#lovealexhunt

[storyofmychoices]

my home was never a place, it was a person; it was you.

I just love how soft and peaceful this art by the always amazing @wisejazz is. Mal and Daenarya look so relaxed despite the constant danger surrounding them in saving the realm. As long as they have each other, they can face anything!

[Mal Volari x Daenarya Blades 1 + Beyond] [Mal’s Orphanage] [Mal Volari x Daenarya Blades 2 AU]

September has been such a challenging month for me. There were moments I honestly didn't think I was going to make it, but I did. This art was one that definitely made me smile and brought some comfort through the month. I wish I had time or energy to give them the story they deserve to go with this but for now I wanted to share the art. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[lovealexhunt]

If you've followed me for any length of time, you would know that mental health awareness and suicide prevention are two topics that I hold very close to my heart.

I've struggled with depression and anxiety since I was a child. My parents didn't believe in mental health challenges and so my struggles were ignored and I was made to feel as though my struggles weren't real and something was wrong with me. I buried my mental health issues, hiding behind a mask of perfectionism and over-achieving. Those I saw in school or work, never know how greatly I struggled. However, hiding how I felt only made things worse and I struggled with suicide thoughts and attempts for a few years before finally seeing a doctor to get help.

I take medication for both depression and anxiety. These medications help take the edge off but they're not a cure. They aren't a magic pill that makes everything okay again. But they help and for that I am grateful.

I still struggle with depression and anxiety on a daily basis. There are days when the suicide thoughts creep back out, but through my experiences and working to raise awareness, I feel strong enough to remind myself they are just thoughts and I don't have to act on them. I hope that if it ever got that bad again, I would use some of the strategies from above: focusing on creative works, reaching out to others, trying to find reasons to be grateful.

Thinking positively or thinking "happy thoughts" is not easy. Sometimes I see and encouraging quote and they make me mad because I can't feel that way right now, but I still save them, because maybe tomorrow, that little reminder will be just what i need.

If you know me, I believe in the small little acts to make a difference. I've been making mental health awareness and suicide prevention posts for several years now, but I don't think I've ever had an image dedicated to small acts of kindness.

We don't know what anyone is facing (in person or virtually/online). With some, spotting signs of depression and suicidal tendencies is easier to spot. These individuals display more common signs and symptoms. But there are many more people who are high-functioning. On the surface, they seem put together, but underneath they are struggling. It is because of this that I so strongly believe in little acts of kindness: sending an encouraging word, checking in on others, giving little compliments here and there... these are small things, but you never know how big of an impact they can make.

Please continue to raise and spread awareness for depression and suicide prevention. It's only together that we can make a difference.

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

💖I Dream of [Thomas &] Alex 💖

I am BEYOND blown away by this stunning art of my forever OTP Thomas and Alex as Jeannie and Major Nelson from I Dream of Jeannie by the always amazing @callmebeem. I've honestly been squealing and giggling like an idiot since I saw it!

I Dream of Jeannie was my first favorite tv show. Jeannie and Tony were my first OTP (I didn't even know what an OTP was at the time, but I loved them with my entire being). I vividly remember watching the show in Kindergarten and First Grade (on Nick at Night and TVland hehe). I was glued to the tv in complete awe of the magic and wonder and possibility that Jeannie brought. Her joy was absolutely infectious. And with all sitcoms, no matter how bad things were in the episode, things always worked out in the end.

When I was in first grade, I experienced my first trauma. And as a result, I suffered my first bout of depression following that. Jeannie was the only thing that could even make me hint at a smile for a long time. I know that looking back at the show, it has a lot of flaws and is not something that could ever air today, but I didn't see any of that. I saw hope and I saw joy and that is what I needed.

I've carried them with me my whole life. I binged the series again over the summer so it felt like the perfect time to commission this art for Thomas and Alex at Halloween.

While I know they have a lot of differences, I love that Thomas and Alex have a little bit of Tony and Jeannie in them. Thomas and Tony both put their career first. It was all that really mattered to them. Until one day, fate brought a little ray of sunshine with just a touch of mischief into their lives to turn everything upside down. And only when they risk losing their ladies do they realize how much more they matter than their career.

Jeannie and Tony saved me when I was younger. Alex and Thomas saved me several years ago, when I didn't think I could go on another day. I found them, and they gave me hope. I can't promise I would be here if it weren't for them, so I am so eternally grateful for finding them and later this fandom.

If you made it this far, thank you. I love you and I appreciate you!

Just a note about the art/Alex's Hair

I know Jeannie has blonde hair (and her "evil" sister has brown). I had considered Alex wearing a wig, but, before Barbra Eden was cast as Jeannie, the studio wanted Jeannie to be a brunette to stand out from Samantha (Bewitched), so I felt it was okay for Alex to keep her hair.

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Masterlists] [Halex Commission tag]

[missameliep]

Choices Spread Kindness - Day One: Choices Fandom Shoutout Day

I've joined the Choices fandom in October 2018, after months seeing random posts, fanart and fanfic while googling some of the books I was reading at the time. I've never thought a silly app I installed to distract myself during many sleepless nights when my daughter was still a baby would bring me here and allow me to meet so many wonderful human beings!

Some people have deactivated over the years or moved on from this fandom, but still had an impact on me and I'm grateful for every single one of them. Even if I'm not so active anymore, and barely read new books in the past years, the Choices fandom will always be special since in the most wonderful and unexpected way it allowed me to find so many talented, kind, loving and interesting people, it offered me the chance to meet people who live so far away and make good friends.

So, I'd like to take the chance to thank you all who in any way supported my writing, made me smile with your posts and jokes, amazed me with your fanfics and fanart (I'll never get over the fact there are so many spectacularly talented artists in this small fandom of ours!), for all the lovely messages, for making me reflect on important matters etc. I'm grateful for every single one of you, and I apologise in advance if I forget someone.

And, of course, a special thank you to the lovely host @lovealexhunt - You're such a gem and we're so lucky to have you around! Thank you for constantly organizing these events to keep the fandom going, thinking of others and just spreading kindness. Your posts about mental health are so informative and I have said it before, but I appreciate every single kind message you sent and others, and I hope you receive all this love back.

Tagging all the people who made my experience in this fandom much better with your support (to me and other creators), by organizing events and hyping other creators, or just by being kind (even if we never talked) and who deserve appreciation:

@princess-geek @lorirwritesfanfic @rosesnink @aallotarenunelma @annie-napier @brightpinkpeppercorn @i-put-the-sin-in-sinclaire @lilyoffandoms @lizzybeth1986 @ezekielbhandarivalleros @alj4890 @dalishessence @jerzwriter @peonierose @ladylamrian @kingliam2019 @kyra75 @cashweasel @lou-who-writes @musicallisto @retvenkos @aerinisback @trappedinfanfiction @thequeenofpixels @homeformyheart @dcbbw @angelasscribbles @mrsnazariowrites @ritachacha

[choicesbookclub]

In the heart of Cordonia's grand ballroom, an eclectic cast of characters gathers, their lives interwoven as a result of a shocking turn of events. Trystan Thorne, the exiled prince with a taste for mystery, Olivia Nevrakis, the snarky Duchess skilled with daggers, Tyril Starfury, the noble elf Lord with magical abilities, Amalas, the enigmatic spy queen, and Prince Hamid, the charming and formal imperial prince. Amidst the grand party of the birth of King Liam's third heir, Princess Ariana, the joyous celebration is broken by a piercing scream, a dead body, and a room full of royal suspects.

Join the adventure starting July 21st and see if you can uncover the secrets of Shadows and Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery.

This fic is approximately 3K* words but will be released into several smaller sections beginning July 21 and ending on July 24 (National and International Private Investigators Day). Each section will give you a little bit of the information to hopefully give you time to analyze the clues yourself and decide if you can figure out the mystery before the end!

I am thinking about doing a giveaway for anyone who participates!!!

Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this event, I'll start a tag list if you are. You do not need to be participating in our Crimes of Passion Book Club to join in, especially since it includes characters from numerous choices books.

Also, if you have ideas for other events, games, quizzes, questions, anything else we an do to celebrate National Private Investigation Day as it relates to the book club, please let me know!

*It's 5K as of this update, but I only completed the second draft. The length might increase as I revise it. 🙈

[choicesfandomappreciation]

Daenarya

Art by CoffeesForChloe (Insta)

To: @storyofmychoices From: Anonymous 🖤

Thank you for participating in the Trick or Treat event and for helping brightens someone's day.

[dutifullynuttywitch]

Just a quick reminder that someone is thinking of you today. I hope you feel all the good vibes and know that you’re appreciated! 💛 (PS—drink some water)

Thank you Dani!! Thinking of you right now and sending you a big virtual hug!! 💛🥰

[artfulchoiceswithdani]

This blog is simply a space for me to reblog my art commissions and my attempt to art from my other blogs in order to put all the art in one place. 💛

Directory:

💚 Most Recent Art: 2024

💙 My Commissions

💜 My Attempts to Art

💖 Writing Masterlists

🩶 Artist Recs

My Choices Blogs:

❤️ Main: @lovealexhunt

🧡 Thomas Hunt specific: @theartoflovingthomashunt

💛 General Choices + most fanfic: @storyofmychoices

[choicesficwriterscreations]

September MC & OCs of the Month - Special Edition: Ales Spencer Hunt

Help us in welcoming September's MCs and OCs of the month! That's right, plural! Most months, CFWC highlights one randomly selected MC or OC from our Meet My MC / OC List. (More info here.) But this month, we're doing something different.

In August, @lilyoffandoms hosted a Writers Appreciation Month, and we announced the September Writer of the Month would be selected from its participants. But all participants agreed - Lily deserved the honor! Still, we wanted to do something nice for the eleven writers who elected to participate to help uplift other writers in the fandom. So, this month, each of the eleven participants will have one of their MCs or OCs highlighted.

We will introduce each MC / OC individually, and once all eleven have been highlighted, a masterlist for the month will be created. We hope you enjoy getting to know all about them!

The sixth MC of the Month is @lovealexhunt's Alex Spencer Hunt.

Learn more about Alex below...

In your own words, tell us what you like most about your MC. 

Alex was the first MC I wrote about in the PB universe. Alex got me writing again. She got me interested in fan fiction again. She brought this whole world into my life. I had lurked in the Choices fandom before, but it wasn’t until I started writing for Alex (and Thomas) that I really stepped out of the shadows to join. I love Alex and Thomas more than I can express. They have my whole heart. They inspired me to take a chance to join a community, to try writing again, and to make new friends. Without them, I probably wouldn’t be here today. What I love most about Alex and Thomas (because they go together) is they saved me and gave me something to aspire toward. The life she created is absolutely beautiful, and I hope that I can be even half as lucky as her! Alex gives me hope. 

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

Alex and I definitely have several similarities. Our biggest similarity is her love of coffee and all things caffeine. Alex sometimes carries 2-3 coffees with her just in case, and I may… also do that… I mean, can you really have too much coffee? No. No, you can not! Alex also loves animals, like I do. She rescued a black lab, Bogart, who is the most precious, goodest boy ever. I also have a black lab mix that I rescued. She believes in leaving the world a better place than she found it, even if it’s by doing small things, like picking up a piece of trash or pushing a shopping cart back. We both enjoy quiet moments at home with family. We also enjoy watching movies snuggled on the couch.

Alex is more outgoing and social than I am. I definitely struggle more with making friends and taking control of situations than she does. I am far more of an overthinker than she is. She can get in her own head, but she also knows how to get out of her own way; I definitely just get stuck in my head sometimes.

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

Alex’s family is absolutely the most important thing to her. She loves Thomas, and her whole heart belonged to him until the day she met her twins. Felicity and Vincent are her entire world. She would do anything to protect them and keep them safe. Thomas and Alex decided that they would alternate projects between them so only one of them would work at a time so that they could be present parents. They love their careers, but with the demanding hours on set and the travel anywhere in the world, they never wanted to be apart or have their children raised by nannies, so this was their solution. The twins are their first thought in anything they do. 

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes? 

Alex has an irrational fear of frogs (another thing we have in common 🙈), so that is definitely her biggest dislike. 

Some of her pet peeves are paparazzi (especially once the twins are born), bad coffee (it’s the worst), and unrealistic beauty standards. Alex refuses to have her photos highly photoshopped/edited because of the unrealistic beauty standards set by the industry. If a magazine does edit her photos, she always releases the unedited ones to show the world what is real, especially after the twins are born. She hates that mothers are embarrassed by their post-pregnancy bodies. Everyone is different, and everyone is beautiful! 

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be? 

Alex would probably want to save her father. He died when she was 12 of a heart attack. He was in good shape, so it was completely unexpected. However, after years of wishing to change the past, Alex has realized that it is both the good and the bad that help define us. She desperately wished her father could have walked her down the aisle at her wedding, or met Thomas and their children/his grandchildren, but if she saved her father… then she may not have turned to acting as a source of comfort and to explore her feelings and then, she may never have met Thomas, and her world would be less whole without the life they built. So, in short, she wouldn’t change a thing. 

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song? 

Some of Alex’s favorite quotes:

“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says 'I'm possible!” ~ Audrey Hepburn

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ~ Neil Gaiman

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.” ~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” ~ Anne Frank

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

"I can't stop drinking coffee, I stop drinking coffee, I stop doing the standing and the walking, and the words-putting-into-sentences doing." ~ Lorelai Gilmore (Also any other quote by Lorelai about coffee)

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC? 

Hey there, my wonderful fans,

I just wanted to take a moment to send some love and inspiration your way. 

Can you believe this small-town girl ended up on this incredible journey? Being a mom to Felicity and Vincent (and I can't forget Bogart,) wife to the one and only Thomas Hunt, and living my dream as an actress – it's like a whirlwind of amazing! On the outside, it may look perfect, but that doesn't mean it's without its challenges. Every one of us has our own struggles to overcome. 

Remember, life might throw you curveballs from time to time, but that's just a chance to swing for the fences. I've learned that settling is like saying, "Nah, I'm good," to life's adventure. And who would do that? Not me, and I hope not you! Your dreams are just as important as mine! Your best life is out there. If you haven't found it yet, keep searching, keep fighting, and keep believing!

What you are hoping for matters! Your dreams matter. YOU matter! Don't give up on yourself or anything you want. You are a star in your own story. Embrace the challenges as they come, chase your dreams, and always remember that I am cheering you on every step of the way.

Hugs and dreams, 

Alex         

[petalouda85]

Dani, you absolute sweetheart 🫶 glad I could participate, even if it was only in a small capacity. I’ll hopefully be back soon with some Choices fics; I still have some ideas knocking about in that insane brain of mine

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Sending a little extra kindness your way this week! May this week be gentle and full of moments that remind you how amazing you are. 💛 (PS—drink some water)

Thank you so much, Dani! You're awesome! I hope you have a lovely week ❤️

[storyofmychoices]

Dancing Through Shadows

[Mal Volari x Daenarya Blades 1 + Beyond] [Mal’s Orphanage] [Mal Volari x Daenarya Blades 2 AU]

Pairings: Mal Volari x Daenarya (F!OC) Book: Blades of Light & Shadow II, Chapter 14 Word Count: ~400 Rating/Warnings: General, none

Synopsis: Mal and Daenarya share a quiet moment in the heart of the Ash Empire.

This absolutely stunning art is by the amazing @cashweasel. Lou draws these two like none other. I just can't get enough! Look at them!

"Mal—" The sound of his name was nothing more than a whisper on her lips. Her gaze shifted uneasily around her, surveying their surroundings. Her mind and body warred against each other—torn between the need to continue the mission to save the realm and this, just a moment with him—it'd been far too long.

The warmth of his arms around her brought her comfort and safety despite the looming dangers of their quest. His familiar embrace begged her closer until only their breath separated them. Their bodies moved as one, the moment together soothing the ache left by moments stolen and battles fought, allowing them just to be—even if only for a few seconds... even if this was just part of the plan, a way to move about unnoticed.

Each slow step, each soft twirl, carried them carefully across the ballroom, passing by one couple after another—each one threatening their safety as they danced through the heart of shadows. Her body tensed at the thought of what would happen if even one of them discovered who they truly were.

Sensing the tension rising in her posture, he brushed a soft kiss on her forehead before resting his forehead against hers. "I'm not letting anyone hurt you ever again," he breathed the promise against her lips.

Her eyes closed, focusing on his words. How she wished that were true, but what they were up against was more than either of them could ever hope to understand. Yet, wasn't that what they had thought with the Dreadlord, too? They had come this far. So much had been taken from her. She wasn't about to let them take any more from her. As long as she had him, as long as she had her friends... she would make it through, no matter what came next.

She tipped her head, brushing her nose against his, savoring the warmth of his breath against her face. The gentle touch of his hand on her back kept her in the moment with him. The threats around them faded away, leaving the two lovers swaying in time to a song they didn't know but one they made their own nonetheless. It served as an unspoken promise that they would get through this as they had the challenges before. Together they could endure anything. 

A/N: I know it's a bit choppy, but I hope you still enjoyed it. I wish I had more time to work on, but I really wanted to share it before the wide release of book 3.

A/N 2: The color of the dress is inspired by the original design from Hassidriss's Burning Shadow's line not PB's version of it. [see it here]

Also a huge artist appreciation shout out to @cashweasel! Lou is the best! @choicesfandomappreciation

[lovealexhunt]

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide is the most preventable form of death and yet the number of suicide victims rises each year despite increased awareness.

Why is that?

I can't answer it for everyone, but from what I've seen in my life, although people are aware, they don't understand.

I am a suicide surviver. Although I have not attempted suicide in over a decade, the thoughts linger from time to time. Sometimes it's just an intrusive thought that I can let go of. Sometimes it's a lot more and it is a lot more dangerous, but I am trying every day and that is all I can ask of anyone.

I am grateful to have found support here/online. However, people in my own life continue to belittle and invalidate my feelings. That makes me feel isolated, alone, and like there's something wrong with me. It makes me feel like I have no value.

I imagine it's hard to understand what goes through a person's head when they're suicidal if you've never felt that way. It's hard to validate someone's emotions when you (as an outsider) can rationalize them. But the problem with that is, those people don't know and they can't understand how those thoughts actually feel.

I am a very logical and rational person most of the time. However, when my depression is bad, I can't think rationally. The dark thoughts are consuming and I believe them. I know it's the depression talking. I know it's my anxiety talking. I know it's the past trauma I suffered haunting me. And yet, I still can't control those thoughts.

Those people who have never felt that way, think that rationalizing things, sharing comparing stories, or reminding you your life is good will help, but it doesn't. Not in those moments. That's what people who don't suffer have to understand.

I can try to explain that. I can raise awareness. I can shout from the rooftops trying to get people to understand. But the fact is, I can't make anyone change their thinking if they don't want to.

Suicide is a tragedy.

However, being suicidal is seen an inconvenience or a a way of "seeking attention." It is dismissed.

The same people who will cry over a friend's suicide, and wonder how they didn't see it are the same people who will tell the next person to "get over it", "your life's not that bad", "when I was in your situation..." They either don't see it or they don't care enough and that is the problem.

Suicide is preventable, but not without support. Support requires people that are not suicidal to better educate themselves beyond awareness to understanding and how to help.

You would never tell a cancer patient they're being dramatic and looking for attention when they share their struggles. You would never tell someone having a heart attack to "get over it." You would never belittle a mother who suffered a miscarriage by comparing them to someone else.

So why do that to someone suffering with mental health struggles?

Yes, there the stigma surrounding mental health and medication is improving, but we have a long way to go. That starts today and every day after.

Raising awareness is fine, but raising understanding is necessary meaningful change.

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Each forehead kiss is a whisper of 'forever' against the skin.

I can't thank the loveliest and amazing @cashweasel enough for this sketch of my Thomas and Alex! I absolutely love how soft and tender it came out. It truly captures the warmth of their love for one another. 💖💖💖

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [Hollywood U]  [Red Carpet Diaries]

[gaiuskamilah]

Sending a little extra kindness your way this week! May this week be gentle and full of moments that remind you how amazing you are. 💛 (PS—drink some water)

thank you dani!! <3

[tessa-liam]

No matter what this week throws at you, remember to make time for yourself. Whether it’s a few quiet minutes of rest or enjoying a little treat, you deserve moments of peace and joy. You are worthy of rest. Take it easy and be kind to yourself. 💛 (PS—drink some water)

@lovealexhunt

Thank you for thinking of me😘

And back to you🔁❤️