#javanese old gods

[sword-in-the-sea]

✷ some silly interactions i've had with local gods & spirits ✷

//blue texts in a conversation are their words

lighting incenses for them, or sharing my kretek cigarette when i smoke with them. the scent of burnt spices and herbs feels like home

an javanese god who looks like a 40-yrs-old javanese man with leathery skin and calloused working hands, responding "bapakmu, le." (it's like a your mom joke, but to express disbelief and irritation. literally translates to "your dad, son (derogatory)".) to a dumb rethoric i made

"what are you doing?" "hiding." "in my bathroom??"

in response to seeing an incorporeal lady dressed in all white while going to the bathroom, my first reflex is to grab the bug spray

seeing a pair of child's feet behind my own and having a momentary cardiac arrest before i realised what's happening. looking to the side to the incorporeal children with a frown as i said, "...can you not."

"(in distress) please give my ring back, i'm rather attached to it." (sudden silence before my ring fell out of thin air right beside my feet) "...thank you."

bodyslamming a monkey-like creature who was sent as a santet (curse) to my house at 1 am

"can someone please get that ghostly child away from the stairs, i nearly had a heart attack seeing him crawling up and down."

giving a non-human home intruder bombastic side eye until they left

additionally, staring contest with them until they left

"le (son), it's 3 am which is the time where humans go to sleep. some even call it the demon (witching) hour and would avoid being awake at this hour." "..your point?" "why are you awake cooking instant noodles?"

"le, that tree can't survive here. the sun doesn't hit it well."

the goddess lady whom guarded the forest where i had a summer camp in; who wore a kebaya and apologised to me because her children possessed a camp counselor out of fear and defense response. the strange feeling of acknowledgement as we both nodded to eachother before parting ways

the old gods in kerep, ambarawa who never failed to greet me whenever i made a trip back to ambarawa

the stoic silence of the jogjakartan court of old gods. yet even in their stillness, there's a comfortable acceptance of me amongst them whenever i visited

"you can return whenever you need to. this is your Home, you are Ours. no matter how far you've voyaged, you can always return. this is your Home and no one can take that away from you."

the two tigers who followed me all the way to dublin and back home as i studied abroad

✷✷✷

[kuramarketing]

Yogyakarta: Java’s Cultural Gem and a Family Adventure Awaits

Yogyakarta, or Jogja as the locals warmly call it, is a city where the rhythm of ancient rituals blends seamlessly with the hum of modern life. Nestled in the heart of Java, Yogyakarta is a treasure trove of cultural wonders, where majestic temples, royal palaces, and timeless arts beckon explorers of all ages. For families looking to embark on a journey that transcends time and place, this city offers an enchanting playground filled with history, adventure, and the warmth of Javanese hospitality.

Timeless Temples: Unraveling the Mysteries of Prambanan and Borobudur

A trip to Yogyakarta wouldn’t be complete without visiting its iconic temples—two of Southeast Asia’s most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Prambanan: Rising against the horizon, Prambanan’s towering spires carve out a story of 10th-century Hindu majesty. Its intricate stone reliefs depict ancient legends, drawing families into a realm of gods, warriors, and mystical creatures. Arriving at dawn, as the temple silhouettes against the first light, is a moment of quiet wonder that families will cherish long after they leave.

Borobudur: The world’s largest Buddhist monument, Borobudur is a massive stone mandala that invites contemplation and exploration. Climbing its steep, stone steps at sunrise reveals panoramic views of mist-laden valleys—an unforgettable experience for curious young adventurers and their parents alike. Walking through the temple’s nine platforms, families can trace their hands over centuries-old carvings that tell tales of enlightenment.

Kraton and Taman Sari: Walking in the Sultan’s Footsteps

In the heart of Yogyakarta lies the Kraton, the living palace of the Sultan. More than just an architectural marvel, the Kraton is a cultural hub where traditional Javanese music and dance fill the air. Families can wander through its expansive courtyards, where ceremonial guards stand in stately silence, and exhibits showcase the regal artifacts of a bygone era. The Kraton provides a window into the city’s soul—a place where past and present harmoniously coexist.

Nearby, the Taman Sari Water Castle offers another layer of royal intrigue. This labyrinthine garden complex, once a retreat for the Sultan, features pools, tunnels, and pavilions that spark the imagination of young explorers. With a local guide, families can hear stories passed down through generations, adding depth to their visit and a sense of the magic that still lingers in these ancient stones.

Art and Craft: Jogja’s Heartbeat of Creativity

Yogyakarta pulses with an artistic spirit, a city where creativity flourishes in every corner. As the birthplace of wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) and batik, Yogyakarta invites families to immerse themselves in Java’s rich artistic heritage. In the city’s vibrant workshops, artisans demonstrate the delicate art of batik-making, allowing children and parents alike to try their hand at this age-old craft. Each brushstroke and drop of wax is a lesson in patience and tradition, transforming plain fabric into colorful masterpieces.

For those seeking an immersive experience, staying near Malioboro Street offers a front-row seat to Jogja’s bustling arts scene. Galleries, street performers, and markets create a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for families looking to soak in the city’s creative energy.

Adventures Beyond the City: Yogyakarta’s Natural Wonders

Beyond its cultural treasures, Yogyakarta opens up to landscapes that call for adventure:

Java’s Southern Shores: The beaches of Parangtritis and Indrayanti are ideal for a family day out, where children can run barefoot through the sand and parents can relax by the waves. At Siung Beach, cliffs rise above the coastline, offering rock climbing opportunities for thrill-seekers ready to conquer the heights with a view of the sea.

The Depths of Goa Jomblang: For older children and parents with a taste for the extraordinary, descending into the vertical cave of Goa Jomblang is a heart-pounding experience. Families can rappel into a hidden world, where shafts of sunlight pierce the cave’s roof and illuminate an underground forest—a moment of surreal beauty that feels like stepping into a lost realm.

A Taste of Jogja: Culinary Delights for the Family

Yogyakarta’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, with flavors that capture the essence of Javanese cuisine:

Gudeg: This sweet, savory dish made from young jackfruit is a Jogja staple, served alongside rice, chicken, and boiled eggs. Malioboro Street is lined with family-friendly eateries where parents and kids can share this traditional dish, savoring the rich, coconut-infused flavors that are unique to the region.

Bakpia: These small, flaky pastries filled with sweet mung bean or chocolate make for the perfect snack between adventures. They’re also a popular souvenir, allowing families to take a piece of Jogja’s sweetness home.

Jamu: For parents interested in local wellness traditions, Jamu—Java’s traditional herbal tonic—is a must-try. Some family-friendly hotels even offer Jamu-making classes, giving visitors a hands-on experience in crafting these ancient remedies.

Staying in Jogja: Family-Friendly Retreats

Choosing the right accommodation can transform a family vacation into a seamless adventure. Yogyakarta offers a range of kid-friendly hotels that cater to every type of traveler:

1. The Jayakarta Hotel & Spa Yogyakarta

Set near the airport, this family-friendly oasis offers a children’s pool, playground, and lush gardens for kids to explore. Parents can unwind at the spa, making it the perfect base for families looking to combine comfort with convenience.

2. Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

A heritage hotel infused with Javanese elegance, the Royal Ambarrukmo provides a cultural experience for the entire family. With its traditional tea ceremonies and an on-site kids’ club, families can balance cultural immersion with playful activities.

3. Eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta

For families looking for fun-filled stays, Eastparc Hotel delivers. Boasting a water park, playgrounds, and a mini cinema, it’s a paradise for children. Parents can explore the botanical trails or enjoy a massage at the hotel’s spa—ensuring every member of the family is entertained and pampered.

Exploring Yogyakarta: A City on Wheels

Getting around Yogyakarta is an adventure in itself. Families can hop into a becak (pedicab) or take a ride on an andong (horse-drawn carriage), offering a leisurely way to soak in the city’s historic charm. For those seeking a more active exploration, bicycles are available for rent, allowing families to venture into the countryside, discover hidden temples, and cycle through traditional villages at their own pace.

Yogyakarta: A Timeless Journey for Families

Yogyakarta isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey through the heart of Java, where the stories of past and present unfold before your eyes. Whether you’re tracing ancient paths at Borobudur, tasting the flavors of Gudeg, or creating batik masterpieces with your children, every moment in Jogja is a chance to connect, learn, and explore.

Families who visit will find themselves swept up in the city’s timeless charm and warm hospitality, leaving with memories that linger long after the journey ends. Yogyakarta—where every step tells a story, and every turn invites discovery—awaits to share its magic.

[midnightriderx]

BASICS

FULL NAME: SASITHORN MANOBAL

» MEANING: Sasithorn [ This poetic word for the moon is also used as a name in its native Thailand, pronounced “sah-see-TAWN”. Sweet short form Sasi also means “moon”. ]; Manobal [ Thai มโน (mano) meaning "heart; mind; imagination" and "บาล" (ban) meaning "to protect; to tend; to govern". ]

NICKNAME: Night, Midnight, Sasi.

AGE: 24-years old.

DATE OF BIRTH: 1999 October 13, Wednesday, at dawn.

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bangkok, Thailand.

OCCUPATION: Mechanical Engineer for a large Japanese construction company; broadcast jockey on an establish social media site.

ORIENTATION: Pansexual; Panromantic.

GENDER: Cisgender Male.

VERSES: The Meaning of Forever.

POWERS: His abs............................

PERSONALITY

STRENGTHS: Loyal, Hard-Worker, Compassionate, Emotional, Brave.

WEAKNESSES: Insecure, Low Self-Esteem, Distant, Emotional, Cautious.

APPEARANCE

FACE CLAIM: Boss Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya.

HEIGHT: 6′0 [182 cm.]

WEIGHT: 149 lbs. [68 kg.]

BUILD: Lean with muscles.

GAIT: Relaxed.

HAIR COLOR: Black.

EYE COLOR: Dark brown.

BIRTHMARK: TBA. 

OVERVIEW: » SCARS: Yes, from minor accidents.

» TATTOOS: Yes, details to be added.

BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN: Bangkok, Thailand.

RESIDENCE: Bangkok, Thailand.

NATIONALITY: Thai.

ETHNICITY: Asian.

FINANCIAL STATUS: Middle class.

EDUCATION LEVEL: Graduated under the Faculty of Engineering in Chulalongkorn University.

DEGREES: Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

SPOKEN LANGUAGES: Night's first language is Thai. He speaks English as well, some Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese.

RELATIONSHIPS

PARENTS: Both parents are alive.

SIBLINGS: Three siblings, one older brother and a younger sister and twin brother, Saengdao who's name means starlight in Thai. Their mother wanted girls and was convinced she was having twin girls; she found out she was having twins but did not want to know their gender. She gave them names while still in her belly. Traditionally, their names are meant to be for female babies. Their mother didn't want to change their names and a bit disappointed that they are boys when they were born. She got over it pretty quickly though and although many pointed out the obvious favoritism, their mother loved them to the core. [ Saengdao means "starlight," and has just the right amount of whimsy to delight any dreamer. It comes from the Thai word saeng, meaning "light, ray, beam," and dao, which means "star." Saengdao was nicknamed Day. Growing up, his mother also called him Yihwa., saying that having him lights up her soul. In Thai, Yihwa (ยิหวา, RTGS: Yiwa, pronounced [jíʔ.wǎː]), also spelled Yiwha and Yiwah, is a feminine given name meaning "soul" or "heart". It is derived from Javanese: jiwa,[1] in turn from either Sanskrit or Pali jīva, meaning "life". It is often a shortened form of the associated name Wanyiwa (หวันยิหวา, also spelled Wanyihwa, etc.)]

CHILDREN: None.

PETS: A beta fish. He said it's probably one of the very few animals that he can own and won't run away from him even if they wanted to...

SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIPS: 

» Night was once very close to his twin Day but circumstances - and Aphrodite's curse - pulled them apart. Night is often seen hanging out with Zero, a photographer/film maker working for Amarin Group. He doesn't friends aside from Zero.

FAMILY HISTORY: Night was never favored by the gods. At least, this is what he claims. He wasn't entirely wrong as one god, Aphrodite or the entity that embodied this powerful being hold grudges against Night.

When Psyche was reborn for her punishment, she was given a new identity and a huge baggage in the form of her former family who instigated her rebellious and malicious acts against Eros.

Psyche who was known for her beauty now had a twin and she was reborn in a form of a human man. The gods said that with a duplicate, Psyche couldn't boast about her extraordinary beauty anymore because she looks exactly like another being.

But still, Psyche had an advantage over Night; Psyche a mortal turned to goddess had kept her charm. In her new body and life, she was more popular than any of her siblings, most especially her twin Night.

Even their parents favored Psyche.

When the twins were born, they were immediately compared to night and day and got their nicknames that way. Although both twins were fair in complexion, Day appeared to have fairer skin. And due to the culture's colorism, comparisons fed favoritism within the family.

Night developed insecurities and had issues with confidence. He worked as a mechanical engineer during the day and once midnight hit, he's a broadcast jockey who goes on live to entertain subscribers. This job appealed to him as he was able to distance his true self to the character he plays. He wore a mask and hid his face meanwhile letting thousands of people adore his body and what he can do with it. None of the people related to him in his private and professional life know this side of him.

Night got into adult entertainment online when he heard some students at his old university talked about it. He has been a broadcast jockey for the last three years but only really delved into adult entertainment this recent year.

ROMANTIC HISTORY: Night never had a proper relationship although he tried in the past. He was cheated on and they always preferred his twin brother, Day. There were several people who tried to get with him to get closer to Day.

Although in his past life, Night was said to be very jealous of Psyche but in this lifetime, Night for whatever reason just feels embarrassment when he's around his twin. He doesn't resent Day and missed the times when they were really close. He tried to avoid Day even when he goes home to visit their parents. But since they both live in Bangkok, there are still times when they cross paths.

Night is not entirely without his own successes but as the curse/punishment follows him, there were mouths that talked about him stealing the spotlight from Day.

PLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS: Night is good friends with Zero; they sometimes ride bikes together. He likes that Zero cannot speak the way people like him speak - not that Zero has a problem expressing his thoughts - but he appreciated that he can just be quiet around Zero and not have to deal with 'sorry' and 'are you okay' comments. Although, he always thought that Zero never really felt bad for him and treated him like another person struggling with family issues and inner demons. Zero also never treated him special and that his flaws are all his and no one caused them and could be blamed for them other than his own way of dealing with his situation. It makes him forget that he does have that shadow that follows him around that he can't shake off. Anyway, he enjoys Zero's company and often times, he accompanies Zero on photography trips. They usually ride their bikes to locations.

THOUGHTS ON LOVE: "It's not for me."

HEALTH

PHOBIA(S): None, clinically.

HANDICAP(S): None.

MENTAL DISEASE(S): Depression, anxiety.

PHYSICAL DISEASE(S): None.

PREDISPOSITION(S): Alcoholism.

[swostiindia]

Exploring Indonesia: Top Destinations for Your Dream Vacation

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, offers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. From pristine beaches to vibrant cities, ancient temples to lush rainforests, Indonesia has something for every type of traveler. Here’s a guide to some of the top destinations that should be on your itinerary for a dream vacation in Indonesia.

1. Bali: The Island of the Gods

Highlights:

Beaches: Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches like Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and water sports.

Cultural Sites: Explore the rich Balinese culture at the Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, and the cultural heartland of Ubud, home to traditional dance performances and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Nature and Adventure: Trek up Mount Batur for a sunrise hike, visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and unwind at one of the island’s many wellness retreats.

2. Jakarta: The Bustling Capital

Highlights:

Historical Landmarks: Visit the National Monument (Monas), the historical Kota Tua (Old Town), and the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Modern Attractions: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, luxury shopping at Plaza Indonesia, and family-friendly attractions like Ancol Dreamland.

Cultural Diversity: Experience the city’s diverse culinary scene, from street food to high-end restaurants, showcasing Indonesia’s rich gastronomic heritage.

3. Yogyakarta: The Cultural Heart

Highlights:

Ancient Temples: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, two of the most significant Buddhist and Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.

Javanese Culture: Explore the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace), watch a traditional Ramayana ballet performance, and visit local markets for Batik textiles.

Adventure Activities: Go caving at Jomblang Cave, hike up Mount Merapi, and explore the serene beaches of Gunungkidul.

4. Lombok: Untouched Beauty

Highlights:

Beaches and Islands: Relax on the pristine beaches of Senggigi and Kuta, and take a short boat ride to the Gili Islands for snorkeling and diving.

Mount Rinjani: Trek up Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, for spectacular views and a chance to visit the stunning Segara Anak Crater Lake.

Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Sasak villages to learn about local customs and crafts.

5. Komodo Island: Home of the Dragons

Highlights:

Komodo National Park: Witness the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat and explore the park’s diverse marine life through diving and snorkeling.

Pink Beach: Marvel at the unique pink sands of Pantai Merah, one of the few pink beaches in the world.

Hiking and Adventure: Trek through the rugged landscapes of Komodo and Rinca Islands for breathtaking vistas and wildlife spotting.

6. Raja Ampat: Diver’s Paradise

Highlights:

Underwater World: Dive into the crystal-clear waters to explore some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, teeming with marine life.

Island Hopping: Explore the stunning karst islands and hidden lagoons, each offering unique experiences and spectacular scenery.

Local Culture: Interact with local communities and learn about their traditional ways of life and conservation efforts.

7. Borneo: Wildlife and Rainforests

Highlights:

Orangutan Sanctuaries: Visit the Tanjung Puting National Park to see orangutans in the wild and learn about conservation efforts.

Rainforest Expeditions: Take a river cruise through dense rainforests, spotting wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and exotic birds.

Cultural Encounters: Experience the traditional Dayak culture through village visits and cultural performances.

8. Flores: Land of Wonders

Highlights:

Kelimutu Lakes: Witness the surreal tri-colored volcanic lakes of Kelimutu, a natural phenomenon that changes color periodically.

Cultural Heritage: Explore traditional villages like Bena, known for their unique architecture and megalithic structures.

Marine Adventures: Dive and snorkel in the waters around Maumere and Labuan Bajo, rich with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a dream destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, diving in pristine waters, trekking up volcanoes, or immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures, Indonesia promises an unforgettable experience. Start planning your dream vacation today and discover the endless wonders of this enchanting archipelago.

[madeedam]

Letter for My Past : The 20s

It's my last 20s.

And I feel old - ancient to be honest.

I start to resonance the struggle that adults feel & think right now. All of the problems in one plate. Finances, house, job & career, friends and of course, spouse.

For this moment, I want to let go the present problems and go back to the past. What did I do for the past 10 years.

2014 (20) - My second year in Jogja.

I remember there was a volcano eruption back then, which disable almost all transportation type. My plane even got canceled and should go with the train. College life was good and full of drama with my circles. It was like having a 2nd family in Jogja with my circles back then, until some of us ruin with by falling in love with each other. True story

2015 (21) - My Third Year in Jogja.

My best friend fell in love my best friend which create drama and awkwardness between us. Things were never been the same. But the silver lining, I got free motorcycle to use since this couple stick with each other almost every second.

I also fell in love with a Javanese girl - never want to fall into the trap of 'different religion' again but yes I was a donkey back then. Spent community service in Bali - watch Calon Arang live with all of the odd things happen (i.e: a random spirit got inside in random people and start to each a chicken. One fckin chicken - and you know I am not talking about McD & KFC here).

2016 (22) - My Fourth Year in Jogja

Me & best friend go to Manado, for exact, Lahendong, where a geothermal site in place. We were having an intern there. Watch a lot of turbines move by the stream produce by earth to generate some electricity. Nature really pamper us. I used to an engineer back then for God sake.

We were also experiencing Bunaken with budget-cost. And what were the odds, they are having a 'festival panen' on the day we visit. So we sleep free in one of the house, rent a boat and go for snorkeling on Bunaken and drink lot of alcohol (me of course) to respect the local. From Cap Tikus to pure Gin. In the morning, everyone get wasted in the street. Good old days.

We miss our circles graduation (yes they graduate in August), while we back to Jogja in early September. And I become lab assistant for a process simulation software - while waiting for graduate in November.

2017 (23) - Say Goodbye to Jogja & Back to Jakarta

On Feb, I should say goodbye to Jakarta and my Jojga's girlfriend back then. A lot of tears back then, since I left my heart on both of them. Little did I know lot of drama occurs later on because of the Long Distance Relationship. Double the damage since in my case it was also a Love Different Religion.

Meanwhile I was starting to feel like a burden in my family back then. Struggling to get a job due to my abnormality with eyes. One of the hardest moment in my life. I compare myself with all friends a lot, where they already got a stable-high-paying job. Lowest point.

Turns out the path pave me to get a Master Degree first in one of Jakarta's business school - fortunately with scholarship. Bought me another 1,5 years of study life, which was super-easy compare to the engineering material.

I won some, I lose some. Breakup with my Jogja's girl and should move on with my life here. With some swipes right, I met a girl which turns out become my wife now. I met TIka. I even my cringe line,

"Ini Gusti nya Gusti orang Jawa atau orang Bali ya?" I said. "Orang Bali nihh" She said. "Akhirnyaa. What are the odds akhirnya bisa ketemu orang Bali di T-stuff ini haha."

Yes, technology was sucks and breaching all the privacy but hey it helped me to find my wife. Thanks T-stuff.

2018 (24) - Graduate, Investment Bank & Consulting Work.

Focusing my major in Finances and brought myself to the stock market. I thought I will start-off my career there with one ambition: earn as much money as I can. I was late 2-years in the job market, I need to have a head-start on mine.

Met lot of crazy guy on the stock market. Some parts were 'fishy' and it was crazy how money flew in & flew out in a big & fast manner. Ever see the Wolf of Wall Street? Not that extreme but I manage to witness some if it. Deep in my heart, I ask myself, is this what I want for the rest of my life?

Due to scholarship, I need to work as consultant as part of the deal. Low-paid consultant as we speak. Those experiences with State-Owned Enterprises, Ministry and some of the Non-Profit Organization feel like more suitable with me. I know the stuff will be lot of paperwork and deck. Sometimes financial modeling. But it least it feel more 'clean' & 'healthy' than the Investment Bank side.

Things were good with family & my relationship with Tika. Things went super smoothly - except my finances lol.

2019 (25) - End of Consulting & Being Hijacked to SoE

Things were good in consulting. Working late sometimes but got a gym on my workplaces. Start a new healthy habit.

I know workplace was also a drama place. Start to recognizing & observing how things were going in the office beyond the visible one. Look on which part was the strong one and the weak one.

One of the biggest project I take was about Risk Management. Back then i know a mentor on my consulting project, resign and create his own. Out of sudden he contact me and ask whether am I available for another company.

One of SoE was looking for a Risk Manager for National Strategic Project and he would like to recommend me to that job. Network & Words of Mouth were everything right? That was a big leap for me. I even ask myself, did I really qualify for the job? But I let them to score & evaluate me.

Long-story short, i got the job. It was a good decision to take that leap. Even though the landing was not that smooth...

2020 (26) - Construction Company & 'Energy' Project

First time manager was always an important experience. I was the youngest one back then. Other managers do nothing but stare me with full of doubt. I did everything to adapt and get their trust. Only time will tell. I prove that I am worth something in three months.

Covid happens.

Everything feels harder than it should. Company going slow. Stock market crash. Construction stuck.

My brother got married. Sentimental moment for me since I slept with him in the same room for the last 2-years. Lot of ideas & chat occurs randomly in the night back then.

Back to work, remember I was looking for something healthy & clean? This workplace was not the answer. Construction was a 'wet' sector where the works were more than a physical & intelligence works. Negotiation, lobbying, political. One of the darkest years of my life.

The Universe gave me sign. In one occasion, one of my direct report was asking whether I want a long-term career in this sector. I said, I feel like did not belong here. Then she told about how the life goes for her, as a daughter of someone who work in this particular sector.

She was crying as she told the story how his dad was never be part of her life. Miss the big moments. Less quality time with her. Lot of money she admit, but lot of missing parts of a family life. I thought that's it.

At the end of my 1-year, I resign - without a backup plan. Just rely on my savings and re-start my career in other sector. At the same time, things were getting serious with Tika. We were planning for another stage of our life, with all of my weakness at the moment.

2021 (27) - ERP Project & Retailers

I was unemployed for three-months. I remember how I do a freelance for my friend who work in the stock market. I help my ex-boss to create his own boutique Investment Bank (which didn't work until now I guess).

I got interview in one of my 'dream' brand back when I was a teenager. Even better, I got the job. The start of everything. It was an ERP Project which taught me more than I expect. Meet lot of bright people here, where I could absorb the way they think and express professionally.

I thought this was only my stepping stone. Turns out the definition of Retail is detail, where the devil is in the details were right. The universe pave me to this path, a company that work for a good one.

2022 (28) - Fresh Start in a New Function

My mentor move to new position in the company, where he offer me a position to help him there. Supply chain.

I never thought I would end-up have a career in this function to be honest. Start as a transformation role, who helps everyone to leverage tech on their work. Things were happen and I was trusted to be a Planner at the end of the year.

This year was the toughest year of my life since I should build the backbone of supply chain while at the same time, preparing a next-step life with Tika. I glad this year finish with a smile.

2023 (29) - Into an Even Larger Responsibility

I have wife. Wow.

We moved out into a random apartment in BSD. Start to know each other better, the real one. Lot of arguments. I love her cook but I hate when it comes to cleaning up lol. While at the same time, we are looking for a house.

A house. A nest. I did not know if I was ready for it. Financially and mentally. Somehow I still want to wander all over the Indonesia, and the world. I did not want to settle down this fast.

Until again, the Universe pave me a way to the house that I currently live in. It was Instagram Ads! Once again, tech save my life.

While on works, I got more responsibility. More team members to lead on. Learn a lot on the process, especially on the leadership part. It was purely a process of observation, trial & error, sharpen the instinct and reflection to the heart & brain.

The workload were super big but the team warms my heart. Together we went into the darkness to solve the unknown problems (which I felt like getting more and more everyday). But along the process, we were in the 'zone', we still able to laugh and share different taste of music.

What a blessing.

2024 - Now!

Would like to express my gratitude of my 20s. After have a moment of flash back, I learn a lot. Some of them by doing it the hard way, some of it from the observation and some part by listen to the others.

I realize, I was always surrounded by good people, which the universe set to taught me something. To help me pave another way to live.

It was never only my effort that brings me into the current situation.

It was combination of a mother's love (I got two now), friends & colleagues (who never force me to sign an insurance lol) and my spouse who act as a best-friend & enemy at the same time.

Even some random guy and strangers who help me go through the day.

As the years passed by, I realize the one that makes me happy is not a luxury things. A vacation to Maldives sounds nice but I even get happy with the cheap thrills on everyday madness. A laugh with my wife, a meme shared by friends and inside jokes within a family.

I guess I'm ready to get into the 3 now.

Last words, thanks my 20s.

March 17th - 23:59 - Serua, Ciputat

[adrishcreative]

What is Batik Painting:

Batik is a very old traditional art. It is basically an Indonesian technique of drawing cloth and making it resistant using wax. Batik paintings are found all over the world but mainly in Asia & Africa.

History of Batik:

Batik is a very old wax cloth design. Batik painting started from the era of Ramayana. Artists of that era painted the story of Ramayana on cloth through batik painting. The artisans then evoked the environment of the Javanese kingdom through batik. The batik art of Java was of very high quality. Later, Santiniketan in West Bengal became famous for batik art. The artists here depict the images of ancient gods and goddesses on cloth through batik painting. Modern artists again draw their thoughts in the rows they create through batik. Shantiniketni batik is famous all over the world.

Making Technique:

For batik painting, the quality of the fabric needs to be emphasized because synthetic fabrics are not very suitable for batik. Batik requires best quality silk, khadi silk or white cotton fabric. First the cloth should be washed very well so that there is no starch. First sketch with pencil on white cloth. Then melt the wax and apply it on both sides like a wax painting with a brush. Then it’s time to paint. The cloth has to be dyed again and again to dye it in different colors. The whole cloth should be dried in the shade. Finally, it’s time to remove the wax, to remove the wax, put the whole cloth in boiling hot water and automatically all the wax will be removed. After ironing with new starch, our batik painting saree will be ready to wear. Because of such a long process, batik painting sarees are so expensive.

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[mothmiso]

Java, Indonesia (2) (3) (4) by Caspar Tromp

Via Flickr:

(1) Sunda Kelapa or old colonial port area. The Dutch colonial architecture is very reminiscent of those in Aruba and Curaçao in the Caribbean. (2) Old Dutch bridge at Sunda Kelapa. (3) This magnificent art-deco building "De Majestic" dates to the 1920s and was the favourite cinema for the Dutch colonial elite, playing mostly western films. It was designed by the famous Dutch architect Schoemaker. On top, the Javanese Batara Kala or God of the Underworld looks straight into your soul. (4) Café in the famous Braga street, Bandung. The café is, like most buildings in the street and in the city centre, built in the colonial Dutch-Indies Art-Deco style.    

[dafriamaskurie]

Denny Ja: Peek at Religious Traces in Our Culture: Finding Spiritual Harmony

Religious differences are often a source of conflict in society. But in fact, the religion carried out by the Indonesian people, be it Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, has the same foundations, which is to seek spiritual harmony. In a seminar held by Denny JA, a social and cultural activist, he invited the community to explore the traces of religion in Indonesian culture as a means to find spiritual harmony. In Indonesian culture, we often find the influence of religion in various traditions and beliefs. For example, in the religious rituals of the Balinese people, there are so many influences from the customs that have been passed down from their ancestors. However, the essence of the ritual is to seek spiritual harmony with nature and God. Likewise with the tradition of going home during the Eid al -Fitr, where Muslims who migrate back to their hometown to gather with family and stay in touch. Although it comes from a different tradition, with other religious adherents, the point is to find harmony and peace in society. In Javanese tradition, we also often encounter various rituals related to religion, such as slametan and nyadran. Without us knowing, various aspects in the tradition have provided religious and cultural values in Javanese society. For example, in Slametan which is usually held when there are important events such as graduation or marriage, we can see how the Javanese people uphold the principle of mutual cooperation and help each other, so as to create harmony in society. However, unfortunately, this recan, in the midst of the flow of globalization and modernization, religious and cultural traditions in Indonesia are often ignored and forgotten by the community. Therefore, the seminar held by Denny JA can be a momentum for us to recall the importance of religious traditions and values in our culture. In his findings, Denny JA also stressed the importance of efforts that must be made by the government, the community, and especially religious leaders in encouraging the return of religious values in our culture. This can be done through campaigns for introducing religious and cultural traditions, as well as educational and training programs for the community to explore the culture and religion around them. In restoring religious values in our culture, efforts are also needed to integrate old beliefs and traditions with modern values. Denny Ja exemplifies the expansion of insights and the use of technology in introducing religious traditions and values that exist in society. The seminar held by Denny Ja gave a new view of the importance of upholding religious values in our culture. We must recall the existence of traditions, beliefs, and religious values that have existed in Indonesia since long time ago. By maintaining spiritual harmony in everyday life, we can create peace and peace in this increasingly complex and modern world.

Check more: Denny JA: Peek at Religious Traces in Our Culture: Finding Spiritual Harmony

[linguario]

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[askthemanorresidents]

Suddenly, Brendan was now in the halls of what appeared to be a foreign house. He noted how the decor was similar to the de or of Ijo's house.

Immediately, his body began to move on it's own, running after a tall woman in traditional Javanese. The second Brendan reached her, he wrapped his hands around her leg, hugging her tightly. Her response? She pushed him away and told him she's busy. Despite him not knowing the woman, Brendan still felt sadness along with the rampant flowing of tears, as if he was experiencing someone else's feelings.

"Aditya! Are you okay?"

Turning around, Brendan can see Nur, now 7 years old, running towards him. Immediately she began checking his body for any injuries. "Thank god......" she said softly, relief evident on her face. "There there... don't cry Aditya, I'll play with you!".

Taking him by the hand, Nur led him to the large garden. All around them were flowers Brendan had never seen before, suddenly, Nur takes a bunch of red flowers and gives them to him.

"Aditya! Here, the nectar tastes very sweet!"

Brendan didn't move, or to be more specific, his body didn't move. "C'mon, they're very good, see?" Nur plucks a flower before taking out the stigma and eating the nectar. "Hmmmm, so sweet.... Aditya, try one!" she plucked another flower and took out it's stigma before handing it to Brendan. Slowly, he reached out to take it, and after some hessitation, drank it's nectar. The sweet taste of the honey made 'his' eyes light up.

"See? Told you!" Nur smiled. The entire memory section was spent with eating nectar together and a few tickle fights.

(TW! Blood And Guts)

The manor suddenly began to rumble with intensity. Okay, rumble is a bit of an understatement. Instead, the manor was SHAKING as if a large earthquake was happening.

Before Brendan, something appeared right in front of him

"WELL, WELL, WELL, IF IT ISN'T THE BRAT THAT ATTACKED MY ROOM"

Brendan just kinda stood there. His face didn't really change much, he was a little startled by the noise though. Once he saw this thing, however, he just sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Sorry, don't think I recognize you. If you're a hunter that's mad I killed you, get in line. A lot of people got me on their shit list. Do you need something?"

[sword-in-the-sea]

𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖔 𝖙𝖔 𝖏𝖆𝖛𝖆𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖊 𝖔𝖑𝖉 𝖌𝖔𝖉𝖘 🌕

(title: intro to javanese old gods)

disclaimer : there are little to none documentation of the traditions and religions of java pre-hinduism and buddhism, beyond general mentions of animism. so these will, unfortunately, be heavily based on my personal experiences and knowledge passed orally. i will try to keep everything unbiased and as is. my experience is limited to java–particularly west and middle java–and the several trips i made to bali. therefore i will only focus on javanese based old gods and won't touch anything beyond that. i made this also with the purpose of documenting the unrecorded gods of java. my apologies if you find anything lacking. now, let's get to it.

old gods are forgotten gods that are as old as the lands they reside in. incarnations (? representation works too) of a forest or a mountain or certain areas are included as an old god, but not all old gods are incarnations of the lands they're in. they are not ancestors. they are not historical figures who died, even if they look like one. they are not spirits either. they were (and still technically are) deities. old gods are completely their own being.

they are once worshipped until early majapahit empire era. my estimation is around 1350s - 1400s when it completely stopped; though it probably started dwindling around 400 AD when hindu-buddhism first came in. worshipping then comes in animism form—which is why most old gods are representation/incarnation of lands or inanimate objects. they may also be recognised at that time as venerated "ancestor spirits", though they're not one.

some of them are part of a court (yes, royal court but for old gods). be it ancient forgotten courts or even the still worshipped courts (like the kidul court). some are on their own, or just courtless. there's usually a leader figure for each courts, and these leaders will have another leader that has a hand in all courts. this is less of power/ruling figure, and more of an authority figure to help ease communication between the old gods.

nowadays, they tend to reside in trees, mountains, riversides, caves, the sea, or in the woods. most of the time they become the guardian of that certain area they reside in. sometimes they left their main residence to wander—on this occasion, they may temporarily reside in old abandoned buildings. the closer they are to their main residence, the stronger they are. old gods are not fond of crowds—but they enjoy watching from afar.

they're forces of chaos and unpredictable–and neither good nor bad. they can be malevolent, but most of the time only as defense. they're very polite and mostly kept to themselves. the old gods are quiet and ancient; often times they're only looking over from afar or just checking in without wanting anything. often times they have morbid imageries—but they meant no harm. probably. they're too old to care to follow human concepts.

it's not recommended to sought them out or to try and make dealings with them.

quick guide on meeting old gods. don't interact, especially when you're not sure what you're doing. you don't even need to acknowledge them–they don't need supplication and have long gone without being worshipped. they're fine; you won't if you play into their bit.

what you should do when you suspect them near you is to be respectful and polite. more specifically:

don't turn your back against sacred trees/places

don't climb or sit on sacred objects

don't go to toilet outdoors (it's recommended to just find the closest toilet available. otherwise, find a clear secluded place and ask permission aloud before you go. don't go in a sacred place/area or near sacred objects. only do this as a last minute resort. if shit hits the fan, start praying)

don't tempt or tease them

don't invite/invoke them

don't say things like "i can stay here forever!", they'll take it as an invitation

don't interact with them, in general (unless you are clearly familiar with them. which if you're a tourist, you're not. so shut up.)

listen to the locals. be respectful

don't vandalise

don't litter

don't spit on the ground

i can't believe i have to say this, but don't have intercourse in sacred woods or areas

in the rare moments you saw them, say hi. nod your head. then don't acknowledge them anymore than that

don't talk about them in their presence. it's impolite

when unexplainable things start happening (such as smelling a sudden scent of jasmine or frangipani, or gamelan music starts playing without clear source) don't acknowledge it and continue with what you're doing

if you follow these simple steps, i guarantee you i would have less work to do as a local exorcist witch.

[upg disclaimer; based on personal experience as i worked with them] old gods are neither good nor bad. they're neutral chaotic forces, as they resemble the lands they reside in. unfortunately, some immoral dukun—witch doctors/shaman—have been enslaving trapping them in contracts for power reasons.

long story short: these dukun are people who learned magic, who are power hungry and greedy (yes they do exist, this is real and a legit practice in here). to be able to access power (magic) they usually work with questionable sources such as djinns. however, as djinns are too powerful and strong, most of the time these dukun would make dealings with local old gods. local old gods are a weaker power source than djinns, but easier to trap. do you see where this is going now? (note that there are also old gods that genuinely just work with these dukun to fuck them up. either way; not great)

the circumstances made the old gods more volatile and prone to aggression. as they want to avoid being tricked or manipulated into a trap, they're sensitive to any changes. you can easily offend them if you don't know what you're doing—which is why it's not encouraged to interact with them. [upg ends]

interacting with old gods can have the tendency to go from 0 to 100 quickly; on one moment they're calm and gentle, then by the next second a large snake maw is hovering by your head.

you can't worship or make dealings with the old gods when they don't explicitly ask that from you. sudden worshipping won't flatter them—it'll make them suspicious at best and immediately aggressive at worst. don't bother them and they won't bother you.

if you wish to, at least, acknowledge the local old gods or if you have reasons to believe they're trying to reach out to you; what you should do first is to set up protection wards. then you may try to communicate, interact, and give offerings—with no strings attached—to the old gods. be honest with your intentions and don't be pushy. double check everything and always check "mundane before magic".

i don't recommend trying to do this for baby witches or witches who had never dip into local magic. i don't recommend foreigners to attempt to interact with the old gods at all. mind you, i have experience with them and they knew me after years of constant exposure. i will repeat that old gods have long gone without worship—they won't ask for things willynilly. be careful of imposters. interact with caution and strong wards. don't be easily swayed, don't be scared, be respectful, and stand your ground. you have been warned.

offerings that i found they'll accept:

sweet tea

black coffee (instant coffee works, some brands are Kopi ABC and Kapal Api *not spons. sometimes they want sugar in it, sometimes they don't)

gorengan (fried street food, usually are; deep fried bananas, vegetable fritters, or fried tofus)—west javanese old gods are particularly fond of these

pinecones

cinnamon sticks

wedang jahe

jamu

river rocks and driftwood

wooden beads

tea leaves

frangipani flower

jasmine flower

queen of the night flower (wijaya kusuma)

tuberoses (bunga sedap malam)

smooth blue river pebbles

seashells and sea salt if they're from kidul (southern) area/court, or areas near the sea

playing gamelan songs—middle and east javanese old gods are especially fond of gamelan keraton songs

you give the offerings by leaving them at places where an old god might reside (or where you think an old god is residing in). usually under trees, at the open mouth of caves, or by tossing them in rivers or the sea. make sure you're not littering, and that all of the equipments used for the offerings are organic and compostable.

note that sometimes the offerings won't just be taken by the old gods but also other entities. they don't mind this. you don't need to worry about this either, as i reiterate—old gods don't need offerings nor worship. only give them offerings with no strings attached.

on some cases, you may share the offerings with the old gods. if you have their permission, you might be allowed to consume the offerings with them to dispose of it. you can also just leave the offerings around your house, if old gods happen to pass inside your house often (like my case).

tldr; interact with old gods as you may, but please do so with strong caution. be respectful and courageous; be steadfast yet polite. i have no means of fear-mongering (my apologies if i accidentally did so), but warnings are there for a reason. do no harm.

best of luck for your journey 🌾🌜🍃🌞

[mann-walter]

Today we've reached the 10th episode of Andor. I think it is finally fair for me to state some of my more elaborate opinions.

As far as I can see, and I bet you all agree, it has been a great show. It might be a little slow at times for those who are used to action-packed movies/TV shows, but outside of that, nothing negative is to be said about it. The dialogues, the acting, the sets (God, how much I love the sets), the story itself, the characters... I'll be honest, there's no one in the entirety of this show that is not interesting.

But what I'm going to talk about today is not the music, or the costume design, or Andy Serkis' incredible acting and character development. But the message I take from it.

There is this old Javanese saying:

Jer Basuki Mawa Beya

"Happiness always comes with a cost".

I think that resonates very well with many characters. From Mon to Luthen to Cassian to even the prisoners. Many had to fought their fears to gain freedom and happiness. Some might have to leave home and be separated from their loved ones.

Some might have to work with people or methods they would otherwise despise. Our best example of this is Luthen. He explained that he sacrificed many things, not only of himself, but of others too.

Many, like Andor himself on a later day, had to die without seeing the fall of the Empire. Without seeing the completion of their fight. Many might not be even remembered.

This show, besides showing that the rebellion was made up by a billion types of beings, with both noble and less noble intentions and way of executions, showed that a rebellion is not cheap. Not only financially.

To rebel is to make sacrifices, huge sacrifices. Because indeed freedom and happiness always come with a cost.

[windyblight]

bells & sore ankles | caitlyn x southeast asian!gn!reader

pairing: caitlyn x southeast asian!gn!reader

summary: As Caitlyn faces pressure from her family, you're there to remind her that she doesn't have to face it all alone.

word count: 1k

tags: southeast asian & gender neutral reader (i visualize them as indonesian), modern & uni au, traditional dancing, gentle touches, fluff, established relationship

author's note: caitlyn & traditional dancer!reader has been haunting my mind lately so here! enjoy yet another addition to my southeast asian!reader insert collection. the dance itself often performed by afab people, but it's not entirely uncommon to see amab folks among the dancers!

additional notes: the dance that they're doing is tari remo, which is a traditional Javanese dance that i used to do as a kid. the dance tells the story of a prince who struggles during a battle, so it incorporates a lot of powerful movements and sharp facial movements.

gamelan is a traditional music ensemble. the kind of music you'd often hear in most traditional dances in indonesia! at least from my experience, it's the kind of music we used for remo.

available on ao3!

“Then, tap, tap, tap and turn!” You shift your body to the side.

With your thighs bent, you maintain poise as your feet stomp the ground with confidence. Bells around your ankle ring adding a flair to your dynamic movement. And all Caitlyn could do is… stumble. A lot.

Her mind’s taking in the erratic melody of quick-paced Gamelan that echoes through the room. All while her eyes try to follow your movement step by step.

“No slouching, your thighs aren’t bent.” You give her a side glance, observing her posture.

Caitlyn bends further. Grunting a little at the sudden stinging pain. She could feel her calves wobbling.

"That's it! That's it!"

And, and-

She falters. "I can't."

Caitlyn slams herself to the ground. A loud groan escapes her as she begins to let out heavy pants. God, her legs just could not take it.

You rush to your phone, tapping it to stop the music.

"You’ve got your steps right this time! That’s a major improvement." You look down at her with a smile.

"Are dancers usually this optimistic?" Caitlyn grins.

You shrug, "If I wasn't, I'd be a terrible teacher." She'd say it was smug, but your cheery smile speaks otherwise. A tease.

But at that point she can't argue. It dawned on Caitlyn that the room's lit in a deep, shadowy orange. Quite the time has passed and a glimpse of the evening sky solidifies it. She picks herself up in an abrupt standing and posture, despite the biting pain on her thighs and calves.

"I have to finish up soon. There's," She sighs, reluctant to even acknowledge the words she's about to say. "A matchmaking party."

Her fingers instinctively go to pinch the bridge of her nose. The idea itself wasn't hers, nor even her mother's. Cassandra Kiramman may be the epitome of a strict, overbearing parent, but to choose as lovers is a decision that only Caitlyn herself makes. That's what her mother did when she married Caitlyn's father, Tobias.

It wasn't her. No, the idea came from someone a little higher up on the ladder.

"Matchmaking parties? They still do that?" You're a little shock to hear it, but you know some families maintain some old traditions to a tee but didn't expect the Kiramman would be so. "That's taking Tinder a little bit too old school, no?"

"Yeah, well, I'd like to see you try introducing the concept of Tinder to my grandmother. She'd be horrified."

You laugh. "Seriously though, I thought she gave up on that."

"Nope," Caitlyn shakes her head. "If anything, she's more persistent than ever now that I'm halfway into my final year."

"And your mom? Wouldn't she have something to say about it?"

She would. Her mother wouldn't really force her into making decisions. She'd persuade, and possibly everything in her power to try and change her mind. But her mother knew best where Caitlyn's stubbornness came from.

Her grandmother is different.

"Just entertain the idea for a night. It'd be rude to refuse your grandmother since she's already sending out invites." Her mother tried to console her the other day. To save face, is basically what was left unspoken. Caitlyn felt bitter about the whole ordeal, but it's not worth losing her mind over. So, she will entertain it for a night. But only for a night.

"She said it'd be rude to not go. My grandmother already had it all planned out before it got to me. Classic." Caitlyn tugs a little too hard on her tied ponytail while adjusting it.

The bubbling anger clenches her chest tightly. Courtesy is an absolute bitch, and the thing is: Caitlyn understood why it was necessary. It doesn't mean she wants it, but has that ever stopped anyone to meddle with her life?

Your hand touches her shoulders. Warm, gentle. She turns swiftly towards you, realizing the closing gap between the two of you. Your brows furrowed. A look on your face pulls her in. Comfort. So, she rests her hand on top of yours. To reassure your worries, easing the tight knot between your brows.

No words exchanged between the two of you in that moment, but there was no need to.

Caitlyn’s hand traces to your face. Your breath hitch at the sudden gesture. She hums a smile. Lately, it’s been difficult to keep these feelings from blooming. Too often she wants to touch you, feel you, embrace every bit of moment the two of you can have together just to savor this.

“Y’know, I could always put on a disguise as one of your suitors and have you marry me. Then bamboozle the fuck out of your grandma. Sounds like a plan, no?”

To that, Caitlyn laughs heartily. “You’re a riot.” She pauses. “...Actually…”

“Oh my god, you’re considering it!”

“What?! It’d be hilarious! Just how often do I get a chance like this, to really cement my identity as the disappointing Kiramman. Just imagine,” Caitlyn tugs you to the floor. The two of you sit facing each other with your legs crossed. “Imagine you sashay your way in there, dressed in your fanciest fit, unbothered by those around you. And then I’d dramatically gasp at your appearance, running to your embrace and absolutely shattering my grandmother’s party.”

“Have you always had this planned out? Sounds a little too detailed to be a plan you came up with out of thin air.” You raise your brows at her playfully.

“Always wanted to cause that kind of trouble.” Caitlyn beams. She bends forward, resting her head on your lap. “Just think of all their faces.”

“Just think of your grandmother’s face.”

She laughs. “It’s not possible, though. I couldn’t do that to my parents.”

You don’t reply to that. Your fingers trace over her face, fondly looking down at her. The two of you relish yourselves in each other’s company. It’s rare. Having grown your relationship to this level of intimacy has been a trial of its own, mostly on Caitlyn’s end. But you’ve reassured her there’s nothing to worry.

“I’ll always be here.” You tell her and you’ve told her before thousands of times. And you’d do it a thousand more.

Her eyes widen slightly, but quickly a smile etches on her face. Eyes that once were hesitant, now glimmer with promise. Her palm reached up to your face. You lean down, pressing your lips on her forehead, tugging out a giggle from Caitlyn’s lips.

“Fuck them. Let's do another set.”

Caitlyn groans. “No.”

“Yes!”

[ofsupernovcs]

𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞  𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧  𝐚  𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞  …  eric anderson  was  known  as  the brave  &  adventurous prince/sailor  with  a  reputation  for  being  a  daniel henney doppelganger  .   but  now  ,  under  the  stress  of  the  war  on  the  horizon  ,  the  natural  born  hero human has  become  widely  known  for  being  rather  stubborn  & awkward   .   let's  see  how  long  the  marna  native  will  last  during  this  war  .   after  all  they're  only  thirty five   years  old  .   +  he/him, male  ,  the little mermaid.

EXTRA INFORMATION

Eric Anderson is the son of Johann and Margrete Anderson with a silver spoon in his mouth. Despite his royal origins he found himself wondering-what would it be like to see the rest of the world.

His father believed to let him have his little phase working with the royal ships. Despite his dads belief it only wanted him to stay at sea more. His father finall relented to see him through on his plans . He would have to grow p eventually.

Days were spent on the shore fixing the boat. Delighted at the seven seas. What wasn’t there to love about the sea. Until he returned and looked at pictures of princesses to marry. There just wasn’t the appeal. His heart was invested on the sea and nothing else.

That was until one day he decided to head out during a storm. He thought they were going to quick and Ericc always loved the challenge of the salty water. He steered into the belly of the sea.

The storm was so strong, nearly pulling the ship apart. Eric held onto to dear life hoping for it to stop. He never felt so small in that moment-unable to sae anyone. Just praying to dear god someone would intervene. He finally let go of the mast. His strong hands slipping slowly…..there goes nothing.

He opened his eyes and there was a brief glance. She was so….beautiful. So stunning, that was the only thing he could remember. That faced was etched into his mind.

When Eric awoken again he had to ask if the girl was still there. He was met with looks of confusion. There was no girl. He clenched his fist but tried to keep a serious face- he was going to find that girl if it was the last thing he did….

It was a surprise to him to see the girl two years later. So many questions he had for her. When he realized he answer-he decided to improvise with rounds of sharades. Eventually, he relented they should find a way to communicate.

But every challenged got them closer together. He fell in love with her so quick. The way she brushed her hair with a forck. That voiceless smile. She couldn’t speak but her actions spoke louder than words. This was what it meant to be in love 

It was a long way before they were married- between the dangers , the war,, and his father’s untimely death. It as hard to keep a naval army up to defense while picking boquets. But it was worth with. Even if they couldn’t have a child until now

Now Eric balances fatherhood and being royalty through a war. But its a war he’s willing to fight to protect those he loves 

Headcanons: 

Eric speaks Danish, German, Javanese, and conversational Faroese- Faoroese is the main language spoken by the sailors and the naval army. Javanese is spoken amoung his guards in case of danger, the lanaguage was also spoken by his late father. Currently he’s learning sign language to better communicate with his wife. 

That being said he doesn’t want to just stick to the languages of Marna, he wants to learn the other languages of the other kingdoms. He believes learning their languages will help him be a better prince.

Eric is more “knowledgable” of the sea species, Marna has many myths and legends about the alleged singing at night that made a trading ship drown. But that hasn’t hindered Eric from traveling. His knowledge of other creatures again whispers. Eric might be aware of other creatures but not more hes required to

Eric only uses his status rarely- he feels like that his status only brings him danger at sea. SoFirst Mate Anderson is his usual bread and butter.

Currently while his mind is focused on the war- but more of the conseuences. He still isn’t that aware how powerful those such as Pitch can be. 

Wanted Connections: 

Sailor Compions 

Friends 

Other species friends that can give his human heart a shock 

Enemies

Royal Allies 

Marna or Atlantica Citizens who don't him like because he’s human and/or with Ariel

[sexypinkon]

~Sexypink~  Special Surinamese artist 'Soeki' Irodikromo’ died Today the famous painter, maker of ceramic art and Batik, Sukidjan Irodokromo, died in his native country Suriname. He turned 75 years old. Soeki leaves the world special works of art. Sukidjan Irodikromo was born June 20, 1945 in Pieterszorg in Commewijne District. From 1963 to 1967 he attended a course at the Cultural Center Suriname (CCS school for Visual Arts conducted by Nola Hatterman) in Paramaribo. Back then, American President Johnson bought a painting from him, and a week later, Soeki was told that he was receiving a grant from STICUSA (Cultural Cooperation Foundation with Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles) to go to the Netherlands and study there. From 1967 to 1972 he did the free painting and chart at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam and from 1971 to 1972 he deepened himself into the ceramic. Afterwards he continued his studies with a batic training at the ASRI in Jogyakarta, Indonesia.

Back in Suriname he introduced batik painting there. Both in his batik cloths and oil paintings and his ceramic (vases and images), Irodikromo achieved a large production of almost constant quality. His work is in collections spread all over the world. He also made the illustrations in various books. From his admiration for Cobra expressionism, he started working in a style that connected the half abstraction of Cobra to themes and symbols from Javanese mythology. With this he was the first Surinamese artist to bring together tradition and modernity in his own idiom. Sukidjan Irodikromo's works of art are inspired by the Wayang game, Kantjil and Anansi tori. He is among the generation and caliber of Erwin de Vries, Ruben Karsters, Rudi de la Fuente and Paul Woei. Important message he leaves us is: ′′ Let your kids go to school. That gives them power. In the Netherlands I had adjustment problems and language problems. But that didn't stop me from moving on. I dared, because it's about the quality of my work ".

Family background

His parents were farmers. The plantation life used to be very simple. Grandpa and grandma could teach us nothing but work, because for other things they had neither time nor knowledge. Working with a ' berang ' (houwer) and ' pacol ' (hoeing) was the only thing that was taught them. Building a house was done with 'gotong royong' (mutual assistance). Neighbors and family helped each other. A lot of ' teloh ' (cassave), ' gedang ' (banana), fresh fish, such as ' teri ' (salted little fish) and ' ikan asin ' (salty fish) were eaten daily. Sometimes the family had nothing and ate rice with the oil in which the fish was baked. Meat was only eaten when someone threw a party and with 'Bada' (Sugar Fest). Father Irodikromo would have saved up for new pants for the kids.

People in that time believed in ' kersane Allah ' (God's will). ′′ I leave it to tomorrow's day was what people said. Closing the plantations was quite a vein release for many families. Also for the Irodikromo family. They subsequently used the possibility to purchase land on the plantation Koewarasan, which the family moved to.

http://www.oas.org/artsoftheamericas/soeki-irodikromo

[ofsirensongs]

      “ her beauty disarms you. it takes away your weapons and your guard, and you won’t even fucking realize it until it’s too late. until she’s baring her teeth and dragging you under the waves, and devouring you whole... she’s siren, and pirate, and god, all in one. ”  

      [ minka kelly / cisfemale / 40 ] ❛ from over the ocean far [ lyric loveday ] has come from [ mermaid’s return / captain ] to sail upon the fortuna. LYRIC is known as the [ siren ] on board, fitting considering they are quite [ captivating & ruthless ]. supposedly that’s why the captain chose HER to be her [ gunner ]. ❜ 

      hey guys ! i’m medusa & i’ll be playing yer local two-faced cutie, miss lyric loveday, herself. she’s a new muse so pls bear w/ me <3

biography:

in lyric’s world, no good man exists. merely a bad man with a good mask. 

born helga krader on a stormy night in cape town, south africa to two british colonists researchers, the girl is beloved from the moment she takes her first breath. she’s the light of their lives and the heart of their world. an angel in the flesh.

tw illness, death: she’s 7 years old when she contracts a deadly illness. though she puts up a hearty fight, her frail body finally succumbs to it. her parents mourn, angry with god and fate and death, itself. and guilty, blaming their wrongdoings for the outcome. 

it’s through a tribe they discover a supposedly magical, healing pond in the midst of the (newlands) forest. as the tale goes, the girl’s parents, so desperate to reverse the finality, took the girl’s body to the pond late in the night and dipped her into the waters. nothing would occur, and they would fall asleep at the edge, sorrowful. 

only to witness a miracle the next morning. when, to their shock, their dear daughter woke them from their slumber. wondering where they were, and how they’d gotten there. 

at first, it was a blessing. a promise that their prayers had been answered. but when the weeks went by and the girl’s hair turned pale and white, they had to wonder. was it a blessing or a curse they had bestowed upon her? had they defied fate by their actions? what would now be the take to the give? 

tw death: their answer would come in three years’ time. they became sick like their daughter had. despite their best doctors and healers, the two would pass from the illness. having heard the tale about the pond, the 10 year old girl would manage a trip to it (somehow, and perhaps w/ help) with her parents’ bodies. she dipped them into the waters and slept beside its edge. hoping. praying. begging. but the next morning would promise her no relief. her parents were still gone. she deemed the ‘magical’ pond a lie and swore to never believe in child’s tales again.

the girl is shipped off to a seaside town in england, where she would live with her unknown uncle and his family. the minute she arrives in the country, she is sure that her troubles have only just begun. but she holds out on some hope. her uncle and his family treat her as an outsider from the start. they regard the ‘witch child’ with disdain, merely keeping her for her parents’ wealth. while she remains soft spoken and gentle, they look and act like the offspring of cursed gods. 

tw abuse: she becomes the source of all their problems. the burden, the disease. the one to blame whenever a chair breaks or a trinket is stolen from the market, by aunt and uncle and cousins. they brand her ‘hideous’ every time they scold her. ‘rotten, ignorant, worthless.’ and she grows bitter deep in her heart because of it. 

tw murder: she’s in her teens when her town is raided by pirates. they take and take, and when there’s nothing left to offer, she’s shoved forward by her aunt and uncle. ‘take the girl. we don’t want her.’ no, they never did. but she’s shocked. however, fate would change course that day. the pirate captain, struck silent by the act and the girl’s intriguing appearance, decided to test her. he handed her a dagger and then he pushed her family to their knees. ‘kill them, here and now, and i’ll take you. but not as my prisoner, as one of my own.’ resentment fueled, the girl grabs the dagger and splits throats. her first taste of power and revenge at life’s cruelties, and it feels good. 

it’s safe to say she changes from that day on. said captain of mermaid’s return, richard loveday, adopts the girl as his own child. throwing away her ‘old burdens’ and renaming her lyric loveday - the siren of the seven seas. she becomes a myth in the pirate world. claims are made that she is a siren. that she was born underwater, locked away in an atlantis, that with one dulcet tone of her voice she can sing an army into the depths of the ocean. but as much as her singing voice is heavenly, these remain tales told by pirates and sailors. she entertains and humors them. so long as no one knows the real story. 

when richard dies, the ship is handed to lyric. no one fights her for the title, because they’re loyal and they know what happens when someone challenges the silver haired woman. they wind up swimming with the fishes, after unpleasant tortures. lyric is merciless when it comes to opposition and enemies. she’ll make an example out of you, and it won’t matter the details or the begging or the crime. 

not that she’s always horrible. or that she’s disliked. in fact, her crew prize/d her as the best. with the decisive and hard hand of a leader, the perception and cleverness of a politician, and the playful and adventurous ways of a pirate. she is the beloved lady of the ship. the one every member hopes to prove something to, without realizing it. 

lyric knows of captain biyu. she knows of the ‘myths of the world.’ like the very pond she’d been taken to as a child. she’d sworn them off, though, hadn’t she? and yet... when the captain offered a contract to find lost treasure beyond their wildest dreams, lyric considered. and then she accepted the terms. there’s a part of her that still wonders. had the pond been selective with its choosing? was there more out there than coin and gems and crowns? if there was, maybe she was destined in some way to uncover it (narcissism, vanity, and ego at its finest). 

her crew may have been forced to go with, or may have been asked. depends on who! so they could be irritated by the change or they could be honored / as curious as their captain is about this adventure. perhaps some (or all) conspiring to overthrow biyu, fortuna’s crew, and the former ships/crews once the treasure is in hand. after all, that’s lyric’s goal. use your resources, then snuff out the competition. even if she does admire the latter. 

details: 

is of english descent. has a mixed english/south african accent. 

as for languages, lyric is known for studying them intensely. in fact, if she weren’t a pirate, she’d be a translator of texts. grants certain crew members double their winnings after raids if they teach her a new language. master fluency: english, afrikaans, french, hindi, persian, arabic, indonesian (sundanese dialect). average fluency: italian, punjabi, indonesian (javanese dialect), spanish, mandarin. basic fluency: greek, portuguese. 

she is bisexual, biromantic (tends to lean towards women for romance). she doesn’t typically go into serious or long-term relationships. has maybe once or twice before. most of her ‘relationships’ are open-ended and considered flings / fwb sort of deals. 

looks like a cinnamon roll, but could actually kill you type. a sinnamon roll, if you will. 

has a soft spot for children, especially ones ‘outcasted’ for looks or traits, etc. naturally, she sees herself in them and she believes they’re capable of so much more. 

is not exactly happy she’s demoted to basic gunner. but then again, she sees the logic in biyu’s decision. she plays nicely because of it, at least on the outside. 

is still very soft in mannerisms and vocal tone, very gentle in physical contact. you’d think she was an angel, if it weren’t for the reputation she’s received. still, her ways trick people because they have the habit of forgetting in her company. or thinking themselves special, and out of reach. 

is ambidextrous and it’s come in handy. pun intended.