#interaction ; caroline & mat

[xradiant]

"You're a bit of a mess, darling." She told him as she skirted through the room and around the chairs that were elegantly set up. This was her private drawing room but she had always had Mat over nonetheless. She wasn't prone to apologizing for what people thought and of what her uncle expected her to do; which was to marry any number of those offer idiots who cared only for money and title. Was Mat Cauthon different? She wasn't entirely certain but she did know that he was a far better time than any of the other fools who attempted to get her attention. Taking a seat on the chaise she lounged back, patting her lap so that Horace could climb up into her lap. Idly she stroked the dogs coat and gave him a small smile. "Have you been in the horrid part of town, I wonder?" She questioned with an inquisitive lift of her brows. "Or is this your natural charm? Either way, I'm sure that I'll find the explanation intriguing." She waited. His stories were literally some of the only things that she could rely on to tell her of the world as it truly stood.

@luckhissoul

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Fresh Starts

Leah (Stardew) x Selectively Mute She/Her Reader

A/N: Thought I’d try something different with this one. Sorry if I didn’t detail the instances of sign language very well, or if they are a little off, I did try. Also Kel is an asshol in this when they show up so get ready for that. Robin is cool mom and Abigail is the friend who is always ready to fight at the drop of a hat. Also, time is so weird in Stardew? There are four season in a year but each season is like a month so a year is like four months. Time is scary. I hope you like it! Word Count: 8,943

~

“So, someone has finally taken up that old farmland,” Leah heard Gus say to Harvey as he fixed the good doctor a drink at the bar, “‘Heard Lewis and Robin talking about it outside of Pierre’s yesterday.”

“Is that so?” Harvey was tired from a long day at the clinic, but being ever polite, he humored Gus and rested fully against the bar stool.

“Mhmm, looks like the old man’s kin is finally gonna make something of it. A few years late though I must say, that place is well overgrown. It’s gonna take a lot more than a little elbow grease to spruce up that dump,” Gus chuckled good naturedly and handed Harvey his beer, “I wish them luck, whoever they are.”

“Bah!” Leah jumped in her seat tucked away in the corner. Pam must have been listening in too. “If they’re smart they’ll just sell the heap of trash to Joja. M’sure they’d get a pretty penny for it.” Pam spoke bitterly. Shane, who was also quite drunk at this point in the night, took the opportunity to add his two cents in and yell across the bar.

“Why would they get your daughter for selling out to Joja?”

“That’s not what I meant, dumbass!” Pam roared back, slamming her beer on the table with a loud thump.

Leah decided she’d call it a night then. Without Elliott to crack jokes with, the saloon could get real depressing real fast with Shane and Pam racing each other to see who would get alcohol poisoning first. Even Clint was just sad to watch. The poor man sitting hopefully, waiting for Emily to even just turn in his direction. Leah finished the rest of her beer and paid Gus, giving the man a sympathetic smile as he left to cut Shane off.

Leah shivered in the cool spring breeze as she walked along the river bank to her cottage and her thoughts wandered back to what Gus had been gossiping about.

“A new face around Stardew Valley, hm?” Leah mused, kicking a stray pebble in her path, watching it skip across the cobbled stone. “I guess I won’t be the town newbie anymore.” She smiled and turned to look in the direction of Marnie’s home, knowing that the farm was somewhere just beyond. As Leah turned the key to unlock the door of her small cottage, she wondered what changes this new resident might bring.

***

“Have you met our new resident farmer yet?” Leah heard Caroline ask Jodi as she walked across the town square.

“I suppose you could call it that,” Jodi laughed, “It was a very brief meeting to say the least.”

“I’m glad I wasn’t the only one then,” Caroline sighed, putting a hand to her chest in relief, “I thought I had offended the girl somehow, she never said a word. She just walked into the shop and pointed to a few seeds she wanted to buy, then she handed Abigail, Pierre and I daffodils and went on her way. Not so much as a sound.” Caroline explained, still bewildered by the interaction.

“Sounds about right,” Jodi nodded, “She knocked on the front door and handed me a single clam. Which was nice I suppose, but so very odd. She gave Vincent a daffodil too,” Jodi smiled, “He was very pleased. I’m sure she would have given Sam something as well if he could wake up at a more reasonable time.”

“Oh, Leah! Good morning!” Caroline had caught her. Leah put on her most sociable smile and walked forward, greeting the two women.

“Good morning Caroline, Jodi.”

“Have you been visited by the farm fairy yet?” Jodi asked, chuckling along with Caroline.

“I’m afraid not.” Leah admitted. “Although Elliott says I am a bit difficult to track down at the best of times.” She laughed good naturedly.

“Well, I’m sure she’ll get you sooner or later. She seems to be on a mission to greet the whole town. If you can call it a greeting I suppose. I don’t even know her name.” Caroline realized.

“It’s (Y/n).”

The three women jumped and turned to a grinning Robin, walking up to them with her yoga mat swaddled under her arm.

“Her name is (Y/n). She’s quite the character, huh?”

“Robin, you helped Mayor Lewis move her in didn’t you? What can you tell us?” Jodi asked, looking for any crumb of information she could get on the mysterious girl.

“Not much to tell,” Robin shrugged, “Just a sweet kid wanting to get away from the pressures of the big city,” she sent a knowing look at Leah, “Sounds like someone else I know.”

Leah laughed politely, twisting a finger around the tail end of her braid as blush settled in her cheeks faintly.

“But why is she so... you know, quiet?” Caroline asked.

“Hm, well, she did give me her blessing to explain should it come up.” Robin took a moment to think of how to proceed, absently tapping her fingers against her mat. “(Y/n) is selectively mute. She has the ability to speak, but she’s just not comfortable enough to do so at this time. This move was a big decision for her, and she’s excited, but it’s just gonna take some time before she feels secure enough to communicate orally.”

“And how did you get all this information out of her?” Caroline wondered.

Robin secured her yoga mat between her thighs and presented both hands, pointing her index fingers outward and drew a couple large circles in the air with the tips of her extended fingers. “Sign language!” Robin grinned, before taking a hold of her mat once more.

“Oh how clever!” Jodi praised. “I wish I understood sign language.”

“I’d be happy to show you a few of the basics sometime. If you really need to ask (Y/n) something though she will have no problem writing out answers for you.” Robin informed. “Now, are we working out today or...”

“I completely forgot!” Caroline smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand, “Yes, let’s go. Poor Marnie is probably wondering where we are. Are you going to join us Leah?”

“I’ll pass, thanks. I’m heading to the beach to do some painting,” Leah explained, motioning to her bag.

“Alright, see you around!” Caroline, Jodi and Robin bid Leah goodbye and hurried to the general store.

Leah sighed, as much as she liked the people in this town they were so chatty. She could have been at the beach forever ago! Once she arrived, she saw Haley sunbathing. Not unusual, but as she kept walking closer to shore she saw Elliott splayed out over the sand laying on his stomach.

Leah rolled her eyes and walked over, playfully kicking the man’s arm, causing him to squint up at her.

“Is there some kind of new writing exercise I should know about?” She asked, playfully.

“I wish, this is simply writer’s block at its finest.” Elliott groaned. “That, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with this,” he sat up and produced a wild horseradish from his jacket pocket.

“Why do you have a horseradish in your pocket?”

“A girl I’ve never seen before in my life gave it to me. Then she took off before I could refuse. Didn’t even say a word.”

“She’s totally weird, but she did give me a daffodil so I guess she’s not that bad.” Haley called from her own spot in the sand.

“Has everyone met the new girl except me?” Leah wondered aloud.

“She’s been making rounds. I’m sure she’ll find you eventually.” Elliott said, resting his chin over his arms.

“You make her sound so ominous.” Leah laughed, lowering herself to the sand and taking out a sketch pad.

“A silent specter. A harbinger of-“

“Oh can it, drama queen,” Leah smirked, “so she gave you a horseradish, it’s not the end of the world. She was just trying to be nice.”

Elliott pursed his lips, propping his head up with one hand he turned the horseradish in the other offering it to Leah. “Do you want it? You’re all about foraging.”

“I mean, if you’re not going to use it sure. Put it in my bag.” Leah relented easily. Her eyes only leaving her paper to study the horizon for a moment, then continue to sketch.

Leah stayed on the beach with Elliott for a couple of hours, talking  sketching, and painting. Finally she stood and stretched, patting the sand off the back of her jeans. “I should get going. See you around.”

“See you.” Elliott nodded, splitting off from Leah to head over to his shack.

Leah hummed to herself as she walked through town, making her way past Jodi’s house and entered the Cindersnap Forest. As she rounded the corner of her cottage, she paused in her tracks. Observing a young woman staring at her door with dandelions in one hand and her other poised to knock on the weathered wood.

Leah flinched slightly, she had stepped on a twig, snapping it and alerting her visitor of her presence.

Startled eyes met Leah’s own and the farmer straightened from her previous position, stepping back from Leah’s door.

She smiled shyly, giving Leah a short, jaunty wave before gesturing between Leah and the cottage a moment. Then she stood still. An expectant look on her face.

Leah simply stared back, blinking before she registered the silent question. “Oh! Yes, I live here. That’s my house. You’re (Y/n), right? Robin told me about you, I’m Leah.” She smiled kindly, coming forward to offer (Y/n) her hand to shake.

Instead of grasping Leah’s hand, (Y/n) cupped it with her gloved hands, turning Leah’s hand palm up and placing the dandelions inside.

“Ah, thank you.” Leah chuckled, “These will make a great salad.”

(Y/n) nodded vigorously, then moved to make her exit. Leah wasn’t sure what possessed her, but she called out to (Y/n) before she could get too far.

“Wait, I um, it’s not much but I did take an intro to ASL course my freshman year of college so, I’m a bit limited but if you ever want to talk, you know...” Leah wished she could stop talking right now. Why had no one told her that the farmer was cute!? “So, yeah, you know,” Leah fumbled with her free hand, her fingers sat just underneath her chin before she sent them forward, “Thanks again.” She smiled nervously.

(Y/n) stared at her, dumbfounded. Then she released a short, sharp exhalation of air that was reminiscent of stuttered laughter and turned back to stand before Leah. (Y/n) made a timid approach and gingerly took Leah’s wrist, still hovering midair, and guided the hand back to rest on Leah’s chin, just below her lip. Leah stood still as stone as (Y/n) held it there for a second then extended the hand forward. She repeated the motion twice more before backing away and releasing Leah from her gloved grasp. The smell of earth and grass still clung to Leah’s nose even after (Y/n) had stepped back.

“Oh, I did it wrong, didn’t I?” Leah blushed, “Is there a big difference between the two?”

(Y/n) blew out a large breath of air and nodded. One of her gloved hands came up to cover the amused smile fighting against her lips.

“What did I say? Was is embarrassing? Yoba, I need to know,” Leah carefully set the dandelions at her feet and rummaged through her bag. Taking out her sketch pad and a pencil, she flipped to a clean page and presented the materials into the rough fabric of (Y/n)’s gloved hands, “Please, tell me.”

(Y/n) shot Leah a sympathetic smile, then she looked down at the paper and wrote quickly and concisely. She looked over her work, nodded to herself, then she handed the sketch book and pencil back to Leah before jogging of in the direction of her farm.

“Eh- Hey! Wait a minute!” Leah took a few strides after the farmer but quickly gave up, electing to look at the paper in her hand instead. “Maybe I’ll tell you some other time. Nice meeting you Leah, smiley face.” Leah read aloud to herself. She scoffed, but couldn’t stop the smile that had conquered her lips. She couldn’t wait to see (Y/n) again.

***

“Hey, Maru-“

“I think I have a feeling about what this is about, but just in case, please proceed.”

The next morning, Leah had made her way to the clinic to visit Maru and perhaps get the answers she was looking for. She had made the trek to (Y/n)’s farm first, but she wasn’t there. A little note hastily taped to the farmer’s door revealed that she was spending the day fishing in the mountains and wouldn’t be back until late at night.

“Maru, you know sign language like your mom, right?” Leah asked.

“Sure do. Seb and dad do too.” Maru nodded, leaning over the clinic counter. “But I’ve got to tell you that if you’re looking for the meaning of what you accidentally signed to (Y/n) last night, we were sworn to silence earlier this morning before (Y/n) went fishing. Sorry.” Maru smiled.

“Ugh,” Leah sighed, leaning her forehead against the counter. “Can I at least have a hint?”

“Well, it’s really funny. Especially considering how chill you normally are and your kind disposition.”

“Yoba, I really need to know!” Leah groaned against the counter.

“Well my family can’t tell you. You’ll just have to wait to hear it from (Y/n),” Maru grinned and pushed away from the counter, “I have to prepare for Evelyn’s check up now so I’ll see you around Leah.”

“Yeah, bye.” Leah grumbled, watching Maru disappear into the back offices. “Well, there goes that plan.” She mumbled under her breath as she left the clinic.

Leah spent the rest of the day sculpting in her cottage. She spent hours getting lost in the chipping of the wood before finally going to bed.

***

It had been days since Leah last saw (Y/n) and if the farming life wasn’t so demanding, Leah would have been worried that she had deeply offended the farmer to the point that she was purposely avoiding her. Leah decided not to waste the time she had been presented with.

She approached Robin about sign language lessons, enough to get some basic phrases and words. She practiced the motions herself, perfecting them to allow for no mistakes. Although she knew (Y/n) could hear her just fine, she found it easier to retain the lessons this way. Not to mention that it was just a useful language to know.

“I’ve hardly seen you around. I was worried you stabbed yourself with your woodworking tools.” Elliott said as Leah came up to sit next to him in the saloon.

“And you didn’t think to come to check on me?” Leah looked at the writer incredulously.

“Nope.”

Leah punched Elliott’s arm and he laughed. Before long, Emily came by with their food and they ate comfortably.

“Would you look at that.” Elliot spoke, pointing in direction of the door as he swallowed another bite.

Leah turned to look, purple irises sparkling at the sight of (Y/n) lugging a large bag up to the bar. She watched Emily talk (Y/n)’s ear off, the poor farmer smiled uncomfortably while trying to divide her attention between her and Gus who had apparently requested a variety of fish.

“Wow, Robin said you were in trouble but you really are,” Elliott chuckled behind his beer, “You really lit up just now.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Leah scoffed, still watching (Y/n) hand Gus fish after fish. It was almost comical how such an objectively small bag could hold so much.

“You can’t keep your eyes off her. I realize the dating pool in Stardew is small, but the girl just got here.”

“Elliott, stop!” Leah blushed, looking back down at her plate to stab at her salad.

“I’m just saying, you’re already taking sign language lessons for her you might want to dial it back a little bit. You wouldn’t want to come off as the obsessive type.”

“Oh! She’s leaving, should I offer to walk her home? I’m going to offer to walk her home.” Leah dug in her pocket and pulled out some gold, pushing it over to Elliott.

“What did I just say?” Elliott called after Leah, as she eagerly jogged to the exit to catch (Y/n) walking in the direction of the Cindersaps, perfect!

“(Y/n), good evening!” Leah called jogging up to the farmer only to have the farmer gasp and take several steps away from Leah, holding her hands out as a warning to not come any closer. “I’m sorry, I’m didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable!” Leah gasped, maybe Elliott was right.

(Y/n) shook her head, slowly taking a step back towards Leah, presenting her slightly soggy bag and waving her hand in front of her nose, scrunching her face as she did so.

Leah was sure the movement wasn’t an official ASL sign, but it did help get the point across and she giggled.

“What? Do you think you smell?”

Another nod and a look that seemed to say that she didn’t just think so, she knew so. She had been in the mines all morning and fishing at the beach all afternoon. She couldn’t wait to take a shower.

“It’s alright, I won’t judge you,” Leah smiled, “Are you heading home for the night? I’d be happy to walk with you since it’s so dark.”

(Y/n) took a moment to think about it before nodding shyly and motioning Leah closer. Leah happily obliged walking alongside the farmer into the Cindersap Forest. The walk was mostly silent, but that was to be expected nonetheless, Leah was having a great time. They had even found a couple of leeks along the way which (Y/n) had insisted Leah keep. All too soon, they reached the porch of the old farmhouse.

“You’re crops look great,” Leah complimented, looking for an excuse to stay even just a few minutes more, “really healthy. What all have you been growing? Are those potatoes and turnips?”

(Y/n) looked over her shoulder as she unlocked her door. Her eyes focused on where Leah was pointing and nodded affirmingly.

“Yeah, I’m no farmer but I love foraging. I’ve got a few really good books about wild foods and where to find them and when. It’s kind of like a scavenger hunt.” Leah grinned.

“Mhmm.”

It was quiet, a little strained, but the small hum of agreement almost sent Leah into cardiac arrest. She sounded so sweet! Leah’s cheeks were starting to hurt from how widely she was smiling.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it then. So, I’ll see you around?”

(Y/n) looked like she wanted to say something, but settled for a simple nod, fiddling with the gardening gloves she had taken off. Leah smiled softly, watching how the farmer intently eyed the fabric twisting in her hands.

“Feel free to drop by the cottage whenever it suits you. I’ll leave the door open!” Leah added, waving over her shoulder as she turned to walk away. (Y/n) beamed, looking a bit more lively as she waved back.

Leah turned her back on the house and walked back to her cottage in the Cindersaps with a skip in her step and a painfully large smile on her face. Although it was already late, she prepared a new block of wood for sculpting. Her new muse had granted her a vision for a grand project and had the potential to be one of her greatest works yet.

***

“Kel, I told you to stop calling me. I’m not coming back to the city, we are through.” Leah frowned, her hand gripped the phone receiver so tightly that she could hear the plastic giving slightly under the pressure.

She was so focused on combating Kel’s useless bargains that she hadn’t noticed the timid farmer show herself in, looking at Leah’s tense shoulders and back with concern. (Y/n) flinched as Leah cut off Kel to speak again, her voice low and stern.

“There is nothing you could say, nothing you could offer me, that would make me come back. Move on, and please, for the last time, do not call me again.” Leah slammed the phone down on its perch. Pressing her palms into her eyes she let out a frustrated groan, slowly positioning her hands to rub at her temples to combat the headache she felt coming on.

Then she heard the door creak.

Leah quickly turned around just in time to see (Y/n) looking back at her with wide eyes and lips pursed thin as if she had been caught witnessing an event she had no business seeing. Which was partially true, but Leah had told her a week beforehand that she could drop by anytime.

“(Y/n), what a pleasant surprise!” Leah grimaced, watching (Y/n) flinch and look down sheepishly at her feet. One had managed to retreat back out the door before being caught and it was slowly joined by the intruding foot, so (Y/n) was fully outside again. Leah shook her head and calmly approached the farmer.

“Please don’t leave, I’m the one who told you to come let yourself in whenever. I’m sorry you had to hear all of that.” Leah was worried, watching (Y/n) linger in the doorway. Her shoulders relaxed when (Y/n) cautiously came back inside and closed the door behind her.

(Y/n) stood in the entryway and looked over Leah, her eyes filled heavily with concern. She raised a hand, pointing to Leah before signing the letters ‘o’ and ‘k’.

“I’m okay. I’m just,” Leah fumbled for the right words, “mad, sad? Exhausted.”

(Y/n) made another gesture, shaping her fingers into a ‘hang loose’-esque sign. Her curled fingers meeting her chin. She lowered the hand momentarily to give it a controlled shake before bringing it back up into the starting position.

“What’s wrong?” Leah mumbled, making sure she understood. (Y/n) nodded. “I just got a phone call from someone I didn’t want to talk to is all,” Leah sighed, “They’re an ex of mine. The person who called.” Leah disclosed, rubbing the back of her neck, agitated.

(Y/n) signed again, but Leah didn’t quite catch it that time so she motioned (Y/n) over to her dining nook and sat her down with some paper and a pencil. The farmer seemed a bit unwilling to write it out, feeling like it was more insensitive somehow but with a little prodding from Leah, she gave in.

“Was it a bad break up...” Leah read aloud. She sat back in her chair and carefully chose her words. “Sometimes it feels like we’re still breaking up,” Leah chuckled wryly, “Kel, my ex, didn’t like me perusing art. They didn’t think I could make a living out of it and wanted me to waste away at some office job and well, I didn’t want that. They weren’t respectful or supportive of my dreams, so I left. They call me a lot though, to try to convince me to come back to the city... that I won’t make it as an artist. That I can’t be happy without them. It really is exhausting and the worst part is, I worry that they’re right.” Leah released a shuddering breath, “I haven’t sold a single piece. I don’t really even know how to start. I can sustain myself on what I have in my savings account for only so long.”

(Y/n) covered Leah’s hand with her own, squeezing it. Leah marveled at how soft it was in comparison to her own, especially since it was the hand of a farmer. Perhaps the gloves (Y/n) always wore had more practical uses rather than simply being worn for aesthetic’s sake. Leah chanced a look at (Y/n)’s face and was caught off guard by the determined fire blazing in her eyes. Then Leah’s attention was brought back to the table as (Y/n) furiously scratched the pencil against the paper and forcefully pushed her newly composed message in front of the sculptor, her other hand still rooted over Leah’s.

Leah read over the note and felt her heart ache with appreciative warmth. ‘You were brave enough to know what you wanted and even though it wasn’t easy, you went for it. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment that you should not take lightly. Your dream is not unfounded either, I’ve seen some of your sketches and paintings and I think you are very talented. Once you figure out how to put yourself out there you’ll have people begging you to take their money.’

Leah sniffed and smiled at (Y/n) appreciatively, turning her hand to reciprocate (Y/n)’s strong, yet gentle hold on her. “Thank you, (Y/n). I just wish I knew how to start.”

(Y/n) tapped her chin with the pencil as she thought. When she had an idea, she pulled the paper back to herself and wrote a suggestion.

“An art show? Oh, I don’t know (Y/n). It hardly seems possible.”

(Y/n) shook her head in disagreement and wrote more.

“You really think the town would want to help? Are you sure you want to help? You’ve got enough on your plate already with how busy the farm keeps you. I don’t want to impose.”

(Y/n) looked as if she had something to say, her throat bobbed and her lips twitched, but in the end she settled for the paper again, still too anxious to speak. After Leah had read the reply, she felt (Y/n)’s thumb rub against her knuckles and looked up. (Y/n) nodded, her expression serious. She wanted to help Leah with this.

“Thank you, (Y/n)!” Leah sniffled, holding back tears. She launched herself into (Y/n)’s arms and hugged the surprised farmer close. “Thank you so much!”

(Y/n) slowly returned the hug, smoothing one of her hands over Leah’s back in comforting motions. It was a bit of an awkward position with (Y/n) still sitting at the table and Leah hovering over her, but it felt nice.

“Sorry,” Leah chuckled after a moment, leaning back and wiping a stray tear from her eye, “I kind of caught you off guard with that didn’t I?”

(Y/n) shrugged and smiled good naturedly. A look came over her face as if she just remembered something and she stood up to grab her bag from the cottage entryway. She grinned when she found what she was looking for and made her way back to Leah, holding out a brown paper package to her.

“For me?” Leah asked. (Y/n) nodded and gestured for her to take it. Leah carefully unwrapped it and gasped. “(Y/n), is this goat cheese? I love this, how did you know?”

(Y/n) raised her hand, signing the letters ‘E’ ‘L’ ‘L’ ‘I’ ‘O’ ‘T’ ‘T’.

“Elliott hm?” Leah laughed, “I’m glad you two are getting along after the horseradish debacle.”

(Y/n) crossed her arms and stuck her nose up. She wasn’t looking back on the memory fondly.

“Hey, I’m with you on this one. He was being an ass. How could you have known he hated horseradish.”

(Y/n) nodded in agreement, one of her hands reaching out as if to say, ‘exactly’. She then noticed the time on Leah’s clock and signed that she had to go.

“I see.” Leah smiled sadly, trying not to let her disappointment shine through. “Good bye then, and (Y/n),” Leah signed ‘thank you’, very mindful of the position of her hands this time around, “seriously thank you for everything.”

(Y/n) beamed, giving Leah a thumbs up before heading out the door.

***

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Leah kept mumbling to herself while watching her fellow Pelican Townies set up her creations in the town square. There were already some tourists looking around and Leah felt her nerves fraying.

“Hang in there, kid. Everything looks great. Don’t worry so much.” Robin snuck up on Leah, making her jump. “It’s a beautiful summer day, don’t forget to enjoy it.”

“I’m trying, Robin. It’s just so much.” Leah said, nervously playing with her sleeve. Robin noticed Elliott walking up and motioned him to help deal with the artist while she went to help Demetrius move a heavy wooden sculpture.

“Come on now, Leah. Too late to back out now.” Elliott grinned, thumping her back. “(Y/n) seems especially excited by how things are progressing.”

Leah chanced a glance at (Y/n) and Maru putting up paintings between signing each other excitedly. The scene warmed her heart and her shoulders relaxed a bit.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll try.”

“Great, now let’s go woo some tourists.” Elliott said, wiggling his eyebrows.

“What? Elliott, no!” Leah shook her head.

“Not like that,” Elliott laughed, “I know your heart belongs to someone else. I just meant,” he looks around before whispering in Leah’s ear, “woo them out of their money.”

Leah laughed and pushed Elliott away. “Alright, you focus on the wooing and I’ll focus on explaining my thought processes.”

“That doesn’t sound as fun, but okay, this is your day.”

As Elliot and Leah made their way across the square, an unwelcome guest watched them from afar. Their blood boiled as they saw Leah pause at the makeshift painting gallery to give the farmer’s hand an affectionate squeeze.

***

“I can’t believe we sold so many!” Leah spoke in ecstatic disbelief as she waved at the last car she and (Y/n) had just loaded a heavy wooden sculpture into before it drove away. “This is crazy!”

(Y/n) wore a smile that matched Leah’s, happy to watch the sculptor bouncing in place. When Leah finally stilled, still giddy, she took both of (Y/n)’s hands in hers. Once again free of the gloves, the hands were pleasantly soft against her own and she relished in the feeling.

“(Y/n) I know it’s kind of late, but I have something I want to give to you. I left it at my house so I’m going to go get it. I’ll meet you at the farm, is that alright?”

(Y/n) stared at Leah, her curiosity piqued. She nodded, easily giving Leah the answer she was hoping for.

“Great! I’ll be there soon!” With one last squeeze of the farmer’s hands, she was off. (Y/n) heard the crack of a twig, but when she turned to investigate, nothing stood out so she made her way back to her farm to wait for Leah.

When Leah came up to the porch, (Y/n) had to do a double take at the big wooden statue she was lugging along. With one last huff of air, Leah placed the statue at the base of the steps and grinned up at (Y/n), wiping a bit of sweat from her brow.

“Thanks for waiting. It was a little more ah, heavy, than I expected.” Leah laughed sheepishly. “Come take a look.”

(Y/n) stepped off the porch and circled the piece, taking in every detail. Leah felt nervous butterflies fluttering in her stomach while she watched the farmer scrutinize the work and cleared her throat.

“I started working on it in the spring. I also incorporated some of that driftwood you gave me a few weeks ago. Anyway, I made it with you in mind. It’s called, ‘How I Feel about (Y/n)’ and I’d be honored if you would accept it as a gift for everything you’ve done for me.” Leah stared at her feet as she spoke, too embarrassed to keep her eyes on (Y/n) while she spoke. Then a pair of boots joined, hands came up to clasp her own, pulling the conjoined grasp into her line of vision and coaxing her to look up into (Y/n)’s eyes.

“It’s wonderful.”

At that moment, Leah thought her heart must have been beating so hard that it was affecting her hearing.

“Hh... huh?” Leah asked, rather dumbly.

(Y/n) swallowed thickly, took a deep breath, and whispered, “It’s wonderful, Leah. Thank you.”

Leah looked absolutely awestruck, purple irises shone with excitement and she laughed, pulling (Y/n) into a tight embrace.

“I’m glad you like it.” Leah sniffled, resting her face in (Y/n)’s shoulder.

“Leah?” (Y/n) wrapped her arms around the artist, it was only one word, her name, but Leah heard the concern in the farmer’s tone.

“I’m okay. I’m just happy,” Leah sniffled again, “I’m happy you felt comfortable enough with me to speak to me.”

“Me too.” (Y/n) whispered, holding Leah tighter.

The pair found it difficult when they had to part ways for the night, but they were equally excited over how their relationship was developing, looking forward to spending more time together over the summer.

***

“Come on, just a little further...” Leah coached herself. She was reaching for a piece of fruit hanging from a branch just out of her reach.

She had planned a picnic with (Y/n) for this afternoon. She had already set up under the big old tree near the pond and as she waited for (Y/n) to finish up with her crops and animals for the morning, when she spotted the unusual fruit. Now she was jumping and stretching for the fruit just out of reach.

“Almost— Ah!” Leah struggled to balance herself in the air, swiveling her head to peak over her shoulder, she saw (Y/n) looking up at her with a mischievous grin. Leah rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the side of her lips. She turned back to the task at hand and grabbed the fruit, motioning (Y/n) to put her back down.

“Show off.” Leah scoffed, lightly punching (Y/n)’s shoulder. “You wanna try a bite?”

“Yes, please.” (Y/n)’s cheeks heated when Leah pressed the fruit to her lips. She took a bite of the offering, savoring the taste. “It’s so sweet.” She said, amazed.

“Right?” Leah smiled, “It’s rare to get fruit from this tree. Usually all the animals snap it all up as soon as they’re ripe, but it seems they miss some from time to time. How is everything with the farm this morning?”

“All is well,” (Y/n) nodded as the pair made themselves comfortable on the blanket Leah had set up, “I would have been here sooner but the goats kept standing in front of my cheese and mayo machines, the chicken coup too. Made it a little difficult.” (Y/n) disclosed. “Which reminds me,” she rummaged through her bag, “goat cheese salads.”

“Mmm, this looks heavenly. Thank you for making these.” Leah said, eagerly stirring in some vinaigrette into the generous fresh salad.

“No problem. Selling my harvest is nice, but it feels so much more rewarding enjoying it like this.” (Y/n) informed, mixing her own salad.

“I can imagine,” Leah hummed and leaned her back fully against the trunk of the tree, “Ah, it’s such a lovely day for this.”

“Mhmm.”

They ate the rest of their meal in peaceful silence, listening to the birds sing and the fish leap, the breeze rustling the trees and grass around them. It was tranquil, it was perfect.

“Hey, Leah,” (Y/n) spoke, breaking the silence.

“Yes?” Leah asked, turning her gaze away from the sketch pad she had brought out.

“It’s almost Fall you know, we’ve known each other for nearly two whole seasons. Half a year, it’s crazy, right?”

“Yeah, it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, doesn’t it?” Leah giggled, “What made you think of that?”

“Well, I wanted to ask you something. Don’t feel like you have to answer one way or the other, but...” (Y/n) paused, trying to gather her thoughts.

“Hey, it’s okay (Y/n). You can tell me anything. Sign it out if you want to.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m just nervous,” (Y/n) turned to her bag and pulled out a lovely bouquet of flowers, “Leah, would you maybe consider being my girlfriend?“

“Yes!” Leah enveloped (Y/n) in a tackle like hug that sent them both to fully meet the ground, accidentally crushing the flowers between their bodies, “Oops, sorry,” Leah wiggled the flowers out from under her to look at them more closely, “these are lovely, (Y/n). I didn’t know Pierre had these in yet.”

“He didn’t, I planted them.” (Y/n) clarified, smiling up at Leah who still hovered over her, giggling.

“Of course you did, you’re so sweet.”

“I try.”

“Are you kidding me!”

Leah and (Y/n) quickly turned to face the disturbance, scrambling to sit up from their compromising position. Leah felt her stomach twist with discomfort seeing Kel of all people marching up to them, absolutely fuming.

“Seriously, what the hell, Leah?” Kel yelled, their hands clenched into tight fists as they closed in, making yard after yard disappear between them.

“No, more like what the hell, Kel? I broke up with you seasons ago. What are you even doing in Pelican Town?” Leah retorted angrily, as (Y/n) helped her to her feet. Kel watched the motion and ground their teeth.

They were already dangerously close to crossing the threshold of the blanket and that small display was enough to send them stomping over the edge.

“I came for you, obviously! I’ve been slumming it in that dusty old saloon since your art show, waiting to talk to you! Now I find you sucking face with some country bumpkin nobody!” They seethed, stepping even closer into Leah’s personal space until (Y/n) pulled Leah back behind her, making Kel even more incensed. “You stay out of this. I’m talking to Leah!”

(Y/n) held strong, stuck between the harsh obscenities attacking her from the front and the loving affirmations defending her from behind. She held her arm out, willing Kel to stay back as she slowly started to guide Leah back in the direction of town for help. Kel ignored the warning and followed after them.

“Don’t you have anything to say for yourself? You think you’re being some kind of hero right now?” Kel seethed.

(Y/n) stayed silent, she had gone mute again and who would blame her in the face of such a tense situation? She was so very uncomfortable, scared even, but she continued on passed Marnie’s since she knew the woman wasn’t home at this time and she sure wasn’t going to expose Jas to this. Jodi’s house was their next best bet.

“Hey, you obviously want to start something here. You’ve got something to say to me?” Kel continued forward.

“Kel, leave us alone!” Leah commanded, “It’s over, it’s been over, go home!”

“You think you’re too good to talk to me?” Kel yelled, ignoring Leah. “She’s just a whore. She just latched onto the first warm body she could find after her little meltdown. You’re not special.”

(Y/n) froze stiffly in place, Leah felt the muscles on her shoulders tense so she tried to pull on her arm to keep her moving.

“Ignore them, (Y/n). Let’s focus on getting to town, okay?” Leah pleaded. But (Y/n) gently pushed off Leah’s hands and took a step towards Kel with a cold glare. Leah stepped to stand beside (Y/n)’s side, nervous that a more serious confrontation was about to unfold.

“Well?” Kel spat.

(Y/n) crossed her arms, turning her head to look at Leah. The look on her face was all the communication Leah needed to understand. It was definitely a, ‘they better back off or I’m going to knock them off their block’ face. Leah had never known (Y/n) to be particularly violent, but with all the time she spent in the mines, she had no doubt that she could take care of herself.

Leah gasped when Kel suddenly roared, lunging forward. Apparently they had not liked how (Y/n) and Leah had been paying attention to each other rather than themself. Kel had rocketed forward and aimed to punch (Y/n) hard over her cheek, however, at the last moment, Leah pushed her aside and took the blow for her.

(Y/n) inhaled sharply and caught Leah as she stumbled back, noticing how blood immediately began gushing from Leah’s now broken nose.

“Ow- AH!” Leah cried, her hands muffled her voice since she had covered her nose and mouth.

It only took a second for (Y/n) to return the favor to Kel’s stunned face. She punched them fast and hard over their cheek, but Kel was quick to fight back and now it was a full out brawl.

“What’s going on, we heard yelling— holy shit!”

Leah turned away from the fight to see Sam, Seb, and Abigail running up on the scene.

“(Y/n)’s throwing hands!” Abigail yelled, sounding way more excited than worried.

“Leah are you okay? What’s going on?” Sebastian asked, noting the concerning amount of blood running down Leah’s arms and the front of her shirt.

“Don’t worry about me, stop them!” Leah winced, taking one hand away from her face to motion to her ex and her new girlfriend still going at each other.

“Damn, Abi! Go get your dad and Harvey too by the looks of it!” Sam yelled, he seemed to be looking for an opening to push the fighters apart.

“Are you kidding? You get my dad, I’m getting in on this!” Abigail cheered and ran up to jump on Kel’s back like she was at a rodeo while (Y/n) landed a good hit on Kel’s stomach. “Nice punch, (Y/n)!”

“Oh Yoba, Sam, start running.” Seb suggested, trying to help Leah with her nose. He was no Maru, but even he knew how to set a broken nose. Especially within the first couple weeks of Sam taking up skateboarding.

“Right!” Sam ran off back into town screaming. A few tense minutes later and Pierre, Caroline, Robin, Elliott, Maru and Harvey came running behind Sam to break up the fight.

“Abigail, stop!” Pierre huffed, pulling off his daughter and passing her off to his wife, “I taught you what I did to defend yourself, not to lash out like a wild animal!” He grunted, pulling Kel into his grasp and trapping their arms behind their back with Elliott coming up to assist.

“Come on dad, I was helping a friend! What’s the big deal?” Abi groaned, while her mom fretted over her, looking for injuries.

“Easy there kid, it’s over.” Robin coaxed (Y/n), pulling her back. The farmer slumped over in the carpenter’s hold, breathing heavily.

“Is (Y/n) okay? Ah!” Leah hissed as Harvey touched up her nose, giving her a nasal spray before wedging a couple wads of tissue up her nostrils.

“Sorry, Leah.” Harvey sympathized, “Maru is going to check up on her now.”

“What about me?” Kel hissed. Pierre had them resting on their knees. They looked really roughed up. A black eye was already forming and scratches and bruises littered their skin, they were also holding their stomach rather tightly.

“You’ll just have to wait a minute.” Elliott frowned, staring down at the stranger with contempt.

“Don’t you have any police officers in this backwater town? I’ll sue every one of you for withholding care to someone who is obviously hurt!” Kel threatened, grinding their teeth.

“Oh, the police are coming alright!”  Caroline spoke indignantly. “You are in no position to be asking for anything right now, bringing violence to our community, you should be ashamed!”

“(Y/n) can you look up for me, please.” Maru asked, carefully tilting (Y/n)’s chin up. (Y/n) sucked in a breath when Maru touched her bruised jaw a tad to hard. “Sorry, Your jaw is bruised pretty badly. Your bottom lip split too. How is your vision?”

(Y/n) shook her head and winced, cradling her head in her hands.

“Okay, possible concussion. We’ll need to observe her at the clinic.” Maru said.

“Alright, come on bruiser,” Robin grunted, heaving (Y/n) to her feet, “Sebbie, help me walk her into town please.”

“Sure mom.” Seb took (Y/n)’s other side.

(Y/n) patted Robin’s arm, motioning her to wait. She slowly turned to Kel and leaned more heavily against Seb as she freed her other arm from Robin to snap her fingers aggressively, looking for Kel’s attention. Once Kel looked up at her, sneering from their spot in the dirt, (Y/n) turned briefly to make sure Leah was watching. When she saw that she was, she smiled as if to say, ‘watch this,’ and turned back to Kel. (Y/n) brought her flat, angled hand below her chin and sent it forward in the direction of Kel’s confused, but no less, pissed face.

“Oh ho! (Y/n) is such a badass!” Abigail laughed.

“Abi, since when do you know sign language?” Sam asked, clearly confused.

“I don’t, but I’ve spent enough time searching curses in different languages to know that was totally a ‘fuck you’. Personally I think a middle finger approach would have been an appropriate classic myself but whatever.” Abigail shrugged.

“Abigail, language!” Caroline scolded.

“Sorry mom.”

“Alright, you’ve had your fun. Clinic, now.” Robin tried to hold in a laugh as she repositioned (Y/n)’s arm over her shoulder. Then she and Seb began walking (Y/n) back into town.

Leah made to follow, but as they were leaving, the police from the the next town over had arrived and they needed her statements as a witness. Never mind that she was covered in her own blood and her girlfriend was being dragged away to the clinic with a concussion. Once the officers were satisfied, they took Kel away with promises to be back for (Y/n)’s statement and to see if any charges would be made. For now they were just going to take Kel back to a hospital in Zuzu City since they may have broken a rib or two in the fight. After that, they were going to be free to go.

Leah wasn’t too worried. She didn’t think Kel would come back after the beating (Y/n) and Abigail gave them. She watched the police car drive out of Cindersaps, taking her disgruntled ex away.

“Leah, I’m sure you want to get to the clinic but you should really clean up first.” Caroline had said patting the younger woman’s back. “(Y/n) will be fine.”

“Yeah, Harvey and Maru got her. Take some time to process.” Elliott smiled.

Leah could only nod tiredly. She trudged over to her cottage to shower and change. She still couldn’t believe how quickly things got out of hand. She looked at her bandaged nose in the mirror, hissing when she gingerly touched the bridge of it. She was wary of Seb setting it himself, but Harvey said he had gone a great job. Once she was physically put back together, Leah quickly made her way to the clinic.

“Where is she?” She asked immediately upon arriving. She sounded a little congested thanks to her clogged nose, but she was easily understood. Robin was still in the waiting room and filled her in.

“Harvey and Maru are talking her through concussion care. She’s okay, but I don’t think she’ll be allowed to work for awhile.”

“Oh no,” Leah sat down, resting her elbows on her knees and covered her eyes with her hands, “This is all my fault.”

“Aw, don’t say that sweetheart. You know that’s not true.” Robin frowned, taking a seat beside her, “(Y/n) would hate to hear you think like that.”

“(Y/n) loves her farm! If she can’t maintain the upkeep...” Leah continued, teary eyed, only to be silenced by Robin.

“I’m going to stop you right there. Nothing is going to happen to the farm. Abi, Sam, and even Seb already told (Y/n) in no uncertain terms that they were going to pitch in while she recovers. Everything is going to be taken care of.” Robin assured.

“Still none of this would have happened if-“

“If you hadn’t broken up with your ex? Moved to Pelican Town? Got a crush? Leah, you can’t punish yourself for moving on with your life. You’re allowed to be happy.” Robin chided gently. “It was hard for me and Sebastian’s father to see eye to eye at the best of times. Now I have Demetrius and although he can be a bit annoying sometimes with his tomato bullshit, not a day goes by that I’m not grateful I took that first step because I love him.” Robin smiled.

Leah’s nose hurt like hell as she tried to carefully wipe the tears from her eyes and Robin rubbed her back affectionately. Once Leah had calmed down, Robin stood and stretched.

“She’s been wondering where you are. The doc is keeping her for overnight observation, but your welcome to stay with her. I on the other hand, am apparently too old for this much excitement and need to go home.”

“Thank you Robin, for talking to me.”

“Anytime,” Robin grinned, “now go get her.”

Leah made her way into the back area of the clinic and nearly ran up to Harvey, Maru, and (Y/n). (Y/n) was signing to Maru while she relayed the information to Harvey as he examined (Y/n)’s well being.

(Y/n) was relieved to see Leah and eagerly motioned her to come sit on the edge of the bed she was sitting in which Leah did happily.

“Leah, how’s the nose?” Harvey asked while he finished up (Y/n)’s chart.

“It’s fine. Just, really sore and tingly.”

“So not fine.” Maru chuckled. “I’ll get you some pain meds.”

“Ah, thanks Maru.” Leah smiled sheepishly.

“Well, Ms. (Y/n),” Harvey sighed, turning his attention back to the farmer, “you and I are in for a long night. I’ll be waking you up every hour to check your pupils to see if your condition changes at all.” Harvey stood and stretched, “Ms. Leah, feel welcome to stay as long as you like. It can’t hurt to keep an extra pair of eyes on her.”

“I could stay overtime, Harvey.” Maru said as she came back with two pills and a glass of water for Leah.

“I seem to recall you talking about a time sensitive experiment this morning.” Harvey recalled, making Maru smack the side of her head. “You’re right! I got to go now! Good night everyone!” Maru called behind her as she rushed out to the waiting room then out of the building.

“I’m going to take the first of my many naps lined up for tonight. I’ll see you ladies in about an hour. Try to get some rest.” Harvey said before leaving to walk up the stairs to his apartment.

Finally Leah and (Y/n) were alone again. (Y/n) sunk down into the covers and sighed deeply. She turned to face Leah, concerning the sculptor by how small she looked.

“You’re not too upset with me, are you?” (Y/n) asked, surprising Leah.

“I’m not upset with you. Why would I be upset with you?”

“I just beat the crap out a person. Sure they are your ex, but you cared about them at some point so it must have been hard to watch. I can’t imagine what you must think of me now.” (Y/n) whispered, she was so quiet Leah had to lean closer and even then she was straining to hear.

“(Y/n), I like you. Nothing that happened today changed how much I like you. It certainly didn’t make me like you any less,” Leah rested her hand over (Y/n)’s cheek, “Kel made their choice when they decided to come to Pelican Town and confront us. I wish it hadn’t gone down the way it did, but that’s not our fault. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“I’m glad you’re okay too. I was worried.”

“I wish we could start this day all over,” Leah moaned, “First day as official girlfriends and we get into a fist fight.”

(Y/n) laughed lightly, closing her eyes to combat the pain that came from her jostling. “Abigail thought it was a pretty great date activity.”

“She would think that.” Leah rolled her eyes, “she also eats rocks.”

“Well, think about it this way. Until I’m allowed to take up all my farming duties again, you can do whatever you want with me.”

“Whatever I want, hmm?” Leah tapped her lips with her index finger, “would it be to forward if me to ask for a kiss?”

“You may, just be careful with my split lip. I won’t be able to explain what happened to Harvey if you make it worse.” (Y/n) said.

“One gentle kiss, coming right up.” Leah wiggled on the bed’s stiff hospital sheets until she laid face to face with (Y/n). Their lips met in a soft brushing that was almost ghost like, but rather than leaving them with a chill, warmth bloomed between them.

“Wow.” (Y/n) grinned.

“If you thought that was good, wait until I can get more involved with it.”

“So confident. I like it.” (Y/n) squinted, “could you turn the light off? It’s really starting to hurt my eyes.”

“Of course.” Leah got up and switched off the half the lights to keep their side of the room in darkness but allow Harvey to still be able to see when he came back.

“Now come cuddle, please.” (Y/n) asked sleepily reaching her arms out.

“Nothing would make me happier.”

Leah kicked off her boots and shimmied under the sheets to join (Y/n) and wrapped her arms around her. Leah let the exhaustion of the day roll over her and she had nearly let sleep claim her before her eyes shot open and she propped herself up on her elbow to lean over (Y/n).

“Did I really sign a ‘fuck you’ when we first met?!” She asked, appalled.

(Y/n)’s response was to laugh sleepily into Leah’s chest.

[cooperhewitt]

“PARTNERING WITH NATURE” EXHIBITION TO BE PRESENTED AT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM’S 2020 ANNUAL MEETING

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has announced that a special exhibition, “Partnering with Nature,” will be on view at the World Economic Forum’s 50th Annual Meeting, Jan. 21 through Jan. 24 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Drawing from the “Nature—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial” exhibition originally organized by Cooper Hewitt and Cube design museum, this adaptation is a collaboration between the Smithsonian and the World Economic Forum (WEF). This is the fourth year that the Smithsonian and the WEF have collaborated on bringing an exhibition to the Annual Meeting in Davos. Installed in the Congress Centre, the exhibition will be offered alongside panels, workshops and other sessions organized by the WEF that address the ecological crisis and the Forum’s major focus on sustainability.

“A global platform for design, Cooper Hewitt is delighted to once again collaborate with the World Economic Forum and highlight the power of design to address the most significant environmental issues of our time,” said Caroline Baumann, director of the museum. “Through this powerful, interactive exhibition, Cooper Hewitt will invite leaders to rethink our relationship to nature and jumpstart the dialogue on sustainability practices on an international scale.”

Four installations will encourage participants to play with natural elements, learn about the symbiotic relationships in nature and be inspired to imagine a more cohesive approach to working with nature.

The works on view include:

Department of Seaweed Prototyping Workshop, 2019–20. Founded by Julia Lohmann in 2013, the Department of Seaweed brings together experts in design, science and craft to experiment with the fabrication processes and material properties of seaweed and explore possible applications of this plentiful and renewable resource. For the installation at Davos, Lohmann will create a seaweed structure, Hidaka-Ohmu, and have available living seaweed and a display of hanging, dried seaweed to show the materials used in the craft process. Participants will work with seaweed in a workshop with Lohmann’s team.

Tree of 40 Fruit, 2008–ongoing. Artist Sam Van Aken collapses an orchard of fruit trees into a single tree using centuries-old grafting techniques. Van Aken worked with Fructus, the Swiss Association for the Protection of Fruit Heritage, to identify, collect and graft 40 apple varieties onto a 6-year-old tree. The varieties originated, are historically grown, or are important commercial varieties in Switzerland. Van Aken maps the tree grafts with hand-drawn sketches that are color-coded to each blossom’s season. Participants will be invited to try bench grafting—a technique where scionwood is grafted to root systems to create new trees.

Totomoxtle, 2017–ongoing. Totomoxtle means “corn husk” in the Nahuatl language and refers to the brilliantly colored veneers made from native Mexican corn by designer Fernando Laposse. Since 2017, Laposse has collaborated with farmers, agronomists and scientists to reintroduce native varieties of corn that were decimated by industrial farming. The initiative has led to local job growth, a resurgence of craft and food traditions, and restoration of indigenous farming practices. Participants will join in the completion of a mosaic.

Algae Platform, 2019–20. Developed by Atelier Luma, a think-tank, workshop and space for research, production and learning, the Algae Platform investigates the potential of algae as an alternative material to plastic with many possible applications in the architecture and design field. Algae is a globally renewable resource that is found in natural, urban and industrial landscapes, and can be 3-D printed into vessels and extruded into filaments for textiles.

Related programming includes presentations by the designers in the Hub, followed by hands-on workshops. On Jan. 21, the designers from the Algae Platform and the Department of Seaweed will share the creative process of turning unwanted natural materials into art and everyday objects. On Jan. 23, the artists behind the Tree of 40 Fruit and Totomoxtle will discuss what ancient agricultural techniques can teach people about caring for the land. Additional programming during the series includes a Design by Nature session, Jan. 24, featuring Baumann in conversation with Netherlands-based artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde who explores breakthrough ideas that bring nature and humans together in a sustainable way.

about cooper Hewitt, smithsonian design museum

Cooper Hewitt is America’s design museum. Inclusive, innovative and experimental, the museum’s dynamic exhibitions, education programs, master’s program, publications and online resources inspire, educate and empower people through design. An integral part of the Smithsonian Institution—the world’s largest museum, education and research complex—Cooper Hewitt is located on New York City’s Museum Mile in the historic, landmark Carnegie Mansion. Steward of one of the world’s most diverse and comprehensive design collections—over 210,000 objects that range from an ancient Egyptian faience cup dating to about 1100 BC to contemporary 3-D-printed objects and digital code—Cooper Hewitt welcomes everyone to discover the importance of design and its power to change the world. Cooper Hewitt knits digital into experiences to enhance ideas, extend reach beyond museum walls and enable greater access, personalization, experimentation and connection. The museum is fully accessible.

For more information, visit www.cooperhewitt.org or follow @cooperhewitt on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

about The world economic forum

The World Economic Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting brings together over 3,000 participants from governments, international organizations, business, civil society, media and culture from all over the world. The theme of the 50th annual meeting in Davos is Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.

#

  from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum https://ift.tt/3820Pjk via IFTTT

[enkisstories]

I’m afraid we can count John out as a provider.

But we have that breathtaking view from the penthouse, so why not capitalize on that? Caroline has loved Wellness in every iteration of this family, and she toyed with the idea of offering regular classes atop Park Avenue. For starters she invited her friends to test the idea.

They were stunned. Literally, because the sims either dropped the interaction or froze on the spot.

Caroline has an amazing, deep zen! She somehow led the (frozen in time) session sitting in her warm bedroom while sending out her mind only.

Please don’t mind the landlord seducing Raj Rasoya next to Caroline.

Uh, Caroline? I think your Zen is a bit too strong for me. 

She was still in teaching mode long into the night and even in bed, until I deleted all yoga class related buffs.

Second try: Maybe the park with plenty of space is more suitable for yoga classes?

Well, yes, space wasn’t an issue this time. Temperature was. But that’s on me, I should have paid better attention to the thermometer. Luckily nobody died, but Caroline didn’t get paid, either.

Third try: The yacht club. I had to expand the building to the point where it could have sheltered a medium sized elephant herd just to be able to fit four yoga mats.

But Caroline can now bring home some money without needing to say she has worked.

The horny landlord did strike again, this time at Diego.

[bloojayoolie]

Being Alone, Andrew Bogut, and Animals: HEARTBROKEN, CONFUSED, SCARED & BACK ON the NYC Kill List for it! HELP!! This beautiful heartbroken & sad little boy NEEDS A CHANCE PLEASE, HELPNicky Baby 37917 Please, don't let them kill me !!! This is SO screwed up... this little chap's OWNER DIED, he is HEARTBROKEN & SCARED & NOBODY is stepping up to help him live another day. COME ON!! He so deserves a chance, poor little guy. A VOLUNTEER WRITES: "We tried to take Nicky out of his kennel but he is still too scared. I left some treats for him (tiny pieces of sausages) & when I came back, he had eaten them He is a very cute little guy. Give him a chance." A Note from the shelter: Little Nicky Baby came to us after his previous owner passed away. As an older gentleman he has had a very difficult time adjusting to shelter life. Nicky would benefit from a quiet home that has lots of dog experience & will be able to give him the time he needs to adjust to this big life change APPLY NOW & make him feel safe & loved again, PLEASE!! GIVE little Nicky Baby A CHANCE! HURRYHe is OUT OF TIME!! Absolutely beautiful little senior sweetheart Nicky Baby WILL BE KILLED at the Manhattan, NY ACC UNLESS FOSTERED, ADOPTED, RESCUED RIGHT NOW!I! Just DO IT, APPLY NOW & save his life!!! ***** To Be KILLED 8/17/18 in NYC ***** HEARTBROKEN, CONFUSED, SCARED & BACK ON the NYC Kill List for it *** This is SO screwed up... this little chap's OWNER DIED, he is HEARTBROKEN & SCARED & NOBODY is stepping up to help him live another day. COME ON!! He so deserves a chance, poor little guy. :( A VOLUNTEER WRITES: "We tried to take Nicky out of his kennel but he is still too scared. I left some treats for him (tiny pieces of sausages) & when I came back, he had eaten them. He is a very cute little guy. Give him a chance." A NOTE FROM THE SHELTER: Little Nicky Baby came to us after his previous owner passed away. As an older gentleman he has had a very difficult time adjusting to shelter life. Nicky would benefit from a quiet home that has lots of dog experience & will be able to give him the time he needs to adjust to this big life change. - APPLY NOW & make him feel safe & loved again, PLEASE!! GIVE little Nicky Baby A CHANCE!!! ** HURRY ** He is OUT OF TIME!!! :( Absolutely beautiful little senior gent Nicky Baby WILL BE KILLED at the Manhattan, NY ACC UNLESS FOSTERED, ADOPTED, RESCUED RIGHT NOW!!! Just DO IT, APPLY NOW & save his life!!! ****************************************** To FOSTER or ADOPT beautiful little Nicky, SPEAK UP NOW & Save a Life: Apply with rescues Or Message Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance IMMEDIATELY!!! ****************************************** The general rule is to foster you have to be within 4 hours of the NYC ACC approved New Hope partner rescues you are applying with and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA). ================================= Gorgeous little Nicky Baby's OWNER DIED, he was found & brought to ACC by police, & his little heart is in pain & turmoil, poor little chap. :( This heartbroken little boy is just so confused.. Where is my beloved person? Why am I in this loud, scary place & not at home where I belong? He has lived a very sheltered life, few visitors, no interaction with dogs or cats... strangers scare him... Needless to say he is acting out at ACC, understandably so. The best thing for him would be a compassionate, adult-only, small dog savvy new home, time to grieve, get adjusted & lots of TLC. PLEASE, open your heart to this sad little fella & APPLY NOW to Save his Life. He so desperately NEEDS YOU NOW. Absolutely beautiful little senior sweetheart Nicky Baby DIES at the Manhattan, NY ACC UNLESS FOSTERED, ADOPTED, RESCUED RIGHT NOW!!! Just DO IT, APPLY NOW & save his life!!! A NOTE FROM THE SHELTER: Little Nicky Baby came to us after his previous owner passed away. As an older gentleman he has had a very difficult time adjusting to shelter life. Nicky would benefit from a quiet home that has lots of dog experience and will be able to give him the time he needs to adjust to this big life change. A VOLUNTEER WRITES: "We tried to take Nicky out of his kennel but he is still too scared. I left some treats for him (tiny pieces of sausages) & when I came back, he had eaten them. He is a very cute little guy. Give him a chance." Nicky Baby 37917 Small Mixed Breed Sex Unknown Age 10-12 yr (approx.) Weight 12 lbs My health has been checked. My vaccinations are up to date. My worming is up to date. I have been micro-chipped. I am waiting for you at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Please, Please, Please, save me! Date Found By Police: 8/11/2018 Found Location: Near St James Park, Bronx, NY 10468 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: owner stated 12 years, but questionable Microchip noted on Intake? No History: owner is deceased Observed Behavior Barking, growling, lunging, snapping when attempt to remove from cage BUT once fitted with a muzzle the dog allowed all handling Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen - No EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled but all visible teeth and gingiva appear healthy PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSA, 5/6 heart murmur PMI left base and sternal, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat - matting around anus - clipped CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Heart murmur r/o valvular disease Plan: Recommend echo SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to heart murmurMeans of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Died (In home for 12 years) Previously lived with: Adults Behavior toward strangers:Tense, scared of them, snaps if they approach him Behavior toward children:Barks Resource guarding: None reported Bite history:Nicky baby bit his owner ONCE when he got too close to Nicky Baby's face startling him. Energy level/descriptors: Nicky Baby is described as aloof and pushy with a medium level of activity. Other Notes: Nicky Baby will growl if he is pushed or pulled off furniture and likes to be left alone, will solicit attention at his own rate. Date of assessment: 13-Aug-2018 Summary: Nicky Baby barks, growls, and snaps in his kennel when approached. He has allowed minimal handling. This behavior and his stress levels, make him not a good candidate for a handling assessment at this time. Please see his owner surrender profile for a full report of his behavior in his previous home. ENERGY LEVEL: Nicky Baby is described as having a medium level of activity. Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments: No children: Due to Nicky Baby's history and other behavior in his previous home, as well as how fearful he currently is at the care center, we recommend an adult only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment and not allowing handling at the care center, the behavior department recommends Nicky Baby be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Nicky Baby to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Nicky Baby to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Nicky Baby presents with outside of the care centers. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression, Potential challenges comments: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Nicky Baby is reported to sometimes growl and snap when people get close to him. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended to assess behavior after decompression in a new home environment. Force-free, reward based training is advised when introducing or exposing Nicky Baby to new and unfamiliar situations. ... NOTE: *** WE HAVE NO OTHER INFORMATION THAN WHAT IS LISTED WITH THIS FLYER *** ... ============ Shelter address ========== - Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 - Phone number (212) 788-4000 (automated only) Operating hours: Monday through Friday 12.00pm to 8.00pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am to 6.00pm. Closed on all Holidays.. ================================= == About Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs == We are a group of advocates (NOT a shelter NOR a rescue group) dedicated to finding loving homes for NYC dogs in desperate need. ALL the dogs on our site need Rescue, Fosters, or Adopters & that ASAP as they are in NYC high-kill shelters. If you cannot foster or adopt, please share them far & wide. Thank you for caring!! <3 ================================= http://www.nycacc.org/adopt/nicky-baby-37917 ++++ http://nycaccpets.shelterbuddy.com/animal/animalDetails.asp?s=adoption&searchTypeId=4&animalType=3%2C16&datelostfoundmonth=8&datelostfoundday=13&datelostfoundyear=2018&tpage=7&submitbtn=Find+Animals&pagesize=15&task=view&searchType=4&animalid=81614 Deborah DiIorio Caro Hocker Carolin Hocker Beamer Maximillian Carole Zollo Jane Kleinsinger Carolyn Paddock-Moore Jody Harris-Stern Cindy Ann McManus Lori Carpino Lorraine Jordan Doug Rescue Halsey Heather Messner Donna Darrell Loren McAuley Suzanne Dixie

[literary-spirit]

Confessions of a Mikaelson: Possessing the Bennett

*Warning there's not only smut in this chapter, but there'll also be a crap ton of lemonade throughout this story. It's rated M for a reason, my fellow Bonnie lovers. So if you're not with it then I'll completely understand and for those of you who wish to proceed, please remember to buckle your seatbelts and strap on you helmets, this road is cluttered and broken.* Okay so Francesca and I are working on something new. This WIP begins at the end of 01X01 TVD and swerves recklessly out of the canon plot line into a very strange AU! So you've been warned! Flame it or acclaim in comments. I'll leave it up to the Bennett Fandom on whether this hot mess of a WIP lives to see another update!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of these characters belong to me. And to add unfairness to poetic injustice, neither does the shows or the books. However, I still intend to pull the characters' strings and make them dance, all while having a ball upsetting canon plot lines!

Bonnie Bennett glared down at her smashed to hell pager. "Fucking, fuckery, fuck!"

She cringed after the string of no-no words leapt from her mouth. Unholy hell. Well, that would be another fifteen dollars for the swear jar. Her Grams had created the damn thing before she passed away. It was meant to help her broaden her vocabulary now it would probably be what put her through college.

For reasons she never really wanted to consider, she still faithfully added money to the jar whenever one of those slippery bastards (swear words) tumbled from her lips. Which fortunately only occurred when she was upset, stressed, depressed, bored, or angry. Okay, when she reflected upon it, half of her verbal interactions consisted of inappropriate phrases. Who the hell was she fooling? Her tongue had never met an explicit word it couldn't commit to.

Her glare left her broken pager to assess the front wheel of her bike. The damn thing had nearly folded in half. Well, it could've been worse. Instead of Caroline Forbes making her crash her bike into one of the wooden poles of Wickery Bridge, she could've simply knocked her over the rail. Bonnie wondered if the vapid bitch would've stopped then. She shook her head. Probably not. Why would she?

Bonnie Bennett was selectively invisible to the Mystic Falls' High elite. The only time any of those beautiful vultures ever acknowledged her was when they wanted to score some mushrooms and organic Mary J from her Grams garden or if they wanted to purchase a term paper. Other than that, she could walk down the halls bare assed wearing nothing but a smile and no one would raise even a threaded eyebrow. However, their impaired vision on all things Bonnie Bennett suited her just fine. She preferred living her day to day in between the lines. It afforded her certain privacies those who basked in the spot light were denied.

Yet, that evening she could've used just a bit of the spotlight. Not only was her bike a fucking tragedy, but her ankle was busted all to hell too. Without a ride or a phone, she'd have to limp her happy ass all the way home. Unless, the caretaker of the Mikaelson Estate took pity on her and allowed her to call a taxi. Bonnie didn't hold out much hope, though.

She honestly couldn't remember the last time the old crusty son of a bitch opened the wrought iron front gates. Maybe it was the last time the Mikaelsons were actually in residence. But when the hell was that? She'd lived in Mystic Falls all of her life and she'd never so much as caught a glimpse of the family. Talk was, they travelled year round and the Mikaelson Estate was only one of many properties they owned. And if rumors danced close to fact, then the residence should be in possession of at least one damn phone.

Not wanting to linger any longer on the bridge which hosted a shit ton of animal attacks, Bonnie struggled to drag her bike to the grassy area under the Wickery sign. Once she chained it to the wooden pole, she began to limp towards the Estate. It took her fifteen slow as shit minutes to reach the intercom outside the gates. To her surprise the house twinkled with a dozen or so lights too many. A frown crumpled her face. Normally, the house stood cloaked in shadows around that time of evening. For a brief second she found herself hesitating to press the intercom button. However, the aching throb of her ankle gave her the motivation she required to ring the caretaker.

A few moments after the crackly sound subsided an elderly voice answered. "Yes?"

"Hi," she said, trying her damnest to put on her sweetest good girl voice. "I just wrecked my bike on Wickery Bridge and broke my pager. Would it be possible for me to use your phone?"

Without explanation the intercom went silent. When she moved to press the button again, the gates swung open. Her eyes nearly hit the paved driveway at the sight of an old school Bentley pulling to a stop at the entrance. Seconds later, the—older than sand—caretaker exited the driver seat and shuffled around the car to open the back door.

Bonnie hobbled over to the car. Once there, she eased herself into the back seat. After closing the door, it took him every bit of eight minutes to reclaim his seat behind the steering wheel and another ten before he pulled the Bentley in front of the huge French glass double doors at the front of the Mansion. Deciding not to wait another twenty minutes for the caretaker to open her door, she slid from the backseat.

By the time she'd limped to the entrance, the caretaker had pulled the car away from the front of the house. Soon as she teetered to a stop on the proverbial welcome mat, the doors swung open. The air thickened right before several intoxicating forces nearly knocked her to the ground. An electric pulsing sensation shot from her center and surged through her vessels. The pulsating pooled in the palms of her hands, while forcing its way outward to thrum just beneath the surface of her skin. It was almost as if the intense vibrations deep within her responded to the pounding energy pouring from the mansion.

Bonnie stood on the fucking precipice. Her spidey senses told her that if she leaped nothing in her world would ever be the same. If she turned back now her life would resume unchanged. Being a habitual creature who never deviated from patterns or set routines, she knew the choice she should've selected. However, the draw beyond the threshold appealed to her way more than the comfort of her normal resting state. She inhaled enough oxygen for two and stepped inside before she had the chance to second guess her sanity.

Once inside the doors automatically closed behind her. Bonnie barely took notice. The spacious ornate foyer held her focus. Truth was, she didn't know what the hell to ogle first. From the massive crystal chandelier suspended at least sixty feet off the ground to the floor to ceiling marbled columns, everything vied for her absolute attention.

She couldn't believe people actually lounged in such a cushy lap of luxury. She'd never seen anything so...lavish. Not even Zach Salvatore's Boarding House could hold a blow torch to the Mikaelson Estate and his mansion was believed to be the nicest in town. That's if one didn't count the Lockwood Plantation. And she didn't. The slave quarters the Lockwood's still maintained on their property snatched them right out of the running.

The fine hair stood on the back of her neck as goose bumps pebbled the skin on her arms. She was being watched. Of course she was being watched. Whoever maintained the place alongside the caretaker probably wanted to make sure a few priceless knick-knacks didn't find its way into her pockets.

"Hello," A feminine voice greeted her from behind.

She limped around to face the owner of the voice. A sophisticated middle age lady stood before her looking like she'd just taken a bath in one percent privilege. The ends of her silky blond hair fell a couple of inches below her jawline in a professionally tapered bob to frame a passingly attractive oval shaped face. Tasteful, but expensive jewelry twinkled from her ears, wrist, and neck. The low-key touch brought a little more glamour to the understated white sundress she wore. After a head to toe assessment, she concluded there was no way in hell this woman was the housekeeper.

Bonnie cleared her throat. "Hey, I'm Bonnie Bennett." The woman's assessing blue gaze slightly flared with recognition. "I wrecked my bike a couple of hundred yards back on Wickery Bridge and totaled my fucking pager." Shit! Another five dollars for the swear jar. She squeezed her eyes closed. "Sorry, didn't mean to swear," she mumbled before retraining her gaze on the older lady who looked more amused than offended. "But in my defense this day has been a total shi-..." she shook her head, "never mind. Would it be okay if I used your phone?"

"Absolutely, Miss Bennett," the woman said, while strolling further into the foyer. "And before I misremember my manners allow me to introduce myself. I'm Esther Mikaelson."

Surprise stretched Bonnie's eyes wide. No fucking way! Wait until the founding families got an ear full of this news. Carol Lockwood would no doubt wet her panties when she heard the Mikaelsons had come to town. She mentally shook her head as she limped forward to grasp Mrs. Mikaelson extended hand.

The corners of the woman's mouth travelled south under the weight of a frown as she gazed down at Bonnie's sneakers. "Were you harmed?" Mrs. Mikaelson questioned as her intense stare reestablished eye contact between them.

"Think I sprained my ankle," she said, while lifting her injured limb. "I'm sure it'll be fine once I get some ice on it, though."

Esther's brow puckered. "Finn!"

"Yes, mother?" A tall—totally fuckable—man appeared from behind the same door Esther exited.

"Miss Bennett-,"

"Miss Bennett?" He questioned with an arched brow.

"Yes...Miss Bennett, this is my eldest son Finn," she shot the man a pointed glare before continuing. "Miss Bennett has unfortunately injured herself during a biking expedition. Would you do a great kindness and carry her to the beige and gold sitting room?"

"That's not necessary. I can walk-,"  

"Of course, mother," he said, before turning to approach her. The atmosphere around him crackled. Waves of intoxicating energy seeped from him and tentatively swirled around her, all while taking care not to make contact. The temperature of her body crept north. When he towered over her, he paused, "May I, Miss Bennett?"

"Really, it's not-,"

Without giving her time to finish her sentence, he lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing more than an arm full of feathered pillows. He then swiftly made his way deeper into the mansion. After a few minutes of sprinting, he stopped in front of a set of closed doors. An array of voices drifted to them from inside the room. Finn took a step back to allow Esther to enter ahead of them.

Upon the opening of the door, a wall of highly charged energy slammed into her and lit her the fuck up. Her body temperature sky rocketed and leaped off the damn meter as if she'd been tossed into a hell blaze. Combined magnetic forces pricked at the exposed surface of her skin. She became extremely cognizant of Finn's hard frame firmly pressed against her side. A fantasy of her running her hands over hills of rigid muscles while he stood before her in all his bare ass glory, blasted away her conscious regard for shame. Without out grazing two thoughts together, she began to rub her cheek back and forth over his pec. The growl her actions elicited provoked her nipples to tighten almost to the point of being painful.

"Well, well! Look what the Finn managed to drag in, Bekah," a boy with precision cut sable tresses snarked from his place in one of the armchairs positioned in front of the fire place. He watched her with unblinking chocolate brown eyes that was downright predatory in nature. His calculated serial killer stare should've scared her crapless. Yet, all she could manage to think was...hmm, dessert! "Do say you're intending to share, brother." Finn's hold tightened around her.

"Curb your vile tongue, Kol. Miss Bennett is a guest in our home and you would do well to honor her as such." Esther hissed as she impaled him with a glare that would've made Satan piss his pants.

Guest? She just wanted to use the damn phone.

"Bennett?" A jaw dropping blond bombshell questioned from a satin bronzed sofa.

Finn gently placed her on the opposing loveseat. "Yes, Rebekah. This is Miss Bonnie Bennett." His slightly timid gaze found hers as he positioned a pillow under her ankle. "Miss Bennett, these are my siblings Kol and Rebekah."

Faster than her eyes could track, Rebekah shot from the sofa and reappeared again as she placed Bonnie's ankle in her lap.

"Fucking, fuckery, fuck! Am I having a stroke or did you just imitate a fucking Lambo?" Shit, another twenty for the swear jar.

Rebekah's mouth fell open and a chortle tumbled forth. Finn tsked his expression absolutely scandalized. Esther's eyebrows leaped into her hairline and Kol...wait...where the hell was Kol? Moments later she was lifted from the loveseat cushion and resettled in a hard bulging lap. Cool lips nuzzled the crook of her neck as something steamy floated from a tea cup that hovered in front of her face.

"Sweetness, your wicked terminology enflames me. Curiously, I find myself longing for the affordable affections of an all too willing dockside harlot," Kol whispered next to her ear. "Here, have some tea while it's still warm. It'll do wonders for your injured ankle."

With no further warning, Kol placed the tea cup to her lips and spilled the contents down her throat. To prevent herself from, choking she swallowed the metallic tasting tea. As she drank her thoughts spun the hell out in her head. How the...where the...something was extremely twisted about the Mikaelsons. Strength, beauty, and speed. She felt as if someone had dropped her off in a damn Twilight flick. Had she been one of those drugged out hippy, dippy, students Grams used to invite over for dinner, she'd truly believe herself to be in a house overran with vampires.

"Mother, will you not correct Kol on his forwardness in regards to Miss Bennett," Finn demanded, while attempting to commit visual homicide on his younger brother.

"Kol," Esther spit, her tone warning.

The caretaker appeared in the open doorway of the room. "Lady Mikaelson, Lord Niklaus wishes you attend him on the telephone."

Telephone? That's what the hell she needed!

"Excuse, Miss Bennett. I won't be but a moment," she rose from seat next to a large paned window. "I'll receive the call in my study Hannibal." She sashayed from the room and the door softly clicked closed after her.

"Oh, brother of mine. Celeste has yet to launder our unmentionables." Kol paused to blow a stream of cool air in her ear. The walls of her pop rocker quavered. "Why not preoccupy yourself with sniffing mother's soiled knickers. Your absence will allow Bonnie and me an opportunity to become better acquainted."

After she finished drinking the tea, Kol pushed the cup and saucer into Finn's hands. She opened her mouth to bless him with some more of her, wicked terminology, when she noticed the throbbing in her ankle stopped.

Flexing her ankle back and forth, she side eyed Kol. "What the hell was in that tea?"

"Family recipe," he said with wide guiltless doe eyes. He, however, looked about as innocent as a wolf covered in blood and feathers.

Rebekah snorted as she stroked her now apparently uninjured ankle. The vibrations which pulsed from the tips of her fingers triggered her to squeeze her thighs together to assuage a whole other throbbing. When the youngest Mikaelson licked her painted rosy lips, liquid heat flooded Bonnie's center. What the fuck? When had girls ever done it for her? Not that a boy had ever done it to her, but still. All her crushes over the last few years were geared towards the opposite sex. She'd never thought about a girl in such a way.

Uncomfortable in her own damn skin, Bonnie hopped from Kol's lap to put distance between her and the Mikaelson siblings. "Look, I just needed to use the phone. But since my ankle is-,"

"Brilliant." Rebekah climbed to her feet and grabbed her wrist. She then dragged her towards the door. "You can use the one in my room." When Kol moved to follow, Rebekah speared him with an over the shoulder glare, before saying, "no boys allowed!"

                                      ****

Rebekah covertly watched Bonnie Bennett through her lashes as she painted the tiny witch's toes. Nik's spies in Mystic Falls hadn't exaggerated. She was exquisite. Her smooth bronzed brown skin appeared to be quite edible. The way it stretched uninterrupted over her hills, peaks, valleys, and dips, compelled her tongue to glide back and forth across her bottom lip. She couldn't refrain herself from imagining the lovely dove stripped bare and reclining in the center of her bed with her luxurious chocolate tresses fanned out about her head. Quite the fetching sight she'd make to be sure.

Vanilla, coconuts, and the sensually mouthwatering scent of arousal tempted Rebekah's nostrils. Her core clenched as a hint of a smile flirted with her lips. It pleased her to know the witch struggled with her lust as well. The proof saturated the air with her delectable fragrance. The sweet attar, teasingly baited and ensnared them. Even now Kol stood vigil outside her bedroom door. While Finn had abandoned his perpetual crusade of self-loathing to recite aloud, Napoleon's love letters to Josephine. In verity, they'd all become rather batty for Bonnie.

If the witch caused this big of an uproar in the house of Mikaelson before the manifestation of her powers, they would all be raving lunatics after her quickening.

"What'd you think, Dove? Do you fancy them?" Rebekah questioned, while tightening the top on the nail polish.

The witch's enthralling green eyes slightly narrowed as she peered down at her toes. "Um...they're really red."

Rebekah rolled her eyes as she placed the fingernail polish back on the night stand. "How perceptive of you, Miss Bennett," she said, allowing sarcasm to thread itself through her tone. "Do you have the inclination to inform me on the blondness of my hair as well?"

"Whoa, there's no need to take the leash off the bitch. All I'm saying is-,"

"Hmm..." The witch's sentence skidded to a halt when the blonde original began to massage her shapely calves. "What were you saying, Dove?"

"I..." the little beauty paused to swallow. "Didn't mean to offend you."

"Oh..." she murmured, while she allowed her fingers to inch up Bonnie's jean clad thigh. "Well, I'm relieved. The task of pleasing you is extremely important to me." The heel of her palm connected with the lovely dove's crotch.

A breathy moan crept from the split of the witch's lips. "Rebekah, I'm not into...ahh...ooh..." Bonnie whimpered as the youngest original began to grind her hand into her witch's denim clad mound.

"Shh, Dove," she whispered, while urging the witch to lie back on the pillow-top mattress. "It's just us girls..."

Rebekah moved to straddle Bonnie's lap. She then leaned forward and brushed her mouth against the witch's to gauge how receptive she'd be to a kiss. The Bennett witch's arms slithered around her neck and drew her closer. Once Rebekah's mouth loomed over hers, she lifted her head from the mattress to close the distance. Since her lovely little dove initiated the kiss she allowed the tiny witch to take the lead. However, when it became blatantly apparent she'd never been properly snogged, the original reclaimed control.

With the tip of her tongue, she traced the seam of Bonnie's lips. A moment later the witch opened her mouth and granted her entrance. The sweet taste of her extracted a throaty moan from Rebekah and motivated her lower half to grind into Bonnie's. Pretty soon the witch's hips began to rise from the mattress to meet her wild writhing thrusts. Each of their whimpers and moans climbed in volume until their lips tingled and the press of their joined mouths could no longer suppress the sounds.

[kathydsalters31]

Why Do Cats Lick You? Cat Owner Questions Answered

It may be not a surprise to see your feline licking themselves. Naturally, felines tend to groom themselves often. Exactly how commonly does your cat lick you? As a matter of fact, your pet cat or kittycat might select to interact with you in a variety of different means. As a result of this, you may locate on your own asking,” why do cats lick you?” We rested down with Trupanion vet Dr. Caroline Wilde for more information regarding what your pet cat’s kisses may indicate, and the value of recognizing cat body language.

Why do felines lick you?

Your pet cat’s interaction style may rely on your cat. While every family pet is various, some pet cats might choose to allow you recognize exactly how

their feeling via a subtle tip. Wilde mentions some reasons your cat may pick to lick you.” When trying to identify why a cat shows any type of behavior, the very best course of action is it identify the motivation behind the habits in your pet cat’s setting. As an example, if you’re. simply resting on the couch, and also the pet cat is resting and appears web content, it can be a. normal grooming actions or sign of love. If the feline seems perturbed and. licks you, maybe an effort to obtain you to quit doing what you’re doing or. they may even desire you to relocate.”

Likewise, it might be useful to note if this is regular actions for your furry member of the family. Do they lick, bridegroom, or provide kisses typically? This may be how they like to interact with you.

Consider your pet dog’s communication style to determine the following ideal step. For an additional resource on cat communication, review this pet cat body language guide right here.

Reasons they may lick you

Kittens and also pet cats are. mystical and their habits is one-of-a-kind to them. Keeping that being said, if you have. a curious kitten in your home, you might be used to unforeseeable behavior with your. friend. Wilde considers in on a few reasons that your cat might choose to lick. you.

Take into consideration the following:

Normal brushing actions

Attention-seeking habits

Passive-aggressive actions, like attempting to obtain you to act a specific means

A sign of an underlying medical health problem or behavior problem

Likewise, grooming can be a daily activity for your best friend. Consider how much their licking as well as bear in mind their fur, skin, as well as nails. Does your pet cat have matted cat hair or hairballs!

.?.!? Alternatively, probably your cat simply requires a bath. These are very important variables to think about when it pertains to your pet cat and also licking.

Not all felines lick as well as some kittycats may choose to lick for focus. Normally, your pet cat is unique and might choose to lick you which’s fine.

Notate your pet’s habits, and if you see anything irregular and talk with your veterinarian. They can help determine the root of the trouble for your furry relative.

Medical problems, actions, and. licking

Cats may not always let you know their feeling ill. As a matter of fact, their habits might be an indication of something a lot more.

For example, if your pet cat’s licking comes to be aggressive in nature, you should seek the healthcare of your veterinarian. Additionally, “excessive licking may be connected with gastrointestinal condition, as it can be a sign of unusual pain or nausea. Naturally, licking may suggest that your feline is in pain,” claims Wilde.

If your cat is exceedingly licking you or themselves, they might be attempting to inform you they’re not feeling well. For an added resource, review this guide on common pet cat health issue here.

Why do cats lick you

? They may be. attempting to connect with you Your pet cat. is special and might select to reveal their affection with cuddles and kisses.. by notating their actions and also speaking with your vet, you might discover. your hairy good friend simply loves to reveal you how much they value you.

Does your kittycat lick you a whole lot? Inform us in the remarks listed below!

To learn more regarding pet cat behavior, read Why Do Cats Sleep So Much: Cat Owner Questions Answered

About The Author

Kelli.Rascoe is an electronic material writer and editor for Trupanion. She invests her workday composing for the Trupanion blog. She likes covering pet dogs, being motivated by pets, as well as fortunately reaches associate her rescue dogs all day long. In her leisure time, she appreciates exploring and also taking a trip with her family members. Her work can be featured on the DOGTV blog site, KitNipBox blog, Get Your Pet blog, Fansided internet site, among others. source http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/why-do-cats-lick-you-cat-owner-questions-answered/

from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.blogspot.com/2020/09/why-do-cats-lick-you-cat-owner.html

[barryswamsleyaz]

Why Do Cats Lick You? Cat Owner Questions Answered

It may be not a surprise to see your feline licking themselves. Naturally, felines tend to groom themselves often. Exactly how commonly does your cat lick you? As a matter of fact, your pet cat or kittycat might select to interact with you in a variety of different means. As a result of this, you may locate on your own asking,” why do cats lick you?” We rested down with Trupanion vet Dr. Caroline Wilde for more information regarding what your pet cat’s kisses may indicate, and the value of recognizing cat body language.

Why do felines lick you?

Your pet cat’s interaction style may rely on your cat. While every family pet is various, some pet cats might choose to allow you recognize exactly how

their feeling via a subtle tip. Wilde mentions some reasons your cat may pick to lick you.” When trying to identify why a cat shows any type of behavior, the very best course of action is it identify the motivation behind the habits in your pet cat’s setting. As an example, if you’re. simply resting on the couch, and also the pet cat is resting and appears web content, it can be a. normal grooming actions or sign of love. If the feline seems perturbed and. licks you, maybe an effort to obtain you to quit doing what you’re doing or. they may even desire you to relocate.”

Likewise, it might be useful to note if this is regular actions for your furry member of the family. Do they lick, bridegroom, or provide kisses typically? This may be how they like to interact with you.

Consider your pet dog’s communication style to determine the following ideal step. For an additional resource on cat communication, review this pet cat body language guide right here.

Reasons they may lick you

Kittens and also pet cats are. mystical and their habits is one-of-a-kind to them. Keeping that being said, if you have. a curious kitten in your home, you might be used to unforeseeable behavior with your. friend. Wilde considers in on a few reasons that your cat might choose to lick. you.

Take into consideration the following:

Normal brushing actions

Attention-seeking habits

Passive-aggressive actions, like attempting to obtain you to act a specific means

A sign of an underlying medical health problem or behavior problem

Likewise, grooming can be a daily activity for your best friend. Consider how much their licking as well as bear in mind their fur, skin, as well as nails. Does your pet cat have matted cat hair or hairballs!

.?.!? Alternatively, probably your cat simply requires a bath. These are very important variables to think about when it pertains to your pet cat and also licking.

Not all felines lick as well as some kittycats may choose to lick for focus. Normally, your pet cat is unique and might choose to lick you which’s fine.

Notate your pet’s habits, and if you see anything irregular and talk with your veterinarian. They can help determine the root of the trouble for your furry relative.

Medical problems, actions, and. licking

Cats may not always let you know their feeling ill. As a matter of fact, their habits might be an indication of something a lot more.

For example, if your pet cat’s licking comes to be aggressive in nature, you should seek the healthcare of your veterinarian. Additionally, “excessive licking may be connected with gastrointestinal condition, as it can be a sign of unusual pain or nausea. Naturally, licking may suggest that your feline is in pain,” claims Wilde.

If your cat is exceedingly licking you or themselves, they might be attempting to inform you they’re not feeling well. For an added resource, review this guide on common pet cat health issue here.

Why do cats lick you

? They may be. attempting to connect with you Your pet cat. is special and might select to reveal their affection with cuddles and kisses.. by notating their actions and also speaking with your vet, you might discover. your hairy good friend simply loves to reveal you how much they value you.

Does your kittycat lick you a whole lot? Inform us in the remarks listed below!

To learn more regarding pet cat behavior, read Why Do Cats Sleep So Much: Cat Owner Questions Answered

About The Author

Kelli.Rascoe is an electronic material writer and editor for Trupanion. She invests her workday composing for the Trupanion blog. She likes covering pet dogs, being motivated by pets, as well as fortunately reaches associate her rescue dogs all day long. In her leisure time, she appreciates exploring and also taking a trip with her family members. Her work can be featured on the DOGTV blog site, KitNipBox blog, Get Your Pet blog, Fansided internet site, among others.

from Lucky Dog Solutions http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/why-do-cats-lick-you-cat-owner-questions-answered/ from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.tumblr.com/post/629074366154620928

[travelworldnetwork]

The Sir John Monash Centre at the Australian National Memorial in France.

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Wars provoke strong emotion. The new $100 million Sir John Monash Centre, which tells Australia's World War I Western Front story through "interactive media installations and immersive experiences" is a case in point.

The new centre, which opened last year at one of the most poignant points on Australia's Western Front remembrance trail, the Australian National Memorial outside Villers-Bretoneux in northern France, reports that visitor feedback has been "overwhelmingly positive".

An emu sculpture and chevron wall at the Sir John Monash Centre.

Others disagree – it's been referred to as "an over-the-top multimedia temple" – a reaction perhaps amplified by its cost – five times more expensive than any war museum France has built. The SJMC is tucked into the hill beneath the memorial on land containing about 234 kilograms of unexploded ordnance.

There's also concern about visitor numbers. The Herald's Nick Miller reported in December that the centre is "threatening to become a white elephant, with visitor numbers far below those promised when the project was given the green light by the Abbott government".

The SJMC, budgeted to cost about $2.6 million annually, is not a traditional museum – for that experience, look rather to The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 in Zonnebeke or the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles. We visit those on our battlefields tour, but the SJMC is decidedly different – an "interpretive centre" rather than an object-based museum and it's attracted some criticism.

"The app didn't work on 50 per cent of people's phones. Getting up to start the video is also a pain. There are no real artefacts, everything is just videos," says one online comment.

"Do we really spend such extraordinary amounts – on the other side of the planet, on the dead – while the living continue to need assistance in the modern age?" offers another. And, "Pity the tech glitches ruined the whole vibe of the centre."

While many of our group were impressed, some couldn't get the app to work, some gave up, and some thought the technology was "clunky". Multimedia "stories" run on strict loops, meaning you wait.

Advertisement

The centre has big-screen galleries, offering audio-visual experiences, with voice-overs drawn from letters and diaries, accompanied by life-size images and some confronting images. Visitors download the SJMC app, which offers stories depending on location. The centre has 80 devices to lend.

Bring earphones or buy for €3 and headphones for €25. They aren't suitable for iPhone 7 and later models. You'll chew through your battery but charging stations are available.

SJMC director Caroline Bartlett says feedback is closely considered and they are committed to "taking it on and managing the best possible centre for all visitors". She says that staff take time to explain how the application works and most "soon get the hang of it".

Almost all feedback from the 50,000 visitors so far is that the app is user-friendly but a scheduled refresh is planned, she says. Some older Android devices have a 20-second delay so sound is out of synch – borrow a device.

Do visitors receive a simplified, "dumbed down" narrative? Bartlett disagrees, saying that an audio-visual presentation "is an exciting new way to present detailed, explicit and targeted content, to explain in depth and on a more personal level a complex subject matter that traditional artefact displays cannot".

Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson has been reported as saying he thinks young people in particular will be energised by the creative use of technology to bring the story to life. One wonders if this is an indication of what is planned for Canberra's Australian War Memorial's $500 million expansion.

On the question of the graphic SJMC installations, Bartlett says, "War is an upsetting topic and the horror of the First World War is beyond what any of us can imagine today … the centre is about the realities of the war and in a small number of instances in the centre, it can be difficult." Staff are trained to prepare visitors for the immersive gallery's confronting content and warnings are displayed. Families with children under 12 are advised against the immersive gallery and two other galleries' confronting themes.

Some online comments take issue with the lack of discussion about how politicians failed to stop the conflict and how subsequent Australian governments did not adequately address issues of PTSD in returning soldiers.

Bartlett says the centre's purpose is to "ensure the memory of ordinary Australians in extraordinary circumstances is not forgotten … we do not delve into political decisions or processes. We do however talk of PTSD in the 'Fates and Impacts' section."

The centre is free, which concerns some worried about the fate of the fee-charging Villers-Bretoneux Franco-Australian museum at the Victoria School, with its poignant "do not forget Australia" plaque. Our guide says tour buses often now "just drive past" for a look.

Whatever your impression, the SJMC, set in its beautiful Cox Architecture-designed building, provides an overwhelmingly sensory interpretation of Australia's devastating Western Front campaign.

TRIP NOTES

MORE

traveller.com.au/france

sjmc.gov.au/

TOUR

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours operates a variety of Western Front battlefields tours from April to November. His four-day Western Front Explorer Tour in 2019 costs $1997 a person twin share. See battlefields.com.au/

FLY

Vietnam Airlines flies daily from Sydney and Melbourne to Paris via Ho Chi Minh City. See vietnamairlines.com/

Alison Stewart was a guest of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.

from traveller.com.au

[wildlyhardphilosopher-blog]

Canine Obedience Training | Check It Out Now

New Post has been published on https://dogtraining.dknol.com/english/canine-obedience-training-check-it-out-now/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr+%230+Freda+K+Pless&utm_campaign=SNAP%2Bfrom%2BBest+Dog+Training

Canine Obedience Training | Check It Out Now

Praise and correction words should be started at 2-3 months old. Using the correct tone of voice and body language, you will be able to properly teach commands such as “No” and “Good”. This will help your puppy differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. Mastering these simple commands will make it easier to move onto teaching more complex words. Aggression We offer dog training in Darwin NT and we will provide you with the right advice for all stages of your canine’s development.  Whether you have just acquired a new puppy or have an older dog which needs some training and direction to become a well mannered and happy dog, we have the service to suit your requirements. This includes Dog Behaviour Modification, Dog Obedience Training, Puppy Training and much more.  We would love to share our accredited knowledge of the science behind learning and behaviour with you to teach you the owner how to train your K9 and to create a long lasting enjoyable relationship with your dog.
 Dogs RSPCA Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital Stage 2 The term “observational learning” encompasses several closely related concepts: allelomimetic behavior or mimicking where, for example, puppies follow or copy others of their kind; social facilitation where the presence of another dog causes an increase in the intensity of a behavior; and local enhancement which includes pieces of social facilitation, mimicking, and trial-and-error learning, but is different from true observational learning in that the dog actively participates in the behavior in the presence of the other dog and/or other environmental cues.[53] Four necessary conditions for observational learning are: attention, retention, motivation, and production. That is, the dog must pay attention to the dog or person performing the modelled behavior; retain the information gathered about the behavior during the observation; be motivated to reproduce the behavior in a time and place removed from the original; and finally, produce the behavior, or some reasonable facsimile thereof.[53]

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[journaljunkpage]

SOUL FERTILE

Guillaume Gwardeath / © Miguel

The Inspector Cluzo, c’est deux hommes occupés. Pour les coincer dans leur ferme Lou Casse, à Eyres-Moncubes, en Chalosse, en plein coeur de la Gascogne, il faut viser entre leur retour d’un concert en Suisse, leur départ pour un rendez-vous d’affaires à Londres, et s’interrompre le temps de prendre au téléphone l’attachée de presse autrichienne, ou de saluer un voisin de passage. Animé par le choix du bon outil et de la bonne démarche, le duo soul-funk-rock’n’roll explique comment il entend semer ses graines dans une terre saine. À l’occasion de la sortie de leur album marquant leur dixième anniversaire, We People of the Soil, rencontre avec le guitariste-chanteur Laurent Lacrouts dit Malcom. 

Votre nouvel album connaît une sortie en deux temps : une avant-première nationale avant l’été, puis une sortie mondiale ce mois‑ci ?

Tout à fait. En France, ça marche fort, en tout cas pour un groupe de rock avec des guitares : on en est à plus de six mille exemplaires physiques vendus. L’album est sorti comme d’habitude sur notre propre label, Fuck the bass player Records, en France en mai, puis on a signé un contrat de distribution mondiale avec les Anglais de Caroline. Cela sort à l’international le 26 octobre. Les fondamentaux n’ont pas changé pour nous. La maison de disques Caroline voulait absolument signer une licence, mais la ligne que nous suivons consiste à essayer de montrer que l’on peut être un groupe à la fois international et autoproduit. Ça ne veut pas dire qu’on a raison, mais on voudrait arriver à montrer que cela peut marcher.

Quelle est votre définition de l’indépendance ?

Être indépendant, c’est arriver à s’autofinancer. C’est notre parcours depuis des années. L’autonomie alimentaire que nous pratiquons en fait partie. Tu peux produire avec les richesses que tu crées, à l’endroit où tu es. Avec le groupe, nous tâchons de nous projeter à l’international, mais sans utiliser le financement mondialisé. Pour info, on a déjà refusé deux fois des propositions de majors. On aurait été dans les années 1990, on aurait accepté. À l’époque, on ne savait pas que tout cet argent est celui des investissements des fonds de pension. On a expliqué aux Anglais de Caroline qu’on ne voulait pas de leur argent, mais juste bénéficier de leur structure de distribution. La négociation nous a pris sept mois, ce qui explique les dates de sorties différées. Au final, c’est nous qui payons la fabrication de nos disques. C’est nous qui payons la promotion. Ça nous coûte une blinde, je l’avoue ! Fuck the bass player Records, notre étiquette, fait travailler dix-sept attachés de presse dans dix-sept pays. On se retrouve avec un boulot de fou.

Votre vision des choses a-t-elle convenu aisément à une structure commerciale plus classiquement capitaliste telle que Caroline ?

Ils savent que le rock est très mal aujourd’hui ; à l’exception du metal qui est repassé dans le mainstream. Mais le rock et le blues vendent très peu. Les Anglais et les Américains, qui sont quand même dépositaires de ces musiques, sont à la recherche de nouveaux angles. Ils sont persuadés, comme nous, que cela ne peut venir que de structurations atypiques. C’est intéressant d’essayer d’aller jusqu’au bout de cette histoire. Par exemple, dans des endroits comme en Amérique du Sud, il n’existe pas de réseau pour vendre les disques, alors on essaie de mettre en place le nôtre. C’est nous qui pilotons cela, et c’est passionnant, au-delà de la musique !

Vous faites tout cela à deux personnes seulement ?

Il existe quatre structures : Fuck the bass player Records qui est le label ; Rock Farmers qui gère notre boutique ; Ter A Terre qui s’occupe de monter les tournées ; et Ter A Terre Éditions qui nous permet de récupérer, quand on le peut, les droits d’auteur partout dans le monde. On travaille avec un sonorisateur attitré, Laurent Etxemendi, originaire du Pays basque, l’ancien de Gojira, et un régisseur qui vient de Limoges, Julien Bernard, qui est par ailleurs musicien dans le très bon groupe 7Weeks. Une armada de jeunes bénévoles répond présent quand il y a un coup de bourre, comme quand il a fallu assembler nos livres-CD. On fait des repas avec tout le monde puis on se colle au travail. Tout est piloté par Mat [batteur du duo, NDLR] et moi, avec l’aide d’une personne salariée à mi-temps pour nous aider sur l’administratif, la compta et les commandes. Quand il faut aller chercher nos T-shirts chez Adishatz, à Capbreton, ce sont mes parents qui font l’aller-retour ! Allez, on va dire qu’il y a une vingtaine de personnes qui sont prêtes, de près ou de loin, à donner la main. Si on compte au niveau mondial, ça peut vite monter à une centaine… Il faut savoir que le reste du temps nous travaillons à la ferme. Tout est lié. On s’occupe des semis, du potager, etc. Il s’agit d’un projet global et familial.

L’indépendance, toujours.

Oui, on se fait à manger. Être autonome alimentairement parlant, c’est la source première de l’indépendance. C’est un travail qui ne nous rémunère peut-être pas directement, mais qui nous évite de faire des dépenses. On est aussi en quelque sorte payé par l’immense qualité de ce que l’on mange, et le plaisir de le faire. Il serait temps qu’en Occident les gens se remettent à comprendre qu’il faut se faire à manger. Au moins essayer. Une partie. Ça crée des choses très fortes : des ancrages, évidemment, et des interactions sociales. Même commencer à faire pousser son persil sur son balcon, c’est se mettre sur ce chemin. Bon, je t’avoue qu’en ce moment on bouffe surtout des carottes et des betteraves…

Comment avez-vous pensé votre nouveau disque ?

Les compos ont été faites à la guitare acoustique tout l’hiver. D’octobre à mars, ce fut une grosse période d’hibernation. De six heures du matin à vingt heures, on a gavé les oies à la ferme. C’est une activité pour laquelle il faut un tempérament solitaire,

un peu comme un pêcheur en mer. Cela permet de prendre énormément de recul, et c’est là qu’on compose énormément de titres. Comme tous nos albums depuis Gasconha Rocks, ce sont des photos, ou des reflets, de ce que nous avons vécu. À commencer par notre vie ici, et ce dont on vient juste de parler : les conséquences sociales d’avoir fait le choix d’être autonomes et de ne rencontrer que des gens qui ont fait le choix de la terre. Le disque parle aussi de nos voyages, comme quand Dizzy Brains nous avait invités à leur festival de rock à Madagascar. C’est là qu’on a compris ce que « faire du rock » voulait dire et pourquoi cette musique existe. Quelque chose qui s’est perdu en Occident où il ne reste plus grand-chose à contester, postures mises à part. À Madagascar ou au Chili on a vu la désinhibition de ces artistes, leur foi, leur candeur, leur fighting spirit et leur grinta !

Contrairement à vos habitudes, vous n’avez pas enregistré ce disque dans votre studio à la maison mais vous êtes allés aux États-Unis…

On est allé à Nashville, Tennessee. Une ville, un peu comme Austin ou Chicago, très progressiste… alors que, si tu sors à vingt miles, tu es entouré de drapeaux sudistes. L’état d’esprit y est très particulier. Tout tourne autour de la musique. La vraie. Je n’y ai pas vu un DJ, pas un set electro. Pas un seul. Tout le monde joue de quelque chose, et hyper bien d’ailleurs. Notre producteur Vance Powell est un type assez extraordinaire, un des deux ou trois plus grands producteurs de rock actuel sur la planète mais, d’une part, il a une approche de son travail très artisanale, ce qui n’est pas pour nous déplaire, et, d’autre part, comme tous les gens qui sont très bons, il ne se prend pas au sérieux, ce qui fait du bien. Son studio est une vraie usine à gaz analogique, dans laquelle l’ordinateur ne sert qu’à faire des sauvegardes de sécurité. Vance n’est pas un producteur intrusif. Il nous a dit : « Je suis là pour prendre la meilleure version de vous-mêmes. » Il n’est pas là pour tout retricoter ou reconstruire derrière. Tu fais trois prises sur bande, en live, et tu choisis la bonne ! C’est la méthode à l’ancienne, celle de la soul, du blues et du rhythm’n’blues.

Comment expliquer votre développement à l’international ?

Notre premier gros concert à l’étranger, ça a été le Fuji Rock au Japon, avec la sortie d’un quatre titres qui avait été bien bossé là-bas. À l’occasion de ce premier concert, on nous avait présenté le plus gros promoteur de concerts au Japon, qui avait été étonnamment emballé. C’est toujours lui qui nous fait tourner au Japon. Il y fait tourner Magma et The Inspector Cluzo ! Il est venu nous voir à la ferme et il est resté pour nous regarder travailler dans le froid… Sans doute parce que les Japonais sont très attachés aux traditions ? Ce contact privilégié nous a apporté une crédibilité énorme vis-à-vis des Anglais, des Australiens, etc. Jouer au Fuji, c’est comme jouer ici au Roskilde, à Glastonbury ou à Leeds. Du coup, en France, des programmateurs ont vu ça et ont fait leur boulot en nous faisant jouer aux Eurockéennes à Belfort ou au Rock dans tous ses états à Évreux. Parallèlement, le Japon a ouvert la Corée, puis l’Australie, etc. Tout s’est fait assez naturellement, chaque concert entraînant deux ou trois nouvelles offres. Comme nous connaissons quand même le métier, on s’est attaché à structurer les choses, à signer des deals, à travailler nos relations avec la presse, etc. C’est la condition d’un succès pérenne. Sinon on finit juste par aller faire du tourisme à droite à gauche…

Autant de travail doit impliquer un emploi du temps inhumain ! Tout est-il bien vrai dans votre histoire, ou bien ne servez-vous pas un storytelling bien emballé pour enfumer les journalistes des grandes villes ?

On est intermittents et on est agriculteurs professionnels. Les deux. C’est un cas très particulier, a priori le seul cas en France. On vit surtout de la musique. L’agriculture relève plus encore d’un engagement. C’est malheureux, mais les Français ne croient plus aux histoires différentes. Je comprends la méfiance. À la télé, une histoire sur deux est fausse, et je sais bien que construire du storytelling fait partie des bases du marketing. Mais ce qui fait le succès de notre histoire, c’est que tout est vrai. Avec nos excès, nos bons côtés, nos mauvais côtés. Mais tout est vrai. Alors, c’est vrai : on travaille tout le temps. On ne prend jamais de vacances. Mais on n’a jamais été aussi posés. On fait ce qu’on aime. On est libre. Tu nous parles d’un emploi du temps « inhumain ». Je dirais, au contraire, qu’il s’agit d’un emploi du temps très humain.

« Ce qui fait le succès de notre histoire, c’est que tout est vrai. »

www.theinspectorcluzo.com www.rockfarmers.fr www.loucasse.com

The Inspector Cluzo + Viagra Boys + Lobos Marinos, jeudi 18 octobre, 20 h, La Sirène, La Rochelle (17000). www.la-sirene.fr

The Inspector Cluzo + Lobos Marinos, vendredi 19 octobre, 19 h, Krakatoa, Mérignac (33700). www.krakatoa.org

The Inspector Cluzo + Lobos Marinos, samedi 20 octobre, 21 h, L’Atabal, Biarritz (64200). www.krakatoa.org

[tinymixtapes]

Feature: 2017: Favorite 50 Songs

NOTE: Each day this week, we will share a new 10-track mix, which together represent 50 of our favorite songs from 2017. Today’s theme is “GYM,” mixed by Corrigan B. I have a reputation for being ruthlessly optimistic, which is why I typically hate this kind of shit: yearly ritual lamentations on things like racist soap commercials and weird presidential takedowns of professional football players; in retrospectives like this, it seems like we always group our collective grievances in odd numbers, truncating our listing of injustices for brevity and politeness. This approach — of remembering and marking a year like we’re scratching off days on a culturally misappropriated doom calendar — has always struck me as insincere and offensive, but then it ends, and it’s weird looking back at what we went through and what got us through. Another arbitrary amount of time has passed, and yet it really does feel heavy. Death is real. Words fail. Mask on. Fuck it, mask off! So we pick a song and close our eyes and turn it up. And what were we blaring this year that warped time’s mundane and oppressive rhythms? What mutterings slowed us down when we were spinning out of control? What sounds launched us through uncertainty and landed us somewhere a little more familiar, if even for just a few minutes? There was no high canon guiding our self-care other than what we needed, and aren’t we all a little less particular about what kind of noise lifts us up when we’re fumbling through our first yoga class at the GYM, screaming obscenities into the glowing rectangular VOID, remembering love and loss on the brisk face of the CLIFF, shuffling home through the ALLEY at night, driving away from it all in the COUPE? We don’t have EVERYTHING listed here, but for us, a lot of these tracks were EVERYTHING this year. So, in that spirit of dissolving hierarchies of taste, this list is not ranked; instead, here are five themed mixes of our Favorite Songs of 2017. How you interact with them is your choice: you can nod along, you can face the noise stoically, you can dance, you can laugh at some of our choices, and most importantly, no matter what anybody tells you, it’s okay to cry. It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay. However you remember 2017, just know that you’re not alone, and don’t let a crotchety optimist like me tell you to smile through it all. Just pick a song and close your eyes and turn it up. You’ll know what to do when you hear it. –Jazz Scott --- PART 1: “GYM” mixed by Corrigan B --- Joe “Tail Lift” [Hessle Audio] Given its title, it was unsurprising that Joe’s “Tail Lift” was concerned with momentum. Like the piece of machinery it’s named after, “Tail Lift” was always pushing things upwards. Over the course of its nearly six-minute runtime, the track shook and shimmied, balancing chirps, whistles, chimes, and bells over an insistent, doubled beat that was constantly falling over and into itself. These propulsive movements were adorned, interrupted, and joined along the way by fellow sonic travelers drawn to the upbeat procession — children’s voices, glassy keys, miniature melodies — suffusing the track with a caffeinated, off-kilter mien. Dalliances with the weird were frequent here; cartoonish pops, drums, and squeaks bursting into view as the track underwent one of several mini-implosions, its parts falling to the ground before being picked up again, their order jumbled, soldered-together edges overflowing with molten metal. “Tail Lift” was the sonic embodiment of this aleatory backyard readymade: equal parts humorous, conceptual, and functional; archly constructed and strangely satisfying. –Rafael Lubner --- Lil B “Wasup Jojo” [BasedWorld] Feels like a track might be the wrong kind of unit for looking at something by Lil B. Like, look at scales of magnitudes, not at atoms. But on the other hand, everything in the universe is literally in everything else. And I mean that — all of the BasedWorld is in everything Lil B does, and when Black Ken, in its nostalgic Bay Area references, seemed like it was doing something out of reverence for “ancient history,” it turns out that those things were sucked into Lil B’s ambit too. He’s not referring to them; they refer to him from now on: “Wasup JoJo” — it’s a NODE, the busiest in the switchover. –Michael J --- Fever Ray “To the Moon and Back” [Mute] Fever Ray’s Karin Dreijer is so notorious for her enigmatic identity and arresting visuals that we often forget just how gifted a songwriter she is. “Hey, remember me/ I’ve been busy working like crazy,” she reminded us on “To the Moon and Back,” her first song of new music since 2009. A bouncy synth-pop jam more reminiscent of the playful Deep Cuts-era Knife material than Dreijer’s previous output under the Fever Ray alias, the song was crafted from a series of expertly layered synth lines that built to a orgasmic release, a tantalizing taste of what we had been missing. –Jeff Miller --- Nídia “Puro Tarraxo” [Príncipe Discos] I don’t get into aerobics, but half of Nídia’s kuduro beats could function as Zumba fodder. If you threw on “Puro Tarraxo” though, you were plain fucked. There was the semblance of slowed-down reggaeton in there, but it was too slow to follow properly; besides, every rhythmic element was either tripping on its time signatures or moshing with the others. It was the sound of getting down on the yoga mat for about 20 seconds before realizing you were waaay too out of shape for this, but holy shit everyone else is doing it so you’ve gotta keep going gotta keep going gotta keep going gotta keep *faints* –Baldr Eldursson --- FOOZOOL “AZAT” [Club Chai] Club Chai, a collective whose mission is to “[centre] diasporic narratives, women and trans artists, DJs, and producers,” is important. Club Chai Vol. 1, their first major release, put the Oakland-based label on the map, and co-founder FOOZOOL’s track “AZAT” was a diamond among its many gems. Effortlessly mixing an opera-backing sample with a gritty guitar lead, the track exemplified what Club Chai Vol. 1 is all about: dance tracks full of “how the hell did they think of that” moments. We’re already chomping on our nails in anticipation for volume 2. –Sam Tornow --- Kelly Lee Owens “Anxi.” (ft. Jenny Hval) [Smalltown Supersound] Have you ever wondered where those joggers go? You know, the ones you see every day on a routine? Oh, sure, they go in a loop: From start to end, a simple route with clearly defined points of direction. No deviation. No direction. But are they going somewhere? Do they even see anything on their path, observe the world around them? Are they even there? I think not. Joggers mechanize. They aren’t going anywhere. They’re fulfilling maintenance that has no bearing, no effect in the long term. They’ll break down eventually. What meaning will they have then? –Ze Pequeno --- DJ Hell “I Want U” [International Deejay Gigolo] Taken from Zukunftsmusik (the title of which is German for “music of the future”), DJ Hell’s “I Want U” is a song about fucking. Specifically, as is obvious from the track’s associated artwork lifted from legendary homoerotic fetish artist Touko Laaksonen (a.k.a. Tom of Finland), it’s about huge, strong men fucking, but the instrumental worked for anyone with genitals. This face-blast of industrial techno pumped harder than Louis C.K. in front of an aspiring female comic, but unlike Louis, this track won’t make you feel disgusting inside after the experience. “I Want U” was an affirmation, an ode to the bears among us. It fed all kinds of muscles. –Alan Ranta --- Lorde “Supercut” [Republic/Lava] Drunk as shit. Tumble, starfish, curl. In bed, not in love. Not in love, not in love. Say it without opening Instagram. Too late. Illuminated by neon at the dive. Rose light. Obsessed with it. And you, fuck. Remember yelling along to our favorite songs all summer while driving the hell out of town? Remember glittering my eyelids before the party? Remember wearing backless velvet? I tried getting over it. Promised I would. Hated it. Shit, we were radiant. Magic. I forget why it ended. The crush, the rush. The energy. I would do anything. Text me? Please? –Caroline Rayner --- Ariel Pink “Time to Live” [Mexican Summer] He’s one part Bowie, one part nonsense-babbling toddler; he has arguably released more #1 smash hits than anyone in history, but in a dearly departed genre. Here, Ariel Pink returned to the cassette-left-on-the-dashboard production style of his early work, fording two and a half minutes of wind tunnels and monsters before his Trump-era call to arms gained full force. There was a layer of absurdist comedy to his divinations and absolutist pronouncements, but he committed 110% — as we all must. He turned into Princess Ariel for the watery coda and headed home with another W. –water --- POBBLES “POBBLES” [PC Music] I’m still not sure what a POBBLE is, but I think I want to eat one. The hyperactive Tomagatchi/marshmallow hybrid was offensively PC Music and also possibly the end to human despair. Accompanied by a video that must have been a nightmare to animate, the collaboration between A. G. Cook and Always & Forever Computer Entertainment had enough juice to fry a battery. Where can I buy a POBBLE? Are they like pets? Should I water it? Whatever it is, I’m sure my dentist advises against it. –Sam Tornow Come back tomorrow for the “VOID” mix. http://j.mp/2nMtfLK

[londontheatre]

The Diary of a Nobody

A bit of history for some of our younger readers now. Back in the good old days – when a cloud was something fluffy in the sky, a mobile phone was the one on the kitchen wall with an extremely long flex so you could talk in the hallway and a blog was just a spelling mistake – if you wanted to keep a record of everything you did over the course of time, you would have to sit down with a book and a pen and write your thoughts down. I know, it all sounds a bit primitive but if it hadn’t been done this way, nobody today would have heard of Samuel Pepys, Anne Frank or Virginia Woolf. A diary is a window into the past that can provide an insight into a time gone by. Take, for example, The Diary of a Nobody which is back at The King’s Head Theatre.

On the 3rd April 1888, City of London Clerk Charles Pooter (Jake Curran) and his wife Caroline (Jordan Mallory-Skinner) move into their new home in Holloway. Along with them is their servant, Sarah (Geordie Wright) and together the three of them settle down a normal, respectable middle-class Victorian life, all documented by Charles in his diary. The Pooter’s are not the most sociable of people but they have friends who pop in now and again, they have a home that needs some work doing to it, the interact with tradesmen and other people of the area and they have a son William ‘call me Lupin’ (Loz Keystone) who is a successful bank clerk in Oldham. Over the next 15 months or so, Charles documents the ups and downs of domestic life. The highs – such as being invited to attend a ball at the mansion house – and the lows – such as not knowing when to stop with the red paint. Just a regular story of Victorian town-folk.

I’ve never got around to reading Diary of a Nobody but it seems to be one of those books I’m really familiar with. The main thing I remember is the awful puns – especially the one about Gowing and Cummings – which would shame a writer of Christmas cracker jokes. So this production is a welcome insight into the book. The set – designed by Christopher Hone – is a standard Victorian parlour but with white walls and the various, windows, fireplace, hangings, etc line drawn like an old line drawing you would find in a book. The costumes themselves are predominately white, with black edgings and the elements combined create a sort of old black and white movie feel, giving the production a nice period look that adds to the very Victorian English of the text.

In The Diary of a Nobody, there are a total of 45 characters, both male and female. A lot of actors you may think. Well obviously some of the actors double up. In fact, three of the actors perform 44 of the roles between them. No mean feat but one they carry off with aplomb. There are laughs aplenty in this show, both in the text and in the staging by Director Mary Franklin. And the cast really play them up for all they are worth – the start of the play within a play scene was one of the funniest. The cast are obviously enjoying themselves up there and, there were a couple of occasions when it looked as if a case of corpsing was about to break out. Though full credit to Jake Curren whose Pooter never moved from being the stiff-necked, English gentleman throughout. I also really liked Jordan Mallory-Skinner as Carrie, managing the difficult task of remaining a chap whilst playing a weak Victorian wife with some very feminine scenes quite convincingly.

So, what didn’t I like about The Diary of a Nobody? Nothing really. The roughly two hours running time went quite fast and I was engaged with the show all the way through. It doesn’t say in the programme but whoever did the abridgement did really well, though I didn’t really understand the ending until I read a precis of the book this morning – thank you Wikipedia.

Overall, The Diary of a Nobody is a really nice rendition of an old classic. With lots of humour and some distinctly un-PC attitudes, the production is very entertaining and an enjoyable slice of Victorian fun.

Review by Terry Eastham

4 male actors, 45 mix gender roles, a stage full of props, a party, a brawl, a broken engagement and a lot of bad puns. This is a comedy of lovingly controlled chaos.

Evelyn Waugh called The Diary of a Nobody ‘the funniest book in the world’. First published in the 1800s, it tells the story of a self-important but tender-hearted Victorian office-worker. Mr. Pooter never loses his sense of humour as he is made to deal with the trails of everyday life – a wayward son, trouble at the office, house hold improvements gone wrong and the annoyance of catching your foot in the mat whilst trying to leave the room in silent dignity.

This cult Victorian novel is transformed into an uproarious comedy through inventive and imaginative staging. Balancing moments of wild humour against the insightful depiction of an ordinary life and happy marriage, this is a show with a surreal comic flair and a strongly beating emotional heart.

Director & Adaptor Mary Franklin Designer Carin Nakanishi Sound Designer Jordan Mallory-Skinner

The Diary of a Nobody 3 Nov — 18 Nov 2017 Kings Head Theatre Drama Rough Haired Pointer http://ift.tt/1fCF0rr

http://ift.tt/2gYQqfH London Theatre 1

[nofomoartworld]

Art F City: This Week’s Must-See Art Events: Teach-ins, Yoni Eggs, Cemetery Secrets, and More

Martha Wilson

It’s a bit of a slow week for the art world, but that’s just fine by us. There are a handful of events we’re really looking forward to this week and those will be much better enjoyed without the stress of darting around to a dozen other openings. Those include Martha Wilson’s Activist History Teach-In at The 8th Floor on Wednesday night, Alex Ebstein’s solo show at Victori + Mo Friday night, and Sophie Calle at Green-Wood Cemetery on Saturday. Calle will be taking visitor’s confessions and entombing them. Never turn down an opportunity to check out Green-Wood, and certainly never an opportunity for consequence-free secret-telling. 

T

W

T

F

S

S

Tue

Salon 94 Bowery

243 Bowery New York, NY 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Website

Josep Grau-Garriga: Tapestries 1970 - 2011

This retrospective of the late, great Catalan artist Josep Grau-Garriga is an all-too-rare opportunity to see his experimental weavings in the flesh. Grau-Garriga pioneered numerous fiber arts techniques, drawing inspiration from the craft’s history as well as painting and politics. For fans of textiles, this is an absolute must-see.

Wed

The 8th Floor

17 W 17th St New York, NY 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Website

Martha Wilson: Activist History Teach-in

Martha Wilson is a national treasure. Here, she’s throwing a teach-in with fellow artists/activists Ann Agee, Todd Ayoung, Alicia Grullón, Katherine Perk, Lise Solskolne, and Barbara Zucker—sharing decades of wisdom on art and political resistance. Wilson will also be performing her Donald Trump drag, and that’s a can’t-miss sight.

Thu

The Painting Center

547 West 27th Street New York, NY 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Website

Al Peters: Just Painting and Small Drawings

Al Peters’ abstract works have a quiet, lyrical sensibility that can make them seem like loveletters in an alien language based on color. Forms might repeat, as in an alphabet, and compositions often suggest some sort of progressive “reading”. They’re the kind of works you can stare at for a long time, and that alone is an all-too-undervalued quality.

Kravets Wehby Gallery

521 W 21st St. New York, NY 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Website

Allison Zuckerman: Act Natural

Allison Zuckerman’s drag-queen-cutout was a hit at SPRING/BREAK this year, so we can’t wait to see what a whole show of her strange figures will look like. Zuckerman collages and enlarges images from art history or the internet and uses them as the base for mixed-media paintings. The end result feels like a really weird party.

Fri

Luhring Augustine

531 West 24th Street New York, NY 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Website

Lygia Clark

Luhring Augustine is presenting an exhibition of Brazilian modernist Lygia Clark’s early works. These include drawings and 2-D works, as well as her famous, interactive “Bicho” sculptures. Clark’s work is always so rewarding because she seemed to be inviting the audience to participate in some grand research project. There’s a sense she was always trying to solve some puzzle, and the viewer is along for the ride.

Victori + Mo

56 Bogart St. Brooklyn, NY 6:00 p..m. - 9:00 p.m. Website

Alex Ebstein: Fad Bodies

What is a ‘Yoni Egg,’ you might ask? Well, it’s apparently a crystal egg that can put in your vagina to meditate (thanks, Google). These are some of the components in Alex Ebstein’s upcoming installation.

We love Ebstein’s work, which often involves paintings made from cut-up yoga mats and string. Here, she’s designing a whole new-agey environment based on the aesthetics of health fads. This should be a great show.

Sat

28 Liberty St, 24th floor New York, NY 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Website

LMCC Open Studios

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council is throwing an open studio event with artists-in-residence at the LMCC’s highrise workspaces. I don’t recognize any of the names on that list, but it’s always cool to check out resources like the workspace program.

Manal Abu-Shaheen, Amber Atiya, Laurie Berg, Matthew Conradt, Oscar Rene Cornejo, Damien Davis, Nick Doyle, Tess Dworman, Ira Eduardovna, Devra Freelander, Wojciech Gilewicz, Reina Gossett, Sasha Wortzel, Stephanie Gray, Esteban Jefferson, Tennessee Jones, Gautam Kansara, Dana Katz, Amy Khoshbin, Su-Yee Lin, Christina Masciotti, Saretta Morgan, Courtney Puckett, Amy Ritter, Emmalea Russo, Purvi Shah, Elisabeth Smolarz, Carlos J Soto, Sarah Cameron Sunde, Xu Wang, Chris Watts, Caroline Woolard, Ezra Wube

Green-Wood Cemetery

500 25th Street Brooklyn, NY 6:00 p.m. Website

Sophie Calle at Green-Wood Cemetery

Sophie Calle is great, and cemeteries are great. Now, thanks to Creative Time, the French conceptual artist is coming to Green-Wood cemetery for an interactive public artwork with a duration of 25 years.

Visitors are invited to submit secrets at an obelisk above a grave. When the grave fills up with secrets, Calle with cremate them for you. Spooky and cathartic!

Sun

MoMA

11 West 53rd Street New York, NY 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Website

Louise Lawler: WHY PICTURES NOW

It’s surprising that WHY PICTURES NOW will be Louise Lawler’s first museum survey in the artist’s hometown. Lawler’s institutional-critique photography practice is so influential and compelling, and seeing an exhibition at this scale should be rewarding. Lawler’s photos of artworks in collectors’ homes, auction houses, and galleries will be blown-up for mural-sized prints scaled to the museum’s architecture.

from Art F City http://ift.tt/2peN2ma via IFTTT

[bloojayoolie]

Andrew Bogut, Children, and Crying: Cary 25036 Heartbroken not feeling well HELP!!! Pleeease, don't let them kill me! IS mma N us NOW Fluffy little 3 year young Maltese girl Cary JUST had PUPPIES, is STILL lactating & got dumped at the shelter without her babies (she is supposedly a "Stray"). How sad & cruel is that?? Poor little girl.. She is heartbroken & not feeling well & let them know it too. My Word, COME ON, she NEEDS HELP & THAT RIGHT NOW as she IS ON THE NYC Kill List. This heartbroken little Momma needs TLC patience, CARE & time to RECOVER from her ORDEAL. How can anyone just give up on her??? She is still a YOUNG GIRL, & will be fine once feeling better, safe & loved again. For crying out loud, just give her A CHANCE, you'll see! APPLY NOW to SAVE her LIFE!! Little Cary DIES at the Manhattan, NY ACC UNLESS FOSTERED, ADOPTED, or RESCUED RIGHT NOW!!! Just DO IT, save her life! ***** TO BE KILLED 4/21/2018 in NYC ***** ** THIS YOUNG, HEARTBROKEN throw-away Momma NEEDS us NOW ** Fluffy little 3 year young Maltese girl Cary JUST had PUPPIES, is STILL lactating & got dumped at the shelter without her babies (she is supposedly a "Stray"). How sad & cruel is that?? Poor little girl :( She is heartbroken & not feeling well & let them know it too. My Word, COME ON, she NEEDS HELP & THAT RIGHT NOW as she IS ON THE NYC Kill List. This heartbroken little Momma needs TLC, patience, CARE & time to RECOVER from her ORDEAL. How can anyone just give up on her??? She is still a YOUNG GIRL, & will be fine once feeling better, safe & loved again. For crying out loud, just give her A CHANCE, you'll see! APPLY NOW to SAVE her LIFE!! Little Cary DIES at the Manhattan, NY ACC UNLESS ✔FOSTERED✔ADOPTED✔RESCUED✔RIGHT NOW!!! Just DO IT, save her life! **HURRY** she IS Out Of Time :( ✔Pledge✔Tag✔Share✔Foster✔Adopt✔Save her life ******************************************** To FOSTER or ADOPT little Cary, to Save her Life, SPEAK UP NOW & message Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance IMMEDIATELY. ******************************************** Cary 25036 Small Mixed Breed Second Maltese Sex female Age 3 yrs (approx.) Weight 23 lbs My health has been checked. My vaccinations are up to date. My worming is up to date. I have been micro-chipped. I am waiting for you at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Please, please, SAVE ME!!! I am begging you! === TO FOSTER or ADOPT ==== Little Cary needs to be pulled by a rescue due to being 'extremely uncomfortable' at the shelter (Do ya blame her??). To Foster or, even better, Adopt, please APPLY with rescues NOW or MESSAGE Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance with filling out applications. BUT... Hurry please, time is short, and the rescues need time to process the applications. The general rule is to foster you have to be within 4 hours of the NYC ACC approved New Hope partner rescues you are applying with and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA). ✔Pledge✔Tag✔Share✔Foster✔Adopt✔Save a life! Thank you for caring! ================================= DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Estimated 2-5 years based on dentition and overall appearance Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned neg - MC placed during exam History : Stray, no health hx available Subjective: Waddles on leash. Alert. Observed Behavior - Slightly tense, snaps when I go near her eyes. Pt was muzzled and then allowed all handling. Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 7/9 EENT: Moderate yellow thick discharge OU, very mild neovascularization OU. No corneal opacity noted. Ears clean, no nasal discharge noted. Oral Exam: Muzzled, so difficult to assess. Pt is missing right maxillary canine tooth. Right mandib K9 and incisors are very clean. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Large, distended, taut. U/G: Female, mild mammary development and pt is lactating (thick yellow discharge) MSI: Unkempt, greasy, matted fur coat. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Schirmer tear test - 7 mm in 60 sec OU Assessment: 1. Late term pregnant 2. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dry eye) 3. Missing tooth 4. Recent litter - still lactating a small amount 5. Recent bloody vulvar discharge/hematuria - likely normal post-partum lochia, which should stop in a few weeks Prognosis: Good with consistent treatment of KCS SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to late-term pregnancy 4/12/2018 Examined and thought to be very late-term pregnant due to lactation, mammary development and large abdomen. 4/18/2018 Mammary glands minimally developed - smaller than previously but pet is still lactating. Lactating - R/O recent litter. At this point, late-term pregnancy seems less likely. Distended abdomen - R/O retained fetal tissues vs. UTI vs. other Reported hematuria - R/O hematuria vs. vulvar discharge vs. other Abd rads: -Large amount of SQ fat -Ovoid mass dorsal to the bladder which could be consistent with a post-pregnancy uterus -Otherwise unremarkable ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Cary so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. In the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: NEW HOPE ONLY Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to how uncomfortable Cary is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Cary has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has allowed only minimal handling since intake. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Cary snaps at handlers and has allowed minimal handling since intake. It is important to always go slow and give Cary the option to walk away from any social interaction. Cary should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Cary’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Cary would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. Date of assessment:: 4/19/2018 Summary:: Cary appears fearful at the care center, snapping at handlers and allowing minimal handling. Out of concern for her stress levels, we feel she is not a good candidate for a handling assessment at this time. ... NOTE: *** WE HAVE NO OTHER INFORMATION THAN WHAT IS LISTED WITH THIS FLYER *** ... ============ Shelter address ========== - Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 - Phone number (212) 788-4000 (automated only) Operating hours: Monday through Friday 12.00pm to 8.00pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am to 6.00pm. Closed on all Holidays. ============ RE: ACC Site ============= RE: ACC Site - Just because a dog is not on the ACC site does not mean they are safe by any means. There are many reasons for this like a hold or an eval has not been conducted yet or the dog is rescue-only... the list goes on... Please, do share & apply to foster/adopt these pups as well until their thread is updated with their most current status. TY! == About Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs == We are a group of advocates (NOT a shelter NOR a rescue group) dedicated to finding loving homes for NYC dogs in desperate need. ALL the dogs on our site need Rescue, Fosters, or Adopters & that ASAP as they are in NYC high-kill shelters. If you cannot foster or adopt, please share them far & wide. Thank you for caring!! <3 Rescue <3 Foster <3 Adopt <3 Love 4-ever <3 ******************************************** To FOSTER or ADOPT, SPEAK UP NOW, message Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance. ******************************************** https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/Profile/Index/a4d6daf3-a536-4091-bacf-12a39d742a13 ++++ https://www.facebook.com/ACC.OfficialAtRiskAnimals/photos/a.260934517781420.1073741924.228723884335817/260938651114340/?type=3&theater Jody Harris-Stern Cindy Ann McManus Lorraine Healy Wendy Frohlich Caldwell Jennifer Brooks Courtney Bellew Mildred Cordero AmsterDog Harriet Zucker Linda Vetrano Emily Gear Carolin Hocker Caro Hocker Beamer Maximillian Dawn Keiling Schursky Phyllis Taiano

[anoddbunch]

She's laughing and she feels so light just standing there. Of course being outside the house felt more open, felt more free. Within that house Caroline felt stifled, even a little bit suppressed if she was being honest with herself. And she liked the look on his face, the bright eyed look that his laughing gave to him. He was quite honesty one of the most beautiful men that she had ever seen in her life. Not that she would tell him that. Well, not yet.

"I think that it's really the best I've felt in awhile." but then she noticed that there was a mist of rain coming down rather suddenly. She looked up at the sky with a breath of a laugh and then turned to look at him. "As long as you don't mind the rain coming down. That was unexpected."

they make it through the back door without any hassle. and then they're running. he has her by the arm, helping her along as much as he can. he only just realizes once they're pulled aside that he hasn't done up his shirt completely. he sets his hands on her shoulder. he lets out a laugh. then lifts his eyes to her face. he's smiling. she looks a little breathless, her hairs come a little down. she looks - well, light, she looks perfectly beautiful, doesn't she?

"how's it feel to be --- absconded?" he asks before he starts on laughing again. but it felt good, didn't it? to get out of that house. to be alone like this with her. this was dangerous. he knew that. he had built himself up pretty good since he had arrived here. not that he would ever be accepted in spite of his money. but he knew more than anything that this could be some mistake for her. not that he was interested in taking her back any time soon.