#ink absorbing sponge

[giazhou1]

The sponge is usually located at the bottom of the inkjet printer cartridge and absorbs ink. When the printer needs to eject ink, the nozzle draws the ink from the small sponge to print the pattern onto the paper. Therefore, the quality of the sponge directly affects the printing effect.

[datadegroove]

the true nature of their pairing is revealed when you realize that squidward spews nothing but negativity like his squids ink but spongebob can absorb it all cause hes a sponge................

[cyberwhumper]

 “Drinking to forget?” the bartender says, eyebrow raised, as they slide another shot across the sticky laminate counter. The place is enough of a shithole that they don’t bat an eye at the lines he cut right there on the bartop or what he’s smoking. Probably not the worst thing they’ve seen all day. Besides, as long as he’s paying, who cares what a dirty mutt does to himself?

        He makes a noncommittal little noise, trying to smile and managing a grimace. “Sure.” He picks up the glass, tipping it in a mock-salute that spills a third of it down his fingers. “To forgetting.”

        He wants to forget. God, he really does. He’s doing a pretty bang-up job of it so far, he thinks. His brain feels like a sponge, these days; not in the sense of like, absorbency, but in the sense of being wrung the fuck out and full of holes. So many little holes. Little chunks of him, whoever or whatever him even is anymore, poked out of his mind and scattered to the winds, left behind in abandoned warehouses and dingy club bathrooms and back alleys and shallow graves.

        Fuck.

        He downs the shot and takes a long drag off the pen, feeling the prickle of toxic vapors curling around in those holes in his mind, turning everything soft and milky, cotton candy pale. The liquor burns, cheap enough to strip paint, but he likes that. He likes the hurt. It gives him something to focus on, something that isn’t all the emptiness and the horrible weight of everything he’s done, just simple, clean, purifying pain. Another line hoovers up his nose, a little too harsh, sending a clot of blood and mucus down the back of his throat to choke him up a little. Gross.

        He does it to himself, though. He deserves it. A way to wrest a little bit of control back from all the grasping fingers and open mouths that he feels on him every time he closes his eyes too long. Fuck that. He can do it better. He can punish himself, poison himself, put himself back in the ground over and over again. That’s what he’s good for. All those little holes. Needs to fill them. Fill them…

        “Top me up again, chief?” he slurs. His skin feels hot and cold all over, his hand lagging in front of his eyes as he slides over the credits. The bartender gives him a look, but the cash is right, and he doesn’t seem like he’s in any state to start anything. They pour him another.

        “Forget,” he mumbles, tracing his finger around the rim of the shot glass. “Fuck me, man. I forgot…what I was even tryin’ to forget.” He giggles, rubbing knuckles against one of his tusks. Good. He’s doing good. It’s all drizzling away from him, everything going syrupy and dim, the holes getting bigger and bigger until he sees more blankness than reality, shovelfuls of grave dirt dropping on top of him, cold and powdery-wet.

        He doesn’t remember how to get home.

        He doesn’t remember if he has a home.

        Fuck. Finally. He doesn’t even remember his own name.

[Fic by the exceptionally talented @bxtterflystxtches , who I have the honor of collaborating with for this event. Please show him some love!]

[OC INDEX]

COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN!

Tag list: @whumpsday // @demondamage // @squidlife-crisis // @whumpedydump // @cyborg0109 // @whumpfish // @astrowhump // @the-scrapegoat // @whatwhumpcomments // @dustbunnywhump // @why-not-ask-me-a-better-question // @dokidokisadness // @moss-tombstone // @lambofmine // @maracujatangerine // @pinkraindropsfell // @writereleaserepeat // @blood-and-regrets // @littlespacecastle // @snakebites-and-ink // @unforgiven235 // @lonesome--hunter // @atomicsandwichprince // @writereleaserepeat // @whatamidoingherehelpme // @skittles-the-whumpee // @the-blind-one-speaks // @i-eat-worlds // @devourerofcheesecake // @theauthorintraining // @otterfrost // @mommymarichatfurever // @whumpifi // @catnykit // @bitchaknso // @softmutt444 // @yet-another-heathen // @blackbirdsinatrenchcoat // @burnticedlatte // @violent-ultraviolet // @limitlesstrash17 // @inspiral-rl // @coyotehusk // @mis-graves // @caffeinatedscorpio // @defire // @badluck990 // @unforgivenn //

If you’re interested in being added to the tag list, please let me know!

[icy-watch]

...what if we, hear me out, get a looooooooot of sponges to absorb all the ink?

[artern]

a nomad of ideas

to absorb ideas like a sponge, wanting to dip them in a myriad of inks. however, each idea comes to a halt when another inspiration flows through. moonwalking back, only to trace the ideas all over again.

so surface level, in a passion that wants depth.

maybe this is why they say to choose something specific, so the pathway is clear and steady. a line of direction in sight.

don’t have one (yet), and it sounds like we’re wandering aimlessly. have two or three, and it’s like we’re switching when it gets hard.

eras of life, being a traveler, and a nomad of ideas. these are all for weaving a tapestry that’s to be continued.

[nerdynuala]

I don't know if you accept requests like this, but could I ask for hange hcs as a regular student? I would like to know their routine and hobbies!

Hi! It's been a while since my last headcanons but heck I find it fun and relaxing to make them up so I'm more than willing to give Student Hange a try ^^

Sooo here we go! I'm gonna go through the stages of students hahah from elementary school up to university.

Elementary School Hange

- messy kid, always manages to spill ink on themself and somehow get paint and dirt all over their clothes.

- literally so excited the first day of elementary school! While there were other kids crying or being shy, Hange was literally jumping up and down, thrilled by the new environment and looking forward to finally learn good stuff.

- the worst at music and singing, and also a really bad actor in school plays. Hange may lack the talent, but not the enthusiasm.

- very quick to learn, thinking outside the box and helping other kids out.

- Loves science but contrary to what people might expect, their favorite class is P.E. they just have too much energy. Loves dodgeball, swimming and baseball.

Middle School Hange

- at this stage, Hange is the typical student that appears as lazy and not interested in class but has actually the top marks.

- a bit challenging to authority. Hange does not lack respect, but treats professors as if they were friends. Also, gives respect only if given respect. Don't mess around with this kid.

- They literally can be chatting with their neighbor, doodling on their notebook, staring out the window, be half asleep and a large etcetera, but each time they're asked what the professor was talking about, they know everythint about it and even extend that information.

- Favorite class now is science and in their free time they investigate about chemistry. Cannot wait to take chemistry in high school.

High school Hange

- Nailing multitasking since a very young age definitely shows now: they can sit through the first lesson absorbing the information like a sponge, while doing the homework for the next class (that they should've done the day before)

- Literally the kid you see doing last minute homework even on the bus. Everything is done last minute but they manage to get everything right and perfect.

- Gets frequently asked by classmates what their method for studying is. Literally does not know. "I dunno man, I just re-read the chapter and the notes I managed to scribble in class lol"

- Needless to say, doctor's handwriting. Sometimes they cannot even read their own notes. Their professors complain all the time and one of them even refused to correct their test if they didn't write it with decent handwriting.

- Neither popular nor a nerd. Literally in between, gets along with basically anyone and can adapt to different groups. Levi calls them "chied of the nerds" all the time though. He sometimes even jokes saying "one nerd to rule them all" because Hange is literally the only extroverted nerd and they all basically worship them.

- Favorite class is chemistry by now. Shows up first and arrives late to the next class because they get entertained by chatting with the professor about chemistry stuff.

- Takes latin as an extra-curricular class.

University Hange

- Studies at night. If they don't have classes in the morning, literally sleeps until noon and studies during all night.

- Has dog ears on each and every book they own. The insides of the covers all full of messy doodles and scribbles.

- Sometimes, when studying directly from the book, will underline different types of information with different colors. Other times will just underline with a pencil and circle words with too much force and leaving the mark on like five pages underneath. Either way can study confortably.

- Coffee addict. By the fourth class in the day, they've had 5 cups already.

- Asks tons of questions. Loves debates. Will participate in everything and loves sharing their opinion on basically any topic.

__________________________________________________

There! I tried to keep it general, I hope it is what you were looking for, but feel free to ask more of them <3

[rosesloveletters]

Happiest of happy birthdays dearest Erika!

@ajokeformur-ray

It is so difficult for me to believe that I am getting to spend yet ANOTHER birthday with you (of course, I wish I could be spending it by your side, but this what we have & I'll gladly take any time I get with you🫂)

You have been through so much this year, finished your fourth year of university, started seeking out work experience for your career, etc. and I could not be more proud of the woman you are becoming and the woman you have been over the last half-decade I've known you.

Being a part of your life is a gift and a privilege that I never take for granted. You are a light in my life and are always in my heart, whether we are side by side on my couch watching our favorite films or miles and an ocean apart.

Being long distance friends is one of the most difficult things I have ever been through because it is hard not having you close by so that I can hug you and spend time with you whenever I want, surprise you with little gifts or a run to our favorite stores together, but I would never trade what we have because I want you in my life, no matter how.

You are my joy and you bring so much good to this world, darling. You are loved and treasured by so many and I am fortunate and grateful that I get to be one of those people.

I hope that you have the happiest of birthdays and that it is as spectacular of a day as you are of a person! I love you so very, very, very much, darling & I miss you with all the pieces of my heart🩷

Please enjoy these gifts I have created special for you. I hope you like them!

Firstly, to start, a hand-written letter:

Second, some fics I wrote, personalized for my beloved sister:

Keep the Faith // Erika & Henry Jekyll (parental)

summary: with another year of university under your belt, doubts about your future still linger, but your Father is there to help you lay them to rest while keeping the faith in yourself that you deserve.

word count: 2,199

You paced along the perimeter of the old library, eyes lingering upon the towering shelves lined with thick tomes, the scent of ink and parchment permeating the stagnant air. 

The soft glow of the lamps cast shadows upon the ancient wood walls; the only sound was the shuffling of your feet as you moved. You lightly ran your fingers over the golden lettering on the spines of some of the books and medical journals, feeling a connection to the knowledge and wisdom stored within their pages. The weight of history seemed to hang heavily in the air and pressed down upon your shoulders like the friendly pat from a companion, a reminder of all that had come and gone and all that you had yet to learn.

You lovingly selected a volume to leaf through, the familiar scent of old paper and the faint crackle of turning pages filled the room. Your brain absorbed knowledge like a sponge; even though you had a chance to catch your breath, to give yourself a break, your mind still craved the challenge of study. 

You had just completed your fourth year of university and a mix of emotions swirled within you. On the one hand, there was the familiar sense of accomplishment as you had come to recognize from years past, and a feeling of pride in how far you had come. 

On the other hand, the road ahead was daunting; the task of finding work experience in mental healthcare loomed before you like a vengeful spirit. Typically, you would have been thrilled to have been haunted; ghosts and grim reapers would have been a welcome distraction from studying to become a psychologist. 

But still, you held onto the dream that brought you here, the passion for being a mental health professional that had driven you through the long hours of study and practice. 

Now, it was time to take the next step in your journey and prove that you were worthy of realizing your dream career.

Dr. Henry Jekyll watched as his daughter flipped through the pages of one of his thick textbooks. You were focused intently on the words on the page, your fingers occasionally pausing in flipping through the pages to reread a paragraph. You seemed completely absorbed in your reading, your eyes scanning each page with intense concentration.

He marveled at your dedication and determination, knowing how hard you had worked to get where you were. Despite the challenges you would face in your chosen field, he had no doubts that you would succeed, and he made a silent promise to support you every step of the way.

He admired your determination and passion for learning and the way you seemed to possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a trait you had no doubt inherited from himself. 

He knew that you were going to achieve great things, and seeing you there, working hard towards your goals, made him feel incredibly proud. He only hoped he could support you as much as possible on your path to success.

“That particular volume is of great interest, isn’t it?”

Despite the gentle tone in which your father always addressed you, the unexpected sound inside the quiet library made you jump and nearly drop the book out of fright. 

You spun on your heel and met his gaze, noting the twinkle in his eye; he was pleased that you were perusing his collection, even though you had no reason to, with university not picking up again for a few more months.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” he apologized as he stepped forward and gestured to the book you held in your hands, “you may keep that one, if it is of interest to you as it is to me. Perhaps it might be useful in your next semester.”

You nodded, though you felt somewhat silly for such a placid response to your own father, as though he were a lecturer or a scholar rather than your own flesh and blood. 

There were so many things you wished to ask, however, it did not always come easily. 

Your family was not known for their strength in communication and if it were not for your Papa being left to break the ice, there might have been none at all.

You were doing more to harness your Papa’s outspokenness and if one thing was for certain you had learned a lot about yourself through him. 

For one, you were as strong as you were stubborn and that was one of the defining reasons for why you had made it this far, although, the strongest reasons for your successes were your wisdom and intelligence and the fact that you were capable. You were a critical thinker and a problem solver, a diligent worker and a disciplined student. You were brave, albeit tentative, choosing to think through your processes before making any certain decisions. 

You were resolute in your beliefs and not easily swayed from your morals; you knew who you were and who you wanted to be. 

It was never too late for you, and your Papa had made such clear, more times than many. 

You had learned to live a little in the last year and you liked to believe you were made better for it; your parents seemed to agree. 

Your Papa had always taught you to take from life what you wanted and that was your intention, but you had so much to give and that was what you were headed towards. 

You wanted to help people. 

Psychology was a noble profession and you had chosen it because you wished to help, to be the light in the darkness of a world who seemed to care less and less about its inhabitants and those who needed a bit of extra assistance. 

After all, in a world filled with so much hate, why would you want to choose to be anything other than kind? 

With your Father’s intelligence and devotion to study, your Mama’s discipline and humility, coupled with your Papa’s wit and tenacity, you were a perfect storm of qualities that would guide you on your quest for knowledge and a career which you had always dreamed of. 

There were always going to be doubts, that much you knew, but your parents had done nothing but set a perfect example of what to strive for in this life and you only hoped that you existed enough in their image to make something of yourself. 

Oh, but you were. 

You were already quite something, far more unique, special, loved, than you even realized. 

“You remind me something of myself,” your Father’s even tone told stories of emotion and connection, confessing to you between the lines that you were far more than just a part of him, but a truly vivid masterpiece created by three souls who were intertwined like breaths of wind, swirling leaves into a heart-heavy tornado of color that your mind had to swallow whole.

It was difficult to put into perspective, especially since you could not see the forest for the trees, but you reasoned that you had to lose yourself beneath the boughs to make any sense of why you had led yourself down this particular trail, even if sunlight was rare to come by here. 

Luckily, darkness to you was like the warm embrace of a lover; you felt comfortable forging your own way and excelled at it. 

You did not like to stop and ask for help, even if you needed it, but your Father had begun to show you by example that you were not weak or incapable if you needed a little extra assistance from time to time and it actually made you stronger to know and be able to admit when you needed help and how to ask for it. 

You had done well and your grades showed it. 

Even still, there was a nagging sliver of doubt that perhaps you were reaching for something that just was not there. 

How cruel of a lesson in life would it be if you were to have come all this way for nothing…

“And I can hear your thoughts as though they are my own,” your Father’s voice was a comforting whisper, a velvet kiss from a devoted parent, “your doubts are unfounded. You will reach your goal. There is not a shred of evidence to lend to the contrary.”

“How can you be certain?” you had to ask, but in the deepest chambers of your heart you knew that even he did not have all the answers you sought. 

“Because I believe in you,” his answer was simple, yet concise—a heartfelt glimpse into his complete and utter faith in you as both a student and a human being, his beloved daughter he would give his life for, “and because I have seen your grades. I have accompanied you on this journey since it was merely an idea and who turned it into a reality? You. You did that. One must have faith in something, and for me, you are enough.”

You are enough. 

His words echoed inside your mind in waves, rippling across your brain, the praise buoying your hopes. 

You had come so far already, all you had to do was keep the faith and you could certainly do that. 

The belief in yourself and your dreams were enough just as long as you had the right people on your side to encourage you to keep taking steps forward and fortunately for you, you did. 

 You could do this; it was within reach. 

You clutched the book you had been studying, fingers tracing the spine with care, “I don’t want to fail.”

Your admission was more than you were even prepared to admit and your honesty scared you. Normally, you kept these thoughts bottled up, but your Papa had beaten it into your head—metaphorically, though I am certain there are more than a few people he would like to beat physically—that you had to say it with words. 

Leaving your thoughts unspoken was a recipe for disaster and your Papa refused for you to become the same tragedy as he had. 

“No one does,” Henry Jekyll responded on a sigh, a clear sign that he was deep in thought over what good it would be to encourage you to ignore your doubts or face them head on when he sometimes could not even do the same, but you deserved better as his daughter; he wanted to be a guide, not a bad example, “but you cannot let the fear of failing render you immobile. If you become too afraid to try, then you may never know what could have been. Even if you fail, which you won’t, you will at least know the truth.”

He hoped he was giving you good advice, but sometimes he wondered if the things he said were encouraging on their own or whether you had to believe in him to understand the grains of wisdom sprinkled within his vernacular. 

“I think it is best that you find time off from your studies for the summer, or at least take some time for other things,” he advised, “lest you grow weary from your learning.”

Your Father once was a man who believed that the brain never got tired of learning and perhaps that fact was still the truth, but a human being is far more than the sum of its parts: to know personhood, an existence must be true to its total form. 

He had pushed himself too far in the past and he did not want to see you do the same to yourself.   

You were more than just a brain or a heart or two lungs. 

You were a piece of him, of your Mama and your Papa and those who had lived before them. 

Like the books you studied, you were a collection of knowledge, a treasured edition created by those who had birthed you into existence, but you were far more than paper and ink. 

You were flesh and blood, beautiful, intelligent, wise beyond your years, braver than you would ever know and highly empathetic. 

You were writing your own story, telling it from your perspective, experiencing it firsthand like the main protagonist to an adventure novel and you were on the edge of your seat, dying to know how it would end, but a true author has to take the necessary steps towards creating their own ending, bridging the gap with the bulk of the story before finding their own conclusion.

You couldn’t savor the meat without the bones, could not continue to breathe with no air in your lungs.

You had to wait and see. 

You could have a little faith in yourself, listen to your Father and give yourself a break. 

 What was meant for you would come, even if it happened in unexpected ways far beyond your wildest imaginings. 

Your latest chapter had ended, but a new one was only just beginning and you could not wait to pick up your pen and keep writing, keep taking those first steps, keep going, keep breathing, keep living, keep the faith…

Brewed Coffee and Caramel Braids // Erika x Arthur Fleck (Romantic)

note: I have been dying to write you a haircare fic with Arthur/Joker for YEARS!!!! I never got around to it/always had other ideas when it came time to write for you, but we've been talking about your hair recently so I FINALLY wrote this. I hope you like it🥺

summary: you and Arthur share a quiet, rainy morning together, sipping coffee while he cares for and braids your hair.

word count: 1,209

A mug of coffee sat on the end table, steam rising from the lip of the cup in lazy, twisting tendrils. The rich aroma of roasted beans filled the air, a comforting scent that spoke of cozy mornings and warm, relaxing moments. The coffee inside the mug was a deep, dark brown, a warm, inviting shade of rich, liquid amber that beckoned for a sip. With its surface broken by tiny swirls and ripples, it contained a world of caffeinated potential, waiting for someone to take that first sip and savor the bold flavor as it touched their tastebuds.

The hot coffee warmed the hands holding the mug as you picked it up, the heat from its contents seeping through the ceramic. Just holding it was a small bit of solace on this cold night. The steam was almost hypnotizing, the way it danced and swirled. The first sip was always the best; a burst of flavor and warmth that chased away the chill.

The city was quiet, a pleasant contrast to the typical noise and constant artificial ambience; the sound of rain tapping against the windows provided the only background noise to your early morning.

Arthur sat behind you on the weathered couch, a gentle smile on his face as he combed his fingers through your long, thick hair. He took his time, his nimble fingers moving with practiced ease. As he worked, you sipped your coffee, enjoying the serenity of the morning and the feeling of his fingers running tenderly through your hair. 

The rain continued to patter softly against the windowpanes as you curled up against the couch, coffee mug in hand and you sat poised with your back to him so that he could care for your hair for you. He knew that you liked to finger-comb your tresses before a comb or a brush ever touched them; you were more than particular about your long hair, but the devotion and rituals associated with it were what had gotten it to the length you desired and kept it clean and healthy, so Arthur stuck rigidly to your maintenance routine and never strayed from it as you had dictated to him the importance of.

“There’s still half a pot of coffee in the kitchen,” Arthur’s gentle voice was like a warm cup of coffee all its own, warming you from the inside out, “let me know when you want it and I’ll refill your mug.” 

You nodded, although you had no intention of asking him to get up and retrieve it for you. He already did so much and you felt guilty asking him for more, even though he had told you many times over how much more he would do without ever being asked. You deserved the same kindness and care that you gave out to others and he was going to return the favor, whether you asked him to or not. 

Arthur had sectioned your hair into halves, making it easier to work on your hair in two parts as opposed to its entirety all it once. With hair this thick altogether, it knotted easily and the last thing he wanted to do was risk hurting your tender scalp. With slow, deliberate swipes of his fingers, he had your hair fully combed through and soon was reaching for your comb, which you proffered to him over your shoulder. 

A murmured thanks of gratitude was whispered, and with gentle fingers, he began to comb your hair, detangling any knots he had missed before he would take a chance on brushing it and risk potentially snagging a missed knot. 

You leaned back into his touch, your eyes slipping closed with contentment as you took another sip of your coffee, enjoying the peaceful, quiet moment you shared with your lover.

Both of you were not afforded many moments like this one, so when it happened naturally, you both took advantage. 

You were grateful for the little things, the devotion with which he touched you, almost as if he held more reverence for you and for your hair than you did, which was quite possible considering how well he always treated you. 

You were but a speck of dust in the universe, but to Arthur, you were his entire world and nothing was ever going to change that for either of you. Your love was what made each other feel seen and appreciated; the vastness of the world you existed within held no bearing on what the two of you shared or how deeply you were affected by the other, the bond you shared. 

After Arthur had lovingly combed your caramel tresses free of knots, he reached for your brush.

The soft bristles pulled through your locks, smoothing your natural oils from your roots down the length of your hair.

The brush glided smoothly through your hair, the bristles catching only on a few small knots that were swiftly and gently untangled. 

The action of your hair being brushed was soothing, almost meditative, the repetitive motion of the brush moving through your hair lulling you with its comforting rhythm. Each stroke was filled with care and tenderness and as the brush swept through your locks, it left them soft and smooth in its wake.

The simplest of gestures could sometimes be the most comforting.

Once your hair was smooth and tangle-free, Arthur began to carefully divide the strands. 

The ease with which he plaited the strands into place spoke of how frequently he followed this same routine, how many times he had braided your hair for you.  

He wove the locks into two loose braids that would hang down over your shoulders, secured with your favorite forest green scrunchies and finished with a gentle kiss on your cheek.

“Good?” Arthur asked you, gazing at you with a fond smile on his lips as he watched you check your braids to make certain they were as you wanted them for the day.

You didn’t need to check; he always did it right. 

Arthur did not mind you making sure because he knew that your anxiety over your hair was something difficult that you dealt with every single day and he would never do anything to make it worse or invalidate how you felt. He wanted you to be comfortable and if you wanted to check your braids once they was done, then he was not going to stop you. 

Once you were satisfied, you leaned back against him, fitting against his chest like you were made to be held by him alone. 

“Thank you, Arthur,” you whispered, grateful for the love he bestowed upon you in so many ways, each just as meaningful as this one, “I love you.”

“I love you too, darling,” he replied, embracing you from behind with arms wrapped snugly around your midsection, his chin resting on your shoulder. 

Arthur whispered a few sweet words of love into your ear, letting you know how much he cherished you and you had never felt more at peace with the world and with yourself than you had in that moment.

It was just you and Arthur, your love, your life, the breath in your lungs and the beat of your heart and everything else ceased to exist. 

And there you have it! Your birthday gifts are completed, honey, I hope you love them as much as I loved creating them for you. I love you very, very much and I hope you have an amazing twenty-seventh birthday. You mean the whole world to me and I am so lucky to have you in my life and get to give you all the things you deserve, even though you deserve far much more than I am able to give, I will still try my damndest to give you everything. Please be kind and gentle with yourself, today and all days. You are a precious soul, a gift to this world and a joy to have in my life and I truly do not know where or who I would be without you. My life is better for having known you and gotten the privilege of loving you and of calling you my sister. I LOVE YOU, I MISS YOU AND I AM WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!!!

[thatpartofher]

sitting down with the woman i was many years ago, there is temptation to want to collect the fear that is about to pour out from her glances and onto the ground. i’d want to soak it up with as many absorbent words as i could possibly toss on top of the mess…

but i don’t.

instead i listen to her.

and while digesting her words i keep my eyes locked with hers, with no other plan but to spend undivided time with every single page of her stories, even the ones she wants to read out loud to me more than once. i allow space for the growing puddle of her panic to pool around our seats, and no matter the discomfort i may soon drown in, there with her i’ll be.

as each leaf falls from her book now sponging up the flood, the both of us see how the ink can now fade and she and i blend into one.

-that part of her

[josielewis]

What is Gelli Plate Printing?

Gelli plate printing is a monoprinting technique that uses a soft, gelatin-like plate to create unique and vibrant prints. It's a fantastic medium for artists, crafters, and anyone who loves to experiment with colors and textures. Unlike traditional printing methods, each Gelli print is one-of-a-kind, offering endless possibilities for creativity.

Brief History of Gelli Plates

The concept of gelatin printing has been around for a while, but modern Gelli plates were popularized in the early 2000s. These reusable plates are made from a durable, non-toxic gel-like material that mimics the texture of gelatin, allowing for repeated use without degradation.

Materials Needed for Gelli Plate Printing

Before diving into the process, let’s gather the essential materials:

Gel Plates For Printing

The gel plates for printing is the heart of this printing technique. Available in various sizes, these plates are flexible, reusable, and easy to clean.

Paints and Inks

Acrylic paints are the most popular choice for Gelli printing, but you can also use water-based inks. These mediums work well on the Gelli plate and produce vibrant results.

Brayers and Rollers

A brayer or roller is used to spread paint evenly across the Gelli plate. It helps create smooth, even layers of color.

Stencils and Masks

Stencils and masks are essential for creating patterns and designs. They add complexity and interest to your prints.

Paper and Fabrics

You can print on a variety of surfaces, including different types of paper and fabric. Experiment with materials to find what works best for your projects.

How to Make a Gelli Print

Creating a Gelli print is a fun and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Preparing Your Workspace

Set up a clean, flat workspace with plenty of room for your Gelli plate, paints, and paper. Lay down some newspaper or a protective mat to catch any spills.

Choosing Your Paints

Select your favorite acrylic paints. You can use a single color or mix several to create a gradient effect.

Applying Paint to the Gelli Plate

Squeeze a small amount of paint onto the Gelli plate. Use your brayer to spread the paint evenly across the surface. The paint layer should be thin and smooth.

Creating Textures and Patterns

Use stencils, masks, or found objects to create patterns in the paint. You can also use tools like combs or brushes to add texture.

Printing on Paper or Fabric

Carefully lay your paper or fabric onto the painted Gelli plate. Press down gently but firmly to transfer the paint. Peel the paper off to reveal your print.

Tips for Layering and Combining Colors

For more complex designs, let each layer dry before applying the next. Experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques to achieve unique effects.

Techniques for Gelli Plate Printing

Enhance your Gelli prints with these creative techniques:

Using Stencils and Masks

Stencils and masks can help you create intricate patterns and designs. Place them on the Gelli plate before applying paint, then remove them to reveal negative space in your print.

Creating Abstract Patterns

Play with colors and shapes to create abstract designs. Use tools like brushes, sponges, or even your fingers to manipulate the paint.

Incorporating Found Objects

Use everyday items like leaves, string, or bubble wrap to add texture and interest to your prints.

Printing with Natural Elements

Experiment with printing leaves, flowers, or other natural elements. These can add organic shapes and textures to your artwork.

Experimenting with Different Papers and Fabrics

Different papers and fabrics will absorb paint differently, affecting the final look of your print. Try rice paper, canvas, or even old book pages for varied effects.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Gelli Plate

Proper care will extend the life of your Gelli plate.

Immediate Cleaning After Use

After each session, clean your Gelli plate with a baby wipe or a damp cloth. This prevents paint from building up and affecting future prints.

Deep Cleaning Methods

For a deeper clean, use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the plate. Let it air dry completely before storing.

Storing Your Gelli Plate

Store your Gelli plate flat in a cool, dry place. Keep it in its original packaging or between sheets of wax paper to prevent dust and debris from sticking.

Creative Projects with Gelli Prints

Once you've mastered the basics, use your Gelli prints in various creative projects:

Making Greeting Cards

Personalize your greeting cards with unique Gelli prints. They add a special touch to any occasion.

Designing Custom Stationery

Create beautiful stationery sets by printing matching designs on notepaper and envelopes.

Creating Art Journals

Incorporate your prints into art journals. They make excellent backgrounds for drawings, writings, and collages.

Crafting Decorative Home Items

Use your prints to cover boxes, frames, or even create wall art. They add a vibrant touch to your home décor.

Using Gelli Prints in Mixed Media Art

Combine your Gelli prints with other art mediums like painting, drawing, or collage to create complex and layered artworks.

Advanced Gelli Plate Printing Techniques

Take your Gelli printing to the next level with these advanced techniques:

Layering Multiple Prints

Layer several prints on top of each other for depth and complexity. Each layer adds a new dimension to your artwork.

Using Metallic and Neon Paints

Experiment with metallic or neon paints for a bold, eye-catching effect. These paints can make your prints stand out.

Gel Medium Transfers

Use gel medium to transfer images onto your Gelli prints. This technique adds interesting textures and layers to your work.

Collage Techniques

Combine cut-out sections of your Gelli prints with other materials to create collages. This adds a new level of creativity to your projects.

Conclusion

Gelli plate printing is a versatile and exciting art form that offers endless possibilities for creativity. With the right materials and a bit of practice, you can create stunning, unique prints. So, grab your Gelli plate and start experimenting today!

[miano-oscarwilde]

Hi Mimi how do you clean your plush toys? Especially the big Gaap 💀

I take maximum care of Goemon but one day I screwed up. I smeared blue ink on his face, i was writing.And then I was Panicking. Goey's handsome face!Usually I use antiseptic wipes to clean him every week but this time wipes didn't work so I took a sponge and some shampoo. I lathered it and rubbed on his face. Then took another sponge, absorbed water and rinsed. I then used a hair dryer to dry the fur completely. See, spotless radiance. ✨

For smaller plush, I do the same method but use more water to clean and then leave them out in the sun. Then I take them inside at night and use hair dryer to completely make it dry. So I highly recommend hair shampoo to clean plush as it is mild. hope this helps ❤️

[2broschlininahotub]

Meet the ghoti

The word Ghoti is pronounced fish from a letter between two authors making fun of how the English language is weird. It is derived from the "gh" in "tough" (pronounced as an "f" sound), the "o" in "women" (pronounced as an "i" sound), and the "ti" in "nation" (pronounced as a "sh" sound). The names of them are Anagrams of words that mean fish or that are associated with fish. Design wise they are all based on sea creatures with space like patterns of them. Fan theory (The reason why they are combined with space could be this. Space is an sea of stars while a galaxy could be an ocean of stars. What Celestial body is connected to space the moon. The moon controls the tides. ). In lore reason, the ghoti were made under a full moon with Bubble's ability. These creatures were made cause Bubble felt homesick. They are species that actually exist in space in the yugioh world just they are much bigger than the ones that bubble made. They are identical copies of them. I won't give you personalities on them cause they act like animals but I will give you what their habits are in Teyvat. The ghoti can live without oxygen and they have very flexible bones or no bones at all.

Meet paces

Paces is an anagram for Space or Pesca, Portuguese/ Spanish for fishing. Paces are considered very shy and are known to escape by shooting ink that produces a hallucinogenic effect on contact. They are currently in Enkonamiya they walk like a sponge being scrubbed onto the floor. They reproduce by chopping of a specific tentacle to reproduce. There is always a limit on how many are there which is twenty adults but there is no limit on the eggs. Their diet is mainly dirt, particles, sand or any minerals it could get in contact with which changes the color and effect. Their tentacles if eaten can produce hallucinations if not prepared properly. If cooked right, the person who eats it feels like they had just brushed their teeth. They will migrate to nearby waters were dust and sand are found. They migrate themselves near the shores of Liyue and clean the dust and particles of the bottom part of liyue harbor and the bottom of boats. Paces is considered a sentient sponge for the mermaids. They also give gifts in the form of dropping from those who feed them. They will give them a gift of a gemstone based on what they feed. For example Iron would led to a gemstone based from Iron like Peridot, Nephrite and Phosphophyllite. If the person were to be not be nice to them, they will promptly stand on your head and spray your face with ink and projectile shot radioactive droppings on their face. They are known to walk up the shores and Rocky cliffs in teyvat and start to vibrate when a full moon and stars are seen in the sky. They stop when it turns to dawn but leave droppings of pearls, aquamarine, sapphires, Lapis gems as a sorry for disturbing the area that part of them was made when Bubble left as a parting gift for sorry for staying in the area.

Meet Shif

Shift is an anagram of fish. Shif is based on a sea angel. Shif can live in cold waters and thrive in them. They glow in the water and are hermaphrodites which means they self replicate. Shif is known to migrate to cold waters. The phenomenon is called the angel's travel. Enkonamiya is suitable living conditions for their eggs. Shif known to feed of the abyssal energy by absorbing them like a slime. They are passive and non agreesive. They are inedible cause when they die they instantly shrivel and there is always a set amount of them being twenty.

Meet Zep

Zep is an anagram of Pez ( Spanish for fish). Pez is based on a lion fish. Zep is poisonous that a contact with one of its fins could cause you to instantly be brain dead for a 30 seconds. They are known to hunt prey by ramming themselves into their prey then eating them. There is a total of fifteen of them at a time. They also fight of any of the abyssal creatures that come out of abyssal energy. They creatures are a predator of rift hounds. Their poison can be turned as a antivenom and the poison is so toxic it can be used to heal people because the venom will kill other venoms and diseases. The side effect of doing this would if a merperson would have this their upper layer of scales will have red hue which causes some of them to turn a mixture of their scale color with red. If the merperson was of the lionfish variety they would have the ability to change their color to any shade or mixture of red. If a human were to use the antivenom, they would glow neon red for an entire day.

Meet Ixeep

Ixeep is an anagram of (Peixe is Portuguese for fish) . Ixeep is based of a guppy. Ixeep is a filter feeder using its fins and mouth to eat. These fish are known to have exoskeleton that small fish hide in their from predators. Ixeep have the ability to shoot out small balls that can instantly decay most biological organisms. The balls instantly decay in ten seconds. The fins open and close when in filtering mode or not. These fish are commonly found near the oceons of natlan. There are only ten of these creatures.

Meet Eanoc

Eanoc is an anagram of Ocean. It is based on a ray. Its form of eating is that it would latch it self onto the preys face or chest. Eanoc would then use its spikes to latch on the prey. It would the uee its tail which acts as a sort of tounge to suck the liquids out of the prey. This is not even the worst part. It is known to leap from the water then latch onto them using its spikes during the day. If it is at night, these creatures also can fly during a start night with a full moon. They are known to target abyss mages, rift hounds, Eanoc are known to team up fighting rift hounds. Eanoc would force a rift hounds into water and zep could stun them, and the creatures would eat the rift hound alive. These creatures can potentially can kill an abyss Lector or herald if Eonac can ambush them and rip the cores open. There are currently only five that can be alive outside as eggs at a time. These creatures are found near tropical waters like the golden apple archipelago and near Sumeru and Natlan. If you want a short

Meet Snopios

Snopios is an anagram of Poisson French for fish. Snopios has a limit of five that can be alive at a time. Snopios can regrow a tentacle like a normal octopus but it still has a nerve link to the cut of tentacle when it is not cooked. Snopios can use its smaller tentacles closer to its mouth to act as a tapeworm and go directly from an open orphace and mind control them by making a neural link which makes the target to jump into the ocean which it can then eat. These creatures can reader your mind to an extend. It cannot understand words but can understand intentions. If you say you want to give them food, they cannot understand what you said but they will understand that you are giving them food so they will approach you.

These creatures have guardians. The guardians can grant worthy people materials to make weapons. The weapon has an ability that is unique to each weapon.

Meet Arionpos

Anagram-Opsarion(Koine Greek for fish)

Animal-Moray Eel

Guardian of Ixeep and Zep.

Length- long enough area of Watatsumi Island

Arionpos has electro immunity and the ability to use. It has the ability to use it's own bones as clamp onto an opponents body either suffocating them or snapping themselves onto the opponent. It is bioluminescent and glows in the dark. It has fangs that would produce a coagulant. This forces the bitten prey to start having a heart attack or stroke. This creature is found circling watatsumi Island. Arionpos will give its fang to a worthy person who can beat it in battle or the person must show a bond that is stronger life. This translates to as a show of bond that is strong that you are willing to sacrifice your self to protect someone else. ( Characters who fit are Childe and Ayato with their willingness to sacrifice himself to protect his family. Ganyu and Xiao for their Loyalty to Rex Lapis.) This creature is found circling the isles of inazuma but can be found in Sumeru and Natlan as that go near as a way of heating themselves when they are cold.

The weapons are called this for non catalyst weapons are called, The tide guardian sword, bow, Lance, Slasher(claymore). The catalyst is a tome called Tale of the sea princess. The tale can be sung opera style and it is about the story of the first queen of the Marincess.

The Arionpos weapons have the ability to convert elemental mastery into energy recharge and vice versa. This is the effect. 30%of the user's energy recharge is turned into Elemental Mastery excluding the second effect of this weapon. The second effect is to turn 25% of the units total Elemental Mastery excluding the first effect of this weapon into energy recharge. (The weapon does not lower the elemental mastery or energy recharge of enemy of the user instead it is added as a buff)

The tome can mark an opponent if the user applies the wet status on the opponent. If the user were to attack with the marked opponent, it would pop dealing 30% of your elemental mastery.

The Lance can apply a mark when the opponent is inflicted with the wet status which lowers an opponents hydro resistance by 20% when attacked the cap is 60%

The Sword has a mark that when the user applies wet status increases this users hydro damage by 20% per attack cap% 50

The Claymore applies a mark that lowers the opponent's defense by 15% per attack and the cap is 50%

The Bow has the ability to Apply a mark which increase crit damage when the unit hits the opponent with a charge shot by 30% of the total crit damage and increases critical rate of the user which is 10% when attacking with a cap of 30%.

Meet Guoglim

Guoglim- Mulgogi is Korean for fish

Animal-Giant Squid

Guardian of Snopios and Paces.

Guoglim has the ability that I can describe as the penant stare of ghost rider and looking into an eldritch good. It has a trial were you have to befriend all the paces and Snopios. It knows cause it has a mental link with all of them. This creature will then test you by battle or It will test you by lifting you to it's front mouth and It will force you to see its mouth. If you come out alive and not brain dead, you pass the trial. The requirement to pass this test is to show the will for your dreams or to survive. Someone like childe will succeed this test. This creature has occasional cat fights with Osial and Beisht. Guoglim can fight Osial or Beisht alone and win.

The piece it gives you is it's spine.

The Guoglim weapons are called the sea conqueror weapons and the catalyst is called the call of the abyss king. The abyss kings were once a patriarchal monarchy that existed in the ocean's but now it was given as the title of the male heirs like neptabyss. The book contains the rally used to rally soldiers and give them the will to live on. The names of the weapons except catalyst goes, Sea conqueror's Blade, Club, Trident, Longbow

All the Guoglim weapons have this line of text. The user gain a buff that is 20% of the user's total crit damage into crit rate. The ability to add 50% of the user's total crit as crit damage.

The catalyst has the ability to grant 20% crit rate when your Hp is less than 50% and each time you attack an enemy with the wet status gain conqueror's wrath a buff that increase crit damage by 10% caps at 50 percent. When you activate your elemental burst use all conqueror's wrath stacks and hit your opponent with the damage you dealt times the amount of crit damage you have in total including the conqueror's wrath stacks.

The Bow has the ability to turn your all your attacks to be treated as charged shots and when attacking an enemy with the wet status everytime you crit gain conqueror's fury and gain 10% crit damage and it caps at 50% crit damage. If you activate an elemental burst or use a charged shot use all stacks of conqueror's fury and repeat the damage of the elemental burst or charge shot as physical damage if you used an elemental reaction.

The Lance turns all damage including damage taken by shields and multiplies it with your attack.

The Sword turns 50% of this users attack into crit damage.

The Claymore grant's conqueror's cry. The effect is that it grants an ally less than 25% Hp to deal 50% more damage when they crit and they can survive a single hit.

Meet Askaan

Anagram-Sakana fish in Japanese

Animal- Flying fish

Guardian Shif and Eanoc

Askaan is the most passive out of the guardians. The protector of Shif. To earn it's blessing. A shif has to willing give you an item and Askaan will test you by looking into your heart and playing it like a melody. If the shif like it they will dance. If not, laser beam to the face from the horns. The way to pass is to have a character that shows The ability to be bright in the darkest of times. The ability to persevere thru dark times and into the light. Some one like Barbra would fit the category.

All Askaan Weapons have this effect in game, the ability to turn Hp into Elemental Mastery. They grant a buff to the wield that adds 30% of the total user's Hp except the buff by the second effect into Elemental Mastery. The second buff adds 50% of the user's Elemental Mastery into Hp.

The weapons are called the tide caller spear, Ocean's wave(claymore) , Sea angels dance( sword), Sea's Surge( Bow) and Deep sea Magnum opus(catalyst). The deep sea Magnum Opus is a book of music sheets that contain every song of a siren that sang in the deep sea opera.

The Sword and Catalyst summon tiny shif that Heal every 5 seconds based on 30% of the user's total Hp and grant a one hp revive every 10 min that stack up to three(catalyst) or a shield that turns the damage you receive as healing(sword).

The rest of the weapons spawn a tiny Eanoc that does damage when the user attacks. The bow grants life steal and healing is based on your 10% of your elemental mastery everytime you do an elemental reaction. The Claymore grants an ability to summon tiny Eanoc that latch onto different opponents and everytime you attack by 10% of damage dealt onto the opponent. The Spear has tiny Eanoc that spawn up to three everytime you do a basic attack and when you use your elemental burst or skill the three Eanoc charge at the opponent and deal the 20% of damage dealt and heal the user based on the opponents Hp.

Too craft these weapons, go too the deep sea primadonna and repetituer. They can unlock the catalyst weapons while the rest of the weapons go to deep sea artisan to make the weapons. To unlock them you need to do a favor for the creator fragments of Watatsumi Island or Bubble and Aqua.

Should I give each creator per nation have a weapon of their type. For example the rikka give a Frost catalyst and the infernoble's create a sword or claymore with fire magic.

[the-eclectic-fox]

Am I doing it right?

Been a while.

I was having a hard time posting things because my brain went “am I doing this right? Am I bothering people by using this wrong?” Yes, I was concerned that I was using Tumblr wrong. How TF do you use it wrong? In other news my anxiety has been through the roof for the past few months.

After the last convention it’s sadly time for a business reset. My formula was working for a while, not super great - but it worked. Well, last convention it stopped working. Usually my original art sells better than fanart, which is why I stopped doing fanart. Not this time, that’s pretty much all people were looking for. Prints don’t sell really well, which has been coming. To compete with that I have decided the only prints I will do are limited runs. From here on out any print will get a run of 5 and then no more. All prints will be marked with which of the series of 5 it is.

Stickers went great, so I started redoing the old stickers I still like and might start working on some new ones. But also, my neighbor at the con sold acrylic keychains and lanyards and recommended the site! So on top of stickers I might make lanyards to match designs.

Fan Art will be coming back. Mostly popular anime, just to see how it goes over, maybe make some cute/kinky keychains. I’m excited to come up with lanyard patters for some reason, I already have a few ideas to match them up to the LGBTQ dice stickers.

My system is still trying to bounce back from the convention (joys of being chronically ill), even my voice is STILL scratchy. I wasn’t sick, it was a weird combination of dry hotel (I woke up every hour or so to get a drink), cold arena, dusty arena, going from super cold arena to 33degree weather, then out to my parents with 2 cats and a dog and 3 smokers in one place. When I got home I had NO voice, but I had no other symptoms. Oh, and since it’s spring - that means allergies and I get an allergy cough and runny nose! I’m still scratchy and sniffly. Once my voice is back I will be getting back to streaming, but I’m basically glued to my (new super cute) water bottle, so streaming isn’t on the books yet.

I also have big plans for my website (theeclecticfox.squarespace.com), which I was starting to work on today but my printer rebelled so I have to let it sit for a day or so and dry out. Apparently this model of printer has one issue straight across the board. God damn sponge. There is a sponge inside you have to repeatedly get updated and repaired cause it absorbs too much ink and then just started fucking up prints. This is definitely going to slow down a LOT of work (prints, stickers, website update, etc) and that does frustrate the hell out of me.

So, if I’m irritating and using Tumblr wrong ...sorry?

[acutewitchcraft]

Mob Drop Correspondence

When defeating a monster in minecraft, they have the chance to drop certain items, and while you can use these to craft things in the game, you can also use them as ingredients for spells or included as part of a ritual!

Of course, since some of these items don't have any set correspondence, a lot of these are things that are based from my own opinions and beliefs and experiences.

This is my personal interpretation of the correspondences of these items and if you don't agree with it, that's fine. Take inspiration from it, or make your own as you'll see them differently from me.

I'll probably only detail stuff from neutral and hostile mobs, since other sections would have covered items related to passive mobs.

Rotten Flesh

hunger effect, death magic, banishing

Gunpowder

energy, transformation, breaking down blockages, destruction, fire element

Spider Eye

transformation, poison effect, weakeness effect

String

connection, sensitivity

Nautilus Shell

protection, clarity, water element, light

Trident

direction, energy, movement, water and air element, returning energy

Totem of Undying

death, life, renewal, a burst of energy to keep going a little more, survival, protection

Rabbit's Foot

energy, movement, leaping effect, luck

Wither Skeleton Skull

death magic, shadow work, perseverance

Wither Star

renewal, strength, healing, growth, light, movement, protection, energy, inspiration

Sponge

absorbing energy, water element, clearing away what's not needed

Leather

protection, earth element, knowledge, enchantment

Feather

air element, comfort, direction, softness, gradual descent

Ender Pearl

movement, energy, guidance, travel

Goat Horn

air element, communication, connection

Blaze Rod

fire element, energy, light, clarity, guidance, strength effect

Prismarine Shard

water element, protection, transformation

Prismarine Crystal

light, water element, life, protection

Ghast Tear

healing, destruction, shadow work, energy, air and fire element

Dragon's Breath

fire element, intensity, energy, banishing

Froglights

transformation, light, transmutation

Phantom Membrane

air element, night, focus, travel, slowing impact

Shulker Shell

protection, travel, convenience, stability, containment, transformation, reflection

Skulk Catalyst

sensitivity, death, energy absorption, transmutation

Pufferfish

poison effect, water element, boundaries, caution, awareness, courage, confidence, humility

Tropical Fish

water element, depends on colour, balance, instinct, flexibility, change, individuality

Cod

decision making, love, balance, intuition, adaptability, calm, spiritual development, water element

Salmon

transition, travel, fertility, psychic abilities, confidence, growth, resilience, making your own path, water

Squid Ink

creativity, communication, adaptabilty, guidance, fertility, flexibility

Glow Ink Sac

clarity, intuition, light, healing, shadow work, adaptability, transformation

Scute

protection, water element, growth, healing, patience, home

Slime

moon energy, connection, protection, travel, movement, energy

Magma Cream

fire element, adaptability, transformation

Bone

growth, death magic, life, health

[zippocreed501]

AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

'I'm a bit like a sponge. When I'm not writing I absorb life like water. When I write I squeeze the sponge a little - and out comes, not water but ink.'

'I have always tried to write in a simple way, using down-to-earth and not abstract words.'

'We are all potentially characters in a novel--with the difference that characters in a novel really get to live their lives to the full.'

'I would like to carve my novel in a piece of wood. My characters—I would like to have them heavier, more three-dimensional ... My characters have a profession, have characteristics; you know their age, their family situation, and everything. But I try to make each one of those characters heavy, like a statue, and to be the brother of everybody in the world.'

Author Extraordinaire Georges Simenon

[moe-broey]

ANOTHER Splatoon dream

They introduced a new Salmon Run special event, separate from Big Run, where instead of Salmonids invading a main stage, a bunch of brand new stages were revealed. After each wave, you would get superjumped to a different stage, randomized. You had no time really to ease into things or get your bearings because of this. As soon as you sorta feel familiar w it, you're onto the next one! These stages utilized way more platformy gimmicks seen in single player, like ink rails and sponge blocks ect.

There were also mutated Salmonids, generally tougher and more aggressive but some had new abilities like Steelhead, who would actually sometimes spawn a crate instead of a bomb and you could use that crate to carry more than one egg at a time. The only other one I remember clearly was a mutated Maws that was just a huge lump of pulsating ink that would absorb you if it caught you. All the Salmonids had mutated forms, even the little guys, I just don't remember them clearly at all 🥲 EXCEPT for them all having white milky eyes like Cohozuna and having more scuffed up and grotesque bodies, like their own newfound power was consuming them. A little fucked up a little scary.

Some stages had their own gimmicks esp according to their themes, like one where you and a bunch of teammates could all pilot a boat where each seat was shaped like a cat?? But as a swan boat ride??????? But also in the formation where it would create a sort of starship type thing that you'd use to shoot Salmonids in the water and sky???? The entire theme for this stage was a flooded amusement park that was cat themed (no rhyme or reason for it but I was delighted by it!). And by flooded I fucking mean that. Very little solid ground at all, so you really did have to make the most out of all kinds of platforming gimmicks WHILE being swarmed by extra-aggressive Salmonids.

And like??? More on that??? The Steelhead who would sometimes give you crates just BARELY made a difference, that's how insanely difficult these runs were. The Salmonids were harder to take down, hit harder, wanted you EXTRA dead, and the spawn rates were insane. Not to mention the egg quotas which were higher as well (one wave wanted us to get 80 eggs. In one wave. Okay.) I think the eggs scaled w how many eggs you got the previous wave, so you'd get punished if you go way over quota. So like. Crate that allows you to hold two or three eggs at a time. Makes a difference for sure, but also each round would come down to the wire even WITH that extra bonus.

Only other bits I remember well enough to recount -- a stage where there was a furnace at the center. VIVIDLY remember this bc we won that wave, and we started squid partying, and one teammate was like "BOOYEAH" and Very Purposely hopped into the furnace and died. We had access to saying "Ouch" like in Turf War and we all were spamming Ouch and Booyeah! while jumping around and spinning, it was hilarious. Also, I didn't win a single full run. I told myself I'd keep going until I won At Least One. And there was One person who stuck with me the entire time, an octoling in a black slopsuit who had a keyboard smash for a name. I was infinitely charmed and touched that they stuck it out with me despite ultimately losing every run. Just you and me, buddy.... against the world......

I was rudely awoken by my alarm. In the middle of fucking battle. IRL disconnect 😭😭😭😭

[with-her-qalam]

“Think of your heart as a sponge, and every sin you commit falls as a drop of black ink into the heart. What does the heart do? It absorbs it. Trials and tribulations attack the heart until it is soaked. The only way to get the ink out is very painful: by crying until the tears wash your heart, and wringing it out. Over and over again. These cycles of crying and wringing cleanse the heart. It’s a painful process but it is also healing.”

Ustadh Hassan Elwan (When the Righteous Slip)

#RamadanLuminaries