#like and i am the easiest instructor to get an a from

[spinsterennui]

Someone showed up to my online class meeting today two minutes before the class ends.

[ivorivet]

I'm taking an online basic weaving class with the goal of having most of the projects done by the end of April, when I'm scheduled to go take a live class from the same instructor. The basic class isn't a requirement but I'd like to have it done regardless. There are four projects:

- tablecloths (really more like square placemats) in cotton and cottolin x4

- hand towels in cottolin and tow linen x4

- throw blankets in wool x2

- some kind of damask block weave square in line linen x4, which I am saving for the end because I'm sure it will be a hateful little bastard

My materials for this arrived on Thursday so I've been prepping my warps so far. My loom at home is wide enough to do all the projects except the blanket, but by some extremely good luck there is actually a weaving studio very close by that will rent me some time on a wider loom. So the goal is to work on the blankets when I can get to the studio, and try to take care of the rest of the stuff at home.

I've got the warp done for the tablecloths, which will be white with blue stripes in the warp:

And the warp done for the damask squares, which theoretically should have been the easiest but also somehow wasn't and probably gave me a splinter while I was winding it?? LINEN.

And finally the warp for the blankets, which has to be done in two chains. It is DELIGHTFULLY squishy.

I'm hoping to get the towel warp measured out tomorrow and then I'll have everything ready to start going on looms.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Rachel Connolly:

Earlier this year, I had a bout of what my friends and I term “mental health”. I was always tired. I couldn’t concentrate. I felt burnt out by the volume of communication that social media facilitates. I am 31 and, like many people my age, I’m in multiple group chats on WhatsApp and often find myself added to new ones. I use Instagram to post work and selfies, and to chat with people via the DM function. I use X similarly. (I’m too old for TikTok.) I enjoy some of this. I like talking nonsense with my friends. But I’d started to question how deliberate much of it was. I’d find myself posting a picture of a book I was reading and think, why do I need an audience to read? I began to wonder if, in the cycle of curating, recording and publicising our lives on social media, the things we do that are not seen and affirmed by people online feel somehow less “real”. My work as a writer means I probably get more online communication than the average person. Last year I published my first novel, and I have since noticed the slightly strange way that novels are discussed online. I get tagged in Instagram posts saying that my book is about a messy girl, a sad girl, a distant girl or a cold girl. There is an algorithmic basis to this. The easiest way to attract attention on social media is to talk about a trend everyone else is talking about, or to slot whatever you’re talking about into one of these trends.

So everywhere you look it is Brat summers or trad wives, cottage-core or bloke-core, high-functioning anxiety, parentified children or whatever happens to be the latest term for pathologising your life experience. Everything is flattened, simplified. I worried that being immersed in it was making me think this way too. A friend recently got a “dumb” phone, a Nokia 3210, to use when she’s out of the house. She leaves her smartphone at home like a landline. It has made her happier, she says. I needed a break too, but I was drawn to the idea of spending some time cut off from all communication. A reset, of sorts. I found a weekend-long silent retreat, no phones allowed, and booked myself in. My craving for a break is not uncommon. Social media is such a constant background presence in our lives that it’s easy to forget how recent it is. Facebook, which feels impossibly passé, is only 20. Instagram is not yet 15. Researchers first used the term “digital detox”, to refer to a period of abstention from phones and laptops, in 2012, around the same time that social media was really taking off (chat rooms had been around since the turn of the 1990s without the concept surfacing).

Digital detoxes remained unusual for a time. In 2015, Essena O’Neill, an Australian influencer with 612,000 Instagram followers, made news around the world when she released a statement about quitting the platform. Today, similar moves by celebrities are so common they barely make headlines. Billie Eilish deleted all social media apps from her phone. Actress Tavi Gevinson wrote about using an assistant to manage her Instagram. It has been hard to keep track of the number of times Stephen Fry has quit and rejoined Twitter over the years. These dramatic exits can seem amusing, especially when they’re followed by sheepish returns, but mostly they underscore how addictive and overwhelming social media can be. My silent retreat took place in a large house in rural Devon. I arrived on Friday, one of a group of about 50. We were allowed to speak during registration and, because I had gone there determined not to use reductive labels, I could already sense myself reaching for them. A young man told me he had done several silent retreats before. Ah, I thought, so you’re the type of person who does these often. Then I caught myself. What type would that be?

During the first meditation session, our instructors explained that we would sit and try to embody, rather than think about, the question “What is this?” This distinction struck me as confusing to the point of meaninglessness. But they explained that one way of attempting “not to think” about the question was to resist the urge to answer it. They encouraged us to focus instead on how we felt, on the physical sensations in our bodies. If you have never tried this, I will say that it is extremely difficult. We sat cross-legged for 30 minutes. I stared at a wall. Then we walked in a circle for 10 minutes. Then we sat down again, and so on, for about two hours. Then it was bedtime. I enjoyed the communality of me and the other girls silently working through our evening routines together. I realised that I had never decided to bring my phone everywhere, like an appendage to my body

The next two days were structured around meditation and chores. At 6.30am we were woken by a bell. We did two hours of meditation, after which we had breakfast. Then a break, followed by another two hours of meditation and lunch. My chore was washing up after we ate. Then more meditation, dinner, another break, meditation, bed. If sitting in an uncomfortable position and staring at a wall while trying not to think sounds impossibly boring, I would say it is not so different from the way my days would unfold when I worked in offices, traipsing from my desk to the tea station and back. More earnestly, I would say I could not have imagined how much I would enjoy the retreat, or how much I’d get out of it. Over the weekend, one of the instructors spoke about trying to be more conscious of the labels we put on our experiences and interactions. It struck me that a similar fatigue with the overload of digital communication is probably what draws a lot of people to try a silent retreat. We were all the type of person who is fed up with “types of people”.

On my first morning after breakfast, I went outside. The countryside seemed fantastically vivid. The blackbirds looked as beautiful as anything I had seen before. I watched one, like a dash of ink, flickering against the mottled grey sky, then two sailing as a pair, in tune with each other. I watched a cloud of them, pulsing. It reminded me of a jellyfish. Back inside, from my seat in the meditation room, I could see a tree that the birds would visit. When I was frustrated with the way my thoughts rattled around my head, reviewing unsaid rebuttals to months-old arguments, I watched the birds and imagined the paths they were taking in the world. One of my issues with the task “embody but try not to think” is that the semantic distinction between thinking and feeling is hard to grasp. If you notice that you feel happy or sad, is that a thought? Or a feeling? I found animals a useful framework to try to understand the distinction, as they negotiate the world using senses. A bird might fly north because of an environmental cue, but it does not say to itself in words, “I want to fly north.” I came to understand the task not as emptying your head of thoughts, but rather resisting the tendency to narrate things to yourself in words. I noticed that this interior monologuing would lead me along familiar, superficial trains of thought, to recent memories associated with certain feelings, say, and soon enough back to mundane anxieties.

At night, I would sit outside and look at the stars. The clouds, invisible in the darkness, shifted to expose one patch of stars, then another, making it look like the sky itself was swelling and shrinking. Memories and ideas still came to me, but deeper, more interesting ones than before. It was as if I had cleared the way for them. I remembered that I used to look at the stars when I was a teenager. I used to read about how they’re born, how they sustain themselves, why we see only some of them, how they die. On Monday morning at breakfast, we were allowed to speak again. Some participants had found the weekend hard, they said. One person had cried repeatedly. Others said that eating in silence had made them feel as though everyone was being cold towards them. As they talked, I remembered old corporate jobs where I was always the office loser. People could sense the aura of failure emanating from me, so I would eat lunch by myself, in silence. I got used to it. I didn’t feel I was learning anything valuable at the time, but life can surprise you. Sticking out is not so bad, I realised. This is the message of most children’s books, but one it’s easy to lose sight of as an adult. Other people’s perceptions of you, real or imagined, don’t have to influence how you see yourself. Social media is designed to erase this perspective. Much of the anxiety it fosters comes from forcing you to see yourself, constantly, as relative to others.

[bewitched-bullet]

https://www.tumblr.com/bewitched-bullet/744615026194792448/how-did-you-make-the-jump-from-it-being-a-badly?source=share

Unsurprisingly, I did not get a clear answer. I did not expect one. You accuse people of being bullies and abusers while you are even worse. Spreading lies, talking behind people's backs, manipulating others into following your ridiculous crusade. Do you feel good about yourself?

Where are the asks that put John in a better light? I know they are there, because I wrote at least one of them. Oh, you're not answering them? I wonder why... 🙄

I don't expect you to answer this ask. Because you are a coward. And a bully. And an abuser. (Or maybe you lash out because you feel unfairly accused. Like the rp gang did.)

Obviously, it's been answered. And I knew that ask as well as this one are considered "bad faith" asks. But I answered them anyway, just as I answered ones that expressed doubts over the reality of the situation, just as I answered the spicy ones that defended John, and the Harriett mod one.

But do go on and keep putting your foot in your mouth.

And while you do that, I'll put my old teacher cap back on and break this down for the audience (which.... there aren't many going by engagement? Which makes this even more incredibly hilarious. Like, you’re seriously threatened by a nobody who doesn't even have organic reach.)

Bullies and (chronic) abusers cannot be reasoned with, it's a known fact. So, it is unsurprising to see that they dismissed the answer from their previous asks. Then they try blaming/projection. Likely in an attempt to get an emotional reaction. Actually, this whole thing is an attempt to illicit an emotional response.

Then the mod continues with the self-projection (pssssst! What crusade? Why was i not informed?? I'm allergic to genocidal holy wars!) until we hit the first question. (And yes, yes I am)

Now, they are attempting redirection. I have voiced my observations (at that point) that the John mod has only answered asks that have set them in a only good light. Hence the redirection here. As they have blocked me (wise choice) I cannot see from this account if that still holds true. I bet you they changed tactics after my observations. Because I'm a smart cookie and they know it. Check them dates!

(I have received so many asks y'all and I have answered every one of them except two. One that John mod sent that's still there and was an almost carbon copy of the pm they ALSO sent and a public post they tagged me in. Sooo redundant. And one was a link to Dump's profile (which has been addressed by another anon ask)

So! This here is called fabrication in a poor attempt to discredit. They count on the community/person they are attacking to be either naive, sheltered, vulnerable. In their minds, they believe we are all stupid.

Now, we get to some good bits. They are clearly trying goad and then the fall back on their ol' faithful tactic of self-projection.

Throughout all of this, they were trying to emotionally manipulate by attempting to create an emotional response or a sense of shame (lololol I have none). Digging into someone's sense of shame is the easiest way to control and abuse them. But it generally requires more personal involvement with the intended victim

Millions of people don't speak out and/or stay locked in abusive situations because of shame.

Now with all of this said, that doesn't mean because you've manipulated folks before to get what you want, you're a "bad" person.

Because my morals are my own, I will not tell you folks how to handle this gray area.

Just a question to leave you all with: is the world black and white? Or is it an spectrum?

Just like, if I see someone steal food--no the fuck I didn't.

Ok, time to lock the instructor hat back in the closet where it belongs.

(Side note: being threatened by a nobody because they dare to question and can't be cowed, is common with bullies, abusers, and predators)

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk

If you would like to see this whole mess, search the tags for "a scandal in tumblr"

[thineowncreation]

Draping Final Project - Fall 2024

The first time I ripped a piece of muslin for draping, I had no idea what I was getting into. The corners were supposed to be right angles, and I was supposed to know where to tug and pull the fabric to manipulate those angles into place. I remember tugging and pulling at that fabric for what felt like ages, lining it up with a square ruler, and tugging and pulling the faulty corners some more. I remember thinking to myself, “this is the first step. If I can’t get the first step right, then what am I doing?”

Over the course of the semester, I continued having problems with manipulating the muslin just so to produce right angles, darts, smooth shapes, perfect drapes, etc. To this day, I don’t think I could claim that I have an easy time with draping. That being said — I did feel like my projects overall fit better than they did with drafting, and I enjoyed the process of molding a shape through various folds and clips and pinches.

For our final project, we needed to drape a suit jacket. I chose the basic shawl jacket design, which includes a collar within the design, and got to work. I very specifically wanted a rectangular shape out of my design, and I think I achieved it pretty well!! Let me take you through the process.

Step one: Draping

The main two parts of this design that I really struggled draping were the collar and sleeve. I needed a lot of help from my instructor to add more length to the sleeve, to shift it around a bit, etc. The first sleeve I made pitched forward quite a bit — we had to pull it off and do several adjustments to give it a better hang value. Even by the end of the finished product, I wanted to shift things around more. The collar wasn’t as much of a struggle, but I did have problems figuring out how the shoulder/collar combo needed to be draped in order to work.

Step Two: Drafting

Drafting is the easiest step for me — the process of transferring the muslin information to the paper. Over the course of the semester I noticed I had a pattern of not bringing the neck point down low enough, but I didn’t need to worry too much about that with the jacket. The hardest thing to transfer accurately to paper was the fish-eye chest dart, but with a tracing wheel I was able to get it placed well. I also did not do a great job of marking my center front on my muslin in the first place, so figuring out where that went was a bit of a pain, though I figured it out in the end. From there I needed to draft facing and interfacing pieces.

Step Three: Sewing the Final Project

Luckily, this is not the first jacket I've ever sewn, so the sewing was not terribly difficult for me. The only part I really messed up on was understitching the entire collar -- well, that stitching ended up on top instead of on bottom.

I also wish I had ironed the entire thing a bit better, but overall I really like the fit, the flow, and the angled side dart! I think the silhouette turned out exactly how it did in my head, and for that I’m pretty glad.

I learned a lot over the course of this semester, and while draping still may not be my favorite — I’m excited to see what applications I find it most useful for.

[mini-and-mighty]

4 things you can do to feel better physically- fast, easy, and (mostly) free.

As your Friendly Neighborhood Personal Trainer, I know full well just how difficult it is to keep up with physical health. There are a lot of different factors and limitations (financial, time, spoons, disability, etc) that affect how we take care of ourselves.

It can also be super expensive. I fully believe in the value of the service I provide, (and I also need to pay rent) but I recognize that having a personal trainer or coach is a luxury. So I thought I'd share four things you can do every day to improve your physical health. They're simple, scientifically backed, and have little to no cost.

DISCLAIMER: I am a certified personal trainer, not a medical doctor or registered dietician. While I do a ton of research, reccomend all of these things to my clients, and do them myself-- there is no substitute for the advice of your primary care provider. Please please please take the time to critically examine any health advice you find online.

Sound good? Alrighty, here goes.

#1: Hydrate (no seriously)

Yes, I'm starting off with something super generic, but I cannot emphasize enough how much your hydration levels impact your body.

When you're dehydrated, blood thickens, so your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your system. You end up using more energy to do the same task.

More importantly, hydration is critical for brain function. One study using driving simulators found that being mildly dehydrated can have the same effect on cognition as being mildly intoxicated.

The only liquid that dehydrates you is alcohol. Obviously water is ideal, but getting any fluid into your system helps. Bonus points if you include electrolytes, as they help maintain the balance of fluid throughout our tissues. (Liquid IV, gatorade, and coconut water are all easy options.)

#2: Eat fruit

Fruit is a nutritional powerhouse. You've got fiber, antioxidents, vitamins, and fructose.

Fructose is a type of sugar, make no mistake. But your brain needs sugar, to the point where we even have a fancy process called "gluconeogenesis" to make more to feed our cells.

Fructose is amazing though. It's lower on the glycemic index than sucrose or glucose, making it a good choice for those that have to watch their blood sugar levels more closely. It's slower digesting which when paired with the fiber in fruit that also slows digestion, you don't get crazy energy spikes or crashes.

It's also hydrating! Fruit makes a great snack thanks to this combo of hydration and the natural energy boost from the fructose.

#3: Stretch

Yes, also generic as hell, but also very very important. If you want to be able to get up and down from the floor easily, reach for things on high shelves, or do your favorite forms of physical activity for a long time-- you need to stretch regularly.

Our muscles, bones, and joints are covered with layers of supportive connective tissue called fascia. When we're sedentary (because of occupation, pregnancy, injury, disability, depression etc) then that web of tissue gets tangled and almost matted. It can tangle so much that it actually becomes painful to move. Which, of course, makes the problem worse.

Anything is better than nothing, but stretching your joints a little and often will be more sustainable than trying to jump into an hour long yoga class. There are tons of free videos on youtube by certified instructors, including ones made for people with mobility issues.

For bonus points- spend some time doing inversions, or having your head upside down. This helps with the next thing.

#4: Massage

Sounds weird, but trust me.

Like our circulatory system, our lymphatic system helps remove waste from tissues. But the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump to help move the lymphatic fluid like blood is pumped through our veins.

There's lots of ways to help the lymphatic system- hot/cold therapy and physical activity are some of the easiest. (Inversions, like in yoga, are super helpful for getting lymph to move against gravity)

But massage, dry brushing, or acupressure are all great for the lymphatic system and can be done even if you're exhausted, out of spoons, or have limited mobility. Roll a tennis ball firmly along your major muscles and joints to help improve circulation, stimulate lymphatic flow, and work out some of that fascia I mentioned earlier. For an increased effect, use one of those dog toys with the textured surface. Might feel silly, but it works.

There you go! Four ways to help you make keeping up with your physical health a little less overwhelming and complicated.

Just remember that you're a skeleton trapped inside a meat suit and you deserve to be respected, loved, and enjoy life regardless of how your body looks, what it can do, or how much profit it can make for someone else.

[babygenius]

Inspired by this post

Anyway so my name is Welsh. It is one so easily anglicized that for the longest time I didn’t realize that we were pronouncing it the anglicized way and not the correct way.

There is literally nothing hard about my name. Nothing. You wanna know how I know? People can say Rihanna. It is child's play to add an 'n' at the end (Rhiannon). Literally so easy.

Yet, my entire life, I have put up with people saying Rihanna, and when I correct them and say "No, it's Rhiannon" they continue to say rihanna. At certain points, depending on how long I was going to know this person, I would just give up, because it wasn't worth my energy.

Every time someone couldn't pronounce my name, they'd say "Oh well can I just call you this? I'm going to call you this." Which is how I wound up with the dreadful nickname "Rhi" on both my swimming and basketball teams in middle school.

My first job, my boss couldn't be bothered to get my name right, so she laughed and said, "I'm just going to call you Ray!"

Out of the many nicknames people had assigned to me, I didn't hate this one, and I decided to go with it because it was easiest. Because at this point I still thought "I should make it easier on both myself and others and give them a shortcut".

My first semester in college, whenever a professor or student took too long to pronounce my name correctly, I'd let them get away with Ray. (I also use it as my internet name, but that's not because people can't get my name--most of the time--and is a different matter for me all together). This need to give people a shortcut lasted two years, until my spring semester of freshman year I said, "Y'know what? Fuck this."

Now I only use it if they're going to be acquaintances of a day at most.

At my job last summer I introduced myself to a patron and had to correct her, at which point she threw up her hands very exasperatedly and said, "Oh I don't understand what's with all these new-fangled names!"

I very cheerfully said, "Oh, it's not new! Rhiannon is a Welsh deity and has been around in some form for hundreds of years!"

She was a very sweet lady, seemed very surprised at this fact, and we both continued on our day. This type of interaction is not uncommon for me.

Last fall semester, my physics class had a substitute. (I would later find out that the reason he wasn't teaching the class in the first place was because he'd been suspended from teaching.) The entire class, he made a joke out of not being able to recall a simple name. The others found it funny, and while I didn't find it the epitome of humor I still laughed.

I answered a question, he asked for my name. (Worth noting is I had emailed this professor over the summer to talk to him about getting into his class, before the instructor was switched).

"Rhiannon."

"Rihanna."

"No, Rhiannon, just add an 'n' at the end."

"Rihanna."

I sighed and said, "It's like 'Shannon', just with a 'Rhi'." That, combined with the idea of 'Rihanna' is usually enough.

"Shannonrhi."

The class laughed. Now you're just being deliberately obtuse, I thought but didn't say.

After class had finished and everyone had left, I went up to him and reintroduced myself, mentioning that I was the student who had emailed him over the summer.

"Oh!" He said, remembering. He gave a very sheepish laugh and said, "Sorry about the whole name thing--" and I thought that was that and everything was done--"obviously if you were a minority I would have..."

I froze for a second, completely taken aback. Now, yes, I am ridiculously white, and afforded the privileges of that, but that's not the only type of minority that exists???

ALSO

EVEN MORE IMPORTANT

You shouldn't strive to get people's "difficult" names right only when they're a visible minority and you're worried about the cry of racism

You should strive to get people's names right because it's basic fucking decency and etiquette and it's rude otherwise.

When I visited Scotland in 2020 not a single person over there ever struggled with my name or got it wrong. I kinda miss that, honestly, because it's so fucking draining to wonder when you introduce yourself if you're going to have to capitulate and give them a nickname because you're too tired to deal with this shit today, or if you're going to be seen as the "stubborn" one who won't let people be wrong about something so basic as a name and move on.

I will leave you with one last story before my tl;dr. When I graduated eighth grade, we walked in a procession as a teacher announced our full names in alphabetical order. The teacher announcing for my section of the alphabet had never had me in class before, yet she looked at my name and asked me "How do I pronounce this?" She had no difficulty with my first name, and was mainly hung up on my middle name, which is Irish. I told her, she said it correctly. In the times leading up to graduation, whenever she felt like she'd forgotten or just wanted to make sure, she'd ask me again, and I'd tell her again, and she'd say it correctly again.

During one of the practices, another teacher said my name completely wrong. She even messed up my last name, which is pronounced phonetically and is a common enough last name that she's heard it before. I will admit that even I laughed, but only because up until that point? She had said my name correctly every other time. So when she messed up, everyone stopped their walking to raise and eyebrow at her and laugh, and she facepalmed and said, "Yeah, I don't know how that came out that way, sorry." And she said it correctly, and everything continued.

I felt very seen by both of those teachers, who didn't try to laugh it off and say that it was "just too hard" or "too unusual" or "oh it doesn't really matter, does it?" It was very nice.

For obvious reasons, I insist on knowing how to pronounce everyone's names, and I do not settle for a nickname unless they genuinely prefer the nickname as it is their chosen name.

TL;DR: learn how to pronounce people's fucking names correctly because it's basic courtesy and you sound stupid when you insist on not affording certain people that courtesy just because you've never heard that name before.

[usefulfictions]

What is Digital Humanities? [Week 1/Introduction]

Writing from:

September 2023

The first week of my MA program (Philosophy, specialization in Digital Humanities)

A particular interest in digital storytelling and the role it plays in our understanding of life's meaning

As an introduction post, it is worthwhile to clarify what the purpose of this is: to fulfill a requirement for a course I have to take for the completion of my degree. That said, I also aim for this to be a resource for myself (and potentially others who might stumble across it) to reflect and recall the way my understanding of Digital Humanities and the issues contained within it has changed, developed, and become more complicated as my familiarity with the discipline and my interaction with others within it increases.

This - like all of the other blog posts for this course - is being posted at the end of my term. As someone who tends to be more tactile than technical, which is perhaps a not ideal tendency for someone interested in Digital Humanities. Nonetheless, that tendency led me to write these reflections in a physical journal and the business of school and the several jobs I have to pay for it led to me putting off actually typing up these posts. But, here we are! Several of my other courses have ended, and I am writing between work hours.

The first week of this course, called 'Issues in Digital Humanities' introduced us to Digital Humanities as a whole as well as to a specific question to help centre the course (and one that I carry with me beyond this single course): What is Digital Humanities?

Through discussion and referral to other sources and ideas of individuals beyond those in the class, it became very clear that even a technical definition of the discipline is hard to achieve in a way that seems faithful to Digital Humanities' aims and methods (which are in themselves hard to define or even determine). This was especially evident in a website that the instructor introduced us to, aptly called What Is Digital Humanities? This site generates responses to that question provided by participants in 'Day of DH' events (a date dedicated to examining the state of digital humanities as relayed by those who do work within the discipline) from 2009 to 2014. These responses range from paragraphs to short sentences, illuminating the expansiveness of just DH's definition, without saying anything about the expansiveness of DH itself. One answer I appreciated that came up in the random generation that I did when encountering the site was one from Daniel Hooper: "The stuff humanities people do when they get a computer."

In the syllabus for the course I am writing this post for, we are encouraged to specifically engage with what we find weird, wonderful, and worrying in each post. In future reflections, I imagine it might be easiest to split the post into three sections, each dedicated to one of these 'W's, but this week I think this central question 'What is Digital Humanities?' is all three in a way that would be diminished by my dividing it into three sections. So, instead, I think I'll highlight one main takeaway I have from this question which is weird, wonderful, and worrying: Digital Humanities seems to be relatively boundless. This is weird, especially from the context of Academia from which I write, as even the shape it takes as a quasi-department in which students can specialize is made up entirely of cross-appointed faculty. DH doesn't (and perhaps can't) stand on its own, which is something I think is wonderful and aptly counters the siloing which occurs in discussions of academic disciplines or expertise, if DH is based on its relation to other topics, whether humanities or technology, then it is interdisciplinary in a way that cannot be ignored like other disciplines might. My worry from this is perhaps much more pragmatic than it is theory/conceptually based, but the problem of legitimacy is one that DH faces off against in a multitude of ways. In DH's tendency to admit its own interdisciplinary expansiveness, I wonder if it risks delegitimizing itself. This is not something I think is inherently concerning, but I do think it is concerning in the context of academia, where things like individual grants and departmental funding pay great mind to the legitimacy of what is being funded, and that funding is essential to the survival of research and disciplines in academic spaces.

[fanartbyherd]

Onward

so I watched the Pixar movie onward recently. correction I rewatched it. I like that movie quite a bit, but I have not watched it in a while.

i‘m planing on sharing some stuff I made for it years ago. when I have a bit of time on my hands. 

in the meantime I wanted to just touch on something I noticed while watching it in regards to the world building. (that is after all where my interest lie) 

now Im aware that the movie was built only with the idea of fantasy things you could find on a trashy 80s novel and the setting is in the LA equivalent area. and for what the movie is it is excellent. But, I think it falls apart a if you look much beyond the story that the movie presented.

it's a story that presents itself as having history, but even so it dose not feel like it really has a history. The epic and fantastical world, simply fails to feel vast. or that it reaches out past the next hundred miles, even though some of the technology in the world would suggest so. (cars for convenient and long distant travel, plains are suggesting that they are flying off to somewhere, especially large jet liners suggesting the possibility of more continents) 

I recently saw a note about how the makers of the movie and characters wanted to make sure they had a lot of diversity even though it was a world filled with fantasy creatures. (they succeeded in some regards, failed in others.)

My first criticism that I noticed this time around is that the technology and world of onward is very inaccessible. not just for any creature who has any kind of physical disability. but also clearly for a good deal of creatures. the world and its technology having developed to favor the elves, cyclops and sayters, who are all relatively close in size and build. these three species are also most numberus the most populous creatures. in a factory seen at the beginning of the movie the workers seem to be entirely made up of cyclops and elves with no workers of any other species. makes me assume that they may be favored for most jobs. likely they are the majority. so the technology that is made is made with them in mind and the other species are a second or after taught if considered at all. (I assume this is probably just a result of them being the most human like so they are the easiest to animate, no shade in that, but im just thinking about it from a world building perspective)

 with goblins and trolls also having a relatively easy go but clearly have some issues with size. such as the school desk not being able to fit Ian’s troll classmate. or the goblin driver instructor barely being able to see over the dashboard of her student driver car. 

other creatures like the gnomes and sprites have it worse. the world is clearly not made for creatures of thier small stature, having to climb and wrangle thier way up to high places. They also clearly get talked down to a lot judging by the reactions of the pixie dusters throughout the movie. 

other creatures seem to have it worse. the centaurs are clearly numberous in the past, but in the modern day and age we see a total of One. officer colt bronco. I'll have to check again just to make sure. though I think I am correct. he is constantly seen struggling in getting in and out of his car or having to sit in weird positions due to the short chairs. where are the background character centaurs? did something occurs in the undefined past that reduced the size of the centaurs herds? (am I implying genocide? maybe.) something similar can be said about the mermaids. we see several In the opening but in the modern age the only one that can be seen is in one of the opening scenes. in a small kiddie pool, scrolling on her phone.

so where are all the mermaids? they live right next to the ocean. so why do we not see mermaids out and about in town? how do the mermaids get around when they are not in water. are they able to move in a snakelike matter or do they “walk” in some matter. Are land dwelling mermaids perhaps wheelchair bound as their primary way of moving around the world? the relatively few wheelchair ramps might suggest otherwise.

finally for now, 

the world seems to really be deprived of culture. we see two cultures in this world, the modern day culture and the culture of an unspecified past. though between those two ages, somehow not that much seems to change. even with the montage at the beginning of the movie that goes through several years. the architecture at the beginning of the movie and into the modern time seems to change very little in some regards and a bit more in some others. all of those suburbs having the same mushroom like roofs that are in the past. its makes me think that imagined if you walked out into an American suburb and all the houses have tacked roofs or wooden shingles. though that's a minor nitpick as there are plenty other buildings that do not have this issue. though the architecture of the city made me originally assume it was set in Vegas instead of LA equivalent even so, it seems very small, especially in culture. its sepos to be LA, I've not been in LA that much, but LA has a lot of cultures. not only just from the different districts, but also in the many suburbs of the city. they all have so many different feelings. something that I picked up on the several times that I have been there visiting family. even just driving from one families house to another the city exuded culture  of different kinds in every neighborhood. a neutered sense of history. its there, but it lacks depth of feels cut off from what it wants to be.

don't get me wrong, I really like this movie so my criticism comes from a place of enjoyment and care. but we can criticize that which we love and enjoy.

in my little World building exercise I will be trying to address some off these concerns, though honestly I can not promise I will do any better than what the movie presents.

[fun-adventures-travels]

Rafting in Rishikesh: Giggles and Goggles Amid Splashes and Splatters!

Let’s Talk 

Rishikesh, often called the "Yoga Capital of the World," is also known for an entirely different thrill—river rafting! Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this adventure destination promises a rush of excitement as the Ganga River flows with exhilarating rapids, offering an unforgettable rafting experience. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for a fun outdoor activity, rafting in Rishikesh is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Let’s dive into the essentials of rafting adventure in Rishikesh, from the cost, timings, and safety tips, to what you can expect on your journey.

Is River Rafting Safe in Rishikesh?

One of the first questions people ask when considering rafting in Rishikesh is, "Is river rafting safe in Rishikesh?" The answer is a resounding yes! Rafting in Rishikesh is considered safe for adventurers of all ages, as long as you follow the guidelines provided by your rafting instructor.

Safety precautions include:

Wearing life jackets and helmets.

Listening carefully to the safety briefing before you hit the water.

Rafting with certified and experienced guides from trusted providers like Universal Adventures.

These safety measures ensure that your rafting adventure is both thrilling and secure. Each rapid you conquer will bring laughs, adrenaline, and an incredible sense of accomplishment!

Rishikesh Rafting Price: Adventure on a Budget

If you’re wondering about the Rishikesh rafting price, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s an affordable adventure for all. Rafting packages vary depending on the distance and number of rapids you want to tackle.

Here are the packages offered by Universal Adventures:

Rafting 9 KM with 3 Rapids

Distance: 9 KM

Price: ₹ 599 per person

Highlights: Perfect for beginners or those short on time, this package offers three thrilling rapids that give you a taste of river rafting fun without being too intense.

Rating: ★4.7 (Booked 315 times)

Rafting 16 KM with 7 Rapids

Distance: 16 KM

Price: ₹ 999 per person

Highlights: This is the ideal option for thrill-seekers who want to experience the rapids in full force. With seven rapids, you’ll feel the rush of the water and the excitement of battling nature.

Rafting 25 KM with 10 Rapids

Distance: 25 KM

Price: ₹ 1199 per person

Highlights: For the adventure junkies! This package takes you through 25 KM of white water with 10 adrenaline-pumping rapids. It’s a full-day adventure that tests your endurance and offers a complete rafting experience.

No matter which package you choose, rafting in Rishikesh is an affordable and thrilling experience. Whether you're going for the shorter, easier route or the ultimate 25 KM challenge, you’ll get your money's worth!

River Rafting in Rishikesh Timing: Plan Your Adventure

The river rafting in Rishikesh timing is crucial to having the best experience. Rafting season typically runs from September to June, but it’s essential to check the current weather conditions and water levels to ensure a safe and fun trip.

Rafting operates during daylight hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings are a popular time to start your rafting trip, as the water is often calmer, and you’ll have the river largely to yourself.

Rafting Adventure: What to Expect

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride! Rafting adventure in Rishikesh offers a combination of challenging rapids and serene stretches where you can catch your breath and admire the stunning Himalayan scenery. With Universal Adventures, you’re in for a ride packed with thrills and fun.

Each rapid has its own unique name and difficulty level, from Grade I (easiest) to Grade IV (most difficult). Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

The Giggles and Goggles

As you hit your first rapid, you’ll be met with a splash that’s bound to bring giggles, while your goggles help you see clearly through the misty waves.

The Splashes and Splatters

Rapids will challenge your balance and teamwork, sending water splattering into your raft, which only adds to the laughter and excitement.

Serene Moments

In between the rapids, the river calms down, allowing you to enjoy peaceful moments while floating through beautiful valleys and scenic landscapes.

The Rush of the Rapids

The most thrilling part of the adventure is tackling the larger rapids that demand quick paddling and coordination with your team.

Throughout the adventure, your guide will instruct you on how to navigate the rapids, when to paddle hard, and when to sit back and enjoy the ride. Expect plenty of splashes, teamwork, and of course, unforgettable memories.

Why Rafting in Rishikesh is a Must-Do Adventure?

Rafting in Rishikesh is more than just a thrilling ride—it’s an experience that connects you with nature, tests your endurance, and creates lasting memories with friends or fellow adventurers. Whether you opt for the 9 KM, 16 KM, or 25 KM rafting experience, you’re guaranteed to have a blast amid splashes, giggles, and adrenaline-pumping action.

So grab your goggles, strap on your life jacket, and get ready to ride the rapids in the adventure capital of India!

[mrkhan75090]

LearnX Review - NEXT GENERATION Learning Platform

LearnX Review – Product Overview

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LearnX Review – Product Creator

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[smilesstardust]

i would love to see And a one two three four and you are still getting it wrong :)

This is set a couple of months after Ava arrives in Chicago, right as everything is beginning to settle down. Adam is kind of a dick in this, but he’s just frustrated and it kind of fit well to me as I see his character as one who tends to struggle with change.

Ava called out the steps as the dancers moved through them, punctuating her words with clicks in a steady beat that matched the music they were dancing to. "Glissade jeté glissade jeté glissade jeté coupé assemblé and a one two three four and Adam you are still doing it wrong." She tried not to sound frustrated as she scolded him again. It felt to her like he was purposefully getting it wrong as he hadn’t done it correctly to the music a single time.

He stopped in the middle of the room so suddenly that Kim nearly crashed into him, catching herself just in time to avoid a pileup. "You know what, how about we assume I’m getting it wrong and you can say something when I get right? Save us all the headache." He asked as the rest of the dancers slowed down to a stop.

She cut the music, which most of the dancers took as a cue to grab a drink. "I beg your pardon, do you have something to say?" She said after a moment, attempting to emulate her old ballet teacher with her tone and the look she gave him. Her first year at the Royal Ballet School a girl in nutcracker rehearsal with her had been complaining quietly to her friend about the role she’d gotten and their ballet teacher had reacted similarly. It had been the most scared of an instructor Ava had ever been, the entire rehearsal falling immediately silent as the girl who had said it stammered out a response.

Apparently the same technique that had silenced a room full of White Lodge students didn’t work on American adults, though Ava could swear she heard an intake of breath from one of the other dancers from over by the water bottles.

"Yeah, I do!" He started, and she could tell what he was about to say probably wouldn’t be good. "I’m not a fucking ballerina! I’d never touched it before you came here and I was perfectly happy with that. You can’t expect me, or any of us, to be as good as you used to be when none of us are used to dancing like this!" He was working himself up, and the bite on the words used to be punched Ava right in the stomach, but she pulled herself together, projecting the confidence that had used to come naturally.

"Mr Ruzek, how long have you been dancing?" She folded her arms and asked as calmly as she could manage, refusing to sink to his level.

"I don’t know." He shrugged. "Fifteen years, maybe."

"After fifteen years of dance experience, several of those as a professional, I would assume you were capable of learning a simple routine. This is a simple variation. The music is easy to follow and we have covered all of these steps in technique class. This might not be your preferred style of dance, but as far as I am concerned that is not an excuse." She took a deep breath. "You are not the only dancer in this room who is new to ballet but you are the only one who has not managed to dance this section correctly. I do not expect you to be, as you put it, as good as I used to, but I do expect you to be professional and I do expect you to be able to get the steps of a simple variation correct. If you feel like those expectations are unfair, you are welcome to leave my rehearsal."

Adam stormed over to where the dancers had dumped their things, grabbing his bag and his water bottle and walked out, slamming the studio door behind him.

Nobody moved, and nobody knew what to say.

"He’s just frustrated." Kim spoke up quietly after a moment, trying to defend him. "He didn’t mean it."

"Yeah, but Ava’s not wrong." Kev sighed. "I’ve been dancing with Ruze since we were eleven, we’ve had the exact same training. It’s not the easiest transition, but the only thing stopping him from getting it is himself. You know how stubborn he can be." She hadn’t expected anyone to come to her defence, least of all Adam’s best friend.

"Okay, run it from the top. Boys group two first, the rest of you stretch and have a drink." Ava called, deciding not to address what had just happened and signalling which of the dancers she wanted where. "Full out, but try not to kick each other in the face." She muttered the last part as she reset the music to the beginning and pressed play.

Connor was waiting for her at the end of rehearsal, which was never a good sign. The end of rehearsal visits with a list of complaints had stopped since the first few weeks, coinciding with the noticeable improvement in technique a lot of the dancers had had. She noticed him through the glass wall of the studio as she was winding down the class, and she took her time packing her things up while the dancers just grabbed their things and left for the purpose of delaying the conversation for as long as possible. Unfortunately Connor didn’t seem to take the hint and stepped in after the last of the dancers had left.

"You kicked Adam out of rehearsal?" He asked as the studio door shut behind Jay and Hailey.

"Not quite." She said, taking a sip of her water. "He kept getting the steps wrong and got angry when I pulled him up on it. I told him if he found my expectation of professionalism unfair he was welcome to leave." She explained.

"Okay, that’s not quite how he told it, but he was pissed so I figured he was exaggerating." Connor sighed. "I’ll have another word with him when he’s calmed down."

"Is that all?" Ava asked, closing her bag and picking it up.

Connor definitely had something he wanted to say, but for some reason didn’t spit it out. "You need to do less ballet." He told her slowly after a minute.

"Excuse me?"

"I know it’s what you know." He started. "But Adam isn’t the only one getting frustrated with his best style being tossed aside in favour of one we’ve only just started doing. Especially when they’re all at such different levels with it. The technique stuff is helping, I will give you that, but you’ve got to put in more contemporary or street or just something that isn’t ballet. I know it’s the end goal to cut back on ballet technique and do other stuff, but they need it now. We need to work something out so this doesn’t happen again."

"Fine." She agreed after a moment, seeing the point he was making. "I’ll rearrange the schedule and work something out."

"Thank you." He said. "In better news, we’ve got a performance booked for a few weeks. Details are in your inbox."

From this list

(Fun fact, the routine they’re doing is one of the ISTD grade 4 ballet exam variations. I learnt it when I was a young teenager and it’s still one of my favourites I’ve ever done)

[dailyrandomwriter]

Day 360

There are cynical folks who state (rightly) that one does not need to wait for a new year to start building habits. However, I do hold the belief in the power of choosing a time that feels like a new start. That’s probably why so many people decide to make a New Year’s resolution, because it’s the start of a new year.

That being said, there are ways to create times of the year where it’s a good time to start something new or develop a new habit. The beginning of the new school year is one of them, even though I haven’t been in school for well over a decade now. Seeing all the back to school sales and talks about preparing for school can get even an outsider into the mind set.

Though I have it easier since work is kind of affected by the cycles of the school calendar, but the beginning of the school year is for some a good place to start.

For me, I think I am going to use work’s two week closures to try and build a new habit. Last year, my work closed for two weeks for the first time, instead of just having shorter worker hours. This is great for everyone involved because some do not boot their asses out of work during those shorter hours when they should. In addition, this actually allows me to take two weeks off without fearing something metaphorically being set on fire while I”m gone. Since everyone is away, no one should be sending emails, or asking for last minute bookings because well the sites aren’t open.

Last year it was getting into the habit of writing, this year is going to be much harder. Writing is actually easy to an extent because it’s a hobby I get great satisfaction out of. However, like all my hobbies, they don’t require me to move. I’ve been doing pilates for years so I know a lot of exercises I can do at home. In fact, I’ve been trying to develop at home exercises with my instructor for years. Especially in the past year and a half because I work from home.

It had been my hope that I would take those five minute breaks that work keeps telling people they should and just do a few repetitions, but apparently I have issues pulling myself away from my work. Especially when things need to get done. So, I’m changing plans, and am going to try and build the habit of doing a set of repetitions after work instead. 

Of course I’m not at work at the moment, so the plan is to do them around in the afternoon when I would normally get off. Of course, like with writing, it’s easiest right now because I’m not working. The real trick will be keeping it once I get back to work, but I’m hopeful.

But that’s why you keep trying.

[kissagii]

hiii !! congratulations on 500!! i am here to request for ur event if that’s ok! i would like to be matched with a blue lock boy pls 😋 i’m kavya, any prns are fine but most ppl use she/her for me. i’m 16 yrs old and i’m abt to be a senior in high school; i’m an istp; i’m not really shy but i’m also not doing most of the talking iywim💀. i listen to all kinds of music but my favorite genre would def be metal; i loveee going to concerts (funny story i actually crowd surfed at my last concert and lost my phone bc it fell out of my pocket😭) i would describe my style as lazy alt (??) i like comfort so it’s mostly black sweats or loose cargos and s band shirt or any dark shirt. the alt part is js dark make-up and dyed hair 💀 i’m also really passionate abt taekwondo; i’m an instructor part time and i love competing lmao. also i love watching football like i analyze the shit out of matches (the champions league final is abt to start rn LMFAOOO) and im a HUGE messi fan like i’ve been obsessed w him since 4th grade😭 i used to play too when i was a kid. i was a goalie bc i was pretty tall when i was young (i was 5’3 in 5th grade and haven’t grown since💀) and i was actually pretty decent. lwk i have kind of a temper even tho it takes a quite a bit to get me genuinely angry i get annoyed pretty easily and i’m also kinda jealous icl😭 my love language is probably physical touch- ideal situation would be like. we each do our own thing but we’re just touching each other in some way. as for dislikes i absolutely fucking hate onions 😭 which probably makes me a bad indian bc it’s in almost every dish😭 i’m also really lazy like i will take the easiest route possible but i also hate it when others are lazy it’s kinda bad💀 idk i kinda js want a cute lil boyf who hugs me from behind and lets me play w his hair and his hands 😋

i match you with...

shidou ryusei

his favorite date: midnight car rides with no particular destination

[bejoomi]

joomi loves playing instruments. he always played piano throughout his life as an escape from the...abundance of hardships he faced. his fingers grazing the keys could transport him somewhere else, if only for a little while – somewhere that didn't hurt so much.

somewhere like where he is now, really. he's been no stranger to pain in the past year – or week, even – but he knows this is better than how things used to be. even with dohyun leaving, fracturing the trio that was dorenmi, and the sadness and creative block that come with it – this is better. he is safe. he is loved. he gets to make music every day for his job. there is still so much good. he tries, desperately, to focus on that instead of the loss.

the instrument workshops come at a good time, ultimately – another opportunity to float away on melodies he plays, and something new to focus on. he also hopes dedicating time to improving his instrument skills by himself will help bring some of his creativity back.

except he's not by himself. jay is here, and that's probably good, actually. he loves jay, but they don't spend enough time talking about music, all things considered. he was usually always writing with ren and dohyun during their free practice, or dancing with jinyoung, when that was still...relevant.

"yeah," he answers with a soft smile. "it was either this or like...gayageum or drums. but i think i could probably learn drums on my own, and gayageum doesn't feel as fun." he gives the bass in his own lap the lightest slap. "this is my next worst instrument, so it seemed like a solid choice."

joomi raises an eyebrow as jay gossips about their instructor, but he makes a solid point. "someone i know once said musicians are divas," he chuckles. "i think there's probably some truth to that. but as long as he's good..." joomi shrugs. god knows grouchy and strict is probably one of the easiest things he's dealt with.

he smiles softly once again at jay's mention of his love for music. "yeah," he agrees with a nod. "i am honestly not mad about missing out on dance practice for this. playing instruments is one of my favorite parts of training here."

boom boom bass.

while studio delta generally has a schedule for them to practice their instruments, this workshop that's being held feels like the perfect opportuniy to actually lock in and properly polish something that he's meaning to actually get better at. this time, it's the bass guitar. he's rather familiar with acoustic guitar and electric guitar, but when it comes to bass—well, he needed more experience.

the workshops came at the right moment. although he knows being an active participant in this workshop and committing to it means he'll need to sacrifice his time doing other things ( namely his dance lessons, as he's spending more time sitting down and working through an instrument ), he believes he can make up for it later down the road.

"dad, are you trying your hand at bass too?" he asks @bejoomi, tilting his head to the sides as the guitar sits on the base of his lap, held to his chest. "i heard that the mentor for this workshop is actually kind of strict and grouchy," he whispers, partaking in a little bit of gossip. "but usually, those types of people are really good at what they do, aren't they? you know, like our very own lovely ceo."

jay laughs, knowing that it'd be bad if he had spoken in a louder volume. "anyway! this is what i joined delta for, after all. focusing on what really matters to me—the music!"

[y0ung-4ever]

Different

Pairing: Johnny Depp x reader

Description: You are a piano instructor in the city of LA, the day was slow but then he showed up.

Warnings: -

Rating: -

Notes: I think I wrote this well, but I also wish I had more ideas for more romance with this one.

I was cleaning the grand piano that sat in the middle of the spacious, open room. The sunlight came through the window as I swept the dust off the keys that weren’t used as much.

“Hello, I was wondering if you were still doing lessons?”

The deep voice brought me out of my daze. I snapped my head up and looked at the man standing in the doorway. He stood tall with black shoes, navy blue dress pants and a white button up that brought out his tanned skin as he undone two of the buttons around his collar. His hair was a bit longer and he had on glasses.

“Oh! Yes I am! Um, I’m y/n!”

I went closer to him and stuck out my hand. He looked at me and smiled as he shook it.

“I’m Johnny.”

We just stayed like that for a while. His hand grasping mine and mine his. Looking into each other's eyes and the smiles we had still on our faces.

“A-anyway..when would you like to start, Johnny?”

He shook his head and fixed his hair.

“Um, right now would be a better time than ever!”

He walked over to the piano and admired the glossiness of the wood in the sunlight.

“Great! So first of all I have to ask- can you read sheet music?”

He looked up at me and smiled.

“I can! That’s a good thing right?”

I giggled and shook my head.

“That is good, because, Johnny, we can start playing right away! Now if you would take a seat on the bench..”

He complied with my request and he already had a nice posture.

“I can see that your posture is already really good, and that’s important when playing an instrument like the piano. So, now that I have you seated, I want you to play your right hand at middle c.”

He looked up at me confused. I laughed and took his hand.

“Right here. This is the key that everything revolves around. It’s important to know where it is. And that key will be played by your thumb as your other fingers have their own key.”

He pressed his thumb down and repeated it.

“Do you want to play classical music? Or do you have your own piece that you prefer to learn first?”

He thought for a moment and rested his hands on his thighs.

“I want to play classical music, but I want to play ‘The Maiden's Prayer’.”

I smiled and got all excited. ‘The Maiden’s Prayer’ was absolutely one of my favorite pieces.

“Ah, you have good taste! I would be honored to teach you such an elegant piece.”

I dug around in the room to find the sheet music for the song, but all I could find was Beethoven and Mozart sheet music.

“Aish, I told them to put their sheet music back in the right order. I already organized these once..”

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I swung around to be met with big brown eyes.

“H-Hi, Johnny..I’m sorry it will only be a few minutes. My other colleagues must have mixed it in with their sheet music.”

I stepped to the side and ran past him to the other side of the room. I looked on the shelf and I couldn’t find it anywhere. I normally have the music alphabetically organized, but I couldn’t find ‘The Maiden’s Prayer’ under the T’s.

“Hey, y/n- it’s okay! I can choose a different song to play. It’s no big deal.”

I stood away from him but I could sense the disappointment. I looked at him and frowned.

“No, Johnny, I’m going to teach you this song and nothing is going to stop us from succeeding!”

An hour later..

*Dun- Dun- Dun——-DUN*

“Ah- okay okay, so maybe you just aren’t finding a comfortable way to move your hand without your other fingers hitting keys that aren’t right. I mean you have pretty big hands compared to me, but I guess you just don’t have the strength to only use a select few of your fingers at a time..”

I took Johnny’s hand and massaged it to get him to loosen up. I sat on the bench with him as I did so.

“So, y/n! Are you from California?”

“Eh, no. I’m from h/s. But I’ve been here most of my life..so it’s like I’m from here. What about you?”

I switched hands now. He stretched out his right hand from the massage.

“Nope, I’m from Kentucky. Born and raised.”

I giggled and continued loosening his joints.

“How old are you if you don’t mind me asking? And what made you want to work as a piano teacher?”

I smiled and looked into his eyes.

“I’m 25. I started working here when I graduated university. When I was a teenager I was obsessed with playing the piano and I loved teaching my cousins and friends how to play. Of course none of them got very far..but I enjoyed it while it lasted. So I decided, what better job than to be a piano instructor!”

He laughed and looked over at the black and white keys.

“What do you do?”

He turned his head and looked back at me.

“I’m an actor. I’m surprised you haven’t recognized me by now, I am pretty big in the acting industry.”

He fixed his collar and ran a hand through his hair.

I laughed and nodded my head.

“I kinda thought you were familiar, but I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

He looked at me with sympathy.

“Well, that’s very kind of you Ms. Y/n.”

I smiled at him and got up from the bench. I touched Johnny’s shoulders and forced them to face the piano.

“I’m going to show you a few exercises that you can practice while I search for that sheet music. These exercises will help you earn more muscle in your fingers and dexterity in your left hand as well as your right. Do you play any other instruments?”

He sat up straight and looked up and over at me as I asked the question.

“Yes, I actually do. I usually play guitar, though.”

He looked down at the tiny scars on his fingertips, probably from the guitar strings.

“Oh, that’s good! So it will be pretty easy for you to build up dexterity, since you probably have strong muscles in your hands already from playing guitar. But I would rather you do both exercises because your hands still need to learn the keys and the distance between them. Your hands will feel tired and stretched, but that’s what we want!”

He nodded and turned back towards the keys.

I slowly introduced him to two of my favorite exercises that mainly specialized in helping muscle build and dexterity. After he got the hang of both of them I finally started to look around for ‘The Maiden’s Prayer’.

“You are doing great, Johnny! One of the easiest students I’ve had!”

He smiled and continued to practice the keys I told him to press.

I stood up from looking in the lower shelves of the bookcase that stretched from the floor to the ceiling and caught a glance of outside through the window.

“Oh my, it’s that time already?”

Johnny abruptly stopped and looked my way.

“Oh wow, time really does pass when you are having fun!”

I giggled and walked over to Johnny.

“It was so nice to meet you, Johnny. I hope that you will be consistent with your lessons.”

I smiled and winked.

He smiled back and reached his hand out. He brushed back my stray hair and let his hand linger on my cheek for a few seconds.

“The pleasure was all mine, really, Ms. Y/n. Thank you for being so considerate and passionate.”

I felt as if my legs were going to buckle beneath me.

“O-of course! Come back soon, please”

He handed me a card and pushed his glasses up on his nose.

“My number is on there, you know, in case there’s a mishap. Or since it’s you, call me anytime.”

I blushed and held his card with my hands. Treasuring it.

“I’ll see you soon, Ms. Y/n.”

“I hope to see you soon, as well, Johnny.”

He couldn’t help himself and closed the gap between us. He had his arms wrapped around me as I too had my arms wrapped around him. His words would sound muffled and incoherent to most, but to me, they were as clear as the sky was blue.

“Thank you. For being different.”