#mcdunne

[a-book-of-creatures]

McDunn fumbled with the switch. But even as he switched it on, the monster was rearing up. I had a glimpse of its gigantic paws, fish skin glittering in webs between the finger-like projections, clawing at the tower. The huge eye on the right side of its anguished head glittered before me like a cauldron into which I might drop, screaming. The tower shook. The Fog Horn cried; the monster cried. It seized the tower and gnashed at the glass, which shattered in upon us.

Illustration by Aleta Jenks for The Fog Horn by Ray Bradbury.

[gayguybln]

The Federal Republic of Dystopia introduced a new scheme to fight debts. Companies, institutions or administrative units can cede their debt rights to a state owned company called Debt Minimizing Unit (DMU). The DMU is allowed to take over temporary ownership over citizens and arrest them. All these guys lived a normal life, working, enjoying family life and so on. But all these guys have debts above 10,000 $ they can't pay anymore. Their status is downgraded from citizen to temporary slave. They aren't allowed to make decisions about their own life in that time. They're wearing a huge neckring that's marking them.

Most of them will end up working in state factories, mines or so. The average time of slavery is at 3.5 years. But some guys will be exploited for the rest of their existence. One case is the redhead in the second row. Phil McDunn, 32, came from prison after a 8 years sentence. He was involved into digital fraud but he was just the guy executing it technically. He doesn't know who owns the money and got only a small share. It was around 10,0000,000$ he redirected. He paid back the 50,000$ he was awarded but the judge wrote the entire sum into his account and said it will remain there until he disclose who has the money now. As he doesn't know the guys who gave the orders he isn't able to provide names. The moment he exited prison he was arrested again by the DMU. The timespan of his slavery was set to 100 years. So he won't be a free man ever again.

[theobviousparadox]

Review: Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn

Trouble at the TangerineGillian McDunnBloomsburyPublished April 2, 2024 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About Trouble at the Tangerine Award-winning author Gillian McDunn pens a delightfully quirky mystery that examines the meaning of home, perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers series. Simon’s family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Yoga Pants Panic Doctrine and Devotion | This episode of Banter of Truth was recorded last summer, but we are sharing it everyone today in light of the returning discussion about yoga pants and modesty. Licensed Professional Counselor, Krista McDunn joins Joe to get into yoga pants, leggings, bikinis, modesty, and lust. Does it matter what we wear? Why all the focus on women? What about modest men? And how should we better prepare our children, boys and girls, to navigate through a hyper-sexualized culture?

[mybookof-you]

"Listen," said McDunn quietly. "Listen." We waited a moment. And then I began to hear it..."

Ray Bradbury, The Foghorn

[bookworm-fangirl1]

In this heartfelt summer story, acclaimed author Gillian McDunn paints a stunning portrait of the bond of siblings and the love we'll always carry with us. Bex and Davey's summer in the saltmarsh is different this year, thanks to the record-breaking drought. Even the fish seem listless--and each day the water level lowers farther. When they discover a mysterious underwater statue, they're thrilled at the chance to solve the puzzle of its origin. This is the summer adventure they've been waiting for. When they learn of a development plan that will destroy their special spot, they'll need to act quickly. Unfortunately, sometimes progress happens whether you're ready or not. What will it mean if Bex and Davey lose their corner of the marsh where otters frolic and dragonflies buzz--their favorite place to be siblings together? As Bex and Davey attempt to save the statue and their beloved marsh, they come to see that the truth is not as simple as it seems . . . ultimately discovering so much more about life, permanence, love, and loss than they ever expected. Award-winning author Gillian McDunn crafts a gorgeous story of love and siblinghood, of secret statues and island life, of holding on and letting go.

Sometimes I get mad that smoking is bad for you cause this ruins my childhood dream of leaning up against a wall in a leather jacket and a cigarette loosely in my mouth and a chill expression.

[royalarmyofoz]

#merritt wever kissing women is my aesthetic 

[ceithirtur]

Koryn, are you aware that there are different versions of yourself?

“Uhhh, I am. I as in, Koof, the original. I’m aware of most of them, but the others would probably pop a gasket if they knew about me. What with the whole fucky....time and quantum space rules...thing. I try not to think about it, or let them think about it. Only one of us needs to be aware, really.”

[fandomficticn]

Just One Chance (m.w.)

Request: Yes/No

Pairing: Max Wolfe x OC!Viola Remy

Characters: Monet de Haan, Julien Calloway, Zoya Lott, Otto Bergmann IV, Audrey Hope, Akeno Menzies, Luna La, OC!April McDunn

Word Count: 5425 words

Summary: Viola Remy is starting over at Constance Billard and she plans on getting through it all by not making a big splash. Seems easy enough, right? Well, it would be a little easier if St. Jude’s most notorious party boy, Max Wolfe, hadn’t locked in on Viola the second their eyes meet.

Warnings: drug mention

A/N: is this a really long start to multiple little shots about my new oc that i’ve gotten sudden inspiration for? why yes, yes it is. i figured this was a good way to introduce her plus this is me getting back into writing after three months of nothing, even though it’s felt like a whole year. not sure if i’ve said this before but prompts, one shot requests, etc. can be put in for any one of my oc’s!

also for anyone curious, i imagine april mcdunn as emma mackey and viola remy as mary mouser

New year. 

New school. 

Again. 

Viola Remy has been through almost five schools across the country. Both her parents' jobs caused them to travel a lot; the first two schools were because of her parents, though she hasn't spoken to either of them since she turned sixteen and got emancipated from them almost a year ago. After turning sixteen, Viola left where her parents were and started a new school, finishing out her sophomore year as soon as her emancipation was finalized. Things didn't work out at that school, nor did things work out at the start of her junior year at her fourth school due to the bullies she encountered who were relentless.

But no more. 

Viola was determined to stay at one school till the end of her senior year and with the help of a few family members she still spoke to, she was able to pay the tuition for Constance Billard in New York. Viola truly felt like this was a good place for her, desiring to make contacts in the fashion world to help achieve her dreams of being a notable designer.

Before she started school, Viola made friends with April McDunn, an aspiring writer also going to Constance Billard. April was the more outspoken of the two and would often come to Viola's aid when someone tried to step to her. 

Due to the pandemic, Viola had been quarantining at her last school in Colorado and continue to do so when she made the move to New York. She met April at a coffee house after someone attempted to belittle Viola for accidentally stepping on their shoe. Viola was living by herself when she got to New York but after hitting it off with April, she asked the blonde to move in with her before she started at her new school. April made the promise to stick by her side and let her in on the gossip so she'd know who was who and who to avoid. 

April told her all about the ones that practically owned the school and walked all over the teachers so when she saw Julien Calloway, Monet de Haan, and Luna La, Viola knew exactly where to be. Anywhere but around them. 

She didn't want to get off on the wrong foot with any of them and make things worse for herself or April. 

The one thing April hadn't talked to her about or even mentioned were the boys that went to St. Jude's. Seeing the three around the other girls in the courtyard had Viola stopping in her tracks as she stared at them. "April, who are they?" 

April smirked before answering, "Those would be the other half of the "pretty people"." She nodded at the boy that had arrived at the table just minutes ago, "That's Obie Bergmann. Very big on the activist scene despite practically sitting on a throne of gold coins." 

She nodded at the pink, shaved-haired boy who was wrapped around the blonde in front of him, "That is Aki Menzies, skater and practically the most innocent one of them all. And that's saying a lot." She took a sip of her coffee, "The blonde is his girlfriend, Audrey, who is the literal definition of "Little Miss Perfect". It's insanely annoying after just one minute with her." 

"And finally, the dreamboat himself, Maximus Wolfe." 

Throughout the entire introductions, Viola's eyes didn't waiver one second from Max. He did look like a dream, a rather sinful dream but a dream nonetheless. Her mind flooded with the rated r thoughts of this boy that she's only seen for no more than five minutes. When his eyes happened to glance in her direction, catching her stares, Viola immediately turned her head to April. 

"Oh god, he saw me staring at him like an idiot or some kind of stalker." She let out a heavy breath and pushed some of her dark hair behind her ear, "Is he still looking over here?" 

April wasn't as put off at making and maintaining eye contact as she looked in the direction of Max and the others, "Oh yeah, he's still looking. Definitely looking at you, that's for sure." 

Viola dared to glance at him again and was met with Max's icy blue eyes and killer smirk. She couldn't pull her eyes away from him as he continued to hold her gaze. He tilted his head as he analyzed and the staring got too much for her and she finally broke eye contact. "He probably thinks I'm a weirdo for staring so much." 

April shook her head, "Oh, he probably won't. He thrives on the attention, you're just fueling his fire right now." 

Viola scoffed, "Great, just what I needed on my first day. I said I wanted to avoid them, not gain attention." She hooked her arm with April's to shift her focus, "Can we go inside before I do something worse?" 

April laughed at her friend and shook her head, "You only stared at the guy, not drop to your knees in front of him. Relax, he'll probably forget about this before the day is even over." 

But he didn't. 

In fact, Max saw Viola coming up the steps before she ever laid eyes on him and his friends. He didn't have to talk to her to know she embodied innocence, an innocence he felt compelled to taint with just one touch or more. Their little staring contest had him ignoring whatever Audrey was saying to him at that moment. 

She lightly slapped his shoulder, "As much as you try to convince others that your mind is always somewhere else as a way to sound charming and alluring, you actually look like your mind is somewhere else." Audrey looked around to see what caught his eyes, "What's got you so enchanted?" 

Max rolled his eyes as he turned his attention to her, "Oh relax, my attention deviates for a moment and you get all dramatic." Aki had been sitting quietly, listening to his girlfriend and friend bicker. 

Audrey crossed her arms over her chest, all attention now on Max's wandering mind, "Well now you've got me intrigued, were you actually focused on something other than yourself?" 

Max couldn't hold back from rolling his eyes again as he got up from the table, "Audrey, this is me we're talking about. When am I ever focused on anything but my charming self." 

- 

Viola's day was pretty much uneventful which was everything she could've asked for. She didn't have to stand up and introduced herself in every class, she didn't stand out in any kind of way, good or bad. She blended in with the flow of the crowd and she couldn't have asked for anything better. Audrey didn't understand why she wouldn't want to stand out and make her mark when she wants to break out into the fashion world. Viola reasons that she could be as successful as any designer and still blend in with the crowd. 

The only problem with that plan is that Max Wolfe already has her on his radar. 

Throughout the halls, he tried to listen in on any gossip about the new girl. He wanted to know as much as possible before he approached her, not because he needed the help though. He liked to convince himself it was to come off as someone who knew more than people gave him credit for but deep down it was because he was generally intrigued by her and craved to know more. 

The rest of his friend group was sitting out on the front steps of the MET when Max spotted Viola sitting by herself off to the side of where they were and decided to slink away while they were all focused on the Zoya girl. With them focused on the other new girl in the school, no one noticed Max make his way down the steps to Viola's spot, standing in front of her with his hands in his pockets. "Hi, I'm Max Wolfe, you're new here?" 

Viola had her head down in her sketchbook, half-eaten carrot stick hanging out of her mouth as she tried to multitask eating and getting work done which always failed. She heard his footsteps but she thought they were just going to walk past her; besides April, no one had even noticed she was there at Constance Billard so it caught her off-guard when someone came up to her, let alone someone like Max Wolfe. 

Viola lifted her head, carrot still in her mouth, not believing the scene that was playing out in front of her. She knocked the carrot out of her mouth, quickly realizing how ridiculous she looked, and tried to look the least bit flustered by his presence, "Hi, hey, uh, yeah. Yeah, I'm new...around here." She took a breath and went to stand, "I'm Viola R-" Viola cut herself off by standing up and forgetting the sketchbook and pencils in her lap, thus making them fall out around the two of them. 

If Julien and the others didn't see Viola before, or notice Max had walked away, they are seeing the two of them now. 

"Here, let me help." Max bent down to help Viola as she frantically tried to pick up her things. He picked up her sketchbook while she tried to wrangle the various pencils and noticed how detailed her work was, "Wow, this is amazing." 

Viola's head popped up and she realized what he was referring to. She shook her head and tried to reach for the book, "Oh, no, no, no. That's just a rough sketch, not even close to being finished." 

"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Max held the book out of her reach and continued complimenting her work, "If this is a "rough sketch" then the finished product must be amazing." 

Viola just shook her head, at a loss for words as Max continued to look at her sketch. He noticed her signature in the corner and recognized it from one of the many labels Audrey, Julien, Monet, and Luna talked nonstop about, "Wait, you're Viola Remy? The Viola Remy?" 

Viola was shocked that anyone would put "the" in front of her name. She never showed much of her face with what few of her creations made it out in the world so no one would make the connection. "Do we know each other from somewhere or something?" She chuckled nervously. 

Max smiled at her and shook his head, "No but I know some people who really want to meet you. Like right now." Still holding onto her sketchbook, Max started heading back to his friends with a rather frazzled Viola trying to simultaneously collect her things and get him to stop walking. 

Everyone had noticed Max and the girl he was talking with but put it on the back burner until Max approached the group, "Ladies, you won't guess what's in my hands right now." He said as he waved the book in the air. 

Audrey looked behind him to see Viola making her way up the steps, she looked quite frazzled as she try to juggle her things while trying to make her way up the steps, "Did you still that book from that poor girl?"

He shrugged but before Max could say anything, Viola stumbled her way next to him, huffing and puffing after carrying the load of her loose pencils and two bags, "Not exactly." Max smirked as he held the sketchbook out to Monet, "Take a look at the name in the bottom right corner."

Monet gave him a skeptical look as she took the book; her eyes glanced over the design itself before her eyes traveled to the name, her eyes almost bugging out of her head as she would recognize that name anywhere, "You're Viola Remy."

Julien and Luna circled around their friend at her words, not believing what they heard. There in plain sight was the signature of Viola Remy little know but popular designer. All three girls were staring at Viola like she was a gift sent from above.

Monet quickly jumped into action, turning her attention to Julien, "It would be absolutely killer for you to wear a Remy at the fashion show in a couple of days, a serious boost in followers." She turned to Viola, "And of course killer for you."

Viola was shocked but nodded along as she brushed hair behind her ear, "Yea-Right, killer of course." Max snickered at her words and she gave him a not even close to menacing glare, "I think I can put together a sketch or two and show it to you later."

Max decided to cut in, "Well, we're all meeting up at the Dumbo Hall later," He put his hands in his pockets, "I'm sure you ladies can talk shop there, right?"

Viola had heard about Dumbo Hall from April and around school but she didn't think she'd step foot in a place like that. Honestly, she didn't feel like she belonged there. "I don't want to intrude, we can just meet some other time."

Julien waved her off with a smile, "Please, you're a designer. Soirees like this are made for you." She took the book from Monet and handed it back to Viola, "See you there tonight?" Viola smiled and took back her book, "Ye-Yeah, Yes, see you there tonight." She tucked the book under her arm and waved to everyone else, "See you guys." She turned away from the group and head down the stairs, mind racing with design ideas and what she was gonna wear tonight as she headed back to Constance Billard.

The rest of the group turned their attention away from the girl, all going back to their separate conversations and activities but Max's eyes lingered on their girl's fleeting form. Aki noticed Max's gaze and spoke up, "Losing focus there, Max?"

He smirked as he continued looking to where Viola had been walking before turning to Aki, "I don't know what you're talking about." Max brushed past Aki and took his seat back on the steps. He laid on the steps, leaning on his arm as he thought more about Viola and realized he genuinely wanted to know more about her. He knew the girl she was hanging around with earlier in the day, April, and figured talking to her was the safe bet. 

Max waited for April out in the courtyard, hand in his pocket and phone occupying the other hand as he leaned against the wall. At the sound of laughter and high-pitched voices, Max glanced up and spotted April coming out one of the side doors. He pocketed his phone and made his way to her, determination in his eyes and charm at the ready. "Hey, April, can I talk to you?" 

April hadn't even seen Max waiting across the courtyard for her but regardless she couldn't hold back the skeptical look that was on her face when the Max Wolfe wanted to talk to her. The two of them ran into very different circles and no one would think they'd have even a semblance of a conversation; one reason why her friends were also giving a weird look at the man in front of them. 

April nodded at her friends, making promises to see each other later. She moved some of her hair behind her ear as she turned her full attention to one of St. Jude's biggest troublemakers. "Max Wolfe knows my name, aren't I just the luckiest girl in the world." She said with an unenthusiastic tone. 

Max chuckled and shook his head, "Relax the sarcasm, I have a genuine question to ask you." April nodded for him to continue, "What can you tell me about your friend, Viola, from this morning." 

April rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Oh, forgot about it." 

She went to walk away just barely catching a glimpse of the confused look on Max's face who reached his hand out to stop her from walking off, "Wait, come on. What did I do?" 

April scoffed, "Are you serious? It's not what you did but who you did, which is practically like everyone." She crossed her arms over her chest, "Why would I tell you anything about her knowing you'd do nothing but do her and dump her?" 

Max couldn't deny that anything she said was wrong because that's exactly the kind of reputation he has. What was surprising him in that moment is for the first time, he didn't want that reputation. It was like there was this small inkling inside him that wanted to be a good guy for once. 

He sighed and got serious, "Look, you're not gonna believe me when I say things are different with her and I actually could have feelings for her, which is true mind you." Max shifted from one foot to the other as he continued, "I get it doesn't make sense because believe me, I think it sounds like the most cliché bullshit in the world but again, it's true." 

April was doubtful in his words and sudden change of character; Viola is the first friend she's had that she genuinely cares for. Hell, they live together. April would do anything for the girl and that includes making sure she doesn't get her heartbroken. 

April eyed him as she mulled over his words, "Let's say for argument's sake that I believe you. Viola already knows the kind of person you are, what makes you think she'll believe you have this change of heart?" 

Max shrugged, "Actions speak louder than words, right?" April rolled her eyes before fixing her gaze at him. He sighed, "Just need your assistance to start." April continued staring at him expectantly, making him groan, "Alright, alright. Please can you help me?" 

She smirked and uncrossed her arms, "Fine, I'll give you the SparkNotes on Viola." Max looked relieved before April cut in, noticing his change in mood, "Keep in mind, what I tell you should not be used as tools to get her into bed. If I find out that's exactly what happened, I will murder you. I'm not kidding." 

Max held his arms up in surrender, "I believe you." 

April nodded and straighten out her shirt, "Alright, let's start then." The two walked off as April began going into a quick guide on what to do and not to do when it comes to one Viola Remy 

- 

Dumbo Hall 

Viola had been frantic when she was trying to decide on what to wear. She didn't want to look like she was trying too hard but she also didn't want to look underdressed. On top of everything, Viola went through numerous sketches before settling on the five that didn't look absolutely amateur. 

April had to practically push Viola out the door after throwing a dress at her, telling her that she was overthinking things like she usually did. Viola was giving herself a pep talk the entire time as she made her way up the elevator, practically holding her sketch tote in a death grip. The nerves were there when the ding signaled she'd arrived on the floor and she didn't everything in her power to hold together when the doors opened. 

Her phone dinged as she stepped out and she glanced at the notification but disregarded it, getting the focused mindset. Viola glanced around as she tried to spot Julien or any of her friends and felt relief when she heard her name being called, spotting Julien sitting with the rest of the group and waving her over. 

Even though she knows they love her designs, Viola couldn't help but feel slightly unwanted from the looks of the other girls, Monet and Audrey in particular. Viola knows people use other people for what they can do to boost themselves and she wasn't foolish to think these girls actually liked her for her. 

Viola smiled lightly as she walked up to the group, tote in hand, as Julien stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "Here's the guest of honor." She guided Viola to the couch, sitting her next to Monet before taking a seat next to her with Luna on her side, "We've been waiting for you." 

Monet took it upon herself to take Viola's tote, opening it up and looking inside, "So, let's see what we have here." 

Viola sat there as the three girls pondered through her sketches, chiming in here and there when her responses were necessary. Julien, Luna, and Monet had a pretty good handle on what they were looking for when it came to the "perfect killer gown" in Monet's words. Audrey settled on the coffee table in front of them, pulling Julien's attention away from the sketches to the topic of Zoya and how Audrey thinks Julien is being too trusting. At the sound of the elevator, all eyes averted from the sketches to Zoya and Obie walking out together. Julien immediately popped up from the couch to greet the girl despite the warnings Audrey gave just moments ago. 

Viola felt like an outsider in this moment, watching all of them flutter around and having banter between friends. She felt her breath get stuck in her throat when Max entered the room, he glanced her way and smiled before engaging in conversation with Obie. Watching him being led away kind of extinguished the flame of the possibility of talking more with him but she quickly reminded herself that she was here to help Julien. 

After Audrey left to go find Aki, Viola stood from the couch to approach Julien, "I don't want to bother, I can just leave these sketches here with you and you can tell me which one you want to go with." 

Before Julien could speak, Monet stepped up and took control, "Oh, the maxi dress halter. Also, mix prints. Half and half." 

Viola nodded as she jotted down notes and grabbed her tote, "I'll get started on that. Um, thanks for inviting me here tonight." 

They all smiled at her before returning to their conversations and just like that, it was like she was never here. Part of her wanted that, to not be anywhere near the spotlight but after having just a small taste of it, she wasn't sure if she didn't want it anymore. Viola simply backed away from the group and walked away, heading for the elevator. 

As she passed a hallway, Viola glanced over and spotted Audrey walking with a glass in her hand. She didn't think anything of it until she noticed who she was walking up to: Max, who was in the middle of a hot and heavy make-out with a guy and a girl. Viola was surprised but how could she be? April told her the kind of person Max was but it was something else to see it in person. 

She watched the two of them talk to each other and witnessed Max leaning forward with his tongue out. She didn't understand why at first until he took something off his tongue and realized it was a pill. That was something different. Viola's eyes were still glued on the scene in front of her and she didn't snap out of it until Audrey walked away and then her eyes met Max's and whatever act he had with Audrey dropped. Viola adjusted the strap of her dress before she started heading for the elevator, not realizing Max was following after her. 

She tapped the down button on the elevator and as she heard her name being called, she started tapping it more and more in hopes it would arrive faster. Viola kept her eyes glued to the elevator as she heard the call of her name getting louder and louder, easily recognizing the voice that was calling out to her. 

Max knew what Viola must've been thinking about him and it was the one thing he wanted to not happen. It had barely been a day and he was already screwing things up, "Hey, are you leaving already?" He said as he finally caught up to her. 

Viola turned around and tried to smile as if she didn't see what she'd seen, "Yeah, uh, yeah, I showed Julien the sketches and she picked one. Which is great! So, I'm heading out now to, to go and start on it." 

Max smiled and placed his hands in his pockets, "Um, about what you just saw..." 

Viola shook her head, brushing off what he said, "No, no, It's cool. We don't need to talk about...anything." 

Max shook his head, "I just don't want you to get the wrong idea about me." 

She awkwardly laughed and waved him off, "Honestly, it's fine. I mean, kind of knew what to expect with you and your friends so can't say I'm pretty surprised, ya know?" The elevator dinged and opened, causing her to walk backward and get onto it, "It's just not really my scene, ya know, but thank you for getting me here. Really helped with my work." Viola pressed the button for the ground floor, "See ya around, Max." 

Max couldn't even get in another word before the doors closed in his face. He wasn't sure what hurt more, that April was right about Viola having the wrong idea about him or that his chances with her completely disappeared right before his eyes. 

-

Viola & April's Apartment 

After getting off the elevator, Viola's hailed a cab back to her apartment. She didn't have to worry about talking about her night with April since she was out with her artist friends at a new gallery opening. Viola hung her coat up and walked her sketches to her workstation, kicking her shoes off as she made her way across her living room. She'd just missed the rain when she left Dumbo Hall but caught a little bit of it as she got into the building. 

Viola's plans for the night had originally been sketching with The Mandoloian playing in the background as she's watched it more than 5 times and knew the lines by heart. Now, those plans had gotten pushed back due to going to the club but the night was still young and she was already putting up her hair and wearing her "Professor Trelawney" glasses according to April. 

She was just getting settled at her desk when there was a knock at the door. Viola sighed and reluctantly got up from her desk; whenever April went to these gallery openings, she always had a little too much wine with her friends and more often than not couldn't figure out how to put her key in the door and Viola had to help her. 

"April, I told you to call me whenever you leave the galleries so I can leave the door unlocked for you," Viola said as she opened the door but was surprised to see Max soaked from head to toe standing in front of her. 

He chuckled and smirked, "Uh, unlocked doors in any neighborhood seem a little unsafe in my opinion." 

Viola was at a loss for words but snapped out of her daze, "Uh, well, I normally don't do it until she's in the building so...super safe." She leaned against the door and placed a hand on her hip, "What, what're you doing here, dripping in my hallway?" 

Max let out a breathless chuckle and shrugged, "Uh, well, after you left, I ran down the stairs because waiting for the elevator would've taken too long then it was raining when I got outside which is when I realized I had no idea where you lived." He shuffled in place and continued, "So, I messaged April and after calling me just about every name in the book, she told me where you lived and now I'm here." 

Viola was impressed with the amount of work he put into getting here but she didn't know why, "Uh, okay. How about you come inside and stop dripping everywhere, I think April has some of her brother's clothes here. He's stayed a couple of times when he's on breaks." 

Viola ushered him inside and told him to stay where he was while she got clothes for him to change into. She grabbed a sweatshirt and pants before going back out into the living room. She pointed him in the direction of the bathroom and sat on the couch as he left to change. It was only a matter of minutes before he came back out. 

Viola stood up and gave him a small smile, "I'm sorry there aren't any shoes to change into but I figured you'd be leaving soon so it wouldn't be much of an issue." 

Max was taken aback but nodded, "Right, right, it's not a problem." 

She watched him slowly make his way to the door but something made her stop him, "Wait, Max?" He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her, "I just really need to know...uh," Viola sigh before taking a deep breath and continuing, "Why did you come all the way here?" 

For the first time in his life, Max felt odd being put on the spot. He laughed nervously and shrugged, "I wanted to apologize to you. I really didn't want you to have this image in your head about me and it happened anyway and I'm just sorry." 

Viola was still confused, "Wait, why?" 

Max looked at her confused, "Why, what?" 

Viola adjusted her glasses and shifted from one foot to the other, "Why do you not want me to have that image?" 

Max shrugged again, "I wanted you to like me and I wanted you to think I'm a good guy, not that guy back at the club." He took a breath, "I wanted you to think I'm a good guy because I wanted...I want to ask you out." 

To say she was shocked was an understatement. Viola couldn't understand why he would want anything to do with someone like her when he was someone like him. 

She pointed at herself, "Me? You mean me?" Max nodded, smiling at her actions, as Viola shook her head and snapped out of her haze, "Yeah, no, okay. Good." 

Max raised his eyebrows, "’Good’? Does that-What does that mean?" 

It was Viola's turn to smile at Max's actions, "That means I will give you a chance." A bright smile grew on Max's face, mirroring her smile, Viola held a finger up to stop him from saying anything while she continued, "One thing. I don't want to change you into something you're not, just like I don't want you to change me." 

Max nodded, "Right, right. I don't want to make you do anything. Plus, I'm sure that April would skin me alive if I did anything horrible to you. She truly scares me." 

The two of them chuckled because April was a force to be reckoned with even if she smiled like she was made of sunshine and rainbows. 

Viola adjusted her glasses, "On that note, you should probably go before she gets home. You think she's vicious sober, she'll tear you a new one with a few shots of sake in her." 

Max chuckled at her joke and headed for the door, Viola following after him. She held the door open for him as he stepped out into the hallway, "So, I'll see you at school tomorrow?" 

He nodded, crossing his hands in front of him, "Yes, you will. As well as after school for a simple coffee date," Max was confident when he said that but faltered at his next words, "If that's okay with you." 

Viola nodded, feeling her face get hot, "That is more than okay with me." Max stepped forward and placed a kiss on her cheek, "Goodnight, Viola Remy." 

Viola's hand moved the cheek he kissed, a dazed look on her face she watched him walk backward, "Goodnight, Max Wolfe." With a final look, Max turned the corner and headed for the elevator. Viola lingered a little longer before closing the door, leaning against it, and sliding to the ground. As soon as she reached the ground, Viola planted her face in her hands and let out a little scream. She never expected things to turn out the way they did when she left for school this morning but she was starting to think that giving Max Wolfe a chance would be the start of a crazy ride.

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[ehpodcasts]

https://vimeo.com/356745495

Synopsis: Psychologist and UFO skeptic Dr. Mia Jansen joins forces with two documentary filmmakers who set out to prove alien abduction claims are a form of “mass hysteria”, but during their research, unexplainable events begin and the entire crew goes missing.

It seems to always be an issue with some when it comes to this sort of topic, UFO conspiracies mixed with encounters by “crazy people�� can go south rather quickly. It just differs of the conversation from whomever you’re discussing it with, but as the years have gone, people aren’t what they used to be when talking about this matter. Others kept to themselves of their stories for the fear of being ridiculed. However, when specific names are mentioned that others know or knew. They relax more and tell their stories of what they’ve encountered.

Case 347 is what basically I mentioned above, we see three people try to uncover what is going on and get to the bottom of it. Looking for articles, photos, their own view of a smoky ring in the sky. As they try to debunk it as fire smoke from fireworks.

Mia, who lost her father from delving into the UFO universe. Could it have been from Men In Black? It’s not certain, but we get the idea that someone or something wanted her father gone because he knew too much. Meanwhile as they delve deeper, they to start having their own experiences.

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As the film draws near the end, it really doesn’t feel like you watched 85 minutes of a found footage film. There is a nice nod to the finale and hopefully leaves the viewers intrigued to do their own research of what they to have mentioned. Or possibly you have your own stories to share? Like myself, did I possibly see my own UFO back in the daytime of my job doing traffic control in the middle of nowhere after a hurricane happened. Where it flooded a little town by a small river that no one was prepared for the worst to come? As it stayed in the sky, not moving until I physically pointed it out to my partner. I guess we’ll never know.

In conclusion, Case 347 displays the many aspects of what “could be” with all sorts of conspiracies. Whether they tie in or not it’s just part of the “what if’s”. Without going into the theories they talked about because of the potential spoilers. Which I knew some of the topics, however one category doesn’t feel right in the UFO world. But then again it could  very well be a puzzle piece to the ever growing mystery. Maybe the world isn’t ready to know the full truth of what is really out there, look at the world today. We aren’t prepared.

The effects were nicely timed, and when you finally see a glimpse it’s not overpowering to the point of having “too much” CGI. If it was even, but feels like there is a small amount. Found footage is a hit or miss with an audience, and I feel that Case 347 does a good job of not losing viewers attention after so long or boring scenes.

WHERE TO WATCH CASE 347

FLIXFLING, Vimeo on Demand, Vudu, Amazon, iTunes, Google Play

"Case 347" - Found Footage Review. @promotehorror @tricoastent #ufo #foundfootage #review #conspiracies #aliens #ehpodcasts #everythinghorror Synopsis: Psychologist and UFO skeptic Dr. Mia Jansen joins forces with two documentary filmmakers who set out to prove alien abduction claims are a form of “mass hysteria”, but during their research, unexplainable events begin and the entire crew goes missing.

[bigdreamsandwildthings]

August Wrap-Up

Dragons in a Bag (Zetta Elliott) ★★★

Caterpillar Summer (Gillian McDunn) ★★★★★

Invisible Girl (Lisa Jewell) (audio) ★★★★1/2

Ordinary Monsters (J.M. Miro) ★★★★

Goddess of Filth (V. Castro) (audio)  ★★

The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)  ★★

Violet Made of Thorns (Gina Chen) ★★★

Piranesi (Susanna Clarke) ★★★★★

Blade Breaker (Victoria Aveyard) ★★★1/2

Wild is the Witch (Rachel Griffin) ★★★★

The Paris Apartment (Lucy Foley) (audio) ★★★

Song for a Whale (Lynne Kelly) ★★★★

The middle grade fiction on this list is for work, but I did really enjoy a few of these younger reads too! It was a pretty decent last month of summer overall (fall starts September 1 and I will have no other opinions on the matter). Find me over on Goodreads to share more detailed reviews.

[theobviousparadox]

Review: Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn

Review: Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn

Honestly ElliottGillian McDunnBloomsbury Children’s USAPublished March 1, 2022 Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads About Honestly Elliott Elliott has been struggling since his closest friend moved away, and he’s not too sure where he fits into his own family, especially since his newly remarried dad and stepmom are expecting a baby. His grades aren’t too great, he’s always forgetting things, and he…

[readingaway]

Danielle Babbles About Books - Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

Rating: 4/5 stars

Review: This was beautiful! All the older siblings out there will probably appreciate this story though not me as much because I didn’t have to take care of my little brother but sisters in general will likely be able to relate to getting saddled with caretaking roles, even for their parents, and this would probably hit harder for a lot of other women and girls. I loved the growth of all the relationships and how Cat learns and grows and expands during her stay on Gingerbread Island. I cried a lot because I wanted to wrap her up or sit her down and explain some things (ex you’re not supposed to be doing so much). It just hit really hard in the emotions and is a fantastic book!

[palpipeen]

Bet y'all didn't know I'm an artist, too. B) More info under the cut!

So some time ago (gods was it last year???) I was a bit more involved in fandom things, and I still have a whooole cast of characters. But this'n here has a special place in my heart.

Meet NG-1T, aka Nugget, one of the first and last of her line. Created on Tattooine with the idea that a droid that looked more like an animal would be easier to utilize in stealing from scrap yards, the NG-XT models have programming to make them 'behave' like animals. They 'hunt' (scavenge newly dumped off ship/electrical/mechanical parts), have over a thousand different 'calls' (fully fluent in binary and able to replicate avian/reptile sounds), and have a very high sense of self-preservation and are EXTREMELY territorial.

NG-1T belongs to another OC of mine, Koryn McDunn, who was a scrapper in their youth before being picked up by a pirate gang. Nugget was partially salvaged by Koryn and works as an assistant for them, once Koryn became a fully trained mechanic. Koryn eventually takes a contract as an auxiliary mechanic for the GAR, so wherever they go, Nugget goes.

I based Nugget's overall design off of raptors and roadrunners, since they're basically the same things, and a bit of toucan thrown in for good measure. She uses that big ol' beaky-thing to push herself upright like a toucan does while climbing, and can use the 'claw' on her tail to drag things that are about five times her weight. NG-XT models can run up to about 40mph, and many folks who own one of the models have been knocked over by them MANY times. Nugget is fiercely protective of Koryn and fusses over them like she isn't a foot and a half tall.

ANYWAY, felt like sharing, ENJOY.

This art is not available for reposting, reselling, tracing, referencing etc unless I state otherwise. This is not available for N*Eff*Ts. Art/Character (c) to me

[orangerosebush]

There is something so exquistely tender yet heart-breaking about The Fog Horn, a story by Ray Bradbury in which a sea monster falls in love with the sound of a foghorn [read it here]

Half an hour passed with only a few whispers between us. When we grew tired waiting, McDunn began describing some of his ideas to me. He had some theories about the Fog Horn itself.

"One day many years ago a man walked along and stood in the sound of the ocean on a cold sunless shore and said "We need a voice to call across the water, to warn ships; I'll make one. I'll make a voice that is like an empty bed beside you all night long, and like an empty house when you open the door, and like the trees in autumn with no leaves. A sound like the birds flying south, crying, and a sound like November wind and the sea on the hard, cold shore. I'll make a sound that's so alone that no one can miss it, that whoever hears it will weep in their souls, and to all who hear it in the distant towns. I'll make me a sound and an apparatus and they'll call it a Fog Horn and whoever hears it will know the sadness of eternity and the briefness of life.""

The Fog Horn blew.

"I made up that story," said McDunn quietly, "to try to explain why this thing keeps coming back to the lighthouse every year. The fog horn calls, I think, it comes..."

The sea monster feels a kinship with this device designed to broadcast a condensed version of misery and solitude -- and what better metaphor for the paradox of finding solace in art designed to depict the depths of human woe?

How else can I articulate it, but by the words of Bradbury?

"Now," whispered McDunn, "do you know why it comes here?"

I nodded.

"All year long, Johnny, that poor monster there lying far out, a thousand miles at sea, and twenty miles deep maybe, biding its time, perhaps a million years old, this one creature. Think of it, waiting a million years; could you wait that long? Maybe it's the last of its kind. I sort of think that's true. Anyway, here come men on land and build this lighthouse, five years agao. And set up their Fog Horn and sound it and sound it out towards the place where you bury yourself in sleep and sea memories of a world where there were thousands like yourself, but now you're alone, all alone in a world that's not made for you, a world where you have to hide.

"But the sound of the Fog Horn comes and goes, comes and goes, and you stir from the muddy bottom of the Deeps, and your eyes open like the lenses of two-foot cameras and you move, slow, slow, for you have the ocean sea on your shoulders, heavy. But that Fog Horn comes through a thousand miles of water, faint and familiar, and the furnace in your belly stokes up, and you begin to rise, slow, slow. You feed yourself on minnows, on rivers of jellyfish, and you rise slow through the autumn months, through September when the fogs started, through October with more fog and the horn still calling you on, and then, late in November, after pressurizing yourself day by day, a few feet higher every hour, you are near the surface and still alive. You've got to go slow; if you surfaced all at once you'd explode. So it takes you all of three months to surface, and then a number of days to swim through the cold waters to the lighthouse. And there you are, out there, in the night, Johnny, the biggest damned monster in creation. And here's the lighthouse calling to you, with a long neck like your neck sticking way up out of the water, and a body like your body, and most important of all, a voice like your voice. Do you understand now, Johnny, do you understand?"

The Fog Horn blew.

The monster answered.

I saw it all, I knew it all-the million years of waiting alone, for someone to come back who never came back. The million years of isolation at the bottom of the sea, the insanity of time there, while the skies cleared of reptile-birds, the swamps fried on the continental lands, the sloths and sabre-tooths had there day and sank in tar pits, and men ran like white ants upon the hills.

The Fog Horn Blew.

"Last year," said McDunn, "that creature swam round and round, round and round, all night. Not coming to near, puzzled, I'd say. Afraid, maybe. And a bit angry after coming all this way. But the next day, unexpectedly, the fog lifted, the sun came out fresh, the sky was as blue as a painting. And the monster swam off away from the heat and the silence and didn't come back. I suppose it's been brooding on it for a year now, thinking it over from every which way."

[royalarmyofoz]

insp.