#radio company bbq

[teamfreewill2pointo]

Even Jensen acknowledges that they meet up at cons pretty much only these days. Mostly due to their own work schedules and family obligations and simply the distance they live from each other. They haven't been on any "trips" together in quite some time, unless you consider the con in Australia a trip. Jensen has said in M&G's that he and Jared talk to each other regularly and via text threads.

When did he say that they pretty much only meet up at cons?

At the BBQ at Austin Con, Jensen said that he and Jared get together with JJ/Kaleo whenever he's in town, so that's one meet up outside of cons that we know about. There are more that we don't know about because they don't post it on social media, but they'll mention in m&gs or other people will mention. Just like how at the BBQ Jensen said that he's in Texas every few weeks, and visits his folks often, but we don't see photos of most of his trips to Texas.

I keep telling y'all, social media is not an accurate reflection of reality.

[sensitivehandsomeactionman]

350 fans attended. 10 fans per table. Buffet style. It took a long time for us to all get our food, pick a seat and sit down. 10 minutes later, Jensen and Steve walked in and greeted all of us from the stage.

Jensen started by explaining how they got this panel idea: because he often gets band related questions in panels and he feels bad about it sometimes, because not everyone with him is involved and they couldn't weigh in. (He jokingly lowered his voice)"Jared", and he doesn't want anyone to feel left out. And also, the only person(s) who could answer Radio Company related questions are either him or Steve. So they got the idea of doing a panel specifically for music related questions together and since we are in Texas, BBQ!

How do they collaborate with each other? Jensen said Steve is the more musically talented of the two, he is the one who could read music and communicate with professionals and explain what they need. Jensen just, he considers himself as having sharp ears. He might not know what exactly something was called but he knows when something just sounds right (or wrong), just by listening to it. And Steve is the one who enriches and develops from his hunch, and communicates with other professional musicians to work on them. Because, Jensen admits, he does not have the vocab of all those technical terms.

They did a little demonstration with guitar, Jensen strung a simple tune and gestured to Steve, and Steve was like, "You want me to do it here, now?" but he picked it up and made it into a much more complex melody and Jensen laughed, "now you are just showing off!" Steve mentioned it's like Jensen's "acting stuff" and Jensen fake astonished like, "Acting STUFF?" And Steve was like, How would I know what you do? All I know is you were always off busy doing your...stuff!

City Grown Willow. It's a song Steve wrote as a gift to a couple of his friends 10 years ago. The husband was from Colorado (cowboy) and wife from LA. They had split up now but they were a great couple. And the song was just kind of put on the shelf after it was written. One day Jensen and Steve were trying some music together, and Jensen asked Steve if he has anything that's already baked. Steve said you know most of my stuff already! You were there when I wrote them! Then he suddenly remembered, oh there is this one...and afterwards Jensen was like, can I have it? And that's how it came to be.

How did they first start? They were both from Texas and became friends in the good old days. Early 2000s they were roommates in Vancouver and Steve sometimes recorded at home. When he was recording his first album, Jensen walked in and was like, what is that? I love the song. He casually sang the harmony and Steve was like, I didn't know you could sing? Jensen was humble about it and said something like, Yeah I could carry a tune now and then. But Steve was so impressed he insisted for Jensen to record it properly right there. Well they were at home anyway so, no biggy? And Steve ended up using Jensen's harmony for that song in his first album. And it went from there. They've collaborated together and developed more than 50 songs now.

Austin summer! Hhh Steve is an Austin local. He said every year he gave a birthday concert. It's a small gathering, just for friends. And this year is the 10th anniversary and everyone was like, Steve, could we do it anywhere but Austin for this year? August, too hot! And he was like, well, yeah, all right. And then Jensen called, and his 10th anniversary concert was still held in Austin! Last week. Jensen said, Well, it was meant to be! Also Jensen: I used to live here! Austin is great! But not in June, July, August, and sometimes throw in September too. Never liked Austin summer, and why did creation choose August I have asked this question for a year now.

Fans asked him what he misses most about Texas and he said, I don't? I am still here all the time. I am here now, I was here a few weeks ago and then a few weeks before that. My whole family's still here my mom and dad are in Dallas I often visit them. So I kind of... I didn't catch what he said after that but I got the idea that he thinks of himself more like commuting, instead of permanently moved out.

They mentioned an Easter egg they put in one of their songs, they used the exact same letters for 2 sentences and they were really proud of it and high fives each other all excited afterwards. I think it might be All Our Own but I'm not sure. Maybe someone else remembers?

The new song Home on the Road Jensen was shooting Rust in New Mexico and rented a small house next to the Rio Grande river. It's quiet and out of the way and he walks on riverbank trail on his day off and loved it. When Steve visited and they tried to hum a tune out and once they got it, the first words came out of Jensen for that tune was "home on the road". Just like that little house, his home on the road. Both him and Steve travel so much for work, it resonated. And they wrote the song. They said it's not polished yet but they sang it for us anyway. The tune reminded me of City Grown Willow. I think it'll become my new favorite.

If they were invited to perform in ACL festival will they go? Jensen: No!! Steve: Ugh definitely? Jensen: So here is your answer. Steve will drag me kicking and screaming to there. They laughed so hard and then Jensen said, no any time you have a chance to perform in that capacity, of course you go.

Talked about Kaleo and JJ. J2 and JJ are friends and they get together whenever JJ visits and they'd love to collaborate together if ever get the chance. This is all I could recall!

[jensenackles-daily]

Jensen Ackles and Steve Carlson will participate in a special BBQ panel focusing on Radio Company in Austin, Texas on August 16th, 2024! (x)

[lightofraye]

I had this as an ask--I think the person was going around a bit to get some folks' input, which doesn't bother me. But I decided to grab the full screenshots and point to the part that had sparked a conversation among some folks. I even had a couple of followers ask for my thoughts.

Now... this did come up in a little group chat amongst me and a few others. We all have thoughts on it.

Oh I should probably go to the part I'm talking about. My bad.

The tweeter--HanmeiCui--tried to capture all that was said during Radio Company's little BBQ dinner during AustinCon. And folks were intrigued by Number 8.

"Fans asked him what he misses most about Texas and he said, I don't? I am still here all the time. I am here now, I was here a few weeks ago and then a few weeks before that. My whole family's still here my mom and dad are in Dallas I often visit them."

HanmeiCui also added: "So I kind of… I didn't catch what he said after that but I got the idea that he thinks of himself more like commuting, instead of permanently moved out."

Given he doesn't have any property (none that we have to officially verify ourselves with public records anyway) in Austin or Texas as a whole... FBBC is... something. Sold, not sold, either way, the brewery won't be back. Maybe a small taproom to keep incompetent brother-in-law Gino busy after he ran FBBC into the ground. Ahem. Yes, there is a house on the FBBC property but... near as we can tell, no one lives there.

The Ackles sold the rest of their properties--the condo, the lake house, etc. Also sold the Colorado condo.

Near as any of us could tell... no properties in Texas.

It had been largely assumed that if Jensen did visit his parents, it was likely without Danneel in tow. So if Jensen does visit often as he indicated, he may just be staying at a hotel, a friend's guest room (Steve does have a place in Austin), or the like.

I mean, Papa Ackles is 75 now. (Oh dang, his father is just a couple of years older than mine.) I imagine Jensen would want to see his parents a bit more. And for a while, he had the free time to do so.

A lot of folks have interpreted the statements in a few ways. One was a kind of professional "He's trying to keep the ol' boy Texan persona" going. Another was "Maybe he's trying to get re-established back in Texas without the wife." A third was "Maybe he has a place in secret in Texas"!

My thoughts?

I want to believe it's number two--getting re-established in Texas without the wife. (Come on, you know I'm an anti-Danneel. Why are you reading my stuff?) He's certainly made a few decisions this past year and a half that have me poking at the game board of life and going "Hmm...."

Such as his Social Media changing from a mix of family and business to strictly work posts (and frustrating his stans in the process, heh); such as Danneel going completely radio silent on her IG (but still commenting on others, hmm); such as selling all of FBBC without a new location in place; buying a mansion across the darn country and so far away from most of his friends and family; to seemingly abandoning CMP to Danneel to destroy.

There's still a few things we're not seeing. A few things we're not aware of. I could speculate until my face turned blue. For now, I'm content to sit and wait and observe the chess board.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Welcome to the working week although, for those of you working in the NHS, welcome to just another day, and welcome to July: the seventh month of the year! Ain’t this year whizzing by!

Many thanks to everyone that listened to the radio show live and to everyone that will listen to the show on MixCloud. The Letter O (Part One) this Saturday at 1.00 p.m. Executive Producer: Matt Louis.

On Saturday afternoon, we’d been invited to a BBQ in Reading, so we didn’t get there until after 5.00, but we were very happy we made it! Waiting for us were our hosts Greg and Keri Emmerson and a whole clutch of beautiful people. Thankfully, there was no DJ trying to impress us with their set, so the classic tunes were set at ‘background music’ level and we didn’t have to shout in someone’s ear. As Greg is a former ‘Masterchef’ contestant, the food was mouth-watering! The Trouble gave me a piece of jerk chicken and, before someone could get me a plate, it was already in my belly (and dribbling down my arms!) As we could hear ourselves speak, the conversation was lively and, on a warm summer’s afternoon, surrounded by beautiful people, spoiled with delicious food and drink, I was able to sit back, smile and truly enjoy my life. You go to an event like that and you have one of those, “Aaah, life is good!” moments. Big love to Greg and Keri for the invite!

I suspect the English police are probably quite relieved that English people don’t destroy cities every time an English policeman murders an innocent civilian. If that happened in America, most cities would have been burnt to the ground by now! The footage from France is quite remarkable and shows that ordinary working people are growing weary of lawless law-enforcers!

Our current go-to show for light relief while we’re eating lunch or dinner is ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. (Yes, I know we’re late to the party.) The strength of the show is not only the script but the characters and their lovable quirks: Diaz’s love of violence and mentally unstable men, the sarge’s obsession with yogurt and his talking in the third-person, and the captain’s almost Wesker-like insistence on proper language and grammar. When we complete all nine seasons, it will be just like ‘Modern Family’ and ‘This Is Us’ all over again; loss, emptiness, withdrawal symptoms. Nine-Nine Trivia: Hitchcock’s dad played Hoss Cartwright in ‘Bonanza’.

I am immensely grateful to all the promoters for sending me new music for my radio show. The No. 1 problem is that 80% of it is good but not good enough to play in my show. I get two hours a week and the music has to stand alongside the best black music of the last 60 years. I definitely don’t blame the promotions companies but I do blame the artists, musicians and producers not making enough effort to be creative. With 120,000 tracks being uploaded every day, the market place does not NEED music. What the market place needs are timeless future classics. If DJs are still playing ‘Skip To My Lou (a 40-year-old tune), then today’s tracks must be good enough to still be filling floors in 40 years’ time.

Sunday was a lazy day: I got up at 8.00, The Trouble got up at 11.00, my son got up at midday! Brunch was at 3.00! We all work hard; we deserved a lazy day.

Have a marvellous and momentous Monday. I love you all.

[journeysofpatrickandarchana]

The First Month - by Patrick Dwyer

Original Blog posted: Saturday, 11 May 2013

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." Isak Dinesen

Well as most of you know Archana & I bought a catamaran in the Caribbean and left Sydney on the 18th February 2013 to sail it back to Sydney.

We arrived in St Maarten on the 19th Feb after a 53 hour experience from Sydney. We were picked up at the airport by our engineer who was to check the boat out and fit all the extras. He took us to Anse Marcel a quaint little port on the NW side of the French side of the island that you could be forgiven for missing even from 100 metres from the sea entrance. We spent 5 days there living on 54 foot & 40.7 foot Beneteau Oceanis yachts before concluding the handover of our catamaran with the seller. One final thing had to be done by them to fulfil their part of the contract and that was to check the engine leg sail drive seals as water was noticed in the oil on the second survey. Therefore the yacht was taken by one of the staff of the company I was buying the yacht off with me to Polypat boat yard (an hour’s motor away) to be hauled out for a visual inspection. In trying to get the seal off the vendors engineer took a lathe to it and ruined the major part the seal was affixed to and which prevented the yacht being put back into the water. Having ruined the part we were stuck on the hard stand for 3 weeks whilst another part was shipped out from Belgium. So as the 5 crew (an Australian, Englishman, Frenchman & a couple from Zurich) began turning up for this experience of a life time they had to endure walking up a rickety ladder onto the boat for up to 3 weeks before the new part was fitted and then we got into the water with all our new toys fitted to the yacht i.e. 1500 litre per day water maker, AIS, new plotter, battery monitor, SSB/HF radio, BBQ, microwave, a freezer to add to the 3 fridges already on the boat and oven & 3 burners. The galley has 3 sinks with a 4th outside where fish are slaughtered before being devoured sashimi style or cooked. (Archana is in heaven and queen of the galley). We met some nice people there and invited them onto our yacht for dinner a few times over a Presente or Carab the 2 favourite beers over here.

Here at the boat yard we couldn’t use our water as it would create a flood in the yard so we had to have our shower in one open to the world to see at a cost of 1 Euro (in a pay machine) for a 5 minute cold shower that you had to keep pressing the button during those 5 minutes to keep the water flow coming. I am thinking of putting the same system in at home to get Archana to cut her 45 minute showers down. Here we could both have our showers within the 5 minute time limit which was an all time first. The secret is to now to get her from using 100 litres of water to clean her teeth on the yacht where the two biggest daily issues are power & water usage. The toilet also was an experience in Polypat.

Whilst we were in the ship yard at Polypat we hired a car for 3 weeks that allowed us to see the island, buy things for the yacht including a mountain of food (thousands of dollars worth including 150 litres of long life milk). The crew on our boat must be the most well fed around with Archana’s quality food the crew have also had sorbet, ice cream and several days of smoked salmon for lunch, pancakes, homemade yogurt & pressure cooker made bread. All really yummy. It doesn’t look as though the diet I thought I would be on during this trip will eventuate.

On other purchases two of the crew bought kayaks each so they can have a paddle around in some of the bucket list of places we are visiting. They have had a few places to test them out and others have had a play with them as well.

With the French capital of Margiot only a few minutes walk away we had the opportunity to visit the famous markets there with Archana once again being in her element bargaining with the fish sellers as well as the spice merchants where we made a big spend for the trip. One of the crew doesn’t like spicy food so Archana has been making bland offering to him which he seems happy with. How boring!!!!.

So finally we were off and my first mission was to navigate our new acquisition through the Polypat bridge with wind and current hindering me and being forced to go through the narrow opening at 5 knots to keep my course knowing I only had 2 foot either side. This task was made even more difficult with everyone taking movies and photos and asking me to smile at the worst possible moment. I got through with no mishap which was a blessing as it would have spoiled my year if I had ended up like a Catana 47 catamaran that the owner bailed out at the last minute and did $100,000+of damage to the yacht. This yacht was being repaired 2 boats along from us when we were on the Polypat hard stand and only 150 metres from the bridge. In the time we were in the boat yard we had a bird’s eye view to the many near misses of catamarans going through when the bridge opened 3 times a day.

So we were off and the 1st night we spent 200 metres off the beach at Anse Marcel in a bit of déjà vu considering the dramas that emanated there. The following morning we were off to St Barts, Colin one of the crew caught his first fish, we saw dolphins, turtles and a nude French man who passed us in his catamaran, had a nice lunch, swim and afternoon at a lovely little island near St Barts before entering the main harbour there with multimillion dollar yacht all around. My favourite was a 3 mast mono hull. Each mast was the same height and it had 18 hydraulically controlled sails that covered any space above deck on the whole of this 55-60 metre yacht. We visited the township and completed our formalities before returning to our yacht by tender and had a swim before dinner and the mandatory drinks (for in port use only).

Over the next few days we visited St Kitts, Portsmouth in Dominica (a great yachties place where we visited Indian River where Pirates of the Caribbean was shot, walks through rainforest, bought a hand of bananas with over 120 bananas on it for less than $5 but now we have the mission to eat them all considering they are all expected to ripen at the same time etc) then onto Tobago Cays which was what I expected all of the Caribbean to be about with the marine iguanas, so many turtles, sting rays and lots of other fish in this tranquil setting that Archana said she could spend a week there. They even had the boat boys come around with fresh baguettes and lobsters for sale to cruisers. We then left there for Grenada (the isle of spice) where you see so many waterfalls over the island and every town seems to have at least 10 spice stalls by the side of the road. We were sorry we went on the tour of the island on Good Friday as the rum distillery was closed. They must have known we were coming!!!!

On the way to Dominica we saw a few dolphins and a humpback whale looking over her calf doing 100 or so tail slaps to the delight of Archana & I and the other 5 crew. During the trip thus far I have had a number of new foods not experienced before i.e. Jamaican apple, fresh tamarind and chickoo (sapodillos).

Now I am writing this on the way to Bonaire some 400 nm from Granada. The wind has been right behind us all the way so have been doing it easily with just the headsail out but still averaging over 6 knots but peaking at 12.7 knots with 2 reefs in the headsail and no main sail. Colin caught his 3rd fish yesterday morning, a 90cm barracuda that we had for lunch an hour later. I was amazed how good eating it was as it is something I have never eaten before as you never see it at the fish shops. Yesterday we went within 1 metre of running over a huge turtle at 6 knots. He, fortunately for both of us, turned at just the right moment giving us a fright and also an experience. I saw my 1st Portuguese Man-War today. A huge marine stinger (about the size of a large coke bottle) with colourful sail. So many flying fish that are buzzing our boat constantly along with the birds dive bombing them with occasional success. On the Grenada to Bonaire leg we experienced our first gale as the wind hit 35 knots and 3 metre seas. On most of the other passages we were sailing close hauled with the wind so variable especially when coming out from the leeward side of the islands and into the open passages between the islands.

On the less than 3 day passage to Bonaire we had two days of up to 36 knot winds so it was nice to finally see land and moor up 50 metres off the main road in the capital in 5m of water on top of a coral reef where I have already had a few dives. One thing I am still getting used to is the heat. Unrelenting 30+ degrees every day. On one day I actually got burnt before 9am. Colin caught his 4th and 5th fish another barracuda & a tuna.

So the plan from now is to leave for Panama on Friday night (5th April) 5 days to do the 740nm passage, 4 days to wait to get through Panama, 5 days to get to Galapagos, 8 days there then say 21 days to get to the Marquesas. This is the best estimate I can give at this stage as so many variables to deal with.

Thank you to those of you wishing us your best via Archana’s regular blog and to others send emails etc.

Until the next update from me. Archana will still be keeping you enthralled with her perspective on the big trip on her regular updates on her blog. Only 8285nm (nautical miles i.e. almost double for kilometres) till we are home

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

                   Our  Local Tamassee-Salem SC Area News each Monday except holidays                                          Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com                              Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library.                           

Volume 7 Issue 14                                                                                              Week of March 18, 2024                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                                                         Lynne Martin Publishing

EDITOR: In Matthew 5:24 Jesus said  “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute.”  Wow! Really Lord: Love our enemies? Then we remember that Jesus died for every one of us, and not just little sins or big sins, but all sins.  Jesus went to the cross loving the people who were torturing and crucifying him. Can we do likewise? LRM

 TOWN of SALEM:  * Visit the Downtown Market every Sat, Winter hours 9am-1pm. *  Easter is coming.   Community Egg Hunt  Saturday, March 30th at 10am at the Town Park. Drop off  Candy donations to the Town Hall.     Next Town Council meeting March 19th at 5pm at the Town Hall.

SALEM LIBRARY:  Hours Monday 10am-6pm. Tues-Friday 9am-5pm. Closed 12-1 each day for lunch.  Self-Defense Class:  Wednesday March 27th 4pm-5:30pm at the Salem Community Building.  For adults and anyone 10 and older may attend, but must be accompanied by an adult.   Registration is required. Class size limited.  944-0912 for more information.

Jottings from Miz Jeannie  by Jeannie Barnwell.  Love Changes Us and the World:  We celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day March 17th each year, the recognized day of his death in the fifth century AD.  He was born in Britain 386 AD.  But at 16 years of age he was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery. Eventually he escaped, but returned to Ireland, as a missionary to teach his enemies of the love of Jesus Christ. 

ASHTON RECALLS   by Ashton Hester                                                 Here's a brief item for the Post. Some readers may be interested to know that holding debates was a highly popular activity among schools, literary societies, civic organizations, etc. in the pre-radio and TV era in the early 1900s. Salem was no exception, as the following item attests                                                        DEBATE TO BE HELD AT SALEM PTA MEETING - (The following item was in the February 13, 1924 Keowee Courier). . .On Friday night, Feb. 15, at 7 o'clock, the Salem Parent-Teachers' Association will render a program that will include the following debate: "Resolved, that Geo. Washington was a greater man than Woodrow Wilson." Affirmative, Beulah Nicholson, Jesse Sloan; negative, Annie Nicholson, Loyd Meroney. . .Rev. C.R. Abercrombie, president of the Parent-Teachers' Association, says that everyone is invited to attend the program. ..(Footnote written in 2024: Of course, Woodrow Wilson was the current President of the United States at that time.                                       

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP* 13412 N Hwy 11 Open Wed–Sat 9am-9pm and Sunday 2pm-7pm. Events this week:  Wed: The return of Wing Wednesday with the Blue Grass Jam 6:30pm.  Thursday: Food:  Blue Ridge Grill  and TRAIL TALK by Tim Lee speaking on Oconee Bells  6:00pm  Fri:  Music: Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs at 6:30pm Food: RADDADS BBQ.   Sat– Food: Lobster Dogs 1pm-7pm   Music: McGaha & Vanderford  at 6:30pm                Sun:  2pm-7pm.     More info 864-873-0048                     * Proudly serving delicious fresh brewed Pisgah Coffee Roasters

CONSERVATION CORNER:    A CALL TO ACTION:

If you are concerned with  the progression of overdevelopment in our county it is time to get informed and organized.  One neighborhood concern shared with The Old Salem Post: “ I’m sure you’re aware of the proposed development of 769 acres on Highway 130 for 2000 dwelling units. This will have a very negative effect on our community. Several of us are trying to organize a vocal opposition to this development.”  A start would be to attend the Oconee County Planning Commission meeting on Monday, March 18th at 6pm at 415 S Pine St, Walhalla, SC 29691 in the Oconee County Administrative Office.  Then plan to attend Oconee County Council meeting Tuesday, March 19th at 6pm.  Sign up before 6pm if you plan to speak during public comment.                                                                                                                  

The Clemson Area Food Exchange has been selling produce and table items from the farm in Pickens, Anderson and Oconee counties for the last 15 years.  SALEM is on the drop off on Tuesday 4:30pm -6pm, hosted by  Sisters Restaurant on the porch, 281Stamp Creek Rd. Order between Friday pm- Monday noon. First two orders complimentary, then $ 20/ year per household. Order on line at Clemsonareafoodexchange.com                                        

Suggested Required  Reading for every Christian:  The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.  ANH

EAGLES NEST ART CENTER 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                                              March 23rd, 7pm  Oconee Mountain Opry  Tickets $10 at the door day of the event or online at eaglesnestartcenter.org Ticketleap.  This evening will feature popular Upstate SC singer-songwriter Angela Easterling accompanied by Brandon Turner, the Mountain Bridge Band, comedy, mystery guests and more!  Don’t miss this local unique variety gem. 

April 26th, 7pm  Friday Evening Wellness Event:  Reclaiming Our Inalienable Wellness  Doors open at 6:30pm   Free event hosted by ENAC featuring speaker Meredith Orlowski, AFMC, INHC.  Bring your friends and family along. Gain Energy, Lose Weight, Feel Happy, & Save the World While Doing it!                                                     The Eagles Nest Treasure Store is open every Saturday morning 9am-12pm.  We are accepting donations during that time or call 864-557-2462.  Information on sponsorships, events, volunteering, donations, or rentals call 864-280-1258.

PROM DRESSES :  Ladies Prom Day is approaching!!  On March 22nd from 3pm-6:30 pm and March 23rd from 9am-12pm we will displaying and selling prom dresses for the upcoming proms.  We have many beautiful gowns short and long to choose from.  We look forward to seeing you. Please call  Donna at 864-557-2462 for more information.     

YARD SALE:  Rent a spot if you would like to bring a table and set up for our big sale on March 22nd and 23rd.                                                           

                                               CHURCH NEWS        Bethel Presbyterian Church (PCUSA),  580 Bethel Church Rd Walhalla, 29691. Worship at 10:30 a.m.   March 31 Message by George Harper, Easter Sunday with Communion.                     Boones Creek Baptist Church, 264 Boones Creek Road, Salem invites you to join us for regular worship service on Sunday morning with Sunday School at 10am and followed by worship at 11am.   Please join us for Easter Sunrise Service Sunday, March 31 at 7AM at the Devil’s Fork State Park at the concessions stand/bathhouse area. After service everyone is invited to breakfast at the church fellowship building.                                                                                                                                              

Salem Methodist Church: 520 Church Street, Salem.  9am for breakfast, 9:30am for Sunday School, and 10:30am for Worship.  You may tune in to our live service on Facebook or view it later on our website  Easter Sunrise Service 7AM.

From a Reader:  I enjoyed your lesson about the meaning of "quick." Here's another context of the phrase, "the quick and the dead." When I was drafted into the Army in 1966, during basic training we had a session on fighting with a bayonet affixed to the tip of a rifle. The drill sergeant informed us that, in a bayonet fight, there were only two types of participants: the quick and the dead. Fortunately, I never had to get in a bayonet fight, because I wasn't very quick. AH

LOCAL BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:  

Sisters Restaurant: Call  944-8100  Open Wed – Sat  8am –1:30pm Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm                                               Habanero’s Mexican Grill  8211 N Hwy 11 Tamassee Open Sunday-Saturday 11am-supper time...                                         PAT’S CASH AND CARRY:  Best Hot dog in the Upstate and more!  Ice Cream!  -944-1445. Tues– Saturday 11am-4pm                       Hair on Main - 150 Hinkle Circle, Salem 864-944-2244           Mister and Missy’s Hair Salon: located beside the Tamassee DAR Thrift Store:   864-944-8732                                          Dawn’s Hair Design:   324 Palomino Farm Dr. Salem SC 864-710-7380  

Talk of the Town Salon:  174 E Main Street Downtown Salem 864-944-1005                                     

Love will always win! LRM    

[naturecoaster]

Zephyrhills 14th Annual Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Festival

The Zephyrhills Annual Pigz in Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce signature event. As the name suggests, BBQ & Blues features a friendly Kidz Grillin' competition amidst some of the finest blues music, a hog-calling contest, a kidz grillin' competition, and a wing-eating contest! It's a family fun event with something for everyone: - Live Blues Concert from 11 am - 5 pm in the Clock Plaza - Ed Wright - David Julia Band - BackTrack Blues Band - Berry Oakley and Friends, featuring Mike Kach and RJ Howson - Cornhole Tournament located behind Zephyrhills Brewing Company sponsored by AdventHealth Zephyrhills and Faithful Friends Pet Cremation - Well Seasoned with cash prizes and trophies for the top 3 places - Still Marinating with trophies for the top 3 places - Vendors featuring arts, crafts, and a variety of fun merchandise - Kidz Zone sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union and the YMCA and Sun State Aluminum - Hog Calling Contest sponsored by Boss Hogg Radio - Wing Eating Contest sponsored by Hangry Joes Hot Chicken & Wings Zephyrhills - Kidz Grillin' Competition sponsored by Sonnys BBQ, Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, and Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC - Zephyrhills Military Museum open - Vendors - Concessions - Business Expo        No Coolers Allowed | Service Animals ONLY Zephyrhills BBQ & Blues Schedule 9:00 AM: Event Opens to Public Kidz Grilling Contest begins 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Live Music! ED WRIGHT 11:00 AM Well Seasoned Cornhole Practice begins at Zephyrhills Brewing Company Noon Well Seasoned Cornhole Competition begins 12:15 PM Kidz Grilling Contest Winners Announced 12:45 PM – 2:00 PM Live Music! DAVID JULIA BAND 2:00 PM Hog Calling Contest sponsored by Boss Hogg Radio Still Marinating Cornhole Practice begins 2:30 PM Still Marinating Cornhole Competition begins 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM Live Music! BACKTRACK BLUES BAND 3:45 PM Wing Eating Contest sponsored by Hangry Joe’s 4:15 PM – 5:00PM Live Music! BERRY OAKLEY AND FRIENDS FEAT. MIKE KACH AND RJ HOWSON 5:00 PM Cornhole Awards Ceremony Festival Closes Vendors/Expo allowed to pack up and exit the venue from the Northwest gate. Thank you for coming out to play at the Zephyrhills 14th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues 2024! Free and paid parking will be available, so drive in and enjoy a great BBQ & Blues Festival Zephyrhills! A map of parking can be found here. Proceeds benefit local charities. Read the full article

[discoverdurhamnc]

Things to Do in Durham this Weekend (Aug 17-20)

Check out our full Durham events calendar.

If you'd like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event organizers to see if events change due to weather. Have a great weekend!

Venue Weekend Schedules

Events at DPAC

Aug 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. - Leanne Morgan with Special Guest Karen Mills (sold out)

Sat, Aug 19 at 8 p.m. - Arrival From Sweden - The Music of ABBA

Events at The Carolina Theatre

Sat, Aug 19 at 6 p.m. - Please Don’t Destroy Live

Events at The Pinhook

Thu, Aug 17 at 8 p.m. - Gengis Don And The Empire and Zoocrü

Fri, Aug 18 at 8 p.m. - Diggin In The Crates!

Sat, Aug 19 at 8 p.m. - Pop Punk & Pasties : A Burlesque Tribute To 2000s Pop Punk

Sun, Aug 20 at 11 p.m. - No Visa + The Conjure with DJ RP Boo

Events at Rubies on Five Points

Fri, Aug 18 at 10 p.m. - The Floor with Special Guest Mobelizer

Sat, Aug 19 at 10 p.m. - Fortune Factory Presents: Club Cabana

Events at Motorco Music Hall

Thu, Aug 19 at 8 p.m. - The Heavy Heavy with Joelton Mayfield

Events at The Fruit

Thu, Aug 17 at 9 p.m. - Overgrown Throne, Paranoid Maniac, Hot Rats, and sister, brother

Fri, Aug 18 from 6-9 p.m. - Energenesis: Paintings by Jalen Jackson & Jessica Goldstein

Fri, Aug 18 from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. - Haus Of Liqueur Welcomes You To Hell: Drag Show & Dance Party

Sat, Aug 19 from 8-11 p.m. - The Seven Deadly Bibs

Sat, Aug 19 at 10 p.m. -  DanceGruv Radio Presents: Transmissions featuring Jask

Live Jazz at Sharp 9 Gallery

Fri, Aug 18 at 8 p.m. - Thrio

Sat, Aug 19 at 8 p.m. - Mark Tipton Quintet

Live Music at Blue Note Grill 

Thu, Aug 17 at 7 p.m. - Celebration of NC Songwriting

Nancy Middleton, Stan Lewis, Carrie Marshall & Kirk Ridge

Fri, Aug 18 at 6 p.m. - The Duke Street Dogs

Fri, Aug 18 at 9:15 p.m. - JVo & Co

The Wiley Fosters perform the solo music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo

Sat, Aug 19 at 4 p.m.

Sat, Aug 19 at 8 p.m.

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

Thursdays - Free Board Games

Thu, Aug 17 at 6 p.m. - Guildhall Board Game Night

Fri, Aug 18 at 8 p.m. - 3rd Friday Lindy Hop Dance Night with Djam!

Sat, Aug 19 at 8 p.m. - Comedy on Broad Presents - The Bull Pen

Events at Arcana

Thu, Aug 17 - Queer Trivia and Tarot with Rene

Fri, Aug 18 - Ally J & Kevin Clark and Tarot with Virginia

Sat, Aug 19 - Patrick McGrew and Tarot with Emily

Sun, Aug 20 - Ann Arader and Tarot with Emily

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

Thu, Aug 17

5-9 p.m. - Food Truck: El Jefecito

7-9 p.m. - Thursday Trivia with Nick

Fri, Aug 18

12-9 p.m. - Food Truck: Tacos Paraiso #1

8-11 p.m. - Open Mic Stand-up Comedy

Sat, Aug 19

2-9 p.m. - Food Truck: Tacos Paraiso #1

3-7 p.m. - 3rd Saturday Vintage + Maker Market

4-6 p.m. - Live Music: Taxicab Preacher

Sun, Aug 20

12-4 p.m. - Food Truck: Pull-Ups NC

1-3 p.m. - MotoGP Watch Party

2-4 p.m. - Hammered Trivia with Thor

Events at Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Sat, Aug 19 from 3-6 p.m. - Meet and greet with adoptable dogs from Hope Animal Rescue

Sat, Aug 19 from 7-10 p.m. - Stephen Alexander

Sun, Aug 20 from 2-5 p.m. - Grand Ole Uproar

Sun, Aug 20 from 6-9 p.m. - Steven Compton

Events at Fullsteam

Thu, Aug 17 from 8-10 p.m. - Fullsteam Trivia!

Fri, Aug 18 from 6-8 p.m. - Hello, Durham: A Community Meet & Greet

Sun, Aug 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Songs for Humans

Events at Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP

Thu, Aug 17 from 5-10 p.m. - Evelyn's Tex Mex BBQ Food Truck nights

Thu, Aug 17 from 6-9 p.m. - Beer Garden Jam Sessions

Sat, Aug 19 from 5-8 p.m. - Yacht Party in the Beer Garden

Events at Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham

Fri, Aug 18 from 6-9 p.m. - Tasman Bay Release Event

Events at Boxyard RTP

Fri, Aug 18 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. - LOJO: Log Off, Jam on

Sat, Aug 19 from 12-3 p.m. - Mini Bazaar hosted by perSONALIty designs

Sat, Aug 19 from 5-8 p.m. - Saturdaze: DJ Ras J

Live Comedy at Mettlesome

Thu, Aug 17 at 7:30 p.m. - Was It Something I Said?

A live sketch and variety show.

Fri, Aug 18 at 7:30 p.m. - Was It Something I Said?

Fri, Aug 18 at 9 p.m. - Hush Hush

Improv inspired by anonymous secrets from the audience.

Sat, Aug 19 at 7:30 p.m. - Was It Something I Said?

Sat, Aug 19 at 9 p.m. - House Party

A mix of short and long-form improv with audience participation.

Events at Atomic Empire

Fri, Aug 18 from 6-8 p.m. - Disney: Lorcana TCG Release Party

Sun, Aug 20 at 12 p.m. -  7 Wonders: Duel Tournament

Multi-Day Events

Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Show at Durham Convention Center

Love vintage beads? How about Chinese crystal or Ethiopian Opal? Find all this as well as large selection of rare beads, findings, tools, and more at the Durham Bead Show!

Ages 13+

Sat, Aug 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun, Aug 20 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

$5

Home Stand at Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Thu, Aug 17 at 6:35 p.m. - Dollar Dog Night

Fri, Aug 18 at 6:35 p.m. - Friday Night Fireworks

Sat, Aug 19 at 6:35 p.m. - African American Heritage Night, Ripken the Bat Dog, and Saturday Night Fireworks

Sun, Aug 20 at 5:05 p.m. - Kids Run the Bases

Thursday, Aug 17

Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi

Each month Dashi's Thirsty Thursday drink specials revolve around a monthly theme – spirits, cocktails, special ingredients, brand, location, etc. – with new sips every Thursday. Learn more about upcoming themes on their website or visit them in person – there's always something new to try from their expansive bar!

5-10 p.m.

Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works

Enjoy fresh vibes on the patio with DJ Deckades. Bring your own vinyl to share or just listen to what the DJ is spinning.

6-9 p.m.

Free admission

Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham

Show up and climb at TRC Durham, then head over to Hi-Wire for some brews. Don't worry if it's your first time or haven't bouldered before; everyone's welcome.

Your first visit to the gym with the Meetup includes free admission and gear rental, and subsequent visits with the meetup are $15 and include harness rental (outside of meetups, day pass rates of $19 apply and do not include rentals).

6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Gojo Sessions at Gojo by Goorsha

VOID Air Motion Sound System, rotating lineup of talented electronic music artists both local and beyond. 

Every week, every Thursday

7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

$10 cover at the door

Trivia Night w/Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square

Join Clouds Durham for Big Slow Tom's Trivia Night, every Thursday. Win some prizes, drink some beer, and show your smarts.

Enjoy $4 select draft and $5 rotating bartender's choice all night.

7:30 p.m.

Free admission

Al Strong Presents: Jazz on the Roof at The Durham Hotel

Al Strong is a two-time Grammy-nominated artist who will bring regional jazz artists to improvise on the Roof. Performers will play a set, then members of the community will be invited to join in the jam session.

7-9:30 p.m.

Free admission

Flashback Flicks: 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Series at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

The JB Duke Hotel and Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, are hosting a summer outdoor movie series that celebrates classic feature films across the decades, ranging from beloved romantic comedies, suspenseful thrillers and tales of adventure.

JAWS

Free admission

Friday, Aug 18

Tasting at Ten at Counter Culture Coffee

Every Friday morning at 10 am, Counter Culture Coffee opens their Training Centers to coffee lovers who want to learn more about Counter Culture Coffee’s high-quality, sustainably sourced menu.

10 a.m.

Free, but donations accepted

Hands-on History at West Point on the Eno

Join in for milling demonstrations and discover the inner workings of West Point on the Eno's historic water-powered grist mill.

2-4 p.m.

Free admission

Third Friday in Downtown Durham

Support local artists and add beautiful works to your collection.

6-9 p.m.

Free admission

Third Friday at Golden Belt Arts

See new exhibits and meet with resident artists.

6-9 p.m.

Free admission

Underground Cocktail Series at 21c Museum Hotel

This special cocktail series focuses on new, experimental, or thematic cocktails dreamt up by expert bartenders, available only in the lower-level bank vault. Sip and see what their team has been mixing up, and be among the first to experience these exclusive drinks. For August's event, they are taking inspiration from the season with a focus on cool, refreshing Summer Classics.

7-9:30 p.m.

Free admission

Erie Choir + Entrez Vous + Neill Weyman at Shadowbox Studio

Born of navel-gazing self-indulgence and vague ambition, Erie Choir began at the dawn of the new millennium as the solo acoustic folk singing sort-of-thing of Sorry About Dresden’s Eric Roehrig.

Kelly Reidy (singer-songwriter, Theoretical Physicist, Lou Reed devotee, rock’n’roll enthusiast) and Clark Blomquist (multi-instrumentalist member of The Kingsbury Manx, drummer for Dan Mechior Band, former Spider Bags guitarist, consummate Road-Dog, Bohemian Punk true-believer).

Neill Weyman is the new band with Neill Prewitt, Ben Spiker, and Bob Wall.

8 p.m.

Ticket info TBD

Saturday, Aug 19

Durham Farmers’ Market at Durham Central Park

The Durham Farmers’ Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, cut flowers, artisanal cheeses and breads, home-baked pies, honey, handmade chocolates, preserves, local wines, handmade soaps, fresh pasta, and artwork of all sorts!

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Free admission

South Durham Farmers' Market at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center

The market strives to support new and growing farms and vendors in the greater Durham area, and they are also home to some of the most iconic Durham brands around.

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Free admission

parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. It's up to you!

8 a.m.

Free admission

Durham's Civil Rights History in Downtown Durham

Explore Durham’s Civil Rights Legacy with Preservation Durham’s walking tour. This exciting tour focuses on many of the sites in downtown Durham that were important during the 1950s and 60s Civil Rights movement, including the Durham County Courthouse, the Arts Center (originally Durham High School and later City Hall), the Kress and Woolworth buildings, sites of sit-in protests and the "Confronting Change" exhibit at the Carolina Theatre.

10 a.m.

Registration required, donations appreciated

"Geer Cemetery: A Legacy of Resistance" at Museum of Durham History

The exhibit is an outdoor display highlighting information and artifacts from the ongoing preservation work being done in Geer Cemetery. Geer Cemetery, located in Durham, is a historic African American cemetery with burials from the late 1880s until the 1930s. It is one of the oldest public cemeteries created by African Americans in Durham.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Free admission

Brightleaf Harvest Day at Duke Homestead State Historic Site

Experience North Carolina farming culture and history at Duke Homestead! They’ll be harvesting their tobacco out of the field and demonstrating the process of tobacco looping. Visitors are welcome to try their hand at these activities, or to chat with an interpreter in the historic house.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Free admission

Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works

Free pint with purchase of craft box. Choose from a variety of craft packages available for all ages.

12-10 p.m.

Guided Walking Tours with Triangle Adventures

2 p.m. - Downtown Durham Walking Tour

4 p.m. - Durham African American History Tour

6 p.m. - Downtown Durham True Crime Tour

$10

Rock the Park Movie at Durham Central Park

Top Gun: Maverick

8:30-10:30 p.m.

Free admission

Bachata Fixation at Luna Nightclub

Bachata plus salsa, kizomba/zouk, and more!

Free lesson starts at 9 p.m.

$10

Sunday, Aug 20

Al Strong Presents Jazz Brunch at Alley Twenty Six

Al Strong, the Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter, composer and recording artist, will bring a rotating lineup of musicians to perform during Sunday brunch at Durham's Alley Twenty Six. Weather permitting the band will perform in the bar’s namesake alley.

Music from 12-2 p.m.

Trivia at Navigator Beverage Co.

Hosted by the Triangle’s Trivia team, Hammered Trivia, gather your team and post up to compete for prizes and enjoy an afternoon of great drinks, great friends, and great games.

2-4 p.m.

Free admission

DPS Fest at Durham Central Park

DPS families, come and enjoy games, food, door prizes, bounce houses, and performances; make a self-care kit to start your school year off right; dunk your principal to earn money for your school; and learn about DPS and community resources that will help you this school year.

3-7 p.m.

Free admission

Running Art Exhibits

Paul Hrusovsky: New Paintings at Craven Allen Gallery

The paintings in Scratching the Surface showcase the diversity of Hrusovksy’s subjects and techniques, ranging from the figurative to the abstract. All feature the luscious surface textures and color harmonies for which the artist is well known.

Gallery hours: Mon-Fri from 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Sat 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Runs through Aug 26

Free admission

Andy Warhol: You Look Good in Pictures at the Nasher

Andy Warhol: You Look Good in Pictures explores the breadth of the artist’s relationship with photography through several distinct bodies of work including screenprints of celebrities, all of which were taken from photographs, a group of Polaroids and black and white snapshots illustrating his social circles, and an early silent film of the curator Henry Geldzahler from 1964.

Tue-Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sun from 12-5 p.m.

Runs through Aug 27

Free admission

Member Artists Exhibit at 5 Points Gallery

Get ready to be enthused, moved, and enriched by the power of art in this notable exhibit, “Inspiration Ignited”. This thought-provoking showcase invites you to dive into various realms of inspiration, as the artists share their unique visions with a range of styles and mediums including paintings, sculptures, fused glass and mixed media works.

Meet the artists at the Third Friday reception on Fri, Aug 18 from 6-9 p.m.

Runs through Sep 9

Free admission

“Lovingly Prepared by: A Multimedia Installation by Feed Durham” at Durham Arts Council

Feed Durham is a scrappy mutual aid collective that came together in response to mounting hunger in the Durham area, due to COVID. Since 2020, we’ve fed 155,000+ neighbors in need through our sprawling no-contact cookouts, where we lovingly prepare meals for 500 people per day and offer grocery giveaways.

Filmmaker/Photographer Katina Parker, Sculptor/Muralist/Illustrator Dare Coulter, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Saleem Reshemwala, Samantha Everette aka “The Shooting Beauty,” Jade Wilson, Courtney Symone of “Silent Sam” fame, D.L. Anderson, Jasmine Leeward, Tommy Coyote, Anna Carson DeWitt, Elizabeth Miller-Derstine, and Casey Toth (formerly of the News + Observer).

Mon-Sat from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Sun from 1-6 p.m.

Runs through Sep 12

Free admission

Art of Peru at the Nasher

This gallery features ceramics, textiles, metalwork and carvings produced by ancient cultures across what is known as present-day Peru.

Tue-Fri from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sun from 12-5 p.m.

Runs through Dec 2

Free admission

Love and Anarchy at the Nasher

Drawn from the Nasher Museum’s extensive historical and contemporary collections, Love & Anarchy demonstrates some of the ways in which these two concepts have inspired artists, visually and conceptually, over millennia.

Runs through Feb 18, 2024

Free admission

Exhibit at 21c Museum Hotel

Truth or Dare: A Reality Show

Runs through March 2024

Open 24 hours

Free admission

[lightofraye]

Food For Thought

Fear not, I am still working on the next review of Wales Comic Con. I'm wishing there were close-ups of the convention so I could have a better look of faces, but it may have to be what it is.

But that's not what this post is about.

AustinCon--SPNAustin/SPNAus/Whatever the acronym--is already starting and we've heard and seen some rather inappropriate commentary from Kim and Briana (dear gods, please, develop some class!), Matt Cohen... being peculiar... a group karaoke that largely consisted of the "extras" (as they're often called), and the BBQ with Jensen and Steve (aka Radio Company).

It's been a trip watching the photos and commentary by fans. Or stans. Or is it both?

Of course, I didn't forget Jared and his book event with Genevieve (well, her book event). They were cute together! I keep forgetting just how freaking tall he is until I saw that full length photo and just stared. I'm above average for a woman myself--5'9"--and something tells me he'd give me a crick in my neck just to talk to him.

Out of all of that, the one that disappointed me a bit was hearing the BBQ with Radio Company lasted only an hour. For more than $300, I'd expect it to last at least a couple of hours.

Not for the first time, I wonder about the financial problems that may or may not be plaguing the Ackles. There's a lot of things not adding up and the BBQ event was a "last minute" addition (like just a month ago). Unfortunately, it's all speculation and I have so many theories spinning through my mind. Pieces of a whole, missing key points that may never be answered.

However, as I've been musing, I recalled a conversation with a follower. A quick message, a comment. They mentioned a recent Meet and Greet with Jensen. Of course, with the Non-Disclosure Agreement, they couldn't go into details. But could, at least, give me a general gist:

"In a recent meet and greet, Jensen shared information that convinced me that he is home often. Little things, but also one main piece unrelated to kids or wife that proved he spends significant amount of time at home."

This may be true. The mansion has three floors plus a basement. It's certainly huge enough that he could quite literally have a whole wing to himself, an aspect of separation without the legalese involved. The blueprints of the mansion showed it was entirely possible.

But... it still niggled at me.

In discussing it with a few others, one person chimed in. "That basement is large enough to fit a bedroom, office, gym, and so much more!"

And it hit me.

They had the equipment of a gym back in Austin, when Jensen was trying to bulk up for Soldier Boy back then for Season 3 of The Boys. We saw the videos, the photos. I imagine they moved the equipment with them. So why did we see several photos of Jensen at an outside gym?

It's not for a trainer, though the exclusive gym he went to could've provided one. Or, with his money, he could hire a private one to attend to him at the mansion!

So why outside the mansion?

The answer is altogether too heartbreaking: he can't abide to be at home.

It's safer, and healthier, to be away.

Then I remembered a discussion I had with one of my... I'll call them 'industry experts'. Meet and Greets are where actors 'test' stories, see how they land and then use the 'successful' stories in later conventions. With the NDAs, fans wouldn't be able to say anything without risking a lawsuit, expensive ones at that.

It'd certainly explain the weird shifting of stories that don't always ring true or change too fast. Like when he was in Rome, Jensen said Danneel liked cooking Italian food. Later, in France, it was French food and French music. How many fans would listen to every single one of those conventions and match stories? Or even care that it changed too much, too fast, and with gaping holes that felt awkward?

Pieces of a whole. Generic stories, nothing specific. Not of Danneel asking him to try something new that tasted incredible. Or a burnt food accident that smoked out their kitchen. Or the kids enjoying one of the songs.

Get what I mean?

The pieces don't fit. He says one thing here, another thing there, and it doesn't match.

If he's still persistently trying to build the Family Man Image... if Gersh has someone monitoring keywords (GERSH! GERSH! GERSH! Does it work like Beetlejuice?), I'd advise them to tell Jensen to stop. It's not working. Maybe for a small section of a dying fandom (oh god, please don't kill me), but for the rest? We're not buying it.

And for his mental and emotional--and hell, physical!--health, I'd say he should try to go for the divorced dad image.

Lots of things stirring in my mind. Far too much.

This week was hard. Seeing the ongoing put down from people who don't understand the mindset of someone in the middle of abuse, the insults, the demeaning comments ("weak", "pussy", "not a man", and so forth) really got to me. Broke my heart.

Then there's the controversy surrounding the movie, "It Ends With Us", and the inaccuracy of the ending that had me headdesking repeatedly.

It seemed the theme of the week is Domestic Violence.

For survivors, who got away. For the victims, who are still trapped. For those who think it's normal, because they don't know any better (yes, this is a thing; if a person's baseline is well below what should be considered okay, what makes you think they'd know differently?).

It's emotionally draining. It's exhausting.

But every so often I get a message of support, of people who are grateful for me speaking out.

And then there's my son, who I am desperate to keep safe.

Breaking of cycles have to begin somewhere.

Let it start with me.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

326 of 2023

survey by lafemelle

1. How many cars have you ever owned?

None on my own, but one as a co-owner.

2. Can you do math in your head well?

Quite much so. I’ve been always good at such things.

3. What’s your least favorite chore to do around the house?

Cleaning the floors and the toilets.

4. What’s your favorite flavor of potato chip?

I don’t eat these.

5. Do you ever read the weather forecast?

Yeah, before travelling so I know what to expect, possibly.

6. Do amusement park rides make you sick?

I don’t ever use them. My health doesn’t allow.

7. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

No.

8. What kind of cheese do you put on your sandwiches?

Normal cheese lol. Like gouda or emmental or o.

9. What radio station do you listen to the most?

UVB-76 lol. I don’t listen to the commercial radio.

10.Who was the last person to give you a gift?

My husband, as usual.

11. How old were you when you got your driver’s license?

Nevergot it at all. I don’t know how is it in your States, but here people with neurological disorders are generally restricted from driving in some cases.

12. What was the first thing you ever learned how to cook?

Water lol. Just like most of people, I suppose.

13. Did you ever collect beanie babies?

Never heard of it.

14. When was the last time you got a haircut?

Last year lol. This calls for another one.

15. Have you ever been to a bachelor/bachelorette party?

No, and I’m not sure if I’d like it.

16. How many people can you say you TRULY love?

About ten.

17. Where are you most ticklish on your body?

Everywhere, literally.

18. Do you like kids?

I do like toddlers, but only when they are curious about the world and ask questions.

19. Have you ever cheated on a test?

Once or twice.

20. Is your next birthday coming up soon?

No, next year.

21. Have you ever bailed anyone out of jail?

I’ve never had an occasion to do so.

22. What’s the last board game you played?

I don’t play board games.

23. Have you ever given someone a fake phone number?

No, but next time I will give a police number as my own when someone is too intrusive.

24. Do you actually eat 3 meals a day?

Even less.

25. Do you have any bumper stickers on your car?

No, my husband doesn’t like them.

26. Do you leave good tips when you eat out at restaurants?

I just leave tips. It’s normal in my country.

27. What’s your favorite thing to eat at bbqs?

Veggies.

28. Do you still own any VHS tapes?

Not anymore, but I’d love to.

29. How many of your friends have you known for at least 5 years?

Most of them.

30. Are you superstitious?

Not at all, it just makes me laugh.

31. What was your favorite book as a child?

Pelle Svanslös.

32. Have you lied to anyone in the last 24 hours?

Nah, I had no occasion anyway.

33. What’s the most expensive restaurant you’ve ever eaten at?

Probably this one in the Martin’s Hotel in Waterloo. It was very elegant :P

34. How many jobs have you had?

One as a fruit picker when I was a teenager, one Infrabel maintenance summer job (from my dad), cleaning the library as a student, and then this job in the rolling stock company.

35. Are you keeping a secret from anyone right now?

No, not really.

36. What’s the smallest town you’ve ever visited?

I think Lillo, it’s a town near Antwerp.

37. If there was a real Jurassic Park, would you visit it?

No, thanks.

38. Have you ever gone golfing?

Omg no, boring.

39. What’s your favorite kind of soup?

All of them, really. But I need to have chunks in it, I don’t like blended soup.

40. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike?

About four, or even earlier.

41. Do you know any sign language?

No, I don’t.

42. If you became famous for something, what would it be?

Photography, I guess.

43. How many friends do you have that are married?

Most of them, really.

44. Do you ever read the newspaper?

Sometimes when I’m at the physiotherapy.

45. When you’re having a bad day, how do you make yourself feel better?

Let my cat sleep on my lap while she’s purring. Optionally going somewhere with the train.

46. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?

Yeah, I do, all of them. I’ve never felt them growing, honestly.

47. Did you have a swingset in your yard when you were a child?

Yeah, I did.

48. Have you ever played poker for money?

No, I’ve never played poker at all.

49. You’re making a fruit salad: what kinds of fruit do you put in it?

Strawberries, blueberries, banana lices, tangerine pieces, maybe peach cubes.

50. What are the last 2 digits of your phone number?

09.

51. What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?

I don’t even bother wasting my time on movies.

52. Do you eat your mac & cheese with a fork or a spoon?

I don’t ever eat this shit.

53. Where did you have your first kiss?

On a tram stop lol.

54. When you were a kid, were you ever afraid of cooties?

I still don’t even know what it is.

55. Do you ever go Christmas caroling in December?

No, not anymore.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.

Welcome to the working week although, for those of you working in the NHS, welcome to just another day.

That was a real enjoyable weekend!

On Friday night, we had dinner with the living legend that is Cheri Class.  We like to go to The Ivy in St. John’s Wood with her, so we had great food and great company!

Many thanks to everyone that listened to the radio show.  Terry Jones was on before me, playing that sweet soul music!  Always good to inherit an audience!  Executive producer Sharon Louison did a cracking job!  Lots of good feedback!  She had written herself a script so, when I pulled her mic up, she sounded like a news reader!  Very impressive!

After the show, I took train and bus to get to Debbie Mills’ birthday party at The BBE Store.  She’s a lovable thing so, despite being tired, I made the effort.  I don’t really dance.  I’ve got a sense of rhythm and I can do a two-step shuffle, but I don’t really dance.  Nothing makes me want to dance but, when Martin Lodge played ‘Georgy Porgy’ by Toto, I almost danced!  Almost.

I met this beautiful woman at Debbie’s party and she said, “Here’s a question for you: Motown or Philly International?” I said, “I can’t answer that question.”  “I’m glad you said that,” she replied.  “If you’d chosen one, I’d know you weren’t that serious about music.”

When you get to my age, you start forgetting stuff.  The Trouble will say to me, “How can you not remember that?”  I guess we all have selective memories, right?  And it’s quite amazing what moments stick with us.  Sometimes, we can remember the exact words someone said to us 20, maybe 30 years ago.  Particularly if it was a compliment!  As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."   

Sunday lunch was BBQ spare ribs and chips!  Result or what?

Have a marvellous and momentous Monday.  I love you all.

[roo-bastmoon]

tbh i feel like jikooks relationship didn’t change i feel like they are just not showing it as much. if anyone else remembers during the rehearsals during HER (1-2 months ago) a karmy who was there said that jk sang a line towards jimin even tho he didn’t sing that specific line the song. i’ve seen several people say that they changed after the LV concerts but we got videos of them leaving the venue all 3-4 days as well as knowledge that they sat together at a restaurant(can’t remember if this was la or lv) AS well as the behind the scenes for the yet to come video where jk stayed after with jimin. let’s not forget the possiblilty of jks hand being on jimins waist in the one party video :)

All this needs to be factored in, you are right. For me, Jikook gets worryingly quiet two times this year, and both coincidentally are around some serious times of drama. *I* would have handled it differently if *I* were dating Jimin but I'm not, so...

In December, the members started working on Proof and knew about solo era projects. In the new year, Jimin was radio silent for months. More than three months. IAs a baby Army, I was losing my mind. Because JK never mentioned him, either.

In late January, Jimin's apartment was "seized" (I dunno if that's on paper, or like he actually was locked out) because he didn't pay his national health insurance premiums, because his registered mail mysteriously was omitted four times (I don't know if that's genuine incompetence or if someone in the company was sabotaging him--but his ID number and address were leaked on a K-forum, so I'm thinking it was a deliberate attack).

That's fucking traumatic.

Then right after that, his appendix burst and he got COVID and spent a week alone in the hospital.

Then there was the stress of rehearsals and the silent Seoul concert. He started coming back online a bit after that. We saw the White Day photo, but it's not like Jikook were posting that on their own 'grams.

Then JK got COVID. In Vegas, Jikook did not go out and about together. We would never had known he ran to Jimin's hotel room and they embraced after quarantine if he hadn't shared it with us, on his own personal social media. We would never have known they went out to Korean BBQ and sat at a private table, drinking and singing songs, if multiple non-celebrity accounts didn't mention it.

Then the Grammys--amazing performance, sad loss. Then Vegas Concerts. First two nights of the concert were a bit awkward, last two nights were off the charts with Jikookery. There were lots of shippy moments everywhere but like Jungkook carried Jimin like a bride. Holy shit.

They come back to Korea, his OST drops. Same exact day, news of the apartment "scandal" breaks. Folks call him a tax dodger and I don't know what else online, it got nasty. Over a bill that was like $23,000. The man wears a $215,000 watch and has never been late on paying a bill before in his life. Please. Someone had it OUT for Jimin. And he went to ground. Just like JK did over the whole tattoo girl "scandal." Didn't even promote his OST. Weeks of quiet.

This is the second time Jikook gets super quiet. Then the White House appearance. Then the arcade with JK and Hobi and HER. Then the Korean concerts (where fans say there was plenty of Jikookery again, but it was not filmed).

Festa dinner was released (but was filmed prior to Vegas concert). It was a bit worrying that JK didn't hear Jimin's music but also so on-brand that JK felt he had PROPRIETARY RIGHTS to hear it before all others. The finger tattoo thing--can't tell if he genuinely didn't remember where Jimin got his, or if he deflected b/c it wasn't his place to tell yet, but I can tell he got his 7 behind his ear--his first tattoo not on his arm, right where Jimin has Youth. After the solo announcement, stockholders panicked and Hype lost 1.2 billion goddamn dollars, so JK was pulled out of family time to film a Vlive in his kitchen (which was basically empty except for some mixing bowls that also appeared in a Vlive with Jimin once).

And then Hobi's album and party. They both circulated with others but also touched back with each other from time to time. There was no animosity. Neither was there exclusive intimacy.

So at the start of the year, with the solo era and apartment issue on their minds (but not for public knowledge yet) and then after the news of the apartment / insurance premium issue broke, Jikook got super quiet. And they have been more muted since they got back to Korea (at least off stage).

I think it's entirely possible, given even HALF the drama I just listed, that Jikook decided in this new era to just keep private stuff private. I don't know if they are together or not. I don't honestly know if they ever were, but I suspect so. If they want me to know, maybe they'll show more signals in future content. But I'm just gonna support them. No need to make anyone the bad guy here. They are clearly still cool with each other.

[katymacsupernatural]

Under the Texas Sun Part 4

Jensen Ackles x Reader

Story Summary:  

Having been best friends with Jensen since kindergarten, Jensen has always been there for Y/N when she’s needed it the most. Best friends turned roommates, but will he still be there for her when things turn south? Or will his friendship turn into something more?

Catch Up Here: Masterpost

You shouldn’t have felt ashamed walking up to the front door at the crack of dawn the next morning. You were a grown woman, and this was your place too. Jensen wasn’t supposed to be home yet, so you would miss his judging eyes as he took in your messy appearance. And your appearance was messy, to say the least. The man had been handsy, and rough. Not only had he ripped your favorite bra and panty set, but the buttons on your shirt had been popped as well. Then there were the bruises on your hips from his hands as well.

Needless to say, the night had been anything but boring. But you would not be picking up the phone to call for a second night out. The look in the man’s eyes, the tightness of his hands on your skin had turned from exciting to a little nervewracking, and you left as early as you could.

“Someone’s coming home late. Or early,” Jensen muttered tiredly from the couch, a cup of coffee in his hands.

“Late,” you yawned, curling up on the couch beside him, snatching the cup of coffee, and taking a deep sip.

He didn’t say anything as you continued to drink his coffee, but you could feel his eyes on you, and you waited for the judgment to come. Finally, he sighed. “Y/N, you look like you were in a fight with a badger. Was it really worth it?”

You could feel the tears well up in your eyes, and you shook your head. “No, not really.”

He wrapped his arm around your shoulder, pulling you against him, always the support you needed. “Y/N, we’ve talked about this. Your taste in men….,”

“It’s horrible, I know. But I just wasn’t thinking last night. You get it.”

“Yeah, I do.”

He stood up, taking his coffee cup back. “Go get cleaned up, and I’ll have breakfast ready.”

You did as you were told, feeling even worse about last night now that Jensen had caught you. Sure, he understood your need for that connection but disapproved of who you usually turned to. And you could always see why. But not normally until the next morning.

Slipping out of your clothes, you threw them in the trash before glancing at yourself in the mirror. Your hair was a rat's nest on top of your head. Your mascara had smeared, giving you raccoon eyes. There was a hickey on your neck, and those deep bruises not only on your hips but on the sensitive skin of your breasts and thighs.

Wincing as you stepped under the hot water, you lathered up your loofa, scrubbing away all the remnants of the man’s touch.

Jensen hadn’t mentioned your one-night stand again as the two of you ate breakfast together. He talked about his brewery, and how they were having a big get-together later that day. You listened to him as you munched on a piece of bacon.

“Why don’t you come? You love the brewery, and it would be better than being stuck here all day. Free beer.”

You didn’t have to have your arm twisted. Heading back upstairs, you switched your sweats for a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a loose T-shirt. Slip-on sneakers finished your comfy outfit as you threw your hair up into a messy ponytail.

Picking up your sunglasses, you met Jensen in the hallway. He was dressed down in a pair of soft grey jeans and a henley, with one of his favorite hats in his hand. “Ready?”

You settled into the passenger seat, rolling the window down and turning the radio up as he headed out of town and towards the brewery. It was a brilliant day, and you refused to let your slight hangover dampen your mood.

“So you never told me,” you yelled over the loud radio. “Why are you home so early?”

He had designer sunglasses perched on his nose, and he pushed them up before glancing at you. “We finished filming early, and I just felt like I needed to be home. I wanted to get to the brewery early.”

You weren’t exactly sure you bought his story, but you were enjoying the time together so you stayed quiet as he pulled into the brewery’s parking lot. The place was already packed, and Jensen immediately got pulled into a conversation.

You took the offered glass of water, settling at a table towards the back of the room, watching as people mingled. This, this is what you always seemed to do. While everyone else laughed and enjoyed each other’s company, you watched.

Jensen stayed busy, often taking a moment to smile your way before getting pulled into another conversation. You had people stop by your table, talking with you before moving on. Your water glass slowly turned to beer. Taking the glass, you stepped outside, enjoying the warm sun against your skin.

Settling down at the end of the porch, you sipped on the beer when another group stepped outside. You immediately recognized one, the bartender of the brewery. “I can’t believe how snobbish she is,” the bartender Brittany muttered. “Just sitting at that back table, expecting people to come up to her. Expecting us to serve her. Just because she’s Jensen’s best friend doesn’t mean she deserves special treatment.”

You stayed still, astounded that they thought that about you. You didn’t think that way at all. It hurt that they would even think that.

“I really think she’s trying to turn her friendship into something more,” She continued. “I heard she just moved in with him. How long before she plants herself in his bed?”

They walked past, not even noticing you hiding in the corner. Tugging your sunglasses down, you stepped off the porch, heading to the table under the shade of the tree.

That’s where Jensen found you a short time later. “What are you doing out here? They’re bringing food in. I bet you’re hungry. And no more beer untell you get some food in you.”

“I’m fine,” you answered. “Just needed some peace and quiet.”

He peered down at you closely, not saying a word before grabbing your hand and pulling you towards the building. “Come on. That red little bbq trailer is here. And I know you love their food.”

Read Part 5

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[spasarnia]

Eight Common Spas as well as the Services

 They OfferThere are an entire host of distinct spas now available throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area to the public at large. The Dallas/Fort Well worth area is fairly large, one of typically the biggest metros throughout the U. S. As Dallasites we are going to often bombarded along with advertising from advertisements, to radio ads, to even trollies in Uptown! One particular common activity involving the well-to-do crowd Dallas is identified for, is always to search for spas for a variety of solutions. We try this regarding a variety involving reasons: workout, in order to get beautiful, to eliminate unsightly hair, to remove wrinkles, to seem younger,spa Sarnia  to clean, and rejuvenate to name only a really few. This stated, how do you keep track of what kinds of spas happen to be available, the ones present which services, plus consequently, which gyms you would end up being most benefited by seeking confer with? Under, we review typically the most popular varieties of spas accessible to you, just what their common companies are, and exactly why they could be the ideal choice for your particular needs. 1. Wellness Spas: Wellness spas focus in holistic care, not just giving the assistance to the people while they are usually there, but additionally educating them how to dispense this inner curing on their personal. Common sessions contain summary of yoga in addition to the mind/body network, maximum health, and avoidance of disease. Many of these are in Uptown, close to Mckinney, or Downtown Dallas. Look regarding ads inside the Observer, Envy, or Document City. Should you be in Fort Worth, pick up the Fort Worth Weekly. 2 . not Medical Spas: Healthcare Spas offer a various medical services provided by doctors- which consist of hair laser removal, acne treatments, chemical facials, botox comestic injection injections, and other relevant services. There are many billboards featuring several types of spas alongside Central Expressway inside Dallas. Laser hair removal and Botox comestic injection are two of typically the most used solutions in DFW associated with all the health spas combined. 3. Day Spas: Day spas happen to be seen as a the span of treatment and can connect with several different types of spas offering different services-though often compared to not- every day health spa will refer to one particular that is with regard to the purposes involving pampering. A number of these exist between Dallas in addition to Fort Worth, along I-30 west. I am just sure this is usually to enable them to be noticed from the freeway. 4. Stay Spas or Spa Accommodations: Stay spas or spa resorts consider the types associated with spas where you can keep overnight. The resorts is a part of the hot tub experience, and the spas can vary in the types and character of services provided there. Common stay spas include weight reduction spas, health spas, and rehab doctor offices as stated in this specific articles. The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine has a resort type spa well-known for those browsing Texas. 5. Pamper Spas: Pamper health spas are most likely the just about all common spas generally there are-the ones you may recognize in movies or other multimedia outlets. Pamper gyms do just that-offer their clients a wide range of pampering services and products to make certain that they feel as relaxed and relaxed while possible. Common service include: decadent meals, facials, massages, etc . Some spas specialize in these services, but many have them along with their additional main services. six. Health Spas: Wellness spas-though easily baffled with wellness spas-center on a well being experience that will be holistic and comprehensive-including exercise, healthy food items, meditation, as well as other well being practice. Some may possibly even call this kind of a gym. There are numerous hundred gyms and workout facilities inside the DFW area. 7. Weight Loss Spas: Weight loss spas are typically stay health spas as they require a commitment to the particular weight loss services provided there over an extended period of time-whether it be intended for a weekend or even a week. These clinics focus on supplying exercise and meals regimens that advertise weight loss in the healthy, detoxifying fashion. They may likewise specialize in human body wraps. Again, appear in the neighborhood publications such as G Magazine, or the particular Observer. 8. Treatment Spas: Another variety of spa is really a rehab spa-common to be able to celebrities-which is seen as an offering a refuge through a variety of stressors and addictions. This sort of spa is a stay day spa which incorporates a sense of escape, while in addition ensuring that just positive influences usually are present, while unfavorable ones-such as harmful habits, stress, over work, etc-are not a part of the environment. These eight sorts of spas fairly much encompass the primary offerings of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. We are going to not all just cowboy hats in addition to BBQ. Take the break and take pleasure in what this metropolis can give. Business Name: Glass and Pillar Spa Phone Number: 519-337-9998

[staticscreenwriting]

Right now could last forever - Billy Hargrove

Synopsis: Inspired by “A daydream a way” by All Time Low and the following request: Okay so I wrote this prompt and i’d love to see it with best friend!Billy. “Are you jealous or something?” “Have i not made that obvious? Of course i’m jealous!” 

Please help a girl out by reblogging. Thank you

[additional note: I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please.]

For the longest time, I was convinced of two things.

One, I was convinced that in every friendship there comes a moment when the line between friendship and more becomes extremely visible. You can see it quite clearly. And in that moment you get to decide whether to cross it or not. Once the moment has passed, that’s it. That one little choice defines that relationship from that point on.

And two, I would never get myself tangled up in a relationship where that line was not clearly defined.

For the longest time in my life, I was a fucking dumbass.

Billy Hargrove came into my life in the fall of 1984. He swept over me like a thunderstorm in summer. Loud and unforgiving and filled with rage. Someone, and I can’t remember who that was, once said that misery loves company. I never believed in those words until I met Billy.

There was something about him that was so intoxicating. I wanted to know him, genuinely know him. He had a perpetual scowl on his face but that wasn’t what I cared about, I didn’t entirely buy that. His eyes, they were so sad, so deeply sad. I knew that sadness because it was the same feeling that looked back at me every time I looked into a mirror. 

For a while, we were orbiting around each other like two planets always close but never destined to meet. And then, somehow, somewhen, the universe shifted and we collided and life as I knew it was never the same again.

He asked me to tutor him in English, said he didn’t really understand the shit he had to read, said those big words didn’t make sense to him. I said yes because if someone like Billy asks you for a favour, you don’t say no. Billy who was always so effortlessly cool and unbothered. 

I looked at him then and I knew then, that we would never have that moment where lines had to be defined. Because a guy like Billy didn’t even know lines existed when it came to girls like me. I did though. I knew there wasn’t gonna be a moment because I took it away from us. I drew the line myself. Nothing was ever gonna come of this that was ay more than a friendship. I thought I knew it then and so I took it upon myself to define things that never needed to be defined. And I drew the line and I thought that was it.

Back then I was so sure that we could never be anything but friends. I was a rainy day in spring. I was muted colours and damp grass and hayfever. Billy was the middle of summer. He was warm august evenings, BBQs with friends, 4th of July fireworks.

I tutored him about 2 or 3 times and it felt like it was always supposed to be this way, Billy and me. Like two puzzle pieces fitting so well. We bonded over our love for the same bands and our hatred for the same stupid things. But what really brought us together was the realization, that the same sadness lived in both our hearts. 

From then on, Billy was a permanent fixture in my life. Like once he was there he wasn’t gonna leave again, ever. Like my life was a vinyl record and he was a scratch and no matter how much you polished or scrubbed it wasn’t gonna go away. No, that metaphor doesn’t hold up because Billy wasn’t a bad thing. He was maybe the one good thing in my life. He was permanent, like a tattoo. Something, someone, I chose to have around. Someone to make me remember what it felt like, being alive. 

Tuesdays were my favourite days because we had his whole house to ourselves. My parents didn’t give a shit where I was and his dad and Susan had to work all day. Max was hardly around either way and so it was just us. 

We sat on the ugly gray linoleum floor of his kitchen passing a joint back and forth, goofy smiles on our faces. That’s how we spent most Tuesdays, getting high and just — being. Just being around each other. What else was there to do for a teenager in Hawkins Indiana in 1984 though? What do you do in a town where kids and teens go missing on a regular basis and yet everyone goes about their day as if it was nothing special? I mean, yeah they built us a huge ass mall but what good did that do? All they did was add capitalism to this mess. 

So we sat there, giggling and dreaming dreams too big for us and using words we didn’t really understand. Or maybe we did but we surely weren’t aware of the gravity they held then. Words like forever.

“ What’s your favourite colour? “ Billy asked me one Tuesday afternoon. He didn’t give me time to finish though. “ And don’t say shit like seafoam green or something. I don’t got a fucking clue what seafoam green is. Just — just gimme a straight answer. “ 

I didn’t tell him that my favourite colour was the exact shade of blue of his eyes. Or maybe the red of his lifeguard shorts that made him almost glow in the summer sun. I thought it then but I didn’t say it. You don’t say stuff like that and expect the line not to be crossed.

The line. That fucking line I draw myself. I had to remind myself of it every once in a while when my thoughts went drifting and the line felt like it was going to smudge a little. I had to draw it again. In the sand. In the clouds. Anywhere. Everywhere. I couldn’t let myself forget about it. Because forgetting would only end in heartbreak.

“ I like red. “

“ Yeah? I like red too. “ And that made perfect sense to me then because he was red. Anger and wrath and chaos. Warmth. Comfort. Love. 

“ What are you grinning about, huh? Looking like a fool over there. “ I wondered, nudging his thigh with my foot. He just kept grinning, tiny wrinkles forming around his smile, his eyes. He always smiled with his eyes, at least when the smiles were genuine. I adored that. 

“ Nothing.” 

“ Wish you could see your face right now. It’s not nothing, clearly” 

“ I don’t know, “ Billy replied and shrugged “ I’m just — I like our Tuesdays. I like not having to get back to anything. Right now, right now could last forever and I wouldn’t mind. Wouldn’t give a single fuck.” 

That made my heart beat so fast, I could feel it in my chest, drumming in my ears, tingling in my fingers. But that’s what friends do, right? Spend all their time together. Share a place that feels safe. Even if that place isn’t a specific place at all. Maybe that place could be a person. A heart.

It was clear to me then, that Billy Hargrove was my soulmate. Maybe not in a romantic way but in a way that meant much more. My heart was his, my soul was his, my mind was his. And in return, I had all of him. No longer were we orbiting around each other, we were the same then. One lone planet floating around in the universe. Terribly alone but never lonesome.

The thing about the line is that something I wished I hadn’t drawn it. Sometimes I wanted to smudge it like lead on paper. I knew I couldn’t do that, it would ruin what we had. I could’ve just as well have ripped my own heart out, the pain would’ve matched.

So when things got all quiet and I felt like life wasn’t gonna judge me too harshly, and when I felt really really down or really really brave, I let myself get lost in daydreams. Ones where I stepped over the line, into something else. Something more. I let myself relish in those daydreams, soak them up like a goddamn sponge. They overwhelmed me sometimes, leaving me with nothing to say, because I just didn’t know where to start and where to stop. But those daydreams felt safe. I could watch from this place of security and if I kept my mouth shut and keep my feelings in those daydreams, it meant I never had to lose what we had.

Weekends meant going out. They meant getting away from everything but each other. Never from each other.  Sometimes we would go to Carmel, sometimes Lafayette, sometimes Terre Haute. Most of the time though, we ended up in some dive bar at the side of the road in some tiny village. No one knew us there and maybe that was the charm of it all. We could be anyone. We could be anything. Even to each other. If only I would’ve let myself feel those things.

Billy drove the Camaro to wherever it was we were going and the we’d decide on who would drive us back. Usually, we took turns. One weekend I would stay sober, the next he would.  I didn’t realize then, but Billy letting me drive his car, his baby, that meant a whole lot. To the both of us. It’s just that neither of us was terribly aware of it then.

It was the summer of 1985, a warm June night. The fireflies were back, the cold of the winter and spring finally gone, making way for summer heat and longer nights. We drove aimlessly around, trying to find a place to waste away our youth, get drunk of things they shouldn’t have sold us, to feel alive. It was an escape for us. From our lives, our fears, everything that made life feel so wrong. Those nights driving along the roads, music blasting from the car radio, those were the little moments that my life felt right.

Like nothing mattered but us and the vastness of the world waiting before us. A world that didn’t know us yet. One the let us be whoever we decided to be. Sometimes I wondered if in that world I could be a girl that Billy liked. But then I remembered the line. And I shut those thoughts out.

O'Charley's was an Irish pub a few towns over from Hawkins. It was, I assume, founded by someone that had never been to Ireland in their life nor did they know anyone Irish. It was very little authentic Irish pub and quite a lot party city with all the paper shamrocks and tiny flags everywhere. It was charming though, in all it’s mess there was something about it that made us come back time and time again. 

That June night, I was wearing a red dress I had snagged from my mom’s closet. For all her faults, she really was a looker in the 70s and her clothes had no business hanging untouched and unloved in her closet because she had decided the 80s were her time to shine in boring velour pants and blouses that made her look 10 years older. 

So I wore that red wrap-around dress that flowed around my knees with every step I took and I thought that if I can veil myself in red, in Billy’s colour, maybe I can trap a little of him, of his energy, of his confidence, of his warmth, in me.

All the people here knew about us, was our faces and the fake names on our fake IDs. We could be anyone we wanted to be in here. And for a pair of 17-year-olds that is the biggest power one can only possess. To be whoever you want to be in a world that tries so hard to put you down over and over again and squish you in a mould of picket fences and loveless marriages. Time stood still for the nights I was with Billy in a bar where no one knew the real us. Or maybe they did. Maybe we were the real us when we were there.

I can not tell you what Billy wore that night, this boy had 4 different outfits that he kept rotating. In the end, it didn’t really matter though, he looked hot in all of them. I know that it was hot though and his shirt was unbuttoned more than usual, letting me see more of his chest. Sometimes I wondered if he knew what it was doing to me despite the fact that he was my best friend. My person. 

We sat at the bar, I ordered a beer, Billy ordered a cherry coke. That was tonight's driver decided. I gave him a grateful smile and he just smiled back with his casual coolness. So we sat there, Whitesnake playing from the stereo, smiles on our faces. And life was right how it should be all the time. For a short while, the demons we both carried on our shoulders were mute. We could breathe.

“ Look at that douchebag. “ Billy laughed and nodded his head towards the corner of the room. A guy that looked about our parents' age, hair slicked back, shirt stuffed into his jeans, tie hanging loosely from his neck, was leaning against the wall. His lips were almost glued to the ear of a beautiful woman. She must’ve been around the same age he was though beauty wasn’t lost on her in those years. It was hard to watch though, as her eyes were so desperately vacant. There was nothing there. No joy, no excitement. He was wearing a ring, she was wearing one too. We could only assume that those two had seen a few years together. Maybe this was their night out. Kids dropped off at the sitter those two felt like hitting the town, reliving their youth.

Only when you’re stuck in a gray, loveless, sad mess for too long, it takes over your entire being. It turns you into a gray mess yourself. I knew that because I could see it every day in my own parents. Billy knew because his mother had to break his heart in order to escape her own heartbreak and the mess. 

“ He’s trying too hard, the idiot. “ Billy chuckled. This was something we did a lot, sit and watch people and pretend our lives would never end like theirs. And god, did we hope and pray we wouldn’t end up like this.

“ She’s so desperate to just get back home,” I pointed out, taking another sip from my beer.

“ Their names, “ Billy started “ are Jeff and Hillary. They’ve been married for 20 years now. Jeff is an accountant at Hillary’s dad’s firm. Good ol’ Hilly dreamed of becoming a model for Sports Illustrated. Then she got knocked up and settled for a life in the suburbs with Jeff who’s as exciting as a piece of untoasted toast.” 

“ They have three kids, and she loves them, “ I continued, “ but god sometimes she really resents them for being the reasons she had to give up on all her dreams. Give up on the person she used to be. “ 

“ Two more drinks, then they’ll go home and have boring, unsatisfying sex. He’ll hump away and break a sweat and two minutes later he’ll fall asleep and she’s gonna stare up at the ceiling and consider finishing the job herself, cause Jeff clearly doesn’t care. And she’ll just stare and wish that this wasn’t her life. Because she hates it.” 

Where things had started out fun, they turned quite sad quite quickly. 

“ Promise me we will never end up like this, “ Billy said, now facing me. My favourite shade of blue, so vibrant, so soft. I nodded, because I was lost for all words. That’s the effect Billy had on me and everyone else.

The line! You drew it! Remember it!

I ordered a tequila then. “ We’d never stand a chance,” I thought “ at love, not Billy and I.” 

So I tried to forget about my thoughts, with a little salt and a little lime and a shot that burned all the way down. Tried to forget about those intrusive little words and images that I knew could never be. 

I don’t know how much later it was but at some point, Billy’s warm big handheld onto my arm to steady my swaying frame. I could tell you what it felt like when he looked at me then, if I had the vocabulary to properly put it into words. I knew then, that if no one else, Billy was there to take care of me. That with crossing the line I would give up on this. This love that was certainly there even if it was in a completely different way. Maybe this was all the love I would ever need in my life. 

“ Let me take you home. “ 

But did he not know? Home was wherever he was. Home was him.

We arrived back at my house which was deserted, as always. Weekends were when my own parents tried to rekindle a flame that had never been there in the first place. I was invisible. Maybe that’s what drew me to Billy, he saw me. All of me. And he understood in ways I had never been understood before.

“ Are you okay getting up by yourself ? “ he asked, his eyes looking towards the window of my room. Was I okay? Sure I could’ve managed by did I want to? Did I want to be all by myself in a house that felt so cold even in those warm summer nights? No, I really didn’t.

“ I thought you’d stay over again ?” 

“ You’re not sick of me yet ? “ the way he said it sounded so nonchalant, like he was completely joking. He wasn’t I knew him better than that. When everyone always makes you feel like a burden, it’s hard to accept that some people actually want your around. It’s hard to accept love when life’s always made you believe you didn’t deserve it.

“ I’ll never get sick of you, Billy” and I had never been more serious about anything else in my life.

Okay, maybe the line was getting a little smudged.

“ I’ll lend you one of my sleepshirts.” 

“ Lucky me.” 

And he held my hand as we got up like it was nothing. And maybe it wasn’t to him at that point, but it was everything to me. Maybe to him it was just holding a friend’s hand who has drank a little too much. But that’s all it had to be to send my heart beating faster.

There had been countless times before that Billy had spent the night but the more I let myself get lost in those comforting daydreams, the more my stomach started fluttering when he was near. We wouldn’t cuddle, not really, not when we got to sleep. We’d just lay next to each other, two pillows one blanket. We’d just exist around each other and try to not let the weight settle back in just yet. He was so close I could feel the warmth 

his body was exuding, could hear him breathing. He was so close and yet the most we’d touch was my legs accidentally brushing his or the other way around.

“ I never wanna live in a house like this ever again, “ I told him then, sheltered by the dark of the night. “ It’s so empty and sad and big and I just — I hate it here.” 

He was real quiet for a moment but I knew he would answer soon enough. When he was with me, Billy had a habit of really considering his words. Maybe because I knew I listened to what he had to say, I cared.

“ Yeah me neither. No offence to your parent’s decorating skills or anything. But god, this house sucks. It’s so — “ 

“ Sad. It’s a sad big house. “

“ Yeah. “ 

“ What kind of house would you want? “ I asked and I swear in that moment I felt his hand brush mine. Only for a second. But it was there. It was there.

“ One by the beach. Where I can just open the door and walk onto the sand and down to the shore. I’d like a fire pit on my property, those are cool. “ 

“ They really are. I can see us sitting by the fire pit, eating smores, watching the waves. That sounds nice. “ 

Shit, did I say that? I did. And I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Right there and then. Lines, (Y/N) !!! Remember the god damn lines you drew yours—

“ I’d like that. “

That moment, the moment he said those words, I wondered for the first time if maybe Billy didn’t see the line between friendship and relationship because to him there was none. Not because he didn’t see me as suitable but because he just didn’t think in those convoluted and ridiculous ways I did. There were no lines because Billy didn’t need them to define anything, he chose to define things himself. 

“ I want a house that’s a home. Something that’s more than 4 walls and a roof. “ he said and smiles at me. Billy Hargrove smiles were rare but when he would grant them to you, they were magnificent.

I fell asleep with lines smudged and everything I knew shaken up. I also fell asleep with my hand in his.

The next morning, I woke up cuddled into his chest. I closed my eyes again to hold onto the moment just a little longer.

Things didn't drastically change after that, my world didn’t suddenly shift. Billy and I were still best friends and if I am being completely honest, they seemed rather stagnant after that night. Like either of us was afraid of making a wrong move.

Like I’ve mentioned before, I was a fucking dumbass back then because instead of trying to have a grown-up conversation with him about it, I decided to look for romance elsewhere.

Kyle Davis was a nice guy. He was part of the school newspaper, drove a red BMW and worked part-time at Sam Goody inside Starcourt mall. Kyle Davis was also the son of one of Hawkins most respectable lawyers and was sure to follow in his father’s footsteps one of these days.

And Kyle Davis, for some reason I don’t understand to this day, was interested in me. Followed me around like a lovesick puppy. I had no real interest in him but as I said, he was nice and I wanted to see what it felt like, having someone who wants you too and who isn’t afraid to tell you that.

So when he asked me to the summer formal, I said yes. Something that Billy did not like. Not one bit.

“ Kyle Davis ? “ he all but yelled as he slumped down on the bleachers next to me. The sun was shining down on us with warm, golden rays. I was trying to focus on some stupid math problem, papers and books spread on the bench next to me.

“ What about him ? “ 

“ You’re going to the dance with him ? “ 

“ Yup. Is that a problem ? “ 

“ I mean — “ he said then huffed “ I mean yeah. It’s Kyle Davis. Kyle. “ 

“ He’s nice. “ 

“ Sure he is. A nice guy with a stable future. Someone’s already warming his chair at dad’s cosy office where he gets everything handed to him. Let’s see how this is gonna play out, huh ? “ 

“ Billy don’t.”

“ Nah, let me have this one. So Kyle takes you to the dance, you smooch a little, maybe he gets to cop a feel. Obviously he wants to keep you around because you’re pretty great. So you date and at some point you gotta talk about the future because graduation isn’t all that far off. And Kyle is the kind of guy that expects you to stay with him, follow him wherever he goes. Let’s pretend you would. Soon enough he’d get you knocked up with little Kyle Junior. He’d be out at work all day letting you turn bitter and resentful and hate the life you have, all alone in a big empty house with a kid you can’t love properly because you don’t love their dad or the life he made you live. And soon enough you’d end up in a shitty pub trying to chase something that wasn’t there in the first place. I don’t wanna watch you end up like Hillary at the pub. “ 

“ God, Billy. Don’t be so dramatic, I’m just going to the dance with him. What’s wrong with you, are you jealous or something ? “ 

I was expecting him to deny it, to blow me off with some stupid yet charming one-liner. He didn’t though, he stayed quiet. And that made my eyes shoot up to look at him.

There was a sincerity in his eyes that I wasn’t used to. An indescribable confidence and yet he looked more nervous that I had ever seen him before.

“ Have I not made that obvious? Of course I’m jealous! ”

“ I — what ? “ 

Everything I ever thought I knew, was pure and utter bullshit.

“ Jesus, (Y/N). I have been in love with you since the first time we hung out. I asked you to tutor me because I wanted to be around you, I was really fucking good at English class if I’m being honest here. I didn’t need your help but I needed to know you. I wanted to know you. You just don’t fucking realize how — incredible you are. In everything you do. Your grilled cheese sandwiches are so good, you manage to remember the lines to every song instantly, you don’t know how to pronounce melancholy and I think that’s so adorable. I feel incredibly lost and angry and disillusioned with life. I hate so much about myself but you, you understand it and you feel it with me and —  you're everything I love about the things I hate in me. So please, if there’s even a teeny tiny chance for me, don’t go out with him.” 

I didn’t answer, because I didn’t know what to say at all. And then a second passed and I knew this was the moment.

This was that moment where I got to decide how my life was gonna go. Where I got to chose the person I wanted to walk alongside. And it was Billy. It always had been.

I’m not sure who kissed who first then but one moment he was pouring his heart out to me and the next our lips were touching. That’s when my summer truly began. His red-hot took over my dull gray and turned it into something bright and wonderful and exciting. 

“ Do you actually wanna go to the dance ? “ he asked as we pulled away, “ cause if you do I’ll take you. I just — don’t own a suit., so … “

“ How about we ditch that stupid dance and take and just get away from it all. I just wanna be with you, Billy. You are my home. “ 

It was the summer of 1985 when I learned what love really was. It doesn’t come with rules or regulations. There’s no rhyme or reason to it sometimes. That’s a scary fact to realize and even scarier to accept. You can’t trick it, manipulate it. It’s no game to be won or lost. It’s — I believe it’s bigger than any human can fully comprehend. 

So all that we can do, it let it move us, allow ourselves to feel it and accept the love when it comes our way. No lines needed.