#recommended by 9 out of 10 witch doctors

[rjjameshiii]

RJ's Platinum Collection #17: Potion Permit

Achieved on 12/24/2022 at 4:02 PM

So I am a fan of Stardew Valley, and I play that game on-and-off a lot. One day, I was looking at my "Because You Played" recommendations and noticed that Potion Permit was one of the recommendations. It looked cool, and I wanted to try something different, so I decided to buy it - and boy was I not disappointed!

Potion Permit sees you take the role of a young Chemist - I chose the male Chemist and named him Tomas - who is sent from the city to the small country town of Moonbury to become the new resident doctor. However, it turns out that the citizens of Moonbury do not trust Chemists due to an incident in the past that has left the local environment in absolute mayhem. So now it is up to poor little Tomas to not only brew potions to cure the townsfolk of various ailments and earn their trust, but he has to somehow fix all of the disasters that have befallen the local nature.

So my first step for my Platinum journey was to just play the game and have fun. Completing the main quest of the game ended up taking me about 46 hours, during which I got 21 trophies.

1/38: Welcome To Moonbury - Welcome to Moonbury.

2/38: The First Step - Brew your first potion.

3/38: Moonbury Traveller - Use fast travel 20 times.

4/38: Rookie Chemist - Brew potions 15 times.

5/38: K.O.! - Passed out for the first time.

6/38: Friendly - Reach Friendship Level 1 with 5 villagers.

7/38: Great Doctor - Successfully cure 10 patients.

8/38: Dog Whisperer - Reach Friendship Level 3 with your dog.

9/38: The Capitalist - Collect 10,000 coins.

10/38: Intermediate Chemist - Brew potions 50 times.

11/38: Lumber Specialist - Collect 3,000 wood.

12/38: Ablutomaniac - Have a bath in the Willow Waters Bathhouse 10 times.

13/38: Sociable - Reach Friendship Level 2 with 10 villages

14/38: Heart Of Gold - Reach Friendship Level 3 with a villager.

A brief interruption to talk about who I chose to romance. At the time of my playthrough, there were six available love interests (the game has since been updated to include four more), and I was initially gonna go for Matheo, the witch doctor who hated Tomas but is VERY hot, but I ended up getting swept away by the much nicer Reyner, the local carpenter. I still think fondly of him to this day. When I confessed to him, he got so excited he ran into a wooden pole and bumped his head. Silly carpenter man, hehe.

15/38: Spark Of Love - Date an NPC for the first time.

16/38: Community Helper - Clear 25 quests from the Community Board.

17/38: Good Samaritan - Successfully cure 50 patients.

18/38: Catch Of The Day - Go fishing 50 times.

19/38: Stone Specialist - Collect 10,000 stones.

20/38: Fishing Guru - Collect 10 types of fish in Moonbury.

21/38: Expert Chemist - Brew potions 150 times.

Voila! I successfully fixed all the town's problems and became the local hero. After completing the Main Quest, the game basically just lets you do whatever you want, and all I had left to do was grinding.

A. Lot. Of. Grinding.

I started with grinding out ingredients for cooking (it doesn't really offer much status-wise, so I never actually bothered cooking anything during the main quest), and I also got the trophy for helping the Police Department sort ink 15 times.

22/38: Amateur Chef - Cook food 5 times.

23/38: Line Cook - Cook food 15 times.

24/38: Production Sorter - Work part-time in the Police Department 15 times.

25/38: Sous Chef - Cook food 50 times.

26/38: Decorative Mind - Collect 10 pieces of furniture.

At this point I decided to get the trophies for failing to cure patients with your potions out of the way, but I couldn't bring myself to ruin all of Tomas' hard work. So I made a new save file, gave my new Chemist the creative name of Failura, and then basically slept over and over and over until I had successfully failed to cure 10 people.

27/38: Being Forgetful... - Failed to cure a patient for the first time.

28/38: Being A Donut... - Failed to cure 10 patients.

With that done, I returned to my Tomas file and continued with a lot of grinding.

29/38: Animal Lover - Pet your dog 50 times.

30/38: Mail Carrier - Work part-time in the Post Office 15 times.

31/38: Acrobatic Adventurer - Roll 1,000 times.

32/38: Animal Exterminator - Defeat 1,000 enemies.

33/38: Grape Supplier - Work part-time in the Church 15 times.

34/38: Tree Exterminator - Forage 1,000 trees.

35/38: Rock Exterminator - Forage 1,000 stones.

36/38: Plantation Exterminator - Forage 1,000 plants.

37/38: Community Advisor - Clear 75 quests from the Community Board.

Once I completed my 75th Community Board quest, I finally got the Potion Permit Platinum - boy do I love alliteration!

38/38: Moonbury Navigator - Unlock all other trophies.

Potion Permit is a very cozy and fun game, but a lot of the gameplay does get repetitive. I personally think the characters and story make up for that, but it's not worth continuing the game after you finish the main quest and max out all your relationships with each villager, especially if you're trying to Platinum since that requires a LOT of grinding. However, it has received several updates since I last played, so maybe that has changed!

Rating: 8/10

[jackandsally312]

I finished reading Long Live The Pumpkin Queen and if you’re a TNBC fan, I definitely recommend reading it. Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read the book!

So some interesting things we learned from the book were

1. Jack and Sally got married a year after Jack stole Christmas which is interesting because it makes you wonder how long they dated and when Jack proposed

2. Jack isn’t immortal! There were several times pointed out in the book that Jack can die in Halloween Town. He’s not immortal like we thought he was but how long can he live for? After Jack sentences Doctor Finklestein to 100 years of community service in Dream Town, Sally mentioned that Jack might banish the doctor to the swamp or screaming fields after 100 years. So how old could Jack be and what’s his lifespan?

3. Doctor Finklestein is a villain. Yes, technically the Sandman was also the villain of the book who turned nice after getting some well needed shut eye. But Doctor Finklestein had kidnapped Sally from Dream Town and basically made her his slave, making her cook for him and locking her in the basement, etc. Also I love how Jack got very defensive of Sally after learning what the doctor did, even saying how he didn’t like the way the doctor treated Sally (This is why Jack is a good husband lol)

4. Cupid isn’t a holiday leader. That’s right, when you think of Valentines Day you’d think Cupid is the holiday leader but no. Ruby Valentino is the ruler of Valentines Day

5. Jack goes to the human world on Halloween. We always assumed that on Halloween, the townsfolk of Halloween Town celebrated by witnessing their Pumpkin King putting on a fiery show and somersaulting into the murky green water of the fountain in the Town Square. But Sally said how Jack usually goes to the human world on Halloween, how he’d describe our world to her and the places he’s seen/ been to and how Jack uses graveyards to get back to Halloween Town (like we saw in the movie) and Sally also mentioned how Jack had wanted to take Sally to the human world to show her around

6. Halloween Town makes candy. Who would’ve thought? But it makes sense since they make everything else

7. Alfred (Sally’s dad) invented daydreaming. Pretty neat!

8. Out of one of the four vampires we’ve seen from the movie, one of them is called The Vampire Prince

9. Sally is the only Queen Halloween Town has ever had. I was quite shocked to read that there were no other Pumpkin Queens before Sally which means that Jack’s mom wasn’t a queen

10. Sally was born, not created. Not only does this confirm that Sally was not created by Doctor Finklestein but that Jack could’ve been born as a skeleton. He even says in TNBC Oogie’s Revenge that he had a guillotine as a boy (a skeleton boy perhaps)

11. Sally has anxiety. While I do understand as I myself have anxiety, Sally’s anxiety flares up when she’s crowded by the citizens of Halloween Town (having her dress touched and examined or even having herself be examined) or if she’s in an uncomfortable situation such as when the Vampire Prince and the witch sisters Helgamine and Zeldaborn are trying to give Sally a new makeover to make her look more like a queen

12. Jack doesn’t encourage violence. This right here is an example of why Jack is a good leader. After discussing what to do with the Sandman, everyone has different thoughts such as throwing him off of a cliff, squishing him or locking him up. Everyone agreed to squishing him and throwing him off the cliff much to the Mayor agreeing that he should be killed, Jack intervenes and tells his citizens to not kill the Sandman and that he belongs to Dream Town so it’s their choice of what to do with him

13. The place where Skellington Manor is located in town is called Skull Hill

14. Overbooked. Sally obviously wanted more days alone with Jack on their honeymoon but his Pumpkin King duties likely kept them from doing so since Halloween was only two weeks away and things still needed to be done

15. No one in Halloween Town ever cared about Sally. Even when Sally and Jack were dating no one batted an eye at their king’s lover, not until they got married but even after they got married no one cared for her then. The townsfolk didn’t change their ways after being told by Jack that Sally had saved them all from the Sandman who stole their dreams and had put them in an endless sleep

16. If Sally wasn’t kidnapped from Dream Town, she would’ve taken over from her parents and become governor of Dream Town

That’s all for now, if I think of more I’ll be sure to make another post!

[outofmyowncharacter]

I posted 19,553 times in 2022

That's 8,401 more posts than 2021!

6 posts created (0%)

19,547 posts reblogged (100%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@dragons134678

@happinessisntfun

@mateo-of-avalor

@yellowmoth

@hychlorions

I tagged 846 of my posts in 2022

#ace attorney - 21 posts

#yep - 12 posts

#lol - 12 posts

#narumitsu - 10 posts

#omg - 9 posts

#wow - 9 posts

#ref - 9 posts

#klapollo - 8 posts

#prev tags - 7 posts

#geez - 6 posts

Longest Tag: 137 characters

#i'm also afraid of yet another doctor not even bothering listening to me and prescribe me anti depressants again even tho they don't work

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

21🎵

1 note - Posted December 2, 2022

#4

HEY LOSER !!!!

HEY YAAA!!!

1 note - Posted February 15, 2022

#3

Rules: Tag people you would like to know/catch up with.

Tagged by @happinessisntfun

Last Song(s): Can't Take My Eyes Off You - Boys Town Gang

Last Movie: The Power of The Dog (what a weird movie haha)

Currently Reading: AA fanfic, as for an actual book: Don Casmurro by Machado de Assis

Tagging: @dragons134678 @its-hai-time @saraarp @matori

3 notes - Posted April 22, 2022

#2

Do you have any posters on your wall? If so, what kind?

Not currently, cause we're on a rented apartment and my mom doesn't want to ruin the painting so we don't have to paint it again when we leave (landlords are fun aren't they?) But tbh I have no idea of what posters I would hang on my wall (well, definitely a Majora's Mask poster, a Queen (the band lol) poster and a Cindy Lauper one, other than those idk).

3 notes - Posted February 19, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Yuppie Psycho is a pixel horror game set in the biggest corporation in the world, Sintracorp! Only the best of the best are chosen, with many top applicants from rich universities being turned away. Which is why it's unreal that our boy Brian Pasternack gets a job offer - he's just a nobody from the suburbs and he's never even had a job before! But this job isn't a dream it turns out, it's a nightmare - the company is rotting from the inside with whispers of a witch's curse. So yeah! Horror comedy, they use their concept to great effect and you can play it on PC or console (a free dlc with new endings came out last year tiki taka) and I'd recommend manlybadasshero if you wanna watch a let's play (tho he hasn't played the new content)

Thank you for the info! I ended up googling it and the concept sounds so good! The character design is good too. Gonna look up that let's play and check it out.

6 notes - Posted June 27, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[astralshade]

Top Ten Tips For Beginner Witches:✨✨

1) Read a lot.

There are tons of resources online and in print covering witchcraft, Wiccan, and Pagan practices. Begin by just reading and see what resonates with you. Reading will provide you with a foundational starting point, historical perspective, and it can show you the different paths you can choose in your practice.

2) Take Good Notes

You will use these to reference what you are learning and beginning to understand, but there is an even more important reason to do this . . .

So you can begin compiling your very own

Book of Shadows

In the most basic sense, this is like a journal and recipe book combined into one for practicing witches. Everyone is unique, and the contents will vary depending on the practices of the witch. What I choose to include in mine may not resonate with you, and vice versa.

3) Pace Yourself

Don’t get overwhelmed with all of the information and sources you are coming across. The study of witchcraft can take more than a couple of lifetimes (no pun intended). There is no time limit on your learning and understanding. Be patient with yourself.

4) Join A Community For Mentorship

Ella recommends finding a local group, but especially in certain areas of the country and world, there may not be one readily available. Enter the global community of social media.

There are many groups you can join on Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit that can help you link up with other practitioners who can provide guidance and suggestions to you.

5) Understand The Difference Between Witchcraft and Wicca

Wicca is an organized religion with a set of core values, beliefs, and best practices. Witchcraft, on the other hand, is more individualized. This is a very rudimentary and basic explanation.

6) Protect Yourself

Protection comes in physical, mental, and spiritual forms. And a good principle to implement:

It is easier to protect than it is to cleanse.

You will want to establish boundaries that ensure your safety while practicing. You may have the best of intentions, but others may not. And sometimes, those without good intentions don’t even realize what they are doing.

7) Tools Are An Extra Not A Necessity

Ella frequently states that you do not have to have the fanciest things, especially when starting out. You can

Use what you have

Make your own

Recycle items

Find items at antique or thrift stores

Or if all else fails, use your hands and your mind

8) You Can Substitute A White Candle For Any Other Candle Color

Ideally, you will have an entire rainbow of candles, but for those starting out, you may just have what is on hand. Many spells, intentions, rituals, and incantations specify a particular color candle.

Example: Devin taught me an abundance and prosperity spell that required a green candle. Except I couldn’t find any. We were able to sub a white one for the time being, and it has been effective.

When it doubt, white it out.

9) Practice Meditation, Mindfulness, Visualization, and Intuition

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you not only impact your witchcraft, you impact your mindset, which is an important part of every major religion or belief system.

Meditation, in particular, is vital for spellcraft as you must be in a certain state of mind to achieve results in a desired amount of time.

Intuition will guide you through your practice and be helpful for warnings and insight.

Visualization cannot be emphasized enough as many spells require visualization and clear visualization at that in order to be effective.

10) Spells Should Not Be Your First Option

Spells should not be used as a crutch or shortcut option for your life. If you are sick, go to a doctor. If you are having trouble with someone in your life, attempt constructive communication. You can not rely on spells as some easy way out. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

[wisehoagiekidwobbler]

100 Prompts for Working with Your Grimoire on a Daily Basis.

Your grimoire is a living document. Recording your spiritual practice in a sacred manner is a great way to stay connected to your spirituality. Plus, by recording things like your new moon intentions, rituals and your moods or dreams during certain astrological events, you are creating a way to observe and bear witness to your spiritual path as it evolves. I recommend making your grimoire a part of your daily spiritual practice so that it becomes an innate part of your witchy path. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find new ways to work with your grimoire though, and then the document becomes stagnant, no longer keeping up with your daily spiritual experience. Once you have recorded the magickal correspondences of your favorite herbs and crystals, astrological signs and a few spells or recipes, you may find yourself stuck as to how to continue working with your grimoire. To help you out with that block, here are 100 prompts to kickstart your creativity and get your witchy observations underway:

1. Record information about plants that are native to your area. 

2. Get to know your sun sign. How does it manifest in your real life? What house do you have the sun in and what other planets are also in that house? All of these elements affect your astrological relationship with the sun.

3. Look up your own moon sign, as well as any planets or asteroids in your natal chart that are in the sign of Cancer, (the sign of the moon), and record what you find in your grimoire.

4. Create a page in your grimoire to record the intentions you set at each new moon for the entire year so that you can keep track of your progress.

5. Write out tutorials for particular projects you make often or are interested in making, such as tinctures, infused oils, homemade gin or flower essences.

6. Make natural ink from plants to use when writing in your grimoire. (There is a great tutorial for this in The Modern Witch’s Guide to Lammas online course!)

7. In addition to individual profile pages for each plant, create indexes of particular traits, correspondences or astrological rulers for easy reference.

8. Record recipes for diffuser blends, tinctures, tea blends, spells and other herbal concoctions and leave space at the bottom to note in a few days, weeks or months, how the recipe’s effect turned out.

9. Keep track in your grimoire of where you acquire your favorite versions of each plant. As you practice herbalism regularly, you will discover that you prefer some plants from certain shops over others or from your own garden or not. 

10. Rather than simply drawing a picture of the plant on its profile page in its most commonly recognized form, include more detailed drawings as well of the plant as it appears in various seasons and periods of its life cycle. 

11. Keep a record of the types of pollinators that visit your garden and research their likes, dislikes and functions.

12. Work with the spring astrological signs of Aries, Taurus and Gemini and record information you find about the energies of these signs in your grimoire.

13. Work with the summer astrological signs of Cancer, Leo and Virgo and record information you find about the energies of these signs in your grimoire.

14. Work with the fall astrological signs of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius and record information you find about the energies of these signs in your grimoire.

15. Work with the winter astrological signs of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces and record information you find about the energies of these signs in your grimoire.

16. Profile crystals and herbs related to Ostara and Beltane, such as tulips and clover, or rose quartz and aquamarine.

17. Profile crystals and herbs related to the Summer Solstice and Lammas, such as wheat, sunflowers and citrine.

18. Profile herbs associated with Samhain, such as Rosemary, Mugwort and Yarrow.

19. Profile crystals associated with Samhain, such as Bloodstone, Obsidian and Black Tourmaline.

20. Profile crystals and herbs associated with Yule such as garnet and moss agate, or holly and peppermint.

21. Profile crystals and herbs associated with the moon, such as selenite and jasmine. 

22. Journaling Prompt: Where do you feel like you shine? In what situation do you feel your best, most brilliant self?

23. Summer is when the sun is at its strongest. Record scientific, metaphysical and astrological information about the sun.

24. Record the steps you take for your Ostara and Beltane rituals and your springtime full moon ritual, so you can refer back to them in future spring seasons.

25. Record the steps you take in your Summer Solstice and Strawberry Moon rituals. It can be very helpful and enlightening in the future to be able to refer back and see what you did and how you felt at the time.

26. Record the steps you take in your Samhain and Blood Moon rituals. It can be very helpful and enlightening in the future to be able to refer back and see what you did and how you felt at the time.

27. Record the steps you take for your Yule and December full moon rituals, so that you can refer back to them in the future.

28. Journaling Prompt: Summer is the season of abundance. What is in full bloom and abundant growth in your life right now? What needs a little extra care to achieve abundance?

29. Meditate or do a card reading outside in the sunshine. Feel the warmth shine down on your skin and record the results of your solar-powered meditation or reading.

30. Now that your garden is in abundant production, record the recipes (culinary, medicinal and otherwise) that you are using your herbs and veggies in.

31. Record information about the energy of the new moon.

32. Start a Lunar Grimoire to keep track of your new moon rituals.

33. Record information about the astrological sign that the moon is currently in.

34. Journaling Prompt: What intentions are you setting at this new moon? What goals are you setting? How do your physical goals and spiritual intentions differ from each other?

35. Record your favorite oils, crystals and herbs to aid in manifestation work for realizing the intentions you set at the new moon.

36. Look up which phase the moon was in when you were born and record information about it.

37. Journaling Prompt: What have you manifested since the last new moon? Did you realize your intentions or goals that you set then?

38. Pull one tarot card every new moon and record it in the same section of your grimoire each month so you can refer back to where you were at for the beginning of each lunar cycle in the year.

39. Record information about the energy of the full moon.

40. Start a Lunar Grimoire to keep track of your full moon rituals.

41. Keep a daily record of particular habits you want to start, such as drinking water, exercising or practicing a morning or evening ritual.

42. If you have pets or a familiar, research any plants that may be harmful for them and record them in your grimoire for safety reference.

43. Record information about the astrological sign that the moon is currently in.

44. Research moon goddesses such as Selene, Diana and Hecate and write in your grimoire information about how they are worshiped.

45. If you commonly suffer from a particular ailment, research which plants and homeopathic remedies exist to treat it and record them in your grimoire. (Please note: Always consult a doctor for serious or chronic conditions. Do not mix homeopathic remedies with Western medicine and medication without speaking to your doctor first.)

46. Journaling Prompt: What do you want to celebrate at this full moon? How have you grown and what have you achieved in the last lunar cycle?

47. The new moon is associated with the maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. Research the maiden and goddesses associated with her and record what resonates with you in your grimoire.

48. Spring is associated with the maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. Research the maiden and goddesses associated with her and record what resonates with you in your grimoire.

49. Summer is associated with the mother aspect of the Triple Goddess. Research the mother and goddesses associated with her and record what resonates with you in your grimoire.

50. The full moon is associated with the mother aspect of the Triple Goddess. Research the mother and goddesses associated with her and record what resonates with you in your grimoire.

51. Autumn is associated with the crone aspect of the Triple Goddess. Research the crone and goddesses associated with her and record what resonates with you in your grimoire.

52. Write down all of the tools you like to use in moon rituals, including your favorite candles, tarot decks, teas and oil blends.

53. Journaling Prompt: What do you want to release from the past lunar cycle?

54. Sketch out the layout of your garden or planters.

55. Research plants that are native to your area or that you want to grow yourself and record information you find about them, as well as their magickal properties.

56. If you plant to grow plants that you can cook with, write down a few magickal recipes you will be able to use them in.

57. Journaling Prompt: What does rebirth mean to you? Is it the natural cycle of the seasons or something more literal or magickal?

58. Design a tarot spread for spring and record it in your grimoire. Themes for your spread could include rebirth and new growth.

59. Journaling Prompt: What aspect of your spiritual or magickal life do you need to do a little spring cleaning in? What can you clear out to make room for new ideas?

60. Speaking of spring cleaning, record the ways in which you are adding a magickal touch to your cleaning routine, such as saging your home or infusing your cleaning products with your intentions for the spring season. This can become a ritual in and of itself.

61. You may also want to “spring clean” your grimoire: smudge it with smoke to release any negativity or energy it has collected over the winter and start the season fresh.

62. Record in your grimoire family recipes you make each year during the holidays, such as the family gingerbread cookie recipe. This is perfect for kitchen witches who use their grimoires as recipe books as well.

63. Journaling Prompt: Reflect on the past year and how you have grown in your spiritual journey during that time.

64. Record a favorite holiday story or Yule legend, such as A Christmas Carol or the story of the yule log. Then, each year, you will be able to read this story out loud from your grimoire to create a new holiday tradition.

65. Make plans for the new year in terms of your spiritual journey. What new ideas and techniques do you want to study?

66. Sketch or trace mandalas into your grimoire and color them in. Coloring may be trendy but it really is deeply meditative and relaxing, and mandalas can be very powerful for centering your energy. The perfect activity for a rainy, winter day!

67. Press sprigs of holly leaves, pine or cedar in your grimoire to scent the book with the feeling of the season.

68. Research and record information about gods and goddesses associated with Yule and other winter holidays, such as Saturnalia. You might find a new tradition you feel drawn to.

69. Journaling prompt: What in your life is coming to an end? How do you feel about that?

70. Design a tarot spread for fall or Samhain and record it in your grimoire for future use. Themes for your spread could include letting go of something or connecting with your ancestors/ancestral knowledge.

71. Research traditional witchcraft in your ancestral culture. Are there any particular spells or practices that you can incorporate into your own magick? Record them in your grimoire.

72. Journaling prompt: How does the crone goddess present herself in your own life? Is there someone that you think represents her? How do you relate to her wise and often misunderstood energy personally?

73. Have a favorite fall recipe? Look up the magickal associations of the main ingredients and record the recipe in your grimoire.

74. Sketch a plan for your fall garden, along with how you are physically and spiritually clearing out the garden from summer. Note what the magickal associations of your new fall plants are.

75. Journaling prompt: Fall and Samhain are sometimes associated with inner darkness and understanding that side of ourselves. How do you deal with dark thoughts when they occur? How can you better harness that darkness and turn it into something productive and useful?

76. Carved pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns are a traditional form of protective magick. Sketch out your ideas and final plans for your jack-o-lantern this year in your grimoire! Incorporate protective sigils or pentagrams into the design for an extra magickal boost.

77. Press fall leaves in your grimoire and try to identify them on the page. What is their significance? What do they represent together and individually for you?

78. Record magickal traditions and superstitions of the cultures that your ancestors came from. Write down spells and rituals you come across, even if they aren’t something you would every practice yourself – having this understanding of where you come from can help you more deeply connect with your own unique magick.

79. Record all of the plants you are starting from seed or planning to put in your garden. You could even sketch out your garden layout, as well as record the magickal correspondences of each plant.

80. Create a dream journal section in your grimoire to record your dreams each morning and the astrological and outside factors that may have influenced them.

81. Have a reading done by a professional tarot, tea leaf or palm reader, and record in your grimoire what they said or predicted about you. Leave space to record in a few weeks or months how their predictions manifested.

82. Develop a daily skincare routine for hot weather and sun exposure and record the routine, as well as recipes for any homemade cosmetics used in the routine.

83. Draw constellations that you see in the sky and record when and where you see them and information about the mythology behind them.

84. Draw your own natal chart and record information about the placement of your planets, signs and houses.

85. Keep a running list of witchy books you are interested in reading and currently reading. Give a brief review of each to refer back to after you have finished them.

86. Record a list of songs and musical artists that put you in a magickal or spiritual mindset.

87. Collage a mini vision board of your intentions on a page spread in your grimoire.

88. Write or sketch out yoga sequences such as custom sun and moon salutations.

89. Draw different crystal formations and record information about their meanings and functions.

90. Explore the ways that the element of air manifests in your life.

91. Explore the ways that the element of earth manifests in your life.

92. Explore the ways that the element of fire manifests in your life.

93. Explore the ways that the element of water manifests in your life.

94. Research other witchcraft traditions than your own to discover what you can learn from them. Explore the labels you have used, those you have shied away from and what that all might mean for the future of your practice.

95. Journaling Prompt: How do you relate to technology in your spiritual life? Do you utilize it or turn away from it? Why or why not?

96. Record a spiritual history of your family, beginning as far back as you are aware. What were the spiritual beliefs of your immediate family and of your ancestors? How did those family traditions evolve over time and how do the beliefs of others affect your practice today?

97. Lay outside on a partly cloudy day and look for shapes in the clouds. Draw what you see and record what you think it means.

98. Create an index of herbs and crystals so that you can cross-reference them by their many variations of folk names.

99. Create a tarot journal section in your grimoire and write down the meaning of each card and your personal associations and reactions to it. You could also do this for individual oracle decks!

100. Journaling Prompt: What kind of witchcraft do you identify most with and why?

[discovisiondreams]

Top 15 First Watches of 2020

I’ve never been good at staying current on pop culture, and that became especially pronounced in 2020. A year where most of the anticipated theatrical releases were pushed to VOD (and the price nearly tripled) meant that a lot of flicks I was excited for got added to the end of the “Maybe Someday” watchlist. 

But in this strange year, I did manage to watch 245 movies- and 195 of those were first-time watches. Some were new, only available on the (virtual) festival circuit. Some were Criterion mainstays, films I’m horrified to admit I hadn’t seen before. But this year, when movies cemented themself as my biggest joy, I began to really track what I watched- including a “top 5 first watches of the month” roundup for every month. These top 5s weren’t ranked, and weren’t even based on technical ability, strength of dialogue, or critical acclaim. They were just the 5 I loved the best. 

So without further ado, here are my top 15 of the year- one selected from the top 5 of each month, with some bonus entries thrown in as well. As a general rule, I only included features on this list- I was fortunate enough to catch shorts that streamed at Chattanooga Film Fest, Celebration of Fantastic Fest, and more, but to add them to the running would have made writing this listicle absolutely impossible. 

HONORABLE Honorable Mention: The Holiday. Inspired by the fine folks at Super Yaki, I finally watched this Nancy Meyers classic. Why is it two and a half hours long?! Why is that two and a half hours so significantly lacking in Jack Black?! The scenes that Black is in, though, really shine. This one is going to be a Christmas mainstay in the Disco household (and not just because I spent money on the DVD).

15: The Love Witch (Honorable Mention, April). This one came highly recommended to me by friends of all sorts, and like most of my 2020 first watches, I’m deeply embarrassed that it took me this long to get to it. Upon finally watching it, on a rainy Sunday, I described the movie in general (and the color palette, specifically) as “sumptuous,” which is one of the most complimentary visual descriptors I can bestow upon a movie. The plot felt a little convoluted at times, but I still found The Love Witch incredibly enjoyable and am hoping to explore more of writer-director Anna Biller’s filmography in 2021.

14: The Guest (Honorable Mention, October). The Guest is one of the few movies I watched multiple times this year- and the only one I watched twice in one week. From the sultry industrial soundtrack selections to the numerous visual nods to Halloween III: Season of the Witch, The guest was Extremely My Shit. The casting here is truly tremendous- especially Maika Monroe, who was similarly brilliant in It Follows. Also of note: Lance Reddick, one of my current favourite character actors. 

13: The Fast and The Furious (Honorable Mention, May). 2 Fast 2 Furious (and its bespoke theme song, Act A Fool, by Ludacris) came out when I was in the 6th grade. Do you remember the music and movies that entered the world when you were in 6th grade? Do you have an inexplicable zealous love for them? 2F2F was the only film in the Fast Cinematic Universe I had seen for a long, long time. Then I saw Fate of the Furious. Then I bought the series box set, as a joke?? And then, slowly but then also all at once, I genuinely started to love this franchise. Some of them are truly ridiculous. Some of them are genuinely bad. But the first one? The Fast and The Furious (2001)? Timeless. Point Break updated and adapted for the early-aughts, The Fast and the Furious walked so The Italian Job (2003) could run. Without The Fast and The Furious, Paul Walker would just be “the guy from Tammy and The T-Rex” to millions of casual cinemagoers. The cultural impact of The Fast and The Furious simply cannot be denied!! 

12: Come to Daddy (Top 5, July). Honestly, this is the exact flavor of bonkers bullshit I’ve grown to expect from Elijah Wood, and that is not an indictment. Wood’s genuine love for genre film is evident here, in what can only be described as an uncomfortable film of family, reunion, and redemption. The tense and abrasive first half gives way to a surprisingly relieving wave of violence and exposition in this critically-acclaimed flick. 

11: The Stylist (Top 5, September). The feature-length debut of writer-director Jill Gevargizian, based off her short of the same name, is female-led horror that pays homage to genre mainstays like Maniac and Psycho while still being decidedly singular. Not only shot in Kansas City, but set in Kansas City, The Stylist made my midwestern heart happy. This is one that I really, really would have loved to see in a crowded theater auditorium, were this year a different one. 

10: In The Mouth of Madness (Top 5, March). Despite being the beginning of pandemic awareness, March was a slow month for me, movie-wise (even though it’s not like I had anything else going on??). But I finally made time for this Carpenter classic, and I’m so happy I did. I’ve long been fascinated by stories about stories, and the people who find themselves trapped within those stories, and this one is truly, in the most basic sense of the word, horrifying. Sam Neill proves that he belongs in horror here, making his role in Event Horizon seem like a natural fit. Also a highlight: noted character actor David Warner, best known (to me) as “Billy Zane’s bodyguard guy in Titanic,” who never ever fails to be unsettling. 

9: Profondo Rosso (Top 5, April). Before this year, my only Argento exposure was Suspiria (which is phenomenal), but Deep Red goes off the deep end in all the best ways. The score (by frequent Argento collaborators Goblin) is truly groovy. The number of twists and turns the plot takes is kind of mind-boggling, but also delightful. Daria Nicolodi (RIP)  is at the top of her acting game here. This quickly became one of my beloved background movies- if I opened Shudder and Profondo Rosso was playing on one of their live-streaming channels, it stayed on while I was cleaning or cooking or paying bills. Profondo Rosso is a must-watch for those hoping to get into giallo.

8: Crimson Peak (Top 5, November). This one was definitely not what I was expecting, but it was GORGEOUS. I loved the world immediately (a Del Toro trademark, to be honest). As a longtime Pacific Rim stan, it made my heart happy to see Charlie Hunnam and Burn Gorman reunited under Guillermo Del Toro’s vision. 

7: Palm Springs (Top 5, August). I am not typically a time-travel movie enthusiast- but I am a sucker for witty repartee and Andy Samberg. This one made me ugly-cry, which I should probably be a bit more ashamed to admit. August had a lot of really great first watches, but the Hulu exclusive takes the cake due to its novel premise, some truly heart-wrenching reveals, and the amazing casting (is there anything JK Simmons cant do?). 

6: Scare Package (Top 5, May). Is there any format I love more than the horror anthology? While there have been so many over the years (Creepshow, All the Creatures Were Stirring), Scare Package might be my favourite of them all. A variety of fun and inventive stories combined with a genre-lovers dream of an overarching narrative make this one a must-see- in fact, it was the whole reason I bought a pass to this year’s online version of Chattanooga Film Fest. There’s a cameo here that absolutely knocked my socks off (and continued to do so even on repeat viewings). While the scares here are honestly minimal, Scare Package is a great love letter to the genre at large.

5: Do The Right Thing (Top 5, June). Yes, it took me until 2020 to watch Do The Right Thing for the first time. The palpable tension, the interwoven stories of Bed-Stuy’s residents, all seem timeless. Giancarlo Esposito is, as always, a joy to watch. 

4: Knives Out (Top 5, February). “It’s a Rian Johnson whodunnit, duh,” states the SuperYaki! T-shirt famously worn by Jamie Lee Curtis, star of Knives Out (2019). This one has received worlds of critical acclaim, I truly do not know what I could even hope to add to the conversation. I want more old-school murder mystery cinema.

3: The VelociPastor (Top 5, January). It should be testimonial enough that The VelociPastor beat out Miss Americana, Netflix’s Taylor Swift documentary, as the top pick for January- but in case it isn’t, let me end 2020 the way I began it; by evangelizing the HECK out of this movie. Written and directed by up-and-coming triple-threat (Director/songwriter/prolific cat-photo-poster) Brendan Steere, The VelociPastor is a true love letter to genre cinema, complete with a big wink to the criminally underloved Miami Connection. Alyssa Kempinski shines as Carol, a doctor/lawyer/hooker with a heart of gold. The VelociPastor premiered in 2019 but gained tons of attention in 2020 (thanks in part to YouTube sensation Cody Ko)- attention that it truly deserves. A sequel is rumored to be in the works, but mark my words, anything to come from the imagination of Brendan Steere will be worth a watch. 

2: Dinner in America (Top 5, October). I genuinely feel sorry for the other movies I watched in October (there were a lot) (they were all SO GOOD). Dinner in America, which I caught during the Nightstream hybrid festival, was not at all what I was expecting. While the other features were all very solidly genre flicks, this was…. A comedy? A modern love story?? I’mn honestly still not exactly sure, but I do know I loved every second of it. I laughed. I cried. I threw my hands up in the air exuberantly (in front of my laptop, looking like a true fool). I did not shut up about this movie online for weeks. I told anyone and everyone that Kyle Gallner is the most underrated actor of my generation and I still believe it! Dinner in America, the story of a punk band frontman who unwittingly takes refuge from the police in the home of his biggest fan, was an unexpectedly heartwarming tale of family, young love, and arson. Watch it as soon as you can. 

1: Promising Young Woman (Top 5, December). This last-minute debut from Emerald Fennell, originally scheduled to hit theaters in April of this year, finally made its way to the big screen on Christmas Day, and became the 2020 entry on my annual “Christmas Day Trip to the Theater” list.* Carey Mulligan is an icon and deserves all of the awards for this. The soundtrack is sublime. The casting choices are truly incredible. While I have no doubt that the general themes of the movie will be polarizing, I absolutely loved this one- I sat in my car in the theater parking lot for a WHILE, considering just buying a ticket for the next showtime- that’s how badly I felt like I needed to see it again immediately. I look forward to writing its inevitable Criterion essay.

*Nobody else in rural iowa was interested in seeing this movie at noon on Christmas Day. I’m shocked.

[tigerstripes-and-leopardspots]

You asked for this

This post is directed at @kamechan98 ( @vague-and-aloof ).

You wanted recommendations, I can give you recommendations.

Now, because I don’t want to ruin what you have planned for your story, I want to keep my real page of headcanons on hold for a bit. But I think you might find inspiration from this one too.

I made a comment on one of your earlier chapters about how you should take a look at season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance, the season Ricky Ubeda appeared in.

When I first started to interest myself in the world of CATS, along the line I found myself in a binge-watching rabbit hole. I watched the boot of the 2016 Broadway Revival and watched through the entire “What’s New Pussycat?” behind the scenes series. After that, I looked up the actors who played my two favorite cats in the revival. Once I found out the actor of Mistoffelees, Ricky, was a contestant and winner of season 11 of SYTYCD, I went on to watch the whole season.

That is what brought me to this. A list of routines from season 11 with Ricky in them, and a short explenation of how I’m imagining they could mean or how they can take place in your story.

I have a full on Google Doc of this info but I figured I should post it here cause I can’t add videos on google. But here I can at least add a link. They are all screen recorded by the way, so many of them don’t have great quality and are a little out of sync.

The routines of Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance and what they are in this story.

Template explained

_____________________________ Ep. X - Episode-title

Song Title - Artist (Opening if the routine was the opening number of the episode)

Style: Dance genre

In the Show (How it’s presented in SYTYCD)

Dancer(s): The people who danced the piece in the show (SYTYCD) Story: The story/idea behind the piece the real choreographer had.

In JAFJC (Shortened for ‘In Jellicle Arts for Jellicle Cats’)

Dancer(s): A CATS character who I imagine dancing this piece. Story: What I see the piece could symbolize for either of the characters or if this specific dance is performed sometime in the story.

Video: Link to a video of the routine. -------------------------------------------------

Not every part of the template is shown in all of the listed routines and that’s either because I don’t have enough info about the routine or I don’t have any idea what I want to put there.

The routines are listed in order of appearance on the show. Which means they absolutely do not have to appear in this order in your story.

It’s mostly Ricky’s routines. The only ones he isn’t in is two group routines and one normal routine. Munkustrap almost acts as the role of Travis Wall as the choreographer. Demeter sometimes acts as the role of Sonya Tayeh as a choreographer as well, if she isn’t dancing one of Munku’s (Travis’) routines or choreographed pieces Sonya didn’t make.

P.S. Travis Wall and Sony Tayeh are two of SYTYCD’s most known and beloved choreographers.

The Episode titles are all bolded and every routine ends with an italicised link. If any routine describtion appears without a bolded episode title, it means they appear in the same episode as the routine above it.

___________________________________ Ep. 4 - Audition week in Atlanta, Georgia Us Against the World - Coldplay

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Original Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: Ricky’s first audition. Ricky created this piece for his mother as a way to thank her for being by his side through everything. 

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: One of Mistoffelees’ pieces he choreographed himself as a way to cope with his magic without using it. He made the piece for his sister Victoria, in the same way, Ricky made it for his mother. 

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rSrn6z9fYfLLt_PrC_kjpJn-vUusxqQR/view

__________________ Ep. 5 - Callback week

Skin and Bones - David J. Roch

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Original Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: Another one of Mistoffelees’ vent routines. This is one of his more emotional pieces. Represents how Mistoffelees acted in the beginning of the story in a big dip of depression. Repressing his magic and any emotions that can cause him to lose control. An empty shell. Just skin and bones.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HfsM6cJ3i8YLMyhHYc-KmqMiSpVZzloo/view 

___________________ Ep. 6 - Meet the Top 20

Stalker Ha - Kingdom (Opening)

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 20

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K1-z9v-DMvIsuA2lqrLxuYzn2mNSjSLE/view

---------------------------------- Vow - Mieke van Hoek & Meredith Monk

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Jessica Richens Story: It’s the ultimate connection. It’s more than just love, it’s a necessity. They need each other to survive.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: The dance symbolizes the strong bond between the twins who had to grow up together with a secret such as Mistoffelees’ magic. Victoria has been his only form of support. It’s a Vow to keep each other safe.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1diliXkvcLE3jA0XvfQ7tSkMSx5FPx0HU/view

_____________________ Ep 7. - Week 1

New York, New York - On the Town 2014 Cast (Opening)

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 20 Story: The reason why this was in the show is because the winner of this season would be given a spot to appear in the 2014 revival of the Broadway musical ‘On the Town’ as part of the price package. This song is one of the opening songs in the musical.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p14H7FZelCBJSUDxZF-I87c2t20t_oSN/view

------------------------------ Oh Darling - Gossling

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: The one that got away. She’s a mess without him so this is her plea to get him back.

In JAFJC 

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: Even if they have the promise of looking out for each other, Mistoffeles’ stubbornness and habit to shut others out can get in the way of that. He doesn’t want to be a bother to other cats and is willing to give up his own happiness.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S0lvSNc45NXPNl9GSVJv9c5mEzQikxUq/view

_____________________ Ep. 8 - Week 2

How It’s Done - District 78 (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 18  Story: It’s a chess match.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JCW1bmX9rW7Kk7U7mf48gUSutrxDYKGG/view

---------------------------------------- I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz

Style: Ballroom - Viennese Waltz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: The Vienesse Waltz is one of the oldest and most romantic ballroom dances.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: It’s considered a romantic dance style. But for the twins, the song’s lyrics play more to their strings. “I Won’t Give Up”. Victoria is not going to give up on her brother and his wishes. It’s her open welcome to the new school and to her circle of friends. They perform this waltz at a business dinner hosted by the Deuteronomy’s as a form to promote the school.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DZI6jDeywpnHnDiPFKnFn6JERostY2vw/view

_____________________ Ep. 9 - Week 3

Take Me to the River - Annie Lennox & Heff Moraes (Opening)

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 16 Story: In my interpretation, it’s a group of sirens/huldras luring in a group of men into a river.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qLIAIsBO1HDrYlC7164kGzlvXCePvCLt/view

---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dilliwaali Girlfriend - Arijit Singh & Sunidhi Chauhan

Style: Bollywood

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: A Bollywood guy is infatuated by a Bollywood girl.

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees & ??

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2GjLSSqj-yfL5JgCIRiFyK-_4VYEZ-0/view

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- These two group routines both appear in the same video

So Broken LIVE - Björk

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Half of season 11’s top 16 Story: A group of broken souls in their weakest moment. 

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students Story: Demeter choreographed this piece and had the help of Jellicle’s freshmen to bring it to life.

---------------------------------------- Love Runs Out - OneRepublic

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Half of season 11’s top 16 (incl. Ricky) Story: A group of outlaws who are trying to escape the city.

In JAFJC:

Dancers: Jellice students (incl. Mistoffelees) Story: Munkustrap choreographed this piece and had the help of the Jellice freshmen to bring it to life.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qFbc1OxOlOLCqOWIEGyjTehv1zWb7NhF/view  Reminder: They’re both in the same video.

______________ Ep. 10 - Week 4

Last Moment - Christophe Filippi (Opening)

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 14 Story: Someone has ascended to heaven.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees and Jellicle students Story: A cat has ascended to the Heaviside layer. It could also symbolize the Jellicle’s welcoming Mistoffelees to their school.

Video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cx2Ew0mdqRn0tHtaYirzLLgHM-_PlJx6/view

---------------------------------------- Like Real People Do - Hozier

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Jessica Richens & Casey Askew Story: They’re in love.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Victoria & Plato Story: They’re in love, Munk! Let them be!

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15KFG6w985xfNN6coFn-JomrYimN04PiP/view

------------------------------------------------------ Turn Down for What - DJ Snake, Lil Jon

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: A witch doctor is trying to bring his voodoo doll to life.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & ?? Story: What would happen if Mistoffelees lost control of his magic like Macavity?

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KgwSnAr0F1-i8zhPdBgBxm33Od1JBhyw/view

-------------------------------------- My Immortal - Evanescence

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 7 girls Story: Strong women dancing together.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Seven of Jellicle Art’s freshmen queens. Story: Demeter choreographed this piece for the queens as a form to break the ice with their classmates.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lIhuiY_Ldoyguw4ThtkKHcZtv92Zcg89/view

------------------ Wave - Beck

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 7 boys Story: They are the lost souls of the city. They’re creatures isolated in the water.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Seven of Jellicle Art’s freshmen toms. Story: Munkustrap choreographed this piece for the toms as a form to break the ice with their classmates.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-RhNPM8EPzPEjczwKTugAmyeCig1DAAx/view

______________ Ep. 11 - Week 5

Bang Bang - Jessie J & Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 10 Story: Takes place at a very colorful saloon.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jemima, Electra, Etcetera, Victoria, Rumpleteazer, Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Mungojerrie, Mistoffelees, and Plato Story: Munkustrap gave ten cats free rein to choreograph a piece. He regrets this a little later once they drag Misto and Victoria along.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GtngV-rK1fNMMGsKMTIHSFgcl8w6aRt0/view

-------------------------------------------- Bossa Nova Baby - Elvis Presley

Style: Rockabilly Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Lauren Froderman Story: A party where Ricky celebrates his reach to the top 10.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Demeter?

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/123MufOUJYTuGz-HGb58XpZ9f8P6VcH3w/view

______________ Ep. 12 - Week 6

A Place With No Name - Michael Jackson (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 8 Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1--XPI94Vny-aY13wcisLvinpbjvxd-pO/view

--------------------------------- Smile - Michael Jackson

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Jaimie Goodwin Story: Having that best friend that picks you up when you’re down that makes you realize that life isn’t so bad and you have so many things to smile about. Ricky is the positive light for Jaimie.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Demeter Story: One thing Mistoffelees have in common with the senior Demeter is that Macavity has influenced their lives in one way or another. Demeter shares the story to Mistoffelees that she used to be in a relationship with him that turned abusive. She fears for his return to this day. She is the second cat (after Tugger) Mistoffelees shares his magic secret to and explains how he’s been forced to keep it contained in fear of being associated with Macavity. This dance piece shows they’re not alone on their journey to find themselves again.

P.S. Munkustrap choreographed this piece as a love letter to Demeter.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fYoisJakIpoScDqfC85EBjSUsimYXy0n/view

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Hægt, Kemur Ljósið (eng; Slowly, Comes the Light) - Ólafur Arnalds

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: One of Ricky’s solos

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: One of Mistoffelees’ happier solo pieces.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16eV-9bzaEbyhqrfqQzWJBNKGcJicKW8z/view

______________ Ep. 13 - Week 7

Hide (Tropkillaz Remix) [feat. Childish Gambino & Aynzli Jones] - N.A.S.A. (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 6 Story: They are rave DJ’s

In JAFJC

Dancers in the Story: Jellice students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w3F_v738SCGRnGVRPj7wNioEjOD9g2Rc/view

------------------------------------------------------------- I’ve Got the World on a String - Frank Sinatra

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: A technicolor dream.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: It’s once again one of the routines that look romantic but it’s just two siblings gushing to each other about their crushes. “Can’t you see I’m in love?” Mistoffelees has developed feelings for Tugger at this point.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jSMx2OSLJXXygc1gsHR-1QV7EXpPS9kw/view

--------------------------------- Dare (La la la) - Shakira

Style: Ballroom, Cha-cha-cha

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Anya Garnis Story: Ricky is embracing his Cuban roots.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Bombalurina Story: The routine that had everyone floored. Bombalurina is a beast of a Queen on the dance floor and always seems to steal the attention whenever she dances with a partner or in a group. The only cat who’s managed to match her intensity is Tugger because of their long history together. But in this routine, Mistoffelees shocks everyone by his ability to lead Bomba in a way that rivals Tuggers. Especially since he’s only ‘dabbled’ in ballroom dancing before. Seeing Tugger’s reaction is one hell of a driving force as well.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XWrlivoMrSOB5DjdHOrbPBOF5dMj5HUM/view

-------------------------------------------------- My Tears Are Becoming a Sea - M83

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: Another one Mistoffelees’ vent routines to tire himself out with so his magic doesn’t run amok.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fqdKDWW12BF0dVRler7F1wVYEjLKxqLZ/view

_______________________________ Ep. 14 - Week 8, Performance Finale

Wind Beneath My Wings - RyanDan (Opening)

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Finalists, the Top 4 Story: Love is love.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees, Tugger and two lesbian queens Story: Tugger struggles a little with this routine since he’s not the best contemporary dancer in the school. But after some encouragement, explaining and hardcore training with Misto, Munk, and the two queens, it becomes one of the most memorable routines in Jellicle Art’s history.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10IrWsojMNhfK1Fvd7sw4R_1ZcwAPHw6f/view

------------------------------------------ Voices of Savannah - DJ Chus

Style: African Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: It’s a race between two wild animals.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Cassandra? Story: The exotic cats of Jellicle Arts help Misto bring out his wild side.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s-1uq1f02T9VyS9MrQhWiZCPh0PSmFRy/view

------------------------------- F For You - Disclosure

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda and Jessica Richens Story: Shows off the best Ricky and Jessica have to offer.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & ??

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A7ZPwBnBOsHaQwidB0C8dLrZo4V054e1/view

---------------------------------- The Antidote - District 78

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Zack Everhart Story: The king of diamonds and king of cloves are battling it out.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Pounce or Tumble or Plato Story: The rowdy toms bring Misto out of his comfort zone.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KUesOuzhjZU-lp9HTzi8NLzD4B78Npx_/view

---------------------------------- Not About Angels - Birdy

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Kathryn McCormick Story: Ricky has hit rock bottom and Kathryn is an angel on earth. He needs saving and she is that person that changes everything for him.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: Being a magical cat who has been forced to suppress his magic almost all his life, it’s not unusual that the thought of ending it all has crossed Mistoffelees’ mind more than once. But Victoria has always been the light and love that saved him from his darkest times. It gets Mistoffelees to fight for the life he didn’t get to have.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocUAgSo1rcaKTO-5kqGbDiGdnMRq7NMD/view

---------------------------------------- Skin & Bones - David J. Roch

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: The same vent routine from before but refined. Now it’s more of a ‘I’ve finally found myself’ kind off feeling to it. No longer is Mistoffelees afraid to show who he is.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pOP4SpLoEp0eDT3O6WKViVYG30h5WcHc/view

__________________ Ep. 15 - Finale Week

Doctor Jazz - Jelly Roll Morton & Gregory Hines (Opening)

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: The reunion of Season 11’s top 20 Story: Just a Top 20 reunion

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students Story: Could be the opening to an end of the year showcase. The seniors are supposed to use this to show off what they’ve learned these years as Jellicle Arts students, whether they’re performing or has directed/choreographed any of the pieces shown in this showcase.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nww9Jts7eOEF7yDAPb7HtFl4PTN-HlRb/view

--------------------------------------------------- Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

Style: A mix of hip hop and jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 10 and the All-stars Story: Even the smallest act of care for another person is like a drop of water. It will make ripples throughout the pond. A group of strangers at a train station come together little by little, by one act of kindness to another. Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. That’s all whoever has.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Ten of Jellicle art’s freshmen with ten upperclassmen. Story: It’s the students themselves with no help from the teachers that put this performance together to show the world how anybody can care.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13sBS7080RM2OXahgk0tnaD65N0JTTVKo/view

BONUS!

_____________________________ Season 12, Ep. 14 - Week 6

Let’s Face the Music and Dance - Nat King Cole

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancer(s): Jaja Vankova and All-star Ricky Ubeda Story: A smooth-talking mobster and his feisty wife get arrested and thrown into a holding cell. She is furious and all he cares about is getting one last dance in before they’re both convicted.  

In JAFJC (Shortened for ‘In Jellicle Arts for Jellicle Cats’)

Dancer(s): ??? and Mistoffelees Story: An alternate retelling of the tale of Growltiger and Griddlebone

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liQmyx2mxJE

There you have it.

A few parts of my template is missing on a couple of them as I mentioned. They are mostly the story ideas that I don’t have enough info on or I don’t know what to put there myself. As are some characters who I do not know would fit the best in them.

Apologies in advance if it’s difficult to read. I myself have impared vision and tried my best to make it as easy as possible for me to read it.

Hope this helps and good luck in your writing.

/ @tigerstripes-and-leopardspots aka @tigertail94​

Update: I tried to change the format to make it easier to understand. The difference is I seperated the differences of the show and the story idea so they’re not mixed together. Cause that’s something I noticed when I read this again. Plus I’ve added some more story ideas in both the ‘Skin and Bones’ entries. I’ll try and update this template as soon as I get more ideas.

Update 2: I added the routine of when Ricky appeared as an all-star in season 12. It was easier to find a link to this routine as the whole piece, including rehearsal footage and judges comments, already exist on youtube.

[jasmineon]

All Ego Videos

A complete and chronological list of all ego appearances:

For anyone new to the JSE Ego community and doesn’t know where to start or anyone else who likes a list to refer to (like me)

1. Welcome to the game #2 (Jackieboy Man first appearance) [July 10, 2016]

2. The Jacksepticeye Power Hour – Marvin’s Magic (Marvin the Magnificent first appearance) [August 11, 2016]

3. The Jacksepticeye Power Hour – Dr. Schneeplestein (Dr. Schneeplestein first appearance) [September 15, 2016]

Antisepticeye; October 2016 – first canonical appearances (glitches) all leading up to Say Goodbye on October 31

4. FNAF Sister Location #1: THE START OF THE NIGHTMARE (originally called SOMETHING DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT) [October 10, 2016]

5. FNAF Sister Location #2: THEY HAVE AWOKEN… [October 13, 2016]

6. FNAF Sister Location #3: SOMETHING INSIDE [October 18, 2016]

7. “Soon” (found in the description of FNAF: SL #3)

8. The Temple of No [October 18, 2016]

9. Hello Neighbour #2: PLEASE DON’T KILL ME [October 19, 2016]

10. FNAF Sister Location #4: MERGED TOGETHER [October 22, 2016]

11. Clustertruck #16: CHOOSE YOUR OWN GOAL [October 23, 2016]

12. Stuntfest #1: GRANNY DAB [October 24, 2016]

13. Pipejob: SWIMMING IN POO [October 24, 2016]

14. Manual Samuel #3: ROBOT WARS [October 25, 2016]

15. Guts and Glory #5: MEET THE YANGS [October 26, 2016]

16. Layers of Fear #1: ALONE AND AFRAID [October 28 ,2016]

17.  Stuntfest #2: SORE FROM LAUGHING [October 29, 2016]

18. Mr. President #3: BULLET PROOF CHEST [October 29, 2016]

19. The Cubicle: SCARIER THAN IT LOOKS [October 30, 2016]

20. Layers of Fear #2: THE SIGNS ARE HERE [October 30, 2016]

21. “Say Goodbye” [October 31, 2016]

22. CHRISTMAS DOCTOR | Amateur Surgeon Christmas Edition (Dr. Schneeplestein, 5:09 to 10:49) [December 24, 2016]

23. Detention #2: I’M SO SORRY (Anti, glitches only) [January 25, 2017]

24. Detention #3: BROKEN INSIDE (Anti, glitches only) [February 4, 2017]

25. Detention #4: BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS (Anti, glitches only) [February 16, 2017]

26. PAX East 2017 Intro (Anti) (found in the description of the “I’m Sick” vlog) [March 10, 2017]

27. The Jacksepticeye Power Hour – Chase Brody (Chase Brody first appearance, originally called Bro Average: Tea Bag Edition) [April 11, 2017]

28. Epidemic: SPREADING THE SICKNESS (Anti, glitches only) [June 12, 2017]

29. Bio Inc. Redemption #2: DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS (Chase Brody, patient was named Chase and "killed") [June 18, 2017]

30. Bio Inc. Redemption #4: TRUST ME I’M A DOCTOR (Dr. Schneeplestein) [June 24, 2017]

31. Bio Inc. Redemption: KILL JACKSEPTICEYE (Dr. Schneeplestein and Antisepticeye) [August 3, 2017]

32. South Park the Fracture But Whole (played episodes 2-13 as Jackieboy Man, but was stated to be non-canonical) [October 23, 2017 to November 27, 2017]

33. The Jacksepticeye Power Hour – Jameson Jackson (JJ first appearance, originally called A Good Ole Fashioned Pumpkin Carve, then changed to Jacksepticeye: The Silent Movie) [October 31, 2017]

34. Heartbound: MAN’S BEST FRIEND (Originally called MEMORIES OF UNDERTALE) (Anti, no glitches but Jack uses a very Anti-like voice in certain parts of the game) {Also included this game since this was the demo and many anticipate that Jack will play the full game in 2019 and include Anti stuff} [November 22, 2017]

35. Doki Doki Literature Club #4: EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE (Anti, glitches only) [December 3, 2017]

36. Doki Doki Literature Club #5: JUST MONIKA (Anti, glitches only) [December 5, 2017]

37. Overnightwatch (Anti, the stream was not archived so you can’t watch the whole thing but compilations of glitches/moments can be found on Youtube) [December 15/16, 2017]

Mayhem 2018 - A bunch of suspicious/ego related videos that occurred during the month of May, ending with First Winter

38. THE DOCTOR IS BACK – Gastric Bypass, Liposuction Surgery (Dr. Schneeplestein, end of video; originally called 100% REAL DOCTOR) [May 4, 2018]

39. Stories Untold #1: WATCH THIS WITH THE LIGHTS OFF (end of video) [May 5, 2018]

40. Barry Has A Secret (end of video) [May 6, 2018]

41. Stories Untold #2: THEY ARE LISTENING (end of video) [May 6, 2018 (2nd upload)]

42. Stories Untold #3: THEY’RE HERE! (voice of Chase Brody at end of video) [May 7, 2018]

43. Stories Untold #4: IT WAS ALL CONNECTED! (end of video) [May 8, 2018]

44. Try to Fall Asleep! (JJ and Marvin appear in TV/static glitches) [May 9, 2018]

45. TIE – A Game About Depression (Chase Brody) [May 11, 2018]

46. Dark Silence (Anti and Chase, end of video) [May 14, 2018]

47. EXPLORING AN ABANDONED HOSPITAL: Exiles (Anti) [May 16, 2018]

48. I AM SO CREEPED OUT BY THIS!: First Winter (Anti) [May 22, 2018]

*Note: while these are the only videos from Mayhem that had full ego content in them, there are a few other videos with suspicious moments/similar themes that I would recommend watching (Welcome to the Game 2, Yet Another Exhausted Day!, Check Please, Colourblind Test [Marvin mask in background])

49. HOW DID HE GUESS THAT! Akinator (JJ is the last character to be guessed; Anti w/ couple of glitches plus after outro clip, “SOON” hidden in audio) [August 3, 2017]

50. Eggs For Bart: WHAT AM I EVEN PLAYING?! (no glitches in game, but when the audio file was reversed, it said “I will return when you least expect it” and also had binary that spelled out “death” hidden in the file) [August 5, 2018]

51. Transference #1: THE DEMON LINGERS (Anti, glitches only; also, major Chase vibes because of family themes) [September 21, 2018]

52. Transference #2: WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED! (Anti, glitches only; also note several title changes w/ zalgo text) [September 24, 2018]

53. 3 Scary Games 1 Video #7 (Anti, glitches only) [October 14, 2018]

54. Watson Scott Test #1: THIS GAME SCARED THE S**T OUT OF ME (Anti, glitches only, also “Ch@s3” appearance) [October 20, 2018]

55. Umfend: TIME IS BROKEN (Anti, glitches only, also note suspicious title) [December 1, 2018]

56. Sally Face Part 4 #1: WAIT FOR THE ENDING! (Anti, glitchy outro) [December 7, 2018]

57. Quit The Game To Win (Anti, suspicious ending) [December 16, 2018]

58. Simulacra Pipe Dreams/Take Your Eyes Off the Screen (Anti, glitches only) [December 17, 2018]

59. Silent Fright: Bloodthirsty Santa (Anti, glitches only) [January 1, 2019]

60. This Person Does Not Exist (suspicious glitches) [March 13, 2019]

61. I'M not SCARED of these games... (suspicious glitches) [April 23, 2019]

62. I'll Get To The Bottom Of This... (May 7, 2019) (Anti audio, thank you for you contribution to 'this video/his death')

63. Something Is Incredibly Wrong Here... | Observation - Part 1 (suspicious themes/ending) [May 21, 2019]

64. Getting VERY Scared In Five Nights At Freddy's VR (FNAF VR) - Part 1 (glitches + suspicious writing on whiteboard) [May 22, 2019]

65. There's Someone Else Here! | Observation - Part 2 (suspicious themes/ending) [May 22, 2019]

66. No.... That's Not Possible! | Observation - Part 3 (suspicious themes/ending) [May 23, 2019]

67. They're SO Scary Up Close in Five Nights At Freddy's VR (FNAF VR) - Part 2 (Anti, after outro clip glitches) [May 24, 2019]

68. There's No Going Back Now! | Observation - Part 4 (END) (suspicious themes/ending) [May 24, 2019]

69. How High Will My Heart Rate Go Playing Five Nights At Freddy's VR (FNAF VR) (Anti, suspicious glitch from 2:53 to 3:08) [June 3, 2019]

70. My Inner Demon (Anti, glitches throughout) [July 8, 2019]

71. I Quit YouTube For This (originally called This Wasn't Supposed To Get Scary) (glitches + suspicious lines throughout) [September 16, 2019]

72. CHASE (Chase, Anti) [October 13, 2019]

73. You're Not Ready For These Scares (Dr. Schneeplestein, end of the video + appearing in glitches throughout) [October 19, 2019]

74. Can You Figure Out Who DID IT? - Jameson Jackson's Jolly Jaunts (originally called 'Jameson Jackson's Jolly Jaunts', then was changed to 'Unciver The Mystery, Who DID IT? - Jameson Jackson's Jolly Jaunts' before current title) (Jameson Jackson, Antisepticeye) [October 31, 2019]

75. You Said We Could Be Friends... | 3 Scary Games (originally called Please Don't Make Me Do This) (suspicious ending, jumpscare) [November 28, 2019]

76. These Scares Almost Killed Me | 3 Scary Games (originally called Where Did Jacksepticeye Go...) (suspicious ending/glitches) [January 16, 2020]

77. Sentient (originally called Don't Trust This Game (Anti from 'Always Watching' in the thumbnail) [February 26, 2020]

78. We Went Back (glitch + suspicious line) [April 10, 2020]

79. TERRIFYING BLAIR WITCH GAME | 3 Scary Games (Originally called WARNING: YOU WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE WATCHING THIS | 3 Scary Games (audio of potentially egos/Anti talking, suspicious beginning and ending/glitches) [April 19, 2020]

80. WELCOME TO MY HOUSE (please stay away) | The Open house (originally called DON'T COME TO THIS HOUSE (please stay away) | The Open house) (zalgo comment made by Jack saying "OFFER ACCEPTED") [May 1, 2020]

81. Don't Make Eye Contact (originally called Argentum Inanis) (Marvin appearance, as well as flashback/vision/glitches of Antisepticeye, Chase, and Dr Schneeplestein) [October 31, 2020]

 ---------------

End notes:

I included the dates that videos were published on since Jack likes to mess around with anniversaries.

Title changes were also listed (Jack sometimes changes these as well, like the firestarter that he is, and this was especially the case with the first episode of FNAF: Sister Location)

-----

If there’s anything I missed, please let me know so I can add it! As a note, I don't add 'suspicious videos', because there would simply be too many - this list is strictly for full ego appearances and glitches. I also try to limit my glitches since if nothing else happens, it might just be an effect by Robin and doesn't necessarily mean anything.

I hope this list helps out anyone who’s new or those who would like a complete reference list!

If you are new, don’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff on the list. I know from experience that it can be a lot to take in, but don’t worry. Just take things slow, and don’t hesitate to message me or anyone else if you have any questions about the egos or past videos. There are a lot of super nice and incredibly smart theorists in this community who I’m sure would be more than happy to help you out.

Speaking of theorists, I’m gonna tag a few since they have some amazing theories of their own! I'll also put some additional info next to some of their names since their posts have been a big help to me as a theorist. :)

@fear-is-nameless (would heavily recommend their 4 timelines on ego events, as they contain links to a lot of posts/theories from the time)

@rogue-of-broken-time (lots of good theories)

@isa-ghost / @isas-theory-wall (Isa writes notes on every ego video and their theory wall blog is solely dedicated to theories)

@huffletrax (lots of good theories)

[mongrel-eyes]

Everything I Read in 2019

In total, I read 45 books of my own accord in 2019, and there were probably about one-fourth as many that I started but never ended up finishing. A loose goal for myself (which I formed in the later half of the year as I realized that I had read quite a lot) was to reach 52 books so that I would effectively have one book per week of the year. That obviously didn’t happen, but it’s not something I feel was of great importance. Last year, I read 10 books (I think I may have read a few more than that, but I don’t remember). That was more than all the books I’d read in the past 7 years added together. The past decade has been a rollercoaster, but this final year has brought something of a conclusion, closure, and some healing. It’s the end of one novel of my life - time for the next.

2019 Booklist

The Slow Regard of Silent Things // Patrick Rothfuss

I have read all of the books published for The Kingkiller Chronicle thusfar; however, The Slow Regard of Silent Things honestly trumps both The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear for me (and I do not say this lightly because I think both novels are fantastic, and I was practically drunk and grinning from ear to ear after reading “A Silence of Three Parts” for the first time). Auri’s quirks and the way she sees and moves through the world is nearly identical to what I have experienced for much of my life. The first time I read this book, I wept because I saw myself so vividly written in its pages. Though it is short, and I think many would deem it as not particularly exciting or significant, I understand it very deeply. As Rothfuss writes in his end letter: it is not a normal story for normal readers; it is a story for the storytellers and the dreamers.

The Magician’s Nephew // C.S. Lewis The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe // C.S. Lewis The Horse and His Boy // C.S. Lewis Prince Caspian // C.S. Lewis The Voyage of the Dawn Treader // C.S. Lewis The Silver Chair // C.S. Lewis The Last Battle // C.S. Lewis

I grew up reading C.S. Lewis’s stories of Narnia. One of my earliest memories is of listening to an audiotape recording of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I remember exactly where I was in this memory, and the exact sentences of the book being read to me through the car speakers. Narnia has always and will always hold a special place in my heart, and it was good to visit again after such a long time away. Thanks to a variety of health problems which had all but wiped out my long-term personal memories, I remembered only an echo of the enchantment of these books, and when I picked them up again early in the year, I was not disappointed.

Educated // Tara Westover

Educated was a hard book for me to read. It was raw and powerful, and I know a fraction of the pain and circumstance Westover describes. In one portion of the book, she writes that believing you are not hurt is sometimes the way in which abuse hurts you the most. I understood that, and by the end I felt so proud of this strong young woman who challenged her entire world. It wasn’t always pretty or heroic (oftentimes it was ugly and lonely), but it was true.

Bridge to Terabithia // Katherine Paterson

I grew up 10 miles away from the small town which served as the inspiration for Lark Creek. It has been a powerful and significant story in my life from the time I first read it early in 2009. Again, due to failing memory, I only recalled an echo of what it really was. One spring morning, I walked outside, hung in my hammock and didn’t budge until I had read this book from cover to cover. It was like reuniting with a very old friend.

Mortal Engines // Philip Reeve

I became interested in Mortal Engines because of the trailers for the upcoming film that kept showing up for me in Spotify. I was thoroughly warned by the internet to steer clear of the film (I still would like to see it at some point, but I don’t have high hopes), but my friend highly recommended that I read the book. I actually listened to the audiobook recording from Hoopla. Barnaby Edwards is a brilliant narrator, and I loved every minute of it. It was not the kind of story that struck me to my absolute core (personally), but it was powerful and captivating all the same.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars // Glendy Vanderah

I picked up this book because I liked the title, nothing more. It turned out to be a beautiful story of the making of a beautiful family (it also made for a beautiful hardcover). It was unfortunately triggering at one point, but despite that I enjoyed the story and the characters and the cleverness crafted into Ursa’s character.

Perelandra // C.S. Lewis

In the Fall/Winter of 2018, I listened to Out of the Silent Planet on my commutes to and from school. Many years ago (I can’t even remember how long), I had read Out of the Silent Planet but had quite forgotten anything about it other than that the main character’s name was Ransom. After returning to it at the end of last year, I listened to Perelandra in late May. Out of all of books in the Space Trilogy, I found this one to be the slowest and least interesting. However, that is not to say that I did not enjoy the book. Lewis’s descriptions of the world on Venus were riveting and vivid, and listening to and analyzing the debate/war between Ransom and Weston was of particular interest and importance to me.

That Hideous Strength // C.S. Lewis

Following Perelandra, I immediately listened to That Hideous Strength. It surprised me later to learn that this third installment of the Space Trilogy was received with the least positive appraisal of the three. I found it to be my favourite of them all. I see many echoes between this fiction and the reality which we face, and that was somewhat intriguing, frightening, and comforting all jumbled together. I have a theory (or more accurately, a hypothesis) which I refer to as “the mortal gods.” I won’t go into any details of it here, but I felt in That Hideous Strength that C.S. Lewis understood my mortal gods. He just called them by different names.

Night Flights // Philip Reeve

I listened to this book on Hoopla, and though it was short I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the character of Anna Fang. This story provides details on how she rose to become the notorious Wind Flower plaguing the cities from Mortal Engines.

I Rode a Horse of Milk-White Jade // Diane Wilson

I first read this book when I was younger than 9 years old. Even back then, I loved this book, and when I returned to it this year, I loved it again. I had not even touched it for over 10 years. When I was very young, I had a great respect for the Mongolian nomads; and, of course, since this book brought those people to life, it became and is very special to me.

The Bible (English Standard Version)

Though I was raised in a religious household, I had never actually read the Bible from cover to cover (although I had read the majority of it in bits and parts throughout my life and been lectured on it for countless hours). It took me 3 months to slog through it, but in the end, it wasn’t just slogging. I found that if I put aside everything I thought I knew about this book and read it as if it was historic mythology instead of whatever rigid, legalistic stories and verses I had been led to believe it was when I was younger, it came alive in the way the story of Icarus comes alive every time you read a new rendition or see a new painting. C.S. Lewis described it as “true myth,” and I am inclined to believe that approaching it as “myth” is perhaps the most accurate of all the different ways in which I see people trying to describe or understand it and failing in their attempts to squash a god (seriously, the thought of a god in and of itself is mind-bending if you really stop to think about it) to fit into the tiny boxes of their mortal lives.

The Wanderer’s Journal: A Journey Through the Heart of Hallownest // Kari Fry & Ryan Novak

Saying I loved the game Hollow Knight is an understatement. Of course, when Fangamer announced they would be publishing a wanderer’s journal in collaboration with Team Cherry, I had to read it. I’ve always loved field guide-esque books (specifically, Dragonology), so of course I was especially delighted while reading the journal.

The Hobbit // J.R.R. Tolkien

Previously, I had only listened to The Hobbit as an audiobook. Once. That was over 10 years ago (probably closer to 13 or 15 years). This summer, I finally read the words written on the pages myself. Middle Earth is home to me, and it was good to be home.

The Book of Three // Lloyd Alexander The Black Cauldron // Lloyd Alexander The Castle of Llyr // Lloyd Alexander Taran Wanderer // Lloyd Alexander The High King // Lloyd Alexander The Foundling // Lloyd Alexander

I remember I was in the car with my mom and sister on the way to Nowhere one day. I was reading a book of my own in the back (I have a vague recollection that it might have been from the Redwall series by Brian Jacques) when my mom announced that she had a new series from the library that she wanted us all to listen to together in the car. Initially, I was annoyed because my mom did not always pick out the most interesting of books (there had been occasions where I was bored to tears when she picked something), but I grudgingly gave in. Of course, it was The Prydain Chronicles. I returned to these books this summer and barreled through them within two days (during which I had been excused from work with a doctor’s note due to a curious situation). Middle Earth is home, but Prydain (alongside Narnia) has to be a close second.

Native American Myths // Diana Ferguson

I have held great respect and admiration for the Native Americans and their cultures for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve read books on Norse, Welsh, English, German, Greek, Egyptian, and Sumerian mythology; however, finding good books on Native American mythology seemed almost impossible (at one point I did find a book of Native American myths centered around Raven in a used bookstore but it was 60USD, and while I did want it very much, I was a poor student who couldn’t afford expensive second-hand books). Ferguson’s compilation of myths was fascinating to read. Some of the stories I had heard echoes of before in various places, but Ferguson also provided anecdotes and insights of how these myths were woven into the Native American tribes and cultures. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed learning even a little bit more about these people whom I have admired since I was a small child.

The Fellowship of the Ring // J.R.R. Tolkien

[ See The Return of the King ]

The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen // Lloyd Alexander

I started out reading this story expecting it to be one thing, but it turned out to be something else entirely. I had read it before a long time ago and gotten it mixed up with a different story I have been able to vaguely recall but unable to find for 10 years and counting. Jen’s story is captivating and lovely in its own right – simple and enchanting, like a dandelion wish.

The Two Towers // J.R.R. Tolkien

[ See The Return of the King ]

Tolkien and Lewis: The Gift of Friendship // Colin Duriez

Despite having read the vast majority of Tolkien’s literature and a good amount of Lewis’s, I had never read a biography of either of them. I found this biography addressing both authors and their unique friendship. I enjoyed learning more about both of them and how their relationship formed and affected each other’s work.

The Return of the King // J.R.R. Tolkien

[Unlike Narnia and Prydain, I felt I couldn’t lump the titles of The Lord of the Rings together and still maintain the chronological list; therefore, the first two titles received no paragraph, but here is a summary for all three.]

In lieu of how easy it is to just watch Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, it’s easy to forget how deep and rich Tolkien’s writing really is. I can say this with honesty and without judgement, because I forgot too. Relearning the depths of Tolkien and rediscovering why I came to love and live and breathe Middle Earth in my childhood in the first place was powerful and healing for me. If you’ve only watched the movies, you’re honestly really missing out. Yes, Tolkien loves to talk about plants and trees and forests to no end, and maybe that’s not your thing and that’s okay; however, these stories are pure magic – tried and true.

The Raven Boys // Maggie Stiefvater The Dream Thieves // Maggie Stiefvater Blue Lily, Lily Blue // Maggie Stiefvater The Raven King (+Opal) // Maggie Stiefvater

I had tried to listen to The Raven Boys on Hoopla earlier in the year and become bored to tears – the narrator was just that bad and I felt the whole thing was just doomed to become a terrible love polygon. Several months later, a friend encouraged me to give it another try. I did (this time reading it straight from the page), and I was delightedly surprised. I had heard of The Raven Cycle for years but been too scared to pick it up (honestly, love polygons can be terrible things), but I’m glad that this year I finally did.

Carry On // Rainbow Rowell

I heard of Carry On while in the midst of reading The Raven Cycle. I found it to be highly amusing: reminiscent of Percy Jackson, but perhaps with better writing (in my personal opinion; I still have a fondness for Percy).

Comet in Moominland // Tove Jansson

I have seen screenshots of the 90’s Moomin show for years but never bothered to truly figure out where they came from until recently. I learned that Moomin originally came from a book. I thought it would be a picture book, and I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that Moomin actually came from a book book. I found Comet in Moominland to be heartwarming and cute with beautiful illustrations and words that can speak to the oldest soul, despite being a children’s book.

Call Down the Hawk // Maggie Stiefvater

Ronan was my favourite character from The Raven Cycle because I felt I understood him the most, which is a rather amusing sentiment to me on the surface level since I am probably one of the least edgy people you will ever meet. Learning more about Stiefvater’s world of Dreamers was particularly interesting and important to me (dreams have always been important to me, and dreams have shaped a good part of my life, actually). Chapter 3 (starts on page 19 of the hardcover copy) was very much like reading The Slow Regard of Silent Things for me: I understood, and I felt understood.

Tales from Moominvalley // Tove Jansson

A collection of cute short stories from Jansson’s Moomins. These were amusing, but at this point Moomins are important to me, so the book was very special all the same.

Six of Crows // Leigh Bardugo Crooked Kingdom // Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows is a significant book to me. I remember when it was first published in 2015. I heard of it and immediately wanted to read it; however, there were many circumstances and unfortunate happenings which led to me not being able to read it until this year. The duology is now ranked among the stories which made me. To me, it’s a victory song.

The Moomins and the Great Flood // Tove Jansson

I had heard talk of the Great Flood in Comet in Moominland and been slightly confused from it being out of context. This book provided the context for this flood and is somewhat of a prequel to the rest of the Moomin books. As always, it’s a cute story with wonderful illustrations.

Shadow and Bone // Leigh Bardugo Siege and Storm // Leigh Bardugo Ruin and Rising // Leigh Bardugo

After finishing the Six of Crows duology, I learned that it was actually a sequel series to Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy. I finished Ruin and Rising last night and while I didn’t enjoy the trilogy as much as Six of Crows, it provided context for some of the characters featured in the duology, and I enjoyed the characters of Alina and Mal as well as learning more about Bardugo’s Grishaverse.

Other Reading

For school, continuing education, etc… Basically stuff I was compelled to read in one way or another.

Gilgamesh (English version by N.K. Sanders)

“The sleeping and the dead, how alike they are, they are like a painted death.”

The Song of Roland (translated and with an introduction by Robert Harrison)

I’d read this long ago, and re-reading it would have been a better experience if I wasn’t being pressed into writing a paper about it for a professor who was Machiavellian in behaviour but only intelligent in his own pride (these are gentle words).

The Prince // Niccolò Machiavelli

I seriously hate this guy.

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People // Oscar Wilde

I read this for a compare-contrast essay between the original play and the 2002 film adaptation. I thought it would be annoying and tedious to re-read, but I actually enjoyed it because the professor was simply a delight to work with.

A General Introduction to the Bible // Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix (8th printing, 1975)

I’ve always been interested in how the Bible came to be compiled because almost no one talks about it (asking questions on this topic basically got me excommunicated when I was 12 hah). I read this book to find the answers to the questions I suffered for asking. I found some answers and a whole lot of data (seriously, these people aren’t messing around).

In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens // Alice Walker

A beautiful short story – perhaps one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read.

[spaceorphan18]

SO’s Guide to the MCU

A handy guide for @coffeegleek to decide if she (or anyone else) would like join the ranks.  It’s fine if you don’t want to, but that means more shawarma for us.  

1. Iron Man - 

Robert Downey Jr. plays himself Tony Stark, an asshole billionaire, genius, playboy, philanthropist, who nearly dies, and saves himself by becoming Iron Man.  This film kicks off the tone of the MCU combining humor and action and just being a fun ride.  Completely recommended to get a jump start into the MCU to see how it all begins.  

2. The Incredible Hulk

Rightfully considered the black sheep of the Marvel family.  It’s... not good.  In fact, I couldn’t even find a gif for you.  Eventually, they’ll switch out Edward Norton for the much more entertaining Mark Ruffalo, and pretty much nothing in this movie matters to the big scheme of things, so it’s entirely skippable.  And I mean, even if you are a huge Hulk fan - I’d probably still recommend skipping it. 

3. Iron Man 2

This film is considered by a lot of people to be one of the weaker ones - and while I still enjoy it a lot, it’s understandable as to why people think that.  It’s funny and has charm, but it’s kind of a mess - so... if you had fun with Iron Man 1 and really want to see more Tony Stark I recommend! Otherwise, feel free to move on.  Black Widow is introduced here, but her introduction in The Avengers is just fine.  

4. Thor

For me, the first Thor film is a little ‘meh’, though it does have some charm.  Chris Hemsworth plays a frat boy god who gets grounded to Earth after he misbehaves by his father Odin.  The real gem of this film is Tom Hiddleson’s Loki and the family dynamics between Thor, Loki, and Odin.  The stuff with Natalie Portman and the Earlings is fine.  But I almost recommend watching Avengers first and seeing if you like that first, and if you do, come back and watch Thor if you’re interested or if you just want to see Chris Hemsworth be pretty for two hours. 

5. Captain America: The First Avenger

The epic romance that is Steve and Bucky starts here.  If you’re totally intrigued by tumblr’s fascination with ‘Stucky’ this is a must!!  But more seriously, C:TFA is a fun film, yes set in the 40s, but I think it handles that well and Chris Evans is an absolute delight as Cap -- or Steve Rogers, a plucky kid from Brooklyn who just wants to prove what a big heart he has.  It’s much more entertaining for than the Thor film (IMO), though if you’re still on the fence, again, watch Avengers first, and come back if Cap holds your attention. 

6. The Avengers

If you’re really unsure about any of the first phase of films, then start off with The Avengers.  This film is amazing -- it’s funny, and emotional, and is nicely paced, and you really get a nice sense of who the characters are and what they stand for.  This film is just fun, with the MCU’s trademark humor and intriguing action (and I say this as a person who really isn’t into action films if you can believe it).  I can’t say enough good things about this film - it’s really good, go watch it!! 

7. Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 is the continuing adventures of Tony Stark.  This film is batshit insane at times (but I kinda love it - though I love Iron Man, so...)  It’s got some great character work for Tony Stark if you’re interested, which I think is the best thing this film has going for it.  It doesn’t, however, play much of a part in the bigger scheme of things, so if  Tony isn’t your person, then you can skip past it. 

8. Thor: The Dark World

This film is often considered the weakest (after Incredible Hulk), but I’m not gonna lie, I find this way more enjoyable than Thor 1.  It’s... not a good film, but if you’re a fan of Thor, or Loki, or just utter nonsense in a fantasy setting then check it out! 

9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The Epic Romance of Steve and Bucky pt. 2: The Return of Bucky!!  I’m kinda being tongue-and-cheek, this film is honestly pretty amazing.  It’s a political spy-thriller where Cap has to go underground and undercover when Shield (the good guys) is infiltrated by a Nazi organization.  Everything about this film is done wonderfully well, and I highly recommend this one.  (Though, I’m not doing it justice - just ask @ckerouac) 

10. Guardians of the Galaxy

Do you like epic space operas with a quirky sense of humor and a good soundtrack?? Well then Guardians is right up your alley.  The first film Chris Pratt is Star Lord - a scavenger Han Solo type who finds himself caught up in space hijinks.  There are green aliens and talking trees and raccoons and whatever Drax is.  It’s fun and entertaining.  I think general audiences like it more than I do - but I do agree that it’s a wonderfully done film. 

11. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Well, let’s be honest - the Avengers sequel just isn’t what the first film is.  It tries, and has some charming moments, but just doesn’t hold together very well, the main issue being that the villain - Ultron - just isn’t a very good villain.  If you liked Avengers - give it a shot, it introduced Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver and a lot of the next batch of films, but I recommend going into it without much expectation.  However, you can always come back to this one if you want to wait to see if you like some of the later films first. 

12. Ant-Man

Ant-Man, played by the delightful Paul Rudd, is a low stakes fun heist film that’s kind of a mix between Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Ocean’s 11, and every other MCU film.  It’s cute and lighthearted - and if you find Paul Rudd charming, I totally recommend it.  If you’re still on the MCU fence, though, there are other films I’d much rather recommend first. 

13. Captain America: Civil War

Captain America: The Epic Stucky Romance pt. 3 -- Steve Rogers breaks up with his current BF Tony Stark so to be with his one true love, Bucky Barnes... Meanwhile, Tony Stark finds out he’s a dad -- to a teenager. 

Okay, I’m kidding.  Here’s the thing... 

This film is hard to discuss.  Some people love it (me! - I love the characterization stuff we get in it, plus the deep nods to the comics, and the introduction of Spider-Man), others hate it (@ckerouac - this is not a Cap film, It’s Avengers 2.5.  I want my Cap film!!) and, much like the film itself, there are valid reasons for everyone’s point of view.  It does play a major part in the fabric of the MCU - so I do recommend seeing it at least once so to gather your own opinion. ;) 

14. Doctor Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch plays a mystical Tony Stark Doctor Strange.  I think it’s an interesting film - it’s kind of got an Inception/Matrix vibe about it, but I like both the character and Cumberbatch in the role.  However, I don’t think it’s anywhere near the strongest of the MCU films, so if any of that doesn’t interest you, then it’s okay to skip -- Doctor Strange’s appearances in other films are better if I’m being totally honest. 

15. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

Guardians 2 is probably my second least favorite film of the bunch.  I think it kind of lacks the charm of the first one and amps up the 12yo humor.  But that’s just me.  If you really liked Guardians 1 check it out! Otherwise, feel free to move on. However, it does gain a few points for Baby Groot. 

16. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Let’s be real - This film is basically Tom Holland being a precious little muffin for two hours, and if you aren’t sold entirely on that premise, well then, I can’t help you. ;) 

17. Thor: Ragnarok

Underwhelmed by the first two Thor films? Thought the Hulk movie sucked? Well - welcome to Thor Ragnarok -- the film that just does not give a shit what came before it and does whatever the hell it wants because it’s like a 70′s acid trip.  And walks away being, perhaps, the best comedy in the MCU.  Everything is delightful about this film -- and if you wanted more from a Thor film, more Loki, more crazy antics with Mark Ruffalo - then you’ve come to the right place.  Also - bonus batshit crazy Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson as an amazing lesbian/bi (?) female warrior, and Jeff Goldblum -- Jeff Goldblum-ing.  

18. Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman is Black Panther - and I’m sure you’ve heard all the stuff swirling about how amazing this film is.  There are two things I personally really enjoy about the film -- the fact that it digs deeper than your average superhero film and is not afraid to tackle relevant questions we’re talking about in society right now, and the fact that the female cast in this one is fantastic and incredibly worth watching.  This one’s a definite must! 

19. Avengers: Infinity War

So...  I’m sure you’ve probably heard all about this one by now.  Here’s what I have to say about it -- I recommend seeing if after you’ve seen all the previous ones that you’ve wanted to see -- it does build on the others in a way a TV show builds to its finale.  And honestly, left me emotionally satisfied (knowing it was the first half of a two parter).  It’s a great film, imo, and worth it.  

20. Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man and Wasp is a lot like the first film, only ramped up a little more.  After the heaviness of Infinity War, it’s light and a treat.  It’s not entirely (or at all) essential, but it’s a lot of fun if that’s what you’re looking for.  

21. Captain Marvel

Okay, so Captain Marvel isn’t out yet - but the trailer looks delightful, I know who Cap Marvel is from the comics, and it’s time the MCU got its shit together and put a woman in the front.  I say go see it! Plus, I’m sure it’ll be relevant for the next Avengers film. 

22. Avengers: End Game

So, um, also not out yet - but if you’ve liked everything up until now, I’m sure you’ll not only go see - but cry buckets full <3 

23. Spider-Man Far From Home

Let’s be real - we’re all gonna need another two hours of Tom Holland being a precious little muffin after whatever Endgame throws at us.  ;) 

///

And that’s it! That’s the MCU in a nutshell (so far).  Marvel has, like, it’s next ten years planned out, so definitely not the end.  But - hey - if anything interests you - I really do recommend checking that out first and coming back to fill in things if you want to know more. :) 

Guide to Non-MCU Marvel Films Part 1 Guide to Non-MCU Marvel Films Part 2

[americanhorrorbatch]

Rebirth of Light & Dark 6/?

♛ I recommend reading the Christmas special before this ♛

I went to the church and walked inside. There was a nun there praying up at the alter. “Excuse me, miss?” I ask and she turns around wide eyes and a smile on her face. “Oh by heavens, it’s you! We have waited such a long time for your birth and for you to actually be here is... Oh my lucky stars! I am getting ahead of myself. You are here to speak with Pope Francis, correct?” She spoke excitedly. “Yes, I am.” I smile at her. “Alright, follow me and I will take you to him.” she smiles.

We walk in to the back down this long hall and on the right there was a room. The Nun knocked. “ Father, she’s here.” She smiles. “Send her in.” He says and the Nun opens the door. I saw the Pope talking to two women. 

“Mom?... Grandma?...”

“Hello, Y/N.” Grandma smiles. “Why are you guys here?” I question. “Same, reason why your here. Answers.. about you that boy you brought home for Christmas.” Mom explains. “Please sit and I will explain everything.” The pope says pointing to the chair next to my mother. I look over at my grandmother and could tell she does not want to be here but wants answers as well.

“You and Michael were both born on the same day in March. He was born out of pain and darkness. While you were born from love and light.” The Pope explains. “Father, just because he was born from pain and darkness does not mean we have to kill him. Can’t there be another way to lead him to the light?” I ask. “He is the Anti Christ, Y/N. His very existence is to bring an end to all living life. We must stop him before he kills us all.” He explains.

 “Isn’t part of the 10 commandments ‘Thou shall not kill’?” 

“Yes, it is but-”

“Yes Father, it is his birth right to kill us but does that mean he wants to? Michael is just a chess piece lost and looking for love. What, if you were him and you so desperately wanted to be good, and we were trying to kill you. How would you feel? Would that push you to want to kill us before we could kill you? You should put yourself in his shoes. Didn’t Jesus say ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’?” 

“Yes, he did. You did not come to train and learn. You came for advice to save Michael Langdon’s surely damned soul...?”

“I have..” 

“Only you know how to save him. I do not.” He tells me.

“Then I will leave thank you for your advice Father.” I smile getting up. “Goodbye Mom, Grandma.” I say leaving. 

“Y/N, wait...”

“Yes, mom?”

“I need to tell you something outside. About your father...” She says. “Why not here?” I ask. “Trust me.. not here...”

Her and I walked outside. “What is it?” 

“You know how Michael Langdon has two fathers?” 

“Yes?”

“You have only one... No I was not the virgin Mary where I woke up and was pregnant with you...”

“What are you saying?”

“I had gotten in to a car crash 9 months before you were born. I died on the table for a few minutes before they had brought me back.... When I had died I went to heaven and that’s when I met your father. He looked down at me as his arch angel Michael read my good deeds and his other arch angel Gabriel read my bad deeds. While your father looked down at me with a smile on his face. He asked if I wanted to live or die. I told him I didn’t know. I was there for a year or so. He asked me again do I want to live or die. I told him I want to live. Even though it was peaceful there I wanted to have a child. A family of my own. He gave me a proposition I shall live and give birth to his child." Mom explains.

"Mom that makes zero sense. How could you have been there a year or so and have me 9 months after your accident?" I question.

"Time works differently there a year or so is only 3 minutes here.... I loved- love your father. He gave me you. He had truly won my heart. I can't wait to see him again."

"Mom, your not?"

"I have stage 4, leukemia..."

I tried not to cry. "That's why you never picked us up for Christmas. You were at your doctors appointment. "

"Yes, I didn't want to worry you." She smiles. "Oh, mommy." I cry hugging her. "Go to him, Y/n. Tell him how you feel." She tells me and I nod and run back to the academy. I packed up my stuff. I was going to join Michael. I was trying to look for Cordelia and Queenie to say goodbye. "Where's Cordelia?" I ask. "Burning the traitors."

Burning the traitors...? Oh no...

♛ Michael Langdon P.O.V ♛

No, no, no… I was too late. Those damned witches killed Ms. Mead. Did she know?! She couldn’t have?! My heart broke and I let out a scream in pain and agony. “Michael...” A voice says behind me. I turned around and saw Y/N. “You bitch, did you know?!” I screamed as I gripped her throat. “N-Nghhh.” She chokes. “Michael, let her go it’s over.” Cordelia says. “And why should I listen to you?! What’s stopping me from snapping her fucking neck like a twig right now!” I shout squeezing my beloved’s neck harder. I didn’t want to kill her but if she knew about this I wanted her to suffer.

“I said let her go! It’s over!” Cordelia shouts and swung her hand and used her powers to have Y/n appear behind her. “M-Michael...” Y/n cries with such despair in her quivering voice. My heart quenched even more when I realized she didn’t know after all and I just hurt her.

♛ Y/n P.O.V ♛

“We know who you are. Your allies are all dead. You failed.” Cordelia says. “I already proven to you that I can defy death. I’ll just bring her back. And when I do, my Ms. Mead will stand by me as we watch you die.” Michael hisses. “You can certainly go to hell but you won’t find her there.”

“What have you done?” His voice breaks.

 “Her soul is hidden by a spell only I can break. You’ll never see her again. You’re alone.”

“I’m never alone. I have my father.”

“Where is he now? Why did he allow this to happen? You don’t have to follow this path your father has laid out for you. You can make your own path. You can still turn away. There is humanity in you. I see it. If you come with me- with Y/n. maybe we can find it. together.” Cordelia explains holding her hand out for his. “Michael...” I mumble and he looks at me with pained eyes then back at Cordelia. He grabbed her hand and stood up. He pulled her close. “Somehow, Someway, I am gonna bring her back. Then I’m gonna I’m gonna kill every last one of you.” He pulled away and looked at me. 

“You still do not want to come with me?”

♛ Hey let me know if she should go with him and she tries to save him towards the light or if she should stay with Cordelia and them. I mean either way she is gonna end up with him. I am leaning towards staying with Cordelia but I don’t know.♛

@ateliefloresdaprimavera

@buckynlarry

@gracethegeek9902

@athenamalfoywinchester

@mysticalavengers

@lustlangdon

@cosmiclunas

@hadesnewpersephone

@queenie435

Let me know if I forgot to tag you or you want to be tagged!

[buildarocketboys]

Books read in 2018

It's been a pretty good year for reading for me, and I actually kept a list of all the books I read, so I thought I'd make a list and write a mini review about each one. I've read 22 (and a half) books this year in full - this doesn't include any that I just started, or have read bits of.

1. When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

Magical realism + gay and trans characters! Pretty great although I wouldn't necessarily read it again. Mostly read in lunchtimes at work.

2-4. LOTR trilogy by J R R Tolkien (started somewhere between 17 and 29 March) (first book finished 4 April) (finished 30 May)

Dates on this one as I spent most of the first half of the year reading the Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship of the Ring was almost certainly my favourite, got a bit bored towards end of Two Towers/start of Return of the King, and the long descriptions and battles (and long descriptions OF battles) are something I generally prefer to do without. But they're really good books with a lot of cool (and gay!) stuff in them, and though the films don't include everything from them, they're pretty damn good adaptations. (I only wish the films had kept Beregond).

5. The Inescapable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

By the author of Aristotle and Dante, I actually can't remember much of this book, I remember it being pretty good though. It may have made me cry?

6. Cloudbusting by Malorie Blackman (REREAD)

Easily the shortest book here, this book used to make me cry. It's a simple story told through different types of poetry, but it's so beautifully done. Didn't make me cry this time sadly, but still good. Read it sitting by the river taking a break from working on a job application.

7. Nation by Terry Pratchett (REREAD)

I reread this pretty much every year (I found myself a few weeks back wanting to reread it again) and it's brilliant every time, enough said. Think this is the only Pratchett novel I've read this year, which is a shame. Thoroughly recommend it though, even though it's not part of Discworld.

8. And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Bought this from a stall in Bristol, at the time it was the only one of his I hadn't read. It was one of those novels I just ploughed through, really quickly. Really good, really sad (and a gay character where you least expected it).

9. Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Borrowed this from my girlfriend after having seen the musical in May. The book is...really weird, but really good. A lot more of an obvious dystopia than the musical is, right from the get go pretty much and Elphaba is an icon - grumpy, traumatised, irritable, angry, hopeful, guilty, revolutionary. I love her. Oh, and her and Glinda are still really gay.

10. Harry and the Wrinklies by Alan Temperley (REREAD)

Now we come to the books I reread in August when I had some time off work. Harry gets orphaned and is sent to live with his elderly relatives and their elderly friends (hence the title). Little does he know, they're all ex-cons and pretty much modern day Robin Hoods. Also, badass. Still a great book, even if it's technically for kids. I need to reread the sequels sometime.

11. Maximum Ride by James Patterson (REREAD)

Edgy as fuck but I still kind of love it. Ngl the younger kids and Iggy are a lot more fun than Max and Fang though.

12. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (REREAD)

This one I reread every couple of years or so. One of my favourites, the way the non-chronological (by design and necessity) plots works so well, in both building and retaining suspense, the prose is beautiful (if a little pretentious at times), the characters are...mostly kind of dicks, but in a real, multifaceted kind of way. I kind of love all the references to various books/authors/bands, even if it is kind of pretentious. I discovered Rilke through this book. Jeder Engel ist schrecklich.

13. Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Read this a little while after seeing the film. Obviously they changed a fair amount, but I love them both. Really easy to read in about a day.

14. Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Read this on the same weekend as Simon. Loved it a LOT. I relate to both Leah and Abby a whole lot and it just felt so real to the experience of being a (bi) teenage girl. Wish there'd been a bit more to the ending maybe? But maybe that's just me being greedy. Still trying to persuade @judasisgayriot to read it. This might well be my book of the year.

15. Vox by Christina Dalcher

After I finished Leah on the Offbeat I was looking for something else to read. Picked this up in Waterstones because it sounded like an interesting concept for a dystopia (women are only allowed to say 100 words a day - if they say more, they get electrocuted by a bracelet attached to their wrist). The main character is white, straight and middle class, so that's definitely the majority of the experience we get to see, but there is some examination of being gay and/or a poc in this dystopian culture. Overall an interesting examination on how language can be used as a weapon, and to control people. A Handmaid's Tale with a difference and (spoiler!) a happy ending.

16. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

I didn't get/read this one at the same time as Leah and Simon because I was put off by how het it sounded, lol. The main character is straight (afaik) but it's still a pretty great book and she's pretty relatable.

17. My Mum Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson

Tracy Beaker all grown up! As told through the eyes of her (much quieter and less troublesome) daughter. Pretty great and interesting to see Tracy all grown up but still very much Tracy. Lots of drama and Justine Littlewood ruining everything as usual. Complete with an implausible happy ending (but it's great anyway, and tbh we all need those sometimes). Also, Cam is a #confirmed lesbian.

18. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (REREAD)

I'm not sure how many times I've reread The Book Thief now, but it must have been at least ten. I reread it at least every year but often it's been more than that. Still amazing, obviously, but I dunno, I didn't feel as into it this time? I didn't cry (for the first time ever!) while reading it, although that might have been because I read it at work. Mostly I was reading it to prepare for Zusak's new book, which I got for Christmas.

19. Holes by Louis Sachar (REREAD)

First time I've reread this since high school, and it's still brilliant. 'Nuff said.

20. The Bi-ble: An Anthology of Personal Narratives and Essays about Bisexuality edited by Lauren Nickodemus and Ellen Desmond

Bought this from Gay's The Word when I was in London back in May, only got round to reading it in December. Some really good stuff in here, I related hard to a lot of it (and not so much to other parts). Recommended reading for anyone who's bi or wants to understand more about bisexuality.

21. Call of the Wild by Guy Grieve

I picked this up on a whim from my pile of unread books because I wanted something to read before I got new books for Christmas. (Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I only finished it on Boxing Day). Really interesting, I'm so fascinated by life in very cold, harsh, unforgiving places (only partly because of the wolves) and this was a really interesting true story of how a guy (called Guy) from Scotland manages to build his own cabin and live out in the wild of the Alaskan Interior through the Winter.

22. Combat Magicks by Steve Cole

A Doctor Who novel (the first of three I got for Christmas!) and the last book I read in its entirety in 2018. At the site of a battle between the Romans and the Huns (which is why I chose it first, sounded really cool), so-called "witches" manipulate everything both sides do. Surprise! They're aliens. The Doctor calls Yaz her bestie a lot and it's adorable. Ryan gets a girlfriend who stans the Doctor (she's basically part of Roman Torchwood and she's awesome). Graham has a bath with a witch (well, nearly).

Currently reading:

Eat Up! by Ruby Tandoh

I'm about half way through this, so it doesn't quite count as a book I read in 2018, but I thought I should include it. Anti-diet culture, embracing food for what it is, everything it is, while examining the different things (gender, race, class) that affect our relationship with food.

[pawsitivevibe]

So I’d like to start getting into the marvel comics, but where should I start/what should I look for? Thank you!

Oh anon, you came to the right place,because I could talk about comics for AGES lol.

There isn’t really a right or wrong wayto get into Marvel. The sheer amount of it means starting “at thebeginning” or “reading all of it” is basically impossible.There are SO MANY comics. I mean, Marvel (under a different name) wasfounded in 1939, after all. But Marvel has had a few initiativesrecently to have a good “jumping on” point for new readers, sonewer Marvel isn’t so hard to get into.

I am going to suggest one pretty goodway of getting into comics. Pick a team or a character that interestsyou, and start from there. Like the Fantastic Four? Cool, we can rollwith that. Let’s take a look at the history of the Fantastic Four,and track down some good storylines. You are going to find morecharacters and teams you like from there. Trust me. And don’t beafraid of using Wikipedia or the Marvel Wiki to look up charactersand histories. Those sites were my best friends when I startedgetting into comics.

I’ll give you my experience gettinginto comics as an example. I was about 9, and fresh off of finallybeing old enough to be allowed to watch the X-Men movies with my dad.I’d grown up on re-runs of the X-Men cartoon. After watching themovie, I was VERY interested. My dad took me to the comic book storeand I basically said “I LIKE X-MEN” to someone who worked there,and was super lucky that that employee was an X-Men fan and loaded meup with random X-Men comics featuring Kitty Pryde – the female“kid” member of the team, whom he thought I would like, being a 9year old girl. So my start in comics was random X-Men stories. But Iwas pretty internet savvy, so I soon read up on the history of theX-Men, and got a hold of the original X-Men comics. And that’s how Imade the jump to comics besides X-Men. I struck up an interest inQuicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, who were D-list X-Men villains.But those two characters go on to join the Avengers. So I trackeddown Avengers comics they were in. And oh! Look! Another character Ilike! Hawkeye! And oh, look, whose that female character? Ms. Marvel!MY NEW FAVOURITE. And it sort of spiralled on from there, with mepicking and choosing and finding comics because characters I likedwere in them, and then finding new characters to like who wereconnected to them in some way.

I got a lot of volumes of comics fromthe library. Either I knew what I was looking for, or I just pickedup random things that had characters I liked in them and read them. But library is great!!

So yeah, basically my advice boils downto find a team (Avengers, X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc) or acharacter (Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, etc) you areinterested in, and … . plug that name into the Marvel Wiki lol.Alternatively, there are some great great reading guides out therethat have a good outline of what stories and issues to read if youlike such and such a character.

If you are interested in some team orcharacter in specific, or just have no idea where to even start, feelfree to send me additional messages! I would be happy to help you getstarted. And I can definitely help you track down reading guides orrecommendations. :D

Another thing I will recommend is theMarvel Unlimited membership. It’s like, ah, I think $10 a month? Ifyou really want to get into comics, want to read a lot of them, anddon’t want to spend a lot of money, it is fantastic. They have almostevery comic you would probably want to read on there. Though theydon’t put the newest comics on there. It’s only after they’ve beenout for 6 months. But there is A LOT on there.

… When in doubt start with Avengers #16 from 1963. And witness the BEST team of Avengers bicker and, uh, be plucky. Cap’s Kooky Quartet is basically the Best Marvel Team. I don’t make the rules. 

[mzyraj]

@selkiewife tagged me in a meme to pick ten favorite female characters from ten different fandoms and then tag ten people. 

I actually have very few fandoms and tend to cleft to male jerkass woobies (and also my memory is terrible nowadays so I don’t remember half the things I’ve ever read/watched), so this will be interesting... I also don’t have much GIFs, so I will talk rather than picture. Not in any particular order except how they come to me (and I make my mind up):

1. Susan Ivanova from Babylon 5

“Ivanova is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova’s recommendations. Ivanova is God. And if this ever happens again Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out!”

Man, a competent (Russian, Jewish) woman in a position of power, being badass but also human at the same time. It’s a good series in general (though the effects are hella dated), but she was definitely (one of) my favourite characters.

2. Laura Moon from American Gods

I like a complex female character, especially one I can empathise with, and I kinda do with Laura Moon. Wrote a whole post about it, even. Still think she probably had a depression/hormone balance issue, but don’t we all?

3. Good Queen Alysanne from A Song of Ice and Fire (also: Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, Catelyn Tully-Stark, Asha Greyjoy, Daenerys Targaryen...)

It literally would have been easier to create this list with female characters just from ASOIAF. Fresh from Fire and Blood though, we are in love with Good Queen Alysanne Targaryen. On my ASOIAF blog @agameoftragedy I made a series of posts of awesome quotes from/about her. Better than your faves.

4. Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (also Willow)

It’s a shame I was still fairly steeped in misogynistic ideas when I first watched Buffy, I feel like I ought to rewatch it with adult eyes now. I do think back on Buffy herself though, especially in her first season when she really just wants to be able to be a normal teen girl, but you need to protect people, and there’s a prophecy of your death... I should rewatch it at some point.

Also WIllow was probably my first exposure to ~lesbians~ as a thing, and it was very cute.

5. Eleven/Jane Hopper from Stranger Things

Mostly for how adorable she is with Chief Hopper. She has some personality issues that cut a little close to home with respect to preteen girl-ness (especially rivalry with other girls) and being awkward af, but hopefully she’ll grow out of that with socialisation.

6. Toriel from Undertale (Undyne is pretty good too)

Oh cow mom. She doesn’t know you at all, but she just loves and wants to protect kids. Sometimes you just don’t want to leave her house. For all we know our character’s parents were crap anyway.

7. Ciri and Yennefer from the Witcher 3/the books

I’m mostly thinking Ciri from the game (the only one of the games I’ve played so far) and Yennefer from the books, but I couldn’t really decide. I was really impressed by how the game handled you and Ciri (and I got the best ending! ^.^), and Ciri’s character in general as a young woman still finding and figuring out her way while being fairly badass at points.

As for Yennefer, the allusions to her (and most other witches’) histories in the books really stuck with me. The witches did make her very beautiful and respected, but that wasn’t really what she wanted, and I think that comes through in the hardness of her personality at times.

8. Yasmin Khan from Doctor Who (I’d say the Doctor too, but that seems cheap when every previous series they’ve been male)

This is a fairly early stages one given that there’s only been like 5 or 6 episodes of this season of Doctor Who, but she seems pretty good - on the ball, able to take charge but still human, and some good current muslim representation for the world (and gave us an interesting if depressing episode about her grandmother’s past). Fingers crossed they’ll keep doing good things.

9. Clementine from the Walking Dead games

If you touch a singular hair on my precious daughter’s head I will end you. She goes from precious smol cinnamon roll to a slightly larger and much fiercer cinnamon roll with a gun who you will still love with all your heart.

10. Becky Sharp from Vanity Fair

I did not know basically anything about Vanity Fair until the recent TV version, and this is woman is kind of fascinating. Is she a psychopath? I’m not 100% sure, but she is certainly interesting. Rare to see such a complex, interesting and entertaining female character who’s also (kind of?) the villain.

Honourable mentions that occured to me after the fact: every woman in Black Panther, Hermione Granger, Professor McGonagall, Nymphadora Tonks, Elizabeth Bennett (Pride & Prejudice), Tarunga Leela (Futurama), Sybil Vimes (Discworld)

(Almost as difficult:)Tagging: @katrisims, @rosefyrefyre, @fuzzyspork, @thrumbolt, @ashley-bates-of-t-umblr, @chillyravenart, @omgellendean, @esmeiolanthe, @nobodysuspectsthebutterfly, @loyalannister

[pellucidthings]

For the fandom meme: 4, 9, 10, 14

4. Favorite books read this year

Well, I taught Mrs. Dalloway this year and therefore reread it for approximately the 42nd time, and it is always the first answer to this question.

But for books I read for the first time this year, a few standouts:

The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish simultaneously tells the story of two 21st-century researchers and the Jewish refugees in 17th-century London whose story they are discovering from a new manuscript cache, so it pushes MANY of my fiction buttons. There are a couple of moments where I wish her editor had reined her in a little, but overall, recommend, especially if you like historical fiction.

Rather behind the times here, but I finally got around to reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which is of course excellent on so many levels. But what I didn’t realize about that book is how it is as much about the writing of the book as it is about its subject matter, and I really love that about it.

And after Kazuo Ishiguro won the Nobel in 2017 I decided to catch up on some of his novels I had not already read, and only got around to reading one. But The Buried Giant was fantastic, and I thought it did an even better job than the more-celebrated Never Let Me Go of living in that liminal space between genres. (In TBG it’s between historical fiction and fantasy, and in NLMG it’s between contemporary realism and dystopia/science fiction, of course.)

9. Best new fandom discovery of the year

Early in the year, pictures of this pretty witch pairing started appearing on my dash. I went looking for more, skipped from the pilot to “The Spelling Bee” and then straight to AO3, and became thoroughly hooked on The Worst Witch.

My favorite part of this, without a doubt, has been the nature of the fandom itself. I took a pretty long fandom hiatus between roughly 2010-2016, and since I’ve been back, I’ve struggled a little bit with the way fandom (or at least the fandoms I’ve been participating in) works differently than it used to. And The Worst Witch fandom is the first thing I’ve found that feels dear and familiar and cozy and makes me want to party like it’s 2007 or something. It’s so fic-centric!!! There is so much fic, and it’s so good!!!! And people comment and kudos like crazy!!!! And it’s overall such a generative, creative space, with people filling in gaps and fleshing out characters and exploring but also pushing beyond the confines of canon, and truly embracing the spirit of transformative work in a way I have not gotten to participate in for quite some time. It has been delighting the hell out of me, and I look forward to continuing to have it as my primary fannish space.

10. Biggest fandom disappointment of the year

Oh god. In January, Craig McLachlan, star of The Doctor Blake Mysteries, was credibly accused of sexual harassment. This kicked off a whole series of things that has resulted in the end of a show I had been quite enjoying (and to be clear: under the circumstances I’m very glad it ended, but still) and my inability to rewatch the existing stuff because Lucien has CM’s face and it makes me angry every time I see it. So, you know, fuck that guy.

I will say, though, that the tumblr-based Blake fandom has been really tremendous through all of this, and it’s been lovely to watch this group of women who have negotiated a range of challenging circumstances and emotions with so much grace.

14. Favorite m/f ship of the year

Hmm, probably have to go with Jennifer Mapplethorpe/Nick Buchanan from City Homicide for this one. Jen has One of the Best Faces, Nick is one of the very few fictional dudes I truly like for himself and not just because he loves my girl (though he does), and they legit got a canonical undercover married plot. 

(Ask me more end of year fandom things.)