#it's why i struggle to doodle but calligraphy is fine for me

[imnothereyet]

can anyone tell me why i just thought it would be a good idea to throw myself headlong into a sequence of research & effort that summarizes as "human geography & urban planning historical revisionism" and would require learning how to do a from-the-ground-up redesign of entire metro areas based off of current understanding of the course of technological advancement, finding the oldest topographic data to use, spending hundreds of hours learning to effectively draw/paint semi-realistic architectural & landscape scenes, likely learning 3D modeling whether digital or physical, improving my understanding of building standards/options, and keeping up with emerging technologies.

[bellatrixobsessed1]

A Life Wasted

Azula Week Day 1: Childhood

Summary: Azula has trouble coming to terms with that she didn’t really have a childhood and struggles to see a future for herself.

She is surprised to get as many visitors as she does, Azula could have sworn that they would stick her in this horrid place and forget all about her, leaving her to her own nightmares and personal horrors. Somehow they don’t forget her. Somehow they find it within themselves to pay her visits now and then. Sometimes they come with specially prepared meals other times they come only with stories and company.

Azula wishes that she could appreciate it. Wishes that she could push her resentment aside. She wishes that they would just leave her to suffer and fester in her shame alone. It is bad enough having them around to see her like this, to make their judgments. But they have to bestow her with stories about how great the outside world is, about how they have all accomplished so much.

They do so until she one day snaps at them to stop bringing her news. She expects them to stay away from then on out. Instead they come back with tales from the past.

TyLee’s childhood is bathed in shades of pink. She was never alone and was constantly at the tailend of a braid chain. She always speaks of laugher and gossip and trips to the berry fields. Of coming home with smeared cheeks and stained clothes.

Mai’s childhood was more subdued, lonely. But when her parents came home it was warm. They would take her onto their laps and read her stories about dragons and courageous Fire Nation warriors until she begged for a blade of her own.

Katara and Sokka both have frosty and cold childhoods but in the most dreamy way. They both recount different aspects. Sokka tells her about fishing and hunting trips with his father; about adrenaline spikes and hiking around glaciers. While Katara paints a more domestic image in her mind; the smell of cooking fish and firepit smoke. Of heavy coats and fur rugs.

Toph’s childhood was sheltered but exciting when she could sneak away. It was full of adventure and mess. Of tussling with the boys in alleyways and knocking on strangers’ doors and running before they can get to the door.

Aang’s was serene. Otherworldly and mystifying. His childhood makes her stomach ache with longing the most. He speaks of how all of the children were raised side by side. Every adult was a mother and a father to all of them and each child was a sibling to the next child over. Before he found out that he was the Avatar he was never alone. He would munch on pastries and and have glider races.

And Zuko’s...she knows about Zuko’s and she doesn’t want to hear anything of it. It is as unforgiving as her own but in such a different way.

She wishes that she could have had a childhood. Maybe she wouldn’t be this way if she did, if she had been allowed to be a child for just a few years before being thrust into the war machine. Maybe if she had hours of running wildly through the palace garden instead of hours of training and katas she would be less of a weapon and more of a human being.

She stares at her palms, trying to recall even one moment where she had been a child. Just one that isn’t tainted by undertones of political speak and warfare. But she can’t find even one. Even her fondest childhood memories are either followed by something awful or had war in the background.

On one occasion, a golden day on Ember Island--she had convinced Zuko to help her swipe some mangos from a fruit cart just to test their skills. They had snatched one and darted off to climb a palm tree and hide as they tasted their prize. Father found them with sticky mango juice smeared around their mouths and dripping down their chin. That evening they were dirty, disgusting miscreants and he was ashamed to be their father. That night there was no trip to the beach to collect shells and build sand castles, they were locked in their rooms listening to mother and father argue; “they’re children, Ozai! Children do that stuff, let them have fun!” “They have duties to their nation, they are better than other children.” Zuko blamed her for getting them in trouble with her stupid idea and she blamed him for talking too loud and getting them caught.

On another occasion she found herself sitting at the edge of the turtle-duck pond, kicking her feet at the shimmering waters, the sun reflecting on its surface. In one had she held a calligraphy brush which she was using to paint random doodles on her legs. In the other she held a loaf of bread which she was biting into, paying little mind to where she was nibbling on it. She was quite and out of the way so no one paid her any mind. Which is probably why they so openly discussed how triumphantly they had slaughtered Earth Kingdoms soldiers on the battlefield.

Such are the types of memories her childhood is sprinkled with. And the more she thinks on it, the more she realizes how truly and deeply imprinted the war is on her mind. She doesn’t think that she knows anything else but battles and punishments.

She remembers when her mother stopped loving her. When the woman realized that her baby had already been claimed by propaganda and a sense of patriotic superiority. Azula wishes that the woman would have done something more to keep her from succumbing. From falling so deep into the indoctrination.

She remembers when mother had told her that Lu-Ten had died. That was the night that mother stopped loving her. When mother realized--before anyone else--that something was very wrong with her. That was the night when her father had told her just how proud he was of her.

She was finally the weapon he had been craving.

And now she is broken. The remnants of a once mighty war machine. And in a world without war, she doesn’t have much use. She supposes that it is just as well that she is stuck in this institution. She can’t see herself doing anything anyways. Can’t seem to think up any other purpose for herself.

They mistake her low for recovery. She no longer yells and screams and demands that Zuko and his friends be sent away. She is simply indifferent, it doesn’t matter if they are there or if they aren’t. It doesn’t matter if their happy childhood tales make her tummy tingle with sorrow and longing. Nothing matters. She doesn’t matter.

She had wasted her childhood. Now she is wasting her adolescence. Her life is a waste…

Zuko grips her shoulder. Her blank eyes don’t lift from her palms. Not until he helps her stand and leads her out of the institution. She questions his decision but decides that she can’t be bothered to stir up any trouble anyways, so his decision won’t really leave an impact either way.

“I think that it’ll be good for you to get some fresh air.” Zuko comments. “We’re planning on taking a trip to Kyoshi Island and I thought that you should come with us.”

She furrows her brows, “why would you think that?”

He shrugs. “I guess that I want us to both have a few memories that are just...nice.”

She doesn’t think that this is it.

“We can’t exactly make good childhood memories, but we can do this.”

Azula nods.

“I also thought that it would be good for you to start to...get back into the world so you don’t fall behind.”

“I already have.” She mumbles.

He gives her back a little rub. “You’re not too far behind. Nothing we can’t catch you up on. And besides, we’d like your input on certain things. There’s this new city in the making and we think that you’d be good at helping us plan and fine tune it. You’re good with details.”

“What does that have to do with Kyoshi Island?”

Zuko laughs, “nothing. Kyoshi Island is just going to be a break before we really get into it.”

“I’ve already had a break…”

His smile falters but only for a moment. “I guess that you have. But I’m talking about a real break, Azula. Something that could be fun for you if you’ll give it a try.”

She supposes that, at this point, she is willing to try anything to get rid of the despair and helplessness that has taken root within her soul. “It would help more if I can just have a look at this city. I need something important to do. Something that matters.”

“You will be doing something that matters on Kyoshi Island.”

“Oh.” She quirks a brow.

“You’ll get to have a good time and learn about some new cultures. And you’ll get to watch me struggle with awkwardness. The last time I was on Kyoshi Island I...did some things…”

“How is that important?”

“Because it’s about your health and you matter. You know that, right?”

“Important to who?”

He gives her a gentle hug. “Believe it or not, you’re important to me. And as soon as the others see that you’re not a completely mean and angry person…”

“I’m not angry.” She thinks that she has only ever been angry once, during the comet. Mostly she is just numb and unfeeling. Cold. And maybe that is worse than having a temper. At least a temper can be cooled…

“Trust me, this is going to be good for you. I can’t fix our childhood bet we can make something of the future.”

She doesn’t know if she believes him, but she would like to. At least she is out of that facility. At least she can get back to firebending and relish in freedoms to be rediscovered. He smiles again and she decides that the least she can do is humor him. Either nothing will change at all and she will continue on in her melancholy or he will be right and she will pave herself an adulthood that is warmer than her childhood ever was.

[you-guys--are-losers]

Promptsmas Day Three: Shopping!

//Thanks to @spiderman-homecomeme for this lovely challenge! Hope y’all enjoy this one. ;) 

“-And I know I wasn’t supposed to, but I went through my dad’s email to look for shipping confirmations, and guess who’s getting the Ghostbusters Firehouse Lego set this year?” 

Peter knows the answer to Ned’s question, but he takes his sweet time giving it. As they walk down the street, the snow crunches beneath their feet and lights blink from where they are wrapped around the poles of streetlamps. Ned and Peter make sure to stay beneath the awnings of nearby shops as they walk, each clutching at least two bags as they walk. 

The cold breeze forces color into Peter’s cheeks, but he soaks it in as he responds to Ned’s question. “That’s awesome, man! No way we get that done in less than two weeks.” 

A grin stretches across his face at the idea of sitting on his living room floor with energy drinks and May’s slightly charred cookies. There will be no worries about patrol or villains-- just a task and a set of specific goals to complete it, something Peter can control.  

“Yeah, that’s why I’m excited,” Ned speaks up, interrupting Peter’s daydream. “That’s a ton of sleepovers and binge-watching, which is half the fun. We might get done faster with MJ, though.” 

The mention of their best friend causes an unfamiliar tingling sensation in Peter’s stomach. This is true, and Peter knows it... So why does he feel like this? it is only after a few seconds that he realizes that he has forgotten to respond entirely and manages a hasty, “Oh, yeah! Right.” 

They pause for a moment by a snowy pole as Peter brushes past Ned, quickly punching the button in order to activate the sign across the crosswalk. Peter hopes that this gesture is enough to change the subject, but Ned does not give up as easily as Peter had hoped. 

“Did you buy her anything yet?” his best friend prompts, peering at Peter from over a scarf that is a gift from the topic of their conversation-- it has the opening crawl from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back printed on it. Ned pulls this scarf, his favorite, tighter around his neck as he waits for Peter’s reply. 

The reply isn’t coming. 

Peter finds that he can’t answer Ned’s question. He knows that he hasn’t found anything for her. His bag contains a soft, new robe for May and a tacky tie that is patterned with mini Iron-Men for Mr. Stark. A new case for Ned’s laptop is already wrapped beneath his bed at home, meaning that Peter has 75% of his Christmas shopping done. He was supposed to complete it today, but there is one gift conspicuously missing. 

There is nothing in the bag for their tall, brunette friend, and they both know it. 

Peter has had plenty of chances over the course of the day; he could have grabbed her some tea from her favorite shop or maybe one of the new books on her reading list. He almost bought her a new set of calligraphy pens, but that didn’t feel right, either. Peter is at a loss for what to buy MJ, and deep down he knows why.  

Peter doesn’t know what to buy her because his feelings for MJ are confusing. How can he pick the perfect gift for her if he doesn’t even know how he feels? 

Peter’s silence seems to be enough for Ned for a moment, because as they cross the street, the taller boy remains silent. Finally, after a few minutes of this, Ned speaks up. 

“You know it’s fine, right?” 

The words are plain and simple, as if Ned is asking Peter something as simple as the day of the week. Peter’s head turns to face Ned so quickly that he nearly gets whiplash, and his eyes are wide as he struggles to come up with a response to this. 

“What?” 

“You guys. I’m okay with it,” Ned responds firmly, clearly not intending to let Peter get out of this one. 

For a moment, Peter’s mind is a fumbling mess of excuses, and he settles with one of the worst ones. “I don’t know what you’re-” 

“I’m not dumb, man,” Ned interrupts, clearly done with Peter’s attempt to deflect. he is not upset, exactly, but he is far more serious than Peter has seen him for a long time. “I’ve seen it coming for a while. But if I’m gonna have to third-wheel anyone, I’d rather it was her. At least she won’t let you get a big head.” 

A strange relief accompanies those words, and Peter lets out a sigh as he turns to focus his gaze on the path ahead. He is relieved, at the very least, that Ned understands... He is even okay with this. But then, what is ‘this?’ Peter’s head spins as he struggles to define it. 

“I don’t even know, Ned,” he admits, running a hand through his hair to brush the flakes clear of the messy curls. “I have no idea how I feel about any of it, and if I don’t know, she probably doesn’t know either-- and that’s if she likes me at all, which isn’t likely-” 

“Are you an idiot?” Ned’s voice is incredulous as he stops where he is standing, which causes Peter to slowly idle to a halt as well. Peter hesitates, knowing that his face is bright red. He isn’t sure how to handle it as a grin of disbelief stretches across Ned’s face.

“I...” Peter doesn’t know where he’s going, only that Ned somehow seems to know something he doesn’t. Peter clutches the bag in his hand more tightly, which Ned notices. 

“Hey, hey, sorry, man,” he finally says, gently bumping Peter’s side with his arm as they continue on. “I wasn’t trying to make fun of you or anything, it’s just--” 

“Just what?” Peter asks. His heart is hammering in his chest for no reason again, and he isn’t sure exactly what is causing him to feel like he is frozen in anticipation. 

“Just...” Ned seems to process how to say it, his eyes flickering upwards in the way that it does when he needs to sort his thoughts. The lapse in the conversation stretches on until Ned gives up on using fancy words, meeting Peter’s gaze again. “You really, really don’t need to wonder, Peter. She likes you.” 

Peter can’t explain the surge of excitement that rushes over his body, causing every hair on his body to stand up. It’s an unfamiliar sensation, but the only thing that compares is the way that he feels when his spidey senses are tingling. “How do you know? Did she say something, or...”

“Nah,” Ned dismisses, waving one of his arms airily. “But sometimes it’s not about what a girl says, it’s about what she doesn’t say.” Peter’s best friend says this with the sage air of a Jedi master speaking to his young Padawan, and Peter raises an eyebrow.

“What do you know?” 

“Shut up,” Ned responds, grinning. “Anyone with eyes can see that she likes you, and anyone who knows you knows that you like her, too. Maybe it’s new, but you still have a thing for her, and you’re not really smooth.” 

Peter’s eyes shoot open wide, and he finds himself peering over his shoulder as if someone might have heard. Okay, so he’s not the smoothest, but he at least thought that he had this little secret... What would she do if this got to her? 

What if she never wanted to talk to him again? 

“Do you think she knows?” Peter demands.

“No.” 

“How can you be sure?” 

“I’m sure because if there’s one person more oblivious than you, it’s her.” 

“She’s not oblivious, she’s one of the most observant people we know!” 

They both know that this is true. Peter has lost Ned’s train of thought, and what his best friend says next makes even less sense.

“Not about stuff like this.” Ned’s words are heavy and serious again. They are not grim, exactly, but he is clearly not screwing around either. But Peter is at a loss for words and understanding, and it is for this reason that he gestures emphatically as he speaks. 

“What’s ‘stuff like this?’”

Ned stares at Peter quietly, and for a moment, a silence stretches between them. Peter’s skin seems to crawl with a mixture of frustration and impatience, needing to know what Ned is saying, desperate for answers. 

Ned weighs his next words carefully, clearly choosing them to communicate as simply as he can. “I think you know,” Ned murmurs in response, his eyes holding a significant look that almost scares Peter. 

He’s scared because it clicks, because he knows that Ned is right. There is something deeper in his chest than some flutter, a warmth and a pining that isn’t a little crush. Ned has clearly seen it, and now that Peter thinks about it, so has he. 

This feeling rears its head when she smiles unexpectedly, in that slightly wry way that lights up a room. It floods his mind when she answers a particularly difficult decathlon question, and her face holds nothing but triumph because she’s that good, and she knows it. The feeling numbs his thoughts whenever she stands up for herself, for what she believes in, whenever she puts some schoolyard bully like Flash Thompson in his place. Peter feels it when he sees her reading, when he smells the scent of her lemon shampoo, when he catches a glimpse of the little doodles on the corners of her papers. 

He knows this feeling well, and he knows what it is. 

For a few seconds, Peter is quiet. He is thinking, processing, running this newfound revelation over in his mind. Even though he has experienced it before, that does not mean he has ever confronted it like this-- head on. However, after a little while, he finds a new strength to speak up.  

“Okay.” 

It is Ned’s turn to snap immediately to attention, turning to stare down Peter. His eyes are slightly narrowed, filled with a conflicted sort of worry and concern as he attempts to gauge Peter’s reaction. 

“Okay, what?” he asks, pausing in his walk again. Peter pauses, too, and he breathes in and out before continuing.

“Okay, I’m done with this conversation.” 

“But, Peter-” 

“I never said you were wrong,” Peter interrupts his friend. Now, there is a smile growing on his lips, a real and genuine one that he cannot seem to repress anymore. “I just said that I’m done. And I’m done because I have one more present to get.”

Ned understands now, Peter knows. His best friend is smiling, too, with a grin so wide it’s almost unsettling as they stand beneath a striped red awning with their bags in hand. What Ned doesn’t know is that he has given Peter a gift, one that is more valuable than anything else he could ask for this season. 

Ned has given Peter hope, and more than that, he has given him a plan. 

“Now, come on. I have the best idea, and I know exactly what I’m going to get her.” And with that, the two continue to walk down the sidewalk, brushing past a million little people in their brightly-colored jackets, all searching for the little, unexpected revelations that are priceless in their own way. 

[dailythranduilproject]

Username(s) we can find you under: 

TheMirkyKing - @themirkyking

> What Media do you create?  

Writing, Drawings-pencil and occasional colored pencils/pens, and some edits.

> Where can we find your work?  

A03 and tumblr .  I have a DeviantArt account(under different name) but that is just to look at all the wonderful art out there.

> What would you say you are best known for in the fandom?  

Umm…not really sure as I don’t think many know me…I would have to say for my writing??  LOL

> Do you have a favorite pairing?  

Too many! But my true love is Barduil, then Thrandolas.  Thranduil and Elrond, Sigrid and Legolas (Looking right at @Moonofmorrigan for sucking me into that one!)  And Elrohir and Ela (OC of @damnitbarduil)

> What other fandoms are you part of?  

Yuri on Ice, Avatar the Last Airbender, Game of Thrones, more as a spectator.

> Any advice/words for others in the fandom?  

Don’t shame/troll/hate anon others for what they enjoy, write and create.  There is enough ugliness out there, don’t add to it.  I know it sounds Pollyanna, if you don’t have anything good to say then say nothing- there is REAL person on the other end.  Creative criticism is fine, as is disagreeing with someone, but do it in a constructive way. And if you are thinking that your writing, art or anything sucks, so what?  If you enjoy doing it then do it.  We all have different skill levels and talents- explore them and grow.  Have someone you chat with read or look at them and get their feedback- most people are their worse critic’s, so get that other opinion! Respect others works-no stealing- everyone deserves their work credited! HAVE FUN!  There are so many wonderful people out there, ready to share their joy of this fandom.  :D

PERSONAL > Favorite color?  

Not fair, I like almost all colors but I would have to say greens and blues draw me.

> Favorite Book? 

Really unfair!  So many books have a special place in my heart.  Two Towers- J.R.R. Tolkien; American Gods-Neil Gaiman; All Creatures Great and Small- James Herriott;  Dragonsinger- Anne McCaffrey; Dune- Frank Herbert.  Just a few ;)

> Favorite movie?  

Again- So hard to single out one so here are some of my faves- Singing in the Rain; Spanglish; Howl’s Moving Castle; The Secret World of Arrietty; To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar; Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

> Do you have a pet peeve? 

Aside from the usual; rudeness, ignorance, intolerance; it’s people who chew their mouths open-shudder!  (Only children are forgiven…barely.)

> What country are you from?  

United States

> Who do you think you might have been in a past life? 

Depends on what time period, but some sort of household staff member- like maid or kitchen help.  Or a squirrel…yeah, probably a squirrel.

>What do you like to do in your spare time other than create the media you work on?  

I enjoy cross stitching, gardening and reading.

>When did you join the fandom?

I have been a Tolkien fan since I was 10 but didn’t really join in the fandom stuff till 2015.

Followers Questions

@mewardy:

1- How long have you been writing?  

I have always enjoyed writing, my mom still has stuff I wrote in elementary school (so embarrassing), but didn’t really start writing and posting after I discovered A03 and Tumblr.  It was great knowing that there was a place to share my stuff.

2 -Why fantasy - especially Thranduil?  

I have always been drawn to fantasy/sci-fi.  I find it more freeing- the options are limitless.  While I usually write modern AU’s there is still an element of fantasy.  Thranduil just drew me in. I liked Legolas in LOTR, but nothing like Thranduil.  While I didn’t really like PJ’s vision for Thranduil, I did love Lee Pace’s portrayal of the Elven King.  For me, Thranduil sparked my imagination- he comes off as cold and arrogant.  He is, but there was more to him, just hiding it.  That is what I enjoy.  Exploring his private life.  He allows for so many different versions and I love writing him and reading how others see him.

3 -Where are you from?  

United States- Seattle.

@sweetfairy1:

1 - How did you develop your super cute drawing style?  

First off- thank you!  I like Chibi styles so I kind of base my stuff off that style.  A mix of Chibi/Shojo??  I think of my stuff as cartoonish.

2 - When you drew Thranduil and/or Bard the first time, did they look similar than they do now?  

My first drawing was Thranduil, and I think they look similar, just a few changes.  And it really depends on what I am trying to draw.  Some I do just as portrait drawings, then the cartoon type and every so often, I try for the more realistic style, as in Manga style-lol

@eldritchmage:

1 - I enjoy your artwork very much, so would like to know how long you have been drawing?  

You are so sweet!  I have been doodling and drawing since I was a kid, nothing serious, I only took a calligraphy class in school and then one art class in college.  I keep thinking of going for more formal learning cause I would like to have a stronger skill set then I have now.

2 - What prompted you to start?  Drawing Bard and Thranduil??  

I saw a chibi Thranduil and I loved it.  Thought, hmmm…lets see how mine would look.  That was it, now I have notebooks, scraps of paper, sketchbooks filled with them.

3 - Do you have other favorite subjects as well as Thranduil and Bard?  

I usually just draw random figures.  I tend to do portrait, and I struggle with full figure- my other half is always at me about drawing whole figures, especially the feet!  And not to draw on lined paper!  LOL

4 - Also, how did you come to develop your distinctive style?  

I really like Manga so that is a big influence.  Then the usual culprits of seeing other artist styles, animated films and such, then wanting to incorporate and explore it in my own fashion.

@bellevox:

1 - Can you tell us about your family and your country?  

I have two older siblings, a sister and brother, but I was the surprise baby so I pretty was ignored by them, unless they needed a punching bag-lol.  My parents are still feisty and active at 80 plus.  I have been cohabitating with my wonderful mate for 23 years, one day he will make an honest woman out of me ;) I was born in the United States, currently live here, but lived in Australia for 2 years- enjoyed it very much.   I like to travel when I can, work permitting.  Over all, I live a pretty quite life, enjoying time with family, going to good breweries and playing games, nothing too exciting. :D

@moonofmorrigan:

1 - What do you consider to be the most challenging thing to write? (Like angst, fluff, etc.)  

ANGST!  I love reading some good angst but I find that the hardest to write.  There is a fine line with it and I just don’t know if I have the skills!

2 -We've worked on a couple of writing projects together. What is your favorite part so far of our current story?  

What I enjoy most with writing with you is the unexpected turns that the story takes.  How I will have a whole course of action planned for Bard and then- WHAM- Thranduil goes in a direction that surprises Bard and now a new course needs to be followed.  I just love that!   Case in point- when Thranduil fell ill and almost died…. I loved the mystical elements that took place.  Of course I would be lying if I said I didn’t like the more nsfw moments, cause those are a lot of fun!

3 - What kind of stories would you like to see more of in the fandom?  

I would love to see more Sci-Fi Au’s.  I am a sucker for elves in space!

@floranocturna:

1 - what is your dream destination to travel?  

Lord, everywhere!  I would really love to be able to travel the world, spend months at a time in a country, getting to know the area and people.  Nothing fancy, just kicking around and seeing more then just the “famous cities”.

2 - If you could change one thing about Thranduil's outfit, what would it be?  

My least favorite of his was that robe he wore in his private chambers!  It was so shapeless, like some frumpy housecoat!  I would have loved to see him dressed in the greens and browns, like how I imagine him before he became King.

3 - Are you an organised writer or do you just write and sit down when the inspiration strikes?  

Soooooo disorganized!  Inspiration with hints of structure.  My notebooks are a mess with hastily written stuff!  Arrows and bullet points everywhere, change this, add that, oh here- he says this!  And my crazy short hand- even I sometimes puzzle over it!

Thank you Mirky, for this great interview.

[princeharryandalexandra]

Chapter Four

What the hell is this song Alexandra thinks as she lifts up her phone seeing some random classical music. She had been attempting to study for her test in Press Relations: Past and Future. Except there wasn’t much studying. Ever since she met Harry she was struggling to keep her mind on one issue at a time.

  - 

“Ugh!” She yells a little too loud. She lifts her head up to see about eight other kids in the library staring her down. “Oh good job Re.” She muttered using her childhood nickname. Noticing the clock on the wall she realizes that she will soon be late for her job at the Museum. Swooping all the papers into her arms as she scurried out of the library and into her dorm, quickly changing, and then going to grab a taxi. 

“Alexandra, do you have a draft for the Instagram post for tonight.” James asked while looming over her desk. 

“Um, yes.” Grabbing her notebook she rifled through her ideas for instagram posts and lots of random doodles, manly calligraphy doodles. “Here you go.” Showing James the notebook, hoping he wouldn’t notices the repeats of museum in cursive running across the top. 

“Alright, it looks good, you can grab the photographer and go and get the photo. I want to see four pictures to choose from.” He said over his shoulder as he walks away from her desk. 

Getting up with her draft Alexandra goes to find Liam their photographer. Winding her way through their back offices passing what feels like endless stakes of art and artifacts, finally reaching Liam’s back office. “I’m pretty sure I get my daily exercise amount just walking to your office.” Alexandra lets out a little laugh as she stands in his doorway. 

“Well that’s why I look so amazing, the long walk is my beauty exercise.” Liam smirks back. Alexandra responds with a small laugh. 

“While I would like to continue to talk with you about your beauty routine I need your help if you’re available.”

"Of course, I’m at your call.” 

Liam grabbed his camera and started following Alexandra through the museum towards the new exhibit. As they made their way through the museum Alexandra tried to talk with everyone she saw. They discussed everything from the particular exhibit to what brought them to the museum. 

Liam leaned over after Alexandra finished talking with a couple who were making a day trip to Cambridge. “If we keep stopping to talk to people the museum will be closed by the time we get there.”

“Fine, I’ll rein in my friendliness.” 

Once they reach the entrance to the new exhibit Liam begins taking different photos for the post. Alexandra’s phone begins to vibrate in her hands. Looking down she sees an unknown number. 

“Hey Liam, can you keep shooting, I’ll be right back.”

“This is Alexandra.” She says answering the call. 

“And this is Harry.” Hearing this Alexandra’s eyes bulge and her heart beats a little quicker. 

“Oh hi. I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”

“I don’t think I could ever forgot about you. I was stuck in a rather small room with a few too many smelly soldiers.”

“Oh that sounds quite fun.” Adding a little huff of a laugh. On the other line Harry could practically hear the smile on her face. 

“Believe me it was terrible.” Harry took a breath, working his nerves up again. His pep talk hadn’t helped as much as he hoped.  “Are you free now?”

“Not right now, but I will be in about one hour. I’m still at work.” 

“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up at your dorm in an hour and a half.”

Trying to control her smile as well Alexandra took a deep breath before responding. “Works for me. I’ll text you the address.”

“Alright, I’ll see you then.” Harry hung up and let out the longest breath he had ever held. Then it hit him, he was going on a date with her.

As the call disconnected Alexandra did her best to not jump up and squeal. 

“Alexandra I’ve finished the photos do you want to choose the best and I’ll print them?” Liam asked, almost bursting her bubble of happiness, but truthfully nothing could. 

Alexandra spent the next thirty minutes posting the Instagram, responding to some emails, and helping lock up the museum. The minute James told her she was done she grabbed her bag and coat and shot out of the offices and museum doors. Once she got to her dorm she threw everything in her hands across her bed and made her way to her closet pulling everything she owned out. Thankfully that wasn’t much and she was able to find an outfit in about ten minutes. Laying out the flower skirt that hit her knees, a white frilly blouse and matching shoes. She jumped into the shower and took what she was almost positive was her fastest shower ever. The whole time their was a smile on her face. 

After getting dressed, doing her makeup and hair Alexandra looked at the clock on her night stand realizing she had five minutes till Harry was supposed to be there she fell back on her bed attempting to calm her breathing.

“Just watch the first time I’ve got asked on a date since I’ve been here, I’m going to make the guy think I have some sort of sweating and breathing problem.” As she was fanning her armpits trying to she couldn’t help laughing at herself knowing that this would happen to her. All the sudden she hears her phone ding. Jumping off of her bed half out of surprise and half out of happiness she went to see if the text was from who she though it was. Looking down she saw his name followed by I’m outside.  

[themjinterviews-blog]

26. no promotion (like a boss) 5th of vodka (like a boss) shit on Deborah's desk (like a boss)

Do you wish your culture was different? I don’t know, what would it be instead?

What do you love most about fall? The smell…that crisp air, leaves burning, cider-donuts baking in the distance kinda smell.

Have you watched any of those videos on youtube where colorblind people see color for the first time? Isn’t that cool? I haven’t…sounds cool, though.

Are you angry about things currently? Why does my dude need to listen to stuff so loud on the truck stereo? It’s like comedy special and the laughing and clapping is obnoxious at such high volume.

What career do you wish you could have? Graphic design, maybe college philosophy professor, therapist, writer…donno.

Do you want kids? I’d be equally fine with having kids as I would not having kids. I was born without a biological clock and my happiness and quality of life isn’t dependent upon whether or not I have kiddos. If it happens, yay. If it doesn’t, also yay.

Do you want a spouse? I don’t want to die alone and I value love and companionship, I'd love to grow old with someone… but none of those things are attainable strictly via marriage. Weddings are formalities, marriage licenses are paper, real feelings and love exist with or without them. People think getting married ensures some permanence of the spouses affection…however in all reality, if feelings are going to change, they're going to change whether you’re married or not. I'm not object to or against ever getting married, you see, it’s just not essential or necessary.

Who do you want to love and care about you? I don’t know, my family, friends & boyfriend.

Do you have anyone who loves and cares about you in the world? Sure, probably a few people.

Do you wish you could trust someone? No. I trust all people to some degree.

If you’ve been tempted to give up, what is stopping you from giving up? Give up what? I mean, I’ve been trying to give up cigarettes.

Do you wish someone cared about you? Ouch, burn. People care about me.

Do you find it hard to let go of someone who disrespects you, even though you know you should? It’s always hard, usually by that point there’s some degree of involuntary co-dependence and it’s very hard to stabilize the turbulent emotions generated in very toxic relationships. Leaving is not as simple as people who haven’t been there think it is.

Do you wish you were an alien? Certainly not. No offense to aliens, or anything, I just don’t want Giorgio A. Tsoukalos (the crazy hair guy from Ancient Aliens) to write a thesis about me.

Could you be a contortionist? Hell no. I’m neither graceful or flexible.

What careers are you considering? No idea. Always wanted to do graphic design.

Do you trust church leaders? Neither trust nor distrust them…it’s selective and circumstantial. I’m sure a lot of them are inherently decent individuals who try to live their lives in accordance with their beliefs and values. I wouldn’t trust that everything they say is true, but I would say the same thing for every single person, so.

Have you ever been hurt by a church leader? The Pope punched me in the throat in a mosh pit once.

Does nature make you feel alive? It makes me feel refreshed and at peace.

Do you love to paint? I like painting but I prefer doodling with markers, crayons or calligraphy pens.

What is it that you love to do? Write, make beats, color, read.

What are you passionate about? Philosophy, psychology and understanding the human subconscious.

Are you living your dreams? If not, are you working toward it? Wouldn’t say I have any “dreams”, per say.

Are you someone who never gives up? I give up on stuff plenty…paying back student loans, arguing with ignorant people, running up hills, trying to put a fitted sheet on the bed. No shame in knowing when to fold.

Would you consider yourself a free spirit? Why or why not? I don’t really know how you define ‘free spirit'…I don’t run in meadows, barefoot and sing to local wildlife…but I suppose I’m a bit of a gypsy and I don’t necessarily buy into everything society insists upon.

…And if not, do you want to be? Literally don’t care.

What would you have to give up in order to live the life you want to be living? I’m already living the life I want to be, but I did have to give up my job that I also loved.

What are you missing right now? (keys, phone, library card, love, etc.) I have no idea where that Panera Bread gift card went.

Do you have anyone in your life who wants you to go after your dreams? Assuming I actually had dreams, yes. I’m sure there’d be folks rooting for me.

Are you thankful for what you have? Of course.

Do you wish you had more? There’s absolutely no point in doing so.

Are you making the most of what you have? Whatever that means, sure.

Pick a country to visit for a three-week vacation: England, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, Australia, Russia, or Greece? Greece. I’ve always been fascinated with the Mediterranean and I love Kalamata olives.

What do you want more than anything? It’d be nice for spring weather to hurry up.

What do you want for your next birthday? No idea, nothing in particular.

Do you have plans for your next birthday? I do not, it’s much too far in advance for that.

How old will you be turning? 31.

How many months until your birthday? Don’t know, whenever September is.

Who’s birthday is next? My momma's.

Have you made any new regrets this year? No, can’t say I have any regrets. If you can find purpose & value in everything even the crappy things it becomes less likely to regret them.

Did you make the most of your summer? Or did you waste it? Neither. I didn’t do anything spectacular. It was my first few months after my abusive relationship ended and I was essentially just working and enjoying my independence.

Pick one: time travel, mind-reading, or invisibility. Time travel is cool in theory but I there’s so many rules and precautions I'd need to be mindful of so I don’t fuck up the world. Mind-reading is also out of the question... ignorance is bliss and I can’t even imagine the anxieties associated with knowing everyone’s thoughts. So, invisibility it is. I could be an international spy, paparazzi, a bank robber or a peeping tom with great ease.

Are you supernaturally gifted? Definitely not. There’s usually some rational explanation for potentially supernatural occurrences. I'm not saying they’re out of the question, but I’m not jumping the gun without a healthy amount of skepticism.

Are your eyelashes long or short? Didn’t know there was an option. My eyelashes are normal.

Do you like waffles? Who doesn’t like waffles?

Does chocolate give you chest pains? Odd, no.

Do you wish karma were real? It’s real in the sense it’s a widely accepted concept but in all reality, it’s likely attributed to our human tendency to look for patterns and reasons in things that explain other things in our life. There likely is no correlation. The shitty things that happen to people who do shitty things are possibly manifested by their own guilt – that is, to say anything is ‘shit karma' is also subjective. Many people are shaped and transformed by their struggles so, is it truly bad karma? Or is that just what those who have been wronged by them say to feel justice has been served? None of it matters, because it solely depends how you chose to see it.

Do you own footie pajamas? Yeah, I used to…had a unicorn and a cookie monster pair.

Are you creative? In some aspects. Most of my ideas are usually parodies of other ideas.

Do you have a church family? I don’t do the whole church thing.

Have you ever dreamt about getting revenge but felt fine once you awoke? No, I don’t see any point to revenge…and in my experience the best revenge is not giving a fuck and not letting someone's hurtful actions get under your skin. It inadvertently seems to piss people off more when you don’t sink down to their level.

Have you ever worn a birthday crown? I’ve worn a Burger King one?