the ways magic is used in this world and innovative uses of it in the stories

Merry the Mad

the Qunari are not a single mind or monolith, there’s ideological differences and differences of opinion

30 yo Fereldan whisky. Antivan coffee. spiced mulled wine. ice-wine. Charter likes to drink Anderfels mint tea, loose leaf, with 2 sugars.

a mage learning how to do physical staff combat. it just makes so much sense that it would be useful and smart to know how to do that

“the elf currently known as Charter”

#dragon age #bioware #video games #spoilers #spoiler #dragon age: tevinter nights #tevinter nights spoilers #tevinter nights spoiler #lul #feels #mj meta #solas #strife

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hollybrookesbcu · 4 years ago

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Critical Thinking Lecture 3

Smart Textiles

Social status and cultural identity can be associated with textures. There are many modern day applications for textiles. Such as, Interior, automotive, garments, construction, medical, defence, agriculture. This shows that textiles uint just how something loos, its is all practical and has functionality. There is a development of new smart textiles. They can transform a structure, they can sense, transform and transmit date, they can transfer energy and they have dynamic aesthetics (through the transformation of colours or patterns). There is also an advancement if technical and mechanical processes. For example, textiles that includes performance enhancements (textiles that can become stronger/ lighter, moisture and temperature management, abrasion resistance, reflectivity), and advanced technology for design and manufacturing (this can be used for sustainability; biomaterials, waterless dye, digital and 3D printing).

Smart and Electronic Textiles:

E-Textiles is textiles that incorporates conductive fibres and electric components within the structure. Smart textiles is textiles with intelligence, for example, sensing, reacting, communicating or supplying energy. Passive smart textiles is the early phase of smart textiles. This textiles only senses environmental conditions. Active smart textiles is more smart than passive smart textiles. This textiles has activators and sensors. It can sense and change colour and shape. Ultra smart textiles is the smartest textiles. It can sense, react and adapt to environmental conditions.

Historical Development: The use of conductive threads has been used since 1558-1603). Gold threads were woven into garments to give a shiny look. Metallic threads were used, purely to decorate.

In 1883 an electric corset was developed. There were electrical wires to stimulate blood flow. They promoted this by saying that there were benefits for ‘ladies in all stations of life’.

In 1911 electrical heated gloves were created for airplane drivers. In 1930 they developed heated blankets.

Generation 1 of smart textiles includes ‘The Georgia Tech Wearable Motherboard’ in 1996-98. This motherboard can detect bullets and monitors body signs (such as heart rate).

Generation 2 of smart textiles was ‘The Levi’s ICD Jacket’ in 2000. There were 4 styles to this jacket. They had portable electronic devises and integrated an electronic system. All of the wires were hidden (which is convenient because it makes the jacket look more stylish). However, you need to remove the electronics to wash it, which could be quite time consuming.

An example of a brand is Jackard. They want the components to be the size of a button. So that the user won't see or feel them. The textiles that they have created doesn't require a lot of knowledge about it or how to use it to create with it. This means that everyone can create with it.

Generation 3 of smart textiles is the future of smart textiles. We can expect there to be electronics embedded into textiles at a yarn level. There may be fibre electronics. Electronically active yarns.

This is fully washable and wearable.

Market Structure applications for smart textiles: The global smart textiles market size is expected to reach 5.55 billion USD by 2025. The defence and military segment us anticipated to account for the highest market share by 2025.

Military and protection: There will be an integration of sensors and triggers and controlling units in military wear. This will mean a higher performance; which shows that the smart textiles industry is having a large, positive impact. The smart textiles in military wear can help to camouflage, monitor health and detect location. These developments will be incredibly beneficial to firefighters and workers in extreme environments. An example is ‘Spine’, which is an embedded computer. It has multiple sensors and has energy storage. There is a flexible charging pack in the back that automatically charges when the person wearing it, gets into a car.

Sport: The developments of smart textiles will also have a major impact on the sports industry. Sportswear may include thermal comfort (such as swear control), they may measure ECG, they can give data of performance (which can be then used to help them improve their performance) and they will have higher visibility. An example, is The Under Amour E39 which will monitor techniques.

Another example is NADI X Pants. They are yoga leggings that vibrate in order to enhance performance.

Medical And Healthcare: There are many developments to help the medical industry. However, there are also limitations. For example, its a long and expensive process to authorise them, meaning they are not available yet.

Hexoskin is a garment that will monitor breathing rates heart rate recovery, acceleration, calories, activity level and much more.

Dynaback alerts incorrect movements and helps to exercise. For example, if you are sitting in a position that could be damaging to your spine, you will be alerted. This is very convenient because it means that less people are going to be needing to go to the hospital for back problems, which will, in the long run, save the NHS a lot of money. Not to mention, lockdown has meant that many people are having to work from home/ complete school, college or university work from home, where they may not have adequate workspace. This might mean that their posture is being ruined. These developments may have the ability to eliminate this; this shows that Dynaback has a large-scale application to modern problems.

Smart Aesthetics: Cutecircuit creates garments that contain LED’s. They are electronically controllable and can change colours and patterns. The brand’s inspiration for creating this was, ‘if it doesn't exist, we can create it’. I think that this is very motivating, as it shows that the fashion and textiles industry has endless possibilities and opportunities. The garments can be recharged whilst they are being washed. The brand also said, ‘lives are digital, and this should be incorporated into what we wear too’. This product is also more sustainable because it eliminates fast fashion; therefore, it not only has an impact on the development of smart textiles, it has an impact on sustainability.

THE GALAXY DRESS X MSI CHICAGO (2008)

CUTECIRCUIT CREATES AN EXCLUSIVE HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION FOR MAGNUM (2013)

Textiles are being produced that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli, such as heat, light, moisture and pressure.

Lauren Bowker created ‘The Unseen’. She said that she hopes to, ‘change the way the world uses colour’. The Unseen allows to visualise pain and anticipate illness. You can see the strength in your body. The colour can communicate data. It responds to multiple triggers. She said that, ‘to see is to believe, what will you see?’

Elektro Couture have created bendable, washable garments.

Mimu gloves are a pair of gloves that can be used to create music. They cost £2500 which, for most, is an unaffordable price.

There are many challenges. Firstly, the development cost and final price is currently twice what customers are willing to pay. If the customers aren't purchasing them, it may not develop any further, which would create a halt in the industry. There are technical issues; there are still elements that have not been solved yet. Not to mention, social, economic and regulatory issues.

Manufacturing with sustainable goods:

Tomex have created textiles from shell seafood waste and coffee grounds. It is an alternative to faux and animal leather. It is all 100% compostable and free of plastic. This sounds like a major turning point for sustainability. I think that this will be incredibly helpful in reducing the amount of clothes and fabrics that end up at landfill. I think that it’s very impressive that, not only is the fabric made from safe and sustainable sources, it is also biodegradable, meaning it can be safely and sustainably thrown away. However, one issue that I have considered, is that if people have an allergy to shell seafood, could this mean they cannot purchase the garment? As this could effect the people who wear it and the people that they are around. They have also created Biosequins.

Living colour is a brand that uses bacteria to add natural colour to fabrics. They use micro-organisms that are fed nutrients, which they then extrude as a pigment. The brand can chose how they want to grow. They had to learn everything from scratch; which I think is inspiring that their idea, which may have seemed impossible, managed to be developed, without them having any prior scientific knowledge. They have to constantly ensure that everything is safe and clean. This might be a limitation to the brand, as it is dangerous to the people involved in the brand’s health. The pigment can dye both natural and synthetic fibres which is very impressive as it is quite uncommon. The brand deconstructed some jackets to create something new. They also worked with Puma to create footwear. They want to raise consumer awareness.

Mylo Vegan Leather us made from mushrooms. The mushrooms take only two weeks to grow. This has been sued by Adidas and Gucci. This is very sustainable because it produces no greenhouse gasses and it requires less water.

Biometrics/ Bionics/ Biomimicry:

We need to consider, how we can reuse energy use, is it multifunctional and how to use abundant energy sources.

Lotus Leaf is an example of self cleaning and having water repellent properties.

The Morpho butterfly’s wing structures cause light to distract from surface and create a multi-colour change effect. These properties can be further researched in order to mimic this into textiles.

EXTRA RESEARCH ON THE MORPHO BUTTERFLY

Speedo created a fast skin swimsuit. It helps the wearer to swim faster by reducing drag caused by friction between the body and the water. This was taken from the texture of sharkskin.

3D printing can be used to create both soft polymers and hard materials. We can use 3D printing to create textiles structures that are flexible and adaptable.

Performance enhancement: Technical Textiles:

Nomex fabric can be used for firefighters and police. It reacts when exposed to extreme heat.

An example of temperature management is Polychrome lab. They created a reversible jacket that can change temperature. This was the first lightweight, temperature jacket.

Defence Techniques:

High-tech PPE is currently being used. PPE that can potentially give a remote diagnosis and that can monitor contact tracing, is being developed.

Innovative Technologies

Innovative technology is using scientific knowledge to create use in practical results.

Digital clothing:

Gives a larger outlet for creativity. Digital clothing decreases the damage to the environment, meaning it is a sustainable alternative. Retailers can address more varied demographics through digital designs. It also reduces global supply chains.

Carlings created digital clothing that was genderless, cheap and had no size. It sold out within a week; which shows that digital clothing is better for the environment and doesn't reduce sales.

The concerns with digital clothing are that fashion designers aren't currently trained for this. 3D artists are expensive. These things mean that it may be costly or time consuming before digital clothing can be mass produced at a high quality. Not to mention, there are codes that don't exist for all fabrics.

Augmented pattern design:

Augmented pattern design is a mission to reduce waste. It makes it easier to purchase. However it assists the growth of fast fashion.

Fabric samples go straight to landfill. Just one brand eliminated 1.3 million samples from going to landfill, just from using augmented pattern design. It also takes minutes to create, as apposed to weeks/ months.

I personally feel as though a digital sample may not be as effective as a physical sample, because you cannot touch and feel it to make adjustments. However, this is a justified compromise, for the sustainability issues that digital samples eliminate.

It is assumed that by 2030, augmented design will be adding significantly to the UK economy.

Synflux uses 3D scanning to determine measurements.

Blockchain Technology:

The supply chain is date-stamped and linked together to create a chain. This means that everyone is accountable and it prevents fraud. It also allows for faster duple and production of goods. Not to mention, it verifies if something is sustainable or not, because where it has come from is recorded.

Innovative Design:

AI:

AI can be used to design and create a fashion range. This means that there are uncontrolled outcomes, for example, garments with digital glitches such as missing buttons and holes. AI isn't very effective because without humans, everyone would dress the same.

3D Printing:

This is effective because it means everything is custom designed. It is environmentally friendly (you would only print what you need and you wouldn't need loads of water or dyes). It creates new fibres. Not to mention, prototypes and samples are cheap and fast.

However, file piracy and authenticity is an issue. If someone gets hold of the block chain, the work could be easily copied. There would be a loss of jobs (specifically manufacturing). They also can't be mass produced as this would take a very long time. Its limited because not many materials can be used and they may not have stretch, however, fibres are being developed.

Some examples are the lace mini skirt, The Fragility Dress and the parametric skin suit by Julia Daviy,

and the spider dress.

The Kinematic dress is 4D printed, as it came out of the printed already constructed.

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ohcanadashop · 2 years ago

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A Year in Review | Fashion Trends 2022 || OhCanadaShop

2022 is coming to an end, but the amazing style traits and developments of the 12 months are a ways from over. Like most years the hottest and best traits bring over to the next year(s) and evolve into something new. However, earlier than the brand new 12 months begins it's far nice to look over all of the hottest style trends 2022 gave us and reflect on any other amazing year of style.

This New Year we're ending a decade and heading into the '23s! I can not wait to look at what the next years convey to us in style traits and styles. There isn't any manner of knowing what is to come, and this is great and exciting for all us style lovers!

Let's test out those warm fashion traits 2022 gave us and decide which ones we need to bring ahead of us to 2023.

Hottest Fashion Trends 2022 Blessed Us With

Blazers

Blazers are one of the stand-out traits of 2022 that have been widely adopted. Prior to 2022 blazers had been reserved for business professionals and thought of as an unfashionable clothing item. However, now they're worn through nearly every one and in a ton of various ways. From outsized blazers to matching blazer and pants combinations, to blazer dresses, there's no scarcity of patterns to try out.

This is a fashion I LOVE! It is so stylish and makes any outfit appear sophisticated in seconds. This fashion will extend into 2023 and I couldn't be more excited.

Biker Shorts

Biker shorts were a 2022 fashion that took us all a bit by surprise. But if the Kardashians put on them, they need to be trendy, right? Well, this become a fashion this is still pretty polarizing .. you both love it or you hate it. I think that worn tastefully biker shorts may be trendy and fashion-forward. This fashion is one that I assume may be left in 2022.

Lace-Up Boots & Dresses

Lace-up boots made a come again in 2022 and the manner they had been styled took a grow to be something we haven't visible in previous years. These yr biker boots were styled with flowy skirts and attire in a very diverse and interesting combination. I love this edgy but girly look and think it's far a super interesting fashion to try. This trend is welcome to cross over to 2023.

Puffed Shoulders

In 2022 many shirts, tops, and jackets supported the puffed shoulder fashion. Where you may locate the shoulders with extra volume making them puffed out. This is a totally high-style clothing addition that automatically makes a look runway ready.

I locate this trend looks high-quality while styled minimally and the sleeves are the focus. It only simply ends up popular towards the end of the year, so it's far welcome to hold over into 2023.

Neon Clothing & Accessories

Forget the tender neutral colorings, 2022 delivered us vibrant, bright neon colorings to put on and decorate with. This turned into a shocking style fashion 2022 gave us. The bright colorings being worn in the course of all hours of the day, and not only to festivals at night time were different indeed. But it was thrilling to look a lot of color and pleasure in clothing.

This turned into a bold fashion in 2022, and I do not think it will be as warm in 2023.

Check www.ohcanadashop.com to discover our wide range of classic Pride Hoodies for Sale in Canada and style them in the ways we mentioned above or any way you want!

We hope that you got inspired by our outfits ideas and that you will have fun experimenting recreating them with our hoodies. Let us know how you like this post!

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#Pride #Hoodies #for #Sale #in #Canada

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daisy-chain-gardens · 7 years ago

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Exchange Romance - Part 4

Part 1: https://daisy-chain-gardens.tumblr.com/post/162913902685/exchange-romance

Part 2: https://daisy-chain-gardens.tumblr.com/post/162947052535/exchange-romance-part-2

Part 3: https://daisy-chain-gardens.tumblr.com/post/163574533070/exchange-romance-part-3

A/N: Hey guys! I had a lot of trouble writing this part and I’m not that happy with how it turned out but I hope you guys like it! A huge thanks to @marieherondalebookfangirl for being super supportive and enthusiastic about this story and also for giving me the song ideas for this part. The songs mentioned are ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ by Wham! and ‘Northern Wind’ by City and Colour. Please let me know what you think.

Summary: Betty and Jughead’s first school dance together

Word Count: 4450

As soon as Fred let him take a break from lifting rocks, Jughead all but ran into the break room to grab his phone and text hid doe eyed girlfriend an apology for disappearing so early that morning. He’d wanted to wake her up to say goodbye but he couldn’t do it. She’d looked so peaceful, such a contrast to how he’d found her the morning before. A small smile played on her lips and Jughead found himself wondering what dreams were gracing her with their presence at this time of the morning. He’d pushed a stray strand of her golden hair behind her ear before kissing her gently on the forehead, lips soft so as not to pull her away from her dreams. He had left her a note, explaining his mysterious absence, but he still felt bad. In true Betty fashion, she’d been the one to text him first. Thank you, Jughead. His whole being seemed brighter with his goofy smile. She’d read his letter.

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The Saturday after Betty’s birthday, Betty and Jughead were sitting on an armchair in the Lodge’s library. The blonde was sitting on her boyfriend’s lap as his voice filled the cozy room. His arms were wrapped around her as he held the book in front of them, reading aloud from the ink covered pages as Betty played with the hair that had fallen from his beanie. They stayed that way for a long time, interrupted in the middle of the afternoon by the sound of a phone ringing. Betty pulled hers out of her pocket and answered the call before she realised who it was.

“Elizabeth! Nice of you to finally pick up.” The harsh sound of her mother’s voice pulled Betty out of the dream-like state that Jughead’s voice had lulled her into.

“Mum. I wasn’t expecting you to call. Is everything alright?” Betty sounded slightly concerned as she tried to move off of Jughead’s lap before her mother could see him.

“Everything is fine Elizabeth, why wouldn’t it be? I was just wondering what your plans were for this weekend. Hermione emailed me that there was some sort of school dance you were hoping to attend,” Alice’s eyebrows raised in question. Betty let out the breath she was holding when her mum didn’t ask who she was with.

“Yes, mum. I’m going with Ju-, I’m going with some friends.” She wasn’t technically lying since she was going to the dance with Ronnie and Archie as well. She didn’t want to tell her mother about Jughead because she knew exactly how she would react. She would start by talking about how disappointed she was in her youngest daughter, say something about how Betty was going to end up like Polly (not that Betty saw this as a bad thing), rant about how she was letting herself get distracted at such an important time of her life, and then threaten to get her sent back to New Zealand. Betty had heard this speech countless times; whenever she got a mark less than an excellence or was too busy to fulfill all of her commitments, her mother would bring out the speech. Betty would sit there quietly, pushing her nails into her palm to prevent her from yelling at her mother and making the situation worse. She didn’t want to have to deal with that over Skype, thousands of kilometers away from her sister, the only one who could make her feel better. Betty ignored the quizzical look that Jughead was giving her in favour of looking down at the rich carpet under her feet.

“Well be careful, Elizabeth. I don’t want you out too late, you know how difficult it is to hide the bags under your eyes when you don’t sleep for eight hours.” Betty tried not to roll her eyes at her mother’s comment. Jughead observed the conversation from the chair, not having moved since Betty left his lap minutes ago. Betty had told him that her mother was a bit overbearing at sometimes but he found himself oddly jealous. Here she was, on the other side of the world from her parents but they still made an effort to worry about her wellbeing. Sure, they may have gone slightly overboard but he would take more over less anyday. His Dad lived in the same town as him but Jughead couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a conversation with him, much less bugged him about his sleep patterns. Jughead stood up out of the chair and mimed to Betty that he was going to grab a drink of water as her mother babbled on about a new diet she had been researching.

“Is there someone there with you Elizabeth?” Betty’s eyes widened with shock and Jughead froze mid stride.

“Umm, yeah, mum. This is my um, this is my friend Jughead.”

“Hi Mrs. Cooper. It’s nice to meet you.” Jughead tried to put on his most charming smile as he walked over to Betty so he could be seen on the tiny screen. Betty could hear the discomfort in his voice and placed a hand on his back, moving it in small circles.

“Jughead? That’s an … interesting name. Are you going to be taking Betty to the school dance this weekend,” Alice asked, as if this was a normal thing to bring up in conversation.

“Yes Mrs. Cooper. Well, Veronica, Archie, Betty and I are all going together,” replied Jughead, remembering Betty’s response earlier. His girlfriend sent him a grateful smile as she continued to rub his back. He placed him hand on her thigh and squeezed gently.

“Elizabeth, you never told me you were going with boys. I’m not sure how I feel about this, maybe you should stay at home and work on that science project you told me you were struggling with.” Jughead had to fight back a laugh. Betty struggling with a project? Not only was that idea absurd, he happened to know that she’d finished that project a week ago, the day after it was assigned. He kept his mouth shut but made a mental note to ask her about her it later.

“Mum, really it’s fine. Archie is going out with V so there’s going to be absolutely no problem there and Jughead and I are … we’re just friends. I’m sure he’ll be the perfect gentlemen. “ She looked over at he boyfriend and had to refrain from kissing the shy smile right off his face.

“Yes, I’m sure he will be Elizabeth but you know how I feel about dances, especially after what happened to Polly.” Jughead noticed Betty’s hand holding the phone tightening, knuckles turning white. He squeezed her thigh again and she relaxed slightly. Jughead could tell that Betty was on edge and he wanted to comfort her, but he also didn’t want to piss off Alice. He found her intimidating enough as it is and he was pretty sure she was trying to be polite.

“It’ll be fine Mum. Besides, I thought that you wanted me to get the full american high school experience. This dance is just a part of that. I promise not to stay out late. I won’t drink or do drugs or whatever other wild things you seem to think happen at school dances. I’m going to this dance mother, with or without your permission.” Betty’s voice had started out a bit shaky after the mention of her sister but by the end of it, Alice’s mouth was open in shock.

“Elizabeth Cooper, that is no way to talk to your mother. You’re getting more and more like Po-”

“Gotta go mum, bye!” Betty said quickly while clicking that small red button. She let out a huge sigh before embracing Jughead in a tight hug. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” she whispered into his chest. Jughead wrapped his arm around his girlfriend, noting how small and tired she looked, a complete contrast to how she’d looked while he was reading. He scooped her up in his arms.

“Do you want me to keep reading?” he asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the tired atmosphere present in the large room. She nodded in response as he walked over to the chair and settling them into their previous position.

--------------------

“B, you know I love you, but there's no way you’re wearing that to a school dance. Or anywhere. Ever.” Ronnie pulled the grey dress from Betty’s arms and threw it swiftly into the bin.

“I know but I wasn’t exactly thinking about school dances when I was packing my suitcase so now I have nothing to wear,” Betty groaned as she flopped onto her bed dramatically.

“You must have forgotten who you’re talking B. It’s lucky we’re almost the same size.” Betty opened her mouth to protest but her raven haired host sister was already out of the room. Veronica returned moments later, arms piled high with dresses of all shapes and colours. She couldn’t help herself, the blonde reached out a hand to touch the mountain of fabric.

“Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous V! I love them all but, knowing you, you’ve probably already picked one out for me,” she chuckled. Ronnie reached for a silvery blue dress that was hidden in the middle of the pile.

“Of course, I saw this in my wardrobe and instantly thought of you. Go try it on, I’ll wait here.” She took the dress from Ronnie’s grasp and walked into the bathroom. The fabric was soft under her fingers and seemed to sparkle under the fluorescent lights. She slipped it on before walking back into her room.

“Hey V can you help zi-” she didn’t even get the chance to finish her sentence before Veronica had jumped up from her spot on the bed.

“Oh my god! B! That dress looks like it was made for you. Jughead is going to have a heart attack when he sees you,�� Ronnie gushed as she pulled the zip up Betty’s back, closing the dress while pushing her over towards the mirror. Betty gasped. She looked … elegant, sophisticated. She looked different. But she liked it.

--------------------

On Saturday, Betty felt like a queen. She’d been to dances before but it had never felt like such a big deal. Various people were coming in and out of the apartment to help the girls get ready. Hermione was even present for a while to get her nails done for an event she was going to that night. Many hours later, the doorbell rang. Hermione floated over and opened the door.

“Hello boys, looking very handsome tonight,” she commented, stepping aside to allow the boys into the apartment.

“Thanks Mrs. Lodge. Are the girls ready?” Archie asked politely.

“They should be out in a minute. Now, Hiram and I are flying to New York for an event tonight so we won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be checking in with Veronica though and I expect her and Betty to be home at midnight, alright? Have a good night.” And with that she was gone, leaving the boys all alone in the large apartment, waiting for their girlfriends.

--------------------

“I’m pretty sure I just heard the door.”

“It’ll just be the boys, Betty. Nobody ever got hurt from a little bit of suspense,” Ronnie smirked before fixing up her lipstick. While Veronica looked like the definition of confidence, Betty couldn’t sit still. Her knee was bouncing up and down impatiently while her long nails kept running through the ends of her wavy hair.

“Ok, perfect,” Ronnie said to her reflection. “You ready to knock ‘em dead?” She raised a perfect eyebrow after turning around to face the nervous blonde. “B, breathe. You look incredible and is Jughead’s jaw isn’t on the floor when he sees you I will personally kick his ass.” Betty smiled slightly at the thought of her host sister kicking anyone’s ass let alone Jughead’s. She stood up off the bed and followed Veronica into the living room.

--------------------

The boys stood up off the couch at the sound of two sets of heels walking down the long hallway. The girls burst through the door in a fit of laughter, heads thrown back carelessly as if they were unaware that they had company. Ronnie strutted over to Archie, greeting him with a kiss and a flashy smile, wrapping her arms around his neck. Betty was stuck in the doorway. Her feet wouldn’t move. Jughead was breathtaking. His beanie was nowhere to be found and his dark hair hung messily around his face. His tie was made of the same silvery blue material of her dress but his smile was what really stopped her in her tracks. It was shy and sweet and so perfectly Jughead.

He’d noticed that she wasn’t moving but he couldn’t either. She always looked beautiful but tonight was something different. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders and her eyes looked more lighter than normal. She moved towards him and Jughead could have sworn she was walking in slow motion. When Betty finally reached him she kissed him softly on the cheek.

“Hi Juggie. You look really good,” she whispered in his ear, arms around his neck.

“You look gorgeous Betts,” he whispered back, feeling the heat of her blush against his cheek. Once again, Veronica’s voice interrupted them.

“Ok ok, we get it, you both look amazing but we need to go, Smithers is late,” she stated, turning on her heel and walking out the door.

--------------------

Even though she knew that this was the same gym she had P.E in every day, Betty couldn’t help feeling like she’d walked onto a movie set. She’d helped organise dances for her school in New Zealand but they were never anything like this. Fairy lights were draped along the walls and the hung from the ceiling, making the gym feel soft and cozy. White flowers sat in the middle of the elegant tables as fake snow floated around the room. Jughead watched Betty’s awe with a smile on his face, her childish reaction reminding him of their snowball fight the week before.

“Do they always look like this?” Betty asked as she continued to look around the room.

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never actually been to a school dance before,” Jughead answered with a shrug. “But Cheryl is always in charge of decorations so probably. She’s a bit of a perfectionist so everything she does is above and beyond.” He squeezes her hand and sends her a small smile.

“Well I think it looks incredible. School dances in New Zealand are a bit more about how many guys you can get with and who can sneak in the most alcohol. They definitely don’t look like this,” she giggled, still awestruck by her surroundings.

“Just because we’ve got fake snow doesn’t mean that people aren’t trying to get drunk,” Jughead smirked.

“Of course, silly me. Guess we won’t be drinking the punch then,” she said in mock disappointment.

“Haha, we’re not that cliche. Do you want to go and find Ron and Arch and grab a seat? I don’t really know how we’re supposed to act at these things.” A shy blush reddened his cheek. Betty reached over and grabbed his other hand, forcing him to face her. “Juggie, I don’t care that you’ve never been to a school dance before, although I don’t understand why if they all look like this,” she jokes. “Just try to relax and have fun, ok?” His small smile answers her question as she lets go of one of his hands, using the other one to drag him over to where Ronnie and Arch were jumping up and down in the middle of the gym.

“I think I see a spare table over there, want me to take you scarf?” Jughead yelled to be heard over the music. Betty nodded and passed him her scarf, wishing that he would stay and dance but understanding that this wasn’t really his scene. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before disappearing into the crowd of students.

--------------------

Jughead had figured he would stay at the table for the rest of the night under the guise of watching his friend’s coats but once he’d walked over to the table, the only thing he wanted to do was go back and be with Betty. She looked so beautiful tonight and he didn’t want to be away from her for another second. He spotted the metallic fabric of her dress shining from the middle of the crowd, making her look like a real life snowflake among the fairy lights and the snow. He made his way through the mess of bodies singing Wham! off key.

Wake me up before you go-go

Don’t you dare to leave me hangin’ on like a yo-yo

The raven haired boy rolled his eyes and cringed simultaneously. Of course they’re playing this at a school dance. They couldn’t possibly play music that people can listen to without having to worry about their ear drums bursting. As he was pushing through the sea of limbs, the screeching faded out, replace by a slower melody which didn’t leave Jughead wanting to stab himself repeatedly.

You’re the Northern wind

Sending shivers down my spine

You’re like fallen leaves

In an autumn night

His eyes locked with Betty’s and he was frozen for the second time that night. Jughead swore she was even more breathtaking than she had been since she saw him five minutes ago. She was the first one to move, again, gliding towards him without breaking eye contact. Betty reached her boyfriend after what felt like a lifetime, stopping only inches away from him.

“May I have this dance?” Jughead questioned with a small bow, bringing his face right in front of hers, allowing Betty to get lost in his piercing blue eyes.

“I guess you may,” she giggled into a slow curtsy before standing up and wrapping her arms around his neck. He placed his hands gently on her hips, pulling her into his chest. They started swaying back and forth in time to the ballad, eyes saying all of the words they couldn’t.

You’re the lullaby

That’s singing me to sleep

You ar the other half

You’re like a missing piece

Betty let out a small sigh, causing Jughead to pull away slightly to look down at her angelic face.

“Everything alright Betts?” Jughead’s voice was laced with worry, his brow furrowing.

“Never been better,” she replied with a smile, pulling herself back towards her boyfriend before standing up on her toes to place a soft kiss on his lips.

Fireworks. As cliche as it sounds, that’s the only word that seems to come close to describing how Jughead felt when Betty kissed him. His hands move from her waist to cup her face before he could give a second thought to where they are. Her fingers start to play with the curly hairs on the back of his neck as her smile grows wider against his lips. Betty had only kissed a couple of boys before but none of them had ever made her feel like this. Her knees were going weak with pleasure as he deepened the kiss further, his thumb slowly rubbing along her cheekbone before running through her hair.

Oh my love

You don’t know

What you do to me

Someone bumped into Betty’s back, forcing her to jump away from Jughead in shock. She blinked a few times, eyes wide, almost as if she was waking up from a dream. Jughead’s face was still warped into a warm smile at the sight of her like this; hair tousled from his touch, lipstick smudged from his lips, and eyes dark with desire. She looked different, sexy.

“After that I don’t know why I haven’t come to more school dances,” he smirked, earning him a playful punch on the arm. He rubbed with a fake frown on his face, playing along with Betty’s games.

“Trust me, it’s not always like that,” her voice dripping with desire as she stepped back into her boyfriend's, arms returning to their position around his neck in an attempt to continue dancing.

You are all four seasons

Rolled into one

You're like the cold December snow

In the warm July sun

“You really are something else Betts, you know that?” Jughead whispered as they swayed to the beat. Betty let her head rest on his chest, smiling as she remembered the first time he said those words to her. It felt like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at the same time. So much had changed in such a short amount of time but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You wanna get out of here Juggie?” Betty asked, lifting her head from his chest to meet his eyes.

“There’s nothing I’d like more,” he grinned as he reached for her hand, slowly pulling her toward the open door.

Oh my love

You don’t know

What you do to me

--------------------

The bell over the door rang softly throughout the diner, signalling the arrival of the two new customers. Veronica and Archie slid into their usual booth across from their friends, milkshake glasses and burger wrappers already empty.

“What caused you two lovebirds to leave so early?” Ronnie asked, eyebrows raised as she stole a fry from the basket in front of Betty.

“We just weren’t really in the mood,” the blonde replied nonchalantly, flashing a knowing grin at Jughead.

“Fine, don’t tell me,” Veronica said dramatically. “We’ll have girl talk later B.” Betty’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red at what her host sister was inferring.

“Any chance you guys are in the mood for a movie?” Said Archie, changing the subject, causing Betty to send him a grateful look.

“Do you even need to ask?” Jughead replied, already standing up to help Betty climb out of the red booth.

--------------------

Ronnie ended up choosing ‘The Notebook’ as the movie of the night, then falling asleep ten minutes in.

“Not only is she punishing us by making us watch this overworked cliche, she doesn’t even have enough decency to stay awake and listen to me complaining,” Jughead mumbled into Betty’s ear from where he was sitting beside her.

“I’m going to let Ronnie sleep in my bed because she’ll probably kill me if I let her sleep on the couch. Don’t stay up too late Jug,” Archie called out as he started carrying his girlfriend up the stairs.

“Oh how the tables turn,” Jughead quipped, his redheaded friend laughing as he walked out of view. “So Betts,” his grin widening, “whaddya wanna watch?” He changed his voice into the awful accent Betty had only had the displeasure of hearing once before. She cringed before replying.

“Really Jug? All of this time hanging out with me and you’re still doing that awful semi-australian accent. Guess we’ll just have to talk more,” Betty said in mock disappointment and she snuggled into Jughead’s side.

“Or we could do some not talking,” he suggested playfully, leaning down to plant soft kisses on her neck.

“Jug! Stop! That tickles!” She squealed, squirming under his mouth. His eyes twinkled as his long fingers danced across her sides, leaving her giggling and squealing under him. She quickly pressed her lips up to his, surprising him into stilling his fingers. She pushed him off her and kissed him again, this time lingering long enough to take in the sweet smell that could only be described as purely Jughead. “You want to keep watching this? I can’t be bothered moving,” Betty confessed, eyes already trained on the screen.

“Anything for you Betts,” Jughead whispered into her hair before leaving a soft kiss on the top of her head. “Only for you.”

The last thing remembers seeing is Noah and Ally rowing in the rain, before closing her eyes and eventually feeling heavy tears falling on her head.

--------------------

Fred Andrews lumbered down the stairs early in the morning, far too early to be walking around without caffeine in his system. He’d done this so many times that he stumbled through the living room with his eyes closed, reaching the kitchen and blindly reaching for the on switch on the coffee machine. The beverage was eventually hot and Fred poured half of it into his mug, taking a giant gulp before finally opening his eyes and plodding back into the living room to watch the news before he had to head off to the construction site.

He stopped in the doorway before rubbing his eyes, hard, to make sure he wasn’t still asleep. There on the couch lay Betty and Jughead, sound asleep and wrapped up in each other’s arms, both still wearing their clothes from last night. Fred rolled his eyes before turning on the tTV at full volume. Betty jumped up at the noise, bumping her head on Jughead’s chin. His eyes eyes opened slowly until he saw Fred standing over them. Betty was already sitting up, hands smoothing the front of her dress and trying to tame her hair discreetly.

“Morning guys. How was the dance?” Fred asked the pair nonchalantly, taking another gulp of coffee from the steaming mug in his hand.

“It was um, it was good thanks.” Jughead said nervously, running a hand through his hair and wishing he was wearing his beanie. “Hey, um look, Fred, about all this-”

“Jug, calm down. I’m not gonna ground you or anything but just be careful ok? Don’t rush into anything you’re not ready for.” Betty’s face had turned the colour of Archie’s hair and Jughead was shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Anyways, by the looks of you two that was punishment enough so I’m just gonna head off to work. Oh, and we’re out of milk.” Fred left his coffee mug on the coffee table and was grabbing his coat as the door opened slowly. Archie stepped through it, closing it softly to reduce the sound of the lock closing. He tiptoed towards the stairs as his dad turned the corner, slamming right into him. “Oh hey Dad, um , I was just, um, at the store, ah, getting some milk for breakfast.”

Jughead chuckled from his spot on the couch, noting how stupid Archie’s lie was considering it was five in the morning and he was still wearing his tuxedo from the night before. Fred obviously noted his son’s attire, and his lack of milk, before letting out a huge sigh and walking out the door. Archie looked at the giggling pair on the couch.

“What?”

#exchange romance #bughead fanfiction #bughead fluff #betty cooper #jughead jones #veronica lodge #archie andrews #fred andrews #cheryl blossom #hermione lodge #hiram lodge

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hypnoticharlequin · 8 years ago

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Hypnotist Posters (Again!)

I’ve done this once before, but there are so many interesting old hypnotist posters around I couldn’t resist showing off some more I’ve come across.

I covered the Flints in my previous post but I wanted to show this one off. I actually unironically love this poster as it reminds me of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s works due to the floral pattern and the lush skin tone used on Miss Flint.

What I have found out since the last installment was that Miss Flint was heavily advertised as a solo performer, getting her own posters and other things. According to one source I found, she was famed for her dress collection and women would attend her shows, just to see what dress she was wearing that night!

Also, she had the cutest nickname a hypnotist has ever had. Seriously, “The Little Hypnotic Subeam” is just fantastic and would actually make her stand out amongst her contemporaries who went for much more formal and authoritarian titles.

I think this poster is from the 1890s. At least that is the date I see linked to this poster when it is mentioned and the art style sort of fits that date.

Obviously, the first thing that draws your attention is Kennedy and his pose. Where a lot of hypnotists went for a more intimidating or solid pose, Kennedy seems rather fancy-free.

Also, it’s nice to see the moon from Majora’s Mask getting work. This was one of it’s earlier appearances while it was still young and fresh faced. The people on the moon are pretty cute, I like the woman in the middle, I mean it takes a lot of effort to be having so much fun you almost fall off the moon. This poster seems to fit in with a tradition that saw magicians hanging out with various magical beings on their posters. Seriously, the sheer number of posters that feature magicians just chilling with Satan is pretty mind blowing.

If I could sum this poster up in one sound, it would be never ending screams.

Now, I can’t find much about “The Amazing Ormond” but I do wonder if this is Ormond McGill, better known as Dr. Zomb. He wrote the book “Encyclopedia of Genuine Stage Hypnotism” which is still considered to be the bible of stage hypnosis.

This poster is honestly terrifying. I’m not sure if it’s partially due to the reproduction, old paper stock with a black background is notorious for its inability to scan well. But the black eyes mixed with the uplighting give this a seriously creepy vibe, Ormond’s face having an almost uncanny valley look to it.

But, I can’t deny it worked, I’m not able to go through my folder of hypnosis posters without this one catching my eye. In fact, one of the main reasons I am writing this post is so I can delete this image from my hard drive.

I don’t know why, but this poster reminds me of a perfume ad. I’m not sure if it’s the color palette or Miss Brandon’s slightly wistful look.

Joan Brandon is pretty famous in magic circles for being the first televised female magician. She was famous for combing her magic with orchestra music (played by her own orchestra) and was very well known for her signature trick, a magic cocktail bar (a variation on the Think-A-Drink trick.)

In hypnosis circles, she is most known for her books, The Art of Hypnotism, Successful Hypnotism, The Science of Self-Hypnosis and Help Yourself Thru Hypnotism and Self Hypnosis which are all still good reads even to this day.

The Art Of Hypnotism is also known for its rather amusing photographic illustrations. It’s easy to find online but quite often turns up for a few dollars on eBay or in second-hand bookstores and I thoroughly recommend it.

This poster is one of those I see around a lot and only recently bothered to look into the history of. It’s from 1966 and I always thought it was from later on. This poster looks just so very 60s I really had it down as a later parody of the style as opposed to actually just being of that era.

It actually took me a long time to find out even the most basic things about this guy but Merlin (real name William Joseph Rawle) was from Australia and was Australia’s oldest performing hypnotist.

I want to zoom into the text under Merlin for a moment, as it is rather glorious.

It really is a throwback to older posters to have a description of the acts performed front and center, but compared to some of the older hypnosis posters (which promised utterly insane things) this seems rather restrained. In fact, these are now considered stock hypnotist tricks.

What makes me chuckle is the onion eating trick. It’s done all the time but it always interests me to see which fruit is used as the replacement taste. In the UK it always tended to be an apple, and I’ve seen orange used a bit in the US. I wonder if you could do a chart of “onion taste replacement fruits” arranged by geography.

Being the oldest performing hypnotist, Merlin has several other posters over the years.

This one focuses more on his mind reading as opposed to his hypnotism, but I utterly love the design. It has this almost 3D effect which makes it look like the poster has a few actual physical layers, but I do suspect it might be the issue with scanning black ink rearing it’s ugly head once more.

While the last one was pretty joyous this one is practically metal, with its skulls and very industrial images in the crystal ball.

This poster seems very old school compared to the other two, mostly due to how text-heavy it is. But unlike some posters, the claims all seem pretty normal by today’s standards. The only one that sticks out to me is the one about treating children for nervous complaints while they sleep. All the methods I have seen for this involve just standing and whispering to your child while they sleep because nothing helps the nerves more than an adult looming over your bed whispering at you in the deepest, darkest night.

Virgil and Julie were a big magic act in the 1950s and 1960s taking shows containing a few hundred illusions around the world.

Hypnotism played a part but it was nowhere near the focus of the show, but this poster is something to behold, it really is a mish-mash of everything that was hip in the era. The B-movie Esq UFO and the almost eerie-cutie spacewoman flying around it.

Julie’s costume is very similar to that of the Jeannie from the Tv series I Dream Of Jeannie which debuted in 1965 and went a long way to putting the “harem” costume we know today into the public consciousness.

I want to end on this poster which became quite the rabbit hole for me and I’m frankly not 100% sure I’m correct on all of it.

I had a real good laugh when I saw the Reveer because he looks like every stereotype of a magician and hero cowboy got thrown into a blender. The turban and the Lone Ranger mask just look so silly together.

I also found it funny that his name was close to that of Reveen, the hypnotist famous for his performances in Canada who would have been performing at around this time.

Then I got to digging and found I could find hardly anything on Reveer, apart from some poster seller listing him as Tony Cole, a magician who apparently worked sharpshooting into his magic act which does explain the Lone Ranger mask.

Tony Cole also apparently had posters of his own, but all I can find of them is the following:

And no, Tumblr isn’t going weird, that is the only image I can find of one of his posters. I did, however, turn up a news article on him from 1977 from “The Independent Record from Helena, Montana” advertising a show he was going to do.

As you can see the resembelence is there so I presume this is the same guy.

As an aside, you might realize this picture is totally and utterly unreadable. The place I found it had the plain text of the article, unfortunately, it was made by OCR copying the document and the results are an utter mess.

Some highlights include:

To be able to make someone do what another person desires carl brln^a gleam .into the eyes of ambitious people.

This impression oF hypnotism's power is one of the mast fallacious and dangerous, according to Cole, who when pressed will admit bis lull name is Tony Colo, a hypnotist, magician ami entertainer.

In between all the weird OCR errors, we can see a recurring theme that Tony Cole doesn’t like to use his first name, which means he is the Cole from the latter poster and would explain why he would make a stage character.

M PEOPLE L'NDEH HYPNOSIS won t do anything they wouldn't do normally, " ttie Canadian-born entertainer said In an Interview In Helena.

Cole recalled ihnl a Groat Falls A A W manager had been hypnotized and was told he was Elvis Presley. The man began gyrating and singing, dulng spills and performing in the late-lfloOs style (bat endeared Presley lo the teen set. Cole said. He added that the shy A & W manager would not normally rarry 1 don't think a person has to put someone in an embarrassing situation or use anything smutty or not in clean family fun in order to entertain.

I’m sure we can all agree that Elvis’ late-LfloOs style was by far his best style and one that really became his signature. And all of the teen girls were into Elvis for his pet bat.

He tries, to Tony Cole, a hypnotist, magician and all-around entertainer correct any misconceptions about hypnotism, anri he hypnotizes willing members of the audience.

He tries to himself? Is that some artsy way of saying he tries to be himself?

On his stage, people might shiver In Ihc arctic temperatures he has described or away In Lhc breeze like palm trees.

And his chauffeur and helper, Wayne Adolph, emphatically added In his gravelly voice. "It's real."

I don’t know why that bit made me laugh so hard, but it really did. I’m not sure if it’s the fact the guy is called his “helper” or just the fact he decided to just randomly join the interview.

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE are believing in Ihr authenticity of hypnosis, contends Cole, who has certificates from at least three schools of hypnotism and who has been licensed to leach hypnotism Physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, pollliuUnH, ministers, entertainers, teachers, lawyers, salesmen, atnletes and pilots are among those, who are studying or using hypnosis, Cole said.

Some beneficial uses for which hypnosis Is being sLudled include easing childbirth, treating alcoholism, slopping smokers from Indulging and treating empbysemn and asthma victims to breathe properly.

All of these arc medical uses or hypnosis and "the practitioner must by certified as a hypnolechuician and receive a doctor's prescribed order before he hypnotizes someone. Cole said.

Yes, everyone remember to become certified as a hypnolechuician, that is a very important qualification to have.

But ask him about himself and the answers dissolve in shrugs and evasiveness. He doesn't like to use his first name.

Again, some more information that works with the idea that Cole had a few side characters he played sometimes.

He makes good money at hypnotism and his oilier entertainments as he travels across the country and into Canada.

However, I do not wish to see Mr. Cole’s oilier entertainments.

"I know I have a talent but that talent should he scared. ]f pc0pte |,ave a latent and don't share it they re ripping it elf."

And your guess is as good as mine on this last one.

So there we have it, The Great Reveer, hypnotist and fiction all rolled into one oddly costumed package. I wish I could find more on this as there seems to be an interesting story in here, but unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any records I can find.

However, if this taught us anything, it’s that if I get bored of hypnosis, I can just turn this into a bad OCR blog.

#hypnosis #hypnotism #stage hypnosis #posters #design #hypnotists #ocr

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daveywankenobie · 6 years ago

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(Although you don’t really need to read part one of this story in order to get the most out of part two – if you feel so inclined you can read it here)

So – In the last post I began my story in the Ritz.

But how did I get there?

Well – the story regarding that starts a little before Thursday – when (shortly after winning the Man of the Year competition) I had the first of a few mails from Slimming World HQ.

The announcement of my win (they wrote) would be made at a press call in London to the National media. Since they planned to do a photo shoot with some journalists in the garden at the Ritz Carlton a suite would be booked – and as the rooms in it needed to be used I (and a guest) would unfortunately be forced to stay in the lap of luxury on Thursday night.

After much to-ing and fro-ing over e-mail, eventually a mutually agreeable press release was arrived at (they’re very flexible – and they were extremely keen that the story and words were mine rather than something that was generic and ‘advert-y’) and on Thursday morning (in quite balmy overcast weather) Angie, myself and my friend set out from Warwick Parkway.

(I’m sure you’ll agree that I didn’t appear like a total Diva for bringing along a bigger suitcase than both of my female companions for an overnight stay. A boy needs options after all!)

The train journey was pretty smooth and relaxing – and we actually all got to the station in time to catch an earlier train than I was expecting.

We ended up in London well before 11am!

Since everyone was in need of a little body magic (and my OCD was also kicking in about not having done enough exercise despite getting up at 4am to walk five miles around St Nics park) we started walking from Marleybone station to the Hilton hotel, which was where Angie and the PR team would be staying.

An hour or so later (after stopping for a wee and a drink at a pub on the way) we’d been there and dropped off her (massive) suitcase.

Immediately after we headed off to the Ritz to drop off my (smaller and more reserved) one with the concierge. It was just after midday.

We had originally been given an itinerary that involved a 2pm check in and a 3pm appointment with a stylist in the suite – however the PR team had changed their approach and we now had to go elsewhere.

I suspect that they realised that a virtually bald man without a beard that wears no makeup and doesn’t have a monobrow probably had little need for a makeover and changed their plans accordingly.

We signed in at the Ritz, checked our bags and told them we’d be back later for the room took some shameless selfies then started the next leg of our walk.

The new destination was the rather exclusive (at least from my perspective) salon and personal shopping experience area on the 3rd floor of Debenhams on Oxford Street.

When we arrived we were still a little early – which gave us a perfect opportunity to grab a bite to eat and check out the store.

Around the back of the building was a small pan-oriental restaurant called Chi Kitchen (link to menu) – and since we had no idea where else we should go with the time (it was around 1pm we decided to use the lunch allowance we’d been given locally to get something we didn’t normally eat.

I wanted to keep things light. I must admit to being a bit of a creature of habit in the latter part of the week leading up to my weigh in. I know what makes my weight stay the same, and I know what usually results in a loss.

I had no idea what crab in batter with Sushi would do – but it looked flipping awesome!

(this is the ‘Spider soft-shell crab’ – which is sushi rice with soft shell crab tempura, cucumber, oyster mushroom, avocado, asparagus and green tobiko)

My companions went for some slightly different choices (kung po chicken for Angie and a chicken special fried rice for my friend) which looked pretty nice too!

After we’d had lunch we thankfully still had time to go and buy all of the items of makeup that Angie had realised were left sitting in a bag on her kitchen table at home.

Once eyeliner and mascara had been hastily sourced the brief panic was over and I started abstractly trying hats and jackets on to see what fitted and what didn’t in the menswear department with the ladies passing judgement and making suggestions.

Debenhams is waaaay bigger in London than it is in Leamington, and the variety of styles is therefore HUGE in comparison. There was a pretty awesome selection of waistcoats in there – and since I’ve never owned one I thought that now may be the time to experiment.

However – when we were met by the stylist – Rachael Fanconi – I quickly realised that she was not only really good at her job, but also an absolutely lovely lady.

Although she mentioned a few high profile clients when I asked about her work (particularly Helen Mirren and Dawn French) I found out later when I looked at her portfolio online (link) that this was the tip of the iceberg.

As well as many many other famous people she’s also apparently dressed Kelly Brook (I’m another step closer!!!) on top of doing lots of makeovers for Slimming World.

She also clearly understood some of the psychologies at play when someone like myself is faced with wearing figure hugging items after a lifetime of trying to hide curves and imperfections.

This can often lead to some real nervousness (it certainly does with me) and she immediately demonstrated to me that she knew how to make the most of what a person has to work with.

I felt like I was in safe hands.

After checking out my photos and reading through my questionnaire (I had to fill one out prior to my trip with my sizes, preferences and things I liked and disliked) it was also clear she had paid attention, and the available selection was filled with nicely patterned shirts and lots of blues and browns – something I really lean towards.

I like something a little eye catching and flamboyant.

The first outfit was pretty casual and I have to say I thought we’d stumbled onto a winner because I thought the whole lot worked REALLY well together – both with and without the jacket!

The shirt was ace!

We moved on however, and I was keen to try on a Hammond & Co blue check suit I’d seen further along the rail.

It was nice… but….

I felt something wasn’t quite right, so it was back to the drawing board. Rachael suggested we go with a lighter shirt and an open neck rather than a tie.

Although I liked the shirt I felt there was a little too much blue – and besides – I’d already secretly fallen for the pink shirt and (rather lovely) pink and blue signature silk tie.

Nevertheless we persisted with trying a few more styles.

It seemed that none of the items on the rail suited me and had way too much room in the waist for my liking (boy – what a problem to have!). All of the 38’s were too big but ok in the leg, whereas the 36’s were perfect in the waist but felt like jeggings.

The blue suit had almost been right – but it was a ‘long’ fit and would require a quick tailor turnaround overnight if we wanted it – so Rachel went hunting for a similar one – and came back with a slightly different blue three piece by ‘Racing Green’. She then tried pairing this with a Jasper Conran blue shirt and a dark gold (with blue detail) tie…

I didn’t like it at all.

It looked like I was going to a business meeting and didn’t warmly say ‘I’m happy to meet you‘ from what I could see. Instead I felt like it screamed ‘I want a job. Let me show you my CV.’

I may be wrong but I think my face said it all – so I went back to grab the original pink shirt and (absolutely lovely) tie to see how that all went together.

Muuuuuch better!!!

After adding a smart tan belt and some patterned blue socks it seemed like we were good to go – because by now (almost two hours later) I felt like a million dollars!!!

The wonderfully patient ladies waiting outside for me then sorted out the bill and we left with a few bags.

The next task was to get into the room at the Ritz (it wasn’t ready when we initially checked our bags) and then head out to a restaurant to discuss the events of the coming day over a meal.

We checked in and went up to the room with the concierge leading with the key and a porter following closely behind with our bags.

What awaited us was waaaaaaay beyond my wildest expectations for a hotel room.

This is soooooooo far outside of my frame of reference and comfort zone that it’s hard to describe.

I grew up on a council estate in the 80’s where unemployment benefit in Thatcher’s jobless Britain of the time framed my entire childhood’s points of reference.

People came from nothing and often remained in the same area forever with little else to show for their lives.

I’d been surrounded by poverty back then and had grown up in a rented house where the most violent rows (including the one that finally resulted in my family breaking up) were related to finances and the crippling lack of them.

Although I’ve never coveted or hoarded money (like some from a similar background might) I’ve always been careful to hang on to it and be sensible when I’ve come into it – because it might be gone when I least expect it.

I’ve always had to look after myself in the absence of a parental home I could fall back on in times of trouble – and I’ve also been single without a family of my own for many many years.

It’s shaped my attitude to when I do and don’t open my wallet.

I never do flashy – and I realised that this kind of environment didn’t sit well in my frame of reference. Being in a place like this just didn’t happen to me.

I had a lump in my throat and I really didn’t know what to do with all the things around me. As bizarre as it sounds I felt I had no idea how to process a marble bathroom that was five times the size of the one in my house.

How did I end up here and why? What on earth was going on?! It all seemed so unreal and alien…

Nevertheless – I was there.

AT THE RITZ.

I was determined to make the best of the experience.

My friend and I got changed and then headed down to the lobby to meet the PR team with Angie. She (like ourselves) had also thrown on a casually fabulous outfit – enabling all three of us (should we have so wished) to legitimately add ‘swanky‘ to our group description as we strolled to the nearby Gaucho steak restaurant.

As well as take selfies with my lovely companions this was yet another opportunity to also chat to the ladies from Slimming World HQ – who were all so insanely friendly that I had begun to wonder whether I needed to check if my wallet was still in my back pocket.

Surely no organisation could make this much of a fuss over a guy that has just lost some weight?

But make a fuss of me they did – and as we walked and talked I learned more about their backgrounds, their likes, dislikes and their capacities for retaining odd nuggets of general knowledge – which in some cases were strangely similar to my own.

I’d come face to face with the only other person I’ve met that knew humans are all allergic to pineapple and that because of this it dissolves human flesh. She could also reference obscure Dr Who episodes casually in conversation like it wasn’t at all niche as well as having the acumen and intelligence to comment that MY R2D2 WALLET WAS COOL.

(which it is)

When we arrived at our destination you’d have never guessed that financially Gaucho is hitting hard times at the moment.

I found out before leaving for London that both they and their partner chain ‘Cau’ are entering receivership (link). It’s a shame – because it’s a pretty impressive (although crazy expensive) place.

The experience started with the waiter coming around with a (instead of cheese) meat board to explain the different cuts, where they came from and what we could expect from them when they arrived on our plates.

This was beef with pedigree and provenance. Some was old enough it seemed to be on the antiques roadshow.

It was at this point that his little finger hovered over the mighty chunk of fat free fillet steak. It looked instantly Slimming World friendly.

‘This melts in the mouth and is the finest cut‘ the waiter said.

I looked at it and a quote from ‘Wayne’s World’ instantly began looping in my head.

I had to have that steak.

I’d never had a fillet of beef in a restaurant before.

However, when ordering the waiter threw me a curve ball. How about one that had been marinaded in olive oil, garlic and parsley? The Churrasco de Lomo was spiral cut and would (he said) allegedly appear on my plate laid wide open as if it were a butterfly about to take to the air.

It was the finest food that could possibly grace a tastebud he implied.

He was Spanish. He was also a waiter and that combo worked out really well for Shirley Valentine. It could work out for me too!

I decided to go for it. He looked like he knew what he was talking about when he was handling his meat.

I told him I’d also have the Tuna Ceviche as a starter with the rocket and kale salad as a main side. The steak should be cooked until it was medium rare.

For reader’s future reference the starter was pronounced [se-vee-chee].

This was a profound improvement upon my less than eloquent ordering technique – which comprised of saying ‘the tuna please but I don’t know how to say that‘ whilst pointing my ape like index finger in the word’s general direction on the menu.

Thankfully the Spanish waiter had my back. Shirley definitely knew what she was doing because he did me proud.

He not only taught me a new word – he returned with a symphony on a plate – because when my se-vee-chee arrived it looked the schnizzle.

What I hadn’t expect though was for the Tuna to be raw.

Angie looked at it and turned away. She doesn’t do raw.

I on the other hand was already waaaaaaaay outside of my comfort zone already so I just dove right in.

Oh boy – HOW HAD I NEVER HAD THIS BEFORE?!!!!

It was flipping amazing!!!! Although it didn’t take many mouthfuls to demolish, each one was a rolling wave of gently unfolding flavours. It was awesome!

One nil to spain.

Hopefully they would score a hat-trick and take it home with the second course.

A few moneys passed after they cleared plates and topped up drinks – and then the main courses arrived.

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I’m not gonna lie.

Spain only flipping won the cup because it all tasted divine.

After this we all sat talking for a while. The press call was described by the PR team in great detail, and then (if I’m honest) I think I talked a bit too much about myself.

It was hard not to though.

Being there with people for a press call about everything that’s happened to me in such an unusual situation brought a lot to the surface.

I told them all about my dream the other day (link) and how firstly winning the competition, and then being interviewed by Slimming World for the video (link) had begun to unravel a problem I’d had with recurring, painful and negative nightmares for literally decades.

I was surprised (I said) at how – even now – there were things that were changing and evolving within me.

It was really really hard to stop myself from just continually thanking them for that – because honestly it’s pretty much all I wanted to do by that point – but instead I babbled on about what had led me there.

Thankfully I eventually ran out of steam, and they too shared their pasts, how they’d met partners, and why they’d come into the line of work they were in.

By the time we left and walked back to the hotel I think it was safe to say that everyone had had a good chat, and I was definitely a bit more clued up about the format of the day ahead.

As we approached the Ritz the PR people and Angie peeled off in the direction of their hotel and my friend and I headed up to the room – but not before taking a couple of sneaky pictures.

Once in the room, after checking the view from our antique writing desk, I made myself at home (I had finished the day with 16 miles walking under my belt!) as my friend busied herself with the room service menu.

As for what happened next – I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait for part three internet….

Tune in later for the next exciting episode of Davey goes to the land of surreal!!!!

Davey

Slimming World National Man of the Year 2018 – Part Two (Although you don't really need to read part one of this story in order to get the most out of part two - if you feel so inclined you can read it…

#Friendship #Health #Slimming World #Weight loss

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aretia · 7 years ago

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How to Get a Divorce When you are Struggling Financially

It’s very difficult ending a long-term relationship and even more when doing so will put a toll on your finances. This is particularly true for stay-at-home moms who are financially dependent on their spouses. Divorce can be a costly process, particularly when children are involved. But there are ways to alleviate these financial burdens and strategically plan a successful divorce with the help of a Salt Lake City divorce attorney.

SOME THINGS THAT MAY HELP IN DIVORCE

Let’s start with your joint credit cards and any other department store card. You should cancel them before the divorce takes place. This will avoid a common problem divorcees have in court where a spouse is held responsible for the other going on a shopping spree.

Use joint funds to fix your car, home improvement projects, buying clothes for your children, or any other necessity. It’s best getting a divorce with everything fixed otherwise you will have to argue with your ex about who should cover these expenses.

Open a PO Box where all important correspondence with your attorney is kept safe.

youtube

SAVING MONEY

You can open an account in your name and save some money. You will eventually tell your ex but remember this money can help you pay for your divorce. It’s also helpful to apply for your own credit cards. It will help you establish your credit and help you find financial stability after all joint accounts are canceled. If you need some cash now, you can always borrow money from trusted sources.

MAKE SURE YOU GATHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Keep copies of your taxes, wills, financial statements, loan applications, insurance, car registration, etc. Even if you are not sure about getting a divorce, have these documents ready. Keeping an eye on your finances may help you get a good settlement. Keep a copy of all records of separate property, including gifts and inheritance. This belongs to you but you must prove is yours.

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ALIMONY AND CHILD SUPPORT

Don’t relinquish your right to spousal support even when you think you don’t deserve it. If you waived your rights, you won’t be able to get them back. Instead of receiving monthly payments consider receiving a lump sum. Remember those monthly payments may never make it to your bank account. Avoid child support fights as it can get very costly. Tell your attorney you will rather follow the local guidelines.

MARITAL PROPERTY

Think about the stuff that you really want to keep. Don’t become greedy. It may be nice to keep your home but it’ll also cost you to maintain it. Think within your budget. Think about your degrees and their value and don’t forget assets such as vacation, flyer miles, subscriptions to magazines, timeshares, and insurances as they also have value that can be shared between both spouses.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE?

When a person has been abused by someone he or she loves and trusts, it may take a great deal of effort to speak out. Often, victims are groomed by the perpetrators to believe that they deserved the abusive behavior. When he or she finally faces that person in court, it can be an intimidating event. There are guidelines that may be helpful to Utah residents who have experienced domestic violence at the hands of someone they care for that may offer them peace of mind.

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Contacting any witnesses who may have seen the abuse occur or the injuries that resulted can contribute to a victim’s case, as testimony can be helpful in proving what happened. Any evidence or documentation that shows that abuse took place is important. This could include medical records, court testimony and police reports. Dated photos of injuries, 911-call audio tapes and other records are also relevant. If a victim does not have any of these, his or her testimony is still considered evidence and is very important. Victims may find it beneficial to practice telling what happened prior to being asked to do so in court. It can help calm one’s nerves and help to recall any additional details that might have been forgotten. Being specific about what occurred and focusing on relevant information is crucial. Though it can be an emotional event — and there is nothing wrong with feeling emotional — it is still important to observe courtroom etiquette, such as being on time, being prepared and dressing appropriately. Concentrating on the truth and knowing that it is okay to not know the answer to or understand a question may be reassuring to victims.

There are many other helpful tips for pursuing a domestic violence case. Any Utah residents who are pursuing these types of charges as part of divorce proceedings may benefit from the advice of those who are experienced in this area. It may be difficult, but it can also be the first step to a new future.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.

Ascent Law LLC8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite CWest Jordan, Utah 84088 United StatesTelephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

More Divorce Information

Can I Be Denied a Job Because of Bankruptcy?

Utah Foreclosure Process Explained

Establishing legal Paternity in Utah for Child Support

Family Lawyer

Tax Lawyer

Contract Lawyer

Source: http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/how-to-get-a-divorce-when-you-are-struggling-financially/

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loreneweiner · 7 years ago

Text

How to Get a Divorce When you are Struggling Financially

SOME THINGS THAT MAY HELP IN DIVORCE

Open a PO Box where all important correspondence with your attorney is kept safe.

youtube

SAVING MONEY

MAKE SURE YOU GATHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

youtube

ALIMONY AND CHILD SUPPORT

MARITAL PROPERTY

HOW DO I PREPARE MY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE?

youtube

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.

Ascent Law LLC8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite CWest Jordan, Utah 84088 United StatesTelephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

More Divorce Information

Can I Be Denied a Job Because of Bankruptcy?

Utah Foreclosure Process Explained

Establishing legal Paternity in Utah for Child Support

Family Lawyer

Tax Lawyer

Contract Lawyer

Source: http://www.ascentlawfirm.com/how-to-get-a-divorce-when-you-are-struggling-financially/

0 notes

holyflpncows · 7 years ago

Text

When the Silence Breaks: Umatoko’s Secrets

After four more days of uneasy travel, we see Ulaanbaatar. This time though, there are things being moved around, people at work, and new buildings being constructed. It's occupied by a ridiculous diversity of people. Hundreds of people moving about trying to stay focused on their work as we pass through to the town hall. This must be Umatoko's people. How had he not managed to muscle out Carnassa?

We ask around the town hall and find that this is indeed Umatoko's people and that he is currently away settling an issue at the quarry. With not much else to do, we make for the inn to grab drinks and let Ptili gain his own feet again. I grimace at the new name for the inn written on the side. "The Dead Admiral". It seemed a little too celebratory to me considering the circumstances behind Admiral Jin's demise.

The inn had a much better atmosphere with the blood mist gone. Feng Da and Arslan arrange drinks for everyone, though Shen Po refuses his. Ptili announces that in a few days he will make his way back to his Earthguard outpost. A while into our rest, a figure open the door, purposeful and imposing. A large goliath dressed all in black studded leather and four swords strapped to his back came striding toward us.

"I'm Constable Ono," he announced. "We don't get many travelers, and by that I mean no one would be here unless they had prior knowledge that this place exists."

"Yeah, we cleaned out the blood plague," Wen answers.

"Sure," Ono says.

"Is there a way for us to talk to Umatoko?" Wen asks the constable.

"Yeah, when he gets here." Ono looked us up and down. "So who do you work for currently, if anyone?"

"Carnassa," Wen says.

"Why?"

Some uncertain looks and shrugs go around the table. "She got to us first," I state.

"But we're working for her on behalf of bringing everyone back together," Wen adds in quickly.

"That makes sense to me." Ono nods at us. "But really only because she was the first to talk to you?"

"She offered us a seat," Shen Po tells him.

"Ha!" Ono laughs. "That's funny. Is-is that your driving motive?"

"A seat at the Rusty Spear, yeah," Shen Po seems to clarify.

"Alright."

"Something amusing about that?" Shen Po asks irritably.

"Yeah. Carnassa can't offer it to you. It's not hers. It's the Horselord's, and I don't know if you noticed but there's three of them right now," Ono retorts.

Two hours later Ono returns to inform us that Umatoko will see us in the morning. We rent rooms for the night and waste the evening away.

After breakfast, we set out to find Umatoko. The amount of people in the streets thickens as we near the apothecary building. A crowd is gathered around a figure standing in front of the building, listening to his Elvish speech. The man has a plain face with a pointed goatee. A cloth lay on his head and long strips of the yellow diamond pattern material ran down the length of his arms. He wore no shirt, letting his hairless chest stand bare before everyone.

He notices our approach and motions for the gathered crowd to part. As they move, I see he is not a man, but a centaur, his right front leg a rod of metal from the knee down. He nods to the crowd in dismissal and asks us to take a walk with him.

Shen Po and Feng Da work to translate Umatoko's Elvish speak to Eastern Common for the rest of us. We repeat that we're seeking peace, but he remains tentative to that claim as Carnassa's interactions with him have been unkind. He wants peace but is loathe to be subjugated. However, Umatoko has no true interest in leading, but he will not leave his people under an incompetent ruler. Is Carnassa the right fit? I think back to her town, barely kept together. Are we supporting the right person in this struggle?

We head back to the inn to rest and prepare for what the trials could hold. While eating breakfast, Ono sits with us to give us a little insight on the trials. We only need to succeed in four of the six trials. Our choices are between the Trial of Might, Trial of Speed, Trial of Endurance, Trial of Knowledge, Trial of Insight, and Trial of Passion. When Ono leaves, we debate which trials we were most likely to succeed in.

We head out for the Trial of Endurance. Feng Da steps forward to greet Umatoko in a clearing in the street. A medium sized keg and two ceremonial mugs are brought forth. A large smile breaks over Feng Da's face. I didn't feel as confident. How much can a centaur drink? Feng Da and Umatoko sit opposite each other and the tankards are filled. They drink a mouthful each, set down the mugs on the stone slab placed before them, and stare at each other. They lift the mugs again and drink, and the effect of the drink is apparent on both their faces. Umatoko tilts between the next drink. Feng Da sways and Umatoko defiantly sets down his mug. They take another gulp. Feng Da begins to sway, dangerously close to falling. Umatoko beats him to the ground, collapsing. The crowd roars.

Umatoko's impairment is cleansed for the next trial to begin. Spark steps forward for the Trial of Speed. Ono explains and outlines the track for the race, then motions for it to begin. The crowd roars with cheering and excited yells. Then, many go slack-jawed, including me, when Spark almost immediately overtakes Umatoko, feline agility surpassing the centaur. She keeps ahead the entire run, but the toll it takes is obvious as she crosses the end. She collapses, exhausted, and Shen Po sees to her.

With Spark taken care of, Shen Po steps forth for the Trial of Insight. Six barrels are ready and waiting when we arrive at the town hall. Shen Po is informed by Umatoko that only one of the barrels is real, and he must determine which one, without touching them. Whoever strikes the true barrel with an arrow wins. Umatoko approaches the barrels and begins to gesture his good hoof around each of them. Shen Po stands where he was, looks over all the barrels, then keeps his gaze on Umatoko. Umatoko returns next to Shen Po, takes a bow from Ono, and fires. It goes through the barrel. Shen Po raises his gauntlet and a small line of flames begins burning the correct barrel. More cheers erupt from the gathered crowd.

Umatoko informs us the last trial we've elected to challenge must wait until nightfall. We relax at the inn, unsure of who should stand up for the Trial of Passion. What does it involve? No one knew, not even anyone in the town. Several hours pass and when Umatoko arrives at the inn, Wen is the brave soul who steps forth. Shen Po remains stiff as Wen mounts up on a pegasus and takes off with Umatoko. Most of us retire for the night, except for Shen Po who waits by the window until dawn.

#when the silence breaks #session 12 #wtsb #dungeons and dragons

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sylviaepstein56-blog · 7 years ago

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Ways to Learn About celebration In Only 10 Days.

Quiz: How Much Do You Understand about celebration?

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Abilities That You Could Gain from party.

A really special party support would certainly be to put a little plastic flower pot, a plastic bag with potting dirt and also a package of blossom seeds in each gift bag. Last but not least, hold all the marvel party ideas well under covers, warmth as well as partner does not have to illegal a surprise! That's probably the first as well as essential action to begin the celebration preparation with. Preferably the site of the occasion or party will be easily situated to most of guests. A wonderful way to commemorate a birthday celebration is to throw a party as well as welcome all your loved ones. As soon as the church services more than, a small party is typically held to mark this unique event. You can prefer to offer the celebration support boxes throughout the event, so visitors could appreciate a few of the products inside, like making a noise with the blowouts. If youngsters are older see to it that their parents recognize whether the event is a 'leave' occasion or you would certainly like them to be about. The College is broken up into 3 different campuses around the city of Morgantown and also is linked by an Individual Fast Transit (PRT) monorail system integrated in the 1970's. Event ... Gail Leino offers details on enjoyable at the holidays with a Halloween party celebration She has complimentary Halloween parlor game, tasks, pumpkin patterns, hand-made costume suggestions, free celebration invitations, favors, decorations and also celebration products. From precious jewelry, to plates and napkin sets, wine glasses, video game supplies like the wooden handle bells, dice, pencil collections, and score sheets. There are thousands of event topics that are utilized by occasion organizers everyday, however just a few of them are always a guarantee of success.

7 Tricks You Will Not Want To Know Regarding celebration.

These designs could be dressed up with devices (either store acquired or homemade) to the event the look that is preferred. Utensils: Preparation the menu will assist determine not just the food you will should have yet the kinds of plates, utensils and also serving items necessary to make the event a success. As soon as the party style has been defined, after that plan your visitor listing, decors and also food. If you are in charge of taking care of the Christmas event and also there is an overwhelming need for a style based celebration, you must obtain the viewpoint of others before making the last selection.

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thecoroutfitters · 7 years ago

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There are ways to “live” survival and train every single day, even while we commute, work, eat and run errands. Habits determine our default responses when we are on autopilot, which is much of the time, whether we admit it or not.

Setting good habits and weaving situational awareness and emergency response exercises into our daily routines turns preparedness into something that we live every day instead of something we think about from time to time.

Why does it count? Well, it does, because many times having good habits allows you to train your survival skills while staying under the radar.

Here’s how to do it.

3 Second SEAL Test Will Tell You If You’ll Survive A SHTF Situation

Briefly:

Choosing your habits, enables you to live your life. Otherwise, you will get lived by life instead of living life.

Use Visualization and Actualization exercises to reprogram default responses with more effective responses of your own choosing.

Caches enable you to carry less while still having access to more.

Carry only what you need. “Skills trump gear” is misguided. Having both saves lives.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Always have an escape plan/exit strategy.

Porter’s Dog

How on earth did a gunfighter like Porter Rockwell live long enough to die of old age? Porter’s secret was his habits.

Orrin Porter Rockwell was known as the best tracker in the western territories.

He was a legendary marksman and worked as a bounty hunter, guide, body guard and law man in the old west.

Porter put a lot of folks in the dirt, and even more behind bars, which made for a lot of enemies.

Tactically, Porter had a lot stacked against him. O.P. Rockwell was every bit as famous or infamous as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson or Tom Horn, in his day, and historians say Rockwell killed more men then all three gunfighters combined. Porter is somewhat of a legal anomaly as historical evidence records at least two dozen deaths at his hands, with Rockwell being exonerated in every case.

He frequently traveled alone on the trail to guide parties West or tracking down fugitives. Every young gunslinger wanting to make a name for himself would have been a potential enemy and Porter often found himself outnumbered by much larger war parties or mobs, but he seemed to have faith that as long has he had more bullets than he did enemies, there was little to fear.

Porter also had a wicked Achilles heel. He drank too much.

Porter Rockwell solved his problem with a little white dog, which he carried with him on the back of his horse. The little dog served as a biological alarm system and Porter trained the dog to lick his face to wake him instead of barking.

He also removed the trigger guards from a pair of pistols, which he carried in his coat pockets, so cold fingers would not hang up on the trigger guards and he could train his guns on potential enemies as they parlayed and spoke on the trail. This gave him a decided advantage should the situation take a turn for the worse as they sorted out who was who.

Some say it was a covenant with God that protected Porter. If that was true, maybe God did so by showing Porter a better way to get the drop on his enemies.

Malcom Gladwell argues that Goliath never stood a chance because God showed David a more effective strategy. Using a sling parted with tradition.

Tradition required that David fight the giant in hand to hand combat using a sword. Had he done so, the story surely would have gone very differently. If Gladwell is right about David, I do not reckon that Porter Rockwell’s enemies stood much of a chance either.

Whether or not Porter’s and David’s strategies were divine or secular in origin, you can form tactically-sound habits and weave effective survival strategy into your daily life just like they did.

Rules to Live By

Many Survivalists have a list of rules they refer to as: Rules of Engagement, Battle Order, Code of Conduct or simply “The Rules.” They are collections of strategies and tactics.

Here are some of mine:

1. Play “What if …?”

By the 80’s, research showed that playing “What if …?” was a more effective training technique than many imagined. Playing “What if …?” now encompasses a range of mental training techniques, including “Visualization and Actualization.”

Professional athletes now visualize themselves pitching, batting, shooting baskets and throwing passes, over and over, before they ever lace up their shoes. Put Visualization and Actualization to work to improve your emergency preparedness and situational awareness.

As you go about your day, consider possible threats and visualize effective responses to them. Soon enough, you will have reset some of your default responses with more effective responses of your own choosing.

2. Include Others in Your Training

Whether training in my home, on the range or visualizing a scenario in my mind, before I draw my weapon, I often do something else first … I alert my wife to the threat and step away from her.

I do this before I draw my weapon because I know that the moment I do, I become a bullet magnet. If your pattern of life typically involves others, be sure to include them in your training.

3. Mind Over Mattress

Do not linger in bed. The second that alarm clock goes off, count down, “3, … 2, … 1, … Go!” and get on your feet before you turn it off. Start every day with a small victory to set the tone and set a good habit for emergency response at the same time.

4. Use Checklists

Flashback to bad YouTube video: “I don’t need no pen or paper in the bush. I’m always at 110% whenever I’m in the woods or when it hits the fan.”

While research does show that leisurely strolls in natural settings reduce rumination, emergencies often involve stress, pain, blood loss, hypothermia, dehydration, sleep deprivation and numerous other factors that degrade performance.

If there is ever a time a checklist would make sure you do not forget anything important, it is in an emergency, but you will fight just like you train. If you do not habitually use checklists in training, you will not likely use them in an emergency.

5. Dress for Survival

As you dress for the day, layer for the coldest nighttime temperature as opposed to the daytime temperature because you never know when you spend an unplanned night out. When you buy new clothing, pay attention to the messages it communicates to others.

Keep clothing low key, but functional. Put together a turnout bag to get ready quickly in emergencies without forgetting anything.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Use Cooper’s Color Codes, or a similar system, to maintain awareness and improve both reaction time and effectiveness.

Do not walk or drive with your eyes glued to a screen! This is what officers on sting operations do when they are trying to look like bait to muggers and carjackers.

Look for things that are out of place. If you see military age males lounging around during the middle of the work day, something probably is not right. Not seeing any women or children around can also be a bad sign.

If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t. Academia sometimes overemphasizes left brain thinking. The right brain is where intuition takes place. It is where you inductive reasoning and synthesis take place. Do not think with half your brain. When you use your whole brain, your chances of survival increase.

7. Carry Only What You Need

I also often hear the space-shuttle door-gun qualified crowd of high-speed, low-drag operators enlightening one and all, preaching the carry of a little less than needed. “It encourages problem solving.” they say.

Coming back down to earth, if you can round up two brain cells to rub together, either you need a piece of kit or you don’t. If you carry one less bullet, trauma dressing, battery or bobby pin than needed, I should not have to tell you exactly how the story ends, and it will not matter how many millions of dollars the government spent training you.

Do learn the skills, but counting on your environment to cough up critical resources precisely when and where you need them contravenes thousands of years of human development. Man has carried survival kits for at least that long.

Carrying less than needed is a fine way to train when you have a safety backup. On game day, it is simply another sorry justification of incompetence.

8. Cache Supplies

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Want to carry less? By caching supplies in AO’s (Areas of Operations) and routes of travel, you can carry less and still have supplies nearby should you need them.

Do you have a cache at work? Near your home, but not on your property? Caches can take many forms. Not all of them are hidden or even need to be, but some of the best hidden caches are hidden in plain sight.

9. Scan Waist and Hands

Master Po might tell you his eyes will betray his actions, but your attacker is going to kill you with his hands or the weapon he is holding, so that is what you need to check.

10. Carry Concealed

Carry concealed and your sidearm and knife are aces in the hole. Carry openly and you might as well wear a t-shirt that says, “Shoot me first.” An openly displayed firearm or knife gives an enemy more information than you should.

11. Carry Survival/Self-Recovery (SSR) Equipment

SSR gear goes in your pockets or on your belt or otherwise strapped to your body, not in your pack which is easily and oft separated from you. Do you carry a pocket SSR kit in your every day carry?

I have carried one for years and it has helped me on countless occasions. The key is keeping the core small enough and modular so that you never have to leave it behind.

12. Always Have an Exit Strategy/Escape Plan

Park so you can exit in as many directions as possible.

When you stop in traffic, stop far enough behind the car in front of you that you can get around him to either side. In most vehicles, if you are fare enough back that you can see the vehicles’ rear tires touching the pavement, you should have enough room.

Take the scenic route and circle buildings before you enter them.

When entering buildings, make a mental note of potential exits are and where cover and concealment exist.

When visiting new areas, study maps, carry a map and compass and learn where key resources, such as friendly consulates, churches and hospitals are located.

13. Urban Setting

To escape from restraints, carry, cache and be able to procure or create restraint escape kit. To escape from rooms, building or vehicles, you need destructive entry/exit tools like:

Pry bar, tool to cut seatbelts with, glass breaker

Bypass tools

Lock picks

There might be other situations when you need to escape, and items you might use to escape, as follows:

Property: footwear

Neighborhood: turnout bag and go bag

City: bug out bag, transportation, money and a safe destination

State: Money

Country: Documents, International travel bag and more money

When you’re a prepper, anything you do is very much connected with your survival goals, while staying under the radar is a must. Will you be able to do it?

This article has been written by Cache Valley Prepper for Survivopedia.

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