#narcissus showcase

[plutonianeris]

Asteroid Narcissus and Celebrity examples (37117) 📸

Narcissus in the 1st House or Aries: Enigmatic allure, hypnotic eyes, an aura that draws people in, pride in appearance, head held high. Obsessed with self-image, reflecting confidence yet potentially masking inner insecurities. Constantly rechecking mirrors, enjoying attention, projecting a carefully crafted persona.

Narcissus in the 2nd House or Taurus: Attracted to luxury and fine aesthetics, designer clothes, and the latest fashion trends. Money spent on beauty treatments, feeling validated by possessions. Self-worth deeply tied to material symbols of success; valuing physical attractiveness as an asset. Desire for financial security often merges with indulgent spending habits.

Narcissus in the 3rd House or Gemini: Smooth talker, articulate with a hint of self-absorption. Seeks admiration in conversations, interested in how others perceive their intellect and charm. Known for flattering speech or poetic expressions, often captivating listeners. Easily lost in the allure of their own ideas and words.

Narcissus in the 4th House or Cancer: Home mirrors a sanctuary of beauty, meticulously decorated to reflect personal taste. Deep-seated need for familial admiration, sometimes idolized by family members. Can feel the need to uphold a perfect home or ideal family image, especially in public view. Nostalgia for one’s own past, with a tendency to romanticize memories.

Narcissus in the 5th House or Leo: Effervescent charm, creative expression in ways that showcase beauty and personal talent. Thrives on the adoration of audiences, captivated by the spotlight. The “star” among friends, radiant and seductive; loves playing a role that others admire. Could blur lines between true self and a perfected public persona.

Narcissus in the 6th House or Virgo: Prides themselves on physical upkeep and routines, possibly health-conscious to the extreme. Attractiveness linked to wellness habits, perhaps a bit critical of others’ habits. Enjoys receiving praise for work ethic or appearance in a work setting, often caught between personal standards and perfectionism.

Narcissus in the 7th House or Libra: Enamored by relationships that serve as mirrors, often drawn to partners who reflect or enhance their image. Tendency to idealize partners, seeking relationships that elevate self-worth. Known for a magnetic charm in relationships, but could struggle with seeing partners as individuals separate from themselves.

Narcissus in the 8th House or Scorpio: Fascinated by power dynamics in attraction, possibly drawn to taboo or mysterious allure. Can be entranced by their own depth and intensity, seeing themselves as uniquely captivating. May have transformative relationships where attraction is both magnetic and destructive, revealing hidden vulnerabilities.

Narcissus in the 9th House or Sagittarius: Pride in intellectual beauty and knowledge; finds joy in being seen as wise or culturally aware. Eager to display their ideals or philosophical outlook, often seeks to impress others through travel experiences or scholarly pursuits. Identifies with the allure of wisdom, sometimes favoring appearances over true depth.

Narcissus in the 10th House or Capricorn: Professionally polished, careful about public image, a face that stands out in a crowd. Drawn to careers that place them in the public eye, gaining admiration for achievements. Self-worth often hinges on career success and social status, with a constant drive to appear respectable and accomplished.

Narcissus in the 11th House or Aquarius: Social butterfly, alluring in friendships and social circles. Enjoys being the center of social gatherings, radiating confidence and style. Drawn to groups that elevate their self-image, sometimes seeking friendships with influential or attractive people. Believes in the value of connections and is highly conscious of their social reputation.

Narcissus in the 12th House or Pisces: Secret allure, a subtle charisma that draws others in without overt effort. Often introspective about their own charm, hiding both insecurities and dreams of greatness. May fantasize about a perfect self but hide it from the world, carrying a private connection to beauty and self-worth that is deeply personal and reflective.

Notable Celebrities and their Narcissus placement:

Kim Kardashian has Narcissus in Aquarius in the 2nd house.

Kourtney Kardashian has Narcissus in Aquarius in the 11th house.

Khloe Kardashian has Narcissus in Leo in the 7th house.

Kendall Jenner has Narcissus in Capricorn in the 9th house.

Kylie Jenner has Narcissus in Capricorn in the 1st house.

Kris Jenner has Narcissus in Sagittarius in the 3rd house.

Blake Lively Has Narcissus in Scorpio in the 3rd house.

Donald Trump has Narcissus in Taurus in the 9th house.

Ariana Grande has Narcissus in Sagittarius in the 11th house.

Taylor Swift has Narcissus in Scorpio in the 1st house.

Tyler The Creator has Narcissus in Sagittarius in the 4th house.

Demi Lovato also has Narcissus in Sagittarius in the 4th house.

Kamala Harris has Narcissus in Gemini in the 12th house.

Marilyn Monroe has Narcissus in Pisces in the 7th house.

Zendaya has Narcissus in Capricorn in the 11th house.

Justin Bieber has Narcissus in Capricorn in the 2nd house.

Selena Gomez has Narcissus in Sagittarius in the 5th house.

Drake has Narcissus in Libra in the 3rd house.

Marilyn Manson has Narcissus in Scorpio in the 3rd house.

Robert Pattinson has Narcissus in Libra in the 6th house.

Naomi Campbell has Narcissus in Scorpio in the 9th house.

Meghan Markle has Narcissus in Pisces in the 9th house.

John F Kennedy has Narcissus in Scorpio in the 2nd house.

Prince William has Narcissus in Taurus in the 4th house.

[junedenim]

put your heavy metal to the test

part one part two

if you're fucking him, you might as well take advantage of it

warnings: smut, fluff, facefucking, sex toy, piv

word count: 4.8k

It's Elizabeth's birthday on Friday. This means two things: an office party & a drinking party.

"Do you not want me to go?" Alex asks. He's in your kitchen making breakfast. Repeat: he's in your kitchen making breakfast. These things have started to sneak up on you increasingly—this pattern of waking up in his arms and making breakfast on weekends. 

You shrug with your cup of coffee. "You can do whatever you want." That tiptoeing-around habit has continued. There has been no addressing of what this is other than the fact that it's happening and you both want it to happen. 

He chuckles as he butters his near-burnt toast. "I know that. She's your friend and I don't want to overstep on your night out."

"Well." You lean over the counter, your arms prop up your boobs showcasing your cleavage on a full display for his eyes to look directly at. "Who's gonna take me home after a long night?"

Alex raises his eyebrows with a smirk. "You want me to?"

You stand from the barstool and walk over to the sink to empty your cup. "There's plenty of options."

You start to walk to your bedroom when his arms wrap around you tightly. "Who? Gunner?" You try to escape but his grip only grows tighter. You're laughing and it's too much but you decide to enjoy a moment when his touch is friendly and means nothing more than a laugh instead of some goal of pleasure. It's too much and just enough.

*

Elizabeth's birthday cake is a vanilla sheet cake bought by Ed at the grocery store down the street. It looks pretty and tastes shitty but it's the effort that counts and Ed is probably the best boss you've ever had (maybe, second best, but the other one gets disqualified for unfair advantages). 

You're sitting in a little group of people eating a slice of cake when Alex sits next to you with a mouthful of cake. "Got enough there?" You ask him. He sticks his tongue with a dusting of his chewed-up food. "Ew."

"Alex," Elizabeth calls from a few seats over. "You're joining our little party tonight, right?"

He nods, swallowing his piece. "That was the plan."

"Fantastic!" She cheers. "Everyone has to buy me a drink, well, unless you got a present for me. Your present is a drink for me."

"Okay."

With the group distracted and returning to their conversation, you lean over and whisper to Alex, "Or you could go halvesies on my gift?"

He looks over, all serene. You don't understand how he doesn't stare at himself in the mirror all day like Narcissus. "Are we at the stage in our relationship where we're gifting things as a couple?"

You giggle softly, covering your mouth. "Elizabeth would rip my hair out if that happened."

"Why?" 

"Because she's in love with you."

His jaw becomes slightly agape. "What?"

You stare at him, searching for a sign of trickery. "You can not be that clueless. You're pulling my leg."

He shakes his head.

"Seriously? She stares at you all the time."

"Well, my eyes are busy elsewhere." His browns stare clearly at you.

You roll your eyes. "She's been into you since before all our stuff."

"My eyes have been busy since before all our stuff."

You laugh. "You're full of shit."

He turns away and looks at the last crumbs of his slice of cake. "Maybe you're the clueless one. Did you ever think that?"

You point your plastic fork at him. "No, because you're lying."

"I'm an honest man." He sighs and stands with an empty plate. "Happy birthday, Elizabeth. I'll see you later tonight."

"You're leaving already?" She frowns. "Come on, Ed gave us an extended break for a reason."

Alex waves her off. "I have to work on some things with Ed. I'm lucky he gave me long enough of a break to eat a slice of cake."

"He works you too hard."

"Yeah, well, I like it. Have a good one, you guys." You've learned that Alex works too much. You told him you think he's going to have a heart attack one day for the emphasis he places on work in his life. He told you he doesn't know how to function without it. You told him that sounded sad and he should find ways to relieve that stress. Then, he fucked you and said that was his stress relief. And you said that was good enough.

*

He sits next to you at the bar, which should be suspicious to your co-workers but no questionable looks are shot in your direction. He's smooth in every way. He shaved this morning and he moves in such a way that you can only call smooth. He moves his hands smooth. He talks smooth. He kisses smooth.

When he put his lips on you outside the bar you could have slapped him because he tempts fate too much and you swear he is trying to get you both fired. But he molds himself to you, shoves his hand into the curve of your back, and doesn't let go for a second. He smiled when he pulled away and you couldn't do anything to that poor face of his. So lovely to look at and so loving in return. He's becoming too sweet and anyone who squinted could see the truth. His thigh rubbing up against yours and you laughing too hard at his dumb jokes but they keep hushed and you hope it stays that way (at least for now).

Elizabeth is double-fisting drinks and she sips one and then the other. You're drinking but you don't want to get drunk because you want to end the night cognizant with Alex. Elizabeth has other ideas...

"Chug your beer with me. Come on! Come on!" She urges. 

You wave her off. "I'm good. But I'll watch you."

She whines. "No fun! Alex!" She grabs a hold of his hand from across the table. "You drink with me. Come on! Come on!"

Alex chuckles, amused by the display. He pats her hand and then pulls away, wrapping his hand around his cold glass, caressing it with such care you're jealous of it. "I'm the kind of guy who likes to savour his drinks."

"Boo! No fun you two!" She slurs. Being referred to in a pair gives you tingles. A thing in which you wish to be shoved away through the numbness of alcohol. Feeling it in private is one thing but suffocated in a crowd of people you feel as if your skin could fall off. That you're exposed and they can see right through you with their feelings X-ray scanner. Maybe you're just paranoid.

Elizabeth leans forward, completely intoxicated with liquor and infatuation. "So, Alex, I've heard about this big project you have. I'll admit I'm jealous I don't get to work on it." She's jealous of you for working with him...she's going to kill you if she ever finds out.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom," you announce.

"Okay!" Elizabeth says, all happy and perky for alone time with Alex. 

Should you feel jealous? Probably not, you've always been told jealousy isn't a good emotion. It's weird. You feel an obligation to be jealous but you aren't. Maybe it's because you and Alex are just fooling around in a highly sophisticated we-aren't-going-to-do-this-with-anybody-else-except-each-other-but-we-are-totally-not-a-couple kind of way. Maybe because you know he won't do anything. Elizabeth has been throwing yourself at Alex since she started working here and nothing has come of it. What's the difference now? He's so blase toward anything that it's obvious when he is interested in something.

Like when he walks into the women's restroom.

"What are you doing here?" You're washing your hands and he's by the door, chest pumped out and so heroic-looking with a smolder you could laugh.

"I thought we were..." He gestures between the two of you.

"We were?" You implore him to finish as you wipe your hands clean. 

His head drops. 

You laugh. "No, I actually did just have to go to the bathroom."

"Well, since I'm here..." Alex trails off for you to get the idea again.

You finish, "Fuck you? No, not really."

"Okay," he accepts. He looks around examining the stalls and sinks as you watch on. "Do you want to leave now and go do it?"

"And have everyone watch us leave together? No thanks." You say as you toss the paper towel.

"We've done it before." He's moving forward suggestively and you'd take a step back if you weren't so into it. Into him.

You move past him, brushing shoulders like it's the greatest romance, something Austenian. "And we won't be repeating." 

He moves backward, blocking your exit. "Fine. I'll leave saying I'm loaded with work and in a half hour, you'll say you have a headache and then you'll come to my place."

"I don't want to go to your place," you whine. You're being difficult but your place is closer to here and the drive home from Alex's is always annoying it almost makes you want to stay there forever (solely for driving purposes, nothing else).

"Then, we'll go to your place."

"But if you leave first you'll need a key."

"Then you go first."

"I don't want to leave yet."

"Then I'll use the key in the potted plant." A key you put there for Alex because nobody else visits enough to warrant a spare key.

"So, you're just going to mess about in my flat for 30 minutes."

He shrugs with his hands on his hips. "I'll find something to do."

You squint. "You're gonna snoop."

"You have no faith in me."

"Well, I know what I would do if you left me alone in your place for 30 minutes."

He laughs. "You wouldn't find much." His place generally carries a stark bareness to it.

"I'd find something. Everyone hides something."

"What do you hide?"

You roll your eyes. "You'll have no fun in your snooping if I tell you what I'm hiding."

He raises his eyebrows. "So, you want me to snoop?"

"I want to get out of this bathroom but you're trapping me in here. You're lucky no one has walked in."

"I'm a very lucky guy. You should know this." 

Something in his eyes makes flutter and an uncontrollable smile covers your face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugs with a wide grin on his face and steps out of the way of the door. His face is endlessly endearing and you could leave if your body would let you but it would be a crime to leave without a simple kiss. 

You hold his left cheek, so smooth. You peck his lips. Twice, for a good measure. That grin is still irreplaceable and wider than ever. "Have fun putting your tampon in."

He just gives a light slap to your ass and lets you go. For now.

*

"I have a wicked headache." You place to palm of your hand on your forehead, cringing your eyes.

Alex chuckles on the other side of the opened door. It's weird having him open your flat's door. He claps his hands together. "Stellar acting. Destined for the stage."

You bow dramatically. "Thank you."

He opens the door more, letting you pass. You toss your purse on the couch, then your body. "It took some convincing. She nearly shoved two Advils down my throat before I was able to leave."

Alex sits beside you. "What about me? I thought my clothes were gonna have claw marks on them."

"Well," you sigh, "don't flatter yourself too much. She was all over Ben when I left."

He snaps his fingers. "Shucks."

You sniffle. "What's that smell?"

"I made dinner."

"You made me dinner?"

"I made me dinner. You came back earlier than I thought you would."

You're quick to grab your purse and smack him with it. He grabs your wrist, then your hips, guiding you to straddle him. You sit on top of him. You can feel him. His every move. Your hands lying on his shoulders. His light touch on your elbows. He kisses your hand and it feels like a holy blessing. Like you're the Pope and he's kissing your ring. 

"Did you snoop?"

"I snooped."

"And?"

"You're boring." You erupt with laughter, laying your head on his shoulder. "I didn't look too hard anyway. I didn't want to invade your space."

"It's fine. I invited you to." But you don't mind how caring he is. How gentle he is as his fingertips brush down your clothed spine.

"Okay. I guess that helps because I did find your vibrator."

You hit his chest with your hands. "Ew. Don't talk about that."

"You told me to snoop!"

"Whatever. It's a common thing. Every girl has one in their drawer. We have to use it because guys never get the job done," you reason.

Alex brags, "I get the job done."

"Don't be cocky. I could be faking it."

"Okay," he easily accepts. Maybe because it isn't believable in the slightest. 

"You're being cunning. If you think we're going to do some sex thing with it you're out of luck because it's out of batteries."

"Oh, so if it's out of batteries then how are you able to use it after you're done with me."

You pull away from him, standing up, your heels clunking on the floor. "Stop it! That is a personal item. I don't talk to you about your sex toys."

"Mine's just my hand and I'm not really using it much as of late."

You cross your arms. "So, I'm your sex toy. I should be paid."

He raises his eyebrows. "You want to be my prostitute?"

You think about it. "Fair point. Pay me with dinner."

"They're your ingredients anyway."

You shake your head. "No, I mean, take me out to dinner."

"Now?"

"No!" You giggle. "Like this weekend or something. On a date," you clarify. You've slept with the guy. Why are you nervous about a date? 

Alex nods and gives you a crooked smile. "Okay."

"You're being cunning again."

"Fuck yeah. You've been blue balling me all night."

You purse your lips. "You haven't exactly returned the favour."

"You have your vibrator for that."

"Oh, okay, sure. I'll just grab some batteries." You make a point, marching over to grab your TV remote and popping it out. He follows you to your bedroom where you stuff them into your vibrator. You turn around, staring at him standing at the edge of your bed. "If you don't mind, we'd like some time alone."

He toots a laugh. "Nice try. Now put the vibrator down and let me fuck you."

"But the vibrator hits me just right," you taunt, all pouty and flirty.

His steps are controlled but powerful. You can feel his shoes thud on the floor and his gaze is controlling like he's mind-controlling you to put the vibrator down. Your grip stays steady even as his hand rounds your back and pulls you closer and closer until his lips are on you. 

"Your vibrator do this?" He teases. Your boobs are pressed against his chest and his hand is pushing your head closer to his, keeping you in a kiss. 

"They're very advanced these days," you mutter against his lips. 

He's kissing you tight and harder. Your knees buckle against your bed as you fall back onto the bed. In some chaos of tugging on clothes before pulling them fully off, Alex takes the vibrator out of your hand. He's kissing you again, distracting you. Your hand travels down the space in between your bodies and you're reaching out, rubbing your hand against his cock.

"How badly do you want me in your mouth?"

"You're presumptuous," you joke.

But he's clearly not in a joking mood as he stops your hand from moving around him. He reiterates, "How bad do you want it?" 

"Badly," you tell him. 

You can tell Alex wants to tease you more, but he's getting too worked up for verbal foreplay, so he stands up, tugging your head along with him. He grabs you by the throat and pulls you closer, so your head is dangling upside down off the bed, and then roughly shoves his cock down your throat.

"There you go," he taunts, thrusting into your mouth with brutal force. It only takes three hits to the back of her throat for you to gag on his cock, choking on its thickness. He pulls back just long enough for you to catch a breath before he pushes back in. "You fucking love it, don't you?"

You gurgle around him, trying to breathe through your nose as the pace of his pumps picks up. You do love it and wish you didn't have a gag reflex, so you could take all of him without needing a break, but he told you once before he loves it when you choke on him. 

He slows his thrusts down a bit and leans forward, palming your breasts. He plays with your nipples knowing how much you love when he does that, especially when you're in a position like this. Your squeak of surprise is muffled by his cock before it turns into moans of pleasure when he grabs a tit, roughly massaging it with his callused hands. He starts to pick up his rhythm again. Your body jerks at the action and he makes sure to shove down extra hard in response. After a few minutes of toying with your tits, his hand travels further down, running a finger through you. "Look at you, so wet for my cock already. You want it so badly, I can't believe you didn't fuck me in the bathroom. You love doing that shit, dirty girl."

You can't get any words out, but you jerk your hips up, trying to get his fingers to press harder or go into you or just do something. You're wet and aching for him. He lets his fingers slip through you a few times, making sure to avoid your clit, before he pulls away from her completely. Without thinking, you bring your hand to your pussy to replace his, but he immediately slaps it away.

Alex asks, "You want me to leave?" You shake your head. "Then, don't play with yourself."

He thrusts into your mouth a few more times before turning you around. He climbs up onto the bed and urges your legs apart so he can kneel between them. The heel of his hand presses against your clit as his fingers slip through you, finding your entrance and pushing two fingers into you with ease. 

He fingers you for a few moments before leaving you empty. He positions you properly and lines himself up before plunging into you.

"Jesus," he grunts. He stays inside of you for a moment to gather himself, before he pulls out and slams back into you once, twice, three times, until he's started a steady rhythm of pumps. He pushes on his toes, bending you further, giving him an even steeper angle to pound into you. He stretches, his thighs slapping against her ass loudly with each hit, before it's too much of a strain on his muscles to fuck you at this angle. 

He stops and palms your ass cheeks and brings you closer to him. You hear the buzz and can't help but roll your eyes even if you're begging for any pleasure. "Seriously?"

"You want me to stop?" He's playing with you. Dangling a carrot in front of your face and yanking it away in an instant. You're not going to tempt fate.

"No," you answer, trying to rock against him, desperately wanting him to start up again.

He presses the toy against you and you have a hard time holding yourself up. Your arms bucking and taking your face down to laying against a pillow. He bends a little at the knees so his cock is level with your cunt, and then shoves his length into you again until they meet with a smack. He squeezes your ass cheeks roughly before sliding them down your lower back, pulling your body closer to meet every one of his thrusts with as much force as possible. 

"Oh, oh fuck," you whimper, you start to clench around him as he holds the vibrator on your clit and bucks into you. You're impressed by his ability to do both at the same time while you can't even hold yourself up. "Fuck, I'm gonna come."

"Come on my cock," he tells you, his hips becoming frantic as he gets closer as well. "You fucking come on my cock. Then, I'm coming in you."

It's all you need to hear before you let go, letting your orgasm hit you in waves. You shake against him. He is still pounding into you through it, and holding the vibrator intensely onto you. Just as you start to come down, you feel him swell against the vice grip you have on him, before he lets go too, spilling into you.

His head falls into the slope of your back but he holds steady with the vibrator on you until you whack at his hand. "Too much," you cry. He looks tempted to push back but he shuts the device off before collapsing onto his back on the side of the bed that is looking more and more like his side of the bed. 

You fall on your stomach. Both of you just lie there in thought, trying to find something that will ease the shaking of your thighs and Alex's shallow breathing. "Fuck," you hear him mumble.

You make a sound in agreement but can't figure out how to do more. You feel as though you've been rewired. You feel his touch on your arm before he yanks you over into his arms. You groan, already feeling sore.

He kisses your temple before he gets up from the bed and disappears into the bathroom, returning with a towel. Loving and tender after rough and unforgiving.

*

It's late and you're in his arms and you feel as delicate as you ever have and feel like you can say anything and he would still hold you in his arms. "I think you should present the project on Monday," he tells you.

You pull your head back. "What?"

"It's really your project. I only supervised and, god knows, Jeff did nothing. It's your thing and I don't think I could—anyone could—explain the project as well as you do."

"That's a big thing."

"I'll practice with you."

"But to present to corporate and all of them. Isn't it out of character for someone like me to do that?"

"Ben has done it before." Ben is higher up than you so it's not exactly an equal comparison. 

You lift your head up to look him in his eyes and directly ask, "Are you doing this—"

He closes his eyes and tosses his head to the side. "God, don't even say that. That's two steps away from me trading sex for raises."

"Sorry."

"It's fine but it has nothing to do with that. You're brilliant," he says so earnestly you almost believe it.

"Sure," you say doubtfully.

He shakes his head and tugs you closer. "You'll see. You're the smartest person I've ever met."

You laugh. "You don't have to bullshit me now."

"No bullshitting. All those guys, Ed, corporate are a bunch of showoffs but you. You're like smart smart. Booksmart, streetsmart, emotionally intelligent. We're a bag of nothing."

"You're the smartest person I've ever met. No bullshit."

"I don't believe you."

"That's fine. That doesn't mean it isn't true."

*

On Monday morning, he kisses you in the middle of the breakroom. It's the closest you've come to nearly exposing whatever this is. It's much more risky than his office and a crowded city street. "Too much, Al," you tell him.

"I'm proud of you," he says. His thumb rubs against the corner of your lips, removing the kiss dribble. "Aren't I allowed to be proud of you?"

"You kiss everyone you're proud of?"

"Yeah, why do you think Ed and I take so long after meetings?"

"Ew!" You push him away from you, sharing a laugh between you.

The breakroom door swings open and Elizabeth walks in. It's alarming how unwilling you both are to move away from each other but she's distracted by her own cheer. "How'd it go?" She exclaims.

"Oh, yeah, she was perfect," Alex boasts, leaning against a counter.

Elizabeth claps her hands. "Did we ever have any doubts?"

"No, never," he says sincerely. You make eye contact with him and he stands up straight. "Well, I should go."

"No rest for the wicked, huh?" Elizabeth says.

"Yeah."

When he leaves she turns to you with a smile. "You better get me on the next project. God, I wish he'd talk about me that way." She's dreamy. A schoolgirl gazing onward at her teacher with her immature crush. You don't feel guilty about you and Alex but you feel shame from hiding it from her as if you're leading her on in some kind of way. But she seems to have accepted the idea of her and Alex as a fantasy. There's doubt she'll accept Alex being a reality for you.

*

You go into his office later and he's quick to attack. His lips are on you and his hands are heavy on your back. "How fucking good were you?"

You push him back. "You've mentioned it before." Alex exchanges hasty, uncoordinated kisses with you. 

"Want me to fuck you?"

"Not here."

Alex whines, you've never heard him do that before. "Quick."

You laugh. "After my stellar performance, you want me to get caught sucking off my boss?"

He seems to think about it for a moment before nodding. "You have a point."

Your arms curl around his neck, bringing him closer to you as you whisper in his ear, "I'll fuck you at my place. We'll fuck the whole night."

"Yeah?"

You pull back with a head nod and a lip bite. "Yeah."

"That reminds me I have your spare key." He moves to pull it out from his bag.

You hold your hand up. "Keep it." He's there half the week. The other half you're at his. You're fucked.

"Keep it?"

"Yeah."

"Okay."

*

You don't go back to your place first. He takes you to dinner first. It's nothing fancy but it's a nice enough place that doesn't need a reservation. You drink nice wine and talk about nothing in particular but none of it has to do with work. In some ways, it feels like a first date if you didn't already know so much about him; what moves him, what makes him laugh, what makes him tick. At the same time, you know so little; where he's from, why is he in this business, what hurts him. You suppose it's the same for him with you. 

You don't talk about those things. Too heavy for a first date and whatever else you are. You end up in the back of his car with the rain pelting down. You're under him, pushing off layers and wrapping yourself around him, mouth on his Adam’s apple like you mean to take a bite of it. Alex pushes the skirt of your dress up. It’s a messy thing, hasty, a necessity. You make these sounds, hitched gasps and keening moans, rolling your hips up to match the beat of whatever tune his making with the rhythm of his hips. 

You press a light kiss on the soft skin underneath his lips, and push his hand down further, placing his fingers on top of your core. You hiss from the coldness of his hands.

His cock moves in and out of you. It's slower than usual. You're unsure if it's from the tight setting you're in or the moment you're stuck in. It's more romantic than usual, even if you're stuffed into a tiny backseat. 

Alex is leaning over and pulling you, and covering your mouth with his, his soft lips swallowing your moan. You kiss softly for a few moments. He breaks, letting out, "Fuck." 

Finding the angle a bit difficult, he grabs your hips tilting them up more so he can drive into you better. He leans over you and connects your mouths, swallowing each other's moans again.

Your hands thread through his soft hair, massaging his scalp before they drop down to his back, your fingertips trailing delicately along his sweaty skin. You love feeling the muscles in Alex's back straining as he fucks you, the way they tense each time he thrusts his cock deep inside you, hitting you just where you need it, pulling him just where he needs it. Your chests are flush together. You can feel each other's hearts pounding, the redness in your skins turning to fire.

He smiles into your kiss as you hook your legs around him, digging your heels into his ass and pulling him deeper into you each time he barrels down. He can never seem to go deep enough, always wanting more, more, more.

He picks up his pace as he watches you, his hips rocking into you as you both edge closer and closer. "I'm so close," he moans, releasing your lip and opening his eyes to find yours. 

"Come for me," you urge.

You buck up into him, desperate to come but even more desperate for him to come. "Oh fuck," he cries out. His thrusts start to get jerky as you tighten around his cock.

He only lasts a few more thrusts before he lets go inside you, something habitual now. He moans as he empties himself, feeling you wrap your legs around his waist and lock him in place as he continues to spill. 

You feel yourself come undone and it's uncontrollable as you hold tight onto him, wanting to do everything possible to keep him close. "Fuck," he lets out like a statement. With a chuckle, he tells you, "We couldn't even make it back to your fucking flat."

*

a/n: so, i think this is a series now because i have like two ideas for two more parts so if you guys want it i'll do it. thanks!

[vacantgodling]

a guide to: hyacinthus shrapnel

thank you to anyone who's expressed interest in my favorite asshole man--at some point i'll do this for more ocs, but i am not immune to favoritism. gently tagging those who i think would wanna see this:

@henrike-does-writing-sometimes @outpost51 @void-botanist @jezifster @mjjune @sergeantnarwhalwrites @ink-flavored @astral-runic @calicohyde @kk7-rbs @foxys-fantasy-tales @inadequatecowboy @sarahlizziewrites @multi-lefaiye

transposed under the cut!

SLIDE 1: A GUIDE TO HYACINTHUS SHRAPNEL -- the meanest, prettiest, and most emotionally constipated man ever. by @vacantgodling, yours truly

SLIDE 2: BASIC INFORMATION pt. 1

FULL NAME: HYACINTHUS SHRAPNEL (nicknames: HYA (by amon), CINTHY (by aloe, lovingly, and tagetes, degradingly), CINTH (by narci))

AGE: 31

BIRTHDAY: he hates talking about his birthday, so you won’t get the exact date. just know that it falls during the galerian form of “christmas” which is the two weeks of may 12th — may 24th. its somewhere in there :)

GENDER: TROIBEMME (HE/HIM PRONOUNS ONLY)

the galerian equivalent to our nonbinary; an entirely separate gender denomination that blurs the line between masculine and feminine; encompassing everything inbetween, nothing at all, or outside of a binary frame altogether. its considered a ‘third gender’ by the galerian people, and has been observed in galerian history for centuries. old galerian even features multiple pronoun sets, but they have been lost in the modern age. nowadays, those who present as troibemme usually use “they” “he” or “she” but this does not negate their troibemme status. gender =/= pronouns etc.

SOCIAL STATUS: WIFE OF THE KEEPER OF CHATEAU AUX AISLES D’OR

husband and wife refer to the specific social hierarchy in galere. “wife” and “husband” respectively refer to the role of being a breadwinner and connection maker (husband) versus the manager of the house and finances (wife). wives do occasionally lead the way in organizing at home balls. child rearing (in upper society) is usually left to maids and nanny’s—not a responsibility of either parent. traditionalists believe wives should take on this task as children are part of the “home”, but in actual valerian society children are usually pawned off. all of the gunn clan, sans aloe (as he is part of the clergy) are wives.

SLIDE 3: THE GUNN FAMILY TREE

a family tree that showcases the main gunn family tree. lonicera gunn and clematis gunn are crossed out because they are deceased. they were wed first and had 3 children, tagetes gunn de beneaux (40, they/them), iberis winch (36, he/him) and narcissus spokes (33, she/her). while it is not indicated by the chart, clematis had a relationship with moxie shrapnel in lonicera's twilight years, giving birth to hyacinthus shrapnel (31, he/him) and his name is in bold lettering. then, clematis finally married belladonna anvil (who hyphenated her name to anvil-gunn) and had 2 children, lavendula caldern (28, she/her) and aloe anvil-gunn (24, he/him).

SLIDE 4: BASIC INFORMATION PT. 2

SOCIAL STATUS: aside from a wife, hya is also a BASTARD. this is not a well kept secret.

bastards, as per the definition, are illegitimate heirs. hyacinthus is the 4th child of the dodgy businessman, CLEMATIS GUNN, who had an affair with a prostitute, MOXIE SHRAPNEL (where hya gets his surname), during his first wife’s decline in health. 

bastards have no claim to family fortunes, so when clematis passed, hya would’ve been shit out of luck if he wasn’t essentially adopted by tagetes. hya has also never met his mother to his own knowledge as she fled the situation when clematis started getting more abusive.

in order to marry the keeper, tagetes had birth certificates forged. whether or not the keeper knows of this deceit is questionable; but the large dowry tagetes paid to facilitate the marriage has seemed to placate them enough not to question it.

MISC LIKES: coffee (misted ivory geisha is his favorite in universe blend—its imported from the northeast country i have yet to name), fashion (dresses, shoulder pads, and embroidery are his favorite things), gold & white (for jewelry, dress, and aesthetically), MONEY (he’s extremely materialistic), reading & literature (he’s very critical however—in a modern au he would probably be a pretty well renowned critic).

in general however, hya is easily annoyed.

SLIDE 5: what annoys hya, you may ask? FUCKING EVERYTHING. thank you for being polite because he's not :D

SLIDE 6: GENERAL APPEARANCE

HEIGHT: 5’11” (~180cm)

EYE COLOR: dark brown

HAIR COLOR: black, with hime bangs (square bangs in the front with short, square cut side bangs that frame the face and chin), and long hair that reaches to his mid back.

BUILD: broad, girthy👀, and imposing. when he finds time to work out is a mystery to most, but his physique shows he clearly does.

there are 2 photos of hyacinthus to display his looks; a broad shouldered, dark brown skinned man with fox-shaped and narrow eyes, multiple piercings (nose, ears, and lip), and two beauty marks under his left eye. he is wearing an intricate white and gold outfit in the picture on the right. in the one on the left he is wearing an intricate white and gold choker. there are 2 thought bubbles over each. one says "RBF STRONG AF". the other says "even though hya is so well manicured he hates showers bc #childhoodtrauma. he does take baths though!"

SLIDE 7: everything on hya glitters like gold -> here’s a map of hya’s piercings and notable features

the picture shows various arrows pointing to hyacinthus (who has his mouth open to reveal that his canine teeth on his upper row of teeth have been replaced by sharp, solid gold). they point to his beauty marks, canines, and various piercings.

SLIDE 8: IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS

as an aside, hya didn’t have friends growing up because he literally wasn’t allowed to leave the estate his father trapped him in until he was 19… and that was bc his dad died and tagetes ‘adopted’ him.

TAGETES ⟶ despite the fact that tagetes basically raised hya, the two of them hardly see eye to eye. tagetes views, treats, and exploits hya (as they do everyone) as a means to their end goals—though what those goals are is anyone’s guess. hya doesn’t trust tagetes as far as he could throw them. yet, at the same time, they have a strange sense of obligation and “care” (if it can be called that) towards one another. tagetes was definitely the main influence into why hya is Like That.

ALOE ⟶ since aloe turned 10 and learned that he had an older brother whom he hadn’t met yet, he began to try and write letters getting to know hya. despite being generally brash, crass, and a pain in the ass, hya really cherishes aloe’s letters and companionship, and they actually meet for the first time in person during the events of paramour. 

AMON ⟶ y’all knew it was coming. i feel like i don’t even have to explain this one they are obsessed with each other in the most toxic of ways lmao. amon infuriates hya down to a molecular level, yet he is also the only man—only person—hya has ever been attracted to. (and he will not EVER admit that)

SLIDE 9: HIS OPINIONS ON...

… Narcissus ⟶ she annoys him and he can’t understand why she’s so obsessed with trying to ‘fit in’ with other people. also he wished she wouldn’t try to talk his ear off every time she saw him.

… Iberis ⟶ he literally doesn’t have one. the two of them avoid each other like the plague.

… Lavendula ⟶ avoids her like the plague if he can help it, but she actually looks up to him in a way, especially based on the things aloe has told her about him. they aren’t close and don’t really speak until her book but that’s a whole other thing.

… Clematis ⟶ #daddyissues. hates the man’s guts and is glad he’s dead.

… Lonicera ⟶ she died before he was born, but even if she lived, he would’ve never met her regardless. no opinion.

… Moxie ⟶ he’s never met his mother to his knowledge, so he has no opinion of her. she loves him very much and there’s more to that story that we won’t hear about until empire (tagetes’s book)

… Belladonna ⟶ the loathing is mutual

… Erecia ⟶ he doesn’t gain an opinion of her until lavendula’s book, and even then it’s mostly just “that’s amon’s friend” territory

… Viola, Barbatus, & Rumex ⟶ he’s not good with kids so he tries not to interact if he can avoid it

… Helianthus ⟶ finds him EXTREMELY obnoxious

… Terian ⟶ no opinion, they’ve never met.

… Miss Shanin ⟶ she’s always in his way and he’s generally annoyed by and suspicious of her

… Vira, Tamhas, Asahel ⟶ no opinion at all. they’re just servants.

… The Keeper & The Bishop ⟶ finds them genuinely disturbing. distrusts them HEAVILY.

SLIDE 10: ASSOCIATIONS

alcoholic drink: white russian

food: steak bechamel

colors: white & gold

flower: yellow hyacinths

animal: leopard

zodiac: taurus

tarot: six of swords

song: lyin’ to myself — todrick hall

[firawren]

BatB text post memes: narcissism edition

For Daffodil—aka Narcissus—Day of @beauty-beast-week, please enjoy these text post memes of Gaston showcasing his self-centered-ness.

Beauty and the Beast 1991 text posts, part 15 out of ? - prev set, next set

[farah1247]

Demeter and Persephone designs in modern time! / my world

Demeter I wanted a very single mom vibe, I saw an outfit similar to this and I just HAD to use it

Poppies are her sacred flowers, I read that she used them to sleep when Persephone was kidnapped ( the devastation she felt...dude I want her to be my mom I swear)

I made her hair sharper, it just looks closer to wheat that way, also made her hair color resemble that

I gave her brown skin mainly to show her connection to earth and soil( Persephone as well for the same reason)

I made her outfit's colors more like summer and spring instead of winter, she deserves to be drawn as her best self!

With Persephone I tried to showcase her sweet and darker personality with mixing darker colors and a cute simple white dress, I gave her freckles just because it's cute lol

I made her barefoot because she's an outdoors girl🎵

With black bracelets( assume it's made of whatever black gemstone that comes to your mind) to again show her ties to the underworld

I tried to draw the narcissus flower, tell me if it successful lol

I tried my best, hope they look good : )

[sophie-st-2002]

Fairy Tale Musicals: The Sound of Music (1965), directed by Robert Wise

Read My Fair Lady: A Voice for Change by Marcie Ray before reading the post to understand the full analysis and references brought up.

Subversion of the Pygmalion Narrative

The romantic relationship between Maria and Georg von Trapp in The Sound of Music has the potential to follow a Pygmalion-esque narrative due to their age, class, and wealth disparities. However, the film subverts this potential by creating a dynamic that appears equal and aspirational. While the real Georg and Maria von Trapp had a significant age gap, the film adaptation lessens this gap, with Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews portraying characters who are both young-looking and attractive, possibly to make the romance more relatable and appealing to audiences.

The real Maria and Georg von Trapp (left) and the screen version (right).

This adjustment not only mitigates the implications of their differences in status and age but also portrays their relationship as more balanced and mutual. Dreamy dance sequences and romantic songs like "Something Good" further sell the idea of a loving partnership, blurring the lines between employer and employee. Unlike the traditional Pygmalion narrative, Georg is not portrayed as a woman-hating or cold-hearted figure; instead, his facade quickly melts away due to Maria's kindness and warmth.

Something Good

Similarly, Maria is not depicted as a helpless or submissive character. While she may start as a governess, her journey throughout the film reveals her independence, resilience, and agency. She challenges Georg's views and traditions, most dramatically in the Rowboat scene starting at (01:13:04), ultimately becoming his partner in both love and life.

This departure from the traditional Pygmalion narrative reinforces the film's themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the possibility of love transcending societal barriers.

In what ways does the film mark class through music, lighting, costuming, and performance?

The Sound of Music subtly conveys class distinctions through music, lighting, costuming, and performance. Maria's boyish innocence contrasts with the refined sophistication of higher social classes, symbolizing a clash of worlds.

What differences do you see in how these characters are dressed?

The von Trapp house's elegant design reflects elevated status, while interior scenes reveal internal struggles despite outward wealth. The contrast between vibrant outdoor lighting and dim interiors underscores themes of freedom versus constraint.

Overall, these elements enrich the narrative with depth and complexity, subtly exploring social dynamics.

A little photo gallery of my trip to Salzburg and filming locations for the film

Femininity and Masculinity

The Sound of Music reimagines notions of femininity and masculinity by juxtaposing Maria's experience in the convent, where she has a supportive community of women, against the narratives of Echo and Narcissus, Eliza and Higgins, and Pygmalion, where women lack female support systems. Maria's journey begins in the convent, challenging traditional patriarchal hierarchies and presenting a world where women support each other. This contrasts sharply with the narratives of Echo, Eliza, and Pygmalion, where women are at the mercy of men for validation or advancement, lacking the camaraderie and solidarity found in the convent.

Maria and Georg's relationship further subverts traditional gender dynamics, as it is characterized by mutual respect and understanding rather than power imbalances. Maria's influence softens Georg's authoritarian demeanor, showcasing the transformative power of femininity. However, her eventual marriage to Georg, portrayed as a means of reforming her resistance to authority, suggests a return to conventional gender norms.

Despite Maria's initial independence, the film ultimately presents marriage and motherhood as the epitome of happiness for women. Maria's song to Liesel reinforces this idea, 

“Gone are you old ideas of life. The old ideas grow dim. Lo and behold you’re someone's wife and you belong to him.” (02:26:57)

suggesting that belonging to her husband is preferable to her old, free-spirited ideals. This portrayal can be interpreted as a form of "baby" feminism, where female agency is toyed with but ultimately subordinated to traditional gender roles.

Racial Subtexts within the Film

The film The Sound of Music lacks explicit racial subtexts, as all characters are white and assumed to be of Austrian or German descent. Despite the main antagonist being Nazi Germany, there is no discussion of the persecution faced by Jewish people, Roma people, or other targeted groups. The film focuses on the von Trapp family as victims of Nazism, portraying their escape with little resistance. However, this narrative minimizes the broader reality of the atrocities inflicted on targeted individuals under the Nazi regime.

By centering whiteness as the normative experience within cultural narratives, the film fosters the idea that idyllic stories like those depicted are only available to white characters, reflecting the limitations of representation within the context of the film's setting and time period.

Character Transformations: Then vs. Now

Character transformations in The Sound of Music held significance both during its release in 1964 and for contemporary audiences. The 1960s, characterized by the rise of second-wave feminism and societal upheaval, audiences looked for positive narratives of personal growth as a source of hope and empowerment. Maria's evolution and ability to be both a free-spirited novice to a nurturing mother resonated with viewers seeking optimism and agency during turbulent times. It gave women watching the movie a feeling that they could be outspoken and still have a thriving personal life. 

However, both then and now, the film has faced criticism for its perceived simplicity, overly sweet tone, and adherence to traditional gender roles. While audiences appreciate its charm and musical numbers, some find its romanticized depiction of history and gender dynamics outdated or problematic in light of feminist and contemporary critiques. Maria is still a refreshing, joyful, and quietly rebellious figure to contemporary audiences but her lack of complexity, and honestly it is all characters who lack of moral or personal complexity, leaves something to be desired. The film is still a classic and just as enjoyable to watch again and again.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

1. How do the voices in The Sound of Music shape how we see men and women in the film? Julie Andrews sings her own songs, but Christopher Plummer's singing is dubbed. Think about what we learned from Ray about how voices reflect power in My Fair Lady.

2. In discussing Fairy Tale Musicals, what aspects of The Sound of Music qualify it for this category, especially considering the absence of a Cinderella moment seen in other musicals like My Fair Lady or Anastasia? Can you identify a particular theme, moment, or narrative within The Sound of Music that distinguishes it in this genre?

3. What is the role of fairy tale narratives like The Sound of Music in representing historical events or broader societal issues? How do these stories balance their feel-good simplicity with the responsibility to engage with more complex realities?

4. How does Maria's character development in The Sound of Music, transitioning from a spirited and independent governess to a wife and mother, intersect with feminist ideals and traditional gender roles?

[ivoryreverie]

Adrian, rodrigo ₁ , sueño ₁ , mymy, michelangelo, lola ₁ , bennett, felix, morningstar, jenn, archie, francoise, benedetto, nicolai, anton, emil, marshall, jaques, narcissus, azul ₁ , susurro ₁ , marissa, julian, ruiseñor ₁ , scotty, muscica.

 ₁ spanish names.

Mellow/melancholies, patch/patchworks, sew/sewing, sugar/sugarys, pup/puppets, doll/dolls, sing/songs, dear/darlings, song/songbirds, cat/cats, bow/bows, frill/frills, show/showcases, sculpt/sculptures.

Prn who sings elaborate song, prn who dares follow the rules, prn who dances with resonance, prn whose voice is heard by jewels, prn who follows the tune, prn with the raven colored hair, prn with the melancholy in prns eyes, prn who stuns away the crowds, prn with the intricate lace, prn who performs like a marionette

[stingslikeabee]

Melissa's birthday.

Hannibal was aware of the trinkets scattered about her household. The gems she wore around her neck, which highlighted the money she held, also showcased the finer features of her wrists, fingers, and ankles. There was no need for him to purchase her more, not with the heirlooms that held centuries of history within them.

Hannibal's appreciation, his love language, had always been in the form of nourishment and protection. A banquet was to be held, inviting her to be the guest of honor. It held invites with his calligraphy penmanship to many of their inner circle (the ones he considered polite when it came to her.) He was protective and knew the tongues that waggled their contempt towards her.

They were not invited to his dinner table.

His image of her had always been that of a swan. Graceful, dignified, and strong-willed, the swan was also the highlight of the meal spread. Feathers of black and white nestled swan eggs within the centerpiece. Both split and whole, pomegranates peered from the stems of the flower Lily of the Valley and Dahlia Black Narcissus; bells and urchins.

The meal was of three courses, all designed entirely by his hand. Before the first dish was served by the servants of her own house (hired in this case), he raised his glass in a toast. Not only did Hannibal's guests come to his dinner table to see a show unlike any other, but they also immensely relished the rare wines he freely poured.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, I kindly ask for your attention as we gather this delightful evening to honor a truly remarkable individual—my dear friend, Melissa. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to host this dinner in celebration of another year in their extraordinary life. Your unwavering compassion, wisdom, and integrity have inspired those fortunate enough to know you, and your laughter has brought joy to even the most ordinary of days." Of his mundane days. He pauses only momentarily to ensure everyone still carries their glasses high.

"Let us raise our glasses in a toast, observing your accomplishments and the journey that lies ahead. May this coming year bring you happiness, prosperity, and the fulfillment of your aspirations. It is my sincere hope that you continue to inspire those around with your grace and tenacity."

A nod was given for them to rest.

"I invite you all to enjoy the exquisite dishes prepared this evening and to share in the laughter and stories that remind us of the many reasons we cherish Melissa. Bon appétit." Hannibal kept his glass up longer than the others, his eyes squarely invested in the countess. With a wink to her, he finally brought it down to rest on the table.

unscripted asks - birthday edition! . always accepting

When Hannibal told Melissa that he would be honored to organize a birthday celebration for her (a change of pace for someone who was always the hostess, but rarely the guest), the countess gave her blessing with no hesitation and a considerable amount of curiosity. The woman knew that she had somewhat captured that position after arriving in America - if the whispers that reached her were evidence enough, Hannibal used to foster more of these gatherings at his place before Melissa took over as an event planner.

But the doctor had assured the newcomer that he was happy to share the duties - besides, they were not exactly comparable. The psychiatrist favored smaller reunions with unmatched banquets, often with his own signature in the menu, preparation of the meals or both; Melissa was invested in a different type of entertainment, focusing on other senses going beyond the palate. There was an overlap for certain guests, but it was not a competition.

As the occasion drew nearer, Melissa herself received one of the distinctive invitations - prepared as one would at the beginning of the past century, with remarkable care and by hand. Even after he requested the help of her staff (something she was only happy to oblige him with), the woman refrained from asking too many questions apart from the expected dress code - she wanted to be surprised, Melissa said; and the brunette knew the doctor was capable of doing it.

For the evening in question, the guest of honor had dressed in a way that was almost turning into tradition - white, of course. Although there was hardly anything bridal about her attire, her apparent favoritism in terms of color ended up matching the theme of that grandiose evening. The gown that Melissa selected evoked more of a marble sculpture by an Italian master than the titular swan of the table decorations - the crepe was draped to a cascading one-shoulder sleeve, fitted to the waist and creating a fit-and-flare silhouette which included an asymmetric side-slit skirt. Most of the jewelry was carved out from diamonds, but there were selected, crimson-colored gemstones among them, giving a splash of color over the otherwise pristine canvas.

Upon arrival (and a moment earlier than the other guests), the countess was evidently pleased with the meticulous organization of that gathering. From the choice of background music (with Hannibal going as far as picking some of the quartets and operettas from the romantic composers Melissa preferred) to the presentation of the table, there was nothing the woman would have done differently. It was tasteful, elegant and so lovingly tailored to her as a person and individual that the countess found it impossible to remove the smile from ruby-colored lips.

The toast, however - alongside the carefully created menu for the night, it had decidedly been a remarkable moment of their evening together. Melissa was used to empty flattery of those hoping to win her favor once her position had been established - but Hannibal Lecter did not need her for anything; every single detail of that night had been thought well in advance and orchestrated simply because he had wanted to.

And his care and dedication in gifting the countess with a priceless night was indeed the best present he could have offered. Both of them had ample financial resources and access to anything money could buy - but those moments that carried no price tag and solidified human bonds were the ones made it all worth it. Hannibal's words were magnetic - it was through his approval and praise for the woman that Melissa was eventually accepted by the Baltimore society (at least to a degree - there were those who would never mingle with the (in)famous countess, but it bothered her not).

Hannibal Lecter did, and that was all she could really ask for.

A special smile was reserved to the doctor when his toast was final - and she sipped the wine that tasted nothing short of sinful thanks to his particular suppliers (perhaps a vintage acquired through auctions - that Montepulciano was a notch above the usual, and the reference to their beloved Tuscany did not go unnoticed). By the time that dinner was over and guests started to leave with loud exclamations about their approval of the feast, Melissa was by far the happiest among them all - not just because the dinner served had been memorable, but because of the underlying meaning found in the preparations for everything.

As expected, the countess remained behind - not that the staff needed supervision to finish cleaning, drying and storing everything before leaving Hannibal's home to a very well-deserved day off (a tradition following her birthday parties from below the move across the Atlantic). The doctor found Melissa in his bedroom, removing the precious glittery adornments off her person and leaving them over a table. Tossing the long, dark hair over a shoulder, the woman came to stand in front of Hannibal but with her body turned away from his face, a wordless plea for assistance with the zipper of the dress.

The fact that Melissa apparently made no plans to return to her own estate was not a surprise - the doctor jested that she seemed to enjoy his home more than hers, despite the allure of the many rooms housing so much art. Once the pesky little zipper was dealt with, the woman did not immediately remove the gown - instead, she turned to face Hannibal at long last, looking into his eyes for a while before placing each of her hands atop a shoulder and bringing him for a kiss.

It was a slow one - meant to savor and enjoy each second of that union, drawing not only the remnants of the flavors from dinner but that one that was fundamentally Hannibal. It was meant to also convey her heartfelt gratitude - very few birthday celebrations (if any) could hope to compare to what he had done. It could seem simple if not for the refinement of the meal, but nothing could be further from the truth in her eyes.

Hannibal Lecter had offered Melissa his own time, talents, protection and affection. For one who had looked at men in the past as those seeking to chain or simply domesticate her inner self, the psychiatrist had insisted on holding the doors to any cages fully open.

Upon separation, Melissa's honeyed eyes were warmer than the candlelight in the room - a pair of digits cupped his face gently whereas another hand moved to slip something into his shirt's front pocket: a golden key, carved out of the precious metal with exquisite drawings. It was the type that opened antique vaults and doors to special places in the past, with a pair of numbers visible alongside the designed patterns.

"It seemed a good day to give you that, carissimo," the woman smiled enigmatically, but with distinctive affection. Patting the pocket lightly, Melissa offered further context. "You have made a home for me across the ocean - I wish to offer the same kindness to you. The numbers engraved in the key are your password to my alarm systems. I picked the date we first met - one cannot fault a birthday girl for being emotional after such a beautiful party, I imagine."

The key was mostly decorative, of course - the countess' state was now protected by a very expensive and professional security system after an incident that resulted in a home invasion and a bloody corpse in her bedroom. Hannibal had sorted that out for the lady - and now was being rewarded with yet another privilege, at least from the perspective of those who knew Melissa.

And very few knew her so well (including the sides that were not typically presented to the general public) than Hannibal Lecter.

"Thank you for everything tonight - truly," the brunette sighed softly, enlacing the man again around the neck and pressing another kiss to the edge of his mouth, inhaling the scent of his after-shave. It was interesting - despite being served one of the best wines she had ever sampled before, Hannibal's own scent and presence were more intoxicating than his fine Italian selection.

"I look forward to this new year at your side, mylimasis."

[rb-bot]

narcissus at the pond but it's me and the rare achievements showcase i put on my steam profile

[mtg-card-of-the-day]

Today's Date is May 3rd, 2024, and today's card is Queen Allenal of Ruadach (Showcase)!!

Fun Fact of the Day: You may remember the artist of this card from a recent controversy regarding the card Faithless Looting. This involved a huge negative reaction from mtg players who thought the art on that card was ugly. Personally, however, I don't think it's all that bad. Ever since I had heard of her, Carly Mazur has been one of my favorite mtg artists!

[ID The image depicts a woman in a very unique art style. The art style paints her body in a very realistically shaded way, but in contrast her clothing and the background is shaded to look more flat. The woman depicted has grey hair tied in a neat bun, and pointed ears and green eyes below it. She has high cheekbones and beyond her eyebrows maybe doesn't really seem to be wearing much makeup. She has various grey metal rings worn along the bottom ridge of her long pointed ears and once on both earlobes. On her forehead you can see some sort of leather bands crossing twice horizontally and once as an arrow pointing down. In the middle of the arrow there is a diamond shaped emerald held by the leather. She's wearing very pretty and decorative green and brown clothing, and has darker green tattoos twisting along her arms, which stand once covering her heart (left arm, right side) and one arm standing up vertically with the hand lying palm upward (right arm, left side). She's surrounded by many flowers some daisies, some morning glories, and some narcissus monal/yellow daffodils with orange centers. For those who don't know what those look like; daisies have lots of white petals and a circular yellow center, morning glories are a deep blue the fades inward to a yellow, and the yellow daffodils have big-ish yellow petals with an orange protruding center or a trumpet. There's also some thin brown branches and a flat-ish deep blue background with black crack lines across most of the painting.

She is a green and white Legendary Creature that costs 1 Green mana and 2 White mana. Her subtypes are Elf Noble and she is an Uncommon.

Her rules text reads "Queen Allenal of Ruadach's power and toughness are equal to the number of creatures you control.

If one or more creature tokens would be created under your control, those tokens plus a 1/1 white Soldier creature token are created instead."

Queen Allenal's power and toughness are both denoted with an asterisk (*).

Her artist is Carly Mazur and her print year is 2022. She's from the set Dominaria United. End ID.]

[ivankahasbeentreatedsounfairly]

By Maureen Dowd

The cardinal should go to confession.

Timothy Dolan let a white-tie charity dinner in New York showcase that most uncharitable of men, Donald Trump.

At the annual Al Smith dinner, Dolan suffused the impious Trump in the pious glow of Catholic charities. Dolan looked on with a doting expression as Trump made his usual degrading, scatological comments about his foils, this time cloaked as humor.

“We have someone in the White House who can barely talk, barely put together two coherent sentences, who seems to have mental faculties of a child,” Trump told the New York fat cats. “It’s a person who has nothing going, no intelligence whatsoever. But enough about Kamala Harris.”

Trump also offered this beauty: “I used to think the Democrats were crazy for saying that men have periods. But then I met Tim Walz.” When Trump joked about keeping Doug Emhoff away from nannies, even he admitted it was “too tough.”

As he did in 2016 when he crudely attacked Hillary Clinton as she sat on the dais, Trump added a rancid cloud to what used to be a good-tempered bipartisan roast.

Dolan could have stood up and told Trump “Enough!” We have been longing for that voice of authority who could deliver the Joseph Welch line — “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?” — to our modern Joe McCarthy. It is the church’s job, after all, to teach right from wrong.

Instead of telling Trump he was over the line, Dolan enabled him in his blasphemous effort to cast his campaign as a quasi-religious crusade and himself as a saintly martyr saved by God. The conservative cardinal didn’t care about soiling the legacy of the great Democratic patriot Al Smith.

Like Trump, Smith, the “Happy Warrior,” was a native New Yorker — half Irish and half Italian. His track was the reverse of Trump’s, starting in politics and ending in skyscrapers. Smith was born into an Irish community nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge and left school at 14, after his father died, to help his family by working at the Fulton Fish Market. When his political career ended, he became the president of the corporation that built the Empire State Building. From his office in the sky, he could see the street he grew up on.

The gregarious four-term governor of New York believed deeply in lifting up the less fortunate, and in America’s founding principles. Emotionally devastated after helping investigate the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that killed scores of women and girls in 1911, he crusaded to create laws for safer working conditions.

Anti-Catholic bigotry destroyed his presidential bid in 1928, and he hated bigotry of all kinds. He early on decried lynching, racial violence, the Ku Klux Klan and Naziism. He would have detested Trump, a bigot cynically stoking racial fears and bloodthirsty impulses to get elected.

Unlike Trump, Smith was a man of faith. He died with a prayer on his lips, next to his parish priest. He had no patience for bickering and was praised in his obits as “warmhearted” and “honest as the noonday sun.”

Despite Trump’s contention this past week that he has a “good heart” and his father had a “big, big heart,” both Trumps’ hearts were cold. Young Donald helped his dad, Fred, refuse Black tenants.

Trump is proudly amoral. He disdains the Christian values I was taught by nuns and priests. His only values are self-interest and self-gratification. He has replaced a code of ethics with the Narcissus pool.

Certainly, Dolan is happy with Trump’s abortion crackdown. But can’t he see that Trump is corroding our country’s moral core? Trying to steal an election violates the Eighth Commandment. And Trump has broken the commandments about cheating and lying and coveting.

As Anne Applebaum points out in The Atlantic, Trump uses the language of Stalin, Hitler and Mussolini to rouse hate and violence. This, while sacrilegiously calling Jan. 6 a “day of love.” He compares the jailed rioting thugs to the Japanese interned in World War II. It’s not a big leap to saying migrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” and calling his political opponents “vermin,” given his belief — inherited from his father with the “big heart” — in superior genes and blood lines.

This past week, he called Democrats “evil,” “dangerous” and the “enemy from within,” limning them as a bigger threat than Russia and China, a threat that he said might require him to sic the military on his opponents. He denounced the national treasure Nancy Pelosi — who is a devout Catholic — and her husband — who was attacked with a hammer by a far-right conspiracy theorist — as “sick” and “evil.”

The echoes of McCarthyism reverberated when Trump was asked at a town hall whether he really believed the debunked story that Haitian immigrants were eating neighbors’ cats and dogs. “I was just saying what has been reported,” an unrepentant Trump replied. “All I do is report.”

The pols on the dais looked like a Last Supper for this unnerving election. Hopefully, it’s not a Last Supper for the Republic.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/19/opinion/trump-catholic-al-smith-dinner.html

[the-mortuary-witch]

PERSEPHONE

WHO IS SHE?

Persephone, also known as Kore (meaning "young woman” or “girl" in Greek), is one of the main deities from Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the Goddess of the Harvest. She is also the wife of Hades, the God of the Underworld, and she is associated with spring, fertility, and rebirth.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: Persephone is typically depicted as a young and beautiful woman, with long, dark hair and eyes. She is often shown wearing a white dress or robe, and she is usually associated with flowers, especially flowering plants that bloom in the spring. She is also often associated with pomegranates, which symbolized her wedding to Hades, and which she ate while she was in the Underworld.

Personality: Persephone is usually depicted as kind, gentle, and compassionate. She is often seen as a mediator and peacemaker, and a defender of the innocent and vulnerable. She is also often portrayed as a motherly figure who is caring and nurturing. She is also sometimes seen as defiant and rebellious, and she is known to have a more powerful side that can punish those who defy her.

Symbols: pomegranate, waxing moon, narcissus, bones, seeds of grain, bats, torch, flowers, and deer

Goddess of: spring, the dead, the Underworld, grain, and nature

Culture: Greek

Plants and trees: asphodel wheat, willow, narcissus, lily, ivy, cherry tree, lily of the valley, daisy, lavender, vines, roses, pomegranates, oak, and hibiscus

Crystals: rose quartz, pigeon’s blood, rosolite, star diopside, flower agate, grossular, balas ruby, chiavennite, red spinel, clinoptilolite, Mozambique garnet, heliodor, African jade, uvarovite garnet, biotite, green calcite, hiddenite, green agate, African emerald, quantum, vivianite, indigo gabbro, green jasper, diopside, garnet, clinochlore, aventurine, iolite, and snowflake obsidian

Animals: deer, bat, black ram, parrot, and monkey

Incense: rose, pomegranate, jasmine, apple, vanilla, almond, horal, bergamot, and cinnamon

Colours: green, pink, black, light blue, purple, magenta, indigo, and yellow

Numbers: 3, 6, and 7

Zodiacs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Taurus

Tarot: High Priestess and Ace of Pentacles

Planets: Moon, Pluto, and Venus

Days: Monday, Friday, Ostara, Beltane, Lammas, Samhain, Lesser Mysteries. Eleusinian Mysteries, Proerosia, Stenia. Thesmophoria, and Heliogenna

Parents: Zeus and Demeter

Siblings: several paternal half-siblings and maternal half-siblings

Partner: Hades

Children: Melinoë, Zagreus, Dionysus, and Erinyes

MISC:

• Grains: due to her connection to the cycle of life and death. She is often depicted with grains, such as wheat, barley, and oats, which symbolize the cycle of life and death.These grains represent the cycle of life, as they are sown and then harvested, only to be sown again in a constant cycle. This symbolic representation of death and rebirth aligns perfectly with Persephone's association with the underworld and the cycle of seasons. Therefore, she is associated with grains to showcase the cycle of life and death.

• Spring: due to her connection to the changing of seasons and rebirth, she is often depicted as rising from the afterlife in spring, representing the renewal and rebirth of nature.This is because in the Greek myth, Persephone spends part of the year in the underworld with Hades, but returns to the land of the living in spring. Her return symbolizes the return of light and warmth, and the blossoming of nature.Therefore, she is associated with the season of spring as she symbolizes the rebirth and rejuvenation that comes with the new season.

• Pomegranates: according to the myth, Hades abducted Persephone and took her to the Underworld, where he forced her to eat a pomegranate. This act was a symbolic gesture of his hold over her, and it was also seen to symbolically represent her connection to the Underworld.The pomegranate became closely associated with Persephone and the Underworld, and it has remained a symbol of Persephone and her association with the Underworld ever since.

• Flowers: she is associated with flowers due to her association with spring. She is often depicted holding a bouquet of flowers, or being surrounded by blooming flowers.This is especially the case from the Greek festival of Anthesteria, which was a celebration in honour of Persephone's return from the Underworld. During this festival, people would decorate their homes and temples with flowers, representing the growth and renewal associated with Persephone's return.

• Birds: mainly doves, she is frequently depicted with a dove on her shoulder, and she overall shown with doves all around her.There are a couple of reasons for this. First, doves have long been symbolic of peace and tranquility, which aligns with Persephone's gentle and calming nature. Second, doves are often associated with symbols of fertility and rebirth, which aligns with Persephone's connection to the Underworld and spring.

• Water: she is associated with water for a couple of reasons. First, she is the Goddess of spring, and water is a vital factor for life and growth. Water is necessary for flowering bloom and green plants, so it is closely associated with the growth and renewal associated with spring. Second, water is also a symbol of rebirth and renewal, as it is a fluid element that is constantly changing and transforming. This fits well with Persephone's role as an Underworld Goddess and her connection with the cycle of life and death, as death and rebirth are represented as a transformation process.

• Gold: the Underworld is associated with riches and treasures that are commonly represented in the form of gold. This connection to riches represents the fact that the Underworld was a place of great wealth and abundance, and it represents the treasures that were found there, such as gold, jewels, and precious metals. This is another aspect of Persephone's connection to the Underworld and her role as a divinity of death and rebirth.

• Trees: they represent the natural cycle of life and death, as they grow and flourish during the warm months, then shed their leaves during the winter months, before starting the cycle all over again.Trees are also associated with fertility and rebirth, as they produce seeds and fruit that propagate new life. This ties in with Persephone's role as a Goddess of spring, and her connection with the Underworld and the cycles of nature.

FACTS ABOUT PERSEPHONE:

• She takes her role in the Underworld seriously.

• Her epithets included but were not limited to: Despoina (The Mistress), Melindia (Honey), Aristi Cthonia (Best Cthonic), and Kore (The Maiden).

• Unlike Hera and Amphitrite, Persephone didn’t have a husband that constantly cheated on her (she was married to Hades). However, there is a myth about her cheating on Hades with Adonis, depending on the version. As far as I know, Hades did nothing about the matter. I think that implies it didn’t count as cheating to him, or maybe Persephone only loved Adonis as her son, which makes sense to me since she raised him. But yes, it’s perfectly acceptable and legitimate to say she cheated on Hades.

• Persephone is often called a spring or vegetation Goddess but all that seems to mainly be related to Demeter, her mother, when it’s time for Persephone to return her. Truly incidental. Persephone was much more an Underworld Goddess than a flowery Goddess.

• There’s evidence to suggest that, as far as religious history goes, Persephone as a character in religion is older than Hades, and was an underworld deity too.

• Some sources suggest Persephone was the mother of Dionysus, but to be fair Dionysus has a bajillion origin stories.

• As far as I know, and correct me if I’m wrong, it wasn’t too popular to depict Persephone with red hair colours until the Victorian era, when a popular red-headed model was used for a famous painting of Proserpina (the Roman equivalent to Persephone). Before, she had occasionally been depicted with red hair, but black and blonde were just as popular. Nowadays, in media, she’s often portrayed as red or pink haired, although even that trend is dying again.

• Some people like to think Persephone was a minor or weak Goddess. That was simply not true. She was considered frightening in her own right.

• Someone tried to kidnap her right from the Underworld. Hades had him attached to a chair for eternity.

HOW TO INVOKE PERSEPHONE:

First, set up an altar or sacred space dedicated to her, you can then set offerings such as candles, flowers, and other symbolic items are also essential to respectfully honouring her. Prayers and incantations can be said to her to ask for guidance, support, and her blessings. Meditation and visualization can be used to feel Persephone's presence and connect with her energy. Feast days and holidays can also be celebrated to honour her.

PRAYER FOR PERSEPHONE:

“Lady Persephone, Goddess of the Underworld. I come before you in humility, I seek to find peace and healing to shed myself of pain and strife. I ask for your guidance and strength in my time of need to weather through the storms of life.”

“Thank you for your love and kindness. Please open my path to the light and give me the strength to continue to walk down this path. May we all find peace and healing, in the realm of both life and death. Hail Lady Persephone.”

SIGNS THAT PERSEPHONE IS CALLING YOU:

• A sense of calmness or peace around you.

• Feeling connected to nature and the changing of seasons.

• Attracting more birds or other doves.

• Seeing or smelling flowers in unexpected places.

• Having vivid dreams about death and rebirth.

• Experiencing a sudden increase in energy and motivation.

• Feeling connected to the Underworld and the realm of death.

• Having a deep feeling of contentment and acceptance within yourself.

OFFERINGS:

• Pomegranates/pomegranate juice.

• Honey.

• Floral tea.

• Breads.

• Flower crowns or arrangements.

• Dark chocolate.

• Flowers.

• Crushed mint.

• Animal bones.

• Jewelry.

• Art of bats, rams, or deer.

• Crystals: rose quartz, agate, black onyx, pink tourmaline, obsidian, coral, and jasper.

• Spring water.

• Grains.

• Plants.

• Incense: vanilla, almond, horal, bergamot, and pomegranate

• Sweets.

• Dirt from a dead plant (or person).

• Wine.

• Seeds.

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

• Stop to smell flowers.

• Pair lace and leather together, she loves this.

• Singing.

• Plant flowers.

• Wear pomegranate scented things--perfume, lotion, lip gloss, etc.

• Tend to wild plants if they need care.

• Go barefoot more often and feel the way the ground feels on your bare feet.

• Honour the dead.

• Support local farmers and beekeepers.

• Honour the deaths of animals and if you can, bury them or leave them in a place where nature will care for them.

• Buy yourself a nice bouquet of flowers, or make your own.

• Place flowers on barren graves.

• Spread seeds of native flowers on the sides of highways or other unincorporated places (be sure to check local laws on this).

• Wear something fancy when you feel like it, make yourself feel like the royalty you are.

• Offer her fruits/nuts.

• Listen to music that reminds you of her.

• Wear a flower crown.

• Collect crystals like rose quartz, garnet, citrine, green tourmaline, and topaz.

• Rose quartz is a go-to stone for me for many Gods, Persephone being one of the many.

• She really digs topaz and the tourmaline in my experience.

• Love yourself, of course, just as she loves you.

• Gardening.

• Taking care of graveyards.

• Visiting forests and fields.

• Learn about local plants, flowers, and herbs.

• Creating flower crowns.

• Going bone hunting.

• Creating a more biodiverse lawn/backyard.

• Not killing animals (spiders, mice, etc.)

[thedanesuk]

DIY Spring Bulbs Display Idea: Bringing the Beauty of Spring Indoors

Spring brings with it a burst of color and life, and what better way to celebrate the season's arrival than by creating a stunning indoor display with spring bulbs? With just a few simple steps, you can transform your home into a vibrant oasis of blossoms and fragrance. Let's explore how to decorate indoors with spring bulbs and the best way to plant bulbs in pots, along with the crucial role of containers.

Decorating Indoors with Spring Bulbs:

• Choose the Right Bulbs: Before you begin, select a variety of spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or crocuses. Consider colors that complement your indoor décor and create a harmonious atmosphere.

• Select Suitable Containers: Opt for containers that provide adequate drainage and enough space for the bulbs to grow. Terra cotta pots, wooden crates, or decorative ceramic planters are excellent choices. Ensure the containers are clean and have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

• Layering Technique: To achieve a visually appealing display, utilize the layering technique. Start by adding a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom of the container for drainage. Then, add potting soil until it fills one-third of the container's depth. Place the bulbs on top of the soil, spacing them evenly and covering with another layer of soil, leaving the tips of the bulbs exposed.

• Placement: Position the containers in areas with ample sunlight, such as windowsills or well-lit corners. Rotate the pots regularly to promote even growth and prevent leaning towards the light source.

• Watering and Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the bulbs sparingly, allowing excess water to drain away. Monitor the growth of the plants and remove any dead or wilted foliage to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the display.

Bring nature inside with our wonderful selection of quality fresh Spring bulbs straight from the market - Muscari, Hyacinth, Tete a Tete's, and Narcissus.

Planting Bulbs in Pots:

Planting bulbs in pots is a convenient and versatile way to enjoy the beauty of spring blooms, especially for those with limited outdoor space or poor soil conditions. The process is straightforward and requires minimal equipment, making it an accessible gardening project for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.

Important Instructions to Follow:

• Choosing the Right Bulbs: When planting bulbs in pots, opt for varieties that are suitable for container gardening and have similar growing requirements. Dwarf or miniature varieties are ideal for smaller containers, while larger pots can accommodate a broader range of bulb types.

• Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for bulbs or create your own by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and compost. This ensures adequate aeration and drainage for healthy bulb growth.

• Planting Depth: The planting depth varies depending on the bulb species, so refer to the specific instructions provided with the bulbs. As a general rule of thumb, plant bulbs at a depth approximately two to three times their diameter.

• Container Size: Choose containers that are proportionate to the number and size of bulbs being planted. Larger bulbs require more space to spread their roots, so opt for deeper containers to accommodate their growth.

• Overwintering: In colder climates, consider overwintering your potted bulbs by placing them in a cool, dark location such as a garage or basement once the foliage dies back. This protects the bulbs from frost damage and allows them to rest until the following spring.

Our handmade Spring Bulbs Planters  makes perfect gifts for thoughtful Spring, birthday & Easter greetings.

By following these simple guidelines, you can create a stunning indoor display that showcases the beauty of spring bulbs. Whether you're brightening up your living space or adding a touch of color to your workspace, incorporating spring bulbs into your indoor décor is sure to lift your spirits and usher in the joy of the season.

[torontobulkflowers]

Unveiling the Charm of December Flowers: A Captivating Guide

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the enchanting world of December flowers. As we delve into the beauty and significance of these blooms, we aim to provide you with a captivating journey through the floral wonders that grace this magical month.

The December Rose: A Symbol of Love and Joy

Delving into the Varieties

December marks the season of joy and celebration, and what better way to express these emotions than through the language of flowers? The December rose, with its myriad varieties, takes center stage in this winter wonderland. From the classic red roses symbolizing love to the delicate white roses representing purity, the array of choices allows you to convey your sentiments in the most elegant manner.

Care Tips for December Roses

To ensure the longevity of your December roses, it's essential to follow some expert care tips. These include placing them in a clean vase with fresh water, trimming the stems at an angle, and keeping them away from direct sunlight. By following these simple steps, you can make your December roses bloom vibrantly, spreading joy and beauty throughout your space.

December Birth Flowers: Narcissus and Holly

Narcissus: A Blossom of Hope

For those born in December, the Narcissus holds special significance as the birth flower. This charming bloom, with its delicate petals and soothing fragrance, is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Whether you're gifting a bouquet or adorning your home, the Narcissus adds a touch of elegance to any setting.

Holly: Embracing the Festive Spirit

No December celebration is complete without the vibrant presence of holly. Known for its distinctive red berries and glossy green leaves, holly is not just a decorative element; it embodies the festive spirit of the season. Incorporate holly into your floral arrangements or use it as a centerpiece to instantly elevate the holiday ambiance.

Crafting Beautiful December Flower Arrangements

Creating a Winter Wonderland Bouquet

Transform your space into a winter wonderland by crafting a breathtaking December flower arrangement. Combine the richness of red roses, the purity of white roses, and the hope symbolized by Narcissus to create a bouquet that captures the essence of this magical month. Add sprigs of holly for a festive touch, and voila – you have a masterpiece that radiates elegance and charm.

DIY Tips for Floral Enthusiasts

For the DIY enthusiasts eager to showcase their creativity, we have some handy tips. Experiment with different textures, colors, and heights to add depth to your arrangement. Don't shy away from incorporating evergreen branches or pine cones for a touch of winter wilderness. The key is to let your imagination run wild, creating a unique and visually stunning masterpiece.

Capturing the Essence of December Flowers Through Photography

Photographing the Beauty

In the age of social media, capturing the beauty of your December flowers is a delightful way to share the magic. Experiment with lighting to highlight the intricate details of each petal and use natural backdrops to enhance the visual appeal. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an amateur, let the charm of December flowers be the focal point of your next captivating snapshot.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the mesmerizing world of December flowers, we hope this guide has inspired you to embrace the beauty and significance of these blooms. From the classic allure of roses to the symbolic meanings of Narcissus and holly, December flowers offer a rich tapestry of emotions and traditions.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Garden Trends 2024 Part 2

Sometimes in the winds of change, we find our true direction. 

~ Source Unknown

Thus far, January has indeed been a windy month. Optimism is my true direction.

The vernal equinox is still two months away, yet my jonquils are already perfuming my landscape. Daffodils are a symbol of rebirth and usually begin to bloom in March. All jonquils are daffodils (Narcissus jonquilla), yet not all daffodils are jonquils. Since winter is my least favorite season, my optimism soars as I stroll through my garden witnessing these adaptable narcissi stretching their yellow and cream petals to the sky whilst most of my garden sleeps.

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My bright pink Bergenia with large, glossy leaves that resemble elephant ears has been blooming for over a month, lining the edges of beds in front of the privets and along the lawn. I count on Bergenia to brighten the garden throughout the drabness of winter. Bergenia is easy to propagate by dividing the roots. Bergenia’s unflattering name is “pig squeak” because of the sound the leaves make when rubbed together.

The 2024 Garden Media Garden Trends Report shares information to enhance garden customer experiences and shape winning new products. The theme for 2024 is Eco-Optimism. The growing awareness of our global climate’s volatility has increased the number of people planting for pollinators. Without birds, butterflies, bats, bees, and other pollinators, we wouldn’t have the foods, medicines, beverages, or spices that we need for healthy living. Since pollinator populations have been declining, we must plant to improve their habitat, refrain from using pesticides, and explore methods to be organic. Since 2019, the number of people purchasing native plants has doubled. Native plants are specimens that are region-specific, and adaptable to the soil and climate where they naturally grow. We must also garden for wildlife to ensure the viability of our landscapes. One of my apple trees supplies late-harvest tasty treats not only for my family and friends, but also for the birds, bees, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, rabbits, and other creatures that frequent the orchard.

The United Nations projects that by the year 2050, 89% of people will be living in urban areas. Container gardening increased by 200% in 2022 and as people move to smaller spaces, demand for container gardening will continue. Bring a pot of amaryllis into the house and watch the blooms unfold.

Hanging gardens will be a trend for 2024 while edible gardens are all the rage. In addition to herbs and vegetables, I am cultivating mustard greens which are harvested young to be added to salads or steamed as a vegetable

.Trees of the future is a theme as we save our vital canopies. As people learn more about the benefits of trees, they will want to plant specimens that will enhance their spaces while also providing shade for humans and a habitat for wildlife. Trees will be up-lit to add drama to the night garden. In the past few months, I have reinstated landscape lighting to showcase the architecture of my trees. A favorite tree for our environment is the crape myrtle. Crape myrtles offer four seasons of splendor, including breathtaking bark in winter. Birds and hummingbirds flock to my trees.

By reusing and repurposing many home products, we will neutralize our carbon footprints. The vivid, wild, and powerful color of the year is called cyber lime. This is a hyper-bright green that signifies the connection between nature and technology.

I see it in the new leaves on my sage plants, and naturally on my lemon and lime trees.  According to the Garden Trends Report, cyber lime is gender-inclusive, fashionable, and complements most colors. It looks terrific in combination with purple, pink, orange, yellow, white, and other neon. The color “green” echoes nature and will continue to work in harmony with interior décor, stimulating and energizing our body, mind, and spirit. You’ll find this bold lime hue in many indoor and outdoor plants including hellebores, heuchera, spirea, echinacea, hydrangea, zinnia, pothos, philodendron, lemongrass, mint, coleus, potato vine, and many more.

Though its bracts are a gorgeous lime green, one plant that I don’t recommend because it is terribly invasive is euphorbia, also called leafy spurge. Its root system spreads rapidly and produces a chemical that stops other plants from growing. The leaf’s milky juice irritates the skin. Leafy spurge was introduced from Europe as a garden plant, but it has now escaped into hills, fields, roadsides, and my orchard. What began with a single specimen in my landscape exploded to cover a hillside and kill the growing natives. I have been working to eradicate it from my land for at least two decades. It is a noxious weed to be avoided.

Let’s be eco-optimists in 2024 and assist the winds of change to help us find our true direction.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing.

Read Lamorinda Weekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1724/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-2024-Garden-Trends-Part-2.html

Press Pass: https://www.vapresspass.com/2024/01/18/2024-garden-trends-part-2/

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardenerat https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Family Forever, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available now at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  

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Bloody Mary Piano Notes | Lady Gaga

Bloody Mary Piano Notes

Notes :-  Love is just a history that they may prove And when you're gone B4 E4 E4 E4 B4 C5 B4 B4 A4 A4 G4# G4# A4 E4 E4 I'll tell them my religion's you E4 A4 A4 G4# G4# F4 F4 E4 When Punktious comes to kill the king upon his throne I'm ready for their stones A4 B4 E4 E4 E4 B4 C5 B4 B4 A4 A4 G4# G4# A4 E4 E4 G4# A4 I'll dance, dance, dance C5 A4 A4 A4 With my hands, hands, hands Above my head, head, head B4 C5 A4 A4 A4 A4 B4 C5 A4 A4 A4 Like Jesus said C5 E5 F5 E5 I'm gonna dance, dance, dance D5 E5 D5 A4 A4 A4 With my hands, hands, hands above my head B4 C5 A4 A4 A4 A4 B4 C5 B4 A4 Hands together, forgive him before he's dead, because G4# A4 B4 A4 G4# A4 B4 A4 G4# A4 B4 A4 G4# I won't cry for you F5 F5 F5 G5 E5 I won't crucify the things you do F5 E5 D5 C5 D5 G4 B4 D5 E5 D5 C5 A4 I won't cry for you F5 F5 F5 G5 E5 See, when you're gone, I'll still be Bloody Mary C5 F5 E5 D5 C5 D5 G4 B4 D5 E5 D5 C5 A4

About Song :-

"Bloody Mary" is a song by American singer Lady Gaga from her second studio album, "Born This Way," which was released in 2011. The album, "Born This Way," is known for its eclectic mix of pop, dance, and electronic music, and "Bloody Mary" is one of its tracks. Here is some information about the song: Album: "Bloody Mary" is the eighth track on Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" album, which was released on May 23, 2011. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. Composition and Style: "Bloody Mary" features a combination of electronic and pop elements. It has a haunting and ethereal quality to it, with atmospheric synthesizers and Gaga's distinctive vocals. The song's lyrics are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation. Lyrics: The lyrics of "Bloody Mary" touch on themes of religion, spirituality, and inner conflict. Gaga sings about seeking salvation and wrestling with inner demons. The song's title, "Bloody Mary," is a reference to the folklore surrounding the mythical figure of Bloody Mary, often associated with a ritual to summon a ghostly presence. Reception: "Bloody Mary" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics. It is often considered one of the standout tracks on the "Born This Way" album. Live Performances: While "Bloody Mary" was not released as a single, Lady Gaga included it in her live performances during her "Born This Way Ball" tour, showcasing its artistic and theatrical qualities. Cultural References: The song contains references to religious and mythological figures, including Judas Iscariot, Mary Magdalene, and the Greek myth of Narcissus. Lady Gaga is known for incorporating religious and cultural symbolism into her music. Music Video: Unlike many of her other songs, "Bloody Mary" did not receive an official music video. Lady Gaga's music videos are often visually striking and carry a significant artistic message. Read the full article