#perseverance prevails

[mothiepixie]

Yo Mottie got all them big guys. Big red and now Butch lol

Whatcha gonna do when they tag team on you? XD

[rebeccajk]

Unquestionably dark days ahead but I still believe we can organize and fight back on many levels. There are times when the despair feels overwhelming for me but I refused to give in. Love for myself and my community & spite towards the assholes makes for a hell of a cocktail.

[tadpole-art]

Hi! Do you have any advice for beginners with Clip Studio? I just got it but I’m lost with all the features it has oO

Honestly I would say don't worry too much about all the features. I personally don't use hardly any and only recently started learning some of it's more complicated aspects, but they definitely aren't necessary to making great art with the program! And whenever I've had a specific question about a function of the program a quick Google search will usually explain it to me

[raedas]

shamsi i hate timezones. soon we’ll be nine hours apart.

THATS EVIL EVIL

[sharkspez]

Tumblr Biography: Messi 🇦🇷

At the age of eleven, 🇦🇷 Messi was 🩺 diagnosed with a growth 🔬 hormone deficiency. Local clubs were not willing to 💲 pay for his treatment. Just when it seemed like his 💤💭 dreams might be over, a ✨ surprising offer came from an unexpected source...

[expensiveity]

i hate to be the bearer of bad news but truth is nobody is coming to save you and nobody cares about your sob story. we all have endured hardships once in our lifetime. this generation isn’t too fond of a sob story but more so intrigued with a comeback. so get up. God will meet you wherever you’re at. but you still have to meet him half way. i admire my perseverance + resilience. no matter what life has thrown at me — i took it on the chin. kept my head up, and prevailed my way through. i cannot be stopped because i’m destined and nobody can strip me of that.

[black-lake]

The path of warriors 

⚡︎ Aries, leo, capricorn, scorpio and aquarius north node.

🏇🏇🏇

The north node is your karmic path in this lifetime, and as many charts I study and analyze, people with these signs always fascinate me the most with their life stories. These people tend to have the most dramatic journeys I noticed. They all share things in common, persevering alone, beating all odds, relying on themselves, and setting a good example for others. On that note, how have YOU been?? I hope life hasn't been testing you too badly? The day you'll be crowned will come, so hold on love  👑✨👸 I won’t be hyping you up in a sweet way I’ll be shouting at you so don’t mind my aries mercury.

People with these north node signs have to embody the spirit of the warrior, the fighter, the advocate, the trail blazer, the protector, they have no other choice. They persevere through unfathomable hardships. Many of them break generational patterns, needing to forge new ways rather than repeating the old. They remind me of the dragon, the lion, the tiger, the serpent, the owl, the eagle, all the spirit animals that are strong and powerful. This is a check in with you, an acknowledgment for your spirit, and a loving pat in the back from your leo north node friend. 🌞💛

Aries north node.

Rulers - south node: venus, north node: mars

How does it feel like having to fight and defend yourself since you were a child? Being attacked, played with, tested and teased by those around you, even adults coming at you? Being underestimated for your fighting ability and being put in the middle of a battle, unwillingly, even though all you really want is peace and harmony. You found it hard to stand on your own two feet, asserting dominance means conflict. You think you'll find peace but you're put in another battle. I’d be surprised if you haven’t had to fight physically at least once in your life. GET your ass up and STAND up for yourself, loudly, yes make a fuss. Let your voice be heard even if it disrupts the energy in the room. The universe claps for you when you beat their ass and hide the bible if god watching 💥🐯 (kendrick got an aries north node). Never let a bunch of cowards disrespect you, you're up to the challenge. The ways you move in life don’t have to be understood, you're forging new paths. Those who follow crowds lack your strong mindset, lack your vision and bravery. Move with integrity, and remember the truth always prevails at the end. 

With each battle you win, you're cultivating independence, a strong identity, self respect, autonomy over your life and a sense of direction. You are your greatest project and your most significant accomplishment. You've learned to rely on yourself, becoming an initiator, an entrepreneur, an advocate for justice, and a truth teller. Don't wait for people to join you to start, or compromise your needs and goals for others, you can do it solo. Free yourself from your libra ways of people pleasing and seeking social validation. Pick your battles, understand the difference between aggressiveness and assertiveness, and discern what is truly worth fighting for. You're the one who stands up against bullies and liars. You're one of the warriors that the universe uses for justice.

Trust your ideas and instincts, you got all the answers. The universe fights with you and protects you, you're never totally alone. Mistakes teach us lessons, don’t fear them. You're a natural leader, your passion for life is unmatched. You're distinctive, what represents you can’t be duplicated. When life throws obstacles your way, it's to strengthen your fierce confidence, self assurance and independent spirit. 🐅 When you bravely told the truth, when you went your own way, when you created your own thing, when you walked alone, when you took those risks and said fuck what they say, you inspired many people, you awakened many, you left many in awe of your fiery spirit. 

Leo north node.

Rulers - south node: saturn and uranus, north node: sun

How does it feel like to be robbed of your childhood? Being left alone and abandoned as a child? Not receive validation or love? Having your confidence and light targeted and attacked from a young age? Your most beautiful qualities discarded and taken for granted. Your innocence betrayed, your trust and integrity repeatedly broken. Being envied and hated for simply being yourself, for your aura, for shining brightly without lifting a finger. Being alienated, having groups attack you for your unique qualities. Standing confidently alone and walking it all alone. You LEAD, you don't follow, and that can just mean leading your own life. Do you still want to give to others instead of yourself? You can appreciate humanity and inclusivity but release the excessive concern over it. You expose fake groups and encourage authenticity. Princess Diana did everything she wasn’t supposed to do and shined bright doing it, her kindness was golden and her strength was a threat, so they could only attack her (she was a leo north node). Honor yourself, you were blessed by the sun. ☀️💫

You lead from the heart and you're guided by your inner child. Loving yourself and embracing every part of you is for the brave. Leave that group mindset behind, those that just want to fit in are cowards, fuck what the group thinks. Your love, loyalty, strength and generosity are gifts to the world. Don't try to hide your heart, or fall into your aquarius south node ways of turning into an ice queen, isolating yourself and building this artificial heart on top of your real heart, for the greater good or for a bigger cause, or for protecting yourself. Just don’t give to people and places that don't value you. You're learning to bravely STAND up for yourself even if many are against you. You're naturally protected when you are accepting of yourself, and building your self esteem in a genuine way that is based on deep values and not societal expectations.

Heal and free your inner child, don't let the outside noise steal your joy, let yourself play and explore. You'll meet the sun at the end no matter how dark it gets. All those obstacles were meant to make you stronger, develop this inner strength of a lion, this fiery confidence and assurance that isn’t shaken by the outside world. ☄️🦁 That’s who you’re meant to be my love. You're meant to put yourself first at all times, to love, validate and compliment yourself. You’re here to shine in your authenticity. You inspire more people than you know, your spirit won’t go unnoticed, your purity of heart always leaves a mark in this world. Your light is infectious.

Capricorn north node.

Rulers - south node: moon, north node: saturn

How does it feel like being introduced to the harsh realities of the world since a young age? Having to parent yourself without enough support? Being underestimated as a child, restricted, and made to feel inadequate? Being shamed for your sensitivity and emotions. Being placed in the most troubled family with difficult circumstances and told to create a legacy? like hello? universe?? am I a joke to you? Being expected to take responsibility for something or someone. Having pressure constantly put onto you. You become the hardest worker, and then still being messed with? Like oops there’s no reward, do it again. Why are you surprised, you’re saturn’s puppet. The truth is the universe got your back. Reminds of me of Eminem (he’s a cap north node), see how he beat all odds and became one of the greatest? a role model both in his field and as a father. You show people that nothing is impossible. Those lessons become your greatest gifts that guide you to build a stronger and unshakable foundation. Break free from that shell you're used to, you EXPAND beyond that. You're here to be self made, rags to riches. 🎖️✨

Recognize the invaluable qualities you got, the talents, the unmatched energy, the patience, ambition, determination, the caring heart and courageous spirit. Give that respect to yourself FIRST, respect your core values and be proud of what made you. Saturn wants nothing but mastery, it’s your soul that craves mastery this lifetime. 🪐💫 You're learning to build your own safety, at home and in the world, and create your own rules. Let go of your cancer south node tendencies of clinging to the past, repeating mistakes because of childish insecurities or your need to be needed and respected by others. Nurture and provide for yourself by stepping into the world as a self sufficient, disciplined, and goal oriented adult.

Realize that all those difficult experiences happen to help you let go of the past, to build a stable and balanced emotional world. One thing for sure, nothing can stop you, setbacks and failure only fuel your motivation and life force. Rest assured you are promised the respect you yearn for, the success, stability and comfort you dreamed of. You’re one of the most resilient people, unforgettable. Your life story sparks a drive in others to chase their dreams, it inspires more people than you know. The generation will never be the same after you. When you get tired, you can slow down, but remember that everything you need is within you, never doubt that.

Scorpio north node.

Rulers - south node: venus, north node: mars and pluto

How does it feel like having to endure major losses? Having things constantly crashing down before you? Having to fight addictions, destructions and oppositions from everywhere? Not getting a hold of any sense of stability. Feeling like what you chase is escaping you. Experiencing betrayals and having people bring you down, waiting to see you fall. Being the one to blame and villinize when their shadows are triggered. Having no choice but to fight back and learn to survive. Your truth seeking and curious nature triggers many. You go to extreme lengths to find out the truth and seek justice. Your path being ruled by pluto, it removes that which is obsolete, unneeded, no matter how hard you hold into it. You have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Your path involves confronting your own shadow self. Survival and regeneration allow you to discover and become fully aware of your true power, limitless potential, and divine nature. “Unstoppable” by sia (she's a scorpio north node) narrates well this story of resilience. You're an alchemist of self, a transmuter of energy, a fighter in all realms. 🐉🔥

This restless mind of yours and psychic abilities you develop aren’t for nothing, they're gifts to help you surrender and trust the universe, the one thing you can't seem to do. You are the butterfly, always cocooning, always emerging. Your life path is a series of metamorphosis. Like a butterfly you're turned into liquid, dissolved, before you choose to spread your wings and fly. 🦋✨ The universe is teaching you that nothing is constant, everything changes, and our innate value as a soul doesn’t. Let go of the illusion of stability. You can choose to flow with the transformative waves instead of fighting them. It's okay to trust and rely on others too, accept it as a gift from the universe. Break free from your taurus south node ways of being too attached to material possessions. Putting too much value on material and physical pleasures won't help you evolve.

Embrace the spiritual side of our human experience, that’s what generates and creates the physical. The painful challenges you faced were meant to shift your values, for you to see and use your power for good. You have the potential to break generational curses and the responsibility to choose wisely between doing better or worse. You can become a great source of inspiration and comfort for others. Whenever I feel like giving up I literally look up a scorpio north node person. Just know that you can save lives. People confide in you, they share their deepest secrets and traumas and you inspire them to keep going because you understand that even the most terrible events will pass and bring about growth and beautiful rewards.

Aquarius north node.

Rulers - south node: sun, north node: saturn and uranus

How does it feel like being the different and outcast child? Growing up in a chaotic and unpredictable environment? Experiencing discrimination or being looked down at. Having situations and people try to humble you. Having your ideas, beliefs and findings rejected and misinterpreted. You're literally vibrating on a different frequency. You might be surrounded by a community or be totally alone, regardless, having a different mission can leave you feeling alienated. You've got an independent mind, you're an innovator, bringing all that's new and futuristic to the world. 🛸✨ You show people different ways of thinking and doing things, breaking and setting trends. Your desire to be a social activist, a scientist and a humanitarian helps us progress. Being ruled by uranus, expect the unexpected, all sorts of twists and turns, don’t be too attached or take things personally and react from your ego. When you embrace your uniqueness, not try to fit in, and do things for the greater good not for validation, you align with your mission. You're a voice for others and that's a responsibility not to take lightly. 

While staying true to yourself, broaden your vision beyond what only affects you, recognize that we're all interconnected. You must learn to share the spotlight and celebrate all others. Let go of your old leo tendencies of extravagance, self importance and self serving behavior, they’ll only pull you backwards. We progress together and you are a catalyst for evolution. You have a deep connection to the earth and the universe, honoring your place within it. You're perplexed by those bums that lack decency and humanity and carelessly harm this earth. Sza, one of my fav artists today got an aquarius north node, and she embodies it well. If you're familiar with her story, you'll know she comes from a different and diverse background, her music style is distinctive, her interests are weird or unexpected, and her humanity and empathy make her relatable and admirable.

Your mission is so important my love, no one can do it but you. Your ability to see solutions beyond conventional teachings are gifts to the world. You recognize that everyone is unique, you celebrate their differences, and encourage individuality in others. People like you are the ones that awaken this world from outdated ideologies and conditionings. It's why this is one of my fav north nodes, it drives us forward by seeking freedom and authenticity, rather than conforming. You are a radiant shining star that holds much needed hope for everyone. 🌬️⭐️

[ruinandrue]

Introducing Inkwarren: A dark fantasy TTRPG of woodland adventures!

Hi all! I'm Matt, and I am an Atlanta-based indie ttrpg designer currently developing Inkwarren, a dark woodland fantasy TTRPG of swashbuckling tactics and storybook intrigue. Today, I'm going to talk to you about what Inkwarren is, what inspired it, and the design goals I have for the game. Inkwarren is already in preliminary playtests, and I hope to have public playtests sometime in the near future.

What is Inkwarren?

In Inkwarren, players take on the role of woodlanders- animal wanderers of the massive Woodland, who use magick, wits, and weapons to take down foes supernatural and mundane. Your woodlanders' wandering band may be a band of mercenary adventurers, a band of high-spirited rebels, or even a band of scoundrels and ne'er-do-wells just looking for their next score.

One player takes on the role of the Voice in the Dark, a guiding force behind the story that presents challenges, describes consequences, and narrates the actions of the woodlander's foes.

Inkwarren aims to merge modern-style deep narrative rules with exciting, flashy, swashbuckling battles that emphasizes teamwork, movement, and positioning. Character creation is a deep and choice-driven process, that fully contextualizes a woodlander within the world and sets them on a path to a truly memorable story.

Inspirations

Mechanically, Inkwarren borrows from and is inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition, Modiphius's Dishonored, ICON, Blades in the Dark, and City of Mist, mixing design trends of modern tactical fantasy games with deep narrative based trends found in other systems. Inkwarren's combat also shares inspiration with the Hades series of games, aiming to emulate the fast-paced action where movement and positioning are just as important as the attacks you use.

Narratively, Inkwarren is inspired by The Secret of NIMH, Dishonored, Redwall, Root, and Hollow Knight. When designing Inkwarren's eponymous setting, I want to evoke the gravitas and melancholy somberness of Hallownest from Hollow Knight, with magic as eldritch and strange as the Outsider's gifts in Dishonored. With this, Inkwarren is still a game about hope, and aims to capture the optimism-despite-adversity and little-heroes-against-great-foes vibes of stories like Redwall or The Secret of NIMH. I have to credit Root for originally giving me the idea to shift my game concept to one where the PCs are little woodland creatures.

Choice, Sacrifice, and Hope

Inkwarren's core mechanic emphasizes choice, intent, and narrative weight. The base 2d10 roll is modified by the woodlander's own Virtues (core strengths like Brawn, Nimbleness, or Insight), combined with a Style to define how they're using that Virtue (such as performing an action Cunningly, Quickly, or Sneakily). Difficulty is measured by Risk and Effect, that assign narrative weight to the severity of consequences a woodlander faces, and how effective they will be if they Prevail.

When woodlanders just don't roll high enough, they don't simply fail- they Falter. Faltering grants Hope, a resource that can be used to Persevere and succeed despite consequences on future challenges. With Hope, failure is never the end- it simply closes one door, and opens another.

Swashbuckling Battles

Inkwarren's Battle system emphasizes movement, positioning, and teamwork. Woodlanders interact with the battlefield through exploits, combat disciplines that have a variety of different effects to use on the field. Exploits have an at-will root effect that can be used as a woodlander's bread and butter, but more powerful effects are always within reach. By using root effects, meeting battle objectives (such as defeating enemies or reaching escape points), and continuing the fight (by ending rounds), woodlanders build Momentum, a shared resource pool by the entire band that can be used to power a woodlander's most powerful abilities. Woodlanders can spend Momentum to use an exploit's powerful bloom effect, or power a duo effect that they can use to combine their abilities with those of another ally. Momentum doesn't deplete until the Battle is over-- use it for quick bursts, or build up to unleash more powerful attacks against your foes!

Other rulesets like charging attacks, staggering mechanics for bosses, climbing on top of larger foes, environments, high ground, and ally turns (that don't clog up combat) also add gravitas, pace, and exciting tactical decisions to make Inkwarren's Battles so engaging.

Sweeping Narrative

Inkwarren's narrative mechanics work to ensure that solving problems outside of Battle carry just as much weight as Battle itself. Inkwarren's narrative ruleset includes:

The Doubt system allows woodlanders to call upon the Voice in the Dark for aid, but at a cost: as the woodlanders build Doubt, the Voice can spend it to increase the danger of the surroundings, unlock new abilities for foes, or act as a mastermind behind the antagonistic forces of the narrative.

Narrative abilities called flourishes that woodlanders can use to interact with the world.

A special character-based tour de force that a woodlander may use to do something truly legendary, although infrequently.

Rest Activities woodlanders may use to Cook Meals, Spar, Entertain, or Pray to give themselves bonuses and restorations for use later.

Wounds to carry over how trials in-combat affect a woodlander after the Battle ends.

Rules for Tongues that establish a woodlander's knowledge of a language with several levels of fluency.

Ties, which are narrative bonds with NPCs woodlanders may use to increase their effect against them, or burn them to ask for a favor.

And So Much More!

Deep character customization for woodlanders, including a Coat mechanic that allows you to play as any little animal your heart desires, unique and evocative traditions like the ghostly historian Folklorist or the passionate Warrior-Poet, rules for mysterious and magical artifacts called esoterica, an in-depth crafting system, and more!

If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading! I'm so excited about this game, and I hope to share more with everyone soon!

Tìoraidh!

[fanged-fanfics]

Can I request a "Macaque, Monkey king and xiangliu (separately) x reader Who is a phoenix". Like they are literally a humanoid bird like Peng with Phoenix powers. Reader can be gender-neutral

💜🌙 Pretty Bird — 👑🧡 Macaque, Monkey King, and Xiangliu (separately) x GN Phoenix!Reader HCs 🐍💚

Genres: Fluff || they/them pronouns for reader || No warnings needed

˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆˚｡⋆୨👑🌙🐍୧⋆˚｡⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ . ݁

- All would've likely known you for a pretty long time considering Phoenixes are immortal, your gift of natural rebirth being something they found deeply interesting as big believers in the reincarnation cycle and multiple lifetimes

- Wukong would get so intensely concerned if you ever croaked in front of him. Like he'd be panicking and getting ready to mourn for ages and would have no idea what to do until you finally poof back to normal. He's way too busy hugging you and incoherently sobbing for you to explain the process to him the first time. After that he's calmer, but it still scares him a bit

- Macaque would make little jabs of you being ahead of the game when it came to reincarnation cycles. Despite his immense annoyance with Peng, he finds you much more entertaining and actually enjoyable to be around. He offers you a space in his performances. Would be a shame to let those pretty feather stay hidden, no?

- Xiangliu is a big complimenter. He talks a lot about the beauty of your feathers, the grace of your wings, the elegance of you talons— he's someone who makes his affection known very easily, and he's not ashamed of letting you know how he's never seen such a beautiful avian before

- Xiangliu also finds you to be an oddly stable force in his life. With the cycles Nüwa puts him through, he's used to unpredictability, and the idea of losing everything and going back to what he had before is terrifying. But seeing you be so in control of your own rebirth gives him ease. He sees you as a symbol of hope for his plans, and a very glad reassurance that you will remember him

- Wukong finds a lot of motivation in the inspiration behind your rebirths. The idea that perseverance can always prevail, and that falling doesn't automatically mean the end. He stays as close to you as possible, but feels safe letting you battle beside him as well due to your resilience

- Macaque always finds himself attracted to your feathers. They're so soft and comforting, always carrying a warmth to them. He gently nuzzles them whenever he can and jokingly traps you into being his pillow, but he sleeps best when he can nuzzle into your chest

- The three of them really have a lot of stress off of their minds when they realize you're an immortal. There's not as big of a sense of having someone to lose. They feel a connection and understanding between you that comforts them

- Wukong loves showing you to the Monkey Crew, describing in vibrance how you were there during so many major moments for him, and how having you by his side helped so much

- With Macaque, it's a slight bit more isolated. He spent ages to himself, just wanting to be completely alone. But when he crawled himself out of his own pit, you being there to pick him back up after is something he's never forgotten

- Xiangliu promises the whole world to you, feeling comfortable enough to have you right by his side as he worked through the motions of his plan. He let you know everything, keeping himself sane by conversating with you frequently

[sepublic]

I find it interesting how Nosferatu portrays the captain tying himself to the wheel as a mistake that backfires horribly, as it just leaves him vulnerable to the monster he didn’t even expect. Compare that to the book it was based on, in which this is an act of defiance towards the Count to keep him at bay, with a cross included.

It’s a total reversal in tone from a final, spiteful F you in which Dracula is robbed of this last satisfaction, to just pure tragedy. The captain manages to snag some precious agency in this otherwise helpless situation, and do something that actually pays off in the end, even if he may not live to see it.

He may die, but not without taking the Count down with him in the long run; Continuing to keep trying even when all hope seems lost is worthwhile. The captain was not content to merely be a victim and thus could do his part against evil, and the protagonists ensure that sacrifice is not wasted, honoring the Demeter’s crew in the end.

This last hope is easy to miss amidst the tragedy and horror, but I find it perseveres in the end, knowing Good prevails and that this unnecessary Evil does not go unpunished, actually. Dracula WILL regret this, rather than it not mattering if the crew lives or dies. They didn’t die for nothing because of what little yet meaningful they managed to accomplish, and I find it inspiring how the protagonists carry on that torch for them. This may be gothic horror, but it’s the kind that insists that hope and humanity will nevertheless win out in the end, and justice will be served.

[apod]

2024 July 31

Leopard Spots on Martian Rocks Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, MSSS, Perseverance Rover

Explanation: What is creating these unusual spots? Light-colored spots on Martian rocks, each surrounded by a dark border, were discovered earlier this month by NASA's Perseverance Rover currently exploring Mars. Dubbed leopard spots because of their seemingly similarity to markings on famous Earth-bound predators, these curious patterns are being studied with the possibility they were created by ancient Martian life. The pictured spots measure only millimeters across and were discovered on a larger rock named Cheyava Falls. The exciting but unproven speculation is that long ago, microbes generated energy with chemical reactions that turned rock from red to white while leaving a dark ring, like some similarly appearing spots on Earth rocks. Although other non-biological explanations may ultimately prevail, speculation focusing on this potential biological origin is causing much intrigue.

∞ Source: apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240731.html

[zentriii]

theoretically i could finish by midnight but it would be ass. i shall take my 10% deduction and hand in a semi decent report tmr o7

fighting for my life to stay off my phone uni is killing me </3

[visit-new-york]

How many years did it take to build the Brooklyn Bridge?

The Brooklyn Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. Its majestic towers and intricate cable patterns have captivated the imagination of millions, but behind its grandeur lies a tale of determination, innovation, and unwavering perseverance. The question of how many years it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge unravels a narrative that spans more than a decade, marking an extraordinary chapter in the history of civil engineering.

Planning and Design:

The conceptualization and planning of the Brooklyn Bridge date back to the mid-19th century. In 1867, John A. Roebling, a renowned German-born civil engineer, envisioned a bridge that would unite the rapidly growing cities of Brooklyn and New York. Tragically, Roebling passed away in 1869 due to injuries sustained during a ferry accident, leaving the ambitious project in the hands of his son, Washington Roebling.

Construction Commences:

Construction officially began in 1870 under the supervision of Washington Roebling, who faced numerous challenges, including the treacherous waters of the East River and the need to accommodate the busy maritime traffic of the time. The construction process involved sinking caissons—large wooden boxes filled with compressed air—into the riverbed to create foundations for the massive towers.

However, the conditions within the caissons proved perilous. Workers faced dangers such as decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends," due to the rapid change in pressure. Despite these hazards, construction persevered, and the towers began to rise.

The Great Cable Debate:

One of the most critical aspects of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction was the installation of its cables. Washington Roebling opted for a novel design, employing steel cables in lieu of the more common iron chains. This decision sparked a heated debate within the engineering community.

Ultimately, Roebling's vision prevailed, and the steel cables were employed, showcasing the innovative spirit that characterized the project. The cables, meticulously woven and anchored to the towers, served as the backbone of the bridge, supporting its vast expanse.

Inauguration and Legacy:

After 13 years of construction, the Brooklyn Bridge finally opened to the public on May 24, 1883. It was an extraordinary achievement, not only for its innovative design but also for the determination and resilience exhibited by those involved in its construction.

The Brooklyn Bridge quickly became a symbol of progress and connectivity, transforming the dynamics between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its completion marked the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and set new standards for engineering excellence.

Conclusion:

The question of how many years it took to build the Brooklyn Bridge unveils a remarkable tale of vision, dedication, and overcoming adversity. From the initial plans laid by John A. Roebling to the final completion under the stewardship of his son, Washington Roebling, the bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream big. Today, as the Brooklyn Bridge continues to stand tall against the Manhattan skyline, it serves as a reminder of the extraordinary feats that can be accomplished through perseverance and innovation.

[portraitsofsaints]

Saint Monica

Died: 387

Feast Day: August 27  (New), May 4 (Trad)

Patronage: Those who have difficult marriages, disappointing children, victims of adultery or unfaithfulness, victims of (verbal) abuse, and conversion of relatives

Born in the early 300s, St. Monica is known for her perseveration in prayer. After enduring an unfaithful husband and immoral son, St. Monica's prayers prevailed! Her husband was baptized one year before his death, and her son is the great St. Augustine of Hippo.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase here: (website)

[docgold13]

The DC Animated Universe - Paper Cut-Out Portraits and Profiles

Green Lantern / Jessica Cruz

In her late teens, Jessica and two of her friends went on a hiking trip.  The trio stumbled across a mobster who was disposing of a body.  Not wanting any witnesses, the villain murdered Jessica’s two friends.  Jessica narrowly escaped and was chased through the woods by the killer.  She ended up getting way, but the experience left her beset by terrible difficulties with post traumatic stress disorder.  

Jessica’s PTSD primarily manifested in the form of crippling panic attacks and agoraphobia.  She worked with a therapist toward recovery, yet progress was slow to come.  It was during this time that Jessica was sought out by a Power Ring of the Green Lantern Corps.

It remains unknown who had previously owned this ring and how it came to select Jessica as its bearer.  Despite the incredible powers this ring bestowed onto Jessica, she continued to suffer from terrible difficulties with anxiety.  Her duties as a Lantern felt like an arduous responsibility and she had to muster all of her courage to venture out of her apartment so to attend to safeguarding Space Sector 2814.  

Wonder Woman of the Justice League took particular interest in Jessica and would often come to see her.  She tried to help Jessica in her recovery and encouraged her to join the Justice League.  Yet Jessica remained uncertain and continued to suffer from persistent anxiety.  

Jessica's perceived timidity resulted in her being targeted by The Fatal Five.  The villains believed Jessica could be easily handled and utilized to free the Emerald Empress from her prison on Oa.  At first it appeared as though the Fatal Five would prevail, yet Jessica was able to summon the courage and perseverance to fight back.  Aided by the League and the time-displaced hero known as Star Boy, Jessica won out and the villains were defeated.  

Having tapped in to a greater sense of personal will, Jessica went on to join the League.  She continued to suffer from anxiety yet also continued in her recovery and would eventually go on to be known as ‘The Limelight’ one of the greatest champions of the Green Lantern Corps.  

Actress Diane Guerrero provided the voice for Jessica Cruz, with the heroic Lantern appearing int he animated feature, Justice League Versus the Fatal Five.   

[villainbait]

Sins of the Shrine - Prologue

Pairing: Heian!Sukuna x Reader

Rating: R

AO3 LINK

Chapter Warnings: heian period brutality, light body horror, thriller, curses do exist, sexual themes, eventually, torture, threats, graphic depictions of blood, ryomen sukuna is his own warning, pre-transcendance sukuna, potential manga spoilers

Summary:

The other miko had whispered of a shrine that separated the clearing of your own but you had forgotten their warning. It was very important, but you had forgotten it. A hushed warning about a demon that dwelled there, his cursed energy so thick it could choke you to death just by being in his presence- that's if you survived long enough for that to be your fate. Whether you come as a lover or an executioner, I am ready to receive you. -Agustin Gomez-Arcos

prologue ↠ i. ↠ ii.

Cursed energy swirls around you and it is stifling, making it hard to breathe as you’re chased through the woods. The crashing of tree branches as their brittle bark bounces off one another before falling onto the forest floor is deafening behind you. You can’t tell if it’s the pervasive suffocation you’ve grown accustomed to in the past week that lingers in the area or if it’s emanating from the monstrous creature on your heels.

A glint of white catches your attention from the corner of your eye but you can’t look – won’t look – trusting that whatever it is in the darkness is uninterested in you this night; your legs pumping faster as you race towards the unknown. As you move deeper into the forest, the malevolent energy grows even more oppressive and you’re desperately taking in air with every step, already starting to get dizzy. The other miko had whispered of a shrine on the other side of the copse of wilderness that separated the clearing of your own shrine, but your hope was wearing thin until you saw the break in the trees.

A large, looming torii arches above the tree tops and even in the darkness you can make out the warm illumination of braziers flanking the ornate entrance to the shrine. For the life of you, you could not remember who that shrine belonged to, but in this moment you didn’t care. The quiet, lighthearted promise you make to yourself that whatever deity haunted it would be the new god you prayed to if you survived tonight goes unspoken in face of the prevailing danger in the darkness.

You stumble through the arch and the energy here is unbearably thick, but you persevere despite the obvious warning to stay away; the spirit already crashing through the same split in the trees you had. The mournful warbling as it wails raises the hair on the back of your neck and you can feel its heavy footfalls reverberate through the ground as it races into the clearing. Stupidly, you risk a glance over your shoulder and trip – tumbling to the ground with a cry of surprise; landing in an unceremonious heap.

Dirt clings under your nails as you claw at the ground for purchase, scrambling only to slip and fall again. The thunderous sound of footsteps behind you is close, too close, and you whip around to face your death head on. You would not die running away and raise your hands in the mimicry of a gesture as the spirit scurries lopsidedly towards you; its grotesque tongues lolling lazily out of its mouth. The drool from those tongues hit the ground with hisses and stings as it corrodes the very earth under its feet. You shudder in revulsion and fear, shrinking back at the rancid smell of it when it reaches your nose. In a last desperate attempt, you make the peculiar gesture that you had seen only once when it came to you in a dream; feeling utterly silly if this is how you die but pinning every hope on it being a sign of salvation instead.

Sweat trickles down your spine and you can smell the rot of the creature as it reaches you and it makes you want to vomit-

-so you hold your breath and pray fervently to the god of this shrine.

A/N: Hi everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this prologue. This is the start to my sukuna longfic and I apologize in advance. The outline itself is a monster at 8k words so I am very much in the trenches with it already. I really hope that you enjoy the ride and I hope that I can do this freaky little nerd justice. I will add chapter tags as I go, but I definitely think I got the major themes that will be present in the fic. If anything heavy or triggering happens, I'll be sure to plaster warnings where needed.