#lily day

[paper-lilypie]

im 22 now :))

[storyofmychoices]

Flickers of Hope

[Levi Schuler x Laura Day Masterlist]

Characters: Levi Schuler, Lily Day (daughter) Book: Mother of the Year [Levi x F!MC] Rating/Warnings: General, no warnings but mentions of the war Word Count: >700 Tagging: Hannukah / Holiday for @choicesdecember2023; @choicesholidays ; @choicesficwriterscreations

Synopsis: Levi and Lily celebrate Hanukkah, despite some reluctance.

I can't thank the incredible ArtByAinna (IG) enough for this heartfelt and beautiful art.

A/N: Last year, I decided to get art of Levi for Hanukkah, but with everything happening, it felt disingenuous for Levi to celebrate cheerfully this year. I don't feel he is that kind of person. To me, he is someone who would despise what is going on and have deep empathy for all suffering. So I was grateful to Ainna for working with me to make a Hanukkah piece that while they're still celebrating, they're doing so with a heavy heart. I hope the fic shows this as well.

As she let herself in from school, Lily moved through the familiar rooms of their home with purpose. She glanced around the usual spot where the menorah stood proudly in anticipation of Hanukkah’s arrival, but it wasn’t there. Her brow furrowed in confusion. She had noticed its absences in the previous days leading up to today, but she reasoned that perhaps Levi had decided to keep it tucked away to keep the menorah safe from her younger brother Lucas, whose curious hands tended to explore anything within reach. But, today was the start of Hanukkah, and the menorah was still not on display. Sunset would be approaching soon. 

Lily carefully went through the closet, sifting through a few boxes before finding the right one. Her fingertips brushed over the cool metal menorah as she delicately pulled it from its container. With tender care, Lily placed the menorah on the table near a big window. This way, all could see its light.

With the menorah finally set, Lily gleefully sought out Levi, her steps brimming with excitement to showcase her efforts. "I found something you seemed to have forgotten!" She smiled, nudging his attention toward the menorah. "But don't worry, I know Lucas's terrible twos are keeping everyone busy, so I got you covered, Dad." 

Levi managed a half-hearted smile. "I didn't forget. I was thinking about skipping this year."

"Skipping it? Hanukkah?" Lily's voice raised with curious concern. "Why would you do that?"

"It's really only a minor religious holiday—" His hand rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Besides the latkes... it's not as important as some of the other days. And with Lucas... and Christmas..." 

His words trailed away. He knew none of the reasons he rambled off had anything to do with the true reason he was hesitant to celebrate this year. His heart broke for those caught in the ongoing fighting taking place. He felt guilty celebrating with all that was going on when so much had been lost, and so many lives had been taken. There were no victors in war, only losses. And the toll this war had already taken was too much. He mourned the unnecessary bloodshed and the lives that were forever changed. He didn't know how lighting a candle was going to help anyone.

Her small hand slipped into his, offering a gentle squeeze. She knew without needing to hear it. She had seen his pain over the past several weeks. The horrors the news showed. "Maybe now is exactly the time to celebrate Hanukkah," Lily offered softly, her eyes meeting his with bright compassion. "Didn't you once tell me Hanukkah was about light triumphing over darkness and about spreading hope? I think the world could use a little more hope, especially right now. Don't you?"

He wrapped his arm lovingly around his daughter. He knew she was the most brilliant child he had ever met, and yet she still surprised him. Her kindness, empathy, and, most of all, hope for a brighter tomorrow were something the world could do with a little more of.

He swallowed hard, holding back the tears that threatened to form in his eyes. "I think you might be right, Rocket."

"I usually am," she teased, hugging him back. "We can do it together."

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

Once the sun set beyond the horizon, Lily placed the first of the candles in its holder. Together, she and Levi recited the first two Hanukkah blessings. As Lily held the shamash candle, Levi carefully lit it. Together, they gently guided the helper candle to light the candle all the way to the right on the menorah and recited the third blessing. A somber tone filled their voices, knowing that while they were thanking God for keeping them alive and sustained, that sentiment couldn't be shared by all. They added their own fourth blessing: a prayer, a hope for peace for those living in turmoil.

Levi held his daughter lovingly in his arms as they watched the flickering flames of two small candles cast light around them. Even though they were only two, they still had the power to make a difference, and tonight they would focus on that. They would hope for better days and cherish what they had for as long as they could, vowing to carry the flame of hope with them through any darkness yet to come.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this to be a good representation of Levi and what he might be experiencing and feeling at this time!

Happy Hanukkah to all those who are celebrating!

(oh, and I finally named Levi and Laura's son Lucas, keeping with the L theme!)

[sweetbottletops]

Arai Sumiko's one-shot Makoto no Momoka / まことのももか (Yuri Hime vol 116 - 11/2021) was recently posted in English onto one of the usual places (suddenly not sure where I read it originally back in the day then if not there...hmm. No matter.) so it's been nice to see a lot of new people running across it for the first time. Also a reminder to finally pick that issue up as it's on Amazon Japan still.

I usually make a mad dash to well drawn yuri with adult characters which is what Agu was known for more prior to the green manga (tho Joe and Kanna are a nice inclusion). And an added bonus is this isn't in the office lady genre either.

Momoka (a bartender / prince type) gets into a casual relationship with Makoto (a frequent patron / player of hearts) and this continues as Momoko opens up her own bar. "Momoka" is a cute feminine name the bartender feels doesn't suit her and "Makoto" is gender neutral-to-masculine name and when she opens up her own bar they swap names as their little secret.

It seems to publically suit them both better on the surface. She even names the bar "Makoto". None of the regulars know they are involved at all. They both passively watch how the other is perceived. "Makoto-kun" has her own following a year after opening the bar. Her new name fitting her well.

"Momoka" sits on the side and watches the bartender at work.

The only thing publically staying the same for the year is "Makoto-kun" serving at the bar and "Momoka" sat off to the side watching.

"Momoka" uses the cute name when she picks up guys at the bar. She's never romantically serious and always leaving a trail of hearts. All of her bar relationships are shallow and fleeting. "Makoto-kun" is starting to feel a certain way about it.

They are both watching each other waaaaay too closely in public for it to be truly nothing between them. Past understandings aside.

Privately they are very domestic.

Privately they use their proper names with each other and that dynamic suits them very well romantically. Ahem.

But after a year of this there's friction between this public / private persona business. "Makoto-kun" feels "Momoka's" increasing affection (Agu knows how to apply the rizz to characters) and wonders if she's just getting a dose of whatever those bar patrons experience before eventually getting dumped. Meanwhile "Momoka" has obviously been breaking her own pattern by staying around for a whole year so this is different for her too.

Since this is Agu there's misunderstandings, blow ups, but also characters actually talk too and that part doesn't drag out. I mean it's a one-shot so of course nothing can drag too long, but it has a nice ending I feel.

The name exchange can trip you up in a first read through, but once you catch on to the game they're playing with names and gender it really feels perfect.

[toorumlk]

a beautiful little family.

He was about to go home, about to return to the place where he had had a family […] The life he had lost had hardly ever seemed so real to him as at this moment, when he knew he was about to see the place where it had been taken from him. (chapter 16, dh)

[storyofmychoices]

Why do I feel like this would be Lily's aesthetic when she grows up

[grungeouttakesabstracts]

Window with day lilies

Montpeler, Vermont -- 7/3/13

[idolomantises]

Sera and Lillian

[Webtoon / Tapas / Patreon]

[mycupofrum]

Day 13 – Funeral

Padfoot on the run makes a stop at Godrick's Hollow.

He never got to attend their funeral.

Prompt list

[storyofmychoices]

Lily (MotY daughter) would need this! It looks amazing! 💖💖💖

Fantasy Berry Meringue Layer Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

300 grams of all-purpose flour

300 grams of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

A pinch of salt

4 large eggs

240 ml of buttermilk

120 ml of vegetable oil

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Food coloring in violet, blue, and pink

For the Meringue:

4 large egg whites

200 grams of caster sugar

1 teaspoon of cornstarch

1 teaspoon of white vinegar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

500 ml of heavy cream

50 grams of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

Fresh strawberries, halved

Fresh blueberries

Fresh raspberries

Edible gold leaf (optional)

Edible pearls or colored sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Make the Cake Layers:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease and line three 20 cm (8 inch) cake pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Divide the batter into three bowls. Color each one with a different food coloring.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Meringue:

Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla extract, and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form.

Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Keep the frosting chilled until you're ready to assemble the cake.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over it.

Top with the second cake layer and spread another layer of whipped cream.

Add the final cake layer and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of whipped cream, smoothing it out. This is your crumb coat.

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Decorate the Cake:

After chilling, cover the cake with another layer of whipped cream frosting, creating a smooth surface or swirling texture as you prefer.

Pipe meringue peaks on the top of the cake.

Garnish the cake with fresh berries, edible pearls, and gold leaf if using.

6. Final Touches:

Use a culinary torch to lightly toast the meringue peaks until golden.

Drizzle some melted white chocolate or a fruit coulis over the meringue and berries for extra decadence.

7. Serve:

Let the cake set in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Slice and enjoy your Fantasy Berry Meringue Layer Cake!

[l3viat8an]

You can never tell Mammon you’re cold because he can’t act fucking normal for five minutes- rather then giving you his jacket he tries to zip you in with him, telling you to put your arms in the sleeves with his and that his body heat will keep you warmer anyway :)

[birdmans]

[paper-lilypie]

Happy birthday, sweetling! I hope you have the most glorious of days today, regardless of what you decide to do! I've always enjoyed seeing you on my dash and in my activity feed, and your sweet personality makes me smile on TOP of your beautiful art! I hope the sun shines on your soul all day, enjoy yourself!

SHUT UPPPP NO YOURE SWEET

[storyofmychoices]

Happy Mother's Day to Laura!

Laura is just the most incredible and strong mother. She endured so much to keep and protect her daughter! I hate Guy but I absolutely love this book and these characters!

Thank you to the absolutely lovely @bayleedraws-sometimesx for this adorable minimalist art of this beautiful family!

[Levi Schuler x Laura Day Masterlist]

[moths-daily]

Moth Of The Day #212

Lily Moth / Indian Lily Moth

Polytela gloriosae

From the noctuidae family. They have a wingspan of about 29 mm. They are found in Sri Lanka and possibly Indonesia.

Image sources: [1] [2]

[nothingtoseeherebyeexx]

the beginning of a beautiful friendship

part one

[nutsack90]

shes already starting to infest my laptop