#parke parkette

[roamingtigress]

"DUTCH BAD." Take some time for this solid reading, folks A solid analysis on the scene of Arthur's death w/ Dutch at the cliff, the complexity of his character and more. (now pinned !) “Dutch loved Arthur as much as he ever loved anyone.” -Ben Davis Yes, Dutch did cry for Arthur. And reminded again he was in love with a man. (Sorry, is in love with a man, all the bad stuff to them did not happen. Did not.)

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟

Okay again in the interest of getting through some of these larger, older asks, here is a bit less than 177 words, but more than 900 words:

---

“If Chim is doing it, I’m doing it.”

Karen sighs. “I was worried you’d say that.”

Karen is used to this, in a way. That’s what it’s like, being married to a first responder. She’s had to watch Hen walk into danger countless times, with no guarantee she’d come home. That’s the deal they were always used to, even before the end of the world. 

It’s no different now. Chim is her partner, still. Bobby may not be their captain anymore in so many words, but she will still follow him as though he is. He has never stopped protecting them like a captain. So she will go. Walk with them into danger. That’s still her job. That’s still who she is. 

“I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Hen tells her. “It’ll be the three of us. Versus one flashlight.”

Hen doesn’t really have the confidence she’s saying she has. She just… Well, she doesn’t want Karen to worry. 

“Okay,” Karen says. She kisses Hen. A quick little peck, like it’s for good luck. “Then I’ll see you after.”

Hen smiles. “It’s probably nothing, right?”

Karen nods. “Probably.”

▪️▪️▪️

In the end, it’s four of them, not three. Athena joins them. Sits in the front seat with Bobby as they drive into town. Come to think of it, there are very few times over the past few days where Athena and Bobby haven’t done things together. Like they’ve fallen into each other’s orbits.

Interesting.

Hen and Chim give each other a look, both likely thinking the same thing. Neither of them comments, though. 

“The light was northeast of us,” Chim explains as they drive into town. “Could’ve been Polk Square?”

Polk Square is a little paved central area that used to be used for farmers’ markets and other community events. Live music. Festivals. It backs onto a little parkette. A few people tried setting up camp there during the beginning. It didn’t last long. 

“Let’s start there,” Bobby agrees. 

“Why would anyone go there?” Athena asks. “I imagine anything left in town has been raided.”

“By us mostly,” Hen agrees. 

“Maybe they’re like you?” Chim asks. “Returning to a place they used to live and looking for signs of life?”

“Hmm,” Athena nods. “True.

“There must be a reason why everything is happening at once,” Hen says. “Why is everyone able to make it here all within a week when we haven’t heard from a soul in months?”

“It’s easier to travel now,” Athena says. 

“Easier how?” Bobby asks. 

“The zombies are slower. Not all of them, but most.” Athena explains. “They’re fading a bit. Beginning to die off.”

Hen feels strange about that. It feels like a good thing and a bad thing. Like, thank god that threat is dwindling. But, what threat is next? Maybe that’s what they’re finding out today. 

▪️▪️▪️

There’s nothing in Polk Square or the nearby park to lead Hen, Bobby, Athena, or Chim to believe anyone is around. They scour the wreckage of the old encampments, but find no signs of recent life. 

“It was around this area though,” Chim says. “I’m certain of it.”

“What about about Pacific Armory?” Athena asks. “It’s just around the block from here.”

“The gun shop?” Bobby replies. “That was one of the first places raided. There’s nothing left.”

“Would someone new in town know that?” Athena challenges.

“And it’s more secure than a regular storefront,” Hen suggests. “If someone was nervous.”

“Fair enough,” Bobby replies. “Let’s check it out.”

They walk to Pacific Armory. A store Hen never had cause to visit before the end of the world. One that made her nervous just to walk by, honestly. She hates guns. Like, really hates them. Even now, while Chim, Bobby, and Athena all carry one, she’s holding onto an old ax from the old fire station. She knows how to shoot. They made sure she learned. But it’s a last resort for her. Hen was shot as a teenager. She knows what it’s like to be at the other end of what happens when someone pulls a trigger. She almost lost a kidney. And her life, obviously. It’s why she was drawn to being a paramedic in the first place, when she realized she wanted to be a first responder. 

So she doesn’t like guns. She knows how easily they can hit the wrong person, destroy someone. And the thought that whoever they’re looking for might be searching for more of them? Concerning. 

Pacific Armory is empty when they arrive. It doesn’t look much different than it did the last time they were here, months ago. Broken door. Boarded up windows. Ransacked shelves and racks. By the time they reached it, most everything had been taken already. Their stock of weapons and ammunition largely came from raiding houses. People owned more guns than Hen liked to think about. And not all of them hunted in their spare time. 

There is something different, Hen notices. A smell. An odor, really. One that brings her right back to a crop they had the opportunity to grow, if they so chose, based on what plants they were able to salvage for the gardens. But, despite Buck’s exactly two attempts at persuading them - and a secret little pout from Karen - they decided as a group wasn’t a good idea. Or, frankly, a good use of garden space.

[respectcyclists]

Ghost Bike Ride for Navjot

On Saturday evening, 24 August 2024, the driver of a compact car struck a Navjot Kaur, a married 26-year-old female student, was riding her bicycle on Burnhamthorpe Road, east of Kipling Avenue, in central Etobicoke. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital a week later on 31 August.

MEET at 12:00 p.m., Saturday 7 SEPT 2024, at Matt Cohen Parkette at Spadina and Bloor. We DEPART at 12:30 p.m. A meet-up along the route will occur at the Bloor parking lot of Tom Riley Park (roughly 1:30 p.m.). RAIN or SHINE.

Photo credit: Kevin Rupasinghe ©2024

[saubermann1]

Graffitireinigung in München: Effektive Lösungen von Saubermann

München, die pulsierende Hauptstadt Bayerns, ist bekannt für ihre kulturelle Vielfalt, historischen Gebäude und malerischen Parks. Doch wie jede Großstadt kämpft auch München mit dem Problem von Graffiti-Vandalismus. Während Graffiti in einigen Fällen als Kunstform anerkannt wird, verursachen unerwünschte Schmierereien oft erhebliche Schäden an öffentlichen und privaten Gebäuden. Hier kommt Saubermann ins Spiel, Ihr zuverlässiger Partner für die professionelle Graffitireinigung in München.

Fassadenreinigung münchen

Warum ist Graffitireinigung so wichtig?

Graffiti kann die Ästhetik und den Wert von Immobilien erheblich beeinträchtigen. Verschmutzte Fassaden wirken ungepflegt und können potenzielle Kunden oder Mieter abschrecken. Darüber hinaus können bestimmte Graffiti schwer zu entfernen sein und erfordern spezielle Reinigungsmethoden und -mittel. Eine professionelle Graffitireinigung ist daher unerlässlich, um die ursprüngliche Schönheit und den Wert Ihrer Immobilie zu erhalten.

Saubermann: Ihr Experte für Graffitireinigung in München

Saubermann ist Ihr Ansprechpartner für erstklassige Graffitireinigung in München. Unser Team aus erfahrenen Fachleuten verwendet modernste Techniken und umweltfreundliche Reinigungsmittel, um Graffiti schonend und effektiv zu entfernen. Wir bieten maßgeschneiderte Lösungen, die auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse und Anforderungen Ihrer Immobilie zugeschnitten sind.

Unsere Reinigungsmethoden

Bei Saubermann setzen wir auf verschiedene Reinigungsmethoden, um Graffiti zu entfernen. Dazu gehören:

Hochdruckreinigung: Mit leistungsstarken Hochdruckreinigern entfernen wir Graffiti von Fassaden, Wänden und anderen Oberflächen.

Chemische Reinigung: Spezielle, umweltfreundliche Reinigungsmittel lösen hartnäckige Farben und Lacke, ohne die Oberfläche zu beschädigen.

Strahlverfahren: Mit Sand-, Soda- oder Trockeneisstrahlen können wir selbst die hartnäckigsten Graffitis entfernen, ohne die Bausubstanz anzugreifen.

Fassadenreinigung in München

Neben der Graffitireinigung bietet Saubermann auch umfassende Dienstleistungen im Bereich Fassadenreinigung in München an. Eine saubere Fassade ist das Aushängeschild jeder Immobilie und trägt maßgeblich zu ihrem Gesamterscheinungsbild bei. Unser Team reinigt Ihre Fassade gründlich und entfernt nicht nur Graffiti, sondern auch Schmutz, Algen und andere Verunreinigungen.

Gebäudereinigung in München

Saubermann steht Ihnen zudem für die umfassende Gebäudereinigung in München zur Verfügung. Wir bieten Ihnen maßgeschneiderte Reinigungsdienstleistungen, die auf die speziellen Anforderungen Ihrer Immobilie abgestimmt sind. Unser Service umfasst die Reinigung von Büros, Wohngebäuden, Industrieanlagen und öffentlichen Einrichtungen. Mit modernster Ausrüstung und umweltfreundlichen Reinigungsmitteln sorgen wir für ein sauberes und hygienisches Umfeld.

Parkett schleifen in München

Neben unseren Reinigungsdienstleistungen bieten wir auch professionelle Parkettschleifarbeiten in München an. Ein gut gepflegter Parkettboden verleiht jedem Raum Eleganz und Wertigkeit. Mit unserer modernen Schleiftechnik und hochwertigen Versiegelungen stellen wir sicher, dass Ihr Parkettboden wieder wie neu aussieht und optimal geschützt ist.

Unsere Einsatzgebiete in München und Umgebung

Saubermann ist in ganz München und den umliegenden Gebieten tätig. Ob in den belebten Stadtteilen Schwabing, Maxvorstadt oder Haidhausen, oder in den ruhigen Vororten wie Grünwald, Pasing oder Bogenhausen – wir sind überall für Sie im Einsatz. Unsere mobilen Teams sind schnell vor Ort und sorgen dafür, dass Ihre Immobilie in kürzester Zeit wieder in neuem Glanz erstrahlt.

Warum Saubermann?

Erfahrung und Kompetenz: Mit jahrelanger Erfahrung im Bereich der Graffitireinigung und Gebäudereinigung verfügen wir über das notwendige Know-how, um selbst die schwierigsten Reinigungsaufgaben zu meistern.

Individuelle Lösungen: Jede Immobilie ist einzigartig, und so sind es auch unsere Reinigungsansätze. Wir entwickeln maßgeschneiderte Lösungen, die optimal auf Ihre Bedürfnisse abgestimmt sind.

Umweltfreundlichkeit: Wir setzen auf umweltschonende Reinigungsmittel und -methoden, um die Umwelt zu schützen und die Gesundheit unserer Kunden und Mitarbeiter zu gewährleisten.

Schnelligkeit und Zuverlässigkeit: Unsere mobilen Teams sind flexibel und reagieren schnell auf Ihre Anfragen. Wir arbeiten effizient und zuverlässig, um Ihnen den bestmöglichen Service zu bieten.

Kontaktieren Sie uns

Wenn Sie auf der Suche nach einer professionellen Graffitireinigung in München sind, zögern Sie nicht, uns zu kontaktieren. Unser freundliches und kompetentes Team steht Ihnen jederzeit zur Verfügung, um Ihre Fragen zu beantworten und Ihnen ein unverbindliches Angebot zu unterbreiten. Besuchen Sie unsere Website unter sauber-man.de oder rufen Sie uns direkt an.

Fazit

Graffitireinigung ist eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe, die Fachwissen und Erfahrung erfordert. Mit Saubermann haben Sie einen zuverlässigen Partner an Ihrer Seite, der Ihre Immobilie schnell und effizient von unerwünschten Graffitis befreit. Nutzen Sie unsere umfassenden Reinigungsdienstleistungen in München und Umgebung, um Ihre Immobilie in bestem Zustand zu halten. Ob Fassadenreinigung, Gebäudereinigung oder Parkett schleifen – wir sind Ihr Experte für Sauberkeit und Werterhalt.

see more:-

Parkett schleifen münchen

Fassadenreinigung münchen

[marvinjob]

Beaty Boulevard Parkette

Beaty Boulevard Parkette is a long, finger-like patch of grassy, manicured land situated near the intersection of Queen Street West, King Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue: There’s plenty to see and do in this historic neighbourhood; if one crosses the Pedestrian Bridge over busy Lakeshore Boulevard West, you will find the Palais Royale, the Boulevard Club, Budapest Park, Marilyn Bell Park and…

[preconstruction-info]

Uncover the epitome of urban sophistication at 8 Temple Condos! Elevate your living experience with sleek design and prime location. Your city oasis awaits. Click to explore the future of urban living! http://dlvr.it/SzYWm8 #8TempleCondos #UrbanSophistication #CityLiving #ModernDesign #InvestInStyle #TorontoRealEstate #CondoLiving #LuxuryHomes #TorontoLife #InvestmentOpportunity

[temple-condos]

Introducing the Enchanting 8 Temple Project

Introducing the Enchanting 8 Temple Project

Embrace the allure of the 8 Temple project, where a world-class transit system is at your fingertips, and the Gardiner Expressway's convenience paves the way for seamless journeys.

A captivating gem in Toronto, 8 Temple is a harmonious blend of modernity and elegance, curated by Curated Properties. Rising 16 stories tall, this pre-construction condominium boasts 265 resplendent units, accompanied by 8 charming townhomes. Nestled at 8 Temple Ave, in the heart of Parkdale, the vibrant neighborhood near Dufferin Street and King Street West.

With units ranging from 441 to 1,108 square feet, encompassing a grand total of 212,006 square feet, 8 Temple caters to diverse living preferences. The thoughtful layout comprises 14 studio suites, 131 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom, and 28 three-bedroom units. Notably, 22 units are dedicated to rental replacements, fostering a sense of community and inclusion.

Discover an architectural marvel as the building welcomes you with a five-storey podium, housing three-storey townhomes on Temple Avenue. A seamless connection to the urban landscape awaits residents on the main floor, granting access to an array of high-end amenities, including private terraces, inviting amenity spaces, a cozy lounge area, secure bike storage, and an inviting residential lobby.

The sanctuary of luxury extends further with 11,947 square feet of generous amenity space, beautifully crafted on the first and sixth floors. An inviting outdoor terrace enhances the allure, while a communal courtyard fosters connectivity and enriches outdoor living experiences.

Emphasizing convenience, the development presents a two-level underground parking garage accommodating 97 residential vehicle spaces, along with 12 visitor parking spots. Cyclists will find 282 bike parking spaces, catering to both short-term and long-term use.

8 Temple epitomizes contemporary elegance, harmoniously blending with the neighborhood's charm. Artistic touches embellish each corner, catching the discerning eyes of sophisticated homebuyers.

Location & Neighborhood Magic

Nestled in the heart of downtown, 8 Temple provides unparalleled access to all essential amenities and blossoming neighborhoods. From grocery stores to cafes, all the conveniences of urban living lie within arm's reach.

Nature enthusiasts will delight in the proximity to esteemed parks and green spaces, such as Lamport Stadium Park, Melbourne Parkette, Masaryk Park, Trinity Bellwoods, and High Park, perfect for leisurely strolls or biking adventures with loved ones.

Thriving with over 600 business members and 11,000 employees, the vibrant Liberty Village Business Improvement Area enriches the community with its bustling energy and diverse offerings.

For the urban adventurers, the nearby Entertainment District beckons with its array of entertainment options, bars, pubs, and nightclubs. The joyous spirit of annual festivals, including the Exhibition and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, awaits residents and visitors alike.

Transportation Bliss

Experience a transportation paradise at 8 Temple, with an outstanding transit score of 91/100. In mere minutes, you can access the 504 King, the 29 Dufferin bus, and the Dufferin Street at Liberty Street stop, whisking you to the downtown core in under 30 minutes. The Exhibition GO station stands merely 3 minutes away, making commuting across the GTA a breeze.

For drivers, the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Boulevard are just minutes away, facilitating a swift 8-minute commute to the downtown core by car. Embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle is made effortless with abundant bike lanes and paths right outside the condo, making walking, biking, driving, and public transit equally viable transit options.

The Ultimate Urban Haven

With its exceptional location, endless indoor amenities, and proximity to the vibrant city center, 8 Temple is the epitome of urban living at its finest. A golden opportunity awaits for both investors and homebuyers to seize their slice of this high-density and sought-after oasis. Act swiftly, for the chance of a lifetime beckons.

Discover the Extraordinary 8 Temple Condos

Unveiling 8 Temple Condos: Where Distinction Meets Vibrancy

8 Temple Condos

[lonita]

That’s what I want

This list is not exhaustive nor fully compiled, and will change.

universal healthcare (without privatisation), including dental, medications, mental health, and therapies

fully subsidised education from pre-k to the end of university, college, or trades training

a strong social safety net that may include things like a basic income (not sure which format though), small business startup costs/supports, robust EI

nationalised basic phone service, internet service, transit

fully subsidised school meal programs from pre-k through the end of university, college, or trades training

housing first policies

that all members of municipal government should be involved in community supports of some kind prior to their stint in office or they can't run, and required also to perform a certain amount of hours of such work that is not directly tied to work-related activities. If you don't know the people, should you be serving them? Can you?

the eradication of FPTP voting at the federal and provincial level, and the implementation of something proportional

the reproductive rights of all women, girls, and transpersons

reparations to all the indigenous peoples of Canada

low to no-cost childcare

folding of any religion-based school system into the public one, or the removal of public funding from such schools

the building of free third spaces, including parks, parkettes, community and meeting spaces, sports and recreation, media and maker spaces, and youth-friendly spaces

the implementation of a system similar to what other countries have where kids are required to participate in extracurriculars, but they are fully funded. This should concentrate on the inclusion of more casual sports participation (not everyone wants or needs to be a pro, and kids shouldn't be made to feel that participation has to lead to that), and non-sport activities

decriminalisation of drugs for amounts consistent with personal use

that if you're faced with the inability to choose for whom to vote, think of the most vulnerable person you know and vote based on what's best for them

government-built, funded, and supported housing

churches need to pay taxes, particularly if they're going to involve themselves in widespread social issues and politics

the planting of freely accessible fruit trees

a wealth tax on corporate and personal wealth

companies compensating people for the time they spend getting to and from work

walkable neighbourhoods

no-fee public transit

[foxmarin]

Your Passport to the City's Trendiest One-Stop-Shop Neighbourhood! Nestled in Toronto's vibrant Liberty Village, this contemporary townhome offers up a seamless fusion of comfortable living and a fresh, minimalist aesthetic. With 2 bedrooms & 2 washrooms spread across 1,100 square feet, this residence flaunts a relaxed & airy mood complemented with abundant natural light (a must-have), spacious room sizes, clean lines, an enviable culinary kitchen and an overall easy, effortless flow. The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the 270 square feet rooftop terrace with its sweeping city views & gas BBQ hook-up, an unrivalled spot for private outdoor dining & entertaining. Meticulous attention to detail and refined finishes lends a hint of "adulting" to this versatile property, making it a must-visit for those seeking "city-life-living" done right! Property Particulars: 📍519-46 East Liberty Street 🏳️ King Street W & Strachan Ave 🏳️ Two x Bedrooms 🏳️ Two x Washrooms 🏳️ One Underground Parking Space 🏳️ Rooftop Terrace with BBQ Hookup 🏳️ Northern Exposure The Numbers: 📐 1,100 Interior Sq.Feet 📐 270 Exterior Sq. Feet 🚩 Maintenance Fee: $616 🚩 Property Taxes: $3,431 🚩 Listed Price (with offers): $899K 🚩 MLS Reference: C5938051 Your Bonus Five: 1️⃣ Townhome faces the peaceful parkette side 🌳 of the complex. 2️⃣ Everything you need right at your fingertips, from TTC access to fantastic restaurants, bars, and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ amenities. 3️⃣ Stroll to the nearby lake to explore the endless walking & biking trails, or hit up one of the off-leash dog parks 🐕:) 4️⃣ Downtown is just a quick jaunt away (including by 👣). 5️⃣ Freshly painted, updated tile work & all things Kitec plumbing removed🕺! Direct message us here for the full image collection, property tour and insider scoop! Contact Us (We’re Nice). ▫️ foxmarin.ca ▫️ 416-567-0460 ▫️ @_foxmarin ▫️ hello@foxmarin.ca Property Link: https://foxmarin.ca/toronto-real-estate-listings/th519-46-east-liberty-st/

[134340am]

my beloved 🌸🌸🌸 anon!!! you’re back T^T i hope it’s okay if i answer your ask in the morning, i’m kinda sleepy from writing the samu drabble and i want to write a reply that does your kindness justice ; n ; 

[muirneach]

french class tomorrow is gonna be sick we’re going to a park and thats it

[writingsfromhome]

The Ex-Text

Prologue (the text)

A/N: warning that this fic does include cheating. I’m trying something new with this format, just a road trip story which is one of my favourite tropes everr. Plus a lot of drama. It was too short to split into parts but I liked the idea of some logues lol. Main should be out soon. Hope y’all like it too. <3

Prologue (text) / Main (ex) / Epilogue (what’s next)

————————————————————

YN:

“He’s cheating on me,” I spit into the phone. My best friend gasps. “I saw him! He’s fucking cheating on me Taz what do I do? Do I confront him? Should I wait ‘til he gets home?”

“Where are you?” She asks.

I’m standing in front of the glass window to the bar that my boyfriend sits at. He’s facing a woman in black, with his hand on her knee, and a smile brightening his face. I blink, my focus going to the reflection in the glass. I look back at myself, dazed and heartbroken and disheveled.

“I’m-“ my voice cracks. I was not going to fucking cry here. I sniffle and move down the street to a parkette, a bench warmed by the sun invites me to sit down. “I’m at this patch of grass that’s a pathetic excuse for a park. Taz I don’t know what to do!”

“You don’t have to do anything right now. Where are you exactly? Let me come to you! Or come over. Don’t do anything rash-“

“I want to,” I sniffle. I wanted to, but all the energy had been drained from my body as soon as I sat down. “I was planning my future with this fucker. I…I thought he was going to propose soon! I caught him looking at rings the last time we were out remember? Do you…d’you think they were for her? Oh my god I’m such an idiot Ican’tbelieveIdidn’tseeit!”

It wasn’t British of me at all. At all. But I hang my head and sob. I couldn’t hold it in, my future crumbles before my eyes and all I can do is cry.

“Fuck’s sake,” I hear Taz say. “I’m coming to get you.”

I don’t remember much of what happened after that. How long I sat there until Taz found me—she’s tracked my phone. She called us a cab and taken me to her place where I crash on the couch for three days. Ethan had called and texted me, growing progressively worried. Until he showed up at Taz’s and her fiance had kept him out.

I always wanted to be one of those girls who was strong and tough, who could tell a guy who she’d been dating for nearly two years where he can shove it when he cheated on her.

Instead I was the girl who curled up even tighter when she heard his voice at the door. When he shouted her name over her best friend’s fiance’s body (that was built like a brick, I knew he wasn’t getting past).

I was the girl who snuck into the flat when I knew he was gone to work to get everything out with the help of friends.

It was two weeks before I could face him. He’d apologized, tried to give excuses but I was so numb by then I’d just let him ramble before giving an excuse about having to go and leaving him behind. I never quite got the closure I wanted but I was okay with stuffing it into the dark parts of my mind and never thinking about it again.

That is until 10 months later an invitation shows up in my inbox.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I say at the notification. My colleague in the next cubicle turns his head and I duck down. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.

I click the email subject * Ethan and Van Make it Forever *

If you’re reading this, you mean a lot to us!

Join us on October 17 for a small (medium) celebration of love and commitment. No gifts, just your sexy selves.

Glitter rains down on loop over the invitation while dreamy clouds move on loops from side to side in the back. My own thoughts loop: is this a fucking joke?

“Y/N?”

“Yes?” I look up over the cubicle to where my name’s being called. My manager points to the room he’s in.

“We need minutes?”

“Oh…” I glance at my growing inbox. I didn’t actually have the time to lend a hand but I didn’t know how to say no. “Be there in a minute.”

My colleague beside me glances over and shakes his head. I shrug my shoulders and take my laptop in to spend the next hour in excruciating pain as I take pointless notes on a meeting I have no clue about. By the end of it my fingers are cramping and my inbox had doubled.

I had forwarded the email to my best friend by then and when I get back to my desk, collapsed in my seat, I read all of her 13 texts. They weren’t family friendly and they definitely make me feel better. I wasn’t crazy. My ex who cheated on me had invited me to his wedding.

My phone vibrates, Taz. But instead it’s a number I’d only ever gotten bad news from. One-time bad news I’d dubbed the ex-text. I open it:

Did you get the invite too?

•••••

Harry:

The invitation wakes me up, and I untangle myself from the warm body beside me to get my phone. Apparently I’d missed a phone call too.

I open the email and can’t help the laugh that comes out. Obviously nothing is funny, it’s unbelievable.

“Hm?” The woman beside me stirs, but my eyes are glued to the invitation. What a bitch, I can’t believe she had the audacity to invite me to her wedding!

I remember it so vividly, my girlfriend of years telling me she wasn’t in love with me anymore. That she met someone new. I’d asked how long, I had to ask again before she told me. Since the spring. So I had been walking around and living my life for over three months thinking my girlfriend loved me, that we were soulmates and all the other bullshit.

I couldn’t be depressed, I lived that next month with a drink attached to my lips at any given moment. It ruined me. It ruined my whole life. And then I got angry, that was when the drunk phone calls and late night messages began. I found out the person who replaced me. I stalked him on the internet and when I found out he had a girlfriend, it was my lucky day.

I’d texted my ex then, hoping this piece of news would be the end of that relationship. She’d come crawling back to me. Instead she had said, I know. He’s breaking up with her he just needs some time. Harry nothing’s changed, we’re not going to get back together.

I put on my detective hat, somehow through some intense stalking and help from a friend I’d gotten this stranger’s number. Then I’d texted her the screenshot, the photos on my ex’s private page of her and him. I was dropping a bomb on this random stranger but she needed to know. That’s how I justified it.

It was over a year since this all came about and everyone in my life expected me to be over it. Including my ex. I text her, hoping her number was still the same.

Are you really inviting me to your wedding with him?

She responds immediately, I thought we were at a place where I could. That you could be happy for me? It’s been so long.

She was delusional. How could I ever be happy for me after she left me like that, blindsided and broken hearted. The only conversations between us since then were when she wished me happy birthday. We never spoke.

Did he invite the girl he left behind too? I go with snarky, my favourite tone.

No ofc not. But are you coming? You can bring a + one.

I’ll see

Hope to see you there. xx

She really was delusional. A part of me wanted to show up, prove to her or me or the universe I could get on with my life. But I also didn’t want to be in this alone. I put my skills to work and an hour or so later, after the girl I woke up with had gone home and I put my empty coffee mug in the sink I text her. The stranger whose life I had imploded.

Did you get the invite too?

[demparparquet]

En büyük mutluluğumuz, uygulama sonrası bizimle bu güzel mekanlarını paylaşan parke dostlarımızın yüzündeki o gülümseme... Where the stars touch... #flooring #parquet #parke #parket #parkett #parquetfloor #parquetry #engineeredflooring #lamineparke #ahşapparke #landhausdiele #landhausdielen #demparparke #dempar #doğalparke (at Kırkpınar/Sapanca) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIBUhnvHria/?igshid=16gv4lxhbm3rn

[hoursofreading]

Realizing I’m bee-rich has not only amused me, it has me thinking about land stewardship and Indigenous models of mutual flourishing. Even one garden can be an ecosystem that supports dozens, if not hundreds, of plant and insect species. Including me, one among many. Climate change and biodiversity loss won’t be solved by one backyard or even thousands, but it’s a place where we can be benevolent dictators of our own fiefdom, where we can create little microcosms of regenerative worlds. I can’t cancel the Trans Mountain pipeline or end oil subsidies or expand green energy infrastructure but, in the dark of winter, I can push seeds into soil and coddle them under lights hung behind a rail of clothing in my closet. I can let my plants grow a little wild, so there’s more flowering, more diversity, more food and shelter for my insect friends. I can create a little water station for those hardworking pollinators, carefully filled with rocks to perch on. I can let plants go to seed, then fold them into little envelopes for my neighbours. There’s so much wonder and joy in this work – in the smell of damp soil, in the tart gush of a sun-warmed tomato on your tongue, in spying a bumblebee frosted with pollen – which is essential, too, for the bigger fights to come. The garden and all its inhabitants make my own energy more renewable. Of course, not everyone is privileged with a patch of land to tend. Even mine is merely borrowed. But our cities are filled with sterile lawns and neglected parkettes, underserved neighbourhoods for both bees and humans just waiting for someone to invest time, care and, yes, a little cash in them. A group in my neighbourhood adopted a little strip of grassy weeds, in fact, and now Garnet Avenue has a burgeoning pollinator habitat (plus a cannabis plant slipped in by a rogue gardener chasing another kind of buzz). I’ve also been thinking about wealth, and how narrowly we measure it. I’ve made my career in the arts – I’ll never be rich-rich. But why should we overlook other kinds of abundance? In the garden alone, I’ve not only a wealth of bees, but flowers, greens, tomatoes, herbs and beans, so many beans. Each summer I cycle through a flush of raspberries, armfuls of lettuce, an absolute glut of mulberries. Much of it I share with my community, both human and non. The mulberry tree, though it casts more shade than I’d care for, is the place to see and be seen for local birds, squirrels and raccoons for all of July. All of this wealth pretty much demands sharing, as anyone who has ever grown zucchini will tell you. May I humbly propose this natural wealth as the new status symbol? Let’s create gardens and fields and parks and back alleys where many species can thrive. We’ll clean the air and absorb floodwaters, be drenched in food and beauty and wildlife. The buzz will become a constant hum; the cicadas will have some competition. Butterflies will toss and tumble like falling leaves. Abundance will spill from every yard, every neighbourhood an apiary, and we’ll finally prize the richness all around us.

[fizzycherrycola]

PrUK / FrUK Historical Fluff [PART 2]

As a gift from France, England receives a pair of tickets to a spectacular exhibition in Paris. He decides to bring Canada along to the event and they explore the wonderous inventions amidst the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution. Click Here to Read from the Beginning

Industry and Grandeur - Chapter 2

Adjusting his top hat, England squints against the bright overhead sunlight. A grass-green parkette lawn plays host to the outdoor opening ceremony in front of a massive exposition hall.  

After a dignified orchestral performance, very important businessmen give very important speeches regarding the liberty of industry, the future of science, and so on and so forth. England tries to follow along, he really does, but he’s only ever had a rudimentary grasp of French and the announcers are speaking too quickly for him to catch anything more than snippets of their grand sermons. When the crowd solemnly applauds, signalling the end of the ceremony, he takes that as his cue and claps along with them.  

Now, everyone with a ticket must wait for the French King and his family to finish their private tour of the exposition before they may be allowed inside.

As the crowd disperses, England and Canada walk off together in search of a shady tree. A cacophony of conversations carry through the air. The turnout is impressive; dignitaries and entrepreneurs from across Europe speak excitedly in French, German, Italian, and even Russian. Their enthusiasm overflows, however despite the atmosphere, Canada’s energy is somewhat muted.

“Um, Arthur?” Canada says to England, addressing him by his human alias. “Why does France have a king? I thought with the Revolutions that had all changed.”

“Yes, well,” England says. “It’s a rather complicated situation.”

“Oh?”

“I can explain it to you, if you’d like. However, it may take a fair bit of time.”

Canada chews his lip and stares at the ground for a beat. “No, that’s all right. I was just wondering; how does France feel? I mean, Francis. How does Francis feel about it?”

“I haven’t a clue,” England admits. “It likely won’t be long before he finds us. If you’re curious, you may ask him yourself. Take care, though; it may be a sensitive topic.”

Canada furrows his brows. "Right. Maybe I’d better not, then.”

They slip into quiet, allowing the background ambience to fill the silence. A little frown has stuck itself to Canada’s lips and England instinctively scans the area for a distraction. Gradually, musical notes intermingle with chatter as the pair come across a public show in the park.  

“Have you ever seen a vaudeville act before?” England asks.

His ward blinks. “Vaudeville?”

England points to the dramatic production just ahead. By an intimate grove, performers dance about in flamboyant costumes and face paint, narrating comedic stories to a small audience. One of the actors, a chubby man in a massive coat, hollers and trips over his own feet. His display draws amiable laughter from the group of onlookers and even a few cheers.  

The frown melts from Canada’s face. As he wanders over to watch the show, England feels his shoulders relax. It may be silly to soothe a colony of Canada’s age, but he cannot help himself. Perhaps it is a leftover tendency from when the lad still played with toys and sniffled over a scraped knee. England observes Canada for a bit longer, before finding shelter in the shade of an elm tree nearby.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out his timepiece and grumbles, seeing that it is already a quarter to noon. Surely, the royal tour should be done by now. If not, then what on Earth is taking so long? He snaps the timepiece shut and unfolds his leaflet to find out what exactly will be on display at this exposition.

Flipping through its pages, England makes a valiant effort to decipher the French writing. With patience, he manages well enough. The papers explain that most of the exhibits are arranged within forty galleries inside the grand hall. Altogether, visitors must travel down eight kilometres of aisles to view all 3,969 displays. England squints at the page and rereads it twice. Indeed, nearly four thousand exhibits in eight kilometres. It is no wonder why the King’s tour is taking so long!

Slowly, the world drifts away as he continues reading about the many inventions and gadgets. The industrial machines are particularly fascinating. Mining contraptions and fabric spinners could prove incredibly advantageous to-

“Enjoying yourself so far?” whispers a syrupy voice.

England jumps. “Bloody hell!”  

A familiar chuckle flourishes and England already knows who the trademark sound belongs to. Huffing indignantly, England turns to face France. “Don’t sneak up on me like that, you frog.”

“I do not sneak,” France says with a wink. “I investigate quietly.”

Hand on his hip and head tilted, the nation of love grins playfully. Naturally, he is clad in the most opulent attire, sporting a tightly cinched waist, an ivory necktie, and flared frockcoat of a rich indigo hue. His sandy blonde, shoulder-length curls shine brilliantly; they are the only deviation from his otherwise modern appearance. No matter the fashion of the decade, he never cuts his hair shorter than a bob.  

England straightens his own outfit by force of habit. “To what do I owe the pleasure, then?” he inquires.

“Why, I am here to welcome my guests, of course!” France declares. “Or perhaps, just my one guest. Were you not able to find someone to join you?”

“Of course, I did,” England says. “It’s been a while since Matthew has crossed the Atlantic, so I sent a letter asking him to come with me.”  

“Ah, Matthieu! He is not in Europe just for this event, I assume?”

“No, that would be ridiculous. We’ve been working together to settle a few political matters, so he spent the past few weeks with me in London. He also had a meeting with the Queen and several members of Parliament.”  

“My,” France muses, “that must be quite intimidating for someone as young as he is.”

“Actually,” England murmurs, “he’s not so young anymore.” Admittedly, France had not seen Canada in some time. He had no way of knowing the maturing impact of 1812’s skirmishes. Weeks after the fighting came to a close, England asked Canada if he had any further concerns and, with a resolute fire so uncharacteristic of him, Canada avowed that America was no longer frightening.

A beat of silence passes before France grants England a sympathetic smile. “You seem a little somber, Arthur.” At this, England remembers himself; if France is pitying him, then he must truly appear grim.

“Nonsense,” he says. “You’re just imagining things.”  

France shrugs and shakes his head. “If you insist, cher.”

Applause rings out from the small audience nearby and England takes the opportunity to change the subject. “Matthew’s just been watching that performance over there.”

“Really?” France asks, scanning the crowd. “I do not see him.”

England turns and calls Canada’s alias. “Matthew!”

Immediately, Canada stirs to attention and upon making eye-contact, England waves him over. The young colony carefully slips through the huddle of people and hurries to them.

“Incroyable,” France remarks. “Who is this grown man before me?”

Canada’s grin bursts across his face. “Francis!”  

“Ce vêtement vous va très bien,” France says, gazing at Canada’s new outfit. (That clothing suits you very well.)

A rosy blush blooms over Canada’s cheeks. “Merci beaucoup,” he replies.   (Thank you very much.)

Immediately, France lights up. “Vous souvenez de votre français! Magnifique!” (You remember your French! Magnificent!)

“Oui!” (Yes!)

“Vous avez tellement grandi! Je ne peux pas croire que vous êtes plus grand que moi! Comment allez-vous?” (You have grown so much! I cannot believe you are taller than me! How are you?)

“Euh... Dernièrement, il y a eu des situations difficiles. Cependant, je ne suis pas différent de toute autre colonie. Nous avons tous nos défis. Dans l’ensemble, je vais bien, merci.” (Well... Lately, there have been some difficult situations. However, I’m no different from any other colony. We all have our challenges. Overall, I’m doing well, thank you.)

Squinting, France tilts his head. “Pardon?”

Canada flinches. “Ah, I’m sorry!” he squeaks, slipping back into English. “Did I mispronounce something? My French dialect has changed a lot over the years.”

France laughs and waves a hand dismissively. “There is no need to apologise. By the way, where is your little polar bear? The two of you were once inseparable.”

“I left Kumajiro at home in Montreal,” Canada explains. “Maybe I could bring him the next time I come for a visit?”

“Oh?” France says, smiling. “You would like there to be a next time?”

“If that’s all right with you.”

“It is perfectly fine with me, however....”

“Ah! Um....”

They both turn to stare expectantly at England. The abruptness sends him reeling.

His dear ward is asking to visit his fiercest competitor, which could easily become a knotty disaster. Though it is true that he invited Canada along for this occasion, it was not supposed to become a regular routine. Then again, France has been exceptionally courteous as of late and Canada does seem delighted to be here. Can it really be as risky as all that?

England glances at Canada’s doe-eyed expression and his defences crumble like a stack of cards.

“I’ll consider it,” he sighs.

Canada is positively radiant because England’s ‘maybes’ often equate to a ‘yes’. Pressing his lips thin, England prays he has not made an error in his judgement.

France whispers into Canada’s ear: “I think you could ask him for the stars, and he would try to capture them for you.”

Heat flushes to England’s cheeks. ���Now, see here-” “Wait, wait, wait!” France implores, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I did not come here to tease or quarrel.” Despite his claim, the trace of a sprightly grin still adorns his face. “In fact,” France continues, “if you are not busy tonight, Monsieur Le Roi and I would be honoured to have you both join us for dinner.” He bows with the grace of a swan and England almost forgives his teasing. Almost.

Before he can consider a response, Canada gasps. “An invitation from the King, for us?”

“But of course!” France declares. “It is only natural that you meet him. After all, this entire exposition was made possible through his ringing endorsements.”

England worries his brows. It is a rare day for him to receive a summons from a French king. On the scarce past occasions that he did, casual pleasantries were not kindly exchanged. Despite this, he is in no position to refuse. Even outside of diplomatic circles, declining a monarch’s request is disrespectful and unwise. Also, Queen Victoria would likely chastise him if he were to pass up an opportunity to ‘improve Franco-British relations’, unlikely as it may be.

Then again, having been alive for generations brought about the understanding that not all monarchs are alike. Perhaps this King Louis Philippe I is an exception.

“Very well,” England says while crossing his arms. “I accept.”

France claps his hands with far more cheer than necessary. “Fantastique!” he exclaims. “You will not regret it - I have chosen the dinner menu myself! After the exposition closes, come to my King’s private room at the end of the great hall; we will meet you there. For now, I must leave to tell him you have accepted.”

Canada nods. “We will see you there, Francis!”

France begins to walk off, before suddenly turning back to shout, “By the way, you should be able to enter the venue soon! It may be a good idea to head to the main doors. Enjoy the exposition!” With that, he waves goodbye and leaves by prancing along one of the park’s cobblestone paths.

“I’ve only ever met my own monarchs,” Canada mentions quietly. He rubs the back of his neck and looks to England. “Is there anything I should know? How should I behave?”

Any lingering irritation evaporates from England’s chest. “You’ve got nothing to worry about,” he reassures. “Treat the King with the same respect as you did last week with Queen Victoria. The etiquette is quite similar.”

Canada sheepishly smiles. “I’ll do my best.”

Together, they head off towards the main entrance, stepping lightly across gravel trails and grassy lawns. At last, it is time to see what this grand exposition has to offer.

~~~ Author’s Notes

Louis Philippe I was the King of France for a short time. His reign is known as the July Monarchy, lasting from 1830 to 1848.

Vaudevilles! Originally called “comédie en vaudevilles”, they were musical comedy variety shows that emerged in Paris during the 17th century. Public outdoor performances were often done by vagabonds for tips.

Canada and the United Kingdom fought against America in the War of 1812. Some European historians see it as a minor skirmish, but for Canadians, it’s a very important part of their history.

“...at home in Montreal.” Canada mentions his home is in Montreal because, from 1844 to 1849, the city was briefly his capital. Today, it is Ottawa.

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