#interior on floor 1 done - 2 floors left (+pool area)

[starrybethany]

Maybe Someday - Matthew Tkachuk Imagine Part 2

Part 1

Word count: 3.4K

She steps up to the plate, nervously brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. She’s never nervous- she’s the most confident little girl I’ve ever met. The only time I’ve ever seen her anxious is on the field.

The pitcher throws the ball. It lands in the box on the side of the plate, Naomi standing still like she’s been taught when the throw is a ball. The tiny boy beside me grips my hand tighter and I squeeze it in response, not moving my eyes from my daughter.

The pitcher throws the ball again. I watch as Naomi swings the bat with sturdiness, hitting the ball and knocking it into left field.

“Run, Naomi,” Wyatt cheers like I’ve taught him to do. Her small legs carry her to first base, and she pants when she stops at the base. Her eyes slide over to meet mine and I shoot her a thumbs up.

She smiles. The game continues and soon enough she makes it back to home base, giving her team another point.

“You did so good, honey,” I pull her into a tight hug when the game is over. “I’m proud of you.”

“You tell me that all of the time, mommy.” I already know she’s blushing, so I pull out of the embrace, not wanting to embarrass her in front of all of her friends.

“Good job Mimi,” Wyatt pulls his sister into a hug and I fight back the squeal that wants to escape at their sibling love. She reluctantly hugs him back. I know that she just wants to appear cool in front of her friends, but I can also tell she wants to give all of the love in the world to her little brother at the same time.

“Why don’t you go talk to your friends, Naomi? I just need to talk to your coach about next week’s game and then we can go grab ice cream,” I request, picking up a tired Wyatt and pulling him into my arms. She nods, running off towards her friends as I walk over to her coach.

~

“So as you all know we’ve recently been hired to renovate Scotiabank Saddledome and we wanted to let everyone know that we decided to let Y/N take the lead on this project,” my boss, Andy, informs the office.

Everyone claps and I smile shyly at the response, my heart practically beating out of my chest. I’m not just worried because of all of this attention on me, but also because of what comes along with this project.

Along with making everything perfect for the owners, fans, players, employees, and sponsors that work at the arena, both by making the place look nice and pleasing to the eye and sure that the workers and plans are moving along smoothly, I need to worry about Matthew.

I haven’t talked to Matthew in eight years. The last time that I saw him was the time I left him at the café, whispers the only parting remarks to each other.

Throughout my six-year long relationship with Curtis, I didn’t think about Matt much. I thought about him in the beginning. I checked his game calendar a lot and snuck into the bathroom on date nights to watch games, but that slowly faded as I got more and more immersed by Curtis.

Then Naomi came and I gave her all of my love and attention. Wyatt followed a couple of years after that and along with the bliss of a new child, I suffered heartbreak as Curtis and I ended our relationship.

On my first night alone in several years all I could think about was Matthew. Curly hair, hazel eyes, crooked grin and all.

I follow the Flames on Instagram now and I always make sure to watch the clips of his goals.

But I’ve made sure to stay away from contacting him or getting involved in his private life. For all I know, he could have a wife and a kid by now.

Now I have to think about what will happen the first time I see him again in almost a decade. Will he have missed me, or will he be just as disgusted as he was the day that he left? Matthew was such a spontaneous person- except for when it came to watching TV shows, it was always The Office- so I’m unsure of what it will be. I need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

I zone back into the meeting, trying my best to focus as my boss shares some more information about this project and some other projects. Work comes second in my life, close behind my children, so I need to worry more about this project than I am about my old lover.

~

I drop Wyatt off at daycare, gripping the steering wheel of my car tighter than I usually do as I drive over to Scotiabank Saddledome. Today is my first day working on this project to renovate the arena so I should just be working with the owners and staff members, but I assume that I might run into some players seeing as it’s March and I saw on the schedule that they have a home game tonight.

I walk into the building, immediately noticing the woman who looks to be a little bit older than me standing in the lobby on her phone.

“Y/N?” She inquires when she sees me. I nod and she smiles, stretching out her hand. “I’m Kelsea Rochester, the owner of the Saddledome. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, thank you for the opportunity to renovate this amazing building,” I tell her, making sure to smile. Ever since I went on a big self-improvement kick after Matthew and I broke up, I’ve been careful to make sure I have good first impressions.

She explains what she wants done as we walk throughout the building and I write it down on my notebook, asking questions about what she would like or prefer more once in a while. We head down to the locker room area and my heart beats faster as I see a player in a Flames jersey.

“I’m sorry, practice just ended so we’ll be running into a bunch of sweaty hockey players,” she jokes.

I laugh at that but nervously look towards the locker room doors, unsure of who will walk out and recognize me. I know a few of the players Matt and I used to spend time with were traded, but some are still around and might recognize me. I don’t expect them to- it’s been a long time, but I kind of expect Matt to considering we used to spend practically every day together.

She details her plans to me more and I forget about my anxiety, visualizing her vision myself and suggesting what I think would look nice or work better for the arena. I love my job; interior design is something that I’ve always loved to do but not something I really considered doing until I was in school and setting up Naomi’s nursery.

“If you excuse me, I just have to run to the ladies’ room,” she informs me. I nod and she walks off, leaving me to look over my notes.

There’s a commotion by the locker room doors so I look up. All of the blood rushes through my veins and I stay frozen in place as I immediately recognize the figure making the ruckus. As usual, it’s Matt. He always had to be in the middle of something.

Like he could feel my eyes on him, he looks over in my direction. It brings me back to all of the times we would go to the bar or to a club together with a few of his teammates and their partners. He would stay at the bar top or table and talk and I would go onto the dance floor or play pool with the girls. Throughout the night we would make eye contact with each other, just to check in with one another. It was a little way to let the other know that we loved them.

He still hasn’t changed a bit. Curly, dirty blonde locks that I would attempt to brush, a toothy smile that lights up my world, and a laugh that would instantly be followed by my giggles.

He stops pushing one of the rookies, an expression of disbelief on his face as we maintain eye contact.

“Y/N,” he murmurs. The rookie stops pushing him back, and I can feel his eyes on me as well but all I can focus on is Matt. I don’t want to move my eyes from him. I don’t want to lose him again.

I smile shyly, still unconfident in his response to seeing me. “Hi, Matt.”

He takes a step closer to me, hesitantly, like he’s afraid of getting too close. I don’t know if it’s because of what I did to him years ago or if it’s because he’s feeling like I am, like he’s afraid this isn’t real and he’ll lose me again.

“What are you doing here?” He questions softly.

“I’m working as an interior designer now. I’m here to renovate this place,” I explain, motioning around us. He doesn’t move his eyes to take in what I’m explaining, instead keeping them on me.

“Your hair is short now,” he notes gently.

“Yeah, it’s, um, easier to manage.”

“It looks nice.”

I smile softly at him and he smiles back. Some wrinkles have formed around his eyes with age, and he looks bulkier and broader in person than he does in the photos on social media, but it’s just like the Matt that used to take me on dinner dates to Panera.

Kelsea appears by my side again. “I see you met our Flames captain, Matthew Tkachuk. Matt, this is Y/N, the interior designer. She’ll be around for probably the next year until the renovation is expected to end.”

“The next year,” he echoes.

“Yep, so you’ll be seeing a lot of me,” I state, gauging his reaction.

The wide grin that forms on his face gives me his answer that he’s more than okay with that.

~

“Mommy?” Her tiny voice pierces the silence of the dark room. I stop myself from closing the door, surprised that she’s still awake. I thought she fell asleep twenty minutes ago, that’s why I came in to tuck her in and turn off her sound machine.

“Yes, honey?” I inquire quietly.

“Did you know that the last time the Cubs won the World Series was in 2016?”

I chuckle at that. “I didn’t know that, thank you for letting me know.”

“That was like ten billion years ago!” She exclaims.

Well, it wasn’t that long ago. 2016 was also the year that Matthew was drafted. He would tell me stories about draft day, from what his dad said to him to looking at the responses on social media.

“It’s time to get to bed, Naomi.” I slip back into her room, turning the sound machine back on and soothing down my daughter’s messy hair. Her blue eyes blink up at me as she watches me. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Goodnight, mama. I love you.”

My heart swells at her words and I lean down to kiss her forehead. “I love you too, munchkin.”

I head into Wyatt’s room next, hoping that he’s already asleep. Just my luck, he’s sitting up in bed, stuffed bunny in his hands as he tugs at the ears. When he notices me in the doorway he lays down and closes his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

I roll my eyes but can’t fight the smile growing on my face, stepping closer to his bed. “I know you’re awake, Wyatt.”

He opens his eyes and pouts up at me. “I can’t sleep here, mommy. I want to sleep with you in your bed.”

He reaches out, grasping my arm and holding on tightly. “Can you please try to sleep in your bed?”

“No,” he whines loudly. I shush him, afraid that if he whines too loud, he’ll prevent Naomi from sleeping in the next room over.

“Why don’t I lay with you for a bit,” I suggest.

“No, I wanna sleep in your bed,” he repeats, big tears starting to roll down his cheeks.

“Just for tonight, okay?” I say like I’ve been doing for the past two nights. I know he’s at the age where it’s vital for him to be in his own bed to help with his growth and separation anxiety, but I can’t help but to take him to my room sometimes.

It’s nice to have someone to cuddle with, and it’s my baby. Someday he won’t want to cuddle or spend time with me so I have to cherish the time I have with him now.

He nods and I carry him into my room, laying down on my bed and pulling him into an embrace. Naomi wasn’t big on snuggling when she was little and she still isn’t, so I take advantage of my one child who wants me to hold on tight to him as hard as I can.

And I’m going to do it, too. It definitely beats being alone.

~

Another weekend alone. Pretty soon into my relationship with Curtis and my journey to self-improvement my friends began to encourage me to cheat on Curtis as well. Something about how he was trying to change me, he didn’t really like me for me- I don’t know, I honestly don’t really care.

I cut them off after that. I haven’t really made a lot of friends since then. In college I was pregnant, and then taking care of my daughter, so I wasn’t really interested in spending time making friends. Now that I have a full-time job, if I’m not working I’m bonding with my children.

But then three years ago Curtis and I ended our relationship and now, every other weekend I’m alone, waiting for Sunday night to come so I can focus on my children again.

“Mommy!” The front door opens, and a tiny blonde comes storming into the house, barreling into my open arms.

“Hi honey, how was your weekend with daddy?” I inquire, kneeling down to her level to pull her into my hold better.

“It was fun, we went to the park and daddy pushed me and Wyatt on the swing set,” she gushes. “Then he took us out for ice cream!”

I can’t help but feel my heart tighten at her words. I love that the kids are getting to spend time with their father, but I miss them when they’re with their dad. I also can’t help but to think of the moments we would have as a family if Curtis and I hadn’t ended things.

I’m about to respond when Wyatt comes running through the door, joining our hug.

“Mom, dad told me that I can start taking hockey lessons,” he informs me excitedly.

I snap my head up to stare at a sheepish Curtis standing in the doorway, Wyatt’s backpack in one hand and Naomi’s backpack in the other.

“Did he now?” I ask. Wyatt nods enthusiastically, reaching over to leave a sloppy kiss on my cheek. “Why don’t you two go put your backpacks in your room.”

They nod and I watch as they grab their stuff from their father, rushing up the stairs towards their rooms.

“You told him that he could take hockey lessons? Without consulting me?” I question, taking a step closer to him and lowering my voice. I don’t want the kids to hear me yell, but I am furious on the inside.

“Come on, Y/N, he asked. What was I supposed to do, say no?” He responds.

I’m about to respond when he cuts me off. He always used to do that when we were dating, and it still angers me just as much as it does now. “Besides, Naomi plays baseball so it’s only fair for Wyatt to play hockey.”

“I agree that Wyatt should have an activity to do,” I start slowly, “But we agreed that things like this would be split 50/50 and I cannot afford to buy a bunch of expensive hockey equipment and spend money on lessons right now.”

He raises his eyebrows at me. “Really? With all of the money I give you in child support you can’t afford this?”

I narrow my eyes at him and open my mouth to rip him a new one when Wyatt comes running down the stairs, yelling about a new dinosaur toy that grandma got him. This conversation will have to wait for now.

~

“Thank you, Christopher, I’ll be over in about an hour with Kelsea to look over some options,” I inform the manufacturer, hanging up the phone and exiting the secluded corner that I found.

I head back over to the offices near the locker room where the construction will start. A few of the workers are already tearing up the old tile and dirty trim but I keep my eyes peeled for one worker in particular.

“Jeremy,” I call out when I see him.

The older man rises from the floor, brushing his hands off on his pants and giving me a wrinkly smile. “Hey, Y/N.”

“I need your advice,” I confess. When I first started working for this company Naomi was only a year old. I was a stressed-out mom who was fresh out of college and was unsure of how to balance mom life and work.

Jeremy took me under his wing, having a daughter himself who’s just a few years older than Naomi. Now I always go to him whenever I’m not sure I’m doing something right as a parent.

“What’s going on?” He asks.

I explain the situation of Wyatt refusing to sleep in his own bed to Jeremy shyly. I know he’s not judgmental, since he’s helped me through plenty of parenting situations, but it still makes me feel insecure that I can’t handle these things on my own.

“You just need to start telling him no,” Jeremy replies, like it’s that simple.

“But what if he yells? He might wake Naomi up,” I argue.

He shrugs. “Close both of their doors, turn up their sound machines, and let it be. He needs to start sleeping in his own bed now before he’s fifteen and still sleeping with you.”

I sigh, knowing he’s right. It wouldn’t be good for either of us to continue this arrangement. “Thanks for the advice, Jeremy.”

“No problem, Y/N. Hey, how did Naomi’s baseball game go last week?”

“Her team won! She got all the way to third base on one hit, I’m so proud of her.”

“That’s amazing! You’re a great mom.”

I smile at the compliment, watching him return to his work before I turn around, stopping dead in my spot as I see who’s behind me. Matthew is frozen, his face blank as he stares at me, his mouth agape slightly.

It’s clear he just heard what Jeremy said to me.

“You’re a mom?” He breathes out.

“Yes.”

“Naomi and Wyatt?” He inquires, repeating the names he overheard. I nod silently. “How old are they?”

“Naomi is six and Wyatt is three,” I answer.

“Six and three,” he repeats. I watch his eyes flicker to the wall in thought, clearly processing something in his brain. His eyes snap back to mine and he clears his throat. When he speaks again, it’s louder this time, more confident. “Naomi likes baseball?”

“Yeah. Her favorite team is the Chicago Cubs, actually,” I grin at that, letting out a little giggle as Matt wrinkles his nose at the sound of his favorite baseball team’s rival.

“And Wyatt, does he like baseball too?”

“Wyatt likes hockey,” I confess, watching as the hockey player’s face lights up in interest. “He wants to play, but since it’s so late in the season and everything he’ll just have to wait until next season to join a team and learn how to skate.”

“Well, I can teach him,” he offers.

“You would do that?” I ask quietly, sensing that this is much more than him wanting to teach a three-year-old how to skate.

“Of course I would,” he accepts, maintaining eye contact as he says the words.

I let out a small smile, watching as the corners of his lips peak up as well.

“Okay.”

[thecassadilla]

Change of Pace - Chapter 2

Pairing: Kristanna

Chapter 2 on AO3 

Chapter 1

Word Count: 3,332

Summary: With her sister’s blessing, Anna takes a step back from her royal duties and finds herself working for a ski resort nestled in the mountains. A chance encounter with the resort’s maintenance technician leads them down an unexpected path, as they must work together to plan the resort’s annual ball - and maybe fall in love in the process.

Author’s Note: Hi everyone! Sorry to leave you all with a cliffhanger last week! This chapter picks up on the same day but from a different perspective ;). I’m thinking I’m gonna update on Tuesdays every week if that’s cool? Or should I try to update more often? Also, if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you enjoy the holiday safely! Sorry for all the asterisked words - tumblr likes to censor and remove posts from tags if they have “bad” words in them, but the uncensored version is on AO3. Enjoy!!!

There were very fews words that Kristoff Bjorgman would use to describe his life; miserable, mundane, ordinary. From the minute he woke up in the morning until the minute he went to bed at night, he wished he were someone or somewhere else.

Nobody stayed in Valley of the Living Rock - often shortened to Valley - if they could help it. The main draw to the area was Valley Ski Resort, which was nestled in the mountains. For decades, the town flourished during the winter months, but suffered as warm weather drew near due to the resort’s influence. Most of the people who stayed in town year round lived above their means, as it was difficult to find and keep work when the money practically dried up in the summertime. That all changed when the resort began to expand - adding amenities such as a pool, archery, horseback riding, and a multitude of events that attracted people during the hottest months of the year.

After the resort expanded, the local government decided to put money into the town itself, enticing visitors to venture away from the resort during their visits and see what the town had to offer. Tourists began to appreciate Valley itself as a picturesque, quaint town they could visit during their stay at the resort, and money began to pour into the local economy. Deciding to take full advantage, the decision was made for the main street to be transformed to a “Winter Wonderland,” with the storefronts adorning themselves with string lights, wreaths, and pine garland in the colder months. Business boomed and as the years went on, more and more people came to visit.

For Kristoff, life in Valley was bleak. Abandoned at birth, it was difficult to navigate the foster system as a small, generally “unwanted” child. He was bounced around a lot in his early years before becoming one of the lucky few who managed to find a family willing and able to foster him until adulthood. But people talked, and in small towns like his, that gossip traveled fast. By the time he made it to high school, he had hardly any friends. The only good thing that had ever happened to him - aside from his family - was his ex-girlfriend, Joslyn. She moved to Valley in their senior year of high school, and was as much of an outcast as he was. They became fast friends and eventually started a relationship. She stuck around for a few years and attended the local community college while they dated, but like everyone else who had the opportunity, she eventually moved on. The breakup was amicable and he admittedly missed her from time to time, but also understood that where she was going was bigger and better than what Valley - and he - had to offer. 

As a junior in high school, he’d managed to snag a job at Valley Ski Resort as a janitor, and then after he graduated, he took courses in plumbing, electricity, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in order to be promoted to a maintenance technician. It was a year round job with sh*tty pay, but it put food on the table and he had to take whatever he could get. On the bright side, it was a step up from cleaning bathrooms and mopping floors. There was no escaping Valley, for a person like him.

He didn’t mind the work at all, but there were few words to describe how much he loathed the hotel. The people who visited were willing to spend a fortune on the amenities, but were generally unkempt behind closed doors. He could think of several occasions where he’d nearly slipped on a used c*ndom after being called to a guest room for maintenance, or how frequently the pipes would clog because people were determined to flush non-flushable items. 

But still, he went to work everyday, and waited to go home. He did what he had to do and he hated every second of it. The only advantage of working at the resort was the employee ski pass that came along with it. He frequently spent his weekends navigating the slopes and had worked his way up to expert-level. Coasting down the side of a mountain was freeing. For those few hours, he could put aside the monotonous life that he lived and could focus on what was right in front of him. 

On this particular day, he had a sinking feeling about heading into work. He just knew that something bad was going to happen - he could feel it in his chest. He debated calling out, but because he couldn’t afford to miss a day without pay, he had to go in, bad feeling or not. The feeling only got worse as he climbed out of his car and stared at the main building in front of him.

The interior of the resort was in desperate need of an upgrade; faded, worn-out gray carpet covered the floors of the lobby area, and old-school style wood paneling laced the walls. The guest rooms in the central building remained the least expensive as a result of this, and as part of the resort’s expansion process, dozens of stand-alone cabins were built on the property. Difficult to maintain, but guests were willing to pour money into spending a week in a luxury cabin with the same amenities as a hotel but with the added benefit of a home-y feel. 

He walked in through the employee entrance, which happened to be situated right next to the lobby area but was only accessible from the outside. Down a long stretch of hall and then to the left sat the maintenance office. One of the perks of the job was that he didn’t have to wear coveralls like he did when he was a janitor; just dark-colored jeans, a company-provided shirt with the hotel’s name stitched onto the front, and work boots. He dropped his jacket in his locker, grabbed one of the work cell phones so that the front desk could reach if he was needed for a repair or other issue, and walked into the main office, where his boss, Andrew, was scrolling through his email.

“Hey, man,” he said.

The other man glanced back for a second before returning to his work. “Hey, Kristoff.”

“What’s on the agenda today?”

“Nothing crazy,” Andrew responded. “A couple of rooms complained of low water pressure, so we’ll have to check that out. It’s probably calcium buildup that’s clogging the showerheads, or a clog, or something. But aside from that, it seems like it’s going to be a pretty normal day.”

He heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank god.”

He didn’t mind working with Andrew; he was quiet and kept to himself, which Kristoff appreciated. It was easier to work with someone who didn’t waste half the day with gossip or other nonsense. Having a job was about getting work done, after all.

Andrew had a list of the rooms that had been experiencing the low water pressure from the front desk complaints, so when he finished answering his emails, they set off to figure out what exactly was happening and why it was happening. “I bet another pipe froze again.”

“This hotel is so old, do they even realize that the pipes probably have to be replaced?”

“They know, they just won’t listen,” Andrew said, shaking his head. “This is going to be a losing battle for the rest of eternity.”

Just as they made it to the first floor of guest rooms, a call came over on Andrew’s work phone. They stopped in the middle of the hallway so he could pick it up. 

“Hello, this is Andrew from maintenance,” he answered, scrunching his face up in concentration. “They said the water smelled bad? Did they say if it was a weird color or anything?...okay, we’ll look into it. Thanks.”

“Another water complaint?” Kristoff asked, once Andrew had hung up the phone.

“Yeah, something weird is going on today.”

“Probably a frozen pipe, like you said.”

They knocked on the door of the first guest on their list, and a woman answered. “Are you the maintenance guys?”

“We are ma’am. The front desk told us that your water pressure is low, do you mind if we come in and take a look?”

The woman shook her head. “I didn’t say low water pressure. I said no water pressure - as in, there’s no water, at all.”

The two men exchanged a worried glance before Andrew spoke up again. “Do you mind if we have a look?”

The woman didn’t answer, but stepped out of the way so they could walk into the room. They went into the bathroom, and attempted to turn the faucets to no avail. 

The woman was standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. “Well?”

“We’re trying to figure out what’s going on, ma’am. We’re going to check in with a few more guests and the front desk will get back to you.” 

“I’m taking my family skiing, and all I have to say is that the water better be working when I get back or someone will be getting an earful from me. I did not spend all of this money to wind up in a room with no water!”

They nodded in an attempt to placate her and as soon as they made it back into the hallway, she slammed the door in their faces. 

“God, I hate this place,” Kristoff muttered.

“I don’t understand how people on vacation can be so f*cking miserable. Management will make sure they get a more expensive room on the house if there’s nothing we can do about it, so I don’t really see the point of throwing a fit.”

“I know. It’s kind of disgusting how entitled some of these people are. I understand the frustration, but don’t yell at the people who are trying to figure out what the problem is.” Kristoff shook his head. “Let’s go to the next one.”

The routine seemed to repeat itself; the rooms were occupied by extremely angry guests who were experiencing a myriad of plumbing issues - either little or no water pressure, foul smelling water, or rust-colored water.

“Something big is going on here. Bigger than just a frozen pipe,” Andrew deduced, after visiting several guests’ rooms and being called a few more times by the front desk. “I can’t figure out what it is though.”

“Do you think a pipe burst somewhere?” he suggested.

Andrew shrugged. “I can’t imagine where. There are guests in basically every area of this hotel and no one has called about a leaking ceiling. Unless it was something in the basement.”

“We should go check.”

The two men scrambled to the basement, but as cold and neglected as it was, there were no signs of water damage anywhere. Just a lot of dust and noise from the systems that were housed down there.

“I’m stumped,” Andrew admitted, throwing his hands in the air.

“It has to be somewhere in the building. None of the other buildings or lodges have complained about issues with their water, right?”

The other man skimmed the list in his hands. “Nope, just this one.”

“Are there any places that guests and employees normally wouldn’t go during the day? The lobby’s fine, the children’s center is fine...wait, what about the ballroom?” Kristoff snapped his fingers.

“Oh sh*t, we should check the ballroom,” Andrew agreed. “No one goes in there unless they’re having some kind of an event.”

“I bet that’s where we’re going to find our problem.”

They raced back up to the first floor and passed the front desk to the corner of the hotel that housed the ballroom. Andrew searched through his massive ring of keys before locating the one that unlocked the doors. 

“Holy f*ck,” Kristoff gasped, his eyes widening at the site in front of him. 

The entire room was destroyed. The ceilings had caved as a result of the massive amount of water that had pooled from the burst pipe. Nearly everything in the room had been destroyed from either the water damage or from the impact of the broken pieces of ceiling landing on it. The walls were moist, and there was a considerable amount of water remaining on the floor. 

“How the hell did no one hear this?!” Andrew bellowed.

“This...is bad,” Kristoff said, shaking his head. “This is thousands of dollars worth of damage.”

“I need to get Bonnie on the phone,” Andrew said suddenly, walking away from the scene.

Kristoff continued to stare in the meantime; the room was significantly damaged. First and foremost, the pipes would have to be replaced - immediately. They were already going to be spending a large amount of money for the repairs, and they definitely couldn’t afford to lose the income that guests would bring in by occupying the rooms in that building. They’d have to drain the water that pooled on the floor, rip out the carpet and gut the walls, throw away all of the destroyed tables and chairs. 

When Andrew came back a few minutes later, he was not happy. “Bonnie is on her way and she’s having a cow.”

“Can you blame her? This is a nightmare.”

“I need to see if I can get any of the other guys in today. They’re going to be p*ssed.”

“I’m here and I’m p*ssed,” Kristoff scoffed. “I knew I should’ve called out today.”

“Good thing you didn’t because I would’ve had to haul your a*s in anyway.”

“Yeah, right. Zach calls out once a week and no one ever does anything about it. The rest of us are forced to pick up his slack all the time - if I called out once, it wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“Trust me, Zach isn’t going to be employed here for much longer.”

Bonnie finally arrived a moment later with a panicked look on her face and interrupted their conversation. “What the h*ll happened?”

“See for yourself, boss,” Andrew answered, motioning to the entrance to the ballroom.

Bonnie peered inside before staggering back and raising her hands to her face. “Oh my god.”

“The damage is severe, Bonnie. The repairs are going to be time-consuming, and you’ll have to postpone any events that they were planning on holding here,” Andrew spoke up. “Most importantly, the guests in this building have to be relocated until we can replace the pipes.”

Bonnie nodded, and for the first time that Kristoff had ever observed, she was totally speechless. In all his years of working around her, he’d never seen her so quiet.

“I’m working on getting my other guys in here,” Andrew continued. “This is not going to be an easy fix.”

“Alright,” she said, before pointing at Kristoff. “You go tell the front desk to start working on getting the guests out of this building and then come back here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” 

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes once his back was turned; this was not his job. He wasn’t an errand boy. But because he wasn’t trying to lose his job, he begrudgingly followed her instructions. Once he arrived in the lobby, approached the first person he saw at the front desk, a brunette woman with thick black eyeliner who he recognized from high school.

“Hey, you need to -”

She raised a finger, but didn’t look in his direction. “Hold on, I’m helping my guest.”

“This is important.”

“Sir, you should get in line.”

He glanced over at the line - which was long, because it was checkout time, of course - before interrupting again. “I have orders from Bonnie -”

That seemed to catch her attention. “Let me get my manager out here.” 

“Thanks.”

A few moments later, the manager appeared from a door behind the front desk. “How can I help you?”

“I work in maintenance,” Kristoff explained. “Bonnie needed me to tell you that guests can’t stay in this building for a couple of days. A pipe burst and there won’t be any water in most, if not all, of the rooms.”

The manager's eyes widened. “O-okay. What about the restrooms on this floor? Or the restaurants and the bakery?”

“We’re not sure what the situation is with those areas of the hotel.”

She nodded. “Okay, well keep me posted. There are a lot of places on this floor that require the use of water.”

“Has anyone called to complain from any of those places?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that they’re unaffected, but I’m sure Bonnie will be in touch soon.”

“Thank you.”

He gave her a slight nod before turning around and walking back towards the ballroom; for the first time that day, someone had actually been appreciative and not downright condescending about the situation. He was just glad that she didn’t rip him a new one like all of the guests had earlier. 

“Good, you’re back,” Bonnie said once he finally made it back to the ballroom.

“Any updates?”

“I just made contact with the people in the event planning office,” Bonnie explained. “They’re coming down now. I need you to wait out here for them, so you could tell them about the damage. The annual ball is in three months and this was their venue.”

“I should probably start clearing stuff out of there,” he insisted, hoping to remind her that he was not her personal secretary or a professional bearer of bad news. “We can’t start gutting it out until the water is drained and all of the damaged furniture is removed.”

“You need to stay right here,” Bonnie said snidely, placing a hand on his shoulder before walking away.

“Is she serious?” he wondered aloud, his mouth agape. He really was her errand boy, wasn’t he?

“Hey man, Scott and Dan are both on their way in now,” Andrew said, approaching from inside the ballroom. “Liam and Eli are outside doing snow removal. I’m trying to get in touch with a couple of the other guys, but some of them have to be in for the overnight shift. Management has to take pictures of the damage for insurance reasons before we can touch anything, but we should be able to start getting rid of the furniture later today.”

“I have to wait here and break the bad news to the event planners,” he responded bitterly. “Because I’m not the maintenance guy today, I’m her errand boy.”

Andrew shook his head. “She’s really pushing her luck. She should be the one to tell them since we warned her that the pipes would need to be replaced a long time ago and she brushed it off.”

“You know, I had a gut feeling that today would suck. Wish that I could’ve been wrong.” 

“Should’ve checked the calendar, man. It’s Friday the thirteenth.”

He scoffed. “I’m not superstitious.”

Andrew shrugged before taking a few steps backwards. “I’m just saying.”

As soon as Andrew’s back was turned, he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. It was quite the coincidence that this had all gone down on a day historically known for the bad luck it brought. He reminded himself that he didn’t believe in that stuff; this was a real life situation that had only happened because of sheer negligence from Bonnie and the other people who ran the hotel. If they had just listened from the start and had replaced the pipes when Andrew recommended they should, they wouldn’t even be in this mess. He didn’t necessarily believe in curses either, but at this point, he was convinced he’d done something wrong in life that warranted this misery. 

Until he spotted a gorgeous redhead he didn’t recognize being dragged in his direction by the half-a-head shorter lady he knew from around the hotel, and he was suddenly aware of a new sensation different from the misery and dread he was used to - a hopeful fluttering in the pit of his stomach.  

[roofingadvisors-blog]

Roof Repair Tips for DIY’ers

The best way to detect a leak is to locate dampness or a trail of discoloration in the attic. Do not, however, expect the leak to be directly above a damp ceiling or wall. Most likely the leaking water has traveled beneath the roofing material and down a rafter or truss member before appearing on the interior ceiling or wall.

The best way to find a leak is to examine the underside of the roof from the attic. If your attic does not have a floor be careful to step only on the floor joists. Better yet, set boards or a piece of ½ inch plywood perpendicular to the joists. Make sure the ends of the lumber extend far enough past each joist to prevent tipping.

With a powerful light source inspect the undersides of the sheathing in the general area where the stain has appeared. Sheathing is usually made up of plywood but yours may be made of shiplap planks. In the case of very old houses, you may find no roof sheathing, only lath nailed across the rafters with wooden or slate shingles nailed on top of the lath. Good sheathing or lath is uniformly aged and completely dry even after a rain. Check for dampness and discoloration and pay special attention to the places where the roof is penetrated by the chimney, air vent, or plumbing vent pipes. If sheathing is dark, damp, or crumbling, check for wood rot by probing with a screwdriver. Rotten wood must be replaced. When the leak is discovered mark the area to be repaired. If you are going to make the repair immediately, pierce through the sheathing from underneath with a nail, extended rill bit, or awl. If not, measure from the attic wall framing and ridge or eaves. Allow for the thickness of the wall and the outward extension of the eaves when taking measurements.

Making Emergency Roof Repairs

Damage from fallen tree limbs, violent storms, and exceptional snow buildup is an unwelcome surprise. Here are some interior and exterior solutions to leaks.

Limit the water damage as quickly as possible by placing a bucket as close to the leak as possible. Remove and discard soaked attic insulation. A string attached to the leak guides the water to the bucket.

Cover large areas of damage with a fiber-reinforced plastic dropcloth. Place boards under the dropcloth to create a high spot that will carry water away from the damaged area.

To fix a broken or missing shingle in an emergency situation, slip a piece of scrap sheet metal or aluminum flashing under the damaged shingle. Tap it with a block of wood to force it under the course above.

Making Temporary Roof Repairs

Equipped with hammer, pry bar, galvanized roofing nails, roofing cement, and spare shingles, a do-it-yourselfer can quickly make repairs to protect the home temporarily. When dealing with shingles remember to tuck the topmost edge of new shingles or patches beneath the course above. This overlap sheds water in a downward direction.

To temporarily repair wind-torn shingles, glue down both sides of the tear with roofing cement. Nail both sides and apply cement over the heads of the nails. Applying a small amount of cement to the shank of the nail before hammering it home creates an especially good seal. In a similar fashion, curled shingles are glued down with roofing cement. This is best done on a hot day when the shingles are warm and supple. Nail them if necessary, coating the nail shanks and heads with roofing cement.

Repairing Blisters on Built-Up or Commercial Flat Roofs

With time, blisters may appear on built-up roofs. This occurs because moisture that is trapped under one of the layers of the roof expands due to extreme heat and causes bubbles to form. The bubbles must be lanced, flattened, and resealed to eliminate the possibility of a future leak. Here’s how you perform this particular flat roof or commercial roof repair: 1. Split the blister. 2. Apply roofing cement. 3. Apply a patch. 4. Re-apply gravel.

Patching Flat Roofs

Worn roofing, popped nails, and separated seams are the most common problems. Standing water on low spots often forces leakage. One advantage of having a leak on a flat roof is that it is easier to work on than an angled roof. A disadvantage is that water can find any gaps left in the patch and the patch itself can act as a dam, eventually creating another leak-prone pool. Follow these steps carefully, filling all gaps while keeping the profile of the patch as smooth as possible. 1. Cut away the damaged roofing. 2. Cement the patch. 3. Nail and apply roofing cement. 4. Add a final roof covering membrane.

Loading Commercial Roof Repair Kansas City Forms…

[jacksonvilleflcontractor]

Not All Painting Contractors in Jacksonville Florida Are Equal

About Painting In Jacksonville FL

We are a Painting in Jacksonville Fl contractor specializing in both interior and exterior painting. Our absolute focus is the quality of service we provide with guaranteed customer satisfaction. We will provide a written warranty for every residential painting project..

In searching for a Jacksonville house painter, you the homeowner, can rest assured in knowing that our painting contractors are  licensed and insured, trained standing behind their work. Our house painters are experienced, professional, well mannered, clean-cut and punctual. What more can you ask for?

Our crew of professional home painters are seasoned and well educated in each and every phase of residential painting. We only use top quality paints on all our home painting projects. All paints, coatings, and sealers we use and apply, are backed by a 25 year or lifetime warranty against flaking, chipping, and/or peeling. For this reason, we have teamed up with Sherwin Williams Company to offer you the best possible painting products available in Jacksonville.

Call your Jacksonville painter for a free No pressure painting estimate on your next residential painting project!

Residential Services:

·        Interior Painting

·        Exterior House Painting

·        Exterior Waterproofing System

·        Pool Deck Coating

·        Epoxy Coating For Garage Floors

·        Pressure Washing

·        Dock & Deck Staining

·        Concrete Staining & Sealing

·        Fence Staining

·        Crack Repairs

·        Elastomeric Patching

·        Brick Paver Sealing

Painting Jacksonville Fl: Interior House Painting Practice

We will arrive on schedule, warmly greet you and get started on your painting project.

Setup

We pride ourselves in providing top quality painting services to homeowners in the Greater Jacksonville area.

1.Moving Furniture With care, we will move your furniture to center of room to allot enough working space. If necessary, we will cover all furniture with plastic to ensure maximum protection from sanding dust, paint splatters, caulk, and so forth. Once all painting is done, we will move all furniture back to original place.

2.Window Treatments We will with care take down all curtains/blinds and rods from windows so we can properly paint all window returns and sills.

3.Floor Protection Necessary safeguards will be taken to protect and cover flooring throughout the painting process. All nail holes and minor drywall damages will be repaired prior to the start of painting. If wood trim is to be painted, all necessary caulking will be done to ensure a complete and finished product.

4.Primer Prior to the beginning of painting, primer will be applied to all drywall repairs, raw sheetrock, wood and any water stains.

5.Painting We will apply all paint using rollers, brushes and sprayer (if applicable), depending on the the surface to ensure a smooth finish. All trim will be painted and completed with clean cut lines between wall and trim.

6.Clean-up We will remove all floor coverings once painting is done. Any debris will be swept and cleaned from floor. All empty paint cans and related trash will be removed from your home. All left-over paint will be properly labeled so you can identify proper colors for any future touch-up needed.

7.Inspection Once all painting is done, we will do a thorough walk-through with you to ensure that all areas of project have been addressed. The purpose of this walk-through is to make sure you as a customer are 100% satisfied with our work.

Painting Jacksonville FL:  Exterior Painting Process

The process is just as the interior painting process. With this process, we will be ensuring that your exterior painting is of the HIGHEST quality to ensure longevity.

Pressure Washing Power washing the homes exterior to get rid of all loose dirt, mildew, and other foreign matter using an eco-friendly solution to maximize the protection of your homes landscape.

Preparation

·        All peeling or chipping paint will be removed, all exposed untreated stucco, raw wood and rust areas will be protected with primer prior to being painted.

·        Any cracks exposed on your exterior, whether its stucoo, cinder block, or wood, will be properly filled with elastomeric patching solution.

·        High quality, durable caulk will be used for sealing all windows and doors.

·        All window screens will be removed and glass will be protected of any paint overspray.

·        Sealer will be applied to the body of the house, if necessary.

·        Elastomeric Caulk will be applied on outdoor ceilings where the ceiling and the walls meet.

·        All exterior elements on property (landscaping, walkways, driveway, decks, patios, windows, fencing, lighting, etc.) will be protected from any overspray or drips using proper coverage material (drop cloths, plastic).

Painting

·        Exterior body painting will be applied with sprayer and roller using a back roll method to ensure proper coverage on surface.

·        Using a Premium Grade 100% acrylic paint for body of home.

·        All trim will be painted according to color specifications of homeowner using Premium quality 100% acrylic paint.

·         ** Note: Not all trim is recommended to be painted (Example: Maintenance Free aluminum or vinyl)

·        All doors will be painted using Premium grade paint.

·        Paint sheen of choice will be selected by homeowner. (Flat, satin, semi-gloss, gloss).

As stated above, our choice of brand of paint is Sherwin Williams, which provides Top Quality Premium Grade paint. We have been using their paint for the past 10 years and are 100% confident in their products.

 Painting Jacksonville Fl:  Areas We Service

 Jacksonville areas including the following zip codes:

32099, 32201, 32202, 32203, 32204, 32205, 32206, 32207, 32208, 32209, 32210, 32211, 32212, 32214, 32215, 32216, 32217, 32218, 32219, 32220, 32221, 32222, 32223, 32224, 32225, 32226, 32227, 32228, 32229, 32230, 32231, 32232, 32234, 32235, 32236, 32237, 32238, 32239, 32241, 32244, 32245, 32246, 32247, 32254, 32255, 32256, 32257, 32258, 32259, 32260, 32267, 32276, 32277

Orange Park areas including the following zip codes:

32065, 32073, 32003

 Nassau County areas including the following zip codes:

32011, 32046, 32097

Whether your needs are big or small, residential or commercial, simple or complex, our team has the knowledge and skill level to complete the job in a timely manner while maintaining an unbeatable level of Painting Jacksonville Fl professionalism.

  https://youtu.be/lH7BHKJ8TJM

[nitewrighter]

Of Blades and Broomsticks Pt. XIII

*heelies in four months late with starbucks and an update/conclusion to the current story arc* ‘Sup. Got sidetracked. Let’s do this.

Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 11, 12

Witch AU on AO3

---

The witch hunter awoke in a cavernous hall, with the soft sound of lapping water. He wasn’t sure if he could call it waking up. He felt no sensation of his eyelids sliding open, rather, his vision seemed to clarify itself as his consciousness sharpened. His body felt a constant push and pull of interior warmth against exterior cold. He could feel something like a flame flickering in his chest, blazing against a wet, sinking cold that soaked in from the outside. The strength not quite in his muscles yet, he gave a glance down to the soft material he was laying on. He seemed to be on a mattress of soft damp dead leaves, set upon a high dais of petrified wood. He moved to get up.

His body got up, his head did not.

“What—-“ the word fell out of him, soft and horrified. It didn’t sound like his own voice, but deeper, wetter, more raking. His body swiveled around to look at his head, but since a headless corpse had no eyes, all Gabriel could see was the bloody stump of his own neck looming down on him.

“No—No….” more words escaped him. He had to get his head back on. Simple enough. His body seemed to respond to his will, mostly. Head back on. Pick up the head and put it back on, he thought. His body lurched forward but only managed to knock him (the head) rolling toward the edge of the dais. “No—Catch me—Catch me!” he said as the body lurched again and clumsily knocked him off and sent him bouncing and rolling painfully along the floor.

“I realize this must be very jarring,” a voice, feminine, clear, and deep cut across the still air of the hall, “But you’ll only make things worse by panicking.”

“What is this—!?” Gabriel managed to say before a clumsy foot from his own body sent his head rolling across the floor again, only to be stopped under another foot.

“Is that any way to talk to your old friends, Gabriel?” A tall woman with short-cropped red hair  stooped into his view. She picked up his head and held him at eye level smiling at him.

“You…” Gabriel started.

“My dear Witch Hunter,” she said, tilting her head, “Gotten ourselves into quite the mess now, haven’t we?”

“What have you done to me?” he demanded.

“What have I done to you? I wasn’t the one who beheaded you, and it’s not my magic flowing through your veins binding you to this… form. I just…” she gestured, “Cleaned some things up. You’d probably be some horrible amalgam of man and gourd unable to even walk if it weren’t for my intercession.”

“Man and gourd…?” Gabriel said quietly as his body finally managed to make its way to the red hared woman and his hands flailed out.

His head was not his head.

It was rounder, smoother, warm to the touch. The redheaded woman managed to push past his clumsily grabbing arms and set his not-head on his neck stump, where it stuck with a sick wet “shluck” sound and swiveled as he took in more of his surroundings. The whole hall seemed to be made of the same petrified wood as his dais, and there was a throne at the head of it, flanked on either side by an intricately carved fresco of the Green Man with water pouring out of both of their gaping open mouths. Well there was the source of the sound of lapping water, at least. Gabriel’s hands went up to feel at his not-head again.

“Mirror,” he said.

“Come,” the red-headed woman hooked her arm in his and lead him over to one of the fountain frescoes, which, it turned out, were pouring out into two unsettlingly still dark pools on either side of the throne. She motioned to look into the pools of water, and he got down on one knee to look at his own reflection.

His head was not his head.

His head was a pumpkin. A pumpkin carved with cruel eyes and a wide, sharp and mocking grin.

“I did the best with what I had on hand,” said the redheaded woman and Gabriel suddenly sprang up and picked her up by the front of her loose linen tunic.

“What have you done to me!?”  He roared.

“You’ve already asked that, and I’ve already said,” the woman remained perfectly calm with her feet about two inches off the ground, “You were beheaded in a field, but somehow you perished with the flame of creation on your person. This would bind your life to your corpse, so I made sure your corpse was actually…. viable.”

“Beheaded in a….” the memories came rushing back to Gabriel. The witch at the stake. The column of fire in the square. The green vortex and the nightmarish mass of black tentacles that emerged from it. The blazing-winged figure and the green dragon tumbling from the sky. The witch, still with those blazing wings, staring him down, and the bite of the demon’s steel, cold and sharp and deep.

“The witch and her demon…” Gabriel said softly.

“A true witch?” the woman suddenly snickered and Gabriel shot her a glare, “Forgive me, but I was wondering when you’d stop burning hapless hags for brewing pennyroyal tea and actually go toe to toe against a right and proper sorcerer. Now if you don’t mind—-“ she swatted his hands off of her tunic and landed neatly on the floor, “I’m willing to ignore that slight because I know humans to be unfathomably stupid when they’re emotional. You would do well to remember that I am not your enemy, and that you would be very, very foolish to make me an enemy.”

“Why keep me alive?” said Gabriel, looking at his hands.

“I’m not the one keeping you alive,” said the woman, walking away from him and alighting a golden sphere on the tips of her long fingernails, “You are enthralled to whomever is bearing the flame of creation.”

“The witch,” said Gabriel.

“Until she dies or releases you, you cannot die, Gabriel,” said the woman, “And if your supposed ‘mistress’ is not even aware you’re alive… I’d consider that very useful, wouldn’t you?”

“So I need to kill her,” said Gabriel.

“Not a very creative type, are you?” said the woman, “You can’t die, Gabriel. Think of what you could do with that.”

“This existence is cursed. I will not suffer any second more of it than I must,” said Gabriel, “Do not think I will have any more dealings with you, either. Our…”

“Partnership?” the woman suggested.

“Our briefly mutual interests were long ago, and when I was younger and more desperate.”

“Yet they served you very well, as far as I recall,” said the woman.

“Just get me out of here and I will find my own way,” said Gabriel, now angrily pacing around the hall, looking for an exit.

The redheaded woman sighed in exasperation. “You continue to be a killjoy,” she muttered, then stepped up next to him and put a calm hand on his shoulder, “You’re alone in this world now, Gabriel. You’ve seen your reflection. You’ve seen what you’ve become. If you truly intend on destroying this witch, do you think you can do it walking the earth as a man?”

The pumpkin head swiveled toward her, those glowing yellow eyes boring into her.

“What do you get out of this?” asked Gabriel.

“Same as always—-I don’t like competition,” she said, smiling, “And if there’s someone bearing the flame of creation walking the earth… well, I find that very interesting.”

“This isn’t a game, Moira,” Gabriel snarled.

“That’s what people say when they don’t know how to play,” said Moira with a smile, “I look forward to working with you again, Gabriel.” “Hmph,” Gabriel glanced off, “‘Working with me again.’ All you ever did was give me a rock.”

“And what a useful rock it was,” said Moira, “Now tell me, where is my adder stone now?”

———

On the ramparts of the city walls, Pharah tossed the rock with a hole in it up and down in her palm restlessly, looking out over the tops of the pines and having half a mind to see how far she could throw it. It didn’t feel exactly right to hang onto it, but somehow she felt like leaving it or throwing it away would be worse.  Four days had passed since the Witch and her demon had made their escape and while the slightly burning sulfurous smell still hung in the air, most of the town was forced to return to its work. In spite of all the horror and reality seemingly uprooting itself in the span of the few days of the Witch’s capture and escape, there were still fields to till, still forge fires in the smithing district to keep, still guard rounds that needed posting, and a whole lot of rebuilding that had to be done. Several days of searching the surrounding areas of Adlersbrunn for the Witch Hunter had only yielded a bloody spot in a pumpkin patch. There was no body. Pharah wondered if seeing the body would improve the situation by at least giving the townspeople some closure over the Witch Hunter’s fate, or if it would stamp out whatever last few embers of hope remained.

Pharah had her hands full just keeping the townspeople calm—-nerves were frayed, an anger and a fear hung in the air. The sense of helplessness was collective and inescapable, and it stung her all the more deeply since she was guard captain—-it was her job to keep the city feeling safe, and she couldn’t do that. Half of her guardsmen were pushed far past the point of exhaustion with their numbers depleted by the attacks on the town, and her fatigue had ebbed only a little as time passed on from the whole incident. Lord Von Adlersbrunn was hardly being a help at all—-with the involvement of Junkenstein, a craftsman under his own commission, the people’s faith in Von Adlersbrunn’s judgment had all but dried up and he could hardly take counsel with his circle of the town’s nobles and clergy without everyone shouting over him. A great many people left the town, heading west for warmer weather and hopefully fewer witches and demons—away from the shadows of the Black Forest, but for many, there was no where else they could go.

“You are the guard captain, correct?” a weathered voice spoke and Pharah caught the adder stone and quickly pocketed it.

“Can I hel—-Your grace!” Pharah turned her head and then quickly bowed it as Bishop Petras walked toward her, “I—Yes. I am the Captain. I am at your disposal, your Grace—”

“You need not worry with such formalities,” said the Bishop.

Pharah cleared her throat and raised her head. “To what do I owe this audience?”

“I take it you already know of Sir Gabriel?” said the Bishop.

“I was the first one they reported to,” said Pharah, “I’ve sent out one last search party in case there was anything more, but with my guard stretched out as thin as it is…”

“Of course,” said the bishop, softly, “He spoke rather highly of you in his reports to me.”

“I abandoned him,” Pharah said, looking down, “I couldn’t—-“

“I know,” said the Bishop, “There was no abandonment—-you are a guard captain before you are a Witch Hunter. I understand that much.” He looked out over the surrounding farmland and forest past Adlersbrunn’s walls, “We set out to destroy evil and alleviate everyone’s fears, and yet we feel more helpless and surrounded by evil than ever thought possible.”

“So what do we do about it?” said Pharah.

“I’m afraid protocol demands that I go to the Vatican to report this incident and pray I don’t get laughed out as a madman and pray the people here won’t think God abandoned them in my absence,” said the Bishop, “As far as your path… this city will always have need of a guard captain, but I feel it is worth asking ourselves if we will ever truly feel safe knowing what’s out there now.”

“Your Grace?” Pharah said his title in question.

“There were very few people in Sir Gabriel’s line of work that I felt I could trust….I feel whatever path you choose, though, I can trust you. Take care, Guard Captain,” said the Bishop, walking off. Pharah watched the bishop disappear down the stairs to the city gate where a party of several guardsmen awaited him along with his own horse. Pharah watched as the Bishop and his contingent rode off away from the city, then pulled the Adder stone back out from the interior of her doublet.

“What’s out there…” she said quietly closing her fingers around the stone.

The prison cells within the castle were all but unguarded with how stretched thin the city guard was now. She grabbed a torch and walked by the one guard posted, heading down several stone steps into the dark. She wasn’t sure what she hoped to find in here—all she knew was that in the span of 2 nights in this prison, the Witch had gone from paltry fireballs to massive columns of demon-summoning flame. Holding up her torch aloft, she looked into the now-empty Witch’s cell—-Small, depressing, with naught but a pile of hay for a bed and a bucket for a chamberpot. She looked down at the floor—there were a few drops of blood next to the iron bars of the cell, but nothing else. No sigils drawn out or anything. Pharah felt the weight of the adder stone in her pocket, then slowly pulled it out and held it to her eye and gasped softly. Through the little hole in the stone, all sorts of burning symbols and writing in a language Pharah could not understand glittered like embers on the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cell. The script didn’t look like it was written out in a human hand, but rather it burned itself into being. Unthinkingly, Pharah pulled open the door to the cell and stepped in for a closer look. As she drew closer, she squinted at the script and wondered if her senses or her belief in the adder stone were betraying her, or if the cuneiform-like symbols on the wall really were reforming themselves into words. She brought the adder stone down from her eye, but the writing was still there. The Witch Hunter used the stone to train himself to see what others could not, Pharah thought to herself, Could I do the same?

Seek me if you have the sight, they read. Seek who? The Witch? The Witch seemed hardly eager to have anyone follow her out of Adlersbrunn, riding off on a dragon and everything. Pharah remembered a steady gaze of two amber-colored eyes with slitted pupils. Not the Witch. The Woman. The Dragon. Neither and both. Pharah’s head fogged briefly—-a mess of panic-distorted memories rushing around her yet coming to a head a the same time, but in all that mess the image of those eyes burned into her mind and kept her fixed in place. The rush of memories seemed to fade itself out to a thrumming, hissing whisper.

What’s out there? her own voice whispered in her head.

Seek me if you have the sight, the writing on the wall answered.

Pharah extended a hand toward the writings on the wall and felt a heat coming off of them, still the extension of her hand pressed steadily onward, she wasn’t sure if she would even notice if it burned her—-

“Y’know, you shouldn’t just go walking into cells,” a deep but warm voice spoke behind her and snapped her out of her haze.

“What—What?” her head jerked up and she turned on her heel to see a tall man with shoulder-length brown hair in a black hat, arms folded and leaning one shoulder against the cell bars.

“I said ‘You shouldn’t just go walking into cells’—‘specially with your guard spread thin as it is. Some miscreant could waltz in and then just up and shut the bars on you, then wouldn’t you feel a damn fool?”

“I—I’m guard captain. I’m investigating,” said Pharah, turning her attention back to the writing, but finding it wasn’t there anymore.

“So I heard—-the guard captain part, not the investigatin’ part,” said the man.

Pharah narrowed her eyes at the man. “Who are you?” she said, stepping out of the cell to look at him in the torchlight.

“You heard tell of the Witch Hunter’s apprentice, haven’t you?”

“Gabriel said he had an apprentice, yes,” said Pharah.

“…Just the apprentice part? No… ‘failed apprentice’ or ‘disgraced apprentice’ or ‘excommunicated apprentice?’”

“You’re excommunicated!?” Pharah took a step back, realized she was stepping back into the cell, then sidestepped and grabbed her torch from its sconce.

“Only officially,” said the man with a shrug, “In terms of purity of soul and intention, why, I would rank myself among the most—-“

Pharah held out the torch warningly to maintain a distance between the two of them.

“…pious,” the man finished, looking at the crackling torch.

“I think you should leave,” Pharah said, furrowing her brows.

“Look, I’m investigatin’, same as you,” said the man, “Let’s start over.” He extended a hand, “Name’s Jehoshaphat Maccrea of Helsing. Folk who find that a bit of a mouthful call me ‘Jesse.’”

Pharah remained holding the torch between them rather than extending her hand.

“I know what happened to Gabriel,” said Jesse.

Pharah looked down.

“Well, I mean I heard. Doesn’t seem like anyone can say for sure what happened to him, but we can all agree it was nothin’ pleasant. Now, we didn’t part on the best of terms, and I’ve been hunting a quarry of my own, but I owe it to him to see closure on all of this.”

Pharah broke her sight away from the cold stones of the floor to look at him.

“You’ve seen some shit too, huh?”

Pharah pursed her lips. “Depends. Would you call a terrible red demon ‘Some shit?’ Would you call a dragon woman in a column of fire ‘some shit?’ Would you call a horrible purple creature with--with---with a face that looks like a mass of slugs ‘some shit?’”

“I’d categorize it under a ‘helluva lot of shit,’ rather than ‘some shit,’” said Jesse, “It was a lot for me to take in at first, too. But you get better at it. And you---man, steady as a rock. Lot better than me when I was starting out, too--”

“Wait---Starting out---No. I’m not ‘starting out’ on anything---” Pharah started.

“I mean--you don’t have to,” said Jesse, “But I know there’s two kinds of people who come out of a mess like this: There are those that stick their heads in the sand and pray for their lives to go back to normal, and there are those who know it’s never going to be normal again, and choose not to be helpless.”

“I’m not choosing to be helpless, my city needs me!” snapped Pharah.

“...So you still feel helpless,” said Jesse.

“Just because I---!” Pharah started but then caught herself and fumed, “What are you suggesting, exactly?”

“Not suggesting, offering,” said Jesse, “I think you want to see whatever evil that attacked your town brought to justice. You want closure. You want to see your people safe. I think the best way you can do that is by coming with me and hunting these demons down.”

“So I should just drop everything and tag along with an excommunicated witch hunter,” said Pharah flatly.

“Just ‘hunter’ is fine. Turns out there’s a whole lot more scary things than witches in this world,” said Jesse.

Pharah maintained a steady glare.

“You want me to be more honest?” said Jesse.

“Usually the preference is that people be as honest as they can with each other,” said Pharah, frowning.

McCree snorted. “Trust me, Miss Guard Captain, people do not prefer that,” he said with a smirk before catching himself, “I mean--” he stopped and cleared his throat, “To be frank,” he said, pressing his hands together in front of himself, “I know if I go up against any of these things alone, I will die. If you go up against any of these things alone, you will die. You knew when to call it so that the whole town didn’t go down in flames. These things we’re going to fight? This isn’t a battle you rush into. You gotta play the long game and you gotta learn. I need someone who knows when to call it. All you need is someone to show you how to flick holy water, and you’re gonna get that down real quick from the looks of you.”

“You don’t want a student, you need a partner,” said Pharah, looking off.

Jesse made a finger gun at her in confirmation. “Or.. y’know you could organize guard timetables for the rest of your life and pray this magic shit does’t drop itself on your head again. Your choice,” he said with a shrug.

Pharah quietly set the torch back on its sconce.

“I’ll give you a night to think about it--I’m staying at the least-burned Inn in town and leaving at dawn. Meet me at the city gates if you’re in,” he said, turning on his heel and heading out of the castle prison.

Pharah frowned as he walked off, but she felt her fingers nervously running across the adder stone in her hand.

What’s out there? it seemed to ask in her mind, What’s out there?

---

For Mercy, seven days among the cultists passed in the blink of an eye. Rather, it was 2 days spent more or less sleeping the whole time, making up for the exhaustion of prison and near-execution and near-death and using far more magic than she had ever used in her entire life. After 2 days of sleeping, the third day was spent eating---The cultists’ food was salty, yet comforting, favoring snails and mushrooms. The fourth day was spent getting over the sickness of eating so much so fast on the third day, which proved a severe shock to her system. The fifth and six days were spent more or less getting acclimated to Zenyatta’s temple, which, she learned, was a fortress carved into the stone of a mountain with a hidden entrance. They had to earn their keep, to an extent. It turned out the stab-happiness of the cultist made her work as a healer invaluable. She was able to get clothes as well, purple robes, like the other cultists, which were surprisingly comfortable, and the temple to Zenyatta was a very safe fortress in and of itself---dark, certainly, but safe. 

Genji had told her that the cultists were very dangerous and quote ‘stabby’ but Zenyatta had assured them all that the schism had finally ended, and furthermore the cultists all struck her as very polite. Certainly very.... fixated on Genji’s master, but perfectly polite. It was surreal for her, not having children throw rotten vegetables at her, not feeling a glare at the back of her head, having people make eye contact with her and speak with her eagerly and interestedly in her studies and observations, being able to read and practice her magic as if it were as perfectly normal as hanging laundry on a line. She was accepted as perfectly normal among the blood cultists, and made a point of enjoying herself so long as she had the chance to. 

Still, Genji was... protective.

“You don’t have to be here, you know,” she said, as she stood waist-deep in the temple baths.

“You didn’t see these cultists before,” said Genji, sitting cross-legged with his back to her, “They’ll tear you apart as soon as look at you. Don’t have your firstborn with any of them, they’ll probably eat it.”

“Don’t have my what?” said Mercy running a sea-salt smelling soap bar along her skin and attempting to scrub the smoky smell from her skin.

“Your firstborn?” said Genji, “You know---our contract?”

“Ooohhh that firstborn. No, certainly not going to have it with any of them,” said Mercy.

“Good to know you have standards,” said Genji, folding his arms.

“Mm-hmm,” Mercy said mindlessly, dipping her head beneath the water and running her own fingernails along her scalp as the soap foamed off her skin and floated on the surface of the water.

“So you’re keeping watch?” she said, looking over her shoulder.

“Clearly,” said Genji.

“And it doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that I’m naked?”

“I’m a demon,” said Genji with an eye roll, “You could be naked every waking moment of every day and it would hardly make a difference to me.”

That earned him a splash of water at his back.

“Hey!” he turned around to snap at her, caught sight of her sweeping her wet hair off the back of her neck and then quickly turned around again, his face burning, “I mean I don’t see things through human eyes. Magic colors my vision. Shifts what I see---you remember what happened with that sigil back when the city guards were chasing you.” 

“Ah, so what does the great demon Genji see when he looks at me?” said Mercy, wringing out her hair.

“A light---or maybe a flame?” Genji said, leaning back and relaxing a little where he sat, his back still to her, “Something like one of those...Flame, probably, but a little one... Small, yes, but bright and flickering and steady.  At once illuminating and causing night-blindness with its own radiance.”

Mercy had stopped scrubbing this point and drew a string of wet hair back from her face, staring at Genji in silence. 

“Also magnificent breasts. But that goes without---” that last comment earned Genji another, harder splash which left him completely drenched.

“All right. That, is a slight I cannot permit, Witch,” said Genji, getting to his feet and turning around.

Mercy splashed him again.

“Do you want to start this?” he said, taking off his mask and revealing his scarred face, “I told you, I was born---”

“’In storm and lightning and water,’” Mercy said, mocking his whispery gravitas, “Yes you like bragging about that very often.”

“It’s not bragging if you can back it up,” said Genji, putting his hands on his hips.

“So back it up, Genji, Demon of the North Wind,” said Mercy, flicking droplets of water against his face.

“You back it up, Witch Mercy, Bearer of the Flame of Creation,” 

Mercy calmly took ahold of the front of his black tunic.

“...you wouldn’t,” said Genji.

“Witch,” said Mercy with a smirk, before yanking him into the bath with her. 

[darkwatercomics]

~ Issue # 6 ~ Book One: Chapter Six: When The Wheel Turns ~

PAGE 1, PANEL 1

Page width panel. High view of the Byzantine Academy with the Manhattan suburbs behind and the horizon with a sunset beyond. In the foreground seagulls and pigeons fly over the rooftops.

PAGE 1, PANEL 2

Page width panel. Close up of Tom’s hands bound together by restraints, fists clenched, the blue energy of magic building between them, more powerful looking than we’ve seen in past issues.

PAGE 1, PANEL 3

Two half page panels on this bottom tier. Head to waist shot of Tom dressed entirely in white as we saw him back in issue # 3. The energy in his hands is now a pure ice blue white, a bubble of blue energy expanding out from him as Ministry guards back away.

PAGE 1, PANEL 4

Full shot of him now breaking his restraints, spreading his arms outward, shouting out with a primal rage, a wave of blue energy erupting from him, blasting the guards backward across the courtyard.

PAGE 2, PANEL 1

FULL PAGE SPLASH: In the foreground is a full shot of Tom walking through the courtyard, his face bloodied, his expression filled with anger and power. There’s no border on this full page splash, instead the twisted main gates on either side are framing him. Behind him the front of the Academy is scorched and aflame and on the ground of the courtyard the guards lay dead. And now, with this wider shot we see there are also students laying dead nearby.

ARTIST NOTE: Written across the bottom of the panel between the open gates is the title, Book One: Chapter 6, When The Wheel Turns.

PAGE 3, PANEL 1

SPLASH: Exterior shot of a 17th century plantation style house, the kind often seen back in the old slavery days. This particular one is very much like the Seaward Plantation, Texas. On the porch area is an old wicker chair with Mother M waking with a start. This is a younger Mother M when she was a professor at he Academy and her name was Marissa Winters and shows she hasn’t aged.

MARISSA: No …  

CAPTION: North Carolina.

PAGE 3, PANEL 2

Three panels on this bottom tier. Full shot of her in an old study of the house. Its four wood panelled walls are filled entirely by shelves of books. The morning light is falling in through a mullioned window and directly onto a large mahogany desk. She’s bent over, studying a shelf, running her finger along a line of books.

PAGE 3, PANEL 3

Close up shot of a book she has chosen now open on the desk as she turns its old, yellowed pages. The words ‘Way Back When’ are written on the left hand page and on the right hand page are  Celtic and Runic markings similar to the Masque Of Magellan symbol.

PAGE 3, PANEL 4

Head to waist semi-profile shot of her with the morning light falling across her face. She’s talking into an old fashioned black telephone.

MARISSA: I don’t care if he is in a meeting. I need to speak to him now.

MARISSA: It’s urgent. I’m one of the Five. If I ask, you get it done.

PAGE 4, PANEL 1

Exterior shot of an old courthouse style building. Steps lead up to its front entrance and above its high open wooden doors a lopsided wire sign reads: HALOS. Cables snake out from the building to a series of generators placed nearby. Fire escapes have been welded to its façade, the style usually seen on buildings in cities like New York, with a series of tiered balconies between them, on these people are sat drinking, talking or just leaning and looking out at the surrounding shanty town. In the foreground is a full shot of Jesse and Izzie from behind as they walk toward it. On an old style bar sign are the words ’35 Years Later.’

ARTIST NOTE: I’ve used the lyrics to my own song ‘Hey, Do You Feel Loved.’ S.F.X: Baby faced angel, you’re honey for this swarm of bees. Inside, outside, red lights, shadow of your figure through a screen. You’re swinging your head, hair dripping like something you bled …

S.F.X: You’re in your own little world, everybody loves you. You’re dancing tip toes, you’re shedding all your clothes, everybody loves you …

JESSE: So this place is?

IZZIE: This place, Jesse Miller, is Halos. And it definitely ain’t no dive.

PAGE 4, PANEL 2

SPLASH:  Interior shot. In the background of the top right of the panel are Jesse and Izzie stood at the top of the elevated entrance and a double staircase that leads down onto a sunken dance floor. The interior is made up of the original courthouse pews with seated alcoves along the side walls. Also dotted around are Pool, roulette and card tables. The whole place has a grungy used, thrown together kind of look to it, it’s a scavenged kind of place, dingy, dark, with coloured disco lights that spot light the dance floor. In the foreground half naked male and female dancers cavort suggestively as they drag blue trails of magic using their hands.

S.F.X: You’re such a big splash, you’re a head long car crash, everybody wants you. You’re sister to my brother, you’re every son’s mother, you’re a little uptight until you get your fix. Got yourself your own little piece of heaven, got yourself the stuff you really love …

S.F.X: Hey sister tell me is it ever enough for you, sister, tell me do you really feel loved? Hey, do you feel loved at all, sweet baby child.

S.F.X: You’re a figure eight through the rising steam, inside, outside, red lights, shadow of your love behind a screen. You’re pouting through your lips, red rose tattoos upon your hips, you’re in your own little world …

JESSE: Jesus, this place is just so …

IZZIE: Yep, ain’t it just.  

PAGE 5, PANEL 1

Page width panel. Wide shot of them both sat in a semi-circle alcove booth. Both are sat back, sagged into the seating. On the table are a bunch of beer bottles dotted about two plates with  half eaten chicken pieces on them. They are clearly worse for wear.

ARTIST NOTE: I’ve used the lyrics to my own song ‘Little Miss Bombardier.’ S.F.X: She’s such a space age kinda girl, she knows it’s the future where it’s really at, she doesn’t want the latest fashion or any of that, it’s the real deal she’s after. She’s found her own style and you can be sure she knows it.

JESSE: So, where exactly do you live, Izzie Washington?

IZZIE: I live here.

JESSE: Yeah right, wait … seriously?

IZZIE: Yep, upstairs, in the penthouse no less. I got a deal with the owner.

PAGE 5, PANEL 2

Three panels on this tier. Similar to the previous panel but now a closer shot of them with Jesse holding a bottle beer, about to down it.

S.F.X: She’s never been part of the it crowd, but the it crowd can never really compare, she knows where she’s going and it’s so very far out there.

JESSE: Deal?

IZZIE: Well, she’s a business woman, and I’m kind of an entertainer. She makes deals, I dress up, I entertain her guests. I help the deal go through smoothly, grease the wheels, keep ’em sweet.

PAGE 5, PANEL 3

Similar shot of them but now Jesse is leaning her head on Izzie’s shoulder.

S.F.X: She knows just what it takes to really get ahead, she’s found her way and you can be sure she won’t blow it.

JESSE: When you say keep ‘em sweet …?

IZZIE: Whatever the deal requires, and I get pretty much whatever I want. Ain’t the best deal for sure but it’s mostly okay I guess.

PAGE 5, PANEL 4

Similar to the previous panel but now Jesse is sitting forward again as she spits her beer out, her surprise at Izzie’s comment clear.

S.F.X: Little Miss Bombardier, she’s going to war against the night. Little Miss Bombardier she’s flying so very high.

IZZIE: One of em’, he wanted me to stick my fingers up his arse and piss in his mouth, but we gotta make a living somehow, right?

JESSE: Uh, yeah, right.

PAGE 5, PANEL 5

There panels on this bottom tier. Head to waist shot of Jesse about to take another drink of her beer, with Izzie stood, gripping her arm.

S.F.X: Little Miss Bombardier, she’s a girl with her eyes on the sky.

IZZIE: Okay, come on, let’s hit the dance floor!

PAGE 5, PANEL 6

Full shot of them on a chess board like dance floor. Izzie is dancing suggestively, running her fingers through her hair, while Jesse is stood there stiffly, looking utterly and completely out of place.

S.F.X: Little Miss Bombardier, she hears the sound of the distant sitars. Little Miss Bombardier, she’s dreaming up among the stars.

JESSE: Um, it’s been awhile.

IZZIE: All the more reason ‘en. Now shift that southern booty Jesse Miller.

JESSE: I’m kinda stiff, not sure I can …

PAGE 5, PANEL 7

Floor level shot, looking up at both of them as they’re pulled upward into the air toward a bright shimmering watery light above.

S.F.X: She’s a dreamer, she’s a dreamer.

JESSE: Whoah!

PAGE 6, PANEL 1

FULL PAGE SPLASH: Full shot of them suspended in the air, holding each other, about to kiss, their hair floating like they’re underwater. Jesse is now fully in the moment, smiling as she leans in for the kiss. All about them lights glimmer and sparkle, full of colour, with the shadows of other figures faintly seen through the glow. The blue energy of magic twists and twirls about them, and at the top of the panel a glass ceiling, showing the starry night sky.

S.F.X: She’s a dreamer, she’s a dreamer.

JESSE: Oh.

IZZIE: Like I said, ain’t it just.

JESSE: Ain’t it just indeed.

PAGE 7, PANEL 1

Page width panel. It‘s night and it‘s raining heavily.  Wide exterior shot of the Norwood Club. P.O.V is from the opposite side of the street. The words ‘Way Back When’ are written on a nearby street sign.

CAPTION: 14th Street, Lower Manhattan.

CAPTION: The Norwood Club.

AGATHA ( O.P ): I’m not exactly clear why you called this meeting, Marissa.

MARRISA ( O.P ): I called it, Agatha, because this council has taken its eye off the ball.

PAGE 7, PANEL 2

Page width panel. In the foreground is a head to waist shot of Marissa from behind with eleven members of the Council sat around a long wooden table, including prominent members Agatha Richmond and Nathaniel Sparrow. Their speaker, Noah Hawthorne is sat at the head of the table facing her. Michael Valentyne stood by the wall, calmly and silently observing what’s going on.

NOAH: How so?

MARISSA: You’ve been focusing on the wrong enemy.

AGATHA: We only have one enemy.

VALENTYNE: If only that were true.

PAGE 7, PANEL 3

Page width panel. Head to chest shot of Noah from behind with a head to waist shot of Marissa at the other end of the table facing him.

NOAH: If you have a point, Marissa, please make it.

MARISSA: The point, Noah, is that yesterday I had a vision.

NOAH: A vision?

PAGE 8, PANEL 1

Three panels on this top tier. Full shot of Valentyne by the wall, observing.

VALENTYNE: Noah, if I have learnt one thing in my time on this planet, it is that when Marissa has something to say it wise to listen.

PAGE 8, PANEL 2

Head to waist shot of Sparrow, his expression arrogant, full of hubris.

SPARROW: Visions are not in the purview of this council, we deal in facts …

PAGE 8, PANEL 3

Similar to panel 1 but now it’s a head to chest semi-profile shot of Valentyne.

VALENTYNE: I once ignored one of Marissa’s visions to my lasting regret. I, for one, want this council to hear what she has to say.

PAGE 8, PANEL 4

Three panels on this bottom tier. Head and shoulders shot of Valentyne from behind with a shot of Noah looking across the table.

NOAH: Magellan.

VALENTYNE: Exactly.

PAGE 8, PANEL 5

Head to waist profile shot of Agatha, her expression one of scepticism, turning to Marissa, who’s still stood at the end of the table.

AGATHA: Are you saying I’ve travelled five hundred miles just for a …

MARISSA M: Yes.

PAGE 8, PANEL 6

Head to waist shot of Noah sat at the table, his hands resting on it.

NOAH: Okay, so what did this vision entail?

PAGE 9, PANEL 1

Half page panel. Exterior shot. Elevated shot through the rain, looking down on Marissa, now stood at the window and looking out.

MARISSA: A boy.

PAGE 9, PANEL 2

Two panels on this vertical tier. Head to chest shot of Marissa  stood at the window, with the others in the background behind her.

SPARROW: A boy?

AGATHA: Marissa, we are only willing to entertain your flights of fancy …

PAGE 9, PANEL 3

Head to waist shot of Noah turned to Agatha, now gazing directly across the table at her, his intent upon her, as he flicks a lighter on.

NOAH: Agatha?

AGATHA: Yes.

PAGE 9, PANEL 4

Two panels on this bottom tier. Head to chest semi-profile shot of Noah lighting a cigarette, his gaze still focused entirely on Agatha.

NOAH: Perhaps now would be a good time to get out of your own way.

NOAH: Marissa, please continue.

PAGE 9, PANEL 5

Head to chest semi-profile shot of Marissa, the shadows of the raindrops on the window on her face, her troubled thoughts are clear.

MARISSA: Well, basically if you think we’re in a shit storm now, then there’s a far bigger one coming up on the horizon, one that’ll bring this little house of cards of ours tumbling down to the ground.

PAGE 10, PANEL 1

Three panels on this top tier. Full shot of Marissa M now turned from the window, facing them again, with the rain falling outside.

SPARROW ( O.P ): How could a boy?

MARISSA: Hitler was a boy, Stalin, Genghis Khan. Even Magellan a very long time ago. It always starts with a boy, or a girl, every one of them born with the potential to do something good or bad.

PAGE 10, PANEL 2

Head to waist profile shot of Noah, smoke pluming up from his cigarette.

NOAH: And this boy will do something bad?

PAGE 10, PANEL 3

Similar to panel 5, page 9, but now it’s a head and shoulders shot of Marissa.

MARISSA: Well, that’s the thing, these visions aren’t ever totally clear, it’s almost always bits and pieces, kind of vague. Far as I can tell, this boy, he’s either going to save us all or he’s going to damn us.

PAGE 10, PANEL 4

Three panels on this bottom tier. Wide shot of her from behind, with the council members facing her in the background of the panel.

VALENTYNE: There’s something else though, isn’t there?

MARISSA: Well, you see, he hasn’t exactly been born yet.

AGATHA: Are you saying you had a vision about someone who doesn’t exist?

PAGE 10, PANEL 5

Forehead to chin semi-profile shot of Marissa, her face filling the panel.

MARISSA: I have to admit, it’s certainly a new wrinkle.

PAGE 10, PANEL 6

Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Valentyne, partly in shadow.

VALENTYNE: It is that.

VALENTYNE: But maybe there’s a way to straighten out that wrinkle.

PAGE 11, PANEL 1

SPLASH: Wide shot of a small town street. Maybe something similar to one of the streets in a place like Jacksonville, Oregan, with red brick buildings either side. It’s deserted with empty shops, bars and cafes. Windows are smashed, cars abandoned, the road full of debris. The first hints of sunrise show at the street’s end with an orange tint. In the foreground rats scurry for food and a fallen bus stop sign that has the words ‘35 Years Later’ written on it.

PAGE 11, PANEL 2

Three panels on this bottom tier. High view of the camper van from issue # 2 approaching the town along a cracked, overgrown highway that has wrecked and abandoned vehicles all along its way.

CAPTION: “Will there be food here?”

CAPTION: “Yes, I would think anyway.”

PAGE 11, PANEL 3

In the foreground is the parked camper van and beyond it is a full shot of Jobe and Matilda from behind walking down the main street.

MATILDA: I’m hungry.

JOBE: I know.

PAGE 11, PANEL 4

Full shot of them from the front as they continue along the street, shafts of sunlight falling onto the road between the buildings.

JOBE: Just remember, feed small, feed slowly.

MATILDA: Small. Slowly.

JOBE: Yes, I will show you, just as we did before. It will be hard at first, but in time it will become second nature to you, as if did for me.

PAGE 12, PANEL 1

Half page panel. In the foreground is a full shot of Matilda crouched in an alleyway, holding a dead rat in her hands and biting down into it, her mouth bloodied, dripping down her chin. Her eyes have that familiar yellow tinge that represents Dark Magic. She resembles a feral animal. Jobe is stood nearby watching her.

JOBE: That’s it, bite slowly. Feed the hunger you feel but don’t let it consume you. Feel your heartbeat, that’s it, slow your breath, push the feeling down. You’ll feel it’s pull on you subside, that’s it now.

PAGE 12, PANEL 2

Two panels on this vertical tier. Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Matilda, her eyes with a yellow tinge but fainter than before.

MATILDA: I can feel it, but not like before, I … I couldn’t control it before.

PAGE 12, PANEL 3

Head and shoulders shot of Jobe looking at her, shafts of daylight behind.

JOBE: That wasn’t your fault.

PAGE 12, PANEL 4

Three panels on this bottom tier. Similar to panel 1 but now Matilda is splitting the rat apart, her pale hands covered in blood.

S.F.X: Squelch.

MATILDA: Not my fault.

JOBE: Good, that’s it.

PAGE 12, PANEL 5

Head to waist shot of Jobe, the angle of the shot looking up at him, the broken sky of morning above him as he hands a cloth to her.

JOBE: Once we’re done here we’ll find some supplies, some proper food.

PAGE 12, PANEL 6

Shot of Matilda’s torn and frayed boots as she walks away, with the remains of the rat in the foreground, laying neglected in the alleyway.

MATILDA: Mmm, that sounds nice.

PAGE 13, PANEL 1

Half page panel. Overhead shot of them walking out of the alleyway and into an empty crossroads with long unused traffic lights.

JOBE: Has it passed?

MATILDA: Passed? Yes, I feel better now.

PAGE 13, PANEL 2

Two panels on this vertical tier. Head to waist shot of them in a main street, similar to the earlier one, but with more empty, parked cars.

JOBE: And it will get easier too. We can’t change what we are anymore than we can stop breathing, but we can at least control it.

PAGE 13, PANEL 3

Head to waist profile shot of them walking with Matilda in the foreground.

MATILDA: Will we always be like this?

PAGE 13, PANEL 4

Insert.

Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Jobe frowning, thoughtful.

ARTIST NOTE: This insert is in the top left hand corner of panel 5.

JOBE: Always, at least as long as there is still Dark Magic in this world.

PAGE 13, PANEL 5

SPLASH: In the foreground is a full shot of him and Matilda from behind, looking across a car park to a Kmart building. They’re stood at its edge and it’s filled with empty rusted vehicles of all sorts and abandoned food carts laying about, many reclaimed by nature.

JOBE: But perhaps some day that may change.

PAGE 14, PANEL 1

SPLASH: High view shot of them now inside the Kmart walking along one of the aisles, Jobe pushing a food cart as Matilda walks beside him. Stock is strewn all over the floor, other food carts stand partly filled or just empty. There are cobwebs in the foreground.

MATILDA: What was the world like before?

JOBE: It was different, neither was bad or really good. It wasn’t perfect. There were things that needed to change, but I  think it was better.

PAGE 14, PANEL 2

Three panels on this bottom tier. Head to chest shot of Matilda leaning forward curiously and with a sense of wonder, studying a glamorous model on a hair dye product, the tips of her fingers on it.

MATILDA: Will it ever be like that again.

PAGE 14, PANEL 3

Full shot of them from behind near the tills. Above them is a big sale sign that has graffiti spayed over it that reads: MAGIC IS DEAD.

JOBE: No, I don’t think so, whatever comes next will be different, different to now, different to how it was before. We can’t go back now.

MATILDA: But it could be better?

PAGE 14, PANEL 4

In the foreground is the sale sign seen from the opposite side with a shot of Jobe and Matilda in the aisle below, Jobe looking up at it.

JOBE: It can always be better, but it’s up to us. If we want it to be better…

JOBE: …Then we have to change it.

PAGE 15, PANEL 1

Page width panel. Night. Broken cloud illuminated by moonlight. Exterior shot of the Norwood Club. In the foreground in a full shot of Elijah from behind, stood across the street, watching as various males and females enter and exit the building, going up and down the steps. The words ‘Way Back When’ written on a street sign.

CAPTION: 14th Street, Lower Manhattan.

CAPTION: The Norwood Club.

PAGE 15, PANEL 2

Three panels on this tier. Shot of Elijah stood in front of wooden study doors, the ones that lead into the inner sanctum of the council.

PAGE 15, PANEL 3

Full shot of Marissa, framed by the doorway as she opens it for him.

MARISSA: Come in, Elijah.

PAGE 15, PANEL 4

Full shot of them stood by the study doors, P.O.V from the interior the room, with Marissa holding the door, Elijah framed by it.

ELIJAH: There’s a lot of activity going on outside, Marissa. I assume it’s connected to why you’ve called me here at this ungodly hour.

VALENTYNE ( O.P ): It is.

PAGE 15, PANEL 5

Page width panel. Wide view of the study. Full profile shot of Elijah and Marissa stood by the doors on the right of the panel. On the left of the panel is the council table as seen earlier now only Noah is sat at it with Valentyne stood by the wall in the background.

ELIJAH: Michael.

VALENTYNE: Elijah.

NOAH: Please, sit.

ELIJAH: No thank you, I prefer to stand.

PAGE 16, PANEL 1

Two panels on this top tier. Head to waist shot of Elijah from behind at the end of the table, with Valentyne and Noah facing him.

VALENTYNE: You’ve never been comfortable here, have you, Elijah?

ELIJAH: Honestly, no.

NOAH: An open seat remains for you on this council.

ELIJAH: And my answer is still the same.

PAGE 16, PANEL 2

Similar to the previous panel but now it’s a closer shot of the three.

NOAH: Of course, shall we begin.

ELIJAH: I’m listening.

VALENTYNE: Marissa has had a vision.

PAGE 16, PANEL 3

Two panels on this vertical tier. Overhead shot of Elijah and Marissa.

ELIJAH: I see, not what I was hoping to hear. No offence Marissa.

MARISSA: None taken. Not what anyone wanted to hear, I’d say.

PAGE 16, PANEL 4

Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Elijah. He’s frowning, thoughtful.

ELIJAH: So why call me?

PAGE 16, PANEL 5

Half page panel. This is a forehead to chin semi-profile shot of Marissa.

MARISSA: Well, it’s really kinda simple, we have a very special request of you, Elijah. One that may take you years of your life, but in doing so, you just might potentially save the lives of millions.

PAGE 17, PANEL 1

Page width panel. In the foreground is the interior of a rusted and wrecked pick up truck with a head and shoulders shot of a skeleton, and through it’s side window we see Jobe and Matilda walking past an overgrown basketball court. Jobe is pushing the food cart he has taken from the Kmart. A fence sign reads: ‘35 Years Later.’

MATILDA: Are you my friend?

JOBE: I can be if you want me to be.

MATILDA: Yes, I’d like that.

PAGE 17, PANEL 2

Two panels on this tier. Full shot of them walking along the sidewalk.

MATILDA: Have you had a friend before?

JOBE: Once, I’m not sure I was such a good friend to him though.

PAGE 17, PANEL 3

Similar to the previous panel but now Matilda is looking up at the sky.

MATILDA: Why not?

JOBE: He tried to help me, but I didn’t listen when I should have, I made a mistake and it cost him dearly. I can never repay that debt.

PAGE 17, PANEL 4

Two panels on this bottom tier. In the foreground a rat is scurrying ahead of them, and Matilda’s gaze is now clearly upon it.

MATILDA: But you’ll try.

PAGE 17, PANEL 5

Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Jobe, half his face in shadow, the other half in sunlight. The sadness and regret clear in his eyes.

JOBE: Yes … I’ll try.

PAGE 18, PANEL 1

Page width panel. Overhead wide shot of Izzie’s penthouse apartment. It’s kind of high class but kind of trashy too, with leopard prints, bean bags, a large fireplace and rug. In the centre of the panel is a round bed. Jesse is lying face up as she wakes, stretching sleepily. There’s a satin sheet over her, her naked leg hanging out. The other side of the bed sheet is turned down and empty. Beer bottles, clothes and her NASA cap are strewn over the floor.

JESSE: Damn, I’ve had some nights, but last night, that was just …

PAGE 18, PANEL 2

Two panels on this tier. Head to waist semi-profile shot of her now sat up and squinting heavily as she holds her hand to her forehead.

JESSE: Izzie?

PAGE 18, PANEL 3

Overhead full shot of her, naked, her hair all over the place, looking down at her clothes on the floor, beer bottles lying about them.

JESSE: Okaaay.

PAGE 18, PANEL 4

Three panels on this bottom tier. Exterior shot through the penthouse window, her figure obscured as she puts her clothes on.

PAGE 18, PANEL 5

Full shot of her, now fully dressed, walking down the main stairs of Halos. It’s early, shafts of light falling in, and pretty much empty.

JESSE: Izzie?

IZZIE ( O.P ): Oh hey, Jesse J.

PAGE 18, PANEL 6

Full shot of Izzie sat on a bar stool, dressed in underwear and a vest. On the counter are discarded vials and she appears to be using a steam punk style needle of some sort to inject into her arm.

IZZIE: Just getting a little after party fix up, ya want some?

PAGE 19, PANEL 1

Three panels on this top tier. Head to chest shot of Jesse staring at Izzie, her expression a mixture of hurt, disappointment and confusion.

JESSE: Wait. What the hell is this?

PAGE 19, PANEL 2

Head to chest semi-profile shot of Izzie glancing over her shoulder.

IZZIE: Magic, what else.

PAGE 19, PANEL 3

Similar to panel 1 but now Jesse looks more annoyed than anything.

JESSE: You’re injecting it?

PAGE 19, PANEL 4

Three panels on this tier. Head to waist semi-profile shot of Izzie, looking down at the needle, pushing her thumb down on it as she injects.

IZZIE: One hundred pure percent I am, only the best around here.

PAGE 19, PANEL 5

Full shot of them both by the bar, Jesse slamming her fist on the counter.

JESSE: Sonavabitch, the first person I get under the sheets with in months and you turn out to be nothin’ but a godamn magic junkie?

PAGE 19, PANEL 6

Head and shoulders profile shot of them, Jesse up close, just staring.

IZZIE: Hey, if you was under any illusions, Jesse Miller, that’s your problem. Either get that stick outta your arse or exit the same way ya came in.

PAGE 19, PANEL 7

Two panels on this bottom tier. Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Izzie, her expression changed, now disinterested and icy cold.

IZZIE: Comprende?

PAGE 19, PANEL 8

Head to waist shot of Jesse in the foreground, walking away, stone faced, with Izzie in the background looking down at the needle again.

JESSE: Yeah, comprende.

PAGE 20, PANEL 1

Half page panel. Full shot of Jesse walking along the main street. All about her the town coming to life. People stand on the street, others open window shutters, a beggar with a bowl, riders attending to their horses, dogs roaming, a juggler juggling blue balls of magical energy. Behind her are stables and a rusty old garage. Her head is bowed, the NASA cap throwing a shadow over her face.

PAGE 20, PANEL 2

Two panels on this vertical tier. Full shot of Mother M in the foreground with a full shot of Jesse stood by the front door of the hotel lounge, her face contorting as she yawns and stretches herself.

MOTHER M: Damn, either you had a bad night, or a really good one.

JESSE: I think it was a bit of both.

JESSE: *Yawn* Where is he?

PAGE 20, PANEL 3

Head to waist profile shot of them facing each other, Jesse looking blinkered as she rubs her tired looking and puffed up eyes.

MOTHER M: He came in last night looking just like you. Up with the sun though.

JESSE: He’s out already?

MOTHER M: Yep.

JESSE: Great.

PAGE 20, PANEL 4

Two panels on this bottom tier. Full shot of them now at the lounge bar, Mother M is stood behind it pouring orange juice from a big jug into a glass, and Jesse is leaning tiredly on the counter.

MOTHER M: I heard you two had words.

JESSE: He had words, I kinda listened, then I just left. Listen, if you’re gonna tell me he’s not such a bad guy I really don’t give a shit.  

PAGE 20, PANEL 5

Forehead to chin semi-profile shot of Jesse. Her face filling the panel.

JESSE: I just need to know I can trust him.

PAGE 21, PANEL 1

Three panels on this top tier. Mother M from Jesse’s P.O.V, now looking a lot more serious, a whole unknown history written on  her face.

MOTHER M: You can trust him.

PAGE 21, PANEL 2

Head to waist profile shot of them facing each other across the counter. Mother M now pushing the full glass of orange over to Jesse.

MOTHER M: You’re both wrong you know.

JESSE: About what?

MOTHER M: About magic.

PAGE 21, PANEL 3

Head to waist shot of Jesse, the glass in the foreground as she looks at it.

JESSE: Yeah? Someone else tried to tell me that lately. Funny thing is, they’re kinda dead, and it was magic that got them that way.

PAGE 21, PANEL 4

Three panels on this bottom tier. This is similar to panel 2 but now Jesse is holding the glass and is just about to take a drink from it.

MOTHER M: So, you’re going on that damn foolish quest then?

JESSE: You know about that, huh?

MOTHER M: Oh, I know.

PAGE 21, PANEL 5

Head to chest shot of Jesse from Mother M’s P.O.V, her gaze questioning.

JESSE: And you think we’re wrong?

PAGE 21, PANEL 6

Head and shoulders semi-profile shot of Mother M, her face partly in shadow, her eyes are full of wisdom. She knows about this.

MOTHER M: I think you’ve both got your reasons, but just remember, there ain’t nothing in this life ever goes the way you expect.

PAGE 22, PANEL 1

Insert.

Over the shoulder shot of Jesse about to down the rest of the glass.

ARTIST NOTE: The two inserts run along the top of the full page splash.

JESSE: Yeah, no shit. Do you know where he went?

MOTHER M: Yep.

PAGE 22, PANEL 2

Insert.

Head to waist profile shot of them facing each other across the counter, Jesse now cradling the empty glass and Mother M holding her hand up in a gesture of mock defeat, giving a wry smile.

JESSE: So, you gonna tell me?

MOTHER M: *Sigh* Yeah okay, I’ll give you the directions.

PAGE 22, PANEL 3

SPLASH: In the foreground is a full shot of Jeremiah from behind. He’s stood at the road end of an overgrown drive, broken fences either side of it, leading up to an old wooden house with a large elevated porch and steps. It’s an old place, full of neglect, broken boards, cobwebs, with creeping ivy all over its façade. Beyond it the morning sky is struck through with splashes of pewter.

CAPTION: “Not sure he’s gonna be in the mood for visitors though.”

[mccarranhandymanservices-blog]

Best Concrete Flooring Installation Contractor Las Vegas Nevada | McCarran Handyman Services

More information is at: http://www.handymanlasvegasnv.com/concrete-flooring-installation-near-me.html

 Youtube: https://youtu.be/vnLEcI2X7XY

 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/292645991337522/videos/2445522155730357/

  Looking for Concrete Flooring Installation Service near Las Vegas Nevada? McCarran Handyman Services is the premier Concrete Flooring Installation Service in the Las Vegas Nevada. Unlike carpeting, a decorative concrete floor can’t be installed in just a few hours or a day. But the payoff is well worth the extra time and effort involved. Once the project is finished, your concrete floor will look beautiful for decades without the need for replacement. Best Concrete Flooring Installation Service in Las Vegas Nevada. Cost? Free estimates! Call now or Send a quick message for an estimate.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE NOW

 CONCRETE FLOORING INSTALLATION SERVICE IN  LAS VEGAS NEVADA

The  professional Concrete Flooring Installation will At McCarran Handyman Services, our experienced flooring experts can provide the best Concrete Flooring Installation in Las Vegas Nevada at a very reasonable price. We take pride in offering the best Concrete Flooring Installation. Our McCarran Handyman Services experts take pride in providing the best service in the Las Vegas Nevada area. They are also extremely easy to work with, very punctual, and have years of experience working with Concrete Flooring Installation.

Concrete floors have been used for decades for commercial applications. most of those beautiful, shiny, and durable floors in department stores are finished concrete. Recently, concrete has grown popular as a residential flooring option, because more beautiful and economical techniques have become available, and word of mouth has spread about the amazing benefits of concrete floors.

Installing a polished concrete floor is not exactly an easy task. It requires a lot of planning and a whole lot of working hours at Las Vegas Nevada.

Timing is key when installing a polished concrete floor. Getting the timing wrong could involve ripping everything out and starting all over again. This job would normally take 3-6 days depending on the size and the condition of the room.

Getting this flooring looking perfect takes a lot of time and skill. Every step is very important, and making sure that there are no weak links is a priority. If this is not done right, the whole floor integrity can fall apart. Longevity is important when we are dealing with heavy duty floorings.

Here are the steps involved in installing a polished concrete floor:

1. Preparation

This step is actually a lot of work, as we will need to do a lot of prying and surveying. We have to make sure the surface is suitable and as ready as it can be.

We then make sure to get the substrate right (the layer beneath the actual flooring). Next step is knowing what type of things we are dealing with underneath there before proceeding.

Once everything is okay, the excavation can begin. McCarran Handyman Services remove the floorboards one by one while making sure to mark out the floor height with a line. Next thing is to place a layer of sand at the very bottom to keep the moisture out before placing a sheet of plastic on top. We keep doing this until we have two layers and then top it with a wire mesh.

2. Pouring

Installing a polished concrete floor Carefully, we pour the concrete in and then level using a float. Depending on the size of the area, it can take up to two to three days to set completely. This is the longest waiting period that the job will require but getting it right is very important.

3. Polishing

It is now time to have the concrete floor polished. We will use a planetary grinder for this job. After installing the proper plates on the planetary grinder we then start going through the entire room while being extra careful when bumping into walls.

If this is done incorrectly, this could cause the lower part of the walls to have scratches and nicks. After this is done, we will then remove the tool marks using a transitional hybrid tool. This is to remove the impressions left on the surface from all the grinding.

4. Sealing

The floor is then prepared for one final cleanup using a non-abrasive cloth to remove all the debris on the surface. Next step is applying the sealer with a sealer applicator spray and carefully applying it to the concrete floor. We then make sure that the sealer is applied on all areas of the floor and as evenly as possible. After that is accomplished, we use a floor polisher to finish the job.

There are a few natural elements to be wary of. It is critical that absolutely nothing gets into the area during sealing. This includes insects such as flies and moths. Also leaves or debris may get blown in by the wind.

Even the smallest element can alter the mirror smooth finish we are going for. For this reason we go through big lengths to seal off the area as much as we possibly can. Even rats and possums can sometimes come in and stain the floor overnight. Imagine a mirror smooth finish with a dead insect in the centre or foot prints across.

Make a wrong preparation to this step and we will have to re-do the entire sealing process again. Besides the pests, there is also the issue of sunlight, which may cause some areas to dry faster than others. For this reason we make sure all windows are blacked out.

5. Drying

Drying a polished concrete floor Finally, after the floors are sealed, it usually takes just around 30 minutes to dry. The good thing about installing a polished concrete floor is that they do not have any cure time.

These are the fundamental steps involved in installing polished concrete. The most important skill to make this job perfect is experience and precision. Having the right McCarran Handyman Services team not just the right materials is the key to producing a world class finish at Las Vegas Nevada.

We at McCarran Handyman Services have the finest commercial concrete floor installation services available at the most affordable prices! Ask for a free quote today!

Call us for :

·      How To Install Concrete Floors Over Wood Subfloors

·      Concrete Floor Installation Cost

·      Residential Concrete Floors

·      Concrete Floor Installers Near Las Vegas Nevada

·      Polished Concrete Floors

·      Concrete Flooring Ideas

·      How To Stain Concrete Floors

·      Concrete Flooring Texture

 BEST CONCRETE FLOORING INSTALLATION SERVICE IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA

MCCARRAN HANDYMAN SERVICES

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US!

CONTACT:

McCarran Handyman Services

#1 Handyman Service in Las Vegas Henderson Nevada!

CALL (702) 570-4279 HANDYMAN 1, http://www.handymanlasvegasnv.com/

CALL (702) 514-3052 HANDYMAN 2, http://www.service-vegas.com/

CALL (702) 530-7597 CLEANING 1, http://www.mgmhouseholdservices.com/

CALL (702) 551-2023 CLEANING 2, http://www.cleaningserviceslasvegasnv.com/

CALL (702) 329-9729 JUNK REMOVAL, http://www.mgmjunkremoval.com/

Located in Las Vegas Nevada

Monday to Sunday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm

WEB: www.handymanlasvegasnv.com

EMAIL: mccarranhs@gmail.com

http://www.handymanlasvegasnv.com/

 HANDYMAN SERVICES:

·         Bathroom Kitchen Basement Remodeling, Interior and Exterior Painting

·         Cabinetry and Carpentry, Commercial Residential Painting

·         Concrete & Masonry, Damage Restoration

·         Decks & Railing, Demolition Services, Deck Staining

·         Door Repair Installation Services, Drywall Repair and Installer

·         Fences & Gates, Flooring and Foundation Services

·         Gutter Cleaning Services

·         Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC

·         Landscaping Services, Lawn Care, Hardscaping Services

·         Painting, Plaster & Drywall Services

·         Plumbing Services, Roofing and Room Additions and Siding

·         Swimming Pool Maintenance and Cleaning

·         Waterproofing, Windows Repair Installation Services

·         Home Building and Home Remodeling

·         General Contracting, Hauling and Property Management

·         Solar Panel Services, Assembly and Installation Services

·         House Office Building Cleaning, Maintenance and Junk Removal

  SERVICE AREA: Las Vegas NV, Boulder City NV, Enterprise, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Paradise, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor Nevada.

Las Vegas Neighborhoods: Aliante, Anthem/Anthem Country Club, Chinatown, Downtown Las Vegas, Green Valley, Lake Las Vegas, Las Vegas Country Club, MacDonald Highlands, Mountain's Edge, Paradise Palms, Queensridge & One Queensridge Place, Seven Hills, Southern Highlands, Summerlin, Summerlin South, The Lakes, The Ridges, West Las Vegas Nevada.

Service Area Zip Codes: 88901, 88905, 89101, 89102, 89104, 89106, 89107, 89108, 89109, 89110, 89116, 89117, 89124, 89125, 89126, 89127, 89128, 89129, 89130, 89131, 89133, 89134, 89136, 89137, 89138, 89143, 89144, 89145, 89146, 89147, 89149, 89151, 89152, 89153, 89154, 89155, 89157, 89158, 89161, 89162, 89163, 89164, 89166, 89185.

[y2s2-20182019]

Dhamma Alternative Medicine- The Story

Each blocks of the infrastructure contains a specific ritual or program corresponding to the idea of the nine pills with fixed circulation on the steps of which are to be done first. The collective ritual spaces also have spaces devoted for people in the subculture to be able to deploy the affective devices in the public space and the promotes use of the device in the interior spaces as a way of differentiating their visual identity from the newcomers.

1 Body Cleaning

Before entering the space, everyone is asked to take off their shoes and arrange them on the shelves provided and wash their feet as a way to cleanse themselves which helps to control the cleanliness of the infrastructure and a way for people to become one with the nature. The steps of taking off the shoes relate to Mhor Keaw himself who would also walk barefooted to push himself away from all material possessions, in this case, shoes, that bring him comfort to live as close to nature as possible.

2 Soaking in Herbal Solution (Pill 4)

After washing your feet, you will be led to two different paths leading to two blocks with similar space. These two spaces relates to the fourth pill being to soak your hands and feet in herbal solution. The left block would be filled with cool herbal solution with cooling effects for those who feel hot from getting stressed, angry, and the hot climate. The left block can slightly occupy more people since more people are bound to get hot than cold. To the right are pools filled with herbal solution of heating effects for those feeling cold from sicknesses. Everyone is advised to soak for three minutes with one minute interval for three rounds for the best result and to immediately stop if you start feeling dizzy or sick. The small pools will have water heater at all times to control the temperature of warm water at about 40 degrees celsius.

3 Meditation (Pill 8)

The meditation space is occupied with Buddha statue for everyone to orientate towards while praying and meditating. Since the space requires a minimum amount of light, the top opening allows for a small gap of skylight to enter to create a religious effect.

4 Dark Room

Upon entering the dark room, the individual will anticipate on their way inside the mysterious atmosphere feeling their way into the simple maze. Visitors would arrive in a vacuous room devoid of light and sound to make them detached from the external world and are only aware of their own existence. The dark room acts like a place for them to cleanse themselves a take a break from the outside world by being to themselves of making them think and reflect upon.

5 Nap (Pill 9)

The napping space has the same entrance and exit as the dark room which allows for no light to enter the space for a serene experience of taking a nap. The space consists of only tatami mat covered floor for individuals to lie solely on the floor.

6 Yoga (Pill 6)

The sixth pill covers the ritual of exercises, yoga, and acupressure stating that exercise should be done daily for good blood circulation and preventing blood clot. The yoga and acupressure space are separated because visitors may try out other form of exercises with faster pace in the space.

7 Acupressure (Pill 6)

After doing any forms of exercise, the body creates toxic waste to push them out, but to release those toxins, the muscles, bones, and tendons must be adjusted by doing acupressure and yoga to keep its flexibility and allow for a better flow of blood to release toxins.

Pool

8 Herbal Concoction (Pill 5)

The herbal concoction space is for using herbal concoction as a mask on the skin, as drops, as compresses, or for steaming or bathing by applying herbal concoction on different parts of the body or extracted herbal solutions on areas of the face that are heating up.

9 Common Room (Pill 1)

The common room is a space for people in the subculture to take a break from doing all the rituals. The space has a water dispenser with chlorophyll drink of warming and cooling effect to balance the body temperature.

10 Gua Sha (Pill 2)

The gua sha space is simple with tatami mats for people to lie down will doing the ritual. Individuals in the subculture would have the device as a surface for them to lie down while doing gua sha.

11 Male Detox (Pill 3)

The space is mainly used for the third pill which is body detox with small cells specially made to complete the ritual. Other cells inside the space includes changing rooms, bathrooms, and shower rooms.  

12 Female Detox (Pill 3)

The space is mainly used for the third pill which is body detox with small cells specially made to complete the ritual. Other cells inside the space includes changing rooms, bathrooms, and shower rooms.

13 Collective Ritual and Lectures

Collective rituals and lectures are held daily following the cultural clock to guide those newcomers joining the subculture. The space on the left are reserved for people in the subculture with arrangement of spaces to fit the use of the device.  

14 Food and Refreshment Kiosk (Pill 7)

The food and refreshment would have monthly Dhamma Alternative Medicine menu for giveaway cooked by the volunteers so that the mainstream culture can try the food with many health benefits. During weekends, chlorophyll drinks will be distributed for visitors to the park after exercise.

15 Event Space

The event space will mainly be used for events related to subculture and may be available at times for other events in the park. Some events of the subculture includes weekly farmer’s market with vegetables and fruits grown by participants in the camp with profit to develop the spaces in the camps to accomodate more people. Another event that may happen occasionally would be Mhor Keaw’s talk show which he would come over to give live talks on the subculture and hopefully gain more followers.

16 Meetup Space

The meetup space is a space for people in the subculture to gather since there are no official gathering spaces. People suffering from the same diseases would be able to exchange experiences and give hope to each other to get better.

17 Informative Panels

The space with informative panels are meant to educate visitors  in the park on the subculture and specific rituals they perform which is located close to the entrance of the secluded spaces so these people would be able to learn about the different rituals before trying it out in the spaces. There will be interactive panels and QR codes for them to scan getting them to be more exposed to the subculture on its official website and social medias as a way to promote the Dhamma Alternative Medicine camps.

[calorieworkouts]

The One Move You Should Be Doing, Based on Your Favorite Workout

Fitness pros are always stating that the finest type of workout is the one you enjoy, and, you know, will in fact do often. Which's real. There's also a claiming about range as well as the flavor of life, am I? Suggesting that if running is your One Real Love, and you do little else, it's essentially the workout matching of only eating kale for the remainder of your life. Seems like it should benefit you, yet it's not.

Just as you would certainly be nutritionally deficient on a kale-only diet plan, you'll be physically lacking, most likely in danger of injury as well as muscle mass discrepancies, by staying with one task regularly. If you enjoy running, of course, go on running! Just be smarter concerning it by mixing in exercises that complement the workout you heart. To help you get going, we've got an activity-by-activity breakdown listed below to reveal you the one toughness relocation you need to be doing to obtain one of the most bang for your buck.

If you love running:

Try moves that strengthen your posterior muscle mass (the ones on your back body such as glutes, hammies, rear delts) and also core exercises that entail hip flexion. Seems kind of challenging, yet it's not. Right here's the bargain: Running mainly functions the muscular tissues on the front of your body (like your quads), so you require to reveal the ones in the back some love to stabilize it out. Believe: workouts such as deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

" As well as if you think of the running gait, just a single leg gets on the ground at any type of once, so doing actions that function your abdominals, back, as well as hip flexors will promote stability and make your workouts easier as well as far better," says Tony Maloney, a representative for the American University of Sports Medication as well as fitness facility manager at the National Institute for Fitness as well as Sporting Activity in Indianapolis.

Your go-to move: marching bridges, which do every one of these points. Lie faceup with knees curved and feet on the floor about a foot from your butt, hands by sides. Maintaining abs pulled in limited, lift hips off of floor right into a bridge setting. From right here, raise ideal foot off of floor (knee bent) up until shin is identical to floor as well as hip creates a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower foot pull back as well as repeat with left leg for one rep. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

If you love Spinning:

Try focusing on your core. Your abs and also back do not get as much action in class as your legs do (for sure!)-- and you need a solid core to be able to do things like out-of-the-saddle riding or 'climbing' with a difficult resistance. And also, many classes consist of an 'upper-body' stamina area, so that deals with your arms and shoulders.

Your go-to move: mountain mountain climbers-- a timeless and also efficient core move that also constructs upper-body strength and quad endurance, Maloney claims. (Win-win-win!) Begin in high plank position and also swiftly pull best knee to upper body, then left. Proceed to alternating as swiftly as possible while maintaining abdominals limited as well as back right the entire time. Continue for 30 to 60 secs, remainder for 15 secs, after that repeat 3 to 5 times.

If you love yoga:

Try performing pulling workouts. "There aren't a lot of them in yoga exercise, and these types of exercises reinforce your back and provide you much more joint stability, which will certainly help you obtain more variety of activity," Maloney states. Translation: You'll be flexier, so your yoga exercise practice will benefit too.

Your go-to move: resistance band pulls for your shoulders, an essential link in the chain of a lot of yoga exercise poses. Stand holding an exercise band with both hands, palms down (the more detailed your grasp, the a lot more tough it will be). Lift arms right out before chest, after that gradually draw the band apart-- imagining your shoulder blades coming together to pull the band instead compared to your arms-- up until arms are out in a T. Repeat for 10 to 15 reps for one set. Full 3 to 5 sets.

If you love Pilates:

Try doing jumps (or plyometric exercises) and various other power steps. "Pilates is excellent due to the fact that it develops strength, movement, and stability," Maloney states. "The only things it's missing are exercises with genuine lots, as well as cardio." Dumbbells or kettlebells could provide you the added weight, and also there are a zillion methods to get the aerobic exercise you need-- yet he suggests the two-for action below.

Your go-to move: box leaps. Find a box or durable bench as well as stand in front of it. Send hips back to squat down after that do an eruptive dive onto the box, landing in a squat position. Done back-to-back, they'll truly get your heart price up and establish your quads ablaze. Complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps, resting for 30 secs between each set.

If you love HIIT workouts:

Try anything that helps extend you out-- like yoga exercise or Pilates. As excellent as HIIT exercises are, Maloney says they can leave you truly tight, so working with your flexibility is very important. Crucial: matching those intense workouts with ones that are much more chill (om!).

Your go-to move: triangle pose, which chills out your hips, hamstrings, upper body, and shoulders. Stand with your feet larger compared to shoulder-width apart, appropriate toes ended up to face ahead. Extend arms out to a T, after that from the hips, get to onward regarding feasible before hinging at hips to get to right-hand man to shin or ankle. Extend left arm directly towards the ceiling and rotate breast to admire fingertips. Hold for 2 to 6 breaths then repeat pose on the other side.

If you love boxing:

Try concentrating on lower-body exercises. "Beating the black out of a hefty bag suggests your upper-body stamina is most likely outstanding," Maloney says. "Doing steps that function your reduced fifty percent will certainly provide your body much more equilibrium and also enhance your endurance. The legs are just what tire fighters out."

Your go-to move: Traveling lunges help amp up your strength and sharpen your equilibrium-- both must-haves for boxing. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, after that take a large advance with your appropriate leg and also lower right into a lunge, knees bent 90 levels, knees straightened over toes. Maintain back high. Press with best heel to rise up and repeat by stepping left leg forward for 1 rep. Remain to alternate legs as you take a trip ahead for 10 total reps. Complete 3 to 4 sets.

If you love swimming:

Attempt more ab work. Consider it: Your limbs-- or even your back-- work hard in the swimming pool, yet the front part of your belly can in some cases just be along for the flight. And also given that all motion originates from your core, reinforcing it will boost your swimming video game too.

Your go-to move: moving slabs, which work all the muscles that compose your abs (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, as well as the interior and also exterior obliques). They additionally, naturally, advertise overall core toughness. Beginning in a lower arm plank with core tight so your body develops a straight line from visit toe. Spin body open to change weight into best lower arm, as well as rotate body into a side plank. Go back to beginning placement and also repeat on the various other side for one rep. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 representatives each.

[homedesignlog-blog]

House Weekend in Sao Paulo Boasts Low Impact Landscape Staircase

Whilst it involves landscaping, we always see to it that it isn’t simply visually interesting. However we additionally make certain that the crops will thrive for a long time because it is the number one element that makes the landscape shocking. We also see to it that the layout is nice and traffic around the outdoor area is good. Even Though others think that landscaping is simply solving how vegetation are arranged in an area, it's actually more than that. that is why it is sensible to hire a landscape knowledgeable to be certain that the whole lot is perfect. needless to say, you're going to be impressed to have a ravishing panorama after you see what Area Weekend in Sao Paulo have to offer. As we all recognise, Sao Paulo is a hectic city during which vacationers flock for its beaches. With that, the house owners wanted to have their own weekend area that may be situated within the vital area of Sao Paulo. It includes a swimming pool, a solarium and a lawn which can be the primary parts of the mission. the remaining of this system is complementary which incorporates one bed room, a small apartment for the house and a spot to cook dinner and obtain pals. because the most peak that is permitted by means of legislation in the town is purely six meters, the designers considered the new “ground level�� to its peak. This house won daylight all day and will likely be a ravishing position for the home. The pool and the solarium have been arranged as parallel volumes. It features pillars that have been leased within the vary from 1 meter among these volumes. Structurally speaking, the pool serves as solarium stability. there's a gap of 12 meters among the 2 main helps which are confronted on one facet with beams that toughen the pool and at the different it has beams that support the solarium that also hangs the decrease flooring. Scroll down underneath so that you can see more information about the house and its landscaping. Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil Dressmaker: SPBR Arquitetos Taste: Up To Date Collection Of Ranges: 3-tale Distinctive function: Apart From the gorgeous design of the home, this residing boasts a neatly-designed landscaping that includes many ideas that one could use for their very own garden. Its main focal point is the lawn, the solarium and the pool house. An Identical Area: Half Walls Divide Spaces in Condominium Huber

Dark gray steel parts, contrasting and chilly, transform highlights of the internal for House Weekend, but it also divide different areas and create differentiated spots: the doorway corridor, the kitchen area, the glass doorways and the black lamp above the living room.

the entire house options unique main points in it that help make it environmentally friendly. But one in all essentially the most attention-grabbing layout components is the outdoor staircase which will see in the symbol above.

in preference to excavating the land and developing steps using solid concrete, the designers created a floating steel staircase. This appears to hover above the plush greenery below it. With this design, the crops are unfastened to develop underneath it.

From the interior, the landscaping can be seen identical to what you'll see on this image wherein a working house overlooks to the low impact staircase. It does really feel like the homeowners are living across the woodland because of its greenery, right?

Light and rain pass through the openings of the steps which assist to nourish and water the crops underneath it. because of this layout, it lets in the crops, bugs, and even animals to use the greenery and it additionally is helping to scale back the have an effect on of the house at the setting. Learn Additionally: GH Mild Condo Divides Inside Areas Without The Use Of Solid Walls

The Ground stage of the house is freed from any building. this is done in order to achieve most possible lawn space. With that, there are three different layers and 3 other atmospheres within the house. It provides a flooring degree with the garden, the extent of the condominium and a coverage that incorporates the pool.

Observed this is any other roughly staircase design positioned in every other a part of the lawn which ends up in the upper stage of the home. you'll be able to also see the numerous different kinds of crops within the home’s landscaping.

This development and its application differs from traditional architectural designs because it made the metropolis a possible position to be for the circle of relatives to enjoy the weekends. Aside From that, the weather on a regular basis regarded as secondary for a home change into the main focal point of the home.

in the event you were capable of get a glimpse of the dwelling space from the previous image, you'll see the dining house and kitchen here. Notice additionally that there are sliding doors so that it will carry privacy to the inner whilst needed. but it surely can be left open so it will possibly hook up with the outdoor area.

that is the pool space which underneath the structure. it is also surrounded with vegetation to boot which makes it glance even more fresh.

Excluding the pool, there also are other water features around the house just like what you'll be able to see here. Isn’t it nice to peer a waterfall within the garden? If my guess is right, this is also attached to the pool house. However I'm unsure if you possibly can also tub in here. This certain is an even source of notion while it involves landscaping. Except the low have an effect on stairs, the whole thing is completed with a fair format and you'll be able to additionally understand that each area is well-deliberate. this is crucial for a house’s landscaping. there may be additionally an even stability between vegetation and the hardscape. Indeed, this is a really perfect house design from SPBR Arquitetos who labored with Raul Pereira to achieve a shocking landscape. As you get a glimpse of the house’s inner, this made you are feeling certain that the house is indeed one thing that you simply would really like to succeed in to your personal residing. it kind of feels that the whole thing is already here in House Weekend from a gorgeous panorama, a singular structure and a well-designed interior. What more may just you ask for? Read the full article

[service-omaha-blog]

Apartment Remodeling Apartment Complex Renovation Company in Lincoln NE - Lincoln Handyman Service

More Information is at: http://www.handymanlincolne.com/apartment-complex-renovations-lincoln.html

Youtube - https://youtu.be/FPAwfQnMloI

Lincoln Handyman Services: Need an apartment renovation company in Lincoln NE? Lincoln Handyman Services is the premier multifamily remodeling company in Lincoln metro area. Are You Looking to Begin a Renovation Project at Your Apartment Building? Call us for apartment remodeling services, apartment renovations, apartment repairs and maintenance, apartment janitorial services and apartment moving help. Located in beautiful Lincoln Nebraska. Cost Of Apartment Complex Renovation? Free Estimates! Call Today Or Schedule Apartment Complex Renovation Online Fast!

REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY

APARTMENT COMPLEX RENOVATION

Apartment Building Renovation Company Lincoln

Service Lincoln – Renovation Remodeling Repair

Are You Looking to Begin a Renovation Project at Your Apartment Building? If you are a management company or property owner who would like to consult with Service Lincoln about a multifamily remodeling project or structural issue, you can submit your information by simply clicking here. Lincoln Handyman Services is the premier multifamily remodeling company in Lincoln Nebraska. We are dedicated to creating prosperous communities through integrity and exceeding the expectations of clients and tenants.

House or Business Building Renovation Lincoln

Lincoln Handyman Services offers services in the multifamily remodeling realm to cover all of our project needs. Our team of Project Managers, Superintendents, Operation Staff & Field pool their experience and imagination to bring your ideas to life. There is no capital improvement or interior unit turn that is too large or too small.

Interior Renovations Company Lincoln

Interior Remodeling: Lincoln Handyman Services will manage your interior unit remodeling project from start to finish. Our design team will help identify the materials and finishes that will increase the value of your property, and keep tenants satisfied and attracted to modern upgrades. From new flooring, to finished carpentry and electrical- our in-house team is equipped to swiftly manager entire unit overhauls at your apartment building. We focus on quality of work and the greatest value so your unit turn renovations can be done in scale. Revitalizing your apartment community can begin with a renovation “face-lift” today!

Leasing Centers

How does your apartment community appeal to tenants? The leasing center and office will likely be one of the first interactions a tenant has with a your property. If your leasing office is outdated and and not attractive, your tenants will likely connect those feelings to what your units might look like. Ensure that your first impression is an accurate reflection of your apartment community by renovating your leasing center.

Here at Lincoln Handyman Services, we have helped client’s create modern, warm, and inviting leasing centers that leave tenants wanting more. From complete redevelopment projects to aesthetic interior upgrades, we can help you create the type of environment you seek. Many of our Nebraska leasing renovations also include tech-savvy upgrades like:

• Shared work spaces

• Charging stations for electrical and hybrid vehicles

• On-site tech concierge

• Built-in USB ports

Fitness Center Rehabilitation Lincoln

Fitness centers are an amenity that millennials, and most tenants, look for in an apartment building. Lincoln Handyman Services can develop a new fitness center addition, re-purpose an unused space, or simply upgrade client’s current facility. Why is this a good project to consider if you own a multifamily building? Higher rents & tenant satisfaction.

Re-purposing Laundry Rooms Lincoln

Property owners are catching onto the potential value-add opportunity in providing in-unit laundry facilities for tenants. As properties shift from public-use to in-unit, laundry rooms are left with something to be desired. How are you utilizing this new found space? To cater to the growing demands of tenant consumers, Lincoln Handyman Services is helping clients identify the value-add amenity their clientele wants most. Whether it is the addition of a fitness center, or a custom theater, or even an on-site cafe…it’s time to say goodbye to your old laundry room.

Exterior - Exterior Apartment Redevelopment Lincoln

As a Property Owner or Property Management Company in Lincoln Nebraska, the opportunity for exterior renovations and outdoor development is constantly evolving. The skies are sunny more often than not, and tenants embrace properties that boast great outdoor amenities. Lincoln Handyman Services specializes in outdoor renovations of recreational areas and more. Here are a few of the services offered:

• Pool area redevelopment

• Outdoor theaters

• Common area & courtyard improvements

• Gazebos, BBQ stations and more

• Dog Parks

• Landscaping & Hardscaping

In addition to the amenities mentioned above, Lincoln Handyman Services  also provides clients with solutions to other exterior aesthetic problems.

Building Structural Repair Lincoln

While structural repair renovations may not always generate immediate ROI, it is imperative to address structural issues before safety is violated, Your asset won’t produce results if these problems fall by the wayside.  Lincoln Handyman Services creative value engineering options will save you money and time, and ensure that these repairs are made correctly. Here are some of the structural repair services offered:

• Wood rot repair

• Carports, balconies and retaining walls

• Don’t let wood rot, or other structural problems keep your multifamily community from performing at its highest level!

CALL US FOR:

• Multi Family Renovation Contractor Lincoln

• Apartment Renovation Services Lincoln

• Apartment Rehab Companies Lincoln

• Construction Services Lincoln

• Apartment Renovation Company Lincoln NE

• Asset Management Company Lincoln

• Building Cleaning Services Lincoln

• Building Floor Cleaning Company Lincoln

• Janitorial Services Lincoln

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX RENOVATION SERVICE IN LINCOLN, NE!

LINCOLN HANDYMAN SERVICES

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION! CLICK HERE

CONTACT:

Lincoln Handyman Services

Best Handyman Services in Lincoln NE & Omaha NE!

CALL (402) 875-7305 HANDYMAN 1, http://www.handymanlincolne.com/

CALL (402) 614-0895 HANDYMAN 2, http://www.handymanomahane.com/

CALL (402) 401-7562 HANDYMAN 3, http://www.omahahouseholdservices.com/

CALL (402) 881-3135 CLEANING 1, http://www.servicelincoln.com/

CALL (402) 875-7274 CLEANING 2, http://www.lincolnhouseholdservices.com/

CALL (402) 575-9272 JANITORIAL SERVICES, http://www.maidserviceomaha.com/

CALL (402) 590-8090 JUNK REMOVAL, http://www.lnkjunkremoval.com

Monday to Sunday (5:00 AM - 11:00 PM)

WEBSITE: http://www.handymanlincolne.com/

http://www.service-vegas.com/

SERVICE AREA:

Lincoln Nebraska Metro Area: Bennet NE, Firth NE, Hallam NE, Hickman NE, Lancaster County, Lincoln Nebraska, Malcolm NE, Milford NE, Panama NE, Seward County, Seward NE, Staplehurst NE, Utica NE, Walton NE, WAVERLY NE, Lincoln NE | Omaha NE | Lancaster County NE | Seward County NE | Milford NE | 68501, 68510, 68512, 68514, 68516, 68517, 68520, 68524, 68526, 68529, 68531, 68532, 68542, 68544, 68583, 68588.

Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro Area: Downtown Omaha, Central Omaha, Southwest Omaha and Sarpy County, including the communities of Bellevue, Blair, Carter Lake, Elkhorn, Fort Calhoun, Gretna, La Vista, Millard, Omaha, Papillion, Ralston, Springfield and Waterloo, NE, and Council Bluffs, IA. Zip codes: 68007, 68010, 68022, 68102, 68104, 68105, 68106, 68107, 68108, 68110, 68111, 68112, 68114, 68116, 68117, 68118, 68122, 68124, 68127, 68130, 68131, 68132, 68134, 68135, 68137, 68142, 68144, 68147, 68152, 68154, 68157, 68164, 68178.

[thetalkingfingers-blog]

Enjoying the BEST of LIFE (AZUMI BOUTIQUE HOTEL STAYCATION)

AZUMI BOUTIQUE HOTEL!!!

First of all, I, along with my wife and two kids, would really like to THANK you for the AMAZING and UNFORGETTABLE experience you have given us during our stay! In fact, you made my DAY (my birthday indeed) extra wonderful, to the fullest extent!

I have read reviews about this boutique hotel before we actually decided to book-in and though I found slight negative reviews from other reviewers, I decided to give it a try myself (instead of making impressions from other’s point of views) to experience the stay first hand and to give a personal feedback based from my personal standpoint. 

Here is how I rate/review this wonderful hotel after our outstanding 2D/1N staycation (2PM-12NN).

(pix:ctto)

“PLACE/LOCATION”

(Within MADRIGAL BUSINESS PARK near ATC, MOLITO Building along Zapote-Alabang Road)

Coming from Bacoor, Cavite, getting to Azumi is not much of a hard deal (but I have to admit, I am not used to hanging out in Madrigal Business Park/Muntinlupa area so we relied on “Google Map” and of course Manong driver to get here.

Being the most practical person on earth (that’s for real), we decided to use the modest form of public transportation instead of taxi/grab/uber (JEEPNEY alabang route) to get here. We told Manong Jeepney Driver to alight us at Puregold Molito which he is very familiar of (15php fare). Around 15-20 minutes since we left from our place in Bacoor (at 230PM), we finally reached Puregold Molito and from there, I saw this towering skyscraper and because of pictures over the internet and of course with the help of my brother google map, I know to myself right there that we are now standing a few blocks away to our destination for the next 24 hours.

PERSONAL RATING: 10/10 Notes: The hotel is located very near the main road that makes it so much easier to locate. The road to the place is very accessible indeed even to commuters like me.

(pix:ctto)

“ENTRY TO THE HOTEL”

As we took public transportation, we entered through the main lobby of the hotel and were greeted with wide smiles by the security personnel, front desk officers and other staffs even from a distance. I told my wife to wait for me as I proceed to the front desk area to confirm our reservation.

The lady front desk officer greeted me and asked for the details of my reservation. (We booked a Queens room) After giving all the info, she explained to me the house rules in a polite and endearing way which was a thumbs-up for me. Later, she handed me the key card along with wifi tickets and breakfast buffet coupons for two at romulo’s café for the next morning. (note that you need to give a 1k deposit during check in which is fully refundable upon check out). After which, we were directed to the elevator leading us to our room (1015) at the 10th floor.

PERSONAL RATING: 10/10 Notes: The lobby, as well as the interior designs of the receiving area is scented, clean and is very nice. The personnel are trained, polite and courteous to guests.

(pix:ctto)

“THE ROOM”

Because of the various reviews and researches I made before we stayed, we actually know what to expect inside our rooms- from the design, color, even the location and structure of the comfort rooms, etc. 

But when we got inside our designated room (Note that the keycards are working efficiently), we got overwhelmed because the room itself is much better in personal than those seen in pictures. The room is already cold inside and everything (mattress, beddings, pillows, etc) seems to be in perfect order.

Here are just some of the NICE things inside the room:

MICROWAVE

SPACIOUS FRIDGE (with soda, beers, drinks, etc)

MINI BAR (of goodies and treats)

BALCONY

GLASS TYPE DOOR/WINDOW OVERSEEING ALABANG AREA

QUEENSIZE BED

BIG SOFA BED (perfect if you have kids and you need personal space with your partner lol)  

TOP OF THE LINE FLAT SCREEN TV

AC

WATER HEATER

TELEPHONE

PERSONAL VAULT

CABLE

SINK

WIFI ACCESS (full speed)

Etc etc.

The hotel also offers spa, massage, food orders and many other amenities for which details are placed visibly inside the room. You can also request for HAIR BLOWER, IRON and other personal things that one might need during the stay.

Also, minutes after we got in, the phone rang and it was from the front desk asking if everything in the room is fine and if there is a problem or a request, we were told to call them anytime of the day, 24/7. (HOW SWEET IS THAT?)

PERSONAL RATING: 9/10 Notes: Though everything inside looked great and picturesque, we found that the lock to the glass door leading to the balcony is broken making it essentially dangerous for families who have kids that could sneak around to the balcony easily and might cause serious trouble if left alone (please see below how this has been addressed).

(pix:ctto)

”STAFF/ ROOM MANAGEMENT”

As mentioned above, we found that the lock of the glass panel leading to the balcony was broken so we URGENTLY called the attention of the front desk officers via phone and was told that they will have someone to check it very soon. Minutes later, we heard a knock on our door and it was a guy from the maintenance team. After tightening up some screws, the door was fixed, good as new, in less than a minute. Minutes after, I found it hard to use the TV/Cable as the channels were preset so again we dialed to the front officers and was advised again to wait in a few minutes as they will again have someone to fix it for us.

Overall, I guess I called to the front desk officers at least 9x during our stay for different inquries/requests such as Hair blower, shuttle service inquiry, extra towels, extra doormats, laundry bags, (etc) even DISHWASHING liquid for our plates (I was asking if they are selling dishwashing liquid instead of us going out to find one and they are so accommodating enough to provide a free one care of the housekeeping team).

Even though we contacted the front desk team a number of times, we didn’t feel any irate reaction from them, but instead, we are being taken cared of accordingly every time we have a request/concern that has to be addressed.

PERSONAL RATING: 10/10 Notes: Staff really know how to handle clients. PERIOD.

(pix:ctto)

(pix:ctto)

“ROOFTOP POOL AREA”

If you have done research before going to AZUMI BOUTIQUE HOTEL, you should know by now that this is one of the highlights of this place. Right after some “instagrammable” shots inside our room, we along with the kids, decided to change clothes and went straight to the pool area located at “PH” (penthouse) to start an afternoon with splashing waters under the seeding of clouds!

When we got there, a personnel who is around to look after the pool area asked about our room number and automatically gave us 3 thick blankets that we can use during our swimming session (we thought you have to bring your own swimming towel that’s why we brought our own and having free usable towels is great so we do not need to bring home wet towels with us). Plus there are ready tables and chairs and also sunbathing pads that you can use to get a tan skin under the blooming direct sunlight!

The pool area is describable in three words: WOW and WOW! Yes, the infinity rooftop salt water pool is HEAVEN brought to earth! 

The water is very clear and you can hardly find anything negative with it and because we went there on a Sunday (assuming that it will be a not-so-crowded day because of the work on Mondays), we feel like we own the pool ourselves! 

Aside from us, there is only 1 family of 2 using the pool that time that gave us an “empty EDSA” feel like vibe while swimming and enjoying the cool water!

We swam and swam until the sun went down and from here another thrill unfolds. 

From the pool at rooftop of the hotel, you can see the lights of glowing ALABANG skyline and also the clear bright stars above. The pool also turned on their blue lightings that gave the pool better scenery, perfect for your profile pictures.

Definitely, I can say that this is one of the BEST pools EVER that you will have to deal with!

PERSONAL RATING: 8/10 Notes: Wondering why I gave it 8/10? Being a warm blooded guy who hates cold environment, the freezing breeze at the rooftops gave me extreme chills. This rate is personal in a sense and has nothing to do with the hotel. Lol. As I’ve said, the pool area is HEAVEN!

(pix:ctto)

“DINNER/OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION/BREAKFAST”

After a day of load and activities, our bellies went empty and we decided to check out the Molito area to try foods over there as we saw a food market nearby. Because of the accessible location of the hotel, we easily made our way to the molito area and even across Alabang Town Center to have our dinner and to buy snacks. (Don’t get us wrong, the foods/menu/minibar inside Azumi are priced fair enough, even lower than most convenience stores, but we pushed our plan to try different foods around the area instead).

Late night came and we finally rested our backs on the soft spacious bed. The bed sheets and blankets smells good even the AC is working outstanding. (But again, I hate cold rooms so I had major chills again under the blanket lol)

Unlike what I read on some reviews (that’s why I do not rely on other’s reviews that much), I NEVER heard any noise coming from the outside going into our room. Even the slightest of a car horn below never went our ears. PLUS, there are also no “lover’s music” (aside from our own. Lol) from the rooms beside us so the night went 100% peaceful and glaringly calm (and extremely chilling of course).

The next morning came and we set our moods to devour the coming Romulo’s breakfast buffet for two. After taking selfies and groupies within the room and the outside world through the balcony, we changed clothes and went to Romulo’s café to enjoy our delicious breakfast buffet.

Honestly, I have been worried that the hotel/romulo’s might charge us for extra person as we have 4 heads (though 1 is still an infant) and the breakfast buffet tickets we have are only for two persons. BUT, as accommodating as ever, they did not charge us any extra charge for the meal my eldest daughter took and that made us more grateful and delighted with how the management deals with customers in this hotel.

Again, though I read some reviews that the breakfast buffet is not good, well, I sincerely CONTEST to that. The food being served in the buffet table are GREAT even the foreigners who we are with seemed to enjoy every bit of crumbs on their plates! From pancakes, to cereals, to rice meals, veggies and breads, all do taste good and we had a FULL tummy right after.

PERSONAL RATING: 10/10 Notes: The variety and the food on the buffet table are appetizing and savoury. We also had a loooong calm, quiet and satisfying night. More, the availability of dining options around the vicinity is really alluring.

(pix:ctto)

“CHECK OUT”

Right after our breakfast we gave ourselves a final hooray to the pool area where we swam under the heat of the morning sun (I LOVE IT!!! NO MORE CHILLZ!!) We were there from 930am to 11am until we decided to get back in our room to prepare our departure from the place we called “OUR OWN HOME” for the rest of the night.

We requested for laundry bags for our soaked/wet clothes and it came to our door steps in less than 3 minutes (that’s what you call customer service). 12nn passed by but we are not yet done with our departure preppies and to my surprise the phone NEVER rang EVEN ONCE to remind us that we are getting overboard. UNLIKE in other hotels, they will never put you in the rush to vacate your room. I believe it is already 1240 when we left our rooms and we never heard any reminder/alarms from them either.

When I approach the front desk lady to check out, the first thing she asked me is “How’s your stay sir?”

“We really had a WONDERFUL time!” I responded. After which, I handed her back the key card and what stricken me the most is the trust they will give you. The lady only asked me if we consumed any food from the mini bar and after I gave my answer she said, thank you sir, I hope to see you again.

Yes, she never bothered to have the minibar checked or even the room itself from any damage or missing item and to me that TRUST to the clients is something you cannot find elsewhere.

“FINAL SAY”

Definitely, (if only the stars will align perfectly for me once again) I wish to have the same opportunity to come back here with my family soon and see how well things will work out the second time around.

Without a doubt, this HOTEL is truly AMAZING and will go BEYOND your expectation as a guest. Indeed, I recommend this hotel to be part of everyone’s wish list if they would like to go for a nice and soothing staycation!

PS: The writer is a proud “class D-E” individual who works as a typical 8-5 office employee who eats PARES and MAMI for dinner on a weekly basis. The goal of this review is to let everyone know of the overall beauty and convenience this hotel brings and that even lower class individuals are treated equally, like your bosses, in top of the line leisure and accommodation facilities such as Azumi Boutique Hotel.

kevincanono21@gmail.com/ 09351142045

https://www.facebook.com/bolpen.makati

www.azumi.ph/

[jeremystrele]

We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs?

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Agents get real about about buyers’ biggest turn-offs and what to do about them. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Floor Lamp | Pillows | Coffee Table

The process of selling a home can feel like navigating the unknown, especially for those who have never been through it before. There are so many questions to consider: How is your home perceived by others? What can you do to get the highest sale price? Which upgrades were worth the cost?

With these concerns in mind, we decided to call in the experts. We asked real estate agents to share some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Read on to learn what these issues are — and how to fix them. With this advice, you can rest assured your home will show at its very best.

Try to keep interiors neutral when selling. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Coffee Table | Accent Table | Side Chairs

1. Unconventional or outdated design

“In an ideal world, buyers would be able to see past outdated home decor, or bold paint colors, however, many times that’s not the case. I have shown properties that seem to be a perfect fit for a buyer’s needs but they can’t see past the dark green paint in the living room.” — Chris Taylor, with Advantage Real Estate in Boston, MA.

One of the hardest realizations sellers have to come to terms with is that, once their home hits the market, its interior design is no longer about reflecting personal style. It’s about helping your home appeal to the largest possible pool of buyers. If getting an offer is your goal, your best bet is keep your interiors neutral and modern.

This isn’t as big of an undertaking as you’d think. A fresh coat of paint — in a neutral shade — can totally transform your interiors with relatively little effort on your part. That, coupled with the addition of a few modern accessories, will liven up your interiors.

Natural light is a big plus. Image: Irvin Serrano

Shop a similar look: Bar Stools | Sunflowers | Coffee Maker

2. Not enough natural light

“Lately, I’ve found that the lack of natural light is particularly unappealing to buyers. Sellers should be careful with overhangs, overgrown trees and outdoor features like shaded loggias because they block a lot of sunlight to the interior rooms.” — Joy Bender, of Aumann Bender & Associates with Pacific Sotheby’s in San Diego, CA.

In this case, you need to work around the confines of the natural light your home receives. There are still a few tricks you can use to highlight the light available to you. As mentioned above, you want to take stock of your home’s exterior before accepting any showings. Take care of any necessary home maintenance tasks and, if possible, hire a landscaper to spruce up outdoor areas.

Additionally, make a point to open all your draperies before buyers come through the house. This will ensure your home feels light, bright and airy.

Make sure there’s plenty of storage. Image: Structures Building Inc.

Shop a similar look: Baskets | Whale Sculpture

3. Lack of storage solutions

“Some buyers will open every closet door and every drawer. Most are looking for more space, and if your home’s storage spaces are full to bursting, it can be a big turn-off. Our professional stager encourages buyers to make sure there’s empty space in every storage option.” — John Totin, of The Totin Group with Keller Williams Legacy in San Antonio, Texas.

The first step to maximizing storage is to declutter. (If you need an incentive, taking care of this chore now may make your move easier down the road.) Once you’ve pared down to the essentials, it’s all about how they’re stored. If your current storage solutions are a little too full, invest in a few more — aesthetically pleasing — storage options. Then, when it’s time for a showing, use that storage to make sure all of your day-to-day clutter gets hidden away.

Remodels should be left to the pros. Image: Christian Dean Architecture LLC

Shop a similar look: Bathtub | Shower Door Handle | Faucet

4. Hastily done upgrades

“I have worked with hundred of buyers, and I can tell you that bad remodels are a major turn off. Buyers would rather have it be original and redesign it themselves or have a pro do it. Cheap cabinets and flooring, plus low-end appliances and finishes are just something they are going to have to remove and that cost more than starting from scratch.” — Paul G. Lykins, with True Floridian Realty in Delray Beach, FL.

This one is a hard one. Yes, it’s true that when remodels are done right they can bring you a return on your investment — and then some. However, this tip proves that sometimes they can be more trouble than they’re worth. The only way to tell which camp your remodel will fall into is to be really honest with yourself about your abilities. Do you have the skills and/or resources needed to do a remodel the right way? If not, it may be better to leave the project untouched.

Keep these tips in mind when selling. Image: Dyer Photo

Shop a similar look: Wall Light | Dining Chairs | Throw Pillows

Those about to sell their homes often come to the table with a lot of questions — and rightly so. The idea of trying to anticipate what buyers want can be daunting. In an effort to take away some of the guesswork, we had real estate agents get real about some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Use our suggestions to fix any issues your home may have before your home hits the market and you’ll know you’re putting your best foot forward.

Do you think these tips hold true? Do you have any advice to add from selling your own home? Let us know in the comments below.

The post We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs? appeared first on Freshome.com.

[owensrhodes]

We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs?

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Agents get real about about buyers’ biggest turn-offs and what to do about them. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Floor Lamp | Pillows | Coffee Table

The process of selling a home can feel like navigating the unknown, especially for those who have never been through it before. There are so many questions to consider: How is your home perceived by others? What can you do to get the highest sale price? Which upgrades were worth the cost?

With these concerns in mind, we decided to call in the experts. We asked real estate agents to share some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Read on to learn what these issues are — and how to fix them. With this advice, you can rest assured your home will show at its very best.

Try to keep interiors neutral when selling. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Coffee Table | Accent Table | Side Chairs

1. Unconventional or outdated design

“In an ideal world, buyers would be able to see past outdated home decor, or bold paint colors, however, many times that’s not the case. I have shown properties that seem to be a perfect fit for a buyer’s needs but they can’t see past the dark green paint in the living room.” — Chris Taylor, with Advantage Real Estate in Boston, MA.

One of the hardest realizations sellers have to come to terms with is that, once their home hits the market, its interior design is no longer about reflecting personal style. It’s about helping your home appeal to the largest possible pool of buyers. If getting an offer is your goal, your best bet is keep your interiors neutral and modern.

This isn’t as big of an undertaking as you’d think. A fresh coat of paint — in a neutral shade — can totally transform your interiors with relatively little effort on your part. That, coupled with the addition of a few modern accessories, will liven up your interiors.

Natural light is a big plus. Image: Irvin Serrano

Shop a similar look: Bar Stools | Sunflowers | Coffee Maker

2. Not enough natural light

“Lately, I’ve found that the lack of natural light is particularly unappealing to buyers. Sellers should be careful with overhangs, overgrown trees and outdoor features like shaded loggias because they block a lot of sunlight to the interior rooms.” — Joy Bender, of Aumann Bender & Associates with Pacific Sotheby’s in San Diego, CA.

In this case, you need to work around the confines of the natural light your home receives. There are still a few tricks you can use to highlight the light available to you. As mentioned above, you want to take stock of your home’s exterior before accepting any showings. Take care of any necessary home maintenance tasks and, if possible, hire a landscaper to spruce up outdoor areas.

Additionally, make a point to open all your draperies before buyers come through the house. This will ensure your home feels light, bright and airy.

Make sure there’s plenty of storage. Image: Structures Building Inc.

Shop a similar look: Baskets | Whale Sculpture

3. Lack of storage solutions

“Some buyers will open every closet door and every drawer. Most are looking for more space, and if your home’s storage spaces are full to bursting, it can be a big turn-off. Our professional stager encourages buyers to make sure there’s empty space in every storage option.” — John Totin, of The Totin Group with Keller Williams Legacy in San Antonio, Texas.

The first step to maximizing storage is to declutter. (If you need an incentive, taking care of this chore now may make your move easier down the road.) Once you’ve pared down to the essentials, it’s all about how they’re stored. If your current storage solutions are a little too full, invest in a few more — aesthetically pleasing — storage options. Then, when it’s time for a showing, use that storage to make sure all of your day-to-day clutter gets hidden away.

Remodels should be left to the pros. Image: Christian Dean Architecture LLC

Shop a similar look: Bathtub | Shower Door Handle | Faucet

4. Hastily done upgrades

“I have worked with hundred of buyers, and I can tell you that bad remodels are a major turn off. Buyers would rather have it be original and redesign it themselves or have a pro do it. Cheap cabinets and flooring, plus low-end appliances and finishes are just something they are going to have to remove and that cost more than starting from scratch.” — Paul G. Lykins, with True Floridian Realty in Delray Beach, FL.

This one is a hard one. Yes, it’s true that when remodels are done right they can bring you a return on your investment — and then some. However, this tip proves that sometimes they can be more trouble than they’re worth. The only way to tell which camp your remodel will fall into is to be really honest with yourself about your abilities. Do you have the skills and/or resources needed to do a remodel the right way? If not, it may be better to leave the project untouched.

Keep these tips in mind when selling. Image: Dyer Photo

Shop a similar look: Wall Light | Dining Chairs | Throw Pillows

Those about to sell their homes often come to the table with a lot of questions — and rightly so. The idea of trying to anticipate what buyers want can be daunting. In an effort to take away some of the guesswork, we had real estate agents get real about some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Use our suggestions to fix any issues your home may have before your home hits the market and you’ll know you’re putting your best foot forward.

Do you think these tips hold true? Do you have any advice to add from selling your own home? Let us know in the comments below.

The post We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs? appeared first on Freshome.com.

[thejoycefordblog]

We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs?

We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page.

Agents get real about about buyers’ biggest turn-offs and what to do about them. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Floor Lamp | Pillows | Coffee Table

The process of selling a home can feel like navigating the unknown, especially for those who have never been through it before. There are so many questions to consider: How is your home perceived by others? What can you do to get the highest sale price? Which upgrades were worth the cost?

With these concerns in mind, we decided to call in the experts. We asked real estate agents to share some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Read on to learn what these issues are — and how to fix them. With this advice, you can rest assured your home will show at its very best.

Try to keep interiors neutral when selling. Image: Niche Modern

Shop a similar look: Coffee Table | Accent Table | Side Chairs

1. Unconventional or outdated design

“In an ideal world, buyers would be able to see past outdated home decor, or bold paint colors, however, many times that’s not the case. I have shown properties that seem to be a perfect fit for a buyer’s needs but they can’t see past the dark green paint in the living room.” — Chris Taylor, with Advantage Real Estate in Boston, MA.

One of the hardest realizations sellers have to come to terms with is that, once their home hits the market, its interior design is no longer about reflecting personal style. It’s about helping your home appeal to the largest possible pool of buyers. If getting an offer is your goal, your best bet is keep your interiors neutral and modern.

This isn’t as big of an undertaking as you’d think. A fresh coat of paint — in a neutral shade — can totally transform your interiors with relatively little effort on your part. That, coupled with the addition of a few modern accessories, will liven up your interiors.

Natural light is a big plus. Image: Irvin Serrano

Shop a similar look: Bar Stools | Sunflowers | Coffee Maker

2. Not enough natural light

“Lately, I’ve found that the lack of natural light is particularly unappealing to buyers. Sellers should be careful with overhangs, overgrown trees and outdoor features like shaded loggias because they block a lot of sunlight to the interior rooms.” — Joy Bender, of Aumann Bender & Associates with Pacific Sotheby’s in San Diego, CA.

In this case, you need to work around the confines of the natural light your home receives. There are still a few tricks you can use to highlight the light available to you. As mentioned above, you want to take stock of your home’s exterior before accepting any showings. Take care of any necessary home maintenance tasks and, if possible, hire a landscaper to spruce up outdoor areas.

Additionally, make a point to open all your draperies before buyers come through the house. This will ensure your home feels light, bright and airy.

Make sure there’s plenty of storage. Image: Structures Building Inc.

Shop a similar look: Baskets | Whale Sculpture

3. Lack of storage solutions

“Some buyers will open every closet door and every drawer. Most are looking for more space, and if your home’s storage spaces are full to bursting, it can be a big turn-off. Our professional stager encourages buyers to make sure there’s empty space in every storage option.” — John Totin, of The Totin Group with Keller Williams Legacy in San Antonio, Texas.

The first step to maximizing storage is to declutter. (If you need an incentive, taking care of this chore now may make your move easier down the road.) Once you’ve pared down to the essentials, it’s all about how they’re stored. If your current storage solutions are a little too full, invest in a few more — aesthetically pleasing — storage options. Then, when it’s time for a showing, use that storage to make sure all of your day-to-day clutter gets hidden away.

Remodels should be left to the pros. Image: Christian Dean Architecture LLC

Shop a similar look: Bathtub | Shower Door Handle | Faucet

4. Hastily done upgrades

“I have worked with hundred of buyers, and I can tell you that bad remodels are a major turn off. Buyers would rather have it be original and redesign it themselves or have a pro do it. Cheap cabinets and flooring, plus low-end appliances and finishes are just something they are going to have to remove and that cost more than starting from scratch.” — Paul G. Lykins, with True Floridian Realty in Delray Beach, FL.

This one is a hard one. Yes, it’s true that when remodels are done right they can bring you a return on your investment — and then some. However, this tip proves that sometimes they can be more trouble than they’re worth. The only way to tell which camp your remodel will fall into is to be really honest with yourself about your abilities. Do you have the skills and/or resources needed to do a remodel the right way? If not, it may be better to leave the project untouched.

Keep these tips in mind when selling. Image: Dyer Photo

Shop a similar look: Wall Light | Dining Chairs | Throw Pillows

Those about to sell their homes often come to the table with a lot of questions — and rightly so. The idea of trying to anticipate what buyers want can be daunting. In an effort to take away some of the guesswork, we had real estate agents get real about some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Use our suggestions to fix any issues your home may have before your home hits the market and you’ll know you’re putting your best foot forward.

Do you think these tips hold true? Do you have any advice to add from selling your own home? Let us know in the comments below.

This post originally from Fresh Home

[mariacedano-blog-blog]

We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs? We hope you like the products we recommend. Just so you are aware, Freshome may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. Agents get real about about buyers’ biggest turn-offs and what to do about them. Image: Niche Modern Shop a similar look: Floor Lamp | Pillows | Coffee Table The process of selling a home can feel like navigating the unknown, especially for those who have never been through it before. There are so many questions to consider: How is your home perceived by others? What can you do to get the highest sale price? Which upgrades were worth the cost? With these concerns in mind, we decided to call in the experts. We asked real estate agents to share some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Read on to learn what these issues are — and how to fix them. With this advice, you can rest assured your home will show at its very best. Try to keep interiors neutral when selling. Image: Niche Modern Shop a similar look: Coffee Table | Accent Table | Side Chairs 1. Unconventional or outdated design “In an ideal world, buyers would be able to see past outdated home decor, or bold paint colors, however, many times that’s not the case. I have shown properties that seem to be a perfect fit for a buyer’s needs but they can’t see past the dark green paint in the living room.” — Chris Taylor, with Advantage Real Estate in Boston, MA. One of the hardest realizations sellers have to come to terms with is that, once their home hits the market, its interior design is no longer about reflecting personal style. It’s about helping your home appeal to the largest possible pool of buyers. If getting an offer is your goal, your best bet is keep your interiors neutral and modern. This isn’t as big of an undertaking as you’d think. A fresh coat of paint — in a neutral shade — can totally transform your interiors with relatively little effort on your part. That, coupled with the addition of a few modern accessories, will liven up your interiors. Natural light is a big plus. Image: Irvin Serrano Shop a similar look: Bar Stools | Sunflowers | Coffee Maker 2. Not enough natural light “Lately, I’ve found that the lack of natural light is particularly unappealing to buyers. Sellers should be careful with overhangs, overgrown trees and outdoor features like shaded loggias because they block a lot of sunlight to the interior rooms.” — Joy Bender, of Aumann Bender & Associates with Pacific Sotheby’s in San Diego, CA. In this case, you need to work around the confines of the natural light your home receives. There are still a few tricks you can use to highlight the light available to you. As mentioned above, you want to take stock of your home’s exterior before accepting any showings. Take care of any necessary home maintenance tasks and, if possible, hire a landscaper to spruce up outdoor areas. Additionally, make a point to open all your draperies before buyers come through the house. This will ensure your home feels light, bright and airy. Make sure there’s plenty of storage. Image: Structures Building Inc. Shop a similar look: Baskets | Whale Sculpture 3. Lack of storage solutions “Some buyers will open every closet door and every drawer. Most are looking for more space, and if your home’s storage spaces are full to bursting, it can be a big turn-off. Our professional stager encourages buyers to make sure there’s empty space in every storage option.” — John Totin, of The Totin Group with Keller Williams Legacy in San Antonio, Texas. The first step to maximizing storage is to declutter. (If you need an incentive, taking care of this chore now may make your move easier down the road.) Once you’ve pared down to the essentials, it’s all about how they’re stored. If your current storage solutions are a little too full, invest in a few more — aesthetically pleasing — storage options. Then, when it’s time for a showing, use that storage to make sure all of your day-to-day clutter gets hidden away. Remodels should be left to the pros. Image: Christian Dean Architecture LLC Shop a similar look: Bathtub | Shower Door Handle | Faucet 4. Hastily done upgrades “I have worked with hundred of buyers, and I can tell you that bad remodels are a major turn off. Buyers would rather have it be original and redesign it themselves or have a pro do it. Cheap cabinets and flooring, plus low-end appliances and finishes are just something they are going to have to remove and that cost more than starting from scratch.” — Paul G. Lykins, with True Floridian Realty in Delray Beach, FL. This one is a hard one. Yes, it’s true that when remodels are done right they can bring you a return on your investment — and then some. However, this tip proves that sometimes they can be more trouble than they’re worth. The only way to tell which camp your remodel will fall into is to be really honest with yourself about your abilities. Do you have the skills and/or resources needed to do a remodel the right way? If not, it may be better to leave the project untouched. Keep these tips in mind when selling. Image: Dyer Photo Shop a similar look: Wall Light | Dining Chairs | Throw Pillows Those about to sell their homes often come to the table with a lot of questions — and rightly so. The idea of trying to anticipate what buyers want can be daunting. In an effort to take away some of the guesswork, we had real estate agents get real about some of their buyers’ biggest turn-offs. Use our suggestions to fix any issues your home may have before your home hits the market and you’ll know you’re putting your best foot forward. Do you think these tips hold true? Do you have any advice to add from selling your own home? Let us know in the comments below. The post We Asked Real Estate Agents: What Are Buyer’s Biggest Design Turn-Offs? appeared first on Freshome.com.