#lynne bowen

[inkbutterflyuniverse]

I'm still unsure about who's parents I like the least.

Honestly, it's between Lynne Bowen, Terri Porter and Cash Caswell

What Ricky's mom did: letting her boyfriend answering her phone, then showing up with him without asking her son when it's been only like two months since she left them, and knowing that her son didn't react well to the separation. She also left for Chicago, which is not close from Salt Lake City at all.

Then, there's Cash Caswell, EJ's dad. He called some people, pulled some strings, so that his son would be admitted to Duke, and then wasn't supportive of his son decision to take a break for a year and tried to send him to The Caswell Success Training School, located in St Louis, Missouri. Now EJ said in the song Speak Out "I call my dad, but never talk ; Can't ever say quite what I want ; No, it's never enough, never enough ; When the words just don't add up ; So I call my dad, and never talk". The lyrics reflect his relationship with his dad who is strained since he refused to follow his wishes.

And finally there's Terri Porter, Gina's mom. She left Salt Lake before the end of season 1 with her daughter. Then in season 2 she left her daughter behind because she wanted to stay. And she came back at the beginning of season 4. So if we do the maths, she left for less than one year. At the end of season 2, Gina waited for her for the opening night, buh she didn't show up and send her son to excuse her.

In season 4, she wanted Gina to be focus and said no boys. The mother is someone very ambitious who wants her daughter to go far in life. She's very happy that Gina got the movie. Then she meets Mack and her no boys policy is forgotten because he's a successful man, he's already famous.

To Ricky, she dismiss him because he's just an average boy trying to figure out his future, she doesn't care that he loves Gina. She's VERY happy to tell him that Gina got that movie, that she will go to New Zealand and insist that it's "with her co-star Mack". Yeah we know you like him and not Ricky. She's here to see HSM3, Miss Jen noticed that it was a big metaphor for Ricky and Gina's lives. But if the mom notices, she doesn't care. It's only after Ricky sang to Gina that he loves her that she's like "yeah maybe I can accept you".

A parent can not like their child's lover, but she didn't even tried to know him when Gina said that it was him that makes her happy. She was just rude without any reason. She liked EJ but she doesn't care to know Ricky...

None of them is at the same level, but they all hurted their child, they all weren't great parents and persons at some moments. They all hurt their child, intentionally or not.

Lynne is better than Cash and Terri, but do I like her because she was there to Ricky after his breakup? No. Because Mike was there all the time, he stayed, he tried for his son, even though he wasn't living well the divorce. Lynne just left, she didn't even tried to stay close to Ricky, she went to Chicago.

Terri wasn't physically there, but she still done things for Gina like their Valentine's tradition, and she sent her son when she couldn't come so that someone was there for Gina. But she still left for her job, and announced that to Gina a few days before leaving. It was the middle of the semester, Gina just got here, and she finally had friends and a project she was implicated into. She could have found a solution so that she would at least stay for the musical. She sent her son but Gina was still excepting her. The last time they saw each other was during the spring holidays, when Gina went to see her. But the mother wasn't able to come back just for one night.

And Cash at least let EJ go to college even of it wasn't what he wanted for his son. They don't really talk anymore, but he didn't forced him to go to his school.

Objectively talking, Cash is the worst, but do I really like him less than Gina's mom? 🤔

[rinisbowen]

also... not to be a rini in the tags in 2023 when y'all don't seem to allow that for no good reason but...

the implications of mike and lynne sitting next to kourtney's mom...

the fact that ricky's parents and kourtney's parents have probably known each other since the kids were in elementary school... because kourtney and nini have been besties since they were in elementary school (actual timing unknown), and ricky and nini have been best friends since kindergarten...

so since their kids are best friends with nini they all end up hanging out together a good amount or at least going to a lot of the same events and things and so the parents have probably been like- at least somewhat of friends over the years... and i just. soft. like i know they were probably seated together for convenience of getting the shots, but- in universe it's so wonderful to think about how all these people are connected...

and the fact if we get a moment of them talking... we could get a mention of it being weird being at a musical nini's not in... Yeah. that's not on my priority list of nini mentions, but- could be cute...

[imjustavenuxwithaboomerang]

hsmtmts season 4 binge:

LYNNE BOWEN

[starrrbakerrr]

Terri Porter is awful, here are three reasons why:

1. When Gina tells Terri that Ricky makes her so happy she ‘wakes up before her alarm with a smile on her face,’ she still decides to discredit Ricky and favor Mack. Not only is that awful to Ricky, it’s even worse to Gina. She chose to ignore Gina’s happiness and wishes for her own benefit, status, and pride.

2. She would come in and out of the auditorium to watch Gina perform, like is it so hard to sit down and watch the show? Did she even buy a ticket? When Ricky asked if Terri planned on coming to watch the show after she’s missed Gina’s other opening nights, she said she’ll be there. But she was barely there, and the real reason she even came to the show at all is because of the press conference.

3. Worst of all, to me, is the utter glee she had while telling Ricky about Gina’s movie – about New Zealand, about Mack, about “a very long time.” And then the, “I’m really sorry.” She wasn’t sorry. She knew that Gina and Ricky were going to meet in the dressing room after intermission. But when Gina was whisked say to handle something for the movie, Terri decided not to join her daughter, but instead wait at the dressing room to deliver the news to Ricky herself. Gina should have been the one to tell him. Terri has no respect for her daughter and she prayed for Ricky’s downfall. She wanted a way to get Ricky out of the picture completely even when that would make Gina heartbroken (though I don’t even think she knows that because she doesn’t listen to her daughter).

Her three lines of redemption at the end were not enough. This is a Terri Porter hate account.

i guess the s3 chocolate confession is not cannon because it really doesn’t make sense for terri to be treating ricky like that and also not knowing who he was at the halloween party

[lovemagicfeminism]

Lights via Instagram stories

[inspotlight]

❝     i've     understood     responsibility     since     i     was     a     little     girl.     a     baby     would     not     be     something     we     went     into     having     lightly.     accident     or     otherwise...     ❞     she     says,     taking     a     breath     and     trying     to     put     on     her     diplomatic     nina     persona.     when     she     and     ricky     were     ready     for     that,     there     would     be     many     conversations.     and,     really,     there     would     be     many     conversations     before     that.     they'd     already     talked     about     what     they     wanted     out     of     marriage     and     a     family.     ❝     i     have     no     doubt     ricky     will     be     wonderful     when     it's     time     to     step     into     that     role.     ❞     she     says,     looking     over     at     him     with     a     smile     on     her     face.     

❝     so,     so     happy.     the     happiest     i've     ever     been...     i     didn't     know     love     could     feel     like     this.     ❞     she     admits,     lifting     the     hand     intertwined     with     ricky's     to     her     lips     to     kiss     their     intwined     fingers     gently.     ❝     now...     ❞     she     gives     another     smile,     turning     her     attention     to     the     dinner     that     lynne     has     spent     all     day     cooking.     ❝     shall     we     eat?     that     was     the     only     dramatic     announcement     we     had,     but     if     either     of     you     have     something     to     share,     go     for     it.     ❞     she     says,     joke     falling     a     lot     more     easily     from     her     lips     now     that     she's     not     so     freaked     out     from     the     fear     of     telling     his     parents.

    ❝    it's okay, sweet girl...    ❞    he murmurs, leaning into her with a soft smile. he doesn't want to dwell on it, but he knows too that she very likely will later... he just hopes they can move on at least for now.    ❝    you're fine. it's fine-    ❞    he squeezes her hand tight, wanting to reassure her. they can talk about how she feels later...

    ❝    this definitely makes a lot more sense. but honey, i didn't think you were trying to get pregnant... it would've happened on accident.    ❞    lynne laughs softly, shaking her head.    ❝    i'm glad though- you understand you have a lot of responsibilities, and you wouldn't want to take away from that until you're ready to handle both.    ❞    kids are a big responsibility. and not one either of them are ready for, though lynne would certainly have helped them if they were in that position.

    ❝    mom can we stop the baby talk- nini's not having a baby, and we're not going to be doing that for a while. i know to be careful, we're covered. trust me.    ❞    ricky's comment isn't quite from embarrassment, but he does want to move on, allow nini to move on.    ❝    but yeah- i'm going to have a lot to learn, but... i know as long as i'm with her, i've got this. we've got this.    ❞    

    ❝    that's very sweet. and the two of you certainly aren't what anyone expected, at least- we never expected this for ricky, but... i think that's nice. you're happy, that's what matters right now.    ❞    lynne offers the girl a smile, as she watches ricky just- gazing at his girlfriend so sweetly. he does love her. she's not sure they should be so confident about marriage, but... there's so obviously something real there. she can't stand in the way of that.

[mormonmouse]

Ballard and Ballard (and Beck) - Birds of a Feather?

When I read the “Breaking News” headline from the Salt Lake Tribune on Sept. 15, 2023 a few minutes after it arrived in my email inbox, even I was surprised: In rare public rebuke, LDS Church condemns Tim Ballard’s ‘morally unacceptable’ behavior At the moment I can’t think of another example of The Church publicly criticizing one of their members by name in the media. I’m rarely surprised by…

[caroleditosti]

'Crumbs From the Table of Joy' Keen Company's Revival of Lynn Nottage is a Must-See

The Keen Company's revival of Nottage's 'Crumbs From the Table of Joy' is one to see.

(L to R): Malika Samuel, Shanel Bailey in Crumbs From the Table of Joy (Julieta Certantes) From the excellent selection of music that fills the auditorium before Crumbs From the Table of Joy begins, to Ernestine Crump’s (Shanel Bailey) summation of the future after the roiling events with her family subsides, the Keen Company’s fine revival of Nottage’s play endears us. The playwright’s…

[blues-valentine]

I understood where Gina’s mom was coming from, how difficult it is to be a single mom (as far as we can assume since no father had been mentioned in Gina’s life) and to also have a steady and successful job and that Terri wants that for her own daughter but it was done all types of wrong. She lost me simply by the fact that she was not doing anything at all because of her daughters own interests and happiness. She was doing all of that because it’d benefit her and would give Gina status she craves for herself. Gina’s mom was giving all types of controlling manager mother. And did not even for one second stopped to think if her daughter was happy or comfortable. There’s a lot of things wrong with their relationship. Miss me with whatever speech some of you have on her.

A lot of the reason Gina felt the need to act the way she did when we meet her at the start of the series is because of her mom and how little attention, nurturing and care went into her upbringing. The reason Gina had so many identity issues comes from her own home. Her mom was straight up telling her 16 year old daughter that it isn’t worth doing anything is she’s not #1. And that was on Season 1. And not wonder a lot of Gina’s personality was shaped by the desire to win and impress her. Gina’s mom has never shown up for her to any of her important moments in her new school, literally only showed up for her last day on the movie set because “it’s Hollywood”. Like, I really don’t care if it’s her mom. She’s not a good mother.

Teenagers deserve respect and also put their own boundaries and they should not blindly “respect their parents” simply because of whatever “sacrifices” they do for them. As if it is a shore that demands loyalty. Parents should not push their kids to be a copy of themselves but encourage space for individuality. Your job as a parent is to give your kid love and attention not just a roof over their head. If you think kids own everything to their parents even when there’s a clear disconnect in their bond. Don’t have kids. There’s a reason Gina considers the people she found on drama club and Miss Jenn to be more her family than her own mother. I really couldn’t care less if it was disrespectful that Ricky clocked her for being an unavailable parent with that opening night comment. It was deserved. Her mom was probably not thinking of going herself if it wasn’t for that comment. Ricky also had an unavailable mother like a year ago until Lynne Bowen came to the light and remembered co-parenting is a thing.

Like, I get that any mother would worry about her teenager daughter sneaking around with her boyfriend – who doesn’t have a set future yet. But her argument completely falls void when she’s trying to get her daughter to date her co-star simply because it pushes her career. Straight up viewing her daughter as a product.

The only mom that deserves praise in the show is Kourtney’s mom that cares for her daughters needs and wants equally and gives her space.

[disneytva]

Disney Television Animation Sets Creative Team For “Ariel” A New Preschool Animated Series Inspired By Halee Bailey’s The Little Mermaid.

Disney Branded Television has greenlit a new animated series for preschoolers, “Disney Junior’s Ariel,” inspired by the beloved story of “The Little Mermaid.” The announcement was made today by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, during the Annecy International Film Festival in Annecy, France.

While making the announcement, Davis said, “For more than 30 years, the story of ‘The Little Mermaid’ has been beloved by audiences all over the world. It brings me so much joy to be able to introduce our new Disney Junior version of Ariel to preschoolers everywhere.”

Ariel follows a young Ariel and features some fan-favorite characters, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian and Flounder, as well as exciting new additions. “Disney Junior’s Ariel” is set to debut on Disney platforms worldwide in 2024.

Set in the fantastical Caribbean-inspired underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows Ariel as she embarks on fun-filled, action-packed mermaid adventures with her friends. Driven by a deep and unending curiosity about the world around her, Ariel discovers land treasures, like a big floppy hat, squeaky rubber ducky and whisk, that she collects and keeps safe in her crystal cavern. Sometimes, Ariel uses the treasures to help solve problems. With each discovery, Ariel is filled with joy, and her mermaid tail, which changes colors depending on her emotions, lights up and shimmers.

“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is executive produced by Lynne Southerland (Dreamworks Animation’s “The Road To El Dorado”). Norma P. Sepulveda (“Elena of Avalor”) and Keith Wagner (“TrollsTopia”) are the story editors. Ezra Edmond (“Disney+ Draw Me a Story”) is producer. Kuni Tomita Bowen (“Dora the Explorer”) is supervising director, and Chrystin Garland (20th Television Animation’s “Solar Opposites”) is art director. The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Television Animation for Disney Junior.

Full of charm, big ideas and a powerful voice, “Disney Junior’s Ariel” is coming into her own, learning how to discover and appreciate the world around her and use her voice to inspire others.Throughout the series, the multicultural diversity of the Caribbean is highlighted through music, food, festivals, fashion, language and folklore. Dr. Patricia Saunders, professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies and director of graduate studies at the University of Miami and author of two books, serves as cultural consultant on the series. Sean Skeete, chair of Berklee College of Music’s ensemble department, is the Caribbean music consultant.

[flickynightdarkness]

If my DC/Batman OCs have headcanon voices, what would they sound like?

Benjamin Williams - K1B0 (Danganronpa) [VA - Lucien Dodge]

Hallow Crane - Vulture (Spectacular Spider Man) [VA - Robert Englund]

Meredith Miranda - Maud Pie (My Little Pony) [VA - Ingrid Nilson]

Yuki Blossoms - Tiff (Kirby - Right Back At Ya) [VA - Kerry Williams]

Marcus Todd - Raphael (2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) [VA - Sean Astin] or Red Hood (Injustice 2) [VA - Cameron Bowen]

Lauren Crane - Lilith Clawthorne (Owl House) [VA - Cissy Jones] or Loona (Helluva Boss) [VA - Erica Lindbeck]

Laurent Crane - Scarecrow (Arkham Knight Version) [VA - John Noble]

Trace Dent - Vaggie (Hazbin Hotel) [VA - Stephanie Beatriz]

Coona Walker - Sody Pop (Chikn Nuggit) [VA - Dawn M. Bennett]

Evelyn Wesker - Sage (Sonic Forces) [VA - Ryan Bartley]

Ember Lynns - Toga Himiko (My Hero Academia) [VA - Leah Clark] or Panty Anarchy (Panty and Stocking) [VA - Jamie Marchi]

Torch Lynns - Firefly (Arkham version) [VA - Crispin Freeman]

Cheryl - TSA! Amy [VA - Eileen Montgomery]

Topher Blackfire - Valentino (Hazbin Hotel) [VA - Joel Perez] or Hunter (Owl House) [VA - Zeno Robinson]

Oliver Miranda - Iscream (Chikn Nuggit) [VA - Nate Charpentier] or Cubot (Sonic) [VA - Wally Wingert]

Misty Miranda - Cream the Rabbit (Sonic) [VA - Rebecca Honig]

Spook - Collector (Owl House) [VA - Fryda Wolff]

Myers Miranda - Dr Facilier [Princess and The Frog [VA - Keith David]

Lunar Crane - Lumalee (Super Mario Bros Movie) [VA - Juliet Jelenic]

Leader Scorch - Father (Kids Next Door) [VA - Maurice LaMarche]

Harrison, Misty and Carrie - Delightful Children from Down the Lane (Kids Next Door) [VAs - Dee Bradley Baker(H) and Cree Summer(M and C)]

Craven Crane - Scarecrow (Arkham Asylum) [VA - Dino Andrade]

Clove Miranda - Stella (Helluva Boss) [VA - Georgina Leahy]

Fangs Langstrom - Cream the Rabbit (Sonic) [VA - Rebecca Honig]

Kaleb Langstrom - Thorax (My Little Pony) [VA - Kyle Rideout]

Kraig Jones - Goliath (Gargoyles) [VA - Keith David]

Tootsie Jingles - Fizzarolli (Helluva Boss) [VA - Alex Brightman]

Blade Quinzel - Secret History Tails [VA - Mick Lauer]

Harriet Miranda - Odalia Blight (Owl House) [VA - Rachael McFarlane]

[inkbutterflyuniverse]

After the finale of HSMTMTS, what do you think about Ricky's parents?

I can't believe they are back together. Like WHY ?!

I understand that Mike wasn't over the divorce and that's why his relationship with Miss Jenn couldn't work, but what's the point of getting them back together, except to make Ricky happy?

The mom had her new life, new home, new job outside of Salt Lake in season 2. It didn't work with Todd? I can understand. But making her come back to be with her ex-husband is definitely a weird choice.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

The final list of books I read in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

Because the year is almost up and I'm behind on sharing my reviews here, I'm making this long and linked post. Thanks for following along with me this year!

___

286. Falling Glass by Adrian McKinty. Review here.

287. Just A Bit Gay by Alessandra Hazard. (Re-read). Review here.

288. Top Secret by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy. (Re-read). Review here.

289. A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall. Review here.

290. Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell. Review here.

291. Where He Can't Find You by Darcy Coates. Review here.

292. Emmett by L.C. Rosen. Review here.

293. Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake. Review here.

294. Betting On You by Lynn Painter. Review here.

295. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Review here.

296. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. Review here.

297. Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly. Review here.

298. In the Weeds by B.K. Borison. Review here.

299. The Secret of Shadow Ranch by Carolyn Keene. Review here.

300. Mixed Up by Gordon Korman. Review here.

301. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig. Review here.

___

Have you read any of these books? If you have, what were your thoughts?

___

Happy reading!

[imjustavenuxwithaboomerang]

no yeah i really love how every core 4 member got a real happy ending....except for ej

nini is happily pursuing music in la with her moms' full support

ricky is dating gina, a girl he calls "home". he's finally becoming more at peace with love and how to show it. he's learned how to not run from his problems. his parents are getting back together (???) and his drama teacher wrote such a good letter of recommendation that he was accepted into a community college

gina becomes a literal movie star and was able to change the filming location of her second movie, without any consequences, to salt lake so she can physically be with ricky, the boy she finally got to date after crushing on him since the day they met. she has a permanent home to call her own now. her mom finally showed up to an opening night and she was finally able to portray gabriella

and then ej...is alone (in a wildcat sense) at college, financially cut off from his family, working multiple jobs to afford it. he spends most of his season 4 screentime guiding and helping others (ricky, gina, miss jenn, madlyn) instead of an actual storyline and a lot of his lines were about how he's made mistakes and has to live with them

[mhalachai]

more thoughts on vacation planning

thanks to everyone for your vacation suggestions! I have some plans now… lots to do :D

I thought I'd share the suggestions here compiled for your reading pleasure - might be some ideas in here if you're looking for a bit of a break this summer (amid the heat, forest fires, and other climate disasters):

First, some ideas if you're local to the Vancouver area (or planning on a visit)

Vancouver

Day trip! If you want a quick ferry ride, try Bowen Island or Salt Spring Island, or if you want to stay on the mainland, try Sasamat Lake

Maple Ridge tree walk or zip line (or axe-throwing!)

White Rock beach and pier (bonus - taking a double-decker bus from Vancouver down)

Lonsdale Quay (featuring the ever-popular ride on the seabus)

Honey's Donuts in Deep Cove

Granville Island before 12pm on a weekday

Fireworks! But make friends with someone who lives in the West End who will put you up

Lynn Valley suspension bridge (and the local trails – very nice, very free) (and honestly, you can skip the Capilano Suspension Bridge theme park - it's super expensive and not really worth it)

Try the new Michelin star restaurants in Vancouver and then go to the other restaurants you know that are better and enjoy those too

Lastly, if you want some more organized nature, try the Van Dusen Botanical Garden

Now, onto general suggestions!

Self-care

Sleep for a day or three

Do all the hard stuff that a 9-5 gets in the way of - go to the bank, book that eye exam, etc.

go get that warning light in your car looked at, i mean it mhal

Do as much gentle housecleaning as interests you

Spa experience - massage, mani-pedi, other spa things

Bubble bath/hair mask/other home spa pieces

Do a thing

local zoo or aquarium

Art galleries, science centres, and museums

Botanical gardens

Events hosted your local library

Local events/fairs

Trip around to the vintage/antique/flea shops

Check out local second-hand record stores and/or bookstores

Do a thing (+ Effort)

Touch grass/sand/water/trees/flowers. Bring a book and read in nature

Hiking

local walking tours

Kite flying

Activities(tm) - such as paddle board, horseback riding class, go-carting and so on

Maker space - pottery or print making or woodwork

Eating

Every restaurant you haven't tried but want to

Local breweries/wineries

Hit up the local city page on reddit and see if there are any restaurant rec places - they can be hit or miss but sometimes there are some gems.

And this one from @krchov is so cool I'll paste it here in its entirely:

Dedicate time to making a map of the food carts/cheese shops/etc in a specific area of your city. Compare the quality of similar wares in each one. Collect data. In the end you will have a cool map/dataset, new favorite food place and on your wandering you will probably happen upon some before unknown interesting places.

happy vacationing!

[cassiiealexxwrites]

So I did a thing. I spent a weekend two weeks ago re watching the ENTIRE HSM franchise. Literally. The 3 original movies. The Sharpay spin off. HSMTMTS, and both of its specials. And I am officially in a Caswen spiral. I have read literally EVERYTHING I could find on ao3 for Caswen. Like. I need all the Caswen fluff. So. I decided that I needed to create my own as THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OF THEM 😭 I am over 11k words into this rewrite. I may be posting it soon on AO3. Will post link when I do.

For now, here is some basic info on my rewrite:

- starts during the scene where Ricky hits E.J. with the ball, Ricky chases after him and they talk

- Nini and Ricky best friends since childhood. They figured out that they never actually felt that deeply for each other but were going along with the motions of what they thought they should do

- E.J. and Nini already broke up because Nini decided she wanted to focus on herself

- Everyone thinks Nini dumped E.J. for Ricky

- both are Bi

- basketball captain Ricky, and water polo captain E.J. because why not

- EJ is a junior with the rest instead of a senior

- Ricky enjoys flirting with E.J. and making him blush, boy has a massive crush

- slow burn. Like. So slow. I’m 11k words in and we only just got to homecoming and neither of them have made a move yet.

- Lynne Bowen is the worst

- angst is mostly due to Lynne Bowen

- We love EJ in this household so we’re giving him supportive parents.

- Ricky owns an obsessive amount of vans and is also a little spoiled. Like not Caswell level of spoiled/rich but they’re a lot more well off than in canon.

I don’t want to give away too much so that’s all I’m saying for now. I’m considering starting to post the first chapter once I make up a summary.