#like. the themes develop organically throughout the text

[utilitycaster]

also sort of in conversation with my last text post but I'd say the vast majority of the time someone argues a specific character doesn't fit into the theme of an actual play campaign, they do, and the person making that claim is refusing to engage with the themes. Even when I've really disliked a character I've usually felt that they fit thematically into the party and just were super annoying.

[lilacxquartz]

jjk x reader: their love language 💓

scenario: how they would show you they love you — included: satoru gojo, choso kamo, kento nanami & shoko ieiri — themes: fluff, romance, established relationships, slightly suggestive content — w.c: under 400 words each • masterlist • on ao3

a/n: valentines weekend! so, today is jjk themed 🫶

Satoru Gojo: [Touch]

For a man with a schedule as hectic and overwhelming as his own, Satoru always, no matter what, made some extra time for you. He could be at the verge of collapse with his eyelids drooping shut, but he’d always—without fail—find a way to keep you involved.

For the better part, the bulk of his perverted little teasing texts were largely all talk—not because he enjoyed leaving you hanging—but due to being physically spent by the end of the day. When it could happen though? What a bonus that was—what an absolute treat.

He’d otherwise wrap his arms right around you, holding onto you so very tight; his lips pressing against the crook of your neck, refusing to part. Satoru would pull you close to him, reeling your back against his chest, caging you in however he could.

Sometimes, you’d fall asleep just like this, with you being his place of comfort. His safe space, but, should he have enough stamina for the day, then he’d make you both feel good.

Satoru, after all, if he could get his hands on you—all around you—would not be able to stop at just a simple touch. His affection would linger and seek to mingle with any sort of potential pleasure because you were just that perfect in his eyes.

But again, it wasn’t the only thing.

Above the heat that he felt for you, he was also just content with the warmth you provided, whatever form that took place in.

~~~

Choso Kamo: [Quality Time]

Choso, who was still very new to embracing humanity, was even more inexperienced when it came to the concept of romantic relationships. All he had ever known before was a platonic and protective sort of love, which by the way—did carry onto you for the most part—but then he started to love you differently.

For a while, any sort of physical touch, however, was overwhelming for him and he proposed the compromise of taking it slowly with you out of a deep-rooted fear of accidentally hurting you. You’d instead sit with each other in the same space, just quietly attending to your own things, getting used to each other’s company.

After a while, too, he began to get more comfortable with you and he’d hold onto your hand tighter, or the hugs he gave would linger. Despite this, he never once rushed you, letting anything physical beyond that reach fall into place naturally.

Organically.

In short, he simply just loved you by being with you.

It was all he ever wanted and craved.

~~~

Kento Nanami: Communication

Kento was a surprisingly nervous man outside of his cool work demeanour. You and him were both sorcerers who both worked in a dangerous profession, so he developed an anxious habit of fussing and worrying about you over the years.

As such, Kento developed an almost compulsive need with needing to know what you were doing, no matter how mundane. At first, he thought that he was overbearing, but to his surprise and comfort, you informed him that you didn’t even mind! What joy! Ever since then, he was an always lurking, constant presence in your life.

Every morning, if you had different missions, he’d ask you for a good morning selfie, or if you were making breakfast, he wanted the partial process and the end result. Even when you were doing your skincare or just reading a book, he always wanted to know what it was that his perfect wife was up to.

Beyond that, he loved listening to you talk.

Should you share the bed on a rare night together, then he could spend hours listening to you ramble away.

He’d be disappointed when you stopped, of course, but then he’d get to hold you throughout the night when you were all talked out.

And safe in his arms.

~~~

Shoko Ieiri: Acts of Service

Admittedly, Shoko became a sorcerer for monetary reasons. There was nothing quite like the salary of a sorcerer and she was in extreme demand with her reverse cursed technique. Throughout the years however, even despite her pricy habits, she never really had a chance to spoil herself.

So, when you came along, it was the first thing that she did. Right away, she knew that she wanted to spoil the hell out of you.

This wouldn’t be just limited to just money, though, oh no, no. She would massage you, daily, after missions and cook you dinner if she had the energy. She’d spend ages just holding you, running lazy circles along your skin (and at times, between your thighs and even further than that).

What came to her as the biggest surprise, however, was when you started matching her in that same way. Suddenly, she was the spoiled one with flowers showing up in the med bay for her, or her lunch being packed or paid for. She’d often find a hot bath waiting for her when she got home or sometimes you’d treat her to a spa night, taking care of her skincare for when she was too tired to do so.

It was little things like that that helped her feel so important and of course, she knew you felt the same way.

The two of you were in fact, perfect for each other from the very start.

[intogenshin]

The Roles of Atheist and Priest: Balance of Faith between Alhaitham and Cyno

The profoundest eternal questions are met only with a boundless and eternal silence

This line in Alhaitham’s teaser is a reference to a poem by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore in the collection titled Stray Birds.

Tagore’s work is deeply religious in nature (heh) as it is largely influenced by the creation myths of the Rig Veda.

The recurring theme of nature, present throughout the entirety of Stray Birds, expresses and explores the relationship between man and spirituality in the tradition of Indian literature:

(...) when Tagore writes of nature —of birds, trees, a singular blade of grass, a sunset, sunrise, a boat ride, a fading view of water— while all of these external objects belonging to the natural world may make Tagore appear much like western Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth or Yeats, Tagore’s mission is actually quite different. In Tagore, what is expressed is a thoughtful relationship of poet to sacred text, of poet to the mythical or cosmological origins of the world. In Tagore, love of nature equates at one level to love of God; for, in recognizing the worth of the natural world, one is giving assent to the fact that there is a God who created it. (...) in Stray Birds Tagore writes: “To-night there is a stir among the palm leaves, as well as in the sea Full Moon, like the heart throb of the world From what unknown sky hast thou carried in thy silence the aching secret of love?” The lines echo the concept from the creation hymns wherein the sacred text posits that no one knows how creation came to be because no one witnessed it except for the creator God itself, and who can truly know this God but to seek him? As if this were not enough, also in Stray Birds, we read Tagore’s development of this concept as he writes: ”God comes to me in the dusk of my evening with the flowers from my past kept fresh in his basket” This is the mind of a religious poet at work, not a Romantic poet.

—Love of Creation and Mysticism in Tagore’s Gitanjali and Stray Birds, by Paula Hayes

Silence is another major element of Tagore’s exploration of nature as the connection with god, which represents divine wisdom through introspection:

This power of silence is attributed to its heavenly origins. Silence is the voice of God, as well as the place where everyone finds and worships his god: ”God’s silence ripens man’s thoughts into speech” In another poem, this eternal silence of Heaven is juxtaposed with the eternal quest of earthly creatures, a process that affirms the superiority of the former as the ultimate province of trust, beyond the doctrines and divisions created by the mind with their ensuing doubt and uncertainty: ”What language is thine, O sea?” ”The language of eternal question” ”What language is thy answer, O sky?” ”The language of eternal silence” (...) Silence, therefore, is not merely a recurrent theme in the poems of Tagore, nor is it a distinct element that can be extracted from the rest of the poem. It is organically interwoven with other elements, establishing the unity of the poem, its coherence and its uniqueness as well.

—Language of eternal silence, by Muhhammad Hesham

In the poem referenced in Alhaitham’s teaser, the “eternal question” represents man’s quest to find meaning through spirituality, while the “eternal silence” represents introspection and a connection with the wisdom of God.

The role of eternal question fits a character like Alhaitham perfectly: one who seeks wisdom for personal fulfillment, but it is also one that questions this eternal silence —the word of god. One who raises questions against belief, not for the sake of negation, but understanding. An ethical atheist, if you will.

Alhaitham’s ideological worldview of individualism is inspired by the work of Max Stirner, originator of egoist anarchy. Stirner is highly critical of religion, but he also looks down on atheists of his time for replacing the god of western religion with morality and humanism. For him, true freedom can only be achieved through individualism.

Whether then the one God or the three in one. whether the Lutheran God or the être suprême or not God at all, but “Man,” may represent the highest essence, that makes no difference at all for him who denies the highest essence itself, for in his eyes those servants of a highest essence are one and all — pious people, the most raging atheist not less than the most faith-filled Christian.

—The Ego and Its Own, by Max Stirner

Stirner doesn’t seem concerned with denying the existence of god, but rather with the origin and care of his own desires, centering himself instead of “man” as a collective or an idea. He does not act for the good of anyone but himself (or that’s his ideal, at least).

Here’s where Haitham deviates from Stirner’s egoism. He’s not concerned with archons and he does favor individual comfort over Kaveh’s altruism, and he’s not afraid nor ashamed of trespassing conventional rules or institutional laws to get what he wants, but he does recognize the importance of order in society.

Sumeru is the nation ruled by the god of wisdom, so wisdom and knowledge can be understood as the fruit of worship for the archon. Akademiya rules are, much like in religion, a moral code that shapes the ideal believer and punishes those who break the order upheld under these rules. Funny enough, the Akademiya’s original Chinese name is (according to the wiki) Sumeru Institute of Religious Decree —the religious context is lost on the English translation.

Understanding the Akademiya as an allegorical religious institution, Cyno serves as a guardian of the principles and moral code of this church. His historical predecessor is none other than priest Kasala, after all, who was a faithful follower of the Scarlet King (that he calls his “eternal lord”) and later aided Rukkhadevata.

Cyno’s priest-like figure is a fair counterpart to Alhaitham’s atheist: when the ethical atheist raises questions, it is the duty of the priest to answer on behalf of the divine.

The eternal question, an introspective search for answers and meaning; the eternal silence, the wisdom of divine scripture.

Alhaitham and Cyno are the only characters in Sumeru having an association with the theme of silence, especially Cyno. Alhaitham through Tagore’s poem and the description in his default outfit in which a member of the Temple of Silence warns the listener not to bother him if he’s wearing his headphones; and Cyno through direct references in his lore as well as his official affiliation to the Temple.

Much like in Tagore’s poem, the exchange of question and silence is not a hostile one, but rather a conversation, a means for growth for both sides. In dialectics, an argument is held for the same reasons: when offering a thesis, it must be reasonably defended against an equally reasonable contradiction.

Putting these two characters who fulfill these specific roles with religious undertones in a storyline where they work together to overthrow a government, then I simply am reminded of Enjolras and Grantaire from Les Miserables.

YOU SEE they’re part of the revolutionary group that fights in the barricades.

Enjolras is completely driven by ideology, every aspect of his life revolves around his ideals of revolution and freedom to the point that he just isn’t approachable by his colleagues. He’s more a walking ideal than human. While Grantaire is a skeptic who refuses to believe in anything (that is, except Enjolras) (they’re canonically super gay, the author went out of his way to compare them to a bunch of gay Greek historical and mythical couples so go figure).

Grantaire is rather a self indulgent nihilist, but Stirner’s vibes of cynical egoism are there (just described through the eyes of someone who does favor altruism instead lmao):

All those words: rights of the people, rights of man, the social contract, the French Revolution, the Republic, democracy, humanity, civilization, religion, progress, came very near to signifying nothing whatsoever to Grantaire. He smiled at them. Scepticisn, that caries of the intelligence, had not left him a whole single idea. He lived with irony. This was his axiom: “There is but one certainty, my full glass.” He sneered at all devotion in all parties, the father as well as the brother.

Grantaire believes in nothing, which is why he’s in love with the personification of ideal and belief.

A skeptic who adheres to a believer is as simple as the law of complementary colors. That which we lack attracts us. No one loves the light like the blind man. (...) Grantaire, in whom writhed doubt, loved to watch faith soar in Enjolras. He had need of Enjolras. That chaste, healthy, firm, upright, hard candid nature charmed him, without his being clearly aware of it, and without the idea of explaining it to himself having occurred to him. He admired his opposite by instinct.

Their contrast is mainly ideological, with Grantaire barely participating in the revolutionary acts of the group, but (although lesmis seems to be heavily shaped by religious narratives, especially Valjean’s main storyline) the way Enjolras is described very much fits Cyno’s own commitment to his duty as the General Mahamatra:

Enjolras was a charming young man, who was capable of being terrible. He was angelically handsome. He was a savage Antinous. One would have said, to see the pensive thoughtfulness of his glance, that he had already, in some previous state of existence, traversed the revolutionary apocalypse. He possessed the tradition of it as though he had been a witness. He was acquainted with all the minute details of the great affair. A pontifical and warlike nature, a singular thing in a youth. He was an officiating priest and a man of war; from the immediate point of view, a soldier of the democracy; above the contemporary movement, the priest of the ideal

Enjolras role as a revolutionary is heavily colored by religious and military undertones.

For most of the story Grantaire is rejected by Enjolras, often scorned by his lack of commitment and his lifestyle. It is at the last moment when Enjolras is cornered by a fire squad after the barricade fails that Grantaire declares himself a Republican and volunteers to die with him. Enjolras ideals have not succeeded in his quest for liberation, but Grantaire offers him a last hope in leaving his skepticism to believe in those ideals. If a skeptic was capable of believing, then surely it was not in vain and many others would carry Enjolras beliefs beyond his tragical death. And in taking his hand Enjolras basically accepts his feelings because les mis is of course a yaoi

Grantaire had risen. The immense gleam of the whole combat which he had missed, and in which he had had no part, appeared in the brilliant glance of the transfigured drunken man. He repeated: "Long live the Republic!" crossed the room with a firm stride and placed himself in front of the guns beside Enjolras. "Finish both of us at one blow," said he. And turning gently to Enjolras, he said to him: "Do you permit it?" Enjolras pressed his hand with a smile. This smile was not ended when the report resounded. Enjolras, pierced by eight bullets, remained leaning against the wall, as though the balls had nailed him there. Only, his head was bowed. Grantaire fell at his feet, as though struck by a thunderbolt.

Either way, haino in sumeru aq did succeed in overthrowing Azar and lived to tell the tale. But, well, they didn’t need this exchange. Alhaitham understands the value of rules, of Cyno’s duty, as they cooperate with each other.

so anyway yea enjoltaire haino, atheist and priest, gay ideological opposites of faith working together to overthrow the government u get it

further readings:

On the Couple of Silence by hibarifish

Alhaitham and Egoist Anarchism by lotusparadisaea

Love of Creation and Mysticism in Tagore’s Gitanjali and Stray Birds by Paula Hayes

Language of eternal silence by Muhhammad Hesham

[scarlet--wiccan]

Aside from the whitewashing, What esle does the MCU get wrong about Wanda? (Ofc if you haven't answered already)

I want to reiterate that the whitewashing of Wanda, Pietro, and their family in the M C U goes far beyond simple miscasting. I wrote about that at greater length here. I also believe very firmly that the racism surrounding this character supersedes any other adaptational choices.

I'll start off with the obvious, which is that the movie version of Wanda has different powers, a different origin story, and does not wear any version of a Scarlet Witch costume nor call herself "Scarlet Witch" for the vast majority of her time in the M C U. She's not recognizable as the Scarlet Witch until the final episode of Wanda//Vision and the subsequent movie, in which she dies. Even then, the films would rather fabricate an entirely new, and mostly very shallow, mythology around her powers, the Darkhold, and witchcraft-- supported by an equally unrecognizable version of Agatha-- then make any attempt to adapt the source material.

Superhero movies never set out to be a one-to-one translation of comic books, and that's fine, but if they can't preserve the most essential elements of a character or their story, then that is just a bad adaptation. Even without mutants or Magneto, Wanda has a lot of rich lore and history to pull from. None of that is present here. Even if I could set the race issues aside, I do not think I would like this adaptation because to me as a Scarlet Witch fan, this is not a Scarlet Witch story.

And the thing is, the people writing these movies clearly do understand Wanda's history, but they choose to repeatedly spit in its face and betray all of the most important narrative themes. As I mentioned in the linked post, there are allusions to racial tropes and stereotypes that betray a clear awareness of the marginalized people they are erasing. But I find many of the narrative beats troubling as well--

In Age of Ultron, the Avengers first encounter Wanda and Pietro as antagonists, which makes sense, as the characters were originally introduced as villains. In the comics, however, the twins are part of a vulnerable minority group, and they align themselves with a villain-- whose praxis they explicitly disagree with-- for the sake of survival. In the movie, though they are personally disadvantaged, Wanda and Pietro are part of the white European non-mutant majority, and they willingly align themselves with a fascist organization in order to gain power and enact violence. Neither character properly acknowledges or denounces HYDRA's politics.

In Wanda//Vision, Wanda struggles to maintain the facade of an idyllic suburban life. In the comics, she and Vision are equal partners, and the challenges they face as a couple mostly arise from the prejudice of their friends and neighbors. It's a nuanced text that has a lot to do with assimilation and identity, led by two characters who struggle to find acceptance as both literal and metaphorical minorities. Here, it's a story about one white woman taking out her grief on a town of innocent people by violating the mental and bodily autonomy of everyone around her, including her own husband.

Throughout Wanda//Vision and Multiverse of Madness, Wanda's magical powers rapidly develop in response to her grief, ultimately leading her down a path of destruction. In the comics, Wanda is a frequent victim of exploitation and possession, and her powers stem from being violated as an infant. These stories are often problematic, but Wanda typically emerges victorious by reclaiming her autonomy, asserting her morals, and working to make reparations for any harm her powers have caused. In the M C U, Wanda is nobody's victim-- she comes into these powers on her own and willingly gives into their corruptive influence. She is never possessed-- she enacts harm entirely of her own volition, even seeking to prey upon and exploit others. She's agential, but she's also morally bankrupt, and the movies offers her no chance of redemption save for their own loose moral scale and blindingly white feminism.

[seenoversundown]

The Caravel Tavern Series : Prologue

Warnings: mentions of drinking/alcohol, sibling banter, fluff/wholesome/good vibes.

Word Count: 4.2k

Summary: The opening of Caravel Tavern was a dream come true for Jake. With the help of his best friends and brothers, naturally. In a small city in New England, it's rare to come across new faces. (or even run into some from the past)

A 4 Book interconnected series where they find love in the most unexpected ways. The bar was Jake's dream, but somehow is helping everybody else's dreams come true as well.

Rom-Com • Enemies To Lovers • Love At First Sight • Rekindled High School Sweethearts • Workplace Romance • AU - Boys x OCs

Night Moves - Bob Seger  “When you just don't seem to have as much to lose Strange how the night moves With autumn closin' in”                                               

Two Days until Open 

Flipping the heavy lock and hearing the door chime has become my favorite way to start my day. After six long months of fixing up this place, it’s only days from officially opening. I’ve spent countless hours cleaning it up, with the help of my brothers, obviously. But it has come together and finally feels like mine.

 “Goodmoooooorning!” Josh sings from across the room. 

“Good Morrow!” I can’t help the slight accent that comes along with it. 

Josh has been helping me decorate, thrift, and create things to match the aesthetic here. Deciding to develop a piratical vibe with a touch of retro themes felt right. We’ve spent hours finding the perfect pieces to hang, and thankfully, Josh has a good eye for all that. Red neon signs adorned the walls, with my favorite ��Sinners Welcome” sign hanging behind the bar. 

“I think we are getting close to finishing with the decor,” Josh says, turning to make eye contact with me. 

“If you’re happy with it, then I’m happy with it,” I said, smiling back at him. “Just let me know what I can do to help. Otherwise, I’ll be organizing until the cows come home.” 

The door chimes ringing as Sam, our younger brother, walks through the door, Daniel quickly following behind. 

Daniel has practically been part of our family since we were kids, so he is treated like a brother. He and Sam went to school together and instantly attached at the hip, so he was at our house often throughout the years. When the time came, he chose not to go away for college, and I helped him get a job with me at the Shipyard. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a glamorous job, but it’s one of the better-paying options— at least it wasn’t a factory. 

“Okay, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, we come bearing gifts, and by that, I mean, I hope you like these coffees,” Sam announces as he makes his way to the bar, “black– because I texted both of you and neither replied, so it’s your fault.” 

“Some of us have jobs, Sam,” I said back.

Josh pulls out his phone, and I can see him click around for a second, “Oh yeah, there it is.”

Sam abruptly set the coffee on the bar in front of us with a shit-eating grin.

“Mental note, keep coffee creamer,” Josh mumbles and Sam holds a bag out to him before taking a sip.

“I didn’t forget your caramel cold foam whipped cream bullshit that you put in your coffee.”

Josh’s face lights up at the sight, “Wow, you do care about me,” putting on the dramatics per usual, “Also– I better not be Tweedle Dum.”

Sam let out a sinister laugh with an exaggerated shrug, “Guess we’ll never know!”

Since Sam got home from college, he’s been helping Josh and myself get everything done for the bar. Often, he’s reluctant or tries to make it seem that way. I can tell that he likes to be a part of everything. He’s been offering to take pictures of the bar. We have all the beer available, so we can post them on our Instagram, which I’m glad he understands is part of the business because I do not. 

“Thank you, Samuel,” I say. “Lucky for you, I always take my coffee black.” 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

“I think if I have to look at another beer can today,” Sam starts, “I’ll lose my mind completely.” 

I giggle as I continue to track what we have in stock, “The worst is almost over, bud.” 

I’m sure opening the week of Thanksgiving seems like a terrible concept, and, to be frank- it’s overwhelming. I hope the six months of bickering with everybody will prove it was worth it.

“Hey, boss,” Daniel starts, “is there anything else you’d like me to do?”

I’m not exactly proud of how much he startled me. I should be more used to how quiet he is by now, but I don’t think I’ll ever be. 

“Jesus Christ,” I stop to process the question. “No, buddy, you can go home. It’s getting late, and we all probably could stand to get some rest before actually opening.” 

With no hesitation, I hear Sam ask from the other room, “Does that include me also?” 

“Yes, go home!” I shout over to him.

The door chime rings suddenly, causing Josh and me to laugh, walking over to find whatever he is working on. Carefully tapping the frame to ensure it’s centered on the nail, he looks incredibly focused. 

“We can also be done for the night,” I tell him, putting my arm around his shoulders. 

“Well, even better news, that was the last thing I needed to hang.” He says.

“You’ve outdone yourself, really.” I compliment him. 

Patting my hand a few times, he tells me, “Did it up just right, and it’s all for you, brother.”

We stare at each other silently for a second. 

“I’m just elated to see you finally going for your dreams.” 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Opening Night

The room glows in red from the neon signs we’ve hung, making everything feel real suddenly as I look at the locked door. We decided to open a little later in the day so the ambiance would be there. Also, who opens a bar on their first day at noon? 

“How are you feelin’?” Daniel asked, squeezing my shoulder to wake me up from my nervous state. 

“I’m not well.” 

He laughs at my response. “It’s going to be great, Jake.” 

I spent a moment trying to crack my knuckles before letting out the breath I had been holding. Listening to the quiet, jazzy riff that Sam is playing on the piano, tucked into the corner. 

“You think so?” turning to him for a bit of reassurance.

“Absolutely. I think you’re onto something great, buddy,” he tells me.

My hands shake as I turn the jukebox on for the first official time, hearing the music start playing throughout the bar; we all look at each other for a second with smiles plastered across all our faces. 

“Okay, it’s time,” I say as I turn the deadbolt. Seeing Josh pull the little chain on the ‘Open’ sign in the window makes my heart thump even louder. 

The moment feels like slow motion as the door opens, and it isn’t one of the four of us who have been working here. I had hardly taken two steps back when the chime went off. 

“Oh, sweetheart,” my mom gasps, stepping over the threshold, “This is wonderful.” 

She immediately pulls me into a hug; all my nerves disappeared in a simple gesture. 

“You did the damn thing, now didn’t ya bub?” Dad finally speaks up, giving me his signature side hug. 

Before I knew it, Josh was already toting our parents around the bar, showing them all the decor he was proud of finding. A few customers who weren’t family had started to trickle in and sit at the bar. 

“I actually made Jake meet me after work so he could help me pull this out of the dumpster,” Josh explains, louder than I wished he would. A collective “oooh” followed his statement, realizing that a handful of customers sitting close to the tour were also listening to him now. 

“I painted this for him,” he continues, pointing at his framed artwork. He’s always been artistic; his imagination was incredible.

 A miniature painting of Queen Anne’s Revenge sat in a gold frame. He’s always known that I love everything about pirates and their history. That was one of the first things he made for the bar when I told him I would officially buy it. 

“That’s beautiful,” our mom gasped, leaning in to look at the little details even closer. “You really did that, Sunshine?!” Her voice raises excitedly, causing even more customers to glance over. Covering my mouth with my hand, I try to contain the laugh. Josh really did turn into Mom over the years, huh? 

“You obviously know that Jake loves his pirates,”

“Oh, I sure do,” Mom says, “Remember when he would cry because his favorite pirate ship jammies needed to be washed?” 

“Alright, alright. Mum, we don’t need to bring it up,” I chime in, “ again,” shaking my head at the trip down memory lane.

My dad finally snuck away from the Grand Tour, found a seat at the bar, and started to make conversation with a few people. 

Glancing over to the door as it opens, Old Man Chuck strolls in, immediately making eye contact. He makes his way over to the corner stool at the bar. 

Without asking, I slide a beer over to him.

“Ya did a hell of a job, kid. Place looks wicked good,” he mumbles. 

“Thank you, Sir,” I matched his volume, “that one’s on me.” He gave me a subtle nod. 

Old Man Chuck wasn’t a man of many words, and I respected that. He took a chance to sell me the bar; I’ll always be grateful. It probably helps that I have spent plenty of nights here when he still owned it, but where else am I supposed to go when my apartment is only two floors above?

As the night goes on, people start trickling in. Living in Portland for so long, you realize everyone knows everyone. Considering we were rapidly approaching Thanksgiving, many people were home for the holidays and in need of a break from their families. 

I scan the bar to see if anybody hasn’t been tended to when I see Sam trying his hardest to converse with Chuck, and it’s not working. I walk over, touching his shoulder to get his attention.

“Sammy boy, can you just do a quick round and make sure everyone in the booths is good?” I quickly ask him.

“Aye, aye, Captain.” 

I watch as he makes his way to each table, collecting empty glasses and making occasional small talk with some of the groups.

“Everyone good over here?” I could hear him asking from behind the bar. 

Even though he would complain daily about helping out, I could tell he didn’t mind doing this part as much. I could never say to him because it would go straight to his head, and I’d never hear the end, but I’m incredibly proud of him. Poor kid hasn’t worked a day in his life, and I’ve been putting him through it for the last few months. 

“Oh, you sell things at the farmer’s market too?” he asks. “What’s your Instagram? I’ll follow you real quick!” 

He’s always been comfortable talking to people; he usually seems carefree. I’ve always admired how sure of himself he is. I don’t know if it’s the amount of time he spends outside or that he got a few years away from us, but he’s gotten much more comfortable with himself.

“So.. do you have a boy-“ 

All of that to say, he has absolutely no game with the ladies. 

“Hey bud, I told you to check on everyone,” I glance over at the girl and back at Sam, “not harass them.” 

“Jake, what are you doing?” he spits out, “I’m so sorry- uhh” 

I give him a quick double pat on the back and nod towards the bar. 

“Are you kidding? I was trying to–” Sam continues as I stroll behind the bar. “Do you actually hate me?” 

“You were not about to win her over, Sam,” I laugh. “She’s been making eyes at Daniel all night.” 

I watch him deflate, putting the dirty glasses he brought back in the bin beside me. 

“She doesn’t seem like your type anyway.” 

“And you know what my type is?” He questions with a smug look on his face. 

“She clearly wasn’t feisty enough to put up with your stubborn ass,” I quip back with a smile. 

Unimpressed with my response, he goes back to mingling with customers. I find myself watching him as he makes small talk. 

I probably shouldn’t step in on his attempts at flirting, but I could see that one imploding a little too quickly. 

I don’t have the best of luck with women myself. I haven’t been on a date in God knows how long. The bar has kept me so busy I don’t even consider it. There are too many things I need to think about constantly, and it wouldn’t be fair for me to do that to someone. 

Scanning the room, I notice a couple sitting together in one of the booths, his arm draped over her shoulders. The way she looks at him, gazing at him like he created the moon. Cradling his face with her tiny hand and pressing her lips to his cheek, a smile erupted across his face. Maybe one day.

“Come back to earth, honey,” followed by a few snaps, pull me out of my own world. 

“I’m sorry, Linda,” I laugh, “I’m happy to see you here.” 

Linda Graves, a sweet older lady, will quickly become one of our regulars. She runs a stand at our local farmer’s market and quickly became buddies with Sam. Her husband had recently passed when he first met her, but she was slowly making her way back out into the world. She’s an eccentric girl and, honestly, reminds me of Josh often. 

“Where’s the big guy?” she asks, making her bright red glasses bounce up and down suggestively. 

“You know he has a name–”

“I’m trying to play hard to get Jake. You’re supposed to be my wingman,” she whispers, gently smacking my arm,  “Did I use that right?”

Throwing my head back with a laugh, I said, “Oh god, you’re right!” 

Gesturing to Linda to give me one second, I find the man of her dreams, who is conveniently walking out of the bathroom as I turn into the hall. 

“I have a lovely little lady who would like to see you,” choking back the laugh. 

“Is it who I think it is?” Daniel asks, following me towards the bar, “Ahhh– there she is.”

He’s a good sport about most things, which is a refreshing outlook to have around, considering who my family is. 

“Hi there, beautiful,” he starts, and I watch her melt into a puddle over him. 

“Now, Lin, you know I’m gonna have to check your ID if you want to drink tonight.” He tells her with a little wink. 

“Oh, Danny. You make me feel so young,” Linda tells him. 

“What do you mean, sweetheart? You ARE young,”

“You cut it out now,” She giggles like a schoolgirl, “I look like a bag of bones. I think we both know I’m old.”

“You don’t look a day over 21.” He leans forward, holding himself on the bar. He knows exactly what he’s doing, making his arm muscles flex a little while he listens to her talk. I watch Linda taking little glances at his biceps while he talks. 

I see the towel he has sitting over his shoulder starting to slip, and I lean forward to catch it as it falls. Tossing it back over his shoulder, he gives me a slight nod since he is mid-sentence. 

“Good save,” Linda quips. 

“Thank you, thank you,” I send her a warm smile. 

I turn around immediately, bumping into Josh, his teeth on full display, giggling to himself. I haven’t seen him this happy in a while. 

“Having fun?” I ask. 

“Of course! I’m drunk!”

“I- uh- you’re what?” The panic lacing my voice is intense. 

“Jake,” he says while grabbing my shoulders, “I’m kidding.” 

Dropping my head back in relief that it was a joke, I’m disappointed I fell for it. 

“What a little shit you are,” I can’t help the laugh that escapes me.

“Who are you calling little? I’m five minutes older than you, bub.” He calls back over the music. 

I roll my eyes and walk off. He’ll never let that die. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Excuse me.” 

I turn around to find a petite older lady sitting at the bar.

“Oh, I’m sorry, how are you this evening?” I ask. 

“Well, it’s much better now,” she batted her eyelashes at me. 

“I’m so happy to hear,” I hold in a laugh, “What can I get you to drink?”

“Do you have any Moscato or Rieslings? 

I smile as she asks, “Of course I do. Hang on” 

Turning around to the fridge where we store our white wine, I giggle quietly. 

Looks like I’ve gained my own Linda.  

I grab a glass and turn back to her, setting the glass in front of her. 

“I don’t know if you know this..” I pause, “I’m sorry, I never got your name?” 

“Eleanor”

“Well, Eleanor, I save this specific bottle of Moscato for only the sweetest of girls,” I tell her as I pour the chilled wine into her glass. 

“Oh, you stop,” She bashfully waves her hand toward me. 

I glance at her with a smirk cemented across my face.

“Here you go, darling,” I slide the glass across the bar to her.

I give her a second to take a sip, and I can hear the quiet hum telling me that the wine is what she was hoping for. 

“Actually,” I start, “I’d like to introduce you to someone. I think you would get along a little too well.” 

I look over to Linda, who has taken a break from flirting with Daniel for a moment so he can get some work done. Waving her over, she grabs her bag and downs the rest of her drink before walking around to Miss Eleanor and me. 

“Linda, this is Eleanor.” I introduce them and watch as they start to make small talk. 

I found out that they both are into crafting and that Eleanor has been known to make the vases for the Flower Truck that goes to the Farmer’s Market.  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

“Where are my boys?” Mom asks loudly. 

Somehow, we all heard her over the chatter of the bar. Sam was already closest to her, so he wrapped her up in a hug first. 

“I’m getting too old to be out this late, Buttercup,” she tells him.

“Ma, it’s only 10 PM,”

“I know, I know,” she says, patting his chest gently. 

Reaching out for Josh, who’s coming in hot for a hug. Wrapping her tightly and rocking her back and forth. 

“I love you,” Josh spoke with an inside voice. Something about our mom brought him down to earth. 

“Oh, I love you so much, Sunshine,” Mom leans back, holding him at arm’s length, “You did a fantastic job decorating.” 

“Thank you, Mama,” he mumbles, pulling her back for another hug. 

“Alright, where’s my extra son?” She looks around for a moment before making eye contact with Daniel. She waves him down, watching the smile creep onto his face as he approaches her. 

“Oh, my sweet little dumpling,” She has always had a soft spot for him, “I would never leave without a big hug from you.” She pulls him into a bear hug, rubbing his back a few times. 

“Missed you so much,” He can’t help the giggle that comes from him at the pet name he gained as a child. 

I stand there watching my brothers both say goodbye to our Dad, giving him quick hugs per usual. Dad was never one for the emotional situations, but he’s loosened up over the years. Looking over at me, he gestures for me to go to him. 

“I know we’ll see you guys in the morning,” he starts, looking down at the floor with his hands tucked in his pockets, “But I just want you to know. I really am proud of you, kid.” 

He looks back up at me, and his eyes look like they’re struggling to fight the emotion. 

“Thank you,” Without a second thought, I wrap my arms around him. 

He pats my back a few times before pulling away from the hug, “I can tell how much this place means to you, and I’m just so happy for you.” 

He points behind me, letting out a small laugh. 

I can hardly turn around before being bombarded by my mother. 

“I’m glad you made it for the opening night,” I whisper. 

“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t miss this,” She whispers back, pressing a few kisses to my cheek, “Can’t tell you enough how proud I am,” 

I place a kiss on the side of her head, “I love you, Mum.”

I let Sam walk our parents out, returning to my place behind the bar. Happily watching Josh mingle with customers, it’s nice to see him existing in an environment that suits him. He just beams when he gets to be social and himself; Josh is much too loud and animated for his current job, and he needs something like this. 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

“We’ll be back for sure!” rings through the bar as the last patrons walk out. 

Pulling the doors shut and locking us in, I spin on my heels to face Josh, Sam, and Daniel. We all just stare at each other for a few seconds, even though it feels longer, and we cannot contain the laughter of disbelief. We did it… I did it. 

Josh quickly closes the distance between us, pulling me into a hug. Being twins has created a very different bond; he’s my best friend. I don’t think I would have had the courage to purchase the bar if it hadn’t been for him in my ear reminding me that I could do it. 

“I just want you to know that,” Josh starts, “I’m so proud of you, and I will always be here to help you, even if you don’t want to ask for it,” his voice shakes slightly. 

“Thanks, bub. I love you,” squeezing Josh one more time. I hope he knows I’m always ready to do the same for him. 

“I think this calls for celebration, don’t you?” Daniel asks, walking over to us holding beers. 

“Cheers!” I holler, raising my beer for everyone to join. We all share a well-deserved celebratory moment after the last six months. 

I grab a towel from behind the bar, walking back to one of the tables where Sam collects cans and glasses.

“Isn’t this what Dad used to play all the time in the car?” Sam asks while I’m wiping down the table. I listen a little more closely, realizing it’s absolutely one of our dad’s favorite songs. 

“I was a little too tall, could’ve used a few pounds,” 

We sing along as it plays, laughing hard as I whip Sam with the towel. He flips me off before walking away with a few glasses in his other hand. 

We all slowly cleaned and serenaded each other, which made us giggle like a bunch of little kids. 

“Workin’ on our night moves,” 

Josh sings dramatically, holding his half-drunk beer like a microphone. 

“Mmmm, in the sweet summertime”

This time, he leaned over to me so we could sing together, just like we used to as kids in the back seat. 

“We were just young, restless, and bored,” Daniel sings as he walks from the back room. 

Suddenly, the piano starts ringing through the bar, and we all find Sam playing along with the jukebox. I’ll let it slide since he was incredibly helpful today.

“And we'd steal away every chance we could

To the backroom, to the alley or the trusty woods.”

I finish gathering all the trash and tossing the bags near the back door. Josh still plugging away, cleaning all the glasses while serenading us all. 

“And I waited on the thunder,”  I sing, turning to point at Josh, knowing that he will absolutely know what to do next. 

As expected, Josh belts out the line, “Waited on the thunder.” he always had a way of making the entire room laugh. 

“When you just don't seem to have as much to lose.”

I prop open the back door to bring the trash out. A robust and crisp breeze envelopes me. It smells like it could snow.

“Strange how the night moves

With autumn closin' in” 

I take a deep breath. The cold air is refreshing after a long night. After tossing the trash, I walk back inside to the sound of hysterical laughter. The three of them bent over in a fit of giggles as they all yelled the backing vocals. 

“(Night moves) I remember, I remember, I remember, I remember.” 

In the moment, I think to myself, If you can’t beat em, join em. I drape my arm over Josh’s shoulders as I shout with them. Giving him a double pat on his chest as we all laugh together. 

“Alright, boys, let’s go home,” I tell them in my finest English accent. 

I make my way over to the door, holding it open for them to file through. I took one last glance over to make sure we took care of everything.

“I remember, I remember,” I sing under my breath, flipping the lights off.

Caravel Tavern Master Post | Masterlist | Taglist

Sparrow Of The Dawn Chapter One

Book 1 of the series; Sam x Willa (Fem OC)

Taglist:

@gvfsstardust, @peaceloveunitygvf, @myleftsock,@imleavingyoufornewyork,@threadofstars,@mindastreamofcolours,@dont-go-home-without-me,@literal-dead-leaf,@lizzys-sunflower,@ourlovesdesire,@mackalah,@klarxtr, @edgingthedarkness, @i-love-gvf

[pen-and-umbra]

do u think sephiroths redemption arc is possible?

(Spoilers & wall of text alert)

Sure, why not, anything is possible. Currently, only two things are certain. One, despite fan backlash, Square Enix continues to take creative liberties. Second, regardless of what SE does, some fans will be upset.

For better or worse, SE's handling of the Remake in this regard leaves plenty of room for a 180-degree turn on Sephiroth's case. The character's portrayal has steadily shifted since the original, which appears to have served the purpose of painting him in a sympathetic light. It begs a question: to what end? Crisis Core, Ever Crisis, and FFVII Rebirth all depict Sephiroth as a decent person, with Rebirth showing him influenced by Jenova during the Nibelheim massacre (as discussed here). Here hardcore fans like to bring up old Ultimania publications, citing that Sephiroth's will overpowers that of Jenova after falling into the Lifestream and learning everything there is to know about the Meteor/Cetra/Jenova. While how SE handles that episode in the Remake remains to be seen, it's worth noting that official lore is neither immutable nor free of contradictions on a variety of details, including seemingly important plot beats like romantic lines. Additionally, certain details diverge over the course of compilation. As a result, we've already seen SE absolve AVALANCHE as an eco-terrorist organization by shifting the blame to ShinRA in the remake. They've made changes to Rufus and President ShinRA's plotlines. We've seen them make extremely bold decisions regarding Gold Saucer that were unthinkable in the OG. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Whispers and the theme of "Changing the Fate" demonstrate SE's willingness to take drastic and controversial steps, sometimes diverging significantly from the original material. The point is, developers' previous statements aren't set in stone and are subject to change as FFVII project grows.

As previously stated, SE left some space for a turn, most likely on purpose, if they decide to take a risk. The Rebirth already explores the idea of Sephiroth as little more than a passenger after leaving the mansion. In addition, the entries on Jenova monsters we fight in parts one and two sufficiently expand on the scope of Jenova's mind-interfering abilities, which may allude to Jenova's larger role in the Remake. When combined with the Temple of Ancients hologram and snippets from Gast's journal Sephiroth quotes, it could indicate that Jenova has been "awake" and out of slumber since its discovery at the dig site, potentially manipulating Gast and the team behind the Jenova Project.

Therefore, the groundwork for introducing a villain more significant than Sephiroth may already be in place. Shifting the focus away from him and toward an eldritch cosmic terror should suffice, as the ambiguity about who is in control has already existed since the original script. The Nibelheim sequence from Rebirth played a role in this, as did the infamous ore/watashi pronoun switch. And despite appearing to be totally distinct, the outcomes of Sephiroth's goals (consume Lifestream and travel to a new Planet to be god) eerily mirror those of Jenova (consume Lifestream and travel to a new Planet, presumably to once again consume it's Lifestream, rinse/repeat). Incidentally, in the Temple of Ancients, there is a hologram suggesting a connection between Jenova and The Goddess from LOVELESS, so one has to wonder just who Sephiroth is taking after with that "to become god" complex of his.

Another thing to consider is that throughout the compilation, traditional methods of defeating Jenovaroth simply did not work. Sephiroth/Jenova returned after their defeat in OG, and if you consider the Remake to be a sort of sequel (that is, if you subscribe to the Remake!Sephiroth=AC! Sephiroth theory), Jenovaroth returns after Advent Children as well. Battling him does not appear to yield results or break the "rebirth" cycle, so perhaps a different approach is required. (This ties in thematically with the tagline "defying destiny").

Redemption arcs are often perceived as leading to a "happily ever after," but they can take various forms beyond this common expectation. A character's redemption can involve self-sacrifice to overcome evil, collaborating with the protagonist to bring about change, and more. Combined with the previous remark about the futility of conventional fighting methods, perhaps the way to defeat Sephiroth/Jenova for good is somehow linked to his redemption of sorts. To break the parasitic bond between the two, or to quench and release the spirit's anger. In some ways, this is what Aerith does to Kadaj in Advent Children, and the latter's "essence", cleansed by Aerith's Great Gospel trick, rejoins the Lifestream. Equally, the Gi subplot somewhat parallels the Jenova/Sephiroth situation, so SE is likely to implement a comparable strategy for a secondary plotline.

Speaking about the latest material in the compilation, Ever Crisis quite poignantly brings up the topic of breaking the cycle of hatred.

The latter pertains both Cloud & party (hatred toward Sephiroth, ShinRA), and Sephiroth himself in as much as OG painted him (hatred towards humanity for eradicating the Cetra and more). So perhaps the key to saving the world of FFVII is about showing compassion and acting out of mercy, not out of revenge.

Anyway, it is entirely speculative at this point.

Overall, a different role for Sephiroth should not be dismissed as a possibility as certain elements in the game suggest a potential twist related to Jenova. SE have proven that they care about their creative vision far more than about criticisms, so…no promises at the journey's end. Naturally, some groups of fans may strongly oppose SE if Sephiroth is sidelined or if significant alterations are made. On the other hand, there has been growing dissatisfaction since the first part of the Remake with Sephiroth being shoehorned as a boss fight so frequently that he becomes redundant as a "final big bad". While both perspectives are reasonable and offer valid insights into the situation, someone will still be outraged no matter what SE does.

From a personal standpoint, I maintain an open-minded approach. If Sephiroth remains a villain, that's fine. If he is revealed to have been Jenova's puppet all along, my world will not collapse. On the plus side, I'm excited to see Jenova play a bigger role. The entity is as fascinating as The Thing from the film, and the original failed to capitalize on all of its creepy potential. At the end of the day, it may be the case of familiarity breeding ambivalence: the game has gotten so old that I won't mind a new twist, even if all characters end up dancing to a hip-hop tune in the end. On that note, in a recent interview, one of the developers stated that they are planning the ending with characters being happy in mind, which is what I'd like to see after 20+ years. For the characters to discover happiness and peace. This includes Sephiroth. Finding a peaceful way to break free from Jenova and his anger once and for all.

👋 @pen-and-umbra

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

do u have any advice for getting better at analyzing and deconstructing text? i look up to you in the ways that you are able to break things down so sharply

Hi there!

So at least with this, I am falling back on to what I had been taught regarding literature analysis and which I learned to first and foremost rely on for a technical level and execution of these techniques for a work over the personal enjoyment I derived and interpretation which can be later, or the fandom fun part. (This is just how I have learned and how I implement analysis it can work for others it might not)

1 Ask Questions.

What's the plot, what plot arcs take place through the work, what happened in the chapter, what was said, what was the consequences of inaction or actions performed by the character(s)?

2 Collect Evidence.

What evidence from text (passages, narrative point of view, dialogue) supports the answers to my questions.

3 Construct a Thesis. What do the actions of the characters mean and how does the text reflect this in order for me to be able to support what happened and why the character reacted as they had in retaliation. How does this support the themes you are presenting in your thesis and what you are trying to confirm

4 Develop and Organize evidence to support your thesis cohesively.

And of course you want to make sure you have your usual literary devices understood and how these are implemented throughout novels. It all also comes down to what sort of analysis theory you like.

Mimetic Theories (interested in the relationship between the Work and the Universe). Pragmatic Theories (interested in the relationship between the Work and the Audience). Expressive Theories (interested in the relationship between the Work and the Artist). Objective Theories (interested in close reading of the Work). I tend to veer to Objective Theory mostly and keep analytical approaches contained to the works only.

Do feel free to ask anything for this! I love discussing general analysis regarding any sort of fictional mediums, and have fun yourself with implementing this sort of thing!

And thank you as well for liking my bits and pieces I put out, I'm just too invested with literature and how they come to life in so many ways.

[slidecraft-solutions]

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[hi-there-cat]

⭐️ Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase - 4 / 5 stars ⭐️

Themes: Fantasy, War, Sapphic

I’m kinda struggling to write a review of this book. I liked reading it, I thought it was quite well-paced, I liked the characters, I liked the premise and how it was executed. But something feels slightly off? But I can’t really identify what. 

As I just said, I liked the premise; The princess is sent away to live in isolation after her father, the king, has her mother executed because she allegedly commited adultery. All while he has a bastard son, who is younger than the princess, running around the palace. The princess grows up with hardly any human contact, until a foreign warlord takes over the city she’s kept in. He captures her and offers that she can have revenge on her father by marrying him and ‘helping’ take over her country. Also it’s sapphic. 

I love this premise. I also quite enjoyed the execution of the premise. I loved reading this book. There were parts where I genuinely bawled my eyes out, and parts where I was incredibly on edge because I was afraid something would go wrong. But at no point during reading was I truly and fully immersed in this world. At first I thought that this perceived distance was a stylistic choice by the author, representing the main character’s own perspective of her world - a world that she’d only experienced at a distance, high up in a tower, watching through her window, for the last 10 years. And maybe that was indeed the author’s intent, but even so, it just ends up feeling weird.

What contributed to this feeling were the many time-jumps scattered throughout the story. There are so many instances where something happens, followed by ‘and 3 weeks later…’. This is, I find, most egregious whenever Vita acquires a new skill. When her and Soline are messing around with alchemy, it describes their first try, and then continues with something along the lines of ‘and they continued messing around with alchemy for the next 2 weeks, and were never successful’, which just took me out of the story. This is a commonly used technique, obviously, cause the reader doesn’t need to see one scene repeated over and over again, with only small differences everytime. But something about the way these kinds of scenes are handled in this book just made them stick out in a way that they usually don’t in other books.

I do also have positive things to say about this book though. The world-building isn’t particularly extensive, for example, there’s no complex magic system that needs explaining, but world-building does happen is very good. I hate it when I’m reading a fantasy book and I come across a sentence that is just a blatantly obvious lore drop that catapults you out of the story to lecture you about the fantasy world’s fantasy elements. This book does not do that. The world’s history and rules are conveyed in a subtle way that means you don’t even notice when it happens because it just organically fits into the rest of the text.

The characters are another thing that I really liked about this. There is only a pretty small cast of important characters. The warlord manages to be unequivocally an asshole without ever veering off into being comically evil. The pace at which the romance develops is also great, it goes slow enough to feel organic, but fast enough to never get annoying. The focus isn’t just on the romantic relationship - the ties Vita forms with others in her orbit are well done too, and manage to do a lot of character-building with very few words.

[sktthemes1]

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Additionally, testimonials and reviews from happy clients can be displayed prominently, helping build trust and credibility with potential customers. People are more likely to hire someone who has proven results—and this theme helps you present them effectively.

Fast Loading Speed for a Smooth Experience

Speed is a crucial factor for any website. If your site takes too long to load, visitors will quickly leave. Garden Care Lite is optimized for performance, ensuring that pages load quickly and efficiently. This not only improves user experience but also contributes positively to your SEO rankings.

A fast, responsive website means potential customers can explore your services quickly and easily—without frustrating delays.

Integration with Contact Forms and Plugins

One of the key goals of your website is to generate leads—and Garden Care Lite makes this easy. The theme supports popular contact form plugins, allowing you to create customized quote forms, consultation requests, or general inquiries. With contact forms built directly into your website, you’re making it easier for customers to reach out to you.

You can also integrate third-party plugins for social media feeds, photo galleries, testimonials, and more, enhancing the functionality of your site without compromising its performance.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Professionals

If you’re just starting your business or operating on a tight budget, Garden Care Lite is an ideal solution. This free theme offers professional design, key features, and customization flexibility—all at zero cost. You don’t need to invest in a premium theme or hire a web designer to get started.

It’s the perfect way to test your online strategy, start building your client base, and upgrade to more advanced features down the line if needed.

Conclusion

If you run a gardening, landscaping, or outdoor maintenance business, the Garden Care Lite theme offers everything you need to build a stunning and effective website. From mobile responsiveness and SEO optimization to easy customization and beautiful design, this theme helps you grow your brand and reach new clients. Start your journey today with the Free Garden Care WordPress Theme and turn your gardening expertise into a thriving online business.

[decofilm]

Photo Gift Ideas For Any Occasion

Photo gift ideas can be an inspiration to mark any milestone in life or simply to provide someone with something of sentimental value that cannot be bought. The old expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words," holds true. A snapshot takes a moment in time and preserves it. It can close the gap between loved ones who are separated by great distances. A photograph is a true treasure that can carry a person down Memory Lane. When given as a present, it can become priceless.

Photo books have become extremely popular and are simple to make through a variety of companies. A person can go to various websites which specialize in photo products, download a selection of pictures, and then create a tailored gift. If access to the Internet is not possible, many stores have machines to develop pictures. Individuals also have the option of creating a book. The background can be selected page by page. Text can be entered as pictures are organized according to preference. The book can be softcover or hardcover. This is a wonderful way to share the excitement of a wedding with others, presenting loved ones with highlights from that special day. A child's journey from infancy to graduation can be presented in a book of family photos. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and retirement can be organized and preserved in a book. 

Gift baskets

Buy bestselling books online

Scrapbooking is another approach to creating a book of photos with a personal touch. Although it is more time-consuming, the imaginative individual who loves to produce a unique gift can really run with this idea. Craft and department stores have a host of materials to design scrapbooks from a variety of books, paper, and accents. Each page can be devoted to a different theme. Pictures can be scattered throughout as well as drawings, selections of writing, and every sort of decoration imaginable. A scrapbook proves that both thought and effort have been dedicated to that special someone.

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This is the age of technology and mobile devices are always attached at the hip. A perfect gift is a personalized photo case for iPhones and other brands. There are many companies that specialize in all things mobile, including customized cases. A memorable photograph will be in a loved one's hand every time there is a call.

Photo cards and photo stamps are also popular options. These are perfect for Christmas when it is time to send something different to the grandparents. A holiday scene with grandchildren can be caught in a card and popped in the mail. A matching stamp on the envelope adds a finishing touch. The card is likely to be framed and hung on the wall while the stamp is saved in a wallet. Pictures are a way to carry a loved one everywhere. Calendars, , playing cards, and   are just a few more photo gift ideas. A photo is a versatile gift that can be presented in a myriad of creative ways. Photographs warm the heart more than anything else that money can buy.

[aasimdom]

Build Ecommerce Website: A Complete Guide to Success

The ecommerce industry continues to expand rapidly, making it essential for businesses to establish an online presence. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, knowing how to build an ecommerce website is crucial for success. A well-structured ecommerce site allows businesses to sell products, reach a global audience, and maximize revenue. This guide covers everything from planning and development to optimization and marketing strategies.

1. Define Your Ecommerce Business Goals

Before creating your website, define your business goals. Identify your target audience, product niche, and business objectives. Consider factors like:

What products will you sell?

Who are your target customers?

What problems does your product solve?

What are your pricing and shipping strategies?

Having clear goals helps in making informed decisions throughout the website development process.

2. Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform

Selecting the right platform is one of the most critical steps in building an ecommerce website. Several platforms offer different features, including customization, scalability, and payment integration. Popular ecommerce platforms include:

Shopify – A user-friendly platform with built-in ecommerce features.

WooCommerce – A WordPress plugin offering flexibility and customization.

Magento – Suitable for large-scale ecommerce businesses with advanced requirements.

BigCommerce – A cloud-based platform ideal for growing businesses.

3. Register a Domain Name and Get Hosting

Your domain name represents your brand, so choose a name that is short, relevant, and easy to remember. After selecting a domain, choose a reliable hosting provider to ensure fast loading speeds and security. Popular hosting options include:

Bluehost

SiteGround

Hostinger

AWS (Amazon Web Services)

4. Design Your Ecommerce Website

A well-designed website enhances user experience and increases sales. Follow these best practices for an effective ecommerce site:

Use a clean and professional layout.

Ensure mobile responsiveness.

Implement easy navigation and search filters.

Highlight clear product images and descriptions.

Use a secure checkout process.

Many ecommerce platforms offer pre-built themes, but custom website design provides greater flexibility in branding and functionality.

5. Add Essential Features and Functionalities

To build an ecommerce website successfully, integrate features that enhance user experience and drive conversions:

Product Pages – Detailed descriptions, high-quality images, pricing, and customer reviews.

Shopping Cart and Checkout – A smooth, secure checkout process with multiple payment options.

User Accounts and Guest Checkout – Allow customers to create accounts or shop as guests.

Security Features – SSL certificates, encrypted transactions, and secure payment gateways.

Search and Filters – Make product discovery easier with search functionality and category filters.

6. Set Up Payment and Shipping Methods

A seamless payment process is vital for customer satisfaction. Integrate multiple payment gateways such as:

PayPal

Stripe

Razorpay

Square

UPI and Net Banking

For shipping, decide on delivery options like free shipping, flat-rate shipping, or real-time carrier rates. Partner with logistics companies like FedEx, DHL, or local courier services for smooth order fulfillment.

7. Optimize Your Ecommerce Website for SEO

SEO plays a crucial role in driving organic traffic to your ecommerce store. Optimize your site by:

Using relevant keywords in product descriptions and URLs.

Writing high-quality meta titles and descriptions.

Optimizing images with alt text.

Creating an internal linking structure.

Improving site speed and mobile responsiveness.

An SEO-optimized ecommerce website ranks higher in search engine results, attracting more potential customers.

8. Implement Marketing Strategies

Once your ecommerce website is live, use digital marketing strategies to increase visibility and drive sales.

Social Media Marketing:

Promote your products on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Use Instagram Shopping to allow direct purchases.

Engage with customers through social media ads and influencer marketing.

Email Marketing:

Send personalized emails for discounts and promotions.

Use abandoned cart emails to recover lost sales.

Provide regular newsletters with product updates and offers.

Content Marketing:

Start a blog to educate customers about your products.

Create video content showcasing product demonstrations.

Publish customer testimonials and case studies.

Paid Advertising:

Run Google Ads and Facebook Ads for targeted audience reach.

Use retargeting ads to convert visitors into customers.

Leverage influencer collaborations for brand promotion.

9. Enhance Customer Support and Experience

Providing excellent customer support boosts customer trust and loyalty. Offer multiple support channels like:

Live chat

Email support

Phone support

AI chatbots

Encourage customers to leave reviews and address their queries promptly. Excellent customer service can lead to repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

10. Monitor and Improve Performance

After launching your ecommerce website, track its performance using analytics tools such as:

Google Analytics – To monitor visitor behavior, traffic sources, and conversions.

Google Search Console – To track search rankings and site performance.

Heatmap Tools (Hotjar, Crazy Egg) – To analyze user interactions.

A/B Testing – To test different layouts and marketing strategies.

Regular analysis helps in making necessary improvements to increase traffic and sales.

Conclusion

Building an ecommerce website requires careful planning, design, and marketing strategies. By following this guide, you can create a high-performing ecommerce store that attracts customers and generates sales. Focus on user experience, SEO optimization, and digital marketing to stay ahead in the competitive ecommerce landscape. Start your ecommerce journey today and establish a successful online business.

[wordpressblogsblog]

WordPress SEO Best Practices for 2024 - Improve Your Site’s Ranking

Introduction

WordPress remains one of the top platforms for building websites, and optimizing your site for SEO is essential in 2024. Whether you're managing a blog, business website, or online store, SEO can make or break your online presence. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective WordPress SEO best practices for the year, especially for those working with WordPress development agencies or managing their own WordPress websites.

1. Install the Best SEO Plugins

A quick way to improve your WordPress website’s SEO is by using the right plugins. Tools like Yoast SEO and RankMath simplify the process of optimizing your pages and posts.

Yoast SEO - This plugin helps you manage SEO basics like meta tags and readability.

RankMath - A powerful tool with features like rich snippets and SEO performance tracking.

These plugins make it easier to optimize your site, even if you’re not an SEO expert.

2. Ensure Your Site is Mobile-Friendly

With mobile-first indexing in play, ensuring your WordPress website is optimized for mobile is non-negotiable. Google rewards mobile-friendly sites with better rankings.

Responsive Themes - Choose themes that automatically adjust to different screen sizes.

Fast Load Times - A quick-loading site enhances both user experience and your SEO score.

Google prioritizes sites that offer a seamless mobile experience, so this step is crucial.

3. Optimize Your Content with Relevant Keywords

Keyword optimization is essential to ranking well on search engines. But today’s SEO isn’t about cramming in as many keywords as possible, it's about using them thoughtfully. For example, instead of repeating “WordPress development company” endlessly, mix it up with related phrases like “WordPress development services” or “custom WordPress development.”

The key is to make your content natural and easy to read while ensuring you still include relevant keywords in titles, headings, and throughout the text.

4. Boost Your Site’s Speed

A slow website can hurt your rankings. Google tends to favor fast-loading sites, so improving your page speed is important for both user experience and SEO.

Caching Plugins - Plugins like W3 Total Cache can significantly speed up your site.

Image Optimization - Compress images without sacrificing quality to improve load times.

The faster your site, the better your ranking will be.

5. Structure Your Content Properly

Search engines and users alike prefer organized content. Break up your posts with headings (H1, H2, H3) and include internal links to other pages on your site. This not only helps with SEO but also makes it easier for visitors to navigate your content.

For example, linking from your blog to your WordPress development services page can help improve your rankings.

6. Add Schema Markup

Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better, which can lead to rich snippets in search results. If you’re offering WordPress website services, adding schema markup for your services can make your listing more eye-catching in search results.

Schema markup helps your website stand out and gives search engines more context about your pages.

7. Create High-Quality Content and Earn Backlinks

Content still drives SEO. Focus on creating valuable, engaging content that resonates with your audience. If you offer WordPress website services, writing in-depth guides or case studies can help you build credibility and authority.

Building backlinks from reputable sites is another way to boost your SEO. Consider guest posting or collaborating with other sites in the WordPress space to earn quality backlinks.

Conclusion

By applying these WordPress development services and SEO best practices, you can significantly improve your site’s ranking in 2024. Whether you work with a WordPress development company or manage your own site’s SEO, these simple strategies will help you stay ahead of the competition and ensure your website performs well in search engines.

[adhaiwell]

How to Optimize Outdoor Rental Transparent LED Displays for Events

I. Introduction

- Briefly introduce the importance of outdoor rental transparent LED displays in events.

- Mention the challenges and opportunities in optimizing their performance.

II. Technical Optimization

A. Display Settings

- Adjusting brightness according to different lighting conditions (daytime sunlight, evening ambient light).

- Calibrating color temperature and contrast for vivid and accurate visuals.

- Setting the appropriate refresh rate to avoid flickering during dynamic content playback.

B. Connectivity and Signal Management

- Ensuring stable wired (Ethernet, fiber optic) or wireless (WiFi, 5G) connections.

- Using signal repeaters or boosters if necessary to cover large event areas.

- Managing signal interference issues in crowded event environments.

C. Software Updates and Compatibility

- Regularly updating the display's control software for improved functionality.

- Ensuring compatibility with different media players and content management systems.

- Testing new software features before events to avoid glitches.

III. Physical Setup Optimization

A. Location and Placement

- Selecting the optimal viewing angles based on the event layout and audience seating.

- Considering wind direction and protection when placing displays outdoors.

- Avoiding obstructions that could block the view of the display.

B. Mounting and Support Structures

- Choosing the right type of mounts (fixed, mobile, hanging) based on the event type.

- Ensuring the stability of support structures to withstand wind, vibration, and accidental impacts.

- Checking and maintaining the integrity of mounting hardware regularly.

C. Power Supply Management

- Calculating the power requirements accurately based on the display size and usage duration.

- Using backup power sources (generators, UPS systems) for uninterrupted operation during power outages.

- Implementing power distribution systems to prevent overloading.

IV. Content Optimization

A. Tailoring Content to the Event

- Designing content that matches the theme and atmosphere of the event (e.g., a concert-themed display for a music festival).

- Incorporating event - specific information such as schedules, performer names, and sponsor logos.

B. Visual Design Principles

- Using high - resolution images, videos, and graphics for better clarity.

- Applying appropriate text sizes and fonts for readability from a distance.

- Maintaining a consistent visual style throughout the content.

C. Interactive and Dynamic Content

- Incorporating interactive elements like touch - enabled features if possible.

- Creating dynamic content with animations, transitions, and real - time data feeds (e.g., live event statistics).

V. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Optimization

A. Regular Maintenance Checks

- Inspecting the display panels for physical damage, dead pixels, or loose connections.

- Cleaning the display surface to maintain optimal clarity.

- Checking the functionality of cooling systems to prevent overheating.

B. Spare Parts and Emergency Kits

- Stocking essential spare parts such as LED modules, power supplies, and cables.

- Preparing emergency repair kits with tools and quick - fix solutions.

- Training staff on basic repair and replacement procedures.

C. Troubleshooting Guides

- Developing comprehensive troubleshooting guides for common issues (e.g., signal loss, display artifacts).

- Having remote monitoring systems in place to detect problems early.

- Establishing communication channels with technical support teams during events.

VI. Conclusion

- Summarize the key points of optimizing outdoor rental transparent LED displays for events.

- Emphasize the benefits of proper optimization in enhancing the event experience.

- Encourage event organizers to implement these optimization strategies for successful events.

[kaberriveraltar]

Timeless Wisdom: The Inspiring Power of the Bible in Personal and Social Transformation

Throughout history, the Bible has stood as a profound source of inspiration, guidance, and wisdom. Its influence stretches far beyond religious spheres, impacting literature, law, philosophy, and individual lives around the world. For millions, the Bible is more than just a book; it is a beacon of hope, a foundation of values, and a guide for moral and spiritual development. In this essay, we will delve into the significance of biblical inspiration, examining why this ancient text continues to be a wellspring of insight and strength.

The Timeless Nature of Biblical Wisdom

One reason the Bible remains inspirational is its timeless wisdom. Regardless of the era, its teachings address universal human experiences—love, suffering, joy, and justice—that resonate across ages and cultures. For instance, the parables of Jesus provide moral lessons that are still applicable today, teaching humility, compassion, and forgiveness. These timeless values continue to serve as a moral compass, inspiring individuals and societies to strive for justice, peace, and kindness.

Consider the impact of the Bible on social reformers throughout history. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. drew heavily from biblical teachings, particularly the message of love and equality, to promote civil rights and social justice. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech echoes themes found in prophetic books like Isaiah, where visions of harmony and equity provide a rallying cry for change. Through such figures, the Bible's influence is evident in real-world transformations that align with its vision of a just society.

A Guide for Personal Growth and Inner Peace

Biblical inspiration is also profound on a personal level. Many turn to the Bible as a source of solace during difficult times, finding strength in its promises of peace and hope. The book of Psalms, for instance, offers comfort and assurance to those in pain, reminding readers that they are not alone and that God is a refuge. Psalm 23, which begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," has been a balm for countless individuals seeking peace amid turmoil.

In addition to comfort, the Bible encourages personal growth and self-reflection. Through its narratives and teachings, individuals are challenged to examine their lives, consider their purpose, and grow spiritually. For example, the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs addresses practical aspects of life, like how to manage anger, build healthy relationships, and cultivate integrity. By guiding readers toward a life of moral integrity and inner strength, the Bible becomes a transformative tool for personal growth.

Inspiration for Collective and Community Values

Beyond the individual, the Bible provides a foundation for shared values within communities and societies. The ethical teachings found in the Ten Commandments, for example, have shaped legal systems and moral standards worldwide. Principles such as honoring one’s parents, refraining from theft, and respecting life and property form a basis for community ethics and laws. This foundation promotes social order and a sense of mutual respect among individuals.

In the early Christian communities, the principles of sharing, compassion, and love for one’s neighbor fostered a unique community identity that emphasized collective well-being over individual gain. These early believers lived out the teachings of Christ by supporting each other, laying the groundwork for what we now understand as the charitable and humanitarian spirit of Christian communities. This legacy continues in the countless charitable organizations, food banks, hospitals, and schools founded on biblical principles of service and compassion.

Real-World Examples of Biblical Impact

Real-world examples illustrate the Bible's lasting impact on modern society. For instance, during the abolitionist movement in the 18th and 19th centuries, reformers like William Wilberforce invoked the biblical principle that all people are created in the image of God to argue for the equality and freedom of enslaved people. This application of biblical principles contributed to the eventual end of slavery in many parts of the world, showcasing the Bible’s power to inspire moral change on a large scale.

Similarly, the Bible’s impact on literature and art is immense. Writers like Leo Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Shakespeare frequently drew on biblical themes to explore human nature, morality, and redemption. These works highlight how the Bible has inspired some of the world’s greatest literary minds, who in turn have inspired generations of readers to reflect on deep, spiritual truths.

Encouraging Exploration of the Bible’s Inspirational Power

Given the Bible’s rich legacy of inspiration and guidance, exploring it with an open heart can be a deeply rewarding experience. For those who seek purpose, the Bible’s pages provide a map for self-discovery and a source of encouragement. Reading it through the lens of personal growth, ethics, or community can reveal insights applicable to modern life. By approaching the Bible not merely as a religious text, but as a treasure of timeless wisdom, one can uncover powerful lessons that resonate beyond the constraints of time and place.

Ultimately, the Bible’s inspiration endures because it speaks to the deepest parts of the human experience. It does not shy away from the complexity of human emotions or the difficult questions of life; instead, it offers pathways to understanding and healing. From figures who sacrificed for justice to individuals finding comfort in Psalms, the Bible stands as a testament to humanity's highest aspirations and to the power of faith to inspire, transform, and unite. In a world searching for meaning, the Bible remains a source of hope and a call to live a life guided by love, justice, and compassion.

In exploring the Bible, one is not only reading ancient words but engaging with a living inspiration that has shaped individuals and societies for centuries—and that continues to hold the power to inspire today.

[software2013]

How to Make a Website: 5 Key Steps

Define Your Purpose and Goals:

Description: Before diving into the technical aspects, clearly define the purpose of your website. Are you creating a blog, an online store, a portfolio, or a business site? Establishing your goals will guide the design and functionality decisions you'll make throughout the process.

Choose a Domain Name and Hosting:

Description: Select a memorable and relevant domain name that represents your brand or business. Purchase the domain through a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Next, choose a reliable hosting provider, such as Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator, to store your website files and make them accessible online.

Design Your Website:

Description: Plan your website's layout and design. You can use website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress with customizable themes to create an attractive and functional site. Focus on a clean, user-friendly design with easy navigation, and ensure it's responsive for mobile devices.

Develop and Customize Your Content:

Description: Populate your website with high-quality, relevant content. This includes writing engaging text, uploading images, and adding multimedia elements. Customize the design and layout to match your brand's aesthetics and ensure the content is well-organized and easy to read.

Test and Launch Your Website:

Description: Before launching, thoroughly test your website to identify and fix any issues. Check for broken links, test the site's performance on different browsers and devices, and ensure all interactive elements function correctly. Once you're satisfied with the site's performance, publish it and make it live for your audience to access.

By following these steps, you can create a well-designed and functional website that meets your objectives and provides a great user experience. for more details visit best web development company in Calicut