#jute bag making

[juteproductartisans]

Jute For Life: Save Environment use Eco-Friendly Jute Bags

[totaly-obsessed]

Sunset Strolls

Alexia Putellas x reader Blurb

-> navigating a city's chaos for groceries, and stubbornness

-> Based on THIS post by @carolineshairtie (and Ale's hands...)

-> Word count: 640

➳ Masterlist

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

The streets of Barcelona were busy with people in a rush to finally get home after a long day at work. The trams were filled to the brim by tired faces squeezing into a small space, hoping for a smooth journey, while the sidewalks transformed into a runway - one person overtaking the next, running into each other and bumping into mothers pushing strollers.

In the midst of the chaos were you and Alexia, making your way to the grocery store. Your girlfriend had been at training until afternoon, and after getting home she had joined you for your daily nap. But then the realization of an empty fridge and even emptier cupboards set in - making for a rude awakening.

Training had been mostly in the gym for the day, and Alexia wanted to enjoy the last rays of sun with her favorite person - So you had walked to the store. The way wasn’t too far, and it was safe to say that both Ale and you had been enjoying just spending time together, sun on your faces and intertwined hands swaying back and forth.

The actual time spent at the local store was fun as well, Ale completely ignored your list and just went for it. Any box you touched was being loaded into your cart, and you needed to remind her multiple times that you had in fact walked there and that you would need to carry everything back home.

The young woman working the register was incredibly amused to see you and Alexia fight over who would be the one paying. You had been trying to argue that Ale had already bought the groceries last week, but your girlfriend didn’t want to hear it, saying that you deserved to have anything you wanted.

The blonde had finally won the fight, slamming her card down on the contactless card machine, holding you off with the other hand, before she gave you the empty bags she had pulled out of your handbag.

“I pay, you pack.”

That seemed fairer than just standing there, so without a fuss you started packing your newly acquired things into jute bags, which quickly started to run out, leaving you to stuff everything in, hoping that it would fit.

Alexia shook her head, an entertained smile on her lips as, before she took the bags from the counter, leaving you empty-handed once again.

“Hold the door amore?”

With a pleasant humm you did, keeping the heavy glass door open so that your girlfriend could walk through, heavy bags in her hands. “Mi alma, please!” your hand was extended towards her, trying to take some of the baggage off her. The walk was now slower than before, much more of a nice stroll.

“No, I’ve got it, you go ahead.” As stubborn as a mule -  but you don’t think it’s possible to love someone more than you did love your girlfriend, even with her incredibly strong-willed character.

The sun had started to set, the shadows much colder than they had been before. Not a lot of people were left over on the streets, trying to make it to the next bar or still trying to make it home. Restaurants started to turn on their ambient lights as people gathered.

You still had a good way to go before you would arrive at your shared apartment. Quietly, your hand that had been holding onto Alexia’s lower arm, started to make its way down, trying to take the bags out of her hand.

The blonde's head shot up, aware of what was happening. Your nice walking pace came to a sudden halt as Ale adjusted, your hands still extended to take them.  Now all the bags were in one hand, some slung over her shoulder, as she took your hand in hers.

“That's not what l- okay.”

[becausegoodheroesdeservekidneys]

The disrespect toward indigenous peoples is what popped put at me today in one of your posts. I wonder how long the English have been looking down on the Welsh. We're the Saxons like that or is it the Normans who really thought they were better than everyone else. Cause it seems like it goes back a long way.

Oh, both, just in different ways. The Normals were imperialist, the Saxons were more theft and landgrab.

Something that makes me want to start hurling knives is the INCREDIBLY COMMON English myth that the Anglo-Saxons were a sweet innocent indigenous British people who were conquered and bullied by those mean nasty Normans (and Vikings), and because the Normans came over via France, that means everything was actually THEIR fault, and the true English i.e. the Anglo-Saxons, were victims too :(

When I say it's incredibly common, by the way, I really mean it. Enormous numbers of modern day English people believe this. I've seen BBC programs about the Viking invasions that claimed without a trace of irony that the Vikings would take slaves from "the native Anglo-Saxons". I've literally had English people comment this shit on posts of mine about Celtophobia and Welsh history. Like I'm there describing how the last Prince of Wales was locked in a wooden cage in Bristol Castle at the age of eight and lived out the remainder of his life there until his fifties so the Welsh would know their place, and some snivelling English cunt will straight up write a message going "Teehee really it was the Normans not the English though and they conquered the poor Anglo-Saxons too, poor England uwu"

Anyway in the dying days of the Roman empire in Britain one of the leading reasons for Rome abandoning Britannia was the constant waves of Anglo-Saxon invaders. There were so many the east coast of Britain became known as the Saxon Shore. There were so many the Romans built a line of forts that were and are literally called Saxon Shore Forts. There were so many that an official, historically documented, paid governmental position in Roman Britain was the Count of the Saxon Shore, i.e. the guy responsible for keeping the bastards out.

Rome had banned native military, of course, so when they then withdrew and took the armies with them, the people left had no defences against the incoming waves of Angles, Saxons and Jutes. England fell pretty quickly, Angles in the north, Saxons in the south, Jutes primarily in the east, I believe. What stopped their westward expansion was the Brythonic Celtic nations living in modern day Wales. And this is the origin of the Welsh dragon - those separate kingdoms needed a banner that united them, and represented Not Saxon. An anti-Saxon force. They chose a red dragon.

This is also the origin of King Arthur. An anti-Saxon king of the Brythons, who would repel these Germanic invaders. (It was several centuries later that England realised they should probably steal the term 'British', because otherwise they were marking themselves as 'not native'.)

Anyway the saving grace of the Anglo-Saxons in the end was actually that they were whiny little bitches who gave up trying to fight in Wales with its difficult mountains and fought each other instead. The whole sorry tale of the Heptarchy is the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms fighting like cats in a bag, while Saxon king Offa built a dyke along the Welsh border and went "WELL YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED OVER HERE" and every Welsh king went "...we literally didn't want to conquer you anyway, you spectacularly sad and stupid man"

Oh, and of course, there's the name 'Wales'. Given to us specifically by the Anglo-Saxons. And translated by centuries of English scholars, mostly very smugly, as 'foreigners'. A fun bit of early propaganda, look - foreigners in our own country that they tried and failed to steal.

All of which is a circuitous way of saying - yeah, it goes way back.

[flea--circus]

Hello hello! Poe plushies have been out of stock for a couple years and it's time to bring these guys back!

Like my very first project, there will be stretch goals for freebie items that I'll be including with every pledge!

Last time those freebies included stickers, washi tape, a button and magnet, a notepad set, a patch, an enamel pin, and a little Poe's Delivery Service jute bag to hold it all!

I need to gather a LOT of support to reach all of those stretch goals so if you're interested please make sure to sign up to be notified when the project launches

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE PROJECT LAUNCHES!!

There will be early bird discounts for pledges on the first two days!

Thank you~!

[cellophaine]

Could I get a matt Murdock with an s/o with anxiety? And I don’t mean that sit com tv anxiety where they pretend to scream and get “panicked” ?. I’m talking about The one where your body get suddenly really cold then really hot, and you feel like your body is made of air? I get bad anxiety like that and i often lie on the floor to cool down and to feel better.

I feel like with his hightend senses he can tell when there anxiety gets high before them, just a simple “hay you would lie on the floor, your anxiety is going up” and it just becomes normal? And at home he just kinda lies on the floor with you/ sometimes lieing on top of you (mind out of the gutter!!) and having a funny YouTube video play when it happens?

Peace of Mine

Pairing: Matt Murdock x GN!Reader

Warning: Anxiety, fluff.

Author's Note: I wrote this with some of my own experience. I hope that's okay! I didn't mean to make your request so long (just about 1.5k words, but still), and Matt only comes in in the last half, but I hope you'll enjoy the fic! Also, what are the chances that I got anxiety while editing this piece lmao 🥲

Share and feedback are welcomed!

What a perfect day it could have been.

A day off spent at your own pace. Bookshops, cafes, record stores and the farmer's market were all within reasonable walking distance from Matt's place. Spring was approaching, but the air was still cold as if the winter was trying to sweat out its last shivers before the sun was warm enough to chase the chills away. On your shoulder was a jute bag halfway filled with fresh produce as you gradually checked off your list.

You stopped at a fruit stall; the crisp scent of apple rose above all else. The woman behind the table gave you a warm smile, nodding at you. You smiled in return before directing your attention to the fruits. Your eyes roamed over the colourful display, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the ample array. You took an apple in your hand, turning it over and studying its pattern with a forced intensity. Your stomach stirred slightly, and you brushed it off, thinking it was from your breakfast earlier. It took a long moment before you realized you only stared blankly at the apple; your attention slipped over its shiny, reddish skin, taking nothing in even as your fingers nudged against the soft spot that almost cried out in its sour juice.

Your stomach churned again in warning, gradually tying itself in knots as if to brace for what was coming. You felt unsteady on your own feet even as you were rooted to the spot with your head dipped low in an attempt to make the surroundings stop moving. Your body turned cold at the early signs of an anxiety attack that could blow up if you didn't get it under control soon enough.

You took a shuddering breath, doing your best to act normal. Your body grew hot out of the blue as if it tried to flush the cold out. Your mind was stuck in a messy loop, worrying that someone could see through you all the while you tried to compose yourself. Your stomach twisted, your heart raced, and you drew into yourself as if it could stop the pain from digging at you. The familiar and unwelcomed sensation extended throughout your body, manifested in goosebumps along the skin of your arms. You dared a glance at the woman behind the stall, who gave you a look of apprehension. In your distressed mind, it was a look of disdain as if you were an inconvenience by just standing there, being obstructive. It was then that all hell broke loose.

Anxiety unfurled like a flood, sweeping over everything you tried to prevent it from worsening within a heartbeat. You were overwhelmed by different sensations and thoughts as they fed one another in a delirious high despite your best effort to sort and make sense of them. You whispered a small 'sorry', placing the apple back on the pile before walking away, your hands clenched and unclenched at your sides. You wove your way out of the crowd, whispering 'sorry' repeatedly at the briefest contact with people around you; your anxiety worsens, twisting your inside. You broke out in a slick sweat, and your body burned up even more as the embarrassment of freaking out in public quickly soaked in.

You walked faster once you got to the main street, almost broke into a run; your head worked in tandem with your pace as you tried to regain control of the situation. But it was like quicksand. The more you tried, the harder it was for you to steer yourself away from going deeper down the spiral. Your head hurt, your palms were clammy, and your entire body felt uncomfortable, as if your skin was only an intolerable costume.

Your lips parted as you took in huge gulps of cold air, passing familiar scenes that brought you so much joy just a few hours before until you saw a familiar sight. Matt's apartment. You took the flight upstairs two steps at a time until you reached his door. You rifled through the bag, pushing at the heads of green onion, the bundle of parsley, the blunt bodies of carrots and other things to find the key to his apartment. Unlocked, then locked again once you were inside. You put the keys on the table in the hallway and hung your coat up; only then did you see the dark crescent marks on your palms. If Matt was with you, he would slot his hands into yours so you wouldn't hurt yourself. But he couldn't be with you all the time.

Confronted with the familiarity of Matt's apartment, with the lack of strangers, your brain had almost nothing to overthink and grapple with, and the churn in your stomach relented. You poured yourself a glass of water and paid no mind to the droplets spilled on your cheeks as you downed the glass in one go. You put a hand over your heart, feeling its rhythm slow as you took several deep breaths. You looked at your watch to see that Matt should be back soon. So you rolled up your sleeves and got to work.

Your mind tuned out, allowing your body to go into autopilot as you prepared a dish you had made many times before without the items you missed. You thought about what happened earlier and repeatedly told yourself you were overreacting. Everything was fine. You had no reason to get nervous or freak out about it. But why did everything feel so terribly wrong? Was it the watchful eyes of the woman? The curious looks from bypassers directed right at you because you appeared flustered? Because you looked wrong and out of place by simply being there? You felt like everything was spiralling out of your reach. You felt the familiar stir in your stomach, the prickly heat ghosted over your skin, and you didn't want to give in to that for the second time that day.

You were carried away, so lost in your thoughts that you barely registered the soft click at the front door and the unmistakable sound of Matt's footsteps on the hardwood floor. Your lips curved into a small smile as you heard him putting his bag on the dining table, finally breaking into a soft laugh when his arms winded around your torso, enveloping you in a hug from behind. He placed a kiss on your temple before resting his chin on your shoulder, his hands splayed on either side of you as if he needed to feel as much of you as possible. You relaxed in his embrace, feeling better already.

"Hi."

His deep voice smoothed at your earlobe, drawing a breathless sigh from you.

"Hi."

"That smells delicious. How was your day?"

You thought of the answer before giving him a half-truth and halfhearted response.

"It was fine."

Matt stilled with a brief pause of realization before leaning forward into the peripheral of your vision. You avoided looking at him, removing yourself from him and picking up the spatula.

"Is everything okay?"

You responded with a noncommital hum and poured all your attention into the cooked vegetable as if it was the most important thing at that moment. Matt placed a hand on your shoulder blade, urging you to stop and look at him.

"Come with me."

You shook your head.

"I'm cooking. I don't want the food to burn."

With a swift movement, Matt reached over and turned the stove off, coaxing you to leave the spatula and the sizzling pot alone. You reluctantly obliged.

"Matt, I'm okay."

"Please, sweetheart."

His pleading tone softened your resolve, and you let him lead you to the living room. He lowered himself to the floor and beckoned you to join him. You sat beside him before fully reclining with a small distance in between. The coolness of the hardwood floor soothed your nerves. You closed your eye and took a moment to truly assess yourself. The residue of your anxiety was still there, tethering at the edge, waiting for the right moment to strike again. You squeezed your hand subconsciously and felt Matt's own holding you tenderly. The pads of his fingers settled over the crescent marks, caressing them. You smiled at his gentleness and pulled his arm to drape over your midriff. He understood your need, closing the distance between you by his elbow before slowly dropping his weight onto you. You felt the slow ease of his weight on you, anchoring you to the comfort of him like an anvil. His legs are on either side of you, caging you in, the hard floor dug into your back, yet you felt the furthest from being trapped. Instead, you felt grounded and present in the moment with him. The natural scent of his enveloped you, and you couldn't help but nose at his skin, taking a deep breath. Your overthinking ceased, allowing the memories of the anxiety break to stay in the past. Matt nuzzled his stubbled jaw into your cheek, pressing a kiss there before whispering.

"Do you want to listen to anything?"

You quickly shook your head.

"I'm okay. Just need you."

Content with your answer, he settled in more, his arms slightly raised, watchful of his weight on your body. You felt every breath, every deep sigh he took as your own, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat on your chest. You stayed like that in the quietude of his apartment, basking in his presence, feeling anxiety retreating from the shore of your consciousness slowly.

*Likes, reblogs, and comments are greatly appreciated!*

[socialistmary]

Devil on my back; prologue

Pairing: Reader x Joel Miller

Warning: NSFW, 18+ ONLY, MINORS DNI, implied smut & ✨actual✨ smut further down the line, age gap (Joel's in his 50s & Reader's in her late 20s), cheating, delicious catholic guilt, afab!reader, pet names (no use of Y/N), no outbreak!AU

Summary: Joel Miller vividly remembers the day you moved next door, a captivating vision of religious boundaries he can't wait to break

Word count: 1.6k

Author's Note: not sure yet what this series will look like, but this heathen needs to get it out before her innards explode 👁️👄👁️🌸✨

Joel remembers the day you moved in years ago, though the exact date escapes him. By this age, memories in his mind were more like a gallery of images and sensations brought forth by triggers of varying intensities, rather than words and numbers. He remembers the sweltering heat of the day, the smell of scorching sun and dry earth, the gritty feeling of dust settling on his sweat-soaked skin, all etched into his consciousness. That and Tommy’s complaining about how everything was just sticking together too much. It was downright miserable. 

The lemonade Sarah had brought out ten minutes ago already reached body temperature, ice inside succumbing too easily to the heat. Joel took a sip, pulled a face, and almost dropped the glass back down on the table. Mouth dry and eyes wandering, he watched mildly curious as a white “Jackson’s Moving and Delivering” van pulled into the driveway right across the street, shiny blue Toyota Corolla in tow. Joel looked at his own truck, red colour darkened by time and dust, wheels muddied after a particularly inconvenient thunderstorm last week. He hadn’t bothered giving it a wash - hell, he couldn’t even remember the last time it had an intentional wash. He furrowed his eyebrows and stared ahead waiting for people to pour out of the cars, vaguely aware of Tommy doing the same and Sarah coming out to have a look herself, eyes straining against the sun. Great, now everyone was curious, everyone's looking directly at them, and Joel knew they all looked like a gaggle of gossiping housewives. 

And there you were, first one out, hair pulled back in a high ponytail – a practical choice battling the Texas heat – dark sunglasses shielding your eyes, and a bright, dazzling million-dollar smile that had Joel squinting a little harder, as if to capture every little detail from afar. The others had yet to emerge from their cars, but you were already talking and waving your hands with enthusiasm, looking surprisingly thrilled to be in that little shithole of a suburb he’d moved into all those years ago. His ex-wife had insisted on the great schools in the area before fucking off to who-knows-where. 

Everyone kept watching as you gracefully maneuvered around the cars, captivated by your confident movement. You stopped in front of the door, no doubt searching for the keys to your new little home through that cute little jute bag. Joel couldn’t help but notice how delicate you seemed underneath the confident strides, entranced by your womanly curves, round ass, and the three-inch yellow heels you were prancing around in. He inhaled a sharp breath when he became awfully aware of his age.. and yours. ‘Just what I needed,’ he thought half amused.

Joel watched as you threw the blue Corolla a triumphant smile, wiggling a pair of house keys around with one hand and making a playful come-hither motion the other, sending a thrilling shiver down his spine, followed by a hard swallow. ‘Must be getting a heatstroke,’ he joked to himself and turned his attention to the cars, trying his best to get distracted. Jackson’s movers were already out of the van and hard at work distributing furniture, plants, and boxes across the lawn with practiced efficiency. The scene unfolded like a well-choreographed dance, Tommy and Sarah watched curiously, trying to make sense of the wrapped furniture and house goods. As they cranked their necks looking for questionable couch prints or weird-looking family heirlooms, like the creepy dead-eyed cat statuettes grandma used to have around the house, Sarah thought with a shudder, Joel’s focus kept drifting back to you. He watched discreetly as you chattered away with the movers, your charm and warmth unmistakable even from a distance.

The driver seat door of the Corolla opened to reveal a man your age, hair neatly cropped and face cleanly shaven, clothes looking soft and stiff at the same time, worn but with a like-new quality. He smiled a tight smile at you, clearly not feeling as comfortable as you looked. Hand on his hip, looking a little queasy, he surveyed the house behind dark sunglasses and made a lazy hand gesture for the keys. You walked to him with the keys, throwing a knees-weakening smile that seemed to have no effect on him, much to Joel’s surprise.

That’s when you turned around and noticed the Millers watching you from a few yards away. A hint of surprise flitted across your face, quickly fading into a bashful smile, Joel noticed, when Sarah gave you an enthusiastic wave. He tried to ignore the way his pants grew slightly tighter and his mouth a little dryer when he saw you bite into your bottom lip as you returned the wave. Even more so, he could swear he felt your burning stare on him behind your sunglasses, making his skin prickle in ways it hadn’t for a long time. Get it out of your head old man, he thought. Goddamn Texas heat.

“Hi, welcome, I’m Sarah!” Sarah greeted a little louder than she meant to, making you jump slightly and clasp your hands together in front of you as your smile grew wider. Joel easily noticed the way your cheek flushed to match a stunning set of pink rosy lips that will have him thinking pure filthy things later that evening. You’re jus’ a shy little thing, aren’t ya, he thinks to himself as you approach, keeping a respectful distance. Behind the dark sunglasses and that bright smile, behind the confident strides you take in those cute yellow heels, you’re just a little bundle of nerves, writhing in place with every bit of foreign attention. Realising this, Joel went to sit up a little straighter in his chair, remembering where he left his confidence. He's suddenly feeling a lot more at peace with his age than he did a second ago. He’s a fifty-year-old man, there’s literally no reason for him to feel intimidated by you. In fact, he wonders crossing his arms in front of his chest, maybe you should feel a little intimidated by him.

And you do; from this close, he feels like you do. Despite the sunglasses framing your face and hiding your eyes from view, Joel found himself keenly attuned to your nuances just by watching you across the road. Your mouth was a complete canvas of emotion, revealing your thoughts and feelings more than you probably realised. It was as if your lips were a window into your mind, just begging Joel to decipher their sweet, subtle cues, and right now, from this distance, they were telling him everything he needed to know.

Without the luxury of sunglasses to hide his eyes behind, Joel thought it wise to just make a point of meeting your gaze whenever he felt your eyes on him, allowing his own to wander down your form, looking at you up and down, taking in every detail, appreciating the way your body responded to his presence. A slow, lazy smile spread across his face. That’s it babygirl, he thought to himself as he watched you swallow, subtly wet your lips and nibble into the side of your lower lip, all within the span of 3 seconds. It all made him shift slightly in his seat, electric charge of desire coursing through the air.

In that fleeting instant, the world seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of you trapped in a bubble of heat and unspoken yearning, skin prickling and electricity buzzing in your ears. Or maybe it’s just heatstroke.

A mixture of nerves and desire washed over you as you tried to maintain your composure. For a moment, your mind went blank, unsure of what to say or why you even approached them, when you should've just - freakin' - waved. It felt as though you’d cave in from the intensity of his gaze. You struggled to keep your focus on Sarah and ignore the way his eyes on you made you feel so deliciously exposed and vulnerable. As you spoke, your voice naturally a little deeper, raspier than he expected, sent an icy-hot thrill down his spine and a satisfied groan only he could hear escaped his chest.

“Hiya,” you managed to greet with a smile and wave, one leg going behind the other, clasped hands moving to your back, your body instinctively shifting into a slightly more timid posture. You didn't seem like you went out much, or even talked to that many people, despite your big mouth. Joel could see you more clearly now and found these nervous gestures all too endearing. Taking all of you in, Joel’s eyes roamed over your body, over the sky-blue sundress hugging your figure, your sun kissed shoulders bared in the warm breeze, and he almost lets out another groan when he notices the outline of your white, good girl panties underneath, sight only intensifying the swirling desire he feels pooling low in his body.

Joel had to shake his head to get rid of the thoughts of you writhing underneath him, skirt of your dress hiked up past your hips, mouth slack and eyes rolling back into your head with pleasure, when he noticed Corolla guy coming over, looking slightly more at ease than earlier. From the gold wedding bands on your ring fingers, Joel immediately clocks Corolla guy as your husband. He felt confusing mixture of unwarranted jealousy painting his vision green and a stupid, childish thrill stirring inside him, both at the same time.

“This is Dax, my husband,” you introduced him with a radiant smile, clasping your husband’s hand in yours and looking at him like the Sun shined out of his ass. Seeing your obvious affection for your husband and that dainty little goddamn cross around your neck should’ve made Joel back down. And usually it would’ve, but this time it only somehow intensified the complexity of his emotions, made Joel really wonder what you're made of. His stupid desire for you was a little too consuming, tempting him, pushing him into territories that would've usually felt very un-Joel-like. “We just came down from Dallas,” you continue, and Joel can’t tell if you’re talking to all of them, or only to him. "Dax gets a little car sick and you won't catch me drivin'," What kinda name is "Dax" anyway??

[xenokattz]

First Lines

Thank you @sindirimba for giving me another way to procastiwrite tagging me in this game!

RULES: post the first lines of your last 10 fics/chapters posted on AO3 (if you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics) and try to draw some conclusions.

THE LINES

After Andy literally threw a black bag of cash at her– the various denominations organised with elastic bands, jute, and bits of silk pantyhose. ~ Float [The Old Guard; Booker/Nile] He did not recognize her. ~ Beautifully Created [Black Panther MCU, Attuma/Okoye] He planned it all, of course. ~ The Pearl I Carry in My Heart [Black Panther MCU, Namor/Shuri] "How do you feel about dates and sex with me?" ~ Kiss Me By the Fence Rails [Black Panther MCU, Namor/Shuri] “Have you ever fucked up so badly you’re sure there’s no way to make it better?” ~ Kay Nicte (Take off your clothes, let down your hair) [Black Panther MCU, Namor/Shuri] With just enough time to nap before the mission, Maria slipped into the cot beside him. ~ E Minus Too Few Hours [Avengers MCU; Maria Hill/Steve Rogers] Darcy never chose the wrong kind of guy for her boyfriends. ~ Break Your Own Heart [Avengers MCU, Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis] See, there was this woman… ~ Made It Rain [Avengers MCU, Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis] The back of Lois' brain itched. ~ Itch [Superman (man of steel), Clark Kent/Lois Lane] Flirting with the new waiter at her usual café was quickly becoming a favourite past time for Lois. ~ A Flame in Two Cupped Hands [Superman (man of steel), Clark Kent/Lois Lane]

THE ANALYSIS

I went to a writing conference as a teenager and in one of the panels, someone said the first line should draw the reader in. I angst about first lines at least as much as I do about titles.

About half are very short. The rest are verging on run-on sentences. I guess the main this they have in common is that I'm trying to get the reader to want to ask questions from the narrator/protagonist. Then, hopefully, they keep reading because the want those questions answered.

THE TAGS

Hard, demanding tags to @pilesofpillows & @umber-cinders only. No more of this soft bullshit. 💖💖💖Do this game or perish💖💖💖

[juteproductartisans]

Jute for Life: Empowering Women and Promoting Eco-Friendly Living

In the heartland of India, an extraordinary initiative is taking root, aimed at empowering women and promoting eco-friendly living. Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association, a voluntary non-profit organization, is weaving a tapestry of hope and sustainability in the rural districts of Barabanki and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. This remarkable endeavor has garnered support from the National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and is nurtured under the SFURTI scheme with guidance from NMIMS Mumbai as its technical mentor.

Let’s delve into the key aspects of this transformative association through the following subheadings.

1. Introduction: Weaving Hope and Sustainability

A Glimpse into Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association’s Mission

At its core, Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association is committed to uplifting the lives of rural women. It offers them not just a source of livelihood but also a path to sustainable and eco-conscious living. By harnessing the potential of jute, often referred to as the “golden fiber,” the association aims to reduce plastic hazards and contribute to environmental conservation.

Government Support and Key Initiatives

This noble endeavor has received significant backing from the government. The National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, supports the association under the Jute Technology Mission IV. Additionally, the Ministry of MSME and the Khadi & Village Industries Commission serve as the Nodal Agency through the SFURTI scheme, providing a strong foundation for its activities.

2. SFURTI and the Lucknow Multi Products Cluster

Leveraging the SFURTI Scheme for Women Empowerment

The association’s heart and soul lie in the Lucknow Multi Products Cluster, established under the SFURTI scheme. This cluster is a vibrant platform where more than 740 women jute artisans showcase their talents and craft an array of stunning jute products. It’s a testament to the dedication and vision of the association, providing a space for these women to thrive.

NMIMS Mumbai: The Association’s Technical Mentor

To enhance the skills and creativity of these artisans, the association has sought guidance from NMIMS Mumbai, serving as its technical agency. This mentorship enables the artisans to innovate and continuously improve their craft, ensuring the quality and marketability of their products.

3. Training and Artisan Engagement

Empowering Women through Jute Bag-Making

Diversified Jute Products: From Seminars to Industry

Beyond jute bags, over 900 women jute artisans are actively engaged in producing a range of diversified jute products. These products cater to various needs, from stylish jute bags ideal for seminars and conferences to eco-friendly packaging solutions for industrial purposes. It’s noteworthy that these artisans are not just impacting the local economy but have also gained a foothold in markets across the country.

4. Going Global: Exporting Eco-Friendly Solutions

Spreading Eco-Conscious Creations Nationwide

With its own import-export code, the association facilitates exports effortlessly, enabling the reach of these sustainable products to extend globally. The commitment to eco-friendly living knows no borders, and the association is making its presence felt far and wide.

Navigating International Markets with an Import-Export Code

This import-export code streamlines the process, allowing the association to export its products without any hassle. It’s a testament to their dedication to promoting eco-friendly solutions on a global scale.

5. Jute as a Golden Fiber: Crafting a Sustainable Future

Harnessing the Potential of Jute

At the heart of Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association’s mission is the golden fiber itself – jute. This natural, recyclable material is at the core of their creations, transforming into an array of designs that serve both official and industrial needs.

Market Insights and Trendspotting at Fairs and Exhibitions

The association ensures that the artisans remain updated with market trends and preferred product designs by actively participating in fairs and industrial exhibitions. This firsthand exposure provides them with invaluable insights into what customers seek, enabling them to craft products that are not only eco-friendly but also appealing to a broad audience.

6. Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Utility Products

Plastic Hazards and the Growing Demand for Sustainable Alternatives

Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association as a Beacon of Change

In conclusion, Jute for Life: The Jute Artisans Guild Association is not just an organization; it’s a beacon of hope, empowerment, and sustainability. Through their dedicated efforts, they are transforming the lives of rural women in Uttar Pradesh, offering them a path towards economic independence, while simultaneously championing the cause of environmental preservation. Their work serves as a reminder that small steps can lead to significant changes and that by choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we can collectively work towards a brighter, more sustainable future. This association is not just crafting jute products; it’s weaving a sustainable future for generations to come.

[rosepais]

Who taketh thy Purse?

It was the year 2009, Niki was all set to be engaged to this person who is irrelevant in this story. The invitations were out, and the family were expecting relatives to stay back at their place. Considering the budget constraints, the relatives decided to stay one night and leave soon after the ceremony. This would mean less cost and not imposing a lot of trouble on the bride’s family.

Niki is a sweet girl; She worked hard and saved up 10 years just for her big day. it was her favourite month. October, her engagement celebration would be clubbed along with her birthday and Diwali all on the same day, she was thrilled and over the moon.

On the day of the ceremony, Niki woke up very early for a change since there was make up to be done. She found her green jute purse lying on her table and she decided to keep it aside safely because the house was full and there was a lot of money and cards in it. Almost everything she owned was green. Her favourite colour, so much that her toothbrush, the paint on her wardrobe, the paint of her room, purse, handbags, and her engagement dress. All green.  

The ceremony went well. All the relatives were so caring, and gaga over her appearance. Some never left her room, they were constantly hovering over her looks, what we wore, and questions about the future while she dressed. She wished for some privacy but being kind was her thing.

All were so tired post the function that her father forced the relatives to stay the night and leave the next morning. Everyone tiredly obliged. Next morning, it was the usual chaos at home. Everyone packing, the kitchen is hustling with steam and something hot cooking, the bathrooms are full. It was a 2-bedroom house, with 1 toilet and over 30 people housed all at once! It was chaotic but fun, there was laughter and talks about the ceremony. Niki felt very happy, to see the support of her aunts and uncles. Her cousins served her with fresh family gossip and her mother was in the kitchen cooking her favourite breakfast. Niki was delighted to see a house full of happy people, since she grew up with only 2 people in her house. Her father, mother, and her. Silently she wished for the party to never end.

Niki was in her room looking for her purse since she had to pay off the decorators. At first her movement were calm, she moved every bag around, opened every drawer. The momentum increased with a little stress in her tone of speech. Moments later, she could not think straight and finally panicked and screamed.

The happy relatives took offense when she asked if anyone saw her purse. They suddenly decided to end the giggle party and start packing and leave. Within an hour, the house that was roaring with laughter and noise, became silent with only Niki and her mother crying in one corner of her room.  They searched and searched but in vain. After about a week, Niki confirmed that one of the relatives had done it, but she could not figure out whom.

The relatives were so offended with Niki questioning them, they never spoke to her again. They decided to stay in a hotel the next time they visited which was for the wedding. Some ignored her totally and did not even wish her on her big day. This was the same set of people who were in her room who could not get enough of her just few months ago.

Niki had to buy a new purse, apply for new cards, she had some memories stacked up in the purse which would miss forever. She cried thinking she would never see her cute little blue pebble which picked up from a beach when she first went to Goa. That pebble was part of her life and purse for years for no apparent reason. It was just cute and blue. She missed it, although while it was in her purse, she hardly noticed it in there. She sat and wondered what else was in the purse and what else did she lose apart from the money, cards, blue pebble, and some passport size photographs.

3 years passed. With time, Niki forgot all about the purse, with time the relatives were back to normal and with time, Niki learned to be more careful with things. Her parents found a new place to live and wanted to move. Niki was there to help them pack. She was in her room, packing all her beloved stuff which she could not take to her in-law’s house. She opened her green wardrobe, which now holds some plastic covers and junk which fall under the “we may use this” category.

She opened her drawer to see if she left out any jewellery in there. It was empty. While she put her hand deep inside the drawer to check the corners, she felt a small opening. She quickly took back her hand, like she had touched something dangerous. She was afraid to explore it again with her bare hands. She brought a torch and her mom to look. It was a small safe inside a safe and she saw something from a distance, and it suddenly struck her where she hid her purse before the ceremony to keep it safe from theft.

Embarrassment gushed down her face, and her mother gave her a look of disgust, because one among the relative Niki blamed was her mother’s cousin too! Niki was very happy to have her green purse back and everything in it. She remained silent and did not inform anyone that the lost was found.

The next big function was around in the family and the relatives were around. Uncle asked “Niki, any idea who took your purse?”

Niki and her mom exchanged glances and she shrugged her shoulders and said “No”.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla

[onlinesikhstore]

Sikh Sarbloh Kara Smooth Design Singh Kaur Khalsa Kada Bangle Kakaar 5Ks New DD3 Sikh Sarbloh CHAKRI Kara Smooth Design Singh Kaur Khalsa Kada Bangle Kakaar 5Ks New. Kara Ref: DD3 Width is approx 8.3mm Thickness from inner side of Chakri to the edge of Chakri is approx. 12.3mm Weight Approx 110-155g (Variable due to size) Handmade design - therefore each kara is a Unique design Please note these Pure Sarbloh Kara are very hard to find and is a customised design exclusive to OnlineKaraStore  These karas are from the Holy City of Amritsar (Golden Temple/Darbar Sahib).  KARA Size is the internal diameter of Karas measured in CMs.  There may be little bit rust present which is seen commonly in all SARBLOH KARAS due to purity of the metal/wrought iron. Cuts, dings and scruff Mark's may present as these kara are hand made and transported in Jumble in Jute bags. However, our kara will be near to perfection as we get these manufactured on demand and use bubble wraps to transport these.  Please read below more Information about Sikh Kara:  A kara (Punjabi: ਕੜਾ (Gurmukhi), کڑا (Shahmukhi) कड़ा (Devanagari)), is a steel or iron (sarb loh) bracelet, worn by all initiated Sikhs. It is one of the five kakars or 5Ks — external articles of faith — that identify a Sikh as dedicated to their religious order. The kara was instituted by the tenth Sikh guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanskar in 1699. Guru Gobind Singh Ji explained:  He does not recognise anyone else except me, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then consider him as the immaculate Khalsa.  The kara is to constantly remind the Sikh disciple to do God's work, a constant reminder of the Sikh's mission on this earth and that he or she must carry out righteous and true deeds and actions, keeping with the advice given by the Guru. The Kara is a symbol of unbreakable attachment and commitment to God. It is in the shape of a circle which has no beginning and no end, like the eternal nature of God. It is also a symbol of the Sikh brotherhood. As the Sikhs' holy text the Guru Granth Sahib says "In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds." Similarly, Bhagat Kabir reminds the Sikh to always keep one's consciousness with God: "With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord." The basic kara is a simple unadorned steel bracelet, but other forms exist. It was historically used like a knuckle-dusterfor hand-to-hand combat. Battlefield variations include kara with spikes or sharp edges. Sikh soldiers of the British Indian army would settle disputes by competing in a form of boxing known as loh-musti (lit. iron fist) with a kara on one hand.  PLEASE NOTE: Please measure/check size of your kara/bracelet first while ordering to avoid any hassle or posting it back to us and paying extra for p&p for exchange and swap of karas with other desired sizes.  There will be charge of £5 p&p towards exchange/swap of Kara for any size issues for UK buyers and £12 p&p for international buyers that needs to be paid by PayPal in advance or interested buyer can send us pa repaid self addressed envelope for any exchange/swap along with the original item in its original packaging and buyer should also return us the gift item/bags sent along with the item for appreciation of purchase. We may post back gift items/bags along with the swapped item.  P.S. Colour of item may slightly vary due to camera flash and light conditions. Some Karas may have negligible small black grinding mark on the kara joint. This is always seen on all karas as most of the Kara making/shaping work is done by hands. However, this do not affect the quality/look of Kara. #Kara #KaraforLife #SikhKara #SarblohKara #Sarbloh #5Ks #SinghKara #SikhBracelet #KhalsaKada #Kada #SinghisKing Brilliant finish and very decorative. Ideal gift item for loved ones on any Occasion. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @OnlineSikhStore #OnlineSikhStore Free Royal Mail Postage in UK.  Postage discounts will be given to International buyers for multi-buys. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. P.S. Colour of item may slightly vary due to camera flash and light conditions. Size is approximate it and may differ by few mm from Kara to Kara or because of Digital Vernier Calliper errors. There may be rust present or marks of rust present as rust is natural characteristic of pure iron/sarbloh. These kara do require cleaning with Sharp Sand or Brasso Polish. These are usually treated with coconut oil to maintain shine after cleaning.

[harshitajoshi28]

From the sturdy top handles to the detachable strap and distinctive jute weave on canvas, this adorable iteration of Jute Weave Tote Bag features everything we have come to love about this functional range. It offers ample space to hold everything you need in a day and more. Plus, the lovely colorway makes it incredibly versatile piece that will match easily with almost any outfit.

[earthdivas]

Eco-Friendly Jute Bags: A Sustainable Choice from Earthbags

Jute, often referred to as the “golden fiber,” is a versatile and eco-friendly material that has gained prominence in the world of sustainable fashion. Earthbags Export Private Limited, based in Kolkata, India, has been at the forefront of creating eco-friendly jute bags that combine style, functionality, and environmental consciousness.

The Earthbags Story

Established in 1995, Earthbags Export Private Limited is committed to “Mother Nature.” Their mission revolves around manufacturing and exporting jute shopping bags that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Let’s delve into why these jute bags are making waves:

Natural Jute Fiber: Earthbags design sturdy and functional eco shopping bags using the highest quality natural jute fiber produced in India. Jute, a plant-based material, grows abundantly and requires minimal water and pesticides.

Biodegradability: Unlike synthetic materials, jute bags decompose naturally, leaving no harmful residues behind. When discarded, they return to the earth, contributing to a circular economy.

Craftsmanship: Each Earthbag is a testament to skilled craftsmanship. Artisans weave, stitch, and embellish these bags with care, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Versatility: Earthbags offer a variety of jute bag styles—totes, shoulder bags, crossbody bags, and more. Whether you’re heading to the market or a casual outing, there’s an Earthbag for every occasion.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Jute Bags?

Reducing Plastic: By opting for jute bags, you actively reduce your reliance on single-use plastic bags. Carry your groceries, books, or daily essentials in a reusable jute bag and contribute to a cleaner planet.

Supporting Fair Trade: Earth friendly bags commitment to fair trade ensures that artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. When you choose their bags, you support livelihoods and empower communities.

Fashion with a Purpose: Jute bags are not just functional; they’re fashionable too. Earthbags infuse creativity into their designs, making each bag a style statement.

Caring for Your Jute Bag

Spot Clean: If your jute bag gets dirty, gently spot clean it with a damp cloth.

Air Dry: Allow your bag to air dry completely to maintain its shape and prevent mold.

Avoid Excessive Moisture: Jute is susceptible to moisture, so keep it away from prolonged rain or damp environments.

Remember, when you carry an Earthbag, you’re not just accessorizing; you’re making a conscious choice—one that aligns with sustainability and supports ethical practices. Let your jute bag be a symbol of your commitment to a greener future.

[frostbite-yinny]

[a large package arrives, basically wrapped in duct tape all around. On the top next to the shipping label is a big Koffing-Sticker.

Inside are 3 Jars and a lage carton box. The first Jar has some kind of tea in it, made of flowers and herbs. It is labeled "Anti-Anxiety Potion". The second Jar also contains tea, it is made of chopped berries and some herbs, labeled "Slaking Juice". The third jar contains a brown Powder, it is labeled "Tix' Occa-Special". The Box contains a two muffins, one chocolate and one with rawst berries, as well as a Poffin for everyone in Yinnys family. There are a lot of Poffins.

Wedged between the Jars is also a paper bag with dried Chilli Flakes. At the Bottom of the Package is also a letter.

"Hello Hello ~ I was making a new batch of my Occa-Powder and i remembered that you liked it. I also thought that the jar i've sent you before is probably empty already, so i send you this! I'm not sure if i sent you the teas before though. If not, just send me a message and i'll give you instructions and shit.

Love, Tix

PS: I found that in the lab, i either forgot this one for the pride parade or it was left over. Anyways, it fits, so take it!"

…

You search through the package again for this mysterious something and find a small rectangular vial stuck between the packing peanuts. It has three layers of some kind of liquid in it, the top is magenta, the middle is yellow and the bottom is cyan. They apparently don't mix. At the bottom is a sticker that reads "not for human consumption" in very small print. There is a jute band attached so it can be worn around the neck]

I might have just imminently snatched the 'Tix' Occa special' and hid it in my room before anyone else could touch it but we aren't gonna discuss that <3 <3 <3 Thank you SO much for all of these! You already know I'm addicted to all your recipes and getting refreshments like these is always the highlight of my week ^^ It took me a little longer than I would like to admit to find the vial (thanks to my Liepard keep trying to snatch whatever was inside) and that is single-handedly one of the prettiest fucking things I have ever received. Thank you so SO much for giving me this <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Btw, I'm not taking it off, like, ever. This is so pretty. I'm gonna wear it to the day I die <3

[rjalker]

I did successfully crochet jute twine into a bag. Which is currently just holding a 10lb bag of flour as a test. Very sturdy, not stretchy. Shed a lot of little hairs. Probably nice for making baskets or something since it's so stiff.

[imaaa]

i am pretty sure that i am not going to let you into my life again, and i won't step into yours either. but then, why can't i discard the jute bag you gifted me months ago? why is it that i ended up on your linkedin again? why is it that whenever we come across each other, i feel as if i have wronged you? i almost feel sorry for cutting you off. i can't comprehend if i should have given you the benefit of the doubt or if crossing you out was what you deserved.

you've lost weight; i noticed it today when we bumped into each other again. it's almost funny that i used to bend my head down whenever i knew you were walking past me. but now it's as if i want you to see me, so i have started to fiercely look into your eyes whenever i see you walking in my direction. no words exchanged, just the stares; but oh lord, the clashes are brutal, so violent.

almost always, you are alone. more than 400 batchmates, but i find you with no one. during meals, while walking in the corridors, or whenever we run into each other, why do i always see you with nobody? that makes me sad; sad in a way that i wish you had friends to hang out with, to share conversations and laughter with. i wish i had a way to know if you choose to be alone or if the fortune of friendship is something this college refused to offer you. if we had been in each other's life for a little longer, i would have figured out why your social life is the way it is. and that is making me go back in time and think. i remember you told me that back at your home and in your workplace, you didn't have a social life. the people you get along with are your cousins who are less than half your age. sigh, all these pieces of knowledge but no accurate inferences.

you always confused me. i loved it when you greeted the guards at night or when you noticed those little details about me, like how i loved those cookies and how i fidget when i am nervous. but you were always so dominating, and the worst part is you never realized. with those cryptic sentences, always hinting at things i was not very comfortable with. my friends disliked you greatly, and their disliking towards you had a great influence on me. like it was a shame being associated with you. i always had these perplexing thoughts when it came to you. i used to not be able to make out if being around you even made me happy or if it was just that i liked the attention, and that's why i was around. but i also knew that i was uncomfortable. the constant pointing out of flaws, the monologues, the subtle manipulation; i had to leave.

maybe it's in my nature. i like to ponder about why people are the way they are, and i confuse it with fondness for specific individuals. yes, i am intrigued. but does that mean we are a right fit for each other? probably no. i don't know what point i wanted to make by writing this. i can't even seem to make out the theme of this write-up. maybe i wanted a memory of your stay. maybe i was trying to understand my thoughts and the reasoning behind them. maybe i want to remember some things that are unsaid here, but i will be reminded of them when my eyes catch sight of this writing again. it's been more than four months since the departure, but you made it to these pages just today. what does that say about you? and what does that say about your relevance in my life?

[sam-glade]

Happy STS! A bit of a lighter question today! Let's pretend you're throwing a WIP-themed party. What food might you serve? What would you put in the goody bags for your guests?

Hi Nopal, Happy STS!

Oh, oh, can I answer it for The Fulcrum? The answer for the Sunblessed Realm would be too close to the real world.

So the vibes are: colourful birds, tropical climate, azure sea, pet raptors.

Goody bags - pretty sea shells, especially with pearlescent interiors, and opalescent feathers, small dangly strings of clay beads, in a little jute bag.

Menu - let's assume no constraints on the budget and the availability of ingredients.

Let's start with drinks. Now, the flora of the birds' planet is very different to ours. They won't have any of the fruit we're familiar with, so let's get creative.

Some spa water, cold and quenching

Fruity punches, but not very strongly flavoured

All of that spiced with pine needles and other musky smells that we may barely consider to be 'herbs'

Food - I'm going to give some comparisons to dishes from various cuisines, since I'm assuming we're trying to throw this party in our world.

We need spices, earthy, rich spices. Not ginger or garlic, or paprika, but maybe some chilli. Fennel, mace, turmeric - yes. Asafoetida - YES. Mustard seed and coriander - maaaybe.

Now onto the actual dishes:

Fried/roasted pupae tossed in the spices - a bit like Korean beondegi

Baked escargots - just make it more spicy than whatever the French do. Also, not too dripping with sauce.

Something like Indian panipuri/golgappa - I might have to double-check which fillings are most suitable for this party's theme.

Various roasted nuts, again with spices - you know those spicy peanuts? That.

Deep-fried okra and strips of parasol mushrooms (my grandma used to fry parasol mushrooms; they're so delicious...)

Little fried fishes.

Note that all the foods come in bite-sized portions. Avian table manners dictate that you don't bite into a chunk of something and tear off a bite. Each snack should fit entirely into your beak mouth.

Also a quick note on the room layout - floor cushions scattered around a low table laden with shiny metal bowls of snacks. The drinks should be served from a fountain a small distance away from the table, but I'll settle for a separate taller table with the punch bowl and cups.

PS. Figuring out how sentient birds would drink was... fun. Cups don't work that well for them, I think.