#spring is a time of beauty and new beginnings. but Jan-March feels like you are an insect shedding its skin. kafkaesque

[xwiredearbuds2014x]

Late winter is for feeling vaguely disgusted with yourself without a good reason for it

[kookiebunnii]

d4u || golden closet film

jan. 2019. we’re going to korea today. i’ve never been, but jungkook is definitely excited about it. i think he plans to make a video out of it too, maybe for his youtube subscribers or something. i hope when he looks back on this trip, he can be happy. maybe through the lens of that camera, he’ll find something worth smiling for.

pairing: bestfriend!jungkook x reader

genre: slice of life 

word count: 3.5k 

warnings: n/a

Whenever you traveled abroad, the painful stiffness in your neck always filled you with regret and determination to invest in a neck pillow in preparation for the next flight. However, you’d always be too mystified and distracted at the new sights to be seen once you’ve landed to remember how much suffering you endured in arriving there. Asking Jungkook to remind you hasn’t worked either, since the boy could barely remember to bring his essentials on a typical day. When he happened to have his wallet, phone, and surprisingly-- his keys, you’d make sure to tease him with a, “Aren’t you a big boy now?” He would scrunch his nose at you in annoyance every time. He loathed it. You loved it.

You shifted restlessly in your seat, trying to find a comfortable nook or cranny so you could finally enjoy some much-needed rest. A 12-hour flight time paired with this seat in particular could be used as a torture method. You had offered Jungkook the window seat, since you knew he’d want to get some aerial shorts during the flight for his new film. Unluckily, that meant you were stuck between the long-legged boy and an elderly lady that you would feel embarrassed for intruding on if you took up too much space. As a result, you’ve spent the last 30 minutes startling awake every two minutes because your head kept tilting forward uncontrollably.

“I know I tease you for having a big head, but I didn’t know the issue was this serious.”

Despite the deafening nature of flying at high altitudes, you were close enough to Jungkook to hear his little snide remark. You gave him a nasty glare before leaning back in your chair and closing your eyes again. You could handle a few hours of pain in return for the exciting vacation the two of you planned for winter break. As you stretched your limbs, you imagined how luxurious you would feel later when visiting all the stylish cafés in Seoul, chowing down on Busan delicacies, and admiring Jeju’s beauty in person.

It’ll be worth it.

You’re not sure if you’re dreaming when you feel the armrest serving as a divide between seats being raised. Afterwards, a soft pressure tilts your head to the left and the thin blanket you’ve haphazardly tossed on for the night adjusts itself snugly against your shoulders. When you open your eyes slightly, you realize that Jungkook has let you lean on his shoulder as you sleep. You’re feeling too sleepy and dazed to open your mouth to say thank you, so you settle for adjusting your head to find the most comfortable spot on his shoulder instead. Unsurprisingly, you pass out shortly after.

When you wake up, you find Jungkook filming the slow descent of the plane through the tiny window. Through the soft and wispy clouds, you notice how the city breaks through in specks of sunlight. The moment is captured through the steady lens of your film director and you watch as he continues the shot for a few seconds longer before cutting the video. He gives you a brief smile as he turns off his precious camera and begins stowing it back into his backpack.

“How’d you sleep?” he asks, absentmindedly scrolling through the map projecting through the small screen attached to the seat in front of him.

“A lot better than expected,” you watch as he zooms in on your destination, studying the names of cities that pop up as he scrolls, “Keep up the gym workouts and we can rent out your arm as a pillow.”

He chuckles in response to your suggestion. Before you could elaborate more on the profit margins you expected from such an endeavor, the captain’s voice fills the intercom. He announces that everyone should expect a landing in thirty minutes. The idea of finally escaping such a small space filled you with a rare sort of apprehension, your leg bouncing up and down unconsciously with delight.

The wonder bubbling in your chest rises and overflows as you watch the landscape pass you by. Finally settled in a taxi heading to the hotel nestled in the hustle and bustle of Seoul, you observe the tall apartment buildings popping up, reaching towards the sky. You couldn’t help but gaze out at the expanse of dark water as you crossed a bridge into the inner parts of the city. It was your first time in this country, but Jungkook had done a great job of hyping up the destination in your mind.

Your hotel room is just as tidy and neat as you like, a platter of chocolates lying on the desk and a large window exposing the beautiful view of streets and skyscrapers below. There were no odd abstract paintings that American hotels tended to adorn their walls with, so you were grateful already. The two of you were already eager to head out again, as you both waited for Jungkook’s camera to fully charge. As he spends some time viewing the shots he already recorded, you decide to take a shower. You need to relax the tense muscles accumulated from that long flight and change into something nice for the afternoon. The hot water feels like a much-needed embrace as you take your sweet time admiring the small bottles of citrus-scented shampoo and body wash provided by your accommodation.

As you step out with a whirl of steam like an evil villain out of a movie, you’re surprised to find a majority of the chocolates have disappeared from the platter and the culprit laying out his shirts on the bed nearest to the window. Jungkook looks between the four outfits laid out with serious thought, as if he had been invited to a fashion runway and needed to impress some modeling agencies. You quickly snatch up some chocolates as you head over to look at the clothing pieces yourself. Mouth full of creamy sweets, you pick up his oversized TOPMAN shirt and a pair of sweats. Pointing to the bathroom, you swallow thickly and command, “Shower so we can head out. I want some hotteok.”

He laughs, picking up the garments you chose and responding cheekily, “Out of all the foods I’ve talked about, it’s hotteok you’re excited for.”

Crossing your arms in defense, you give him a stern look as he marches into the bathroom himself. You focus on drying your hair, picking out your own outfit, and preparing a good argument for why hotteok sounded like the superior Korean food item. Trying to pick something impressive but not over-the-top was an added struggle after Jungkook had asked to film shots of you during the trip. At first you were against it, knowing you weren’t exactly an Instagram model and slightly camera-shy as well. However, he had promised you that he’d be focusing more on capturing the country scenery itself than trying to film you specifically. You gave him a punch in the abdomen when he added that you weren’t that much of a sight anyways, but you could tell that he already had a vision for his new film project. Especially since you had yet to really see or understand the work he embarked on in connection with his major, you felt that this was a good opportunity to help him out however you could. You had no clue regarding the types of filming techniques Jungkook loved to pour over in his spare time, studying the videos of filmmakers he admired on repeat while you receded to the Netflix shows you personally found far more engaging. You knew he would guide you through what he wanted, given that he was thorough and patient when it came to whatever he produced for the public. If you could assist in achieving his dreams, even if you might feel awkward doing it, it would be worth it.

You saw the way he used to zone out when the two of you passed by a merry couple on the way to your favorite ice cream parlor. You also quietly took note of him deleting folders of pictures of Yuna that were saved in his desktop when you peeked into his room a few weeks ago. It had been almost a year since he cried as you tried to hold his broken heart steady during the breakup. You remembered how he would seize up when he saw her in public, eyes wide in fright as his fight or flight response kicked into overdrive.

Your thoughts cause your grip to falter over the turtleneck sweater in your hands, remembering the forced smile you would plaster on as you pulled him away to a different café instead, remembering to never visit Serendipity Coffee on weekends ever again. The hurt he endured in spring left an emblazoned impression on you, as you spent summer worrying over his emotional condition. You knew he traveled during the past summer to keep his mind off things, and every time the two of you managed to meet up between his trips and your working shifts you would try your best to gauge his wellbeing. However, you knew that you hadn’t won any brownie points with him after coming home with a swollen cheek and a bleeding scratch under your eye the week after Jungkook had found out Yuna was cheating. Word had already gotten to him before you could make up an excuse for your injuries, and you had never seen him that angry before. He made you promise that you would never meet with Yuna again, especially not if you were going to pour a drink on her head and get into a subsequent cat fight. With your stubborn attitude, the air was tense around the two of you for a good few weeks before he acquiesced and apologized for his passionate reaction. It only took you calling Yuna a drowned rat for him to finally laugh and forgive you for the altercation. He admitted that he appreciated you attempting to defend him, but still forbade you from getting in harm’s way for him. You agreed to his terms, knowing that you’d taught Yuna a lesson she wouldn’t forget for a while anyways.

Remembering this increased your persistence in making this trip a memorable restart to 2019. You had wished for Jungkook to experience nothing but happiness and success in this new year, and although you hadn’t been the most good-willed, obedient individual in history, you hoped that the big man upstairs heard your prayer. Your best friend deserved it.

At dinner, you realize another reason you’re glad Jungkook is your best friend. The two of you could casually stuff your faces like starving teenagers when it came to good food. Unable to relate to girls that only ordered petite salads on dates, you piled up the slices of pork belly in your lettuce wrap. Allowing the ssam to finally enter your waiting mouth, you chew happily as you dance in your seat with chopsticks in hand. Charcoal fire made all the difference, and you had no idea how you were ever going to go back to using a gas stove in the States. You had no idea why Jungkook’s family would move out of Korea when he was a kid—it now seemed like a terrible choice to you.

The amount of orders you and Jungkook clear out at the AYCE BBQ place almost has the waitress crying in relief when you finally ask for the bill. Satisfied and warm, the cold winter air feels less harsh when you finally head outside. Thankful for the puffy down coat Jungkook recommended you purchase for the trip; you watch as soft powder begins to rain down from the sky. Painted against the dark expanse of the night, you try your best to catch some of the flakes on your tongue. Smacking your lips together as if enjoying a delicious treat, you flinch when you catch the sudden lens of Jungkook’s camera trained on your curious expression.

“Snow won’t taste like anything, silly.”

Used to directing your responses to his quips at your best friend’s brown eyes, you opt for glaring into his camera lens instead, knowing he could see your unamused expression. He laughs at this but doesn’t stop filming. Even though you feel a bit unsure of yourself, you do a few spins for your director before throwing up a peace sign with a wide grin. You wanted him to look back on this trip, this video, and remember it with nothing but happiness. He complains that you look super dorky, but you pay him no heed. You could tell he was saying that just to mess with you, given the amount of time he’s repeated that clip in the past few minutes just to “check the details”. Feeling a wave of confidence, you’re glad that your instincts turned into something he could use for his work.

You wanted to see the Han River, so the two of you paced the streets quickly towards that destination. Jungkook was practically your personal tour guide, so you dedicated most of your attention towards admiring as much of Seoul as you could. Thankful for him, you follow along contently until you could see the reflection of lights on water not far ahead.

As soon as you pull your hood down you can feel the cool breeze of the river against your cheeks. It was invigorating in a way, and you could feel yourself fall in love with this place. You feel yourself smiling, the motion likely a side effect of how much you were enjoying yourself. Despite it being the first evening here, this was your first real trip with Guk and the excitement of discovering new things alongside him was exhilarating.

“What are you thinking about?” Jungkook asks, as you’ve realized he’s recorded your little moment of self-reflection.

Brushing tendrils of hair out of your face, you simply give him, and by extension his camera, another smile as your answer. It wouldn’t fit you to be soft on the first day of an outing. Besides, if he knew how much you enjoyed his presence, he wouldn’t let you hear the end of it. Jungkook breaks off silently to film various shots, capturing a vision that perhaps only he could see. You watch him with amusement for a brief moment, before staring back out into the river again. The red and orange lights reflected on the water’s smooth surface were eye-catching, in a way that felt radiating yet peaceful. The sight helped you focus simply on breathing in the fresh winter air, coming to terms that you really were in South Korea for the first time. Adventure awaits.

“Hey Y/N, can you help me with something?”

Jungkook breaks you out of your reverie, bounding over to you in excitement before explaining a camera technique he wanted you to try. After you understood his choppy explanation, he tried his best to demonstrate what exactly you had to do.

“Okay so I’ll move the side of the lens and cover it at the same time?” you bite your lip in nervousness, hoping you didn’t sound like a dunce.

“Here,” he grabs your hand out of your pocket, earning a pout from you at the sudden loss of warmth.

Setting your fingers on the side of his lens, he held your fingers steady as he guided your hand gently over the lens while simultaneously moving the viewpoint of the camera to the left.

“Ah, so you want this to be a transition of sorts? Okay,” you happily comply, spending the rest of the evening helping him get this vlogging-type effect before demanding a reward for your efforts in the form of a freshly-made hotteok.

The next day, you’re able to finally see Gyeongbokgung Palace like you wanted. Even though it was a huge tourist attraction, you always had an interest in history and found the pictures of the architecture on Google simply amazing. Jungkook seems to feel indifferent about the expedition, claiming that there would be a lot of people—a possibility that it could grow quite crowded.

That did nothing to deter your enthusiasm, as you discover that dressing up in the traditional hanbok even meant that the entry would be free! Giddy with happiness, you even convince Jungkook to find himself something. He seems beyond embarrassed when he emerges in a royal blue hanbok from the rental place. You simply whistle in appreciation, your response only making him even more shy as he hurriedly nudged you out of the store.

His overly conscious body language quickly shifted as he began filming again, finding comfort in his hobby. He followed you as you entered the large doors of the palace grounds, catching the way you gasped upon seeing the people wearing beautiful colors and bright red accents painting the pillars around you. Every step you took on the rocky dirt felt important, as you wondered how people hundreds of years must have stepped over the same area.

A beautiful outdoor area with lush green grass and sleepy willows sat beyond the initial entrance to the historical monument, and you couldn’t help smiling at how grand and elegant everything seemed. Other tourists stroll past you, in high spirits as well from what you could tell. It was better than anything you could’ve dreamt up when you were sitting thousands of miles away on your laptop, researching “things to do in Korea”.

Spinning around to catch Jungkook off guard, you take the camera from his hands before saying, “Alright Director Jeon, it’s your turn.”

He sputters in confusion as you give him a friendly nudge forward, training the lens on him instead. Through the viewfinder, you could see the way he suddenly froze up as if he were a deer caught in headlights. You walk up to give him a jab in the belly that breaks him out of his stupor.

“Just be natural. It’s beautiful here, see if anything interests you,” you suggest, lowering the camera briefly to give him a reassuring smile.

“My subscribers would probably rather not see me,” he responded, timidly covering his ears as he talks. You caught this habit of his early in your friendship, easily understanding that he was being overly nervous again.

Giving him a deadpanned expression, you state, “I’ve watched one G.C.F. before you know. The comment section was filled with your fangirls thirsting for a face reveal. What better way than to have them see their oppa in his handsome hanbok?”

His hands leave his ears as you see a small smirk returning to his face, “Did you just call me handsome?”

“I called your hanbok handsome, bunny boy. Now look pretty for the camera.”

His banter with you seemed to relax his nerves greatly, as he quickly settles back into his confident self. Before you begin recording, he replicates the transition you had conducted the previous night. You realize that he would connect the two separate shots this way, so you served as the first subject that would transform into the second subject, Jungkook.

This guy never ceases to amaze you.

The rest of the tour was as stunning as the beginning, as you try your best not to trip over your beautifully embroidered skirt. The golden thread weaved into a multitude of chrysanthemums along the hem, a detail you deeply loved. The camera now stowed away into Jungkook’s bag, you head into the small gift shop located a few steps away from a beautiful moat on the palace grounds.

Admiring the stickers, keychains, and other little knick-knacks strewn about the store, you did your best to stick to the monetary limit you had set for yourself. Everything was so wonderfully crafted that it was difficult to stay under 15,000 won. You settle for a series of postcards with watercolor paintings of various areas of the palace on the front. They were only a few dollars in USD anyways, as you plan to decorate your room with them.

The end of exploring Gyeongbokgung left a sad yet fulfilling impression on your heart. As you hand the pieces of your hanbok to one of the girls working at the front desk of the rental store, you couldn’t help but run your fingers across the stitching again and sigh.

“If it means anything, you looked…nice in that,” Jungkook thinks about his words for a bit as the two of you trudge up the stairs to exit the shop.

With a single eyebrow raised, you turn to face him as if you couldn’t believe what you were hearing. The longer you stare, the redder his cheeks become. This phenomenon only made you stare harder, much to his chagrin.

“Stop doing that. I’m only saying this because you looked like a sad puppy over that dress.”

Grinning mischievously, you respond with a playful tone, “I think Koo just complimented me! Wow, what a time to be alive. Truly I must have been a beautiful sight if his highness graces me with such kind words—hey where are you going?”

Even as you curse him for making you sprint to keep up him, you can’t help but laugh.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

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[tinytouristtakessf-blog]

The last chapter in SF

Jan 25th, 2020.

An Introduction.

In 2017, Jess was introduced to our quiet, oversized, and mainstream lives... Little did we know, that everything was about to change. The winds swirled overhead as she landed and within a couple weeks our loud, mini, hippie-witch-grandma-babe became ingrained in our lives! 

Coming in hot with a list of must-see, -try, -listen, -taste, -climb items for SF, Jess managed to keep us busy trying new things and living our best fun-sized life.

In honor of one chapter coming to a close (and another very exciting one just beginning!!), we want to take a look back at some of the beautiful moments you’ve helped us create! Thank you for being a part of our lives in San Francisco, and we are so excited and proud of you for making big moves across the seas in New Zealand! Don’t forget us and please come back to re-visit your San Francisco community soon 😻

Love,

Everyone

Credit: (always) Inspired by the TinyTourist

2017

Let’s take a walk down memory lane back to 2017...

Enter 2017… when some of us all met Jess Tilles for first time. Something we may be too old to do but in our early 20s we were able to stick through 9 hours of drinking. Santa Con was the day into the night we were all obliterated… but Santas and mistletoe and FUN! We all look very youthful, oh what a few years in SF has done to our age. It was also one of the first and last times we all decided to go out in the Marina, and then proceed to eat Italian Homemade food. The beginning of an era!

Meanwhile at work... Jess quickly becomes a driving force of work parties with Holmes (and Eva and Jess discover they are both proponents of Bell sleeves). Of course Jess=where the party @ after having met most of the team at a highly questionable night tearing up the Castro prior Olga’s birthday.

Celebrating big moves to the bay, Jess, Shiri, and Leeza united in the gorgeous SF winter on Hattie St Balcony (a local’s hidden gem). It was then that Leeza and Jess instantly realized they were meant to meet and pursue all the best indie-folk-hippie music together. The rest of the concert saga is history!

2018

March 2018 

Jess and Leron feeling lucky on St. Patty’s day by wearing all black and going against the mainstream in classic Jess fashion.

April 2018

Jess and Eva jamtfo to Penguin Prison at at their favorite SF venue, The Independent on Eva’s bday. They groove from the front row where Jess has zero obstacles blocking her line of site. Eva gets to hold the gee-tar.

Parisa's first day in SF! A messy deep dish experience could only be ended with a super fun barcade.

August 2018

For many of us, it was our very first overnight backpacking trip that hot summer weekend in July. Leeza had on the heaviest pack and powered ahead of the group (per usual), while the rest of us fumbled behind. We all kept enthusiasm high and it was a glorious moment when we 1) dipped into the freezing cold water at the end of day one and 2) when we finally took our packs, shoes and socks off at the end of the hike, and we all agreed that we would not do that trail again if someone paid us a million fat ones. Such a memorable trip- it was a great shared bonding experience for us to be out exploring in nature, and struggling together but ultimately powering through. Caroline was peeing every 20 minutes of the hike as usual, Leron was making interesting jokes and Shiri and Jess kept our spirits high!

Jess has her first grown woman trip to LA with Eva. They stay in Sunset Junction (Micheltorena stairs pictured) and have a romantic werk wife stay at the legendary Casa Crawford Airbnb, where their room doesn’t lock and they share a bathroom with the elderly spooky owner. Highlights include swan boating on Echo Park Lake, yoga at Equinox, eating at Mh Zh and Sqirl, unwinding at Wi Spa, crashing a mansion party in the Hollywood hills, and celebrating Lauren’s 30th birthday. Jess also very much enjoys catching up with a friend in Venice Beach.

In spring 2018, Jess made moves in the city to make friends and become ~sporty~ with Shiri in the Play Recess league. Striking the perfect balance between minimal coordination and slap-cup, we learned to destroy the competition in what really counts! Culminating in an ultimate scavenger hunt debacle, Spinelli led the group to victory! (Not actually sure if we completed the scavenger, but the memories we do have were definitely winners :) ).

October 2018

Halloweenies with our favorite Grandmama. Photographed left to right: Grandmama (Jess), Wednesday (Caroline), thing (Cole), Gomez (Leron), Morticia (Shiri), Lurch (Jack) and Pugsley (Jacob)

In the spooky month of October 2019, the Fulton Fam got together to throw our first rager - an extravagant Addams family party. Thanks to the creative inspiration of the group, we were able to pull off some spooky vibes, including spider webs, grey hair, ridiculous mustaches, and more. 

Late 2018 marked the beginning of the Fulton house era- too many nights sitting around watching Fort Night, debating Zinc in double-blind tests, and hundreds more conversations that none of us can remember… We will never forget the eclectic energy Jess brought into the Fulton house. The large batches of pasta & pesto she cooked and the lotions & soaps she brewed up. Brew hahah. As the first alumnus of the Fulton house, Jess has since ventured out to #adult in her 2 bedroom apartment in Nob Hill.

Before Jess left us, we had one last BirthRight hoorah with Jacob’s new friends. There was a peculiar guy making brisket in our oven, and handing samples around like a Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Shiri infamously used her photoshop skills to crop the beloved Leron Gil into the house party he missed. Good times!

December 2018

How could we forget the numerous ski trips in 2019 with Jess? There were so many weekends bopping around down the slopes in Heavenly, Kirkwood and North Star. On this specific photographed trip, Jess and Caroline celebrated their birthdays with a weekend getaway to Northstar. Too much Secret Hitler was played. Things got wild. Other board games were forced upon us (lol). But looking back it was a great time hanging with friends, drinking champagne on the mountain and blasting some groovy tunes down the mountain.

Over the holidays, Chinese food is a tradition… a very delicious meal at Koi Palace! While living in Fulton, there was a 2 month hiatus where just Jess, Caroline and Jacob occupied the house. Some like to call that period of time “the cleanest time of Fulton”, others call bullshit. The three bonded over diverging political opinions, bitching about who never cleaned their dishes and doing korean face masks. 

2019

January 2019

Ringing in the New 2019 Year in San Francisco with a large group of our friends was quite the experience! Great to celebrate together together at the boom boom room with some live music (but also not great that the window got smashed 😂)

One of Jess’s many ascents at Mission Cliffs! Go Jess send it! 

 Only Jess and her gleaming charisma could rally coworkers to see a concert AND have work pay for our HH drinks (thanks for the sus hand-written receipt for expensing, @Madrone Art Bar). We saw her beloved Magic City Hippies at The Independent which was funky and upbeat Miami vibes all around. Also pictured are Mary and Georgine who are/soon working in New Zealand as well.

February 2019

Always remember the earplugs! Jess knows how to concert.

March 2019

Soccer moms go to Warby Parker. Epic picture and times of Jess with the Fulton boys.

April 2019

A new(ish) face joined the Holmes Fire SF team- finally Jess and Irene’s LDR was over! This was our first team building activity as a new group and with Jess in charge of course we ended up climbing!

Celebrating Eva’s Birthday with a fun rooftop HH at El Teco on a sunny spring day!

Jess, Eva and Irene order frozen pina coladas and take in the views before a Mission bar crawl of sorts, closing nice and early with burritos from El Farolito.

May 2019

Hanging out at the top of the SalesForce tower. Pro tip, bring a structural engineer for some great commentary.

Bay to Breakers with team eggs and team hippies (aka Jess’s typical aesthetic)!

Always discussing the most important topics at work- like water bottle sticker placement! #bigdecisions

July 2019

One of the best Holmes site visits ever!!

Jess and Eva drive up North for a wine country getaway they won a while back at a silent auction. En route they plow through La Croix cans, have a rad lunch in Sebastopol and dip their feet in the picturesque Russian River. Early evening, they taste and tour facilities at Moshin Vineyards in Forestville (shout outs to that delightfully dry pinot noir ros��) before stargazing (ft. skunk!) and cozying up in a cabin suite with the movie Sideways. The next day, they have a beautiful morning walk by the vineyards. By way of Jess’ parents, they land in Ronald McDonald’s home for a private tasting. Jess learns she loves fruit-forward wines!

September 2019

The second infamous backpacking trip! **GIRLS TRIP**!!!! The time we thought it’d be smart to not get camping food and cook kraft mac and cheese with no microwave. What it came out to be was a big bowl of cheese goop, with Ella, Anna, Olaf and unicorn characters drowned in there. A big SHOUTOUT to Marie for pulling through with the fancy face creams and sharing with the group, us talking about waxing *ahem* body parts and again, Leeza leading the charge with Foxy! At night, we laid out on the benches and stared up at the stars - the night was so clear! We couldn’t stop laughing over things I can no longer remember… except about discovering the world was indeed not flat. Once again, Caroline likely peed 20 times total, and was coughing and heaving (sorry for being sick!) 😅

Jess and Eva get weird in Portland! Where they sip rooftop beers, frolick in the Nike HQ ( a mass timber wonderland), meet Big Foot and Krampus, procure free passes to a saucy community event, dance to 80s music at a goth bar/visit crusty dive bars, have a prime strawberry cough (and beanie) experience @ Electric Lettuce, savor prime Bamboo sushi, and Jess gets a cute ass tragus piercing. Throughout the trip Jess wears a lot of black to Eva’s delight #moody #angsty. On their walks to the Portland office, Jess appreciates the changing fall leaves and residential neighborhoods, feeling reminded of home on the East Coast.

Just another amazing Jill Hike ;) 

October 2019

OK - San Francisco was filled with challenges… and Tough Mudder was one of them! Although we found out that at the end of the race - you would be electrocuted - we persisted. We - as a team - got through to the finish line. So proud of everyone for completing the race! Although Caroline was the only one who copped out of electric shock. The number of times we dunked into mud baths and climbed 10 ft walls… 

Jess’s favorite time of the year and a visit from Tariq! Jess and Eva decorated the whole office to look super ~spooky~ON ANOTHER LEVEL (featuring creepy clown photos, hella cobwebs and caution tape, bloody stickers, and of course fake plastic bugs) and organized a halloween bar crawl around North Beach (@ Maggie McGarrie’s and Tupelo)!

November 2019

A big fan of live music, Jess is a great Concert buddy. Always down to explore new music and venues! This was such a fun bonding night where we got greyhounds, beers, caught up on life and danced at Polo & Pan. So fun!

Proxima Parada at Milk Bar birthday concert where Jess got a shout-out from the band! ft. a blurry instagram story and classic typos. Prior, the whole squad turns up at Hobson’s Choice over punch bowls.

HP marathon or studying for PE? Well! let's master both!

December 2019

One of the best days in December was unexpected. It started out with a simple brunch plan but ended in a full day of activities!!  New spot on polk was where Jess and Maries’ friendship began and continued to blossom!

After having an amazing meal (great eggs benedict) and hours of catching up we decided to walk back to our houses together (since we are neighbors!!). Jess was excited to see Marie’s new couch (that was 50% off hehe) and decided to come over. Kap, Jess and Marie did a long (super difficult) puzzle (connected a few pieces) and watched netflix. We order Thai food (Kap ordered us cookies) and we relaxed all day. It was a special day where the three of us reminisced about San Francisco and all of our time here. It was a day no one wanted to end!!

Holmes Holiday Party- Jess’s favorite drink was the beet cocktail 😉

Cozy three course italian dinner with wine at 3pm! Best part of the afternoon was my hot date, Jess ;)

Jess and her neighborhood park (shoutout to nob hill, the real MVP) winning Shiri over with its views on views.

January 2019

On one of Jess’s final few Tahoe ski weekends, she SENT IT down a black diamond on her first weekend back of the season. Harrison found a great photo opp for Jess, Marie and Caroline against the Xtreme advanced only sign. The weekend was filled with playing Mafia, jamming to tunes down the slope, exploring Squaw valley, having some nice Apres Ski, and getting fed some good, slow-cooked food (haha!). 

[JESS, INSERT YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE LAST WEEKEND IN SF!!!] 

NOTES FROM YOUR BIFFLES TO SEND YOU OFF <3

Dear Jess, 

Thank you for entering into my life and being saggitarius soulmates. I love that we are on the same page about so many things - planning, me-time, boys (kinda), beards, skiing, tardiness, traveling, being avoidant, being wholesome and SO MUCH MORE. I’m so happy we bonded over the last couple years we’ve known each other. I miss all the times I would knock on your door and catch up while you marie kondo-d your entire closet. Thank you for pushing me in new and different ways which you may not have realized (like forcing me to vote) and inspiring me to do good with the environment (hehe). 

You are kind-hearted, loyal, so brave and bold and I’m so proud of you for going out on this adventure to New Zealand!! I will miss you lots in San Francisco and miss the ridiculous random shit we would laugh at during out ski trips or cooking or when we could catch up at home. Thank you for always listening whenever I felt like blabbing on and helping keep me grounded. So excited to visit New Zealand and can’t wait to explore! Plz don’t forget all the great memz we had in SF!!

Love you lots XOXO

Caroline 

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Jess!!! We have done it all together and now we can add New Zealand to that list too! I’m so glad that we got to overlap in SF and I had you here to show me to ropes. I can’t wait to follow your kiwi adventures and see all the fun things you do. 

Love you lots!! 

Xoxo 

Irene 

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JESSICA. My favorite small person to kiss on the head. I am so glad we could bond over our love of funky music and skiing. I’ll always be here to make sure you don’t look like an egg on the ski slopes and can’t wait to visit you and your Kiwi men soon. You are a sweet, funny, life of the party small person who’s going to find so much success and kiwi men in NZ. Love you so much, and may the yearly backpacking live on!

-Leez

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Dear Jess, You are such a sweet soul that is thoughtful and cares about everyone around you. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet ya (ty shiri!!) and get to know you over the last year and a half. I always have so much fun on our walks, breakfast dates, or ski trips (and so much more). I’m so extremely happy for you to be following your dreams (and a lil sad that we won’t be neighbors anymore). I can’t wait to come visit ya and enjoy more adventures together! Love ya, Marie!! 

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Jess - I love seeing how far we’ve come since our truss-ty mechanics class, traveling across the country and seeking out all the best from life! Although your soul belongs in a hippy world, I know you will find your people and place no matter where you land (just keep being YOU). New Zealand is lucky to be getting the tiniest force around. You will certainly be missed, but know that I’m just a WhatsApp message (or a quick flight!) away :). Excited for the tiny tourist travels ahead <3

Love, Shiri

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Blonde Meets Brunette. Relatively Tall Meets Considerably Short. East Coast Meets West Coast. Engineering Major Meets Fine Arts Major. Happy Music Meets Sad Music. On paper we might come across as opposites, but internally and emotionally I am so grateful for the rich grey areas and nuances we’ve discovered that we contain. The odds were slim for us to cross paths in this big ol’ universe,and I’m so grateful we found each other to help tame and ground the ups and downs of being-in-your-twenties. You have been a guiding, real, and empowering force since Day 1, and you’ve taught me so much. I can’t wait to see all you accomplish in this new chapter and far beyond! ALL the love to the best work wife there ever was.

Eva Slusser

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Yo,

Glad we have been able to go on a bunch of snowy adventures. Look forward to visiting your weird kiwi fire life sometime and I'm sorry I always assumed you were the mafia.

-Dave

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Jess,

It was great getting to know you even if it was only for a short amount of time. Will always remember you bombing it down that double black diamond at squaw, the hike in Berkeley, and the constant disapproving looks sent my way.

GO PRO CAPTURE

- H

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Jess!! Thank you for being the kindest soul your are. I enjoyed every bits and pieces of our friendship from Stas' lab to smoke control class to getting to bond more here in SF.

Can't wait to follow the tiny tourist adventures through this new kiwi chapter. Auckland is lucky to have you!

Love you and see you soon!

Parisa

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This post serves as written confirmation that I have previously stated thank you and please and no longer require these societal norms to be restated. Once I see you in New Zealand, reside in your dwelling and depart back to San Francisco, I will not provide a thank you note. I expect the same from you. 

See you soon,

Leron

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Jess - We will miss you, but having a friend leave SF is easier when you know theres great adventures ahead for them. I’m excited for all your NZ adventures, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. Keep us in the loop and I look forward to seeing you in the future.

-jacob

[eveningspirit]

Urgh...

And also Damn. 

I think I have to make that summary post of last year and that post about my plans for this year, because... of reasons. I mean, I still can’t quite find the focus. And I thought that in the New Year it will be easier... But. I’m still all over the place, so some head cleaning can do the trick? Maybe?

Last year was a disaster. Well, maybe not all of it, but generally speaking. It was the weirdest year for me, in recent history, and especially the final month of it was completely outtawhack.

Let’s see. I quit my job. I started to do some freelancing, in hopes that it will pay my bills (well, half of them, or even less, because Hubbie is a patient saint or something), I’m still on anti-depressants (almost year and a half now) and I’m scared that at some point I’ll have to quit and maybe act like I’m normal? Functional? Humanbeing? What???

But I was supposed to do the writing summary of this year, not complain about my life, so...

Writing-wise I was working relentlessly on Crystal Spring Valley, with a couple of The Gifted fanfictions thrown in for good measure here and there. Wait, I’ll go and check AO3. Right. I started some at the beginning of the year (Jan-Feb like), added to them and finished some around the midyear (June-July) and then around October. I still have one WIP. Well. I want to write more, I really do, I just... It takes so much time and so many words you kno? Words are exhausting.

The original novel. Well, I was really, really working hard on it. Right here I have to remind myself that I went to see the most beautiful place in the world (not that I know anything about beautiful places, because I haven’t been around all that much), which is also (kind of) the setting for my story -- I’m talking about Soca Valley in Slovenia. And I met @hithelleth ! (what? I can tag you, I know you’ll read it anway. *HUUUUGS*). It was great. That trip and meeting Hith (wish we had more time, or that we didn’t take as long to get used to each other, lol) and seeing Soca were seriously the highlights of this year for me. So. You kno. It wasn’t all that bad, actually.

Anyway. Crystal Spring Valley. I wrote first draft last year during NaNo and made an attempt at an edit this year. I sincerely worked on it for most of the year, from early March till the end of October. I’m at 54k words. And at only about 1/3 of the plot (the whole thing was supposed to be about 80k, alas. me thinks I’m gonna have to cut like half of those words? or make it longer? wtf?).

I stopped, because I wanted to do NaNo with another story, but that one totally flopped. I think I shouldn’t have tried it, didn’t have feels for it. Should have continued with Crystal Spring Valley. 

I stopped writing altogether about mid Novemer and haven’t written a word since. That qualifies as a disaster, no? I don’t know what to do next. But that will go into that other post...

As for the summary, that would be all. Thank you (all seven (two?) of you) for reading all this nonsense. :)

[cityalps]

JOIN| Spring into a 30-day core challenge | Cycling training camp | Sunday outrides | Wednesday bootcamp

21-02-2021

MOVING INTO MARCH!

Hello City Alpers,

It certainly feels like Spring is on its way and it's such a contrast to the icey paradise that was last Saturday and Sunday. Both weekends have been so good for the soul: to be able to get outside and spend time moving, whether it's ice-skating (or trying to ice-skate) or getting in a long easy weekend ride or run!

The current  8-week Run Stronger Program has been an absolute win, with many of our City Alps runners progressing well. Three more weeks to go till race day! Heads down and hearts open runners! We also continue with our usual ZOOM online classes and indoor City Alps @Home Ride classes.

With Spring and all the promise it holds in mind, we have a few exciting announcements and schedule updates that we wanted to share with you. All details below. A little warning for the information to follow - there are a few quick forms to fill out where you simply need to put your names down to indicate your interest in joining/signing up. In order to get things fired up again, we will need this information from you.

We are excited about the months ahead. We will turn a corner soon enough and, at some point, all those trips, races and projects that have been put on hold will become possible once again and City Alps, as an adventure-inspired community, is going to be mentally and physically ready to extract as much as possible from all that the new normal, or old normal, or normal normal, has to offer. We can not wait. #grouphug

RISE 'N CORE EARLY BIRDS! Georgia and Dayne are very excited to be sharing a 30-day Rise ‘n Core Program with you, beginning on Monday 1 March ... more details and a sign up form below!

What is Rise 'n Core ? Every weekday morning at 07:00, we will meet you on ZOOM for a live 20-minute core session. This is an opportunity to begin those healthy and rewarding morning habits, which can be so powerful in setting you up for the day ahead. If you are not a morning soul just jump right in with us and give it a go, try something new, shake things up. We (Dayne and Georgia) have started doing this ourselves every single morning and we love to end it off with an ice cold shower (cold shower is optional :)). It’s a game changer and we want to share it with you! We promise an encouraging space on ZOOM, with the birds chirping and beautiful wake-up music to slowly iron out those sleep wrinkles.

You will receive a printed calendar to track your progress and create new habits, with the usual City Alps community support and vibes. There will be no recording, so getting your daily bird sticker REALLY does mean waking up to the birds!

Who should join ? This program is supplemental to your usual training (including those on the Run Stronger Program) and is suitable for all levels.

The core impacts every human movement and activity. Standing up, sitting, bending over....and getting out of bed are all driven by your core. A stronger core means a lower risk of injury and better movement, so it's really one for all our City Alpers.

For our cyclists, you can also expect more stability in the saddle and not losing any wattage from bouncing / hopping. For our runners, it means better postural control and improved running economy.

It is important to remember that the core is made up of far more than just your abdominal muscles. It includes: the back, hip flexors, glutes and pelvis. This program  is certainly not about sculpting the perfect 6-pack.

SUMMER TRAINING CAMP IN ITALY There is an opportunity for a City Alps crew to potentially make use of one of Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) training villas in Lucca, Italy. It's a beautiful area to train! We can race up the famous climb of Monte Serra, which Lance Armstrong, Tyler Hamilton, Floyd Landis and Jan Ulrich used to compare their times (probably won't be too keen to compare times with that crowd - but who knows, we have some sterk City Alpers amongst us).

Team Qhubeka ASSOS is Africa’s only UCI-registered WorldTour cycling team and is the main pathway for riders from Africa hoping to ride in the pro peloton. The feeder team is based at the training villa and there may be some opportunities to train and ride with them. You can expect the usual combo of performance-focus in a fun community environment.

One of the team’s core values is the African principle of “Ubuntu” – that we cannot exist in isolation – I am because we are. And that’s pretty much spot on for who we are as a City Alps community, so we are really excited by the prospect of this little training tour and working more closely with them.

Of course, it's tricky to plan at the moment but we would love to gauge interest for a training camp like this. 

SUNDAY CLUB OUTRIDES ARE BACK, BABY! Sunday outrides are back! For those who are keen to join up with a City Alper for a Sunday outride, please do let us know. We will, of course, stick to the current COVID measures, so you will be paired with another rider looking for a buddy at a similar pace (more or less) and ride in a group of 2 as part of a bigger, spaced out 6 person team. The outrides will be between 2 to 3 hours. Once we know how many people are keen to get this going again, we will let  you know how it will work and when it will begin.

SMALL GROUP TRAINING IN FLEVOPARK We will pilot an outdoor small group, personal training body weight workout on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm in Flevopark. This is not the usual City Alps group training, but rather five 2-persons pods, led by a coach. All the stations will be spaced out (more than 2m) and the instructor will work around to provide you with your coaching cues. Each session is limited to 10 City Alpers. There will be a vibe and high-quality bootcamp-style workouts with the usual City Alps focus on runners and cyclists.

~

And finally, we just want to let all our City Alpers know that if you have class credits, we will make sure to extend your credit end date to reflect the time that we have been closed. Otherwise, please let us know if you want to convert them into zoom credits for now (you can also use them for the upcoming Rise ‘n Core program.

Sending love to you all, so so much of it!

Love Georgia and Dayne

[charminglatina]

Birthday Profiles Of Riverdale Actors Based On The Secret Language Of Birthdays Concept! (Part IV)

What Is The Secret Language Concept?

The Secret Language scientific personality reports have proven to be over 90% accurate after 21 years in use by millions of people in a dozen languages worldwide. Our data comes from Gary Goldschneider’s 40-year empirical study of the life stories of more than 20,000 people, analyzed by date of birth. Gary looked at 50 people born on your birthday and found the personality traits held in common by 45 of them. Then he created personality profiles from those traits for each day, week, month, season and year and I further combined those profile names into the ultimate distillation of your personality - your Secret Language Name. Combining astrology, numerology, and pure psychic intuition, The Secret Language of Birthdays is a wholly unique compilation that reveals one’s strengths, weaknesses, and major issues while providing practical advice and spiritual guidance. Many have suspected that your birthday affects your personality and how you relate to others. Nineteen years and over one million copies later, The Secret Language of Birthdays continues to fascinate readers by describing the characteristics associated with being born on a particular day. The 366 personality profiles are based on astrology, numerology, the tarot, and Gary Goldschneider’s observations of more than 14,000 people. Your strengths, weaknesses, and major concerns will be illuminated while you are given practical advice and spiritual guidance. After you study your profile, it will be hard to resist examining those of family, friends, colleagues, and even celebrities.

The Personality Periods

The forty-eight personality periods, made up of twelve cusps and thirty six weeks, are units between six and nine days in length. Personology predicts the personality characteristics of anyone born within these dates. In other words, those born in the same period will share certain predictable character traits. While this may not completely represent ever individual, it is sufficient to provide an understanding of his or her basic energies. Extrapolating from the personology periods, it is possible to predict the nature of the relationship between any two people. Thus, The Secret Language Of Relationships combines each period of the year with itself and every other period to predict the nature of the resulting relationship. For example, a person born on March 31 falls into the Aries I period. This is the Week of the Child which symbolizes the freshness and openness of early childhood and of the spring season (lasting from March 25 to April 1). People born during this time are characterized by a childlike, enthusiastic orientation. This in contrast to a person born on November 10, who would be a Scorpio II (encompassing November 3 to 11). Born in the fall, which is symbolically likened to middle age, this week takes Depth as its central symbol. Thus, it becomes possible to consider the theoretical implications of an Aries I-Scorpio II relationship.

The Fourty-Eight Periods & Cusps

1. Pisces-Aries Cusp (Mar 19-Mar 24) – The Cusp Of Rebirth

2. Aries I (Mar 25-Apr 02) – The Week Of The Child

3. Aries II (Apr 03-Apr 10) – The Week Of The Star

4. Aries III (Apr 11-Apr 18) – The Week Of The Pioneer

5. Aries-Taurus Cusp (Apr 19-Apr 24) – The Cusp Of Power

6. Taurus I (Apr 25-May 02) – The Week Of Manifestation

7. Taurus II (May 03-May 10) – The Week Of The Teacher

8. Taurus III (May 11-May 18) – The Week Of The Natural

9. Taurus-Gemini Cusp (May 19-May 24) – The Cusp Of Energy

10. Gemini I (May 25-Jun 01) – The Week Of Freedom

11. Gemini II (Jun 02-Jun 10) – The Week Of New Language

12. Gemini III (Jun 11-Jun 18) – The Week Of The Seeker

13. Gemini-Cancer Cusp (Jun 19-Jun 24) – The Cusp Of Magic

14. Cancer I (Jun 25-Jul 02) – The Week Of The Empath

15. Cancer II (Jul 03-Jul 10) – The Week Of The Unconventional

16. Cancer III (Jul 11-Jul 18) – The Week Of The Persuader

17. Cancer-Leo Cusp (Jul 19-Jul 25) – The Cusp Of Oscillation

18. Leo I (Jul 26-Aug 02) – The Week Of Authority

19. Leo II (Aug 03-Aug 10) – The Week Of Balanced Strength

20. Leo III (Aug 11-Aug 18) – The Week Of Leadership

21. Leo-Virgo Cusp (Aug 19-Aug 25)  – The Cusp Of Exposure

22. Virgo I (Aug 26-Sept 02) – The Week Of System Builders

23. Virgo II (Sept 03-Sept 10) – The Week Of The Enigma

24. Virgo III (Sept 11-Sept 18) – The Week Of The Literalist

25. Virgo-Libra Cusp (Sept 19-Sept 24) – The Cusp Of Beauty

26. Libra I (Sept 25-Oct 01) – The Week Of The Perfectionist

27. Libra II (Oct 02-Oct 10) – The Week Of Society

28. Libra III (Oct 11-Oct 18) – The Week Of Theater

29. Libra-Scorpio Cusp (Oct 19-Oct 25) – The Cusp Of Drama & Criticism

30. Scorpio I (Oct 26-Nov 02) – The Week Of Intensity

31. Scorpio II (Nov 03–Nov 11) – The Week Of Depth

32. Scorpio III (Nov 12–Nov 18) – The Week Of Charm

33. Scorpio-Sagittarius Cusp (Nov 19–Nov 24) – The Cusp Of Revolution

34. Sagittarius I (Nov 25–Dec 02) – The Week Of Independence

35. Sagittarius II (Dec 03–-Dec 10) – The Week Of The Originator

36. Sagittarius III (Dec 11-Dec 18) – The Week Of The Titan

37. Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp (Dec 19-Dec 25) – The Cusp Of Prophecy

38. Capricorn I (Dec 26-Jan 02) – The Week Of The Ruler

39. Capricorn II (Jan 03- Jan 09) – The Week Of Determination

40. Capricorn III (Jan 10-Jan 16) – The Week Of Dominance

41. Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp (Jan 17-Jan 22) – The Cusp Of Mystery & Imagination

42. Aquarius I (Jan 23-Jan 30) – The Week Of Genius

43. Aquarius II (Jan 31-Feb 07) – The Week Of Youth & Ease

44. Aquarius III (Feb 08-Feb 15) – The Week Of Acceptance

45. Aquarius-Pisces Cusp (Feb 16-Feb 22) – The Cusp Of Sensitivity

46. Pisces I (Feb 23-Mar 02) – The Week Of Spirit

47. Pisces II (Mar 03-Mar 10) – The Week Of The Loner

48. Pisces III  (Mar 11-Mar 18) – The Week Of Dancers & Dreamers

Birthday Profiles Featured:

19. Wyatt Nash (October 2 – Libra II) 20. Mishel Prada (December 23 – Saguttarius-Capricorn Cusp) 21. Sarah Habel (July 30 – Leo I) 22. Hart Denton (June 20 – Gemini-Cancer Cusp) 23. Trevor Stines (July 15 – Cancer III) 24. Sarah Desjardins (July 15 – Cancer III)

#19. Wyatt Nash (Birthday: Oct. 2 – The Day Of Verbal Acuity; Personality Period: Libra II – Oct. 2 to Oct. 10 – The Week Of Society; Place Of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee, United States)

The paradox about Libra II’s is that although their social skills are highly developed, they may really be loners by nature. Their knowledge of current events, fashions and matters concerning lifestyle is impressive, and family and friends usually consult them as to the choice of materials or methods to get the job done in the most tasteful way possible. Constantly in demand, they often have difficulty finding time for themselves, and at some point must learn how to limit the time and energy they are prepared to give. Generally well liked as people, Libra II’s are also highly sought after as confidants and counsellors. They inspire trust in those who are meeting them for the first time. Their nonthreatening approach makes other people quickly feel that they have nothing to fear—they can open their hearts and unburden themselves. Indeed these people rarely behave hurtfully or maliciously toward those who confide in them. Those who seek them out feel safe with them. Although fair, just and agreeable in most situations, Libra II’s can also be extremely sharp and critical. Because their insights are so often right on, their barbs can sting. Associates and employers who listen to them can probably learn something, but the fury of their attack often arouses too much negative emotion in the assaulted party to allow for clear listening. Only later will the truth of their criticisms begin to sink in. Libra II children can be demanding of their parents, and Libra II parents can be strict with their children. When young, they may be extremely rebellious or at the very least troublesome to those in authority. They are guided by a sense of fairness but also by an extreme antipathy to stupid, harmful and needless regulations and laws. Too often, young Libra II’s may see the harm or waste being caused by a social or parental attitude yet feel helpless to do much about it. As they grow up, they may become crusaders or reformers, but they can just as easily turn into quiet observers who watch and listen but only offer their opinions and judgments when asked to do so. Emotional instability may be the single biggest problem Libra II’s face. It can undermine their relationships, making them prone to jealousy, irritation, possessiveness and all sorts of negative emotions they could really do without. Physical problems and even lifelong disabilities can result. Involvement in some form of spiritual, religious or physical training is often essential, to provide the stability and grounding that they require if they are to keep on an even keel. There is too often a glaring discrepancy between what Libra II’s think they want and what they truly need. They may blunt their own desires by not taking them seriously. Thus, through their own insistence that they don’t need something, they can stunt the development of their will. Any resulting confusion, unhappiness or despair may serve them well, if they can take advantage of it. Through depression, Libra II can get in touch with themselves at a deep level and, stripped of externals, will find out what their deepest needs really are. An ever-present danger for these imaginative individuals is that they will come to live too much in a fantasy world in which all things are possible. Through complacency, and narcissistic enjoyment, Libra II can fail to take action. This lack of aggression may affect their professional life. Worldly ambition can be very healthy for them, since it can spur them on to be more assertive, and to demand from the world what they really want. The problems here are they aren’t always sure what their true wishes are, and they are too often satisfied with what they have and indecisive in charting out a realistic course of action. Libra II’s are highly valued by their friends, not least for their light and fun-loving manner. They are often good conversationalists, and even the most shy of these blossoms in activities involving a small group of companions, such as parties, dinners or outings. Libra II’s are highly responsible in such surroundings, and may be depended upon to make a contribution. Yet as aware and realistic as they are about other people, to the same or a greater degree they can be unrealistic about themselves. It may be an unfortunate trait of these people to pull the wool over their own eyes. Such self-deception can lead to disastrous choices of partner, and also to professional blunders. Simply put: without a clear view of themselves, they cannot make cogent personal choices, and are constantly landing themselves in trouble. Fortunately, they are highly resilient. Still, they must not take their ability to snap back from injury or defeat for granted, or rely on it unduly. During rocky periods in their personal relationships, those born during the Week of Society tend to be more hurtful toward themselves than to the other person. This is a sign less of masochistic tendencies than of low self-esteem, and of a habit of putting the needs and wants of a lover or friend before their own. Their difficulty in expressing anger and aggression leads them to blame themselves when things go wrong. Libra II’s may consequently sink into a quiet depression, tumbling into a well of loneliness from which it may be extremely difficult for them to climb out.

Those born on October 2 don’t mince words. They are usually very candid about their opinions and rarely leave much to doubt when it comes to expressing where they stand on a given subject. One is generally more impressed by their reserve, however, and by their skill in framing concise, pointed and witty remarks. Those born on this day do not have to get angry or even emotionally upset to let you know how they feel. October 2 people run the risk of being too sharp or pointed in their remarks. Consequently they can arouse antagonism among those who do not know them well and take their words too literally or personally. Often October 2 people are not fully aware of how devastating their comments can be to sensitive and thin-skinned people. Sometimes they can be accused of being quite ruthless in both word and deed. There is an undeniable social and/or political thrust to October 2 thinking and behaviour. Most October 2 people are interested in the workings of society and are very adept at both understanding and manipulating people’s viewpoints. They can usually turn a difficult situation to their own advantage, or sway those who would obstruct them. October 2 people have a certain grace, under-lied by charm or raw power which impresses others. They should not be mistaken for softies for they are very tough inside, particularly when it comes to matters of survival. Their attacking capability is equally matched by a resilient defence and therefore they do not make good enemies for anyone to have.  Those born on this day can sometimes have problems with their aggression—at one time overly shy, at another overly assertive. In their younger years, October 2 people may also have a thing about violence, either being disturbed by it or prone to indulge in it. In this they must learn to be less obsessed and cultivate an inner calm and equilibrium. It is of great importance that those born on this day express disapproval, negativity, aggression and ambition in a way that does not put others off, or leave doubts about ulterior motives. Often October 2 people can be found with a hint of a smile on their lips and a twinkle in their eye. They like nothing more than entertaining or being entertained. The humorous thrust of their often dry, sardonic wit is evident, and it may well be that others are the butt of their jokes, rather than themselves. Indeed, those born on this day are rather thin-skinned when laughter is directed at them, and in this respect have a double standard toward humor. The extreme sensitivity of an October 2 person is often masked or armored by either a forbidding or light, playful exterior. Both of these disguises may well hide their true nature, as they are very adept at using wit, distancing or aggressiveness to direct attention away from their inner self. Only those very close to them may ever see their emotional vulnerability. In whatever situation they find themselves, the favored approach of people born on October 2 is a direct one. They like to talk, think and act quickly and decisively, and the graceful ease and certainty with which they go about their business endow them with tremendous potential. These people will not hesitate to let others know exactly where they stand, but what impresses others most about them is that they are compelling conversationalists with considerable knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. It will not be unusual to find them deep in conversation with a sparkle in their eye because they love to stimulate their minds with intelligent talk. Although they enjoy talking, they also understand the importance of listening and are forever hungry for new information and ideas, eager to hear what others have to contribute. In fact, they tend to be more at home in the world of ideas and words than in the world of feelings and emotions.Although the lively, inquisitive and candid approach of these people is refreshing and exciting for some people, for those more sensitive they can come across as unfeeling, ruthless and upsetting. It is therefore important for their psychological growth and their professional development that they learn to express their disagreement or disapproval in ways that are not overly negative or confrontational. At the age of twenty they will reach a turning point that highlights a growing need for emotional change and personal transformation. In the years that follow they are likely to become more committed and decisive, and it is essential that they are more sensitive in their relationships with others and don’t hide behind a mask of cynicism. This is because when they are able to lean toward the positive rather than the negative, and can encourage rather than discourage people with their intelligent insights, these charming conversationalists have the potential not just to entertain and enlighten, but to enlist and direct the support of others in the collective pursuit of their inspirational cause. Even though they are gregarious and friendly enough to make friends and win admirers, it isn’t always easy for people born on October 2 to open up to their partners about how they really feel. They need to feel secure in a relationship before they allow their true feelings to emerge; when this finally happens, their partner is very fortunate because he or she will have a generous, loving, loyal, and incredibly supportive lover. People born on this day often have extremely active minds because they are constantly exercising it with study, reading, conversation, travel, and new experiences. When it comes to their bodies, however, they may not have such a proactive regime; it is important for them to make sure they incorporate activity into their daily lives. Because they are prone to sudden outbursts of anger they may be accident prone and, to avoid potential injury to themselves or others, stress- or anger-management therapies are recommended. As far as diet is concerned, because they tend to get absorbed in work they need to remind themselves to eat every few hours to keep their metabolism high. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color orange will encourage them to get in touch with their feelings, and the color blue will encourage them to be calmer and more in control when mood swings or sudden bursts of anger threaten to overwhelm them. These people will often be drawn to careers in public relations or occupations dealing with the public in some way, such as the media, social work or negotiation. They may also excel as teachers, psychologists and counselors, or may choose to explore their creativity as artists or designers. Other possible career choices include sales, promotion, mediation, or arbitration. The life path of people born on this day is to learn to approach others with greater sensitivity. Once they have allowed others into their lives and their hearts, their destiny is, by example, to encourage others to express themselves and their beliefs honestly. People born specifically on the 2nd of October are destined to be highly cooperative and kind but like most Libra’s with a dislike of being rushed or criticized. The ruling astrological planet for this particular day is our Moon gracing you with a sweet charming nature that is naturally thoughtful, decisive and respectful of others. If you have this birthday your usual easygoing temperament is likely to be very optimistic and fair yet it has a touch of perfectionism running through it. Your cherishing of companionship makes you a caring, tactful and supportive friend and you will commonly possess a spirited sense of humor. Intelligent and fairly perceptive you tend to take nothing for granted nor simply at face value but you could be a bit too trusting at times too. Individuals with an October the second birthday seem to thrive on learning, take pride in their appearance and appreciate fine stylish things. A strong creative streak ordinarily gives you an admiration of all forms of beauty and culture. Work choice may sometimes prove a little difficult to a person born on the Second of October due to your sensitivity to surroundings. You are usually particularly sensitive to excessive noise and restricted spaces as well as a disliking for working alone. Your sharp intelligence and perception allow you to pick up new skills easily and quickly and you have a tendency to enjoy being part of a team with a common purpose. Your blend of helpful charm, wit and enthusiastic approach makes you a wonderful workmate. When it comes to finances you are inclined to be motivated to save but also fond of spending frivolously on nice things. For a Libra, the person born on the second day of October is typically desirous of balanced harmony in a love union. A responsive romantic perceptiveness helps you learn to understand yourself quite deeply through your relationship. You can be extremely tender emotionally tending to wear your heart on your sleeve in addition to having a slightly reserved demeanor. You often search for a partner who possesses the qualities you feel you may lack and someone that offers a high level of emotional support and security. A soul mate should also share your penchants for practicality, style and indulging in pleasures. In a loving long term partnership you are playful, like doing things together, good at compromising and mindful of ensuring a loved one is happy and content. A fabulous communicator you are commonly happiest with an open loquacious man or woman for intimate and intellectual conversation. Minor episodes of ill health experienced by those born on October 2nd are unlikely to be linked to your usual sensible attitude to healthiness. This is assisted by your tendencies to know your limitations and rarely put too much pressure on yourself, keeping excess stress to a minimum. You are inclined to be fairly fond of your food and if you need to lose a few pounds you would rather give up the odd dessert or two than consider extra exercise. Despite this people born on this day do seem to enjoy walking in order to reduce stress and promote relaxation and are normally very appreciative of the beauties of a natural ambience. Your main strengths of character are revealed within your special mix of optimism, wittiness and charisma. These favorable traits and your kindness, politeness and value of the simple things in life make you really nice to know. Supplementary fortes are seen in your natural good looks and appreciation of anything beautiful or refined. Your disfavor of criticism or being hurried can usually induce the personality weaknesses for those born on October 2nd. These negative idiosyncrasies can include the expression of a switch in your emotions leading to fearful or repressed type behaviors. Age and experience often diminish them. Being born on the 2nd of October means that you will ordinarily have a preference for expressing your artistic inclinations concerning both goals and dreams. Your intelligence, realism and longing to expand your wisdom all contribute greatly to the likelihood of many successes. Your valuing of friendship gives you a yearning to achieve meaningful things alongside or for the benefit of close companions. Your usual colorful dreams appear to commonly reflect the imaginative side to your intense creativity and partiality for fashionable standards. Another deep personal wish is to see peace achieved in the world within your lifetime. As you were born on the second day of the month your birth date is accordingly allocated a Root number of Two. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword ‘Harmony’ identifying your intensified desire for accord and fondness for working and thinking unhurried and at your own pace. In the art of Tarot the 2nd Major Arcana card featuring the Priestess is associated with your birthday. This highlights your kindly thoughtfulness and passion for knowledge and improvement. The luckiest gem for October the second birthdays is assumed to be a Pearl, wear one for a potential mystical rise in confidence and calmness. All the typified characteristics of Libran personalities are imagined to be decided astrologically by the planetary powers of Venus. The actual day you were born on, the second of October is governed by the influence of the Moon’s dominance. As a result these are the 2 planets mostly responsible for your originality. Your tact and supportiveness perfectly match the usual natural kindness and respect you display. Your alert sweetness, optimism and perfectionist streak help you make advantageous balanced decisions and accomplish lots throughout life. In conclusion a final thought for people born on October the 2nd is that learning to combat negativity will assist you to cultivate plenty of self confidence.

#20. Mishel Prada (Birthday: Dec. 23 – The Day Of The Groundbreakers; Personality Period: Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp – Dec. 19 to Dec. 25 – The Cusp Of Prophecy; Place Of Birth: Hialeah, Florida, United States)

Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp are influenced by diametrically opposed forces: expansion, jollity and optimism on one hand and contraction, seriousness and realism on the other. A kind of push-pull effect is at work in their unusual personalities—they may want to have fun, for example, but be too serious to do so. Conversely, on another occasions, they may set out to buckle down to the job at hand, but be lured by new horizons. The more successful are able to integrate both these influences in their personalities. Their fiery and earthy natures speak of highly developed faculties of intuition and sensation, respectively, but do not necessarily point to either a strong mental or a strong emotional orientation. Sagittarius-Capricorns are consequently at their best when trusting their hunches and their five senses, particularly sight and hearing. The articulation and expression of their thoughts and feelings may be more problematical. Ultimately, the development of extrasensory abilities, or even a single sixth sense, is often the most unique and remarkable quality they can offer to the world. Masters of the art of silence, Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp have no need for speech to get their point across. It is often hard for them to get what they have to say into writing, or express it over the phone, and they may consequently feel that they have to deliver their messages in person. Whether happy, seductive, threatening or punishing, they make their moods known very unambiguously, leaving little if any doubt about how they feel. Sagittarius-Capricorns are at their best when confident of their powers but at the same time kind and understanding to others. They are at their worst when they feel self-pity, usually a result of worldly failure or of personal rejection. In some, feelings of hurt or frustration about something they are convinced they can do nothing about are psychologically gratifying, relieving them of the responsibility of taking positive action. In others, a militant attitude may be engendered when suppressed feelings burst forth and cause trauma. Put to a positive use, however, such energies can achieve creative and remarkable results. Cassandra-like, Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp do not expect to be liked by other people, although it often happens that they are. Being independent of the approval of others gives them a power and freedom that others lack. On the opposite side of the coin, they may only like a few of the people they meet, and may thus be seen as antisocial. There is generally speaking only one requirement for being their close friend, besides the fact that you like them: you must accept them—without reservation—for what they really are. They have their antennae out to detect when others are flattering them or simply being polite, which doesn’t cut the cake. Consequently, only a few individuals manage to get close to most Sagittarius-Capricorns. For some there is a danger in all this, namely that, like children, Sagittarius-Capricorn will repeat the somewhat exaggerated words “No one likes me” and will set up this motto as a self-fulfilling prophecy. They can make it come true by neglecting their physical appearance or, as adolescents, by being unresponsive. Many Sagittarius-Capricorn teenagers appear quite introverted, and those who are more extroverted may have a greater need for recognition and approval—or, perversely, for rejection. Most often, it is actions rather than words that are so outrageously expressed. Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp individuals may have rough childhoods due to conflicts with their parents, most often with the parent of the same sex. These people can make attentive and generous parents, but some run the risk, through identification, of making precisely the same mistakes their own parents did. Strong ties with siblings or other family members often carry over into adult life, however, and the success of these fraternal bonds may make them very comfortable relating to those younger than themselves as equals. The deep, passionate nature and highly sexual orientation of those born during the Week of Prophecy can bind others to them magnetically and intensely. Friends and lovers of certain Sagittarius-Capricorns understand their need to be alone, and often gain great satisfaction from sharing a private or secluded life with them. Partners of the more outgoing types, on the other hand, often provide a link to the outside world, and thus bring them out of their shell. The joy gained in watching a Sagittarius-Capricorn bloom socially may be considerable. Only one warning: there is always a chance that, Pygmalion-like, the partner who goes to this effort may finally be rejected by the Sagittarius-Capricorn when the “fair lady” (or gentleman) comes down off their pedestal and says good-bye.

Those born on December 23 are happiest when they are breaking new ground, forging ahead in an effort to promote and implement their ideas and dreams. This should not give the impression that they are particularly radical or revolutionary since they are more often of a cautious and measured nature. Indeed, those born on this day generally embrace firmly established values, consider their plans carefully before acting and stay closely linked to the family or social group to which they belong. They can often be found improving the lot of this group, and because they are mentally quick they instinctively find the best way to do so. In this sense they are prophetic, capable of looking into the future and seeing not only what will be necessary at a later date but also how to make ready for it. December 23 people refuse to be ignored. They view outright rejection as a challenge to which they are fully prepared to respond. Since struggle comes naturally to those born on this day, they generally will refuse to fold under pressure. This should not imply that they are invulnerable to feelings of self-doubt, but such insecurity usually just urges them on to improve and establish themselves at a higher level. In fact, those born on this day often feel uncomfortable with themselves or their position in life. A fundamental discomfort with their status may well prompt them to actively pursue their dreams rather than sit idly by wishing. December 23 people have a characteristic earthiness about them combined with a stubborn streak that can make them hard to deal with. They do not appreciate their authority being challenged, nor are they particularly fond of far out or radical ideas (other than their own, of course). It is important that those born on this day who achieve positions of power or influence remain open to healthy criticism and positive suggestions, and distinguish them from harmful negativity directed their way. Understanding, particularly of an emotional sort, rarely occupies the highest position on the December 23 list of abilities and values. Although often possessed of a folksy or whimsical attitude that can be quite endearing, those born on this day can just as easily appear cold and removed. December 23 men must be careful of assuming macho attitudes and women of being overly aggressive or dominant. Both sexes in later life will have to learn eventually to get out of the way and allow the younger generation to come through. But retirement does not sit easily with most December 23 people, who would prefer to be back in a more active role. People born on December 23 are hardworking, quietly ambitious individuals who are at their happiest and their best when they can identify areas of improvement and then formulate original, sometimes radical but always practical solutions. Gifted organizers, they prefer to plan and work toward and then carefully prepare for improvement. Those born on this day distrust sudden change and feel uncomfortable when it is thrust upon them as it upsets their steady and determined plans for progressive change and progress. In fact, when they assume positions of power—which more often than not they do, given their authoritative presence and excellent communication skills—they can be resistant to change. They can also become controlling and authoritarian when challenged, and when alternative viewpoints to their own are given they can become hostile and defensive. It is therefore extremely important for their psychological growth and their professional success that they learn to be more flexible and open-minded in their approach to people and situations. Before the age of twenty-eight, they may have shown a responsibility beyond their years, perhaps getting their foot on the property ladder long before their peers, taking on the responsibilities of a partner and family, or firmly establishing themselves in their career. After the age of twenty-nine, however, there is a gradual shift of emphasis which highlights a growing need to be more carefree and independent and to express their individuality. Another turning point occurs when they are sixty: they are likely to become more sensitive and responsive to their creative urges.Whatever their age or stage in life, they need to resist the urge to withdraw into stubbornness, inflexibility and complacency. This is because when they start to be more spontaneous and to share their compassion, generosity, creativity and curiosity with others, they will discover that they have the ability to lead and inspire others to follow them along the optimum path to progress, in whatever direction, or directions, it takes everyone. People born on December 23 are dynamic, charming and rarely short of admirers, but they can be quite cold and withdrawn when it comes to affairs of the heart. It’s crucially importance that they get in touch with their own feelings and those of others because their strong emotions need to express themselves positively in a loving, supportive relationship. People born on this day tend to have a conservative, cautious but stable approach to their health. Although this can sometimes block their progress in life, their chances of living to a ripe and healthy old age are high. On the down side, however, are their tendencies to worry and overwork, which can lower their immunity and make them prone to stress and mood swings. Rheumatism could be a problem with advancing age and they need to make sure they keep as active and flexible as possible in their daily lives. A regular program of moderate activity is highly recommended, as are daily stretching exercises. They also need to keep as mentally flexible as possible; whatever their age, learning a new skill or language is highly recommended, as is further education. As far as diet is concerned, these people need to cut down on salt and sugar, and increase their intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and seeds to keep their skin and hair glowing and their libido healthy. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color red will encourage them to be more passionate and impulsive. These people are well suited to careers in politics, law enforcement or commerce, although those who wish to use their creativity may be attracted to science, art or spirituality. Possible work options include management, administration, promotion, photography, art, writing, music, and drama. The life path of people born on this day is to learn to be more tolerant, accepting and flexible. Once they are able to go more with the flow of life, their destiny is to direct others along lines that can advance the greater good. People born specifically on the 23rd of December are anticipated to be very expressive, stylish and intelligent with the typical Capricorn active and fun temperament. The ruling astrological planet for this particular day is Mercury making you highly organized and usually full of both traditional and innovative ideas. If you have this birthday your shrewd and ambitious nature possesses a wonderful imagination, fluency and an intense curiosity. Although quite friendly and sincere you are also likely to have changeable somewhat contradictory emotions too. Serious and conscientious with excellent concentration and communication skills you are often especially good at motivating others. Individuals with a December the twenty third birthday may be seemingly cool and aloof but underneath they can be amazingly loving, understanding and caring as well as inclined to stick strongly to their promises. A tad nervous and scatterbrained at times you tend to have a family orientated, youthful and intuitive approach to life. Learning quickly and following rules often makes career advancement easy to a person born on the Twenty-Third of December. You can be extremely hard working with a tendency to put a lot of time an effort into an enjoyable job. You are fairly fond of studying to further improve your knowledge and skills as a result of your high intelligence and methodized attitude to work. When it comes to finances you are adept at budgeting and like to spend on anything for the home or interesting investments like unusual art or antiques. You are unlikely to find it difficult to save when the money will be for the funding of an exciting holiday or unique experience. For a Capricorn, the person born on the twenty third of December is typically not overly romantic but sensitive emotionally with a strong craving for love and friendship. Your bit of emotional coolness can be deceptive as you are inclined to be incredibly affectionate, loyal, dependable and totally devoted to a soul mate. In addition to this inclination for a respectful valuing of partnership stability you will aim to build a lasting happy relationship. You can be too seriously focused on life despite your general youthfulness and need a partner who helps you laugh. Sexually you are usually open-minded and much more adventurous than most other zodiac goats but you can become easily bored without variety, spontaneity and fun between the sheets. In spite of normally being steadfast and faithful if you are feeling particularly insecure or unloved you can respond quickly with bouts of jealousy and possessiveness. The fine health usually experienced by those born on December 23rd is due to a commonsensical mindset and the practicing of moderation in everything. A slight skin sensitivity means you may need to be careful to avoid likely dietary or environmental irritants and aim to drink plenty of water each day. Your muscles and back are also potential weak areas in your usual healthiness so extra care should be taken when exercising. People born on this day will commonly enjoy food of all kinds yet understand the importance of choosing their meals sensibly and healthily. Relaxing could be difficult but it is an essential for maintaining overall vitality. Your main strengths of character are viewed within your responsible, good natured disposition and your mix of imaginative inquisitiveness. These specific positive traits keep you busy and productive while your fluent motivational language is another brilliant asset to help you get where you want to be. The personality weaknesses for those born on December 23rd are prompted by an encounter with some form of negativity. In these instances your proclivity for aloofness will be much more noticeable. Aside from this reaction your negative behavior can additionally alternate between becoming bossy and moodily stubborn or nervy and absent minded. Being born on the 23rd of December means you will know what you want from life from an early age and be willing to work hard to achieve primary goals. It is rare for you to blame any aspiration setbacks on others, you prefer to take full responsibility for your actions or mistakes. Dreams appear to be mostly concerned with the future with you envisioning possessing the things you believe will bring you maximum personal contentment. As you were born on the twenty third day of the month the two and three in your birth date add up to grant you a Root number of Five. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword 'Inquiry’ emphasizing your intensely inquisitive examining mind and communicative spirit. In the Major Arcana Tarot the 5th mystic card symbolizing the Hierophant is associated with your birthday. This highlights your regard for rules and self beliefs along with your talent for inventive concepts. The lucky gemstone chosen for December the twenty third birthdays is a Diamond, to be worn for possibly attracting harmony and abundance plus dispelling pessimism. The presumable personalities of all Capricorn’s are believed to be formulated astrologically from the influence of the planet Saturn. The actual day you were born on, the twenty third of December is governed by Mercury’s authority gaining you a characteristical distinctness from others of this specific star sign. Your expressiveness, friendliness and style make you interesting and lovely to know. Your ample degrees of shrewdness and steadfastness encourage you to be orderly, efficient and motivated. If you can conquer your moody receptivity to negative vibes you should be less tense and fearful in your responses. A completing thought for people born on December the 23rd is to try not to plan your future too much as going with the flow is the best way to take advantage of unexpected favourable opportunities.

#21. Sarah Habel (Birthday: Jul. 30 – The Day Of Tangible Presence; Personality Period: Leo I – Jul. 26 to Aug. 2 – The Week Of Authority; Place Of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States)

Those born during the Week of Authority are intense, hard-driving individuals, dedicated primarily to their own personal activities, growth and development. Asserting themselves and being taken seriously is what appeals to them. Also, much of their energy is channeled inward rather than outward, toward developing their own strengths and abilities. Yet they do not view themselves as the be-all and end-all either—far from it. They believe in ultimate higher authorities, which they worship and serve: usually the abstract truths and principles embodied in the practice of their principal endeavor, whether it lies in the arts, business, sports or philosophy. Although they have their heroes, it is usually to these principles rather than to people that they accord the highest value. Many of them can be highly competitive, and geared to coming out on top. Others don’t really care that much for worldly success, being more interested in bettering their own personal best. It may be difficult for them to work for a boss, especially one they do not respect. Yet when they run their own company or business, they also encounter problems, since their capacity to dominate is often greater than their capacity to lead. They may work most easily with people who have been drawn to them as admirers, students or disciples; then the relationship is clear from the start. Another solution can be working on their own, perhaps as freelancers. They can best become team players with co-workers and associates when it is clear that they are all working together for a common, usually higher cause. These people are highly physical individuals, magnetically drawn to exciting and confrontational experiences. They need to prove themselves repeatedly, whether in the sports arena, the wild world of nature, the jungle of corporate finance or the intimacy of the bedroom. So intense is this area of their personality that intimates and enemies alike may feel a bit ignored, for much of their striving is impersonal in nature, and basically an expression of their will to overcome. Even in more mundane, everyday activities, mates and lovers periodically feel their detachment. Being involved with such individuals is rarely an easy task. Their standards for themselves are extremely high, and they too often want others to show a similar intensity and devotion. In the end, however, they usually do expect more of themselves than of others, and do show an understanding of their colleagues’ and intimates’ limitations. Realistic, they will not have disproportionately high expectations of co-workers and mates but will only expect the best of which they are capable. This in itself can be a heavy enough load for them to bear. They can make loyal and faithful friends. It is usually only from such intimates that they can accept advice, particularly of a personal nature. They will not usually accept help from a colleague, professional counselor or stranger. Perhaps once in a lifetime, however, they may put themselves in the hands of another person to whom they ascribe almost godlike status, often a kind of teacher or guru. Such trust is not given easily, and should it fail, tremendous disillusionment will surely follow. Most of them would do well to work on their treatment of their fellow human beings, particularly in the areas of kindness, patience and understanding. Those involved with these tough customers must themselves be prepared to show these three traits in abundance. When their high expectations are not met, they can become unusually frustrated and bitter. Also, they do not react well to negativity, nagging and constant criticism. Those who live and work most successfully with them, then, are those whose attitudes are open, determined and optimistic. Family life works out for some of these individuals; for others it is a great mistake. Rarely, however, do they deeply need it. Should they choose to be parents, they will have a lot to give; they have much to teach, are protective and inspire confidence. But their children and mates must quickly come to appreciate their need for their own space, and for time away from home. Trying to get their undivided attention can be a frustrating experience. Too often their idea of caring and attention may be limited to intense encounters, rather than steady displays of understanding and sympathy. As lovers, they are usually passionate rather than sensuous. They may also exhibit a certain detachment, or a preoccupation elsewhere. Predictable and routine circumstances often dull sexual gratification for them. More often than not, their most pleasurable sexual experiences come not with their mates or partners but in casual, chance encounters, or in clandestine affairs of longer standing. Successful spouses of these passionate individuals know how to keep the romantic flame alive through a combination of variety, skill and imagination. Those born during the Week of Authority must learn to relax and have fun or risk burnout. Those who can seduce them away from their work and their intense preoccupations will play important roles in their lives. Casual friends who can do this often experience the best that they have to offer.

Those born on July 30 make their presence felt in a very physical fashion indeed. Not only are they individuals of substance but they also have a sense of how material aspects of life operate. The solid, sturdy people born on this day dwell on the earthly plane, which is their dominion, and it may be hard to convince them that they should develop their spiritual side. Taken up with the here and now, with the energy of doing things, they do not specialize in introspection or philosophical detachment. Most often, July 30 people express their thoughts and creativity in a very forceful and/or sensuous manner. Yet, in their later years, they are often more open to the consideration of metaphysical questions. One reason for this is that the subject of death is an extremely difficult one for July 30 people to handle. On the one hand they find it hard to believe in a total end to their existence, and on the other equally difficult to have faith in an immortal soul. An interest in religion and philosophy will often surface in them after their second Saturn return (around age fifty-six), opening up a whole new dimension in their lives. Until that time they will continue on their extremely pragmatic, earthbound course. The subject of love may also be painful for those born on this day. Many July 30 people find it difficult to reconcile “pure” love with physical needs and desires and consequently seek unusual, odd and out-of-the-way expressions for their feelings. Their difficulty in finding a satisfying “normal” and straightforward love relationship may also awaken a powerful fantasy life, leading them into perilous situations. Some July 30 people unfortunately become resigned to the fact that true love is out of reach, an impossibility to achieve. Those that allow such an admission to color their general outlook with a cynical cast can become arrested in their personal development. Physical activities of all kinds interest July 30 people. Even more delicate, less robust men and women born on this day generally display a marked interest in sports, the human body, beauty pageants and modeling, and all types of glorification of the human form. This interest can be highly aesthetic and artistic or merely common and vulgar. July 30 people find it extremely difficult to deal with irrational fears and phobias, and can be bewildered by terrors which surface unexpectedly. They are often unequipped to cope with such anxieties unless they have previous mental or spiritual training to fall back on. However, such irrational experiences can arouse their curiosity about what lies behind the objects of the apparent physical world around them. This can be just the impetus they need to develop an interest in spiritual matters. Challenge-oriented, they will want to overcome their fears and conquer their weaknesses, which can lead to real personal growth. Rather than feeling out of touch, which they hate more than anything, they may seek a deeper understanding of life. People born on July 30 tend to be practical and down-to-earth individuals. They set ambitious material goals for themselves and love exploring all aspects of the physical world. Sensual and robust, they are often comfortable in their bodies, and their forceful, self-confident manner usually takes them to the top in their careers. Money and status, and all the privilege and pleasure they can bring, matter a great deal to them.Although friends and family will often take second place to material goals, their relationships are conducted with steady equanimity and a concern for the physical and emotional well-being of friends and loved ones. They are fair and ethical in their dealings with others, and are almost always true to their word. They hate playing games of any kind and can be extremely generous with their material assets. In fact, one of the reasons they devote so much energy to increasing their earning power is that they enjoy being able to offer material support to those close to them. Despite their morality, reliability and generosity, their target-orientated ambitions tend to exclude recognition of the importance of personal emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Unless they learn to cultivate an interest in their psychological growth, any victories they achieve in the material world will seem strangely hollow. Between the ages of twenty-three and fifty-three there is an emphasis in their lives on practicality and, given that they are already biased toward the material, it is crucial that they try to see beyond the material world they love so much. After the age of fifty-four there is a turning point which highlights their growing need for intimate relationships, creativity and harmony. Above all, these extraordinarily robust individuals are motivated by a desire to achieve concrete progress in life, and they have all the determination and star quality they need to succeed. Their journey toward success, however, will be considerably happier and more rewarding if they can learn to appreciate and put a high value on the things in life that money can’t buy. People born on July 30 are often warm, sensual and entertaining, and they tend to have a very active social life. Once in a relationship they can be incredible loyal, dependable and supportive. They need to be careful, however, not to neglect their partner or make them feel that they come a distant second to money, status and material gain. People born on this day are often very physically aware and, if they don’t excel at sports themselves, they will often be interested in it. They are likely to take regular exercise and to eat healthily and, as long as they make sure they don’t take things to extremes, their body-conscious lifestyle keeps their energy and spirits high. The biggest health risk for them isn’t a specific illness, although they can be prone to muscle problems, high fevers and sudden illnesses, but their tendency to neglect the importance of spiritual, emotional, mental, and intuitive realities in their lives. They need to understand that happiness and success can only be experienced when all aspects of their lives–their minds, bodies, hearts, and souls–are in balance. It would be extremely beneficial for them to find ways to regularly renew and strengthen these four key areas of their lives. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color green will encourage them to seek this balance. The practical talents of these people, combined with their goal-orientated approach, make them well suited to careers in finance and commerce, as well as in the sporting arena. Their highly developed and inquisitive sensuality may also equip them for success in the arts as a painter, musician, writer, actor, or art collector. Other careers that might appeal include the catering and leisure industries. The life path of people born on this day is to learn to open themselves up to emotional and spiritual experiences. Once they have learned to become more self-aware, their destiny is find ways to support and enrich the lives of others. People born specifically on the 30th of July are supposedly witty, fun loving and flirty with more self awareness than most Lions. The ruling astrological planet for this particular day is Jupiter lavishing you with heaps of charisma and communicative expressiveness. If you have this birthday your silver tongued insightfulness makes you a natural entertainer with a preference for company over solitude. As an eloquent attention seeker you can be a little nosy but you are also extremely loyal and understanding too. Pragmatic in your approach you are inclined to have your feet firmly on the ground and possess loads of energy and a need to keep busy. Individuals with a July the thirtieth birthday are full of innovative ideas and are endowed with the abilities required to carry them out. Your modern outlook allows you to develop emotionally and in later years you will usually take more of an interest in the spiritual side to your nature. A keen aptitude and interest in Science common to a person born on the thirtieth of July can sometimes direct career choices. You are also especially skilled at researching information and would make a great writer or counselor. Your wittiness and energetic practicality guides you to be a wonderful workmate who will always pull their weight as part of a team. Although you are not too concerned about a favorable financial status you are nevertheless fairly good at and lucky in creating money. A dislike of debt sees you ordinarily saving patiently for the things you really want or need. For a Leo, the person born on the thirtieth day of July is typically rather loving, romantic and passionate when involved in soul mate relationships. Your charming affectionate temperament needs a partner who you admire and respect intellectually above all else. A suitable partner must be as cheery and outgoing as you are and able to also get along with your many friends. Meaningful intimate conversation with a lover and the open sharing of emotions and similar ambitions is also very important to you. A mix of laid back and spontaneous romantically you are usually lively and flirtatious with no real rush to settle into a long term partnership. In the bedroom you are lusty and frolicsome and your way with words excels in the form of a seductive sexual banter. Once committed to someone special you tend to be intensely devoted to them. Periods of unhealthiness experienced by those born on July 30th are sometimes linked to your mixed response to regular exercise. You seem to both enjoy and loathe exercise as you like its effects on your appearance and mood but do not associate it with being a particularly pleasurable activity. Your usual fondness of food often makes it essential that you find the time to partake in a type of exercising you are not too bored by. People born on this day can occasionally neglect their mental health so ensuring that you get adequate rest and sleep can be essential to maintain overall healthiness. Your main strengths of character are probably displayed in your sense of humor and ability to openly express yourself. These positive characteristics are complementary to your youthful down to earth attitude. Additional fortes are seen in your sturdy decisive loyalty, these admirable qualities stand you in good sted throughout life. Personality weaknesses for those born on July 30th appear to focus on your tendencies for an egotistical manner and a touch of nosiness. These negative traits are more likely to surface along with phobic or repressed moods if your pride is hurt or confidence low. Being born on the 30th of July means you are destined to be quite ambitious with a mind full of creative concepts. This enthusiasm and talent often greatly impacts on the majority of your goals and dreams. You are also gifted with the wisdom to know exactly where you are headed, what you are aiming for and the skills and ample positivity to get there. A bit of sensitivity to criticism can once in a while deter you but it is about the only barrier you have to achievement of your greatest wishes. Dreaming about the future is not unusual as a result of your insightful and inventive disposition. As you were born on the thirtieth day of the month your birth date automatically qualifies for a Root number of Three. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword 'Innovation' identifying your innovational thought processes and tendency to have an up to date perspective. In the mystical Major Arcana Tarot deck the 3rd card picturing the Emperor is associated with your birthday. This is a symbol of your resourcefulness and highlights your likelihood to be incredibly practical. The lucky gemstone for July the thirtieth birthdays is Amethyst to be worn for heightened alertness. All Leo personalities are imagined to be astrologically predicted in their typicalities by the influence of our Sun. The actual day you were born on, the thirtieth of July is separately ruled over by Jupiter's authority. Therefore these 2 planets are thought primarily responsible for your probable individuality and differences from other Leo's. Your perceptiveness, loyalty and compassion alongside your wittiness inspires reverence and makes you a fabulous friend. Your decisiveness and spirited self expression allow you to generate plans, stick to them and make them happen. Try not to pry into the business of others as it will rarely prove fortunate to do so. A completing thought for people born on July the 30th is to aim to be more receptive to deep emotion and remain open minded about the philosophies of life. 

#22. Hart Denton (Birthday: Jun. 20 – The Day Of Ecstatic Appeal; Personality Period: Gemini-Cancer Cusp – Jun. 19 to Jun. 24 – The Cusp Of Magic; Place Of Birth: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States)

Those born during the Week of Magic quickly fall under the spell of enchantment. Romantic and inspirational, they often put forth their talents and energies in service of a higher purpose, be it family, religion, philosophy, arts or political or social causes. Because they can wholeheartedly throw themselves into devotional activities, they often appear as mild, even self-effacing. For many of them, anonymity is a goal in any career they follow. There are also more aggressive folks, however, who become assertive as they mature and have few problems letting the world know who they are. Easily seduced, they can also enchant others, whether consciously or unconsciously; such seductive individuals may have a sweetly innocent charm. They must be wary of being imposed upon, but they usually have good defensive instincts, and in the emotional sphere even mild individuals will gently lay down guidelines that should not be overstepped. The more aggressive of them are often aware of their persuasive powers, which they may use without qualm to get their way, even when other individuals are hurt in the process. Although possessed of charm and magnetism, they can be remarkably cool customers. They have a useful objectivity, and their reasoning powers make an effective foil to their deep emotions. They are in fact an interesting blend of logic and feeling. When they make an appeal to the emotions of others, they do so in a detached, thoughtful way. Not easily upset, they inspire confidence through their sympathy, concern and willingness to help. They have a way of entering the hearts of those they love, and a reluctance to give up their position there, even when separations prove necessary. These tend to be private people who will not easily grant access to their inner world. They frequently do best when they are able to work at home, and they often set up their home as a kind of retreat or sanctuary. To be allowed to share their living space implies great trust and respect. An invitation to visit this highly personal world is more often felt as a true gift, or the reflection of a desire to share, than as a sign of ostentation or of a need for sociability. These folks must beware of isolating themselves from the society around them and living in an unproductive dreamworld. Such detachment will hold them back in their personal and spiritual development, and toward the end of their lives they may view it as a sign of failure. Since staying in touch with reality is especially important for them, they may find friends and lovers who are more extroverted than they are an essential link to the world. They should also beware of a kind of passive selfishness, in which it seems to others that they think the world revolves around them and that they constantly demand attention, if without saying so. Their special needs and wants as sensitive individuals can impose heavy demands on their friends and intimates, who may at the same time find themselves denying their own emotional and physical requirements. No area is more important to them than love. They see love as a primary reason to live, one that may get them through many a difficult period. Forced to choose between love, on the one hand, and wealth or power, on the other, they usually choose the former. Many are quite able to love from afar; platonic love has a special meaning for them. Others see the possession of the love object as a necessary and blissful consummation, but they, too, are patient in the pursuit. Quiet persistence and a belief in their powers can guarantee them success. They have a tremendous capacity for love but are equally capable of withholding it. No matter how deeply in love they fall, they are masters of their emotions and can consequently be very dangerous people to be involved with. You must listen to them carefully, for although they can give their hearts fully, the fact that they are spending their time with you is no guarantee that they have done so. They are capable of a wide range of personal interaction, from acquaintances and friendships to full-blown passion. Each relationship will have its own structure, including what is and is not allowed in the area of physical contact. Sensitivity to such laws is definitely a prerequisite for the relationship’s future. They can be nurturing parents, but many will think twice before they make the lifelong commitment of having children. This may be because, as children, they tend to enjoy the warmth of a close family; they can suffer terribly in conditions of marital strife or divorce. They have a tendency to idolize at least one of their parents, and to need to get along well with their parents once they are grown. It is not surprising, then, that once they decide they are truly in love (generally an important prerequisite to commitment for them), they can make faithful and devoted mates. Never take the romantic needs of those born during the Week of Magic for granted, however; candlelight dinners, vacations in glamorous locations, and the occasional spontaneous gift are all musts to keep the flame bright.

June 20 people have a way of arousing strong emotions and bringing others out. Exceptional people born on this day can even experience or allow others to experience a loss of rational orientation or a heightened state. Such a state in extreme cases may be trancelike, ecstatic, even hysterical. Powers of ESP, psychic and predictive abilities are not uncommon among June 20 people. Indeed, those born on this day must guard their rationality. They should periodically examine their logic, for if it is employed to serve purely emotional ends then it may not be reasonable at all. Persuading others, in and of itself, is extremely attractive to many June 20 people. Unfortunately, they may not have the highest tolerance for ideas contrary, or as they see it, threatening, to their own. In fact, some June 20 people wish there to be an unspoken feeling of consensus in their social environment which supports and sympathizes with their often extreme points of view. No matter how sensible or rational June 20 people appear, there is usually an underlying irrationality in their make-up. Because of this, excitement and emotionality seem to swirl around them. Neither they themselves, nor those with whom they are involved may recognize the fact that much of the excitement, instability and adventure that arises may be a result of forces springing from deep within the June 20 nature. This is not to suggest that the lives of June 20 people need be chaotic or formless. Indeed, to the extent of their “magic” powers, those born on this day are not only capable of arousing emotion but of controlling and directing it as well. Despite having a profound hold on the feelings of parents, friends, children and others close to them, those born around the time of the summer solstice are often unaware of the extent of their influence. Because of this, suggestions, preferences and wishes may be exchanged on a purely unconscious level. It is incumbent on June 20 people, therefore, no matter how much they would prefer to deny it, to become aware of their power to impact on others, and to direct this power away from wrongdoing. Although June 20 people are ultra-sensitive to emotion they may not always be sensitive to the concerns of others at any given time. Thus it is important for them to work on promoting in themselves the simple human attributes of kindness, consideration and acceptance, while alleviating the root causes of jealousy, anger or envy. June 20 people must learn to express their emotions in a free-flowing yet moderate manner, and to cultivate a sense of calm internally and externally. People born on June 20 are affectionate and spontaneous with everyone they meet, because expressing their emotions comes naturally to them. Indifference is something they simply don’t understand since, above all else, these people love and thrive on excitement.Life is never dull when these popular people are around since everything elicits a passionate reaction from them. They are dramatic, charismatic, outgoing charmers who love to talk and adore being the center of attention. Excellent communication skills and an innovative mind crammed with insights make them vibrant, witty conversationalists. However, because they love excitement, they can sometimes provoke an argument for the sake of it. They can also be a little too needy of praise and if they don’t get the reinforcement they crave, they may respond with attention-seeking or irrational behavior. It is important for them to surround themselves with warm-hearted but level-headed people who can give them the balance they need.Until the age of thirty there is an emphasis on home, family and emotional security, and they should take advantage of opportunities to find a sense of inner balance. After the age of thirty-one, however, they will become more creative and confident, developing the assertiveness to be more adventurous. If they can get a grip on their passionate responses to situations and their ability to churn up strong emotions in others, these are the years when they can really come into their own.Although people born on this day can sometimes create fireworks unnecessarily, more often than not they are a positive force. The atmosphere seems lighter when they are around because they help bring out the repressed emotions of others. Excitement and passion seem to follow them wherever they go and they also have considerable intuitive powers, helping them to enchant, persuade and influence others. If they can find a worthy cause and ensure that they occasionally check in with their reason as well as their emotions they can transform their creative and exciting dreams into reality. People born on June 20 are often so popular that they simply haven’t got time for that special someone. However, once they do fall in love they find the experience incredibly fulfilling and so they should always remain open to the possibility of love. They are drawn toward intelligent and level-headed individuals who can help calm and balance them. People born on this day tend to attract people and situations into their lives that are stressful and demanding; they need to find out why this is the case. Getting in touch with their own feelings and increasing their depth of self-understanding will help them attract more positive energy. They would benefit enormously from mind-control therapies such as meditation, yoga and counseling. They would also benefit from more quiet time alone thinking, reading or simply being in the moment. As far as diet is concerned, they need to make sure that they structure fixed meal and snack times into their day as this will help ground them. The same applies for their exercise routine; it should be timetabled into their weekly diary. Sticking to regular going-to-bed and rising times is also recommended. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color blue will encourage them to be more cool, calm and collected. People born on this day have the ability to think on their feet and sense the potential drama or opportunity in a situation; this will make them excellent problem solvers, investigative journalists, politicians, teachers, and researchers. Their easy charm and organizational skills will also help them succeed in people-orientated careers, whether in business or the public sector. Creative outlets are likely to be through the media, theater or music. The life path of people born on this day is to learn to temper their restlessness and thirst for stimulation with a streak of realism and self-discipline. Once this is achieved, their destiny is to draw people to them with their sympathetic nature, encouraging others to be more open and receptive themselves. People born specifically on the 20th of June are predicted to be witty, warm and sociable and akin to the majority of Gemini's really know how to enjoy themselves. The ruling astrological planet designated to this particular day is the Moon giving you a freedom loving and quite sentimental temperament. If you have this birthday a big heart makes you naturally charming, generous, friendly and full of empathy for others. Your innovative quick mind is fairly demanding of attention, you adore conversing and are not ordinarily keen on solitude. Highly intuitive, you are usually especially good at utilizing your foresight for gauging moods and opportune timing. Individuals with a June the twentieth birthday are often less independent and more agreeable than most zodiacal twins. Emotionally your true feelings are inclined to be kept well hidden but inside you really care about the general impression you make and can be ultra-sensitive at times. The right work choice is very important to a person born on the twentieth of June due to your sensitive nature. You need to feel valued and happy when working for you to put in maximum effort or be motivated to learn new skills. Your many abilities and versatility make you capable of most jobs while your artistic streak can direct you towards self employment. Managing finances is not often the top of your list of best aptitudes. You seem to spend money as quickly as you earn it regardless of the size of your income. Saving may be something that you find particularly difficult without encouragement. For a Gemini, the person born on the twentieth day of June is typically teeming with irresistible charm and usually has an idealistic view of romance. You often have a full social life and seemingly not much time for love until you meet your fated soul mate. Togetherness and sharing tend to make you incredibly happy and bestow you with the sense of emotional security you crave. You can blow hot and cold with your feelings when it comes to decisions about long term relationship commitment. Seeking a settled family life is high in your priorities but it must allow you some freedom to pursue your personalized aims too. Between the sheets you tend to be sensual rather than sexy making you a desirable lover who is patient enough to spend time on foreplay. With a special loved one you are very loyal and dependable when and where it really matters. Health issues experienced by those born on June 20th can be commonly due to your tendency to be a little lazy. A lack of adequate attention to healthiness and a proneness for self indulgence may see your well being suffer. Eating a nutritious balanced diet and taking regular exercise should show big constitution improvements. People born on this day are frequently picky with their food tending to have an unadventurous palette and so likely to stick to favorite meals. If you fail to take good care of yourself physically and mentally periods of anxiety and insomnia could surface disrupting your resistance to illness. Your main strengths of character are present in your blend of charismatic flexibility and sharp perception. These positive traits help you to find fortunate paths throughout life and along with your eloquent communication assist you to be easily understood. Other fortes are seen in your abundant qualities of generosity and compassion. Major personality weaknesses for those born on June 20th focus on your likelihood to be occasionally temperamental. Negativity, self-consciousness and moodiness are all additional possible weak areas of your characteristics that may randomly emerge every now and then. Being born on the 20th of June usually favors you with modest material needs and a noticeable lack of greed. Any goal you set will take second place to your usual top desired priority of securing inner happiness. Your ambitions are often primarily based on emotion and achieving simple contentment as this gains you greater satisfaction than acquiring a mass of qualifications or wealth. It is unusual for you to remember the contents of your dreams but if you do they could be worth trying to interpret. Your intuitiveness and apt and uncanny sense of time gives you a helping hand to investigate potential opportunities. As you were born on the twentieth day of the month your birth date assigns you a Root number of Two. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword 'Harmony' spotlighting the mild, amenable and empathic sides to your disposition. In Tarot the Major Arcana card associated with your birthday is the 20th symbolizing Judgment. This is an indication of your expressive inclinations and nonmaterialistic approach. The lucky gemstone selected for June the twentieth birthdays is a lustrous white Pearl. Wear one for increasing the possibility of gaining extra confidence, courage and prosperity. The presumed personalities of Gemini's are thought to be astrologically influenced by Mercury's planetary power. The actual day you were born, the twentieth of June is governed by the Moon's powerful authority. Consequently this pair of planets are the most influential in determining the uniqueness of your spirit and attitudes. Your insightful wittiness and warmth perfectly accentuates your overall friendliness. If you can trust your well tuned intuition and ability to gauge circumstances accurately they should prove excellent lifetime guides. Conquering your slight unconfident manner and learning methods to brighten your mood when you are feeling down could better your development and progress. A finishing thought for people born on June the 20th is to strive to forgive and forget if you are hurt by words or actions as dwelling on anything for too long will be disadvantageous.

#23. Trevor Stines (Birthday: Jul. 15 – The Day Of Material Inducers; Personality Period: Cancer III – Jul. 11 to Jul. 18 – The Week Of The Persuader; Place Of Birth: Olympia, Washington, United States)

Those born during the Week of the Persuader know how to convince others of their worth and get them to do their bidding. Powerful manipulators of their environment, they often manifest great drive and determination. Even the shyest and most retiring nurse private ambitions; the more aggressive make little effort to conceal their desire to rise to the top of their profession. The underlying dynamic of their character, however, is that success, for them, is the best antidote for uncertainty. Yet they rarely fall victim to blind ambition, preferring to invest in themselves than indulge in materialism or ego-tripping. They how to wait, watch and listen. Observant of what goes on around them, they are good at reading the signs of the times and knowing when to act. Their persuasive ability to convince others is supported by a solid bedrock of observation, and upon having facts and results at their fingertips. Such individuals, then, are comfortable dealing with the physical realities of life. In fact, they persuade others less by their words than by their presence alone. Strong personalities, they are not shy about quietly and effectively applying pressure. Passionate people, they are no strangers to the depths of human emotion. In the same way that insecurity can be viewed as the motor behind their ambition, their passion for something can be viewed as the gasoline. And usually, their beliefs are something they are passionate about. By establishing contact with others of like mind, they are able to give solid support to their ideas. When they are convinced they are working for the highest good of an organization or group they are difficult to oppose and can usually obtain significant benefits for all concerned. Whether at work or at home, they usually exert a powerful force behind the scenes, or as team members. These people make excellent managers and critics; they have a sixth sense for the weaknesses and inadequacies of others and can usually provide direction or guidance to remedy even the most extreme difficulties. Part of the personal power of such individuals comes from their ability to control their own needs. In relationships, for example, they would sooner be alone than enter a dubious or unstable partnership. Knowing themselves well enough to recognize the limitations of their ability to commit to the responsibilities of everyday life, when beginning a relationship they will be honest with the other person from the outset, rarely pretending to be something they are not. In any case, living alone is not really a problem for them. They generally require few luxuries, and can efficiently order their lives, particularly financially, without interference from others. They are well able to sublimate desire for social and romantic interaction into their career activities and to share common experiences with colleagues, friends and family. The other side of the coin, however, is their sometimes prodigious tendency to indulge in excess. Although they may deal with their needs well, their desires and wants can easily get out of hand. They do not always know when to stop, when to back off, when to let go. Obsessive-compulsive behavior is not uncommon among these individuals, whether related to self-gratifying activities that provide direct pleasure or to neurotic ones that only yield frustration. For this reason, some form of spiritual training is often essential for their development. Their most successful relationships are often with colleagues rather than in personal or romantic settings, where their directness may prove too threatening to others. It also happens that they can best handle their intensity in their work, for in their private lives their direct expressions of energy may boomerang and cause personal difficulty. As friends and family members, they can be giving, sharing and affectionate. Yet their drive to control is evident here, too. They do not hesitate to advise and to judge. Their instincts, fortunately, are often right on the mark, but by assuming a managerial role they often deny others the opportunity to guide their own future. In extreme cases, they can be insensitive and smothering, and their manipulations can wreak havoc on friends and intimates. As spouses or lovers, they often find it difficult to occupy anything but center stage. Not only must activities revolve around them, but they must take an active hand in shaping and forming whatever is going on. Conflicts often arise between these dominant individuals and those who question their authority. In such moments their most aggressive characteristics are likely to emerge. Left alone to go ahead with their work and plans, however—which they usually see not as selfish but as intended for the good of the group—they are content, peaceful and even quiet in demeanor. Although it is possible or even desirable for such persons to pursue long-standing, productive and satisfying love relationships, their chances for success in such affairs are aided by good choices and sound judgment—which they too often allow to be impaired by the heat of their passions. In marriage or a permanent living situation, they need a solid, practical partner—someone who lends structure and emotional stability.

July 15 people are able to realize their worldly goals by inducing others and manipulating materials to do their will. Those born on this day display an impressive control over their environment. With people, their first step is usually to arouse or activate them and then exert positive pressure to get them to move in the right direction. The wise, talented use of material is a recurrent theme in the lives of July 15 people. They may be bound to this world in a variety of ways: as a rich man to money, a real-estate agent to property, a father/mother to a home, a painter to paints and canvasses, or a musician to an instrument. In the case of an artist, although the mode of expression is earthy and grounded, the content often moves toward more non-material and spiritual directions as the artist progresses through life. Although their motives proceed from desire and attraction, potentially healthy forces, July 15 people will be prone to attach to objects once they have attained them. They must learn the lesson of non-attachment at some point in their lives or run the risk of complacency, jealousy or even all sorts of fixed sexual obsessions. July 15 people can be highly useful members of society when directing their energies toward the betterment of its institutions. A willingness to share wealth, good fortune or material possessions with others is an important component of an evolved July 15 personality; less evolved types are likely to simply hoard these things for themselves or perhaps their immediate family. Because of their unique connection to the material world, July 15 people face an important decision whether to be slaves to it or masters over it. The word mastery here should not imply an exploitative domination, but an ever-changing relationship with their environment where non-action plays as significant a role as action in maintaining harmony. Those born on this day, indeed, have a great responsibility to their fellow human beings, particularly as their magnetic influence over them can be so considerable. Consequently, as early in life as possible, July 15 people must form their ethics and live according to a set of principles in which they truly believe, because their influential talents do not at all imply a corresponding depth in the moral sphere. Although highly responsible in discharging their duties, they must beware of using others for their own selfish ends and of teaching, either by word or example, empty values to their children, employees or associates. Whether they realize it or not, people born on July 15 have a powerful effect on others and a rare ability to exert their influence positively to help others move forward with their lives. When others do achieve impressive results, they do not hold back their praise, which only serves to increase their popularity: a wonderfully virtuous circle. These people manage to combine their highly developed intellectual powers with an affinity and sensitivity toward both their environment and all those who live and work with them. This combination of emotional empathy and intellectual perspicacity, when combined with their strong powers of imagination and the profound effect they tend to have on others, endows them with the potential to bring about progressive change, enriching the lives of others. From about the age of seven or eight, people born on this day are likely to begin manifesting their characteristic self-confidence and magnetic charm, but at around the age of thirty-seven there is a turning point which sees them becoming more pragmatic and realistic; they may find that their desire to be of service to others grows more intense, and these are the years when they can really come into their own. If they can learn to direct their prodigious energy and creativity toward the greater good they are likely to bring about considerable change for the better. An inner ambition or desire to achieve and make a positive difference in the world can extend to all parts of their lives, and their determination can be compelling and inspirational. If however they become materialistic or selfish and use their influence to manipulate others they can be ruthless and disruptive. It is absolutely crucial for them therefore not just to think about what they want to accomplish in their lives but also to consider what effect their behavior and their actions will have on others. To truly utilize their outstanding potential for leadership, they may have to recognize the awesome power of their commanding disposition. People born on July 15 have the magnetic charm to effortlessly attract admirers but they also have a tendency to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others. Once in a committed relationship they will do anything to help and encourage their partner, but they need to watch their tendency to become controlling or domineering. It is crucial for them to ensure that they are emotionally honest and direct in all affairs of the heart. People born on this day are prone to excess in all areas of their lives and their love of material pleasures may lead them to overeating and drinking too much. Their love of life’s material pleasures may lead them to gambling and a money-orientated approach to life. For their physical and emotional fulfillment it is therefore crucial for them to connect more with their emotions and their spirituality. Meditation is highly recommended, as is quiet time alone reading, thinking and dreaming. Diet should be wholesome and balanced, and low in sugar, salt, additives, and saturated fat. Team sports and competitive forms of exercise are a great way for them to deal with pent-up frustrations. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color purple will encourage them to think of higher things. These people have the ruthless streak needed to make it big in business or commerce but they may prefer to reach out to the world through creative and expressive endeavors, such as acting, music, art, writing, singing, or speaking. They may also be attracted to teaching, lecturing, journalism, the caring professions, and health care, but whatever career they choose, education of some type will be important to help them realize their exceptional potential. The life path of people born on this day is to understand themselves and their motivations better, and to become aware of the forceful impact they have on others. Once they are able to do that, their destiny is to enrich the lives of others in some way. People born specifically on the 15th of July are envisioned to be strong, ambitious and determined yet like all crabs commonly fearful of hurt, disapproval and rejection. The ruling astrological planet designated for this particular day is Venus gracing you with lots of natural charm and elegance and a strong but sensitive nature. If you have this birthday anticipating the moods and actions of others is one of your fortes and you will usually enjoy sharing possessions and ideas. Orientated by family you are naturally hardworking, enthusiastic and responsible with a strong sense of duty to society. You are highly observant, analytical and cautious in your approach to life and likely to possess a modern optimistic outlook. Individuals with a July the fifteenth birthday are fairly intuitive, imaginative and clever but they can also be inclined to be prone to occasional crabbiness and often have a slight selfish streak too. Rate of pay is an important consideration in career choice to a person born on the fifteenth of July. Your high ambition gives you the need to feel adequately financially rewarded at work in spite of your sensibilities of socially dutiful responsibility. Your interest and understanding of human psychology often directs you towards lucrative occupations that utilize these skills. However your ideal job is likely to be something that is simply an extension of one of your many hobbies. When it comes to finances the caution within your character ordinarily guides you to be both careful and sensible. For a Cancer, the person born on the fifteenth day of July is typically rather sweet natured, affectionate, romantic and sentimental. Your slightly perfectionist view of love and romance can be somewhat unrealistic and you tend to sometimes rush into a relationship without guarding your emotions. Your high expectations and a few bad experiences romantically do not seem to dampen your spirited perspective and hopes for blissful harmony with someone special. Companionship and total devotion with a soul mate are essential personal requirements to make you feel complete and contented. In a committed long term union you are usually tender, responsive, loyal and highly protective of your partner. Lusty and erotic your sexual desires are destined to be refined and you aim to please your loved one equally in and out of the bedroom. Some health issues experienced by those born on July 15th may be linked to your tendency to often overindulge in your diet. You appear to adore all aspects of food and really enjoy choosing, preparing, cooking and eating a wide variety of different cuisine. You are normally a whiz in the kitchen but you can be tempted to binge on your favorites. The weak discipline of people born on this day also steers you to sometimes get by on inadequate amounts of sleep. This lack of rest can aggravate your proneness to be crabby as it can impact on your concentration and you are unable to think clearly. Your main strengths of character are best perceived in your top levels of optimism, determination and enthusiasm. These positive traits are wonderful attributes that are greatly influential and inspiring to others around you. Additional strong points are seen in your intense intuition and excellent imagination accentuating your already keen observancy skills. Personality weaknesses for those born on July 15th are mainly confined to your sporadic tendencies for selfishness and darker moods. Your idealism in some areas of life may cause you some problems and maybe hinder your overall progress. Being born on the 15th of July means that getting along well with others and finding the perfect relationship are two of your primary goals in life. Your professional aspirations will usually have to take a back seat to the attainment of emotional happiness and stability. Further objectives could include numerous materialistic type gains in order to satisfy your yearning for a luxurious lifestyle. Dreams are likely to frequently feature visions of you saving up for or winning the possessions you crave. Your earnest perseverance is of fantastic assistance towards all desired accomplishments. As you were born on the fifteenth day of the month your birth date numbers calculate to a Root number of Six. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword 'Social' identifying your longing to interact effectively with close companions and share your knowledge and resources. The 15th Tarot card in the Major Arcana symbolizing the Devil is associated with your birthday but this is not a bad sign. It merely reflects your ability to overcome constraints and fears to follow your destined path. The lucky gemstone for July the fifteenth birthdays is Turquoise, wear it for courage and possible prosperity. Our Moon's authority is believed to be the greatest influencer astrologically on the probabilities of all Cancer personalities. The actual day you were born on, the fifteenth of July is governed in an astral sense by Venus's proximity explaining your tiny differences from other Cancerians. Your stylish refinement seeps through into every part of your temperament especially in your intellect, tastes and perception. Your enthusiastic, caring and warmhearted disposition believes in the power of positivity and helps you remain hopeful of a rosy future. If you can manage to detect the triggers to your moodiness it could regulate the frequency of their occurrence. A last thought for people born on July the 15th advises you to exploit your talents to favorable ends. Trusting and following your moralistic instincts should serve you well. This single improvement can have a substantial effect on almost anything in your life so it is worth analyzing to discover how these sullen moments can be minimized.

#24. Sarah Desjardins (Birthday: Jul. 15 – The Day Of Material Inducers; Personality Period: Cancer III – Jul. 11 to Jul. 18 – The Week Of The Persuader; Place Of Birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Those born during the Week of the Persuader know how to convince others of their worth and get them to do their bidding. Powerful manipulators of their environment, they often manifest great drive and determination. Even the shyest and most retiring nurse private ambitions; the more aggressive make little effort to conceal their desire to rise to the top of their profession. The underlying dynamic of their character, however, is that success, for them, is the best antidote for uncertainty. Yet they rarely fall victim to blind ambition, preferring to invest in themselves than indulge in materialism or ego-tripping. They how to wait, watch and listen. Observant of what goes on around them, they are good at reading the signs of the times and knowing when to act. Their persuasive ability to convince others is supported by a solid bedrock of observation, and upon having facts and results at their fingertips. Such individuals, then, are comfortable dealing with the physical realities of life. In fact, they persuade others less by their words than by their presence alone. Strong personalities, they are not shy about quietly and effectively applying pressure. Passionate people, they are no strangers to the depths of human emotion. In the same way that insecurity can be viewed as the motor behind their ambition, their passion for something can be viewed as the gasoline. And usually, their beliefs are something they are passionate about. By establishing contact with others of like mind, they are able to give solid support to their ideas. When they are convinced they are working for the highest good of an organization or group they are difficult to oppose and can usually obtain significant benefits for all concerned. Whether at work or at home, they usually exert a powerful force behind the scenes, or as team members. These people make excellent managers and critics; they have a sixth sense for the weaknesses and inadequacies of others and can usually provide direction or guidance to remedy even the most extreme difficulties. Part of the personal power of such individuals comes from their ability to control their own needs. In relationships, for example, they would sooner be alone than enter a dubious or unstable partnership. Knowing themselves well enough to recognize the limitations of their ability to commit to the responsibilities of everyday life, when beginning a relationship they will be honest with the other person from the outset, rarely pretending to be something they are not. In any case, living alone is not really a problem for them. They generally require few luxuries, and can efficiently order their lives, particularly financially, without interference from others. They are well able to sublimate desire for social and romantic interaction into their career activities and to share common experiences with colleagues, friends and family. The other side of the coin, however, is their sometimes prodigious tendency to indulge in excess. Although they may deal with their needs well, their desires and wants can easily get out of hand. They do not always know when to stop, when to back off, when to let go. Obsessive-compulsive behavior is not uncommon among these individuals, whether related to self-gratifying activities that provide direct pleasure or to neurotic ones that only yield frustration. For this reason, some form of spiritual training is often essential for their development. Their most successful relationships are often with colleagues rather than in personal or romantic settings, where their directness may prove too threatening to others. It also happens that they can best handle their intensity in their work, for in their private lives their direct expressions of energy may boomerang and cause personal difficulty. As friends and family members, they can be giving, sharing and affectionate. Yet their drive to control is evident here, too. They do not hesitate to advise and to judge. Their instincts, fortunately, are often right on the mark, but by assuming a managerial role they often deny others the opportunity to guide their own future. In extreme cases, they can be insensitive and smothering, and their manipulations can wreak havoc on friends and intimates. As spouses or lovers, they often find it difficult to occupy anything but center stage. Not only must activities revolve around them, but they must take an active hand in shaping and forming whatever is going on. Conflicts often arise between these dominant individuals and those who question their authority. In such moments their most aggressive characteristics are likely to emerge. Left alone to go ahead with their work and plans, however—which they usually see not as selfish but as intended for the good of the group—they are content, peaceful and even quiet in demeanor. Although it is possible or even desirable for such persons to pursue long-standing, productive and satisfying love relationships, their chances for success in such affairs are aided by good choices and sound judgment—which they too often allow to be impaired by the heat of their passions. In marriage or a permanent living situation, they need a solid, practical partner—someone who lends structure and emotional stability.

July 15 people are able to realize their worldly goals by inducing others and manipulating materials to do their will. Those born on this day display an impressive control over their environment. With people, their first step is usually to arouse or activate them and then exert positive pressure to get them to move in the right direction. The wise, talented use of material is a recurrent theme in the lives of July 15 people. They may be bound to this world in a variety of ways: as a rich man to money, a real-estate agent to property, a father/mother to a home, a painter to paints and canvasses, or a musician to an instrument. In the case of an artist, although the mode of expression is earthy and grounded, the content often moves toward more non-material and spiritual directions as the artist progresses through life. Although their motives proceed from desire and attraction, potentially healthy forces, July 15 people will be prone to attach to objects once they have attained them. They must learn the lesson of non-attachment at some point in their lives or run the risk of complacency, jealousy or even all sorts of fixed sexual obsessions. July 15 people can be highly useful members of society when directing their energies toward the betterment of its institutions. A willingness to share wealth, good fortune or material possessions with others is an important component of an evolved July 15 personality; less evolved types are likely to simply hoard these things for themselves or perhaps their immediate family. Because of their unique connection to the material world, July 15 people face an important decision whether to be slaves to it or masters over it. The word mastery here should not imply an exploitative domination, but an ever-changing relationship with their environment where non-action plays as significant a role as action in maintaining harmony. Those born on this day, indeed, have a great responsibility to their fellow human beings, particularly as their magnetic influence over them can be so considerable. Consequently, as early in life as possible, July 15 people must form their ethics and live according to a set of principles in which they truly believe, because their influential talents do not at all imply a corresponding depth in the moral sphere. Although highly responsible in discharging their duties, they must beware of using others for their own selfish ends and of teaching, either by word or example, empty values to their children, employees or associates. Whether they realize it or not, people born on July 15 have a powerful effect on others and a rare ability to exert their influence positively to help others move forward with their lives. When others do achieve impressive results, they do not hold back their praise, which only serves to increase their popularity: a wonderfully virtuous circle. These people manage to combine their highly developed intellectual powers with an affinity and sensitivity toward both their environment and all those who live and work with them. This combination of emotional empathy and intellectual perspicacity, when combined with their strong powers of imagination and the profound effect they tend to have on others, endows them with the potential to bring about progressive change, enriching the lives of others. From about the age of seven or eight, people born on this day are likely to begin manifesting their characteristic self-confidence and magnetic charm, but at around the age of thirty-seven there is a turning point which sees them becoming more pragmatic and realistic; they may find that their desire to be of service to others grows more intense, and these are the years when they can really come into their own. If they can learn to direct their prodigious energy and creativity toward the greater good they are likely to bring about considerable change for the better. An inner ambition or desire to achieve and make a positive difference in the world can extend to all parts of their lives, and their determination can be compelling and inspirational. If however they become materialistic or selfish and use their influence to manipulate others they can be ruthless and disruptive. It is absolutely crucial for them therefore not just to think about what they want to accomplish in their lives but also to consider what effect their behavior and their actions will have on others. To truly utilize their outstanding potential for leadership, they may have to recognize the awesome power of their commanding disposition. People born on July 15 have the magnetic charm to effortlessly attract admirers but they also have a tendency to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of others. Once in a committed relationship they will do anything to help and encourage their partner, but they need to watch their tendency to become controlling or domineering. It is crucial for them to ensure that they are emotionally honest and direct in all affairs of the heart. People born on this day are prone to excess in all areas of their lives and their love of material pleasures may lead them to overeating and drinking too much. Their love of life’s material pleasures may lead them to gambling and a money-orientated approach to life. For their physical and emotional fulfillment it is therefore crucial for them to connect more with their emotions and their spirituality. Meditation is highly recommended, as is quiet time alone reading, thinking and dreaming. Diet should be wholesome and balanced, and low in sugar, salt, additives, and saturated fat. Team sports and competitive forms of exercise are a great way for them to deal with pent-up frustrations. Wearing, meditating on and surrounding themselves with the color purple will encourage them to think of higher things. These people have the ruthless streak needed to make it big in business or commerce but they may prefer to reach out to the world through creative and expressive endeavors, such as acting, music, art, writing, singing, or speaking. They may also be attracted to teaching, lecturing, journalism, the caring professions, and health care, but whatever career they choose, education of some type will be important to help them realize their exceptional potential. The life path of people born on this day is to understand themselves and their motivations better, and to become aware of the forceful impact they have on others. Once they are able to do that, their destiny is to enrich the lives of others in some way. People born specifically on the 15th of July are envisioned to be strong, ambitious and determined yet like all crabs commonly fearful of hurt, disapproval and rejection. The ruling astrological planet designated for this particular day is Venus gracing you with lots of natural charm and elegance and a strong but sensitive nature. If you have this birthday anticipating the moods and actions of others is one of your fortes and you will usually enjoy sharing possessions and ideas. Orientated by family you are naturally hardworking, enthusiastic and responsible with a strong sense of duty to society. You are highly observant, analytical and cautious in your approach to life and likely to possess a modern optimistic outlook. Individuals with a July the fifteenth birthday are fairly intuitive, imaginative and clever but they can also be inclined to be prone to occasional crabbiness and often have a slight selfish streak too. Rate of pay is an important consideration in career choice to a person born on the fifteenth of July. Your high ambition gives you the need to feel adequately financially rewarded at work in spite of your sensibilities of socially dutiful responsibility. Your interest and understanding of human psychology often directs you towards lucrative occupations that utilize these skills. However your ideal job is likely to be something that is simply an extension of one of your many hobbies. When it comes to finances the caution within your character ordinarily guides you to be both careful and sensible. For a Cancer, the person born on the fifteenth day of July is typically rather sweet natured, affectionate, romantic and sentimental. Your slightly perfectionist view of love and romance can be somewhat unrealistic and you tend to sometimes rush into a relationship without guarding your emotions. Your high expectations and a few bad experiences romantically do not seem to dampen your spirited perspective and hopes for blissful harmony with someone special. Companionship and total devotion with a soul mate are essential personal requirements to make you feel complete and contented. In a committed long term union you are usually tender, responsive, loyal and highly protective of your partner. Lusty and erotic your sexual desires are destined to be refined and you aim to please your loved one equally in and out of the bedroom. Some health issues experienced by those born on July 15th may be linked to your tendency to often overindulge in your diet. You appear to adore all aspects of food and really enjoy choosing, preparing, cooking and eating a wide variety of different cuisine. You are normally a whiz in the kitchen but you can be tempted to binge on your favorites. The weak discipline of people born on this day also steers you to sometimes get by on inadequate amounts of sleep. This lack of rest can aggravate your proneness to be crabby as it can impact on your concentration and you are unable to think clearly. Your main strengths of character are best perceived in your top levels of optimism, determination and enthusiasm. These positive traits are wonderful attributes that are greatly influential and inspiring to others around you. Additional strong points are seen in your intense intuition and excellent imagination accentuating your already keen observancy skills. Personality weaknesses for those born on July 15th are mainly confined to your sporadic tendencies for selfishness and darker moods. Your idealism in some areas of life may cause you some problems and maybe hinder your overall progress. Being born on the 15th of July means that getting along well with others and finding the perfect relationship are two of your primary goals in life. Your professional aspirations will usually have to take a back seat to the attainment of emotional happiness and stability. Further objectives could include numerous materialistic type gains in order to satisfy your yearning for a luxurious lifestyle. Dreams are likely to frequently feature visions of you saving up for or winning the possessions you crave. Your earnest perseverance is of fantastic assistance towards all desired accomplishments. As you were born on the fifteenth day of the month your birth date numbers calculate to a Root number of Six. This numerical reference to your birthday has the keyword 'Social’ identifying your longing to interact effectively with close companions and share your knowledge and resources. The 15th Tarot card in the Major Arcana symbolizing the Devil is associated with your birthday but this is not a bad sign. It merely reflects your ability to overcome constraints and fears to follow your destined path. The lucky gemstone for July the fifteenth birthdays is Turquoise, wear it for courage and possible prosperity. Our Moon’s authority is believed to be the greatest influencer astrologically on the probabilities of all Cancer personalities. The actual day you were born on, the fifteenth of July is governed in an astral sense by Venus’s proximity explaining your tiny differences from other Cancerians. Your stylish refinement seeps through into every part of your temperament especially in your intellect, tastes and perception. Your enthusiastic, caring and warmhearted disposition believes in the power of positivity and helps you remain hopeful of a rosy future. If you can manage to detect the triggers to your moodiness it could regulate the frequency of their occurrence. A last thought for people born on July the 15th advises you to exploit your talents to favorable ends. Trusting and following your moralistic instincts should serve you well. This single improvement can have a substantial effect on almost anything in your life so it is worth analyzing to discover how these sullen moments can be minimized.

[yasbxxgie]

"The Feds Got Instagram Dummy" Twelfth Murdaland Mafia defendant pleads guilty

When Dontray Johnson visited Dante Bailey at the Baltimore County jail and told him he had killed fellow gang member Brian "Nutty B" Johnson for refusing to pay gang dues, Bailey approved.

"I told you about this," the leader of the Murdaland Mafia Piru (MMP) said, according to a wiretapped conversation included in a second superseding federal indictment of the Baltimore-based Bloods gang set that was quietly unsealed in June. "Blow a fucking head off! Blow another nigga's head off! I said I'm through. . . . Don't play with 'em. Make 'em scared!"

Johnson assured Bailey that he was on collection duty and would continue to instruct members to "kick that money out."

Brian Johnson, 29, was at the gang's headquarters, a BP gas station on the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road, on Sept. 29, 2015, when Dontray Johnson shot him in the chest. It was not Dontray Johnson's first murder, according to the indictment: On Nov. 22, 2012, Johnson had killed another fellow Murdaland Mafia member, Antoine "Poopy" Ellis, 23, on Bailey's orders.

Ellis was the 198th murder in Baltimore that year.

After shooting Ellis, Johnson posted on his Facebook page: "198 n risen."

The vignettes are two of dozens in the indictment depicting beatings, shootings, and murders carried out with work-a-day nonchalance amid constant deals to buy and sell heroin and cocaine. Baltimore police confirm that the two murders described above were "closed by exception" in June when federal prosecutors unsealed the superseding indictment.

Three others were also closed in the wake of the federal case, which was announced last September with the indictment of 24 gang members.

Delante "Tay Tay" Lee pleaded guilty in federal court on Sept. 18 to dealing heroin and trying to kill a rival drug dealer, and to accidentally shooting himself as he reholstered his gun on Jan. 8, after chasing the rival (identified only by the initials "B.W." in the plea agreement) into traffic and shooting him in the arm.

Lee was the 12th MMP member or associate to plead guilty in the case. The group operated for years from the gas station, which lent them the nickname "5200 Boys" and, the feds assert, gave them easy access to customers driving into Baltimore on I-70.

The gas station was a notorious hotspot for shootings, beatings, and other mayhem before the city closed it under its nuisance ordinance in June of 2016.

"When you have gun-toting drug dealers who take over this gas station as if it's their sovereign piece of property, it's our responsibility to take action, and that's what we're doing," Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said at the time.

Yet the case has gotten little attention since then, even as gang members have copped to plea deals and details have emerged in court about the group's crimes. Lee faces up to life in prison but most of the defendants so far have gotten between 10 and 15 years.

The gang, allegedly formed by Dante Bailey in 2010, controlled multiple drug shops in North and West Baltimore, and extracted tribute from other dealers, according to the indictment.

Bailey was obsessed with Italian Mafia language and tradition, according to the second superseding indictment, and was rapping under the name "Gutta" and "Gutta Almighty." Bailey (who also called himself "Wolf") can still be seen on YouTube waving guns around, fanning currency, driving his Audi, and rapping.

According to the second superseding indictment, Bailey himself shot James Maurice "Bangout" Edwards, a subordinate in the gang, on the 300 block of Collins Avenue on Feb. 12, 2015.

His lawyers did not respond to City Paper's requests for comment.

The indictment alleges that Bailey and Jamal Lockley killed Anthony Hornes, a 34-year-old African-American man, on April 28, 2016, because they believed (incorrectly) that Hornes was responsible for the murder of fellow MMP member Maurice "Mookie" Braham. The indictment also says Bailey ordered the murder of Ricardo Johnson, a 47-year-old African-American man who was found dead in the back of a minivan in Westport on Aug. 10, 2016.

According to the feds, Sydni Frazier and at least one co-conspirator abducted, bound, and murdered Johnson, then tried to burn the body. Later that same day, Frazier fled from police, flinging two handguns from his vehicle, the indictment says.

A Baltimore Police spokesman says the department cleared that homicide by Frazier's arrest. State court records indicate that Frazier was previously charged with illegal gun possession in Dec. 2014, with the case dropped in May 2015.

When the federal indictment was announced, the ATF agent in charge asserted that federal grand juries had, in the previous 17 days, indicted 51 people responsible for 25 murders and 36 non-fatal shootings.

"Our goal is to make this the last Bloods case," then-U.S. Attorney for Maryland Rod Rosenstein told reporters. "Most shootings in Baltimore are committed by drug dealers, and conspiracy cases get their attention. We can reduce violence by prosecuting members of gangs that foment violence."

Since then, 342 people have been murdered in Baltimore.

The indictment and related plea deals open a window into Baltimore's crime wave. One member of the gang, Melvin "Menace" Lashley, allegedly bragged about assaulting Bobby Shmurda, a Brooklyn-based rapper "associated with the rival Crips gang," according to the indictment. Shmurda took a seven-year plea deal in federal court in Manhattan last fall in a rather infamous case covered extensively in a sympathetic GQ profile which asked, "does the justice system fundamentally misunderstand the world of rap?"

Lashley pleaded guilty on May 23 to racketeering and drug-dealing and was scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 29, but the sentencing was cancelled and his lawyer withdrew from the case.

The indictment also alleges that, in 2015, Bailey formed the "Black Blood Brotherhood," an alliance with other gangs, mainly the Black Guerrilla Family, "as an efficient market for contract killings." The feds allege that, "for instance, if a BGF leader wanted someone killed, he might pay Bailey to subcontract the murder to a subordinate of MMP, or vice-versa. By contracting out murders to members of other gangs, Bailey and other gang leaders made it more difficult for law enforcement to solve murders and apprehend those responsible."

According to the indictment, Bailey and fellow gang member Randy Banks burglarized Hopkins Beauty Supply on the 1700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue during the April 28, 2015 riot.

In June of that year, Bailey uploaded a 10-minute music video called 'White America' which appends political rhetoric to his drug dealing come-up.

"I own the night," he raps, shirtless, in the first section. "I'm up early."

The video then switches to scenes from the Baltimore Uprising, with Martin Luther King in voiceover:

"The time has come for America to hear the truth about this tragic war."

Then it cuts again, with Bailey outside in a crowd, rapping about another million-man march: "Black power, bitch, I'm the fuckin' last Don. Fuck the police. They ain't scarin' us. It's a pop song what's up White America?" Then: "I feel like Malcolm X, getting by any means, I'm gon' fulfill my dreams . . . like Dr. King."

On July 21, 2015 Bailey called an associate in the Baltimore City Detention Center, ordering him to punish a gang member who was thought to be cooperating with law enforcement.

"You supposed to slap the shit out shorty. . . . Punish that nigga!" he said, according to the indictment. When the other man agreed to assault the target, Bailey replied, "I got you, I'll send you a money order. . . . Destroy that nigga, yo!"

The next day, Bailey and Dominick "Fish" Kane were with a third man (called an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment) at their BP gas station headquarters, when they tried to murder another man and ended up in a shootout.

Bailey spoke to the other man, identified only as L.S., while Kane and the other crew member snuck up to L.S.'s vehicle and shot L.S. several times. But L.S.'s boys then roared up in another vehicle, guns blazing, hitting Maurice "Reece" Pollock and Brian "Nutty B" Johnson—the man Dontray Johnson would kill in September.

Gang members talked about the shootout on wiretapped phones, the indictment says. They weren't especially careful on social media either, uploading pictures, videos, and other evidence the feds found useful: On July 27, William Banks texted Bailey, "The Feds got Instagram dummy u know that."

On July 29, 2015, Bailey was arrested and held without bail in the Baltimore County jail, charged with drug dealing. He stayed inside through the spring of 2016, and the feds say he was recruiting new gang members in the jail.

The indictment says federal agents seized papers from one of Bailey's prospects, in which Bailey explained that the gang was 25 percent Piru Bloods and 75 percent Mafia, which he called "our bloodline."

Bailey, who earned a seven-year federal prison sentence in 2004 for being a felon with a gun, also recounted the history of the MMP gang, beginning with its creation on March 2, 2009, when "Bad Guy," who was an "OOOG of TTP," set out "to separate the real brothers from the fake" after "the Don of Tree Top told the Feds on his brothers."

Bailey continued: "In 2010, Bad Guy & Wolf [Bailey's name for himself] finally reunited in USP [penitentiary] Lee County & the structure of the MOBB was put into effect… Bad Guy & Wolf made history together for the MOBB by smashing the New York & New Jersey Blood sets in USP Lee, sending a message to the Bloods on the East Coast that we, Murdaland Mafia, run Murdaland."

Bailey explained that by 2012, "Mobsters had taken over Baltimore drug corners including Greenmount and Ilchester, 27th and Boone, Lauretta & Warwick & part of North & Pulaski." He wrote about the bits of ink flair members could earn: an "M" tattoo for taking the mafia oath, a lightning bolt for murdering on behalf of the gang, a pink rose for "Mafia wife," a "badge of honor" for a "made man," a "wolf imprint" for "direct descendant of Werewolf, who has killed," and a "Mafia shield" for "Capo of the MOBB."

On April 4, 2016, Bailey made bail. Three weeks later, at 7:38 p.m. on a Thursday night, Maurice "Mookie" Braham, an MMP member, was gunned down on the 4700 block of Gwynn Oak Avenue. At his funeral, on May 9, the gang draped a red MMP banner over his casket, and, after the viewing, Bailey hung a diamond-studded necklace bearing the letter "M" around his dead comrade's neck.

The superseding indictment alleges that on May 17, 2016, in addition to having 94 grams of heroin for sale, Bailey had "an autobiographical screenplay featuring members of MMP and describing acts of violence very similar to ones MMP members are known to have carried out."

The feds also claim to have an undated letter Bailey allegedly wrote to a made member of the gang. It warns the man, who is not named, that he "failed to follow the protocol" and that Bailey would be watching him for the next 90 days to make sure he staffs-up his crew with the required underboss, capo, and lieutenant, and kisses all their cheeks to signify that they are each also "made men."

In a postscript to this letter, according to the indictment, Bailey wrote, "Fuck this case. No matter what happens, I'll still be a legend."

[jayne-hecate-writer]

Where have I been of late?

Since about October 2018, I have been hibernating. Some things have happened, some nice and some not. More than anything though, I have been shut in doors, suffering as always with severe pain and hiding away from the dark cold days with my hot water bottle and a pile of pain killers that would make the average junkie jealous. In comedy terms, I am one CH short of being a heroin addict and if you don't know the units known as CH, then you should go and check them out. So with my usually enjoyable heroin addiction* starting to get boring, we hit March 2019...

With the beginning of April only days away, the days have got longer and the nights have got shorter, the weather is brighter and the sun has burned away the deep grey clouds. Basically, spring has hit us and with the increase in air temperature and pressure, my pain levels have retreated to the depths of my body. This is not to say that I am pain free, that is a dream that I know is no longer possible, but the levels are low enough to allow me to start living away from my hot water bottle for a few days at a time, although as I write this, I am perched on my hot water bottle once again.

Of course for us, spring means days on the motorbikes, or rather it used to means days on the motorbikes, for me it also means a constant yearning for the mountains, moors and wilderness of adventures past, the aching heart of an adventurer stuck in a mundane life, with only the occasional bit of respite.

My friend Ess was dating a boy and she really liked him, but as is often the way with this thing called life, Ess and the boy parted ways, which left her feeling a little sad and in need of a bit of cheering up Jayney style. At the same time, Darling wifey was having problems with her bike, the fabulous Noreen, or to you bikers out there, a Kawasaki ZRX1100. After a long cold winter of too few miles, it needed to blow the cobwebs out of the carbs and so wifey set about with a clean cloth, some clean plugs and some fresh petrol. Ess was on a day off and I suggested a little ride around the block on the back of Sylvie, my precious custom Suzuki SV650 while Wifey fixed her bike. Ess had never been on a motorbike before and the thought of doing so was intimidating. I promised not to go fast and promptly became a pre-teen girl and turned Ess into Biker Barbie, with my full leathers, spare helmet and a teeny little bit of encouragement.

Our first trip was a circle of our street at slightly less than twenty miles per hour... Well, I had promised not to go fast, hadn't I? It turns out that slightly less than twenty miles per hour is a bit dull for Ess, so we went a bit faster, or to be more accurate, slightly more than twenty miles per hour. Ess was captivated and when Wifey hit the starter on her bike and it sounded like it needed a quick run, That could only mean chip shops, beaches and a three mile ride along the coast. Ess clung on to me like a set of Mole grips to a cheap steel bolt, I thought that I would be crushed in her arms, but we did hit thirty miles per hour. After our chips and a chilly evening ride back to my hotwater bottle, Ess stated firmly that she was now a biker convert, zero to hero in three miles. We showed her some biker gear on line and she started looking at helmets, picking out some of the prettier and more feminine styles. You see Ess is not like me, not only does she have manners, she also likes pink things, she loves Unicorns in a gentle non Deadpool kind of way and she likes to look pretty.

For me, biker gear should be proof against dirty grit filled rain, it should cover enough of me to keep the unhygienic splats of crushed blue bottles hit at speed on the motorway away from my skin  and it should look cool, all of which means black, with black highlights and black seams. Ess, liked the helmets that were decorated with flowers or pink flashes and which would really show up dead fly splats, road dirt and flicked up dog shit from the gutter. That is why I don't wear pink biker gear any more. We promised Ess that we would eventually take her over to the bike shop in Bristol so that she could have a look at helmets and clothing, but warned her not to buy too much gear before she really knew that she wanted to ride bikes. The following morning, Ess had made up her mind and was ready to go and told us so, so we loaded up the bikes and rode over to Bristol. One hundred and fifty pounds later, Ess looked great in her new pink and black helmet and gloves. That was two days ago, zero to hero in two days. Wifey has also been charged with finding Ess a bike that she can learn on, but while she waits for said bike to arrive on e-Bay, Ess is aching to get out and do the miles on the bitch seat.

I have not just been playing with bikes and bullying Ess into going for rides, in fact if I were to try that, I would be a splat on bedroom floor myself by now. Instead, last night I met up with my more cultured friends (more cultured means that we say cunt with a little more conviction) and we wandered over to Glastonbury to watch what I had been promised was a Folk-Punk gig... Oh yeah, I don't just do Black Metal and opera does I, after all I am cultured, in I!? The head line band was Ferocious Dog who sing socialist anthems about the Minors Strike and although they are not the sort of thing I usually get to see, I genuinely enjoyed their performance, even if the middle class, Glastonbury wannabe Crusties that arrived in their Marks and Sparks jeans, Edinburgh Woollen Mill jumpers and brand new Dr Marten's boots took over the (for want of a better description) Mosh pit... Now having been to several Death Metal and Black Metal gigs in my time, I am well versed in Mosh Pit etiquette and have been in several absolutely belting mosh pits. I have in my time seen limbs broken, hair torn out, teeth lost and skulls cracked, but the broken and the dying are always helped up from the floor and shoved in the waiting arms of paramedics. In contrast, this 'Mosh Pit' was sedately swaying in time while occasionally clapping in time and I was later informed that the dancing is usually considerably more hardcore. By this, they meant that the dancers form acrobatic human pyramids, basically they are architects who use people as building blocks in the construction of high rise blocks. It is all very twee, but I still enjoyed it and danced along when my pain levels allowed.

After my night out in Glastonbury, I was exhausted and I climbed into bed and pretty much passed out for five hours of blissful dream free sleep, finally waking up with a spine that felt broken and a head that could not turn left. But that is why we have hot baths and massage. I was able to soak it all away in the bath for an hour of hot water and occasional swearing, which was handy because Ess was demanding to go out on the bikes again... It was such a hardship.

Jan my co-writer and fellow biker arrived as I was packing Ess's spare kit into my tank bag and together with Wifey, the four of us got ready for an adventure that would take us to the bikes and a lunch date with the always fabulous leader of the ultra mega cool writing club. Jan was on the back of Wifey's bike and Ess climbed onto the back of me, for what was in effect, only her third ever ride, but as is often the case with these kind of things, she was full of enthusiasm and for the second time in twenty four hours, I was going back to Glastonbury, or at least close to it.

The ride across the Somerset levels is particularly beautiful, with the rolling hills of the Mendips in the distance and flat open pasture stretching out for miles in almost every direction. There was the occasional drainage ditch, filled with stagnant water and loads of pondweed. There were also the odd herds of cattle or flocks of sheep blinking in the fresh spring sunshine, so generally speaking it was just pure beauty as far as the eye could see, blighted by the occasional sewage pumping station. 

 Sadly I have to admit that our stop next to one of these pumping stations was necessitated by my need to curl up in a ball of pain and weeping due to the awful bumpiness of the roads almost jarring the bones out of my body. I was in pain from my toes to my ears and was thoroughly angry with myself for being broken and in pain, meaning that I could barely keep up with Carol. Ess was kind and gentle as she stood patiently waiting for me to stop swearing and hexing next to the bike and no doubt she was wondering how the fuck she was going to get home if I was too broken to ride? Thankfully, we were less than ten minutes away from our meeting with Head Honcho and I was able to scrape myself up from the gravel, where I had lay, screaming and kicking like a petulant child who says cunt far too much!

We parked by the pub front door, undressed from all of the fly corpse encrusted riding gear, slapped on our least 'dangerous biker' smiles and went inside, to be warmly greeted by the bar staff and a waiting Head Honcho. A table had been reserved for us in the dining room, next to a large window that allowed me to see the traffic outside and count an unusual number of Suzuki TL thousands that seemed to be flowing by. The food arrived and it was remarkably good, I even managed to squeeze in a dessert, which is unusual for me, but I did feel like a huge fat bitch afterwards and I really need to go back on my misery diet to loose the extra fifty tonnes I am now carrying on my hips! For anyone interested, I can highly recommend the Pipers Inn as both a beautiful place to sit and to enjoy a fabulous meal. I am sure that we will be back again, providing that they let us in and don't object to my casual strong swearing and awful wind!

With lunch sitting on my stomach like a concrete kebab, we propelled the bikes towards the Mendips and Cheddar Gorge. The scenery was spectacularly beautiful and as we began to climb the hills, Jan found an enormous pile of shit, reminiscent of the descriptions from our latest book. 

Well, it would have been rude not to stop and Wifey needed a rest to take some photos. Cheddar Gorge is beautiful, it feels mountainous in stature as we entered the roadway to the bottom and the great limestone walls rose up around us. The road meandered, not always gently to the bottom and the village of Cheddar itself and I was forced to laugh at the newly placed signs warning people to stick to the speed limit of thirty miles per hour. I can only imagine that this is to speed up because they tend to crawl down the hill at about fifteen miles per hour at best, absorbed utterly in the beauty around them.

We stopped in the village of Cheddar for just long enough for a splash and dash... We also said hello to a few of the other bikers and Carol even spoke to the wife of a sadly passed friend whose funeral we had gone to a couple of years ago. It was all very nice and as usual for a sunny day, Cheddar was packed to capacity with grockles. As much as I wanted to ride somewhere else fabulous, my body was giving me the warning signs of exhaustion and my pain levels were rising, meaning that our next stop was home. We enjoyed in total a couple of hours of riding and for me this was enough of a adventure that I felt energised, reinvigorated and I am looking forwards to a summer of even more adventures. Which is sad because when I woke up this morning, knowing that his evening I must trudge over to Bristol once again, this time to see the mighty Akercocke play at the Thekla, I was utterly broken and beyond even shuffling around the flat. No Mosh Pit for me tonight then, just the usual gentle swaying as I stand there in my Marks and Sparks Death Metal shirt and shiny Dr Marten's boots!

With no particular order of preference, I would like to thank the following people for dragging me out of my fortress of solitude that is my duvet. Thank you to the staff of the Pipers Inn who made us all feel very welcome. A big thank you cuddle to Ginny Lego and the fabulous night time navigators who got us to Glastonbury for the first gig in scary dense fog. A big thank you to Head Honcho for her continued patience as we search out more obscure places to meet up for a chat. Love and thanks must go to Ess and Jan who barely moaned at all about my swearing, hexing and wind breaking. As always, a great big thank you to Darling Wifey who navigated me around the Mendips and the levels like a Sat Nav, but with a lot less of the “Turn around now you blithering idiot!” that I usually get!

* Please note: I am not currently using and nor have I ever used actual heroin, but for comedic purposes I have compared my medically proscribed codeine based pain killers with this tragic and illegal drug that has harmed so many people. The sad truth is that codeine is a nasty, addictive substance and it needs to be carefully monitored by your Doctor if used regularly.

[amieravenson]

Magickal Month-February

February is the last bit of cold before the Spring comes, and we’re naturally beginning to think about the growth season ahead. We’re feeling the stirrings of activity as the days are getting longer and sunnier, though there’s still a strong chance of Winter weather. We can’t help but get excited when the snow drops, daffodils, and other early flowers begin to bloom, and some trees are even budding now! February was named after a Roman purification ritual called Februa, held on February’s full moon. And the theme of purification is perfect for this time of year, as we’re feeling the need to open the windows and air out the house from all the stifling Winter stuffiness. This is also a great time to get a jump on Spring cleaning/decluttering/organizing to make space for fresh new energy! I’ve been seeing so many hawks lately, but not much else. Even the cardinals that are usually around all year have been quiet. I found a small grey snake a few weeks ago, but it was injured and didn’t make it. So I’m leaving him on a stone in the yard in hopes that I can come and find his bones later. I expect to start seeing more birds as February moves along, as we do start to see birds pretty early here in the South. Last week, we were supposed to get snow and didn’t, and next week we’re allegedly going to see temps in the 70s. Here’s to surprises! Lunations: February 4- New moon in Aquarius, 4:03pm, EST February 19- Full moon in Virgo, 10:53am, EST Astronomy: February 8- Alpha Centaurids meteor shower begins (That’s it. Kind of a slow month.) Celtic Tree Month: Rowan (Jan 21st- Feb 17th): Protection, inspiration, vision, clearing the mind for meditation, attunes us to nature, broadens perspectives, protects from harm on a journey, brings spiritual enlightenment, hidden mysteries of nature and quickening of life force Ash (Feb 18th- Mar 17th): Mastership and power, psychic/prophetic dreams, strength, harmony, being in tune with your surroundings, heals loneliness of human spirit by forming a link between gods, man, and the dead, key to universal truth and cosmic wisdom, tree of initiation. Holidays (non-Pagan): February 2: Groundhog Day February 5: Chinese New Year February 14: Valentine’s Day February 18: President’s Day Holidays (Pagan): February 1: Imbolc February 1 -14: Festival of Dionysos February 3-6: Old European Lunar New Year- celebration of the Triple Goddess February 5-6: Feast of Isis the Healer February 5-6: Anthesterion Noumenia- Greek festival honoring all the Gods and Goddesses February 8-9: Feast of Aphrodite and Eros February 10-11: Feast of Artemis February 13-15: Lupercalia- originally honoring the Roman Goddess Fauna February 15-18: Anthesteria- Greek festival honoring Plouton as god of the dead February 22: Caristia- Roman family festival where feuds were forgiven February 24- March 3: Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries, where Kore/Persephone and Dionysus/Plouton return to the land of the living February 28: Slavic Velja Noc- when spirits of the dead and Veles (Lord of the Dead) return to land of the living to visit living relatives- also considered new year Themes for the month: Purification, cleansing, self-love, self-care, romance, the seeds we’re planting, watching them quicken into life, the fire we hold inside that will help us through the last of Winter’s cold. General activities for the month: Planning a garden, sharing romantic times with people you love, practicing self-care and self-love magick (ritual baths, time alone, positive self-talk, luxuries like massage or decadent face masks), looking around you for the very first signs of Spring (the first flowers, sprouts emerging from the soil, buds on the trees, birds changing shifts) Herbs I’m using: Sandalwood as incense for its warming scent, cloves and cinnamon in my shampoo to stimulate scalp and hair growth, a new umami seasoning blend from Trader Joe’s that makes ramen taste amazing! Stones I’m using: Aragonite (deeply connected with the earth, keeps us grounded and connected through the earth star chakra), fire agate (the epitome of fire energy- motivation, quickening, warmth, light), rhodonite (great for the heart chakra, and especially practicing self-love) Goddess of the Month: I’m feeling so drawn to Brigid right now. This makes sense, since Imbolc is her holiday, but I’m really connecting with her outside of that as well. As the goddess of healing, I’m drawn to her because I have so much healing to do, and I want to help others by showing them how I’ve healed myself so far. As the goddess of poetry, I’m deeply drawn to her in all of my creative writing endeavors. I want to connect with the spirit of prolificness in my writing. As the goddess of smithcraft, I feel her presence because I’m trying to create a physical reality that best supports and reflects my inner world. I want to manifest the beauty that’s in my head in a physical way, mostly through my home. I don’t know if I’m being called to her, or if I just need some of her sacred flame in my life right now, but I’m going to do some reading and self-reflection to see how this connection will best be served. 3 card reading:

Here we start with the 5 of Cups. So we’re feeling disappointed, like everything has come crashing down. But the reality is that while we have a few cups that have spilled, we still have 2 that are upright. And if we don’t spend our time dwelling on what has been lost, we can figure out how to best utilize what we can salvage and find a way through the present situation. Next, we see the 5 of Wands reversed. So while we’re disappointed, and focused on the negative, at least we can see that the struggle is finally over. Something we worked and competed for is done, and we can relax and breathe for a while. Finally, we have the King of Wands reversed. So I feel like this is a time to stop fighting, stop struggling, stop trying, and to simply be. Perhaps our energy is better served this month not by trying to work our will in the outside world, but to go within and examine ourselves and what we have to offer to our future selves. I feel like this card is telling us to kind of rev ourselves up for action, but hold onto the energy we create until we have a clear path to charge down. Our special guidance card is Individuality. And this is a really great card for this situation. We have an opportunity to take stock of our gifts, the things we care about and are good at, to find solutions and new pathways. So don’t look at what other people are doing and try to follow in their footsteps, create your own footsteps and use your strengths to make your way. from Light: Winter By Inger Christensen Translated by Susanna Nied Winter is out for a lot this year the beach already is stiff all will be one will be one this year wings and ice will be one in the world all will be changed in the world: the boat will hear its steps on the ice the war will hear its war on the ice the woman will hear her hour on the ice the hour of birth in the ice of death winter is out for a lot. Out for the houses the cities out for the forests the clouds the mountains the valleys fear the heart the children peace. Winter is out for a lot this year the hand already is stiff the crying of children is heard in the house one will we be one life I hear my house slip with the world and scream all that has been screamed the heart rams its boat into ice shells rustling in the hull winter is out for as much. If I freeze fast in the ice if you freeze fast my child my great forest next summer my great fear as I come if you freeze fast my life: then I am a vulture of wings and ice tearing my liver, my living life awake in eternity. This winter is in for a lot. My personal tides: The card reading above is SO PERFECT for me right now. A major thing that I’ve been working on for the last 4 years has fallen through, and I’m a bit numb. I didn’t really count on it working out, but it would have solved so many problems if it had. So I’m having to regroup and look for other options as far as how to simply survive. We could easily falter and end up homeless right now, but I feel like there’s a path through all this. I just need to find it. I’m scared, but also extremely grateful right now for really basic things. I have an amazing marriage to someone I love and admire, I have top notch kitties, I have things to read, a computer (which is a tool to help me find my way through), and for the time being, we’re warm and safe and have food to eat. As for the future- we’ll do the best we can with what we have. I’m trying to see this as an opportunity to pare down to the essentials in life, and do some major life decluttering. It’s a much more positive take than being afraid of losing everything. My personal goals: It’s hard to set goals when you’re feeling so drained. But to be fair, this is a time of the year where I usually feel drained regardless. So my goals this month are pretty easy. I want to continue cleaning my house, separating what I really need from what I need to let go of. I want to continue with my daily spiritual practice, including my ‘Planner of Shadows’, meditation, prayer, and a daily card draw. I haven’t done as well as I’d hoped with this so far, but my energy is kind of hit-or-miss during the Winter months. I also want to spend some time studying Brigid. It seems to me that her flame is also a flame of purification, and I would like that very much in my life, plzthx. Read the full article

[epiphenomenal]

hi guys. sorry for the long absence. i've had various r/l things going on, including a new job -- but tbh i’ve also found it hard to have fannish feelings about anything except the end of the band of my life, kent. the following is an incredibly tl;dr explanation. please don't feel obliged to read it; i think i wrote this mainly for myself.

i. origins

there are two stories, i guess. one begins in 2003 with teenage!jan discovering a curiously-labelled song on file-sharing software. someone had frontloaded the filename with familiar bands: REM, radiohead, the smashing pumpkins, etc. so i downloaded what turned out to be the english version of kent's 747, and realised i had to listen to more of their work.

i soon discovered they were a swedish band, and that their english experiment had been short-lived. but their swedish songs were fantastic (both before and after i looked up the lyrics), so i kept listening.

and they say the town's become silent and ugly and deserted, darling that it's going to be a long cold winter i've learnt that longing is worst when one's slept like a child through an ice-cold winter

you're my hero for you dare to be honest you're my hero for you're just as weak as me come and help me, i need you -- again, again, again (x)

i ordered all their albums online -- you know it's love when you stop pirating. for most music loves, it might have stopped there. except for the other story, which starts in the late 1980s (or officially in 1990).

i read about the band's origins, and there was something compelling about that, too. how they grew up in a small grey industrial ghost town, where music was an escape. how they had lofty dreams and moved to stockholm and tried and failed and kept trying for years, until they got their big break. how they went from strength to strength after that, winning awards and a devoted fanbase, and eventually being called "sweden's biggest rock band". (but also how, after two english-language albums and gruelling international tours, they had to give up on that front.)

i loved them with the intensity teenagers are capable of. i read all i could find in english, and then (back when machine translation was poor and google translate didn't even exist yet) read more with the help of a swedish-english dictionary and what grammar i managed to learn.

kent also had a close relationship with their fans. their frontman, joakim berg, frequently hung out on their official forum. ahead of each album release, the band took questions directly from fans and answered them (often hilariously) on their website -- which, incidentally, was a fansite that the band noticed and asked to become their official website.

in 2005, they released their first new album since i'd started listening to them: du & jag döden or 'you & i, death', a masterpiece from the irresistible opening track all the way till the magnificent album closer, which remains my favourite song ever. i pre-ordered the album online and played it on loop for days and have never recovered.

do you remember our blood-oath, our law? our stupid crusade against an equally foolish town i remember everything like nails against glass but you just laugh at me, reduce everything to a joke yet i see in your anxious posture, your hunted gaze that it feels that it's a long way home (x)

ii. journeys

in the autumn of 2007, kent released their next album, tillbaka till samtiden; i went to the UK for university, on a scholarship. that december, i went to sweden and saw kent live for the first time -- something i'd never imagined would be possible, back when i first discovered their music. it was magical. they were magical. that energy, those songs i'd loved for years, the crowd roaring along on all the classic lines -- singing but darling we’ll all die someday with thousands of other fans, not in sadness but in triumph. but also: jocke's incredibly dorky dancing, the band's camaraderie on stage, how they connected with the crowd. i fell a little in love with their guitarist, sami sirviö, and his dramatic guitar-playing -- something from which i have never recovered either.

the next spring, i travelled alone to sweden to see them again, three times.

kent wasn’t just the soundtrack to my ~formative years; they’re linked inextricably to the start of my uni-era travels, and to trips i’ve taken since. they were also a constant, of sorts: one could always expect another album within a couple of years. there was always something to look forward to.

and the thing about kent -- and being a kent fan over the years -- is that they have always moved forward. unlike some bands which retread the same sonic territory, kent saw each new album as a musical departure from the next (often to their fans’ dismay; but kent always said that they made music for themselves, and i admired that kind of integrity, too). their lyrics also evolved: from adolescent anxiety and desperation, to urban isolation and middle-aged middle-class angst (not least given their working-class origins), protesting against a society that seemed to be losing its old ideals of solidarity and kindness.

in late 2009, during my final undergraduate year, they released the album röd. in the easter vacation before my final exams, i went to sweden and norway for four concerts. i didn't know when i would get to see them again.

(just half a year after röd, they casually released another album, en plats i solen. other things they’ve done: released songs for charity, from a quietly devastating song about domestic violence for Save the Children, to one for the National Organisation for Women's and Girls' Shelters in Sweden; released a song for free online as a christmas present for fans, without the knowledge of their record label, and laughed with fans on the forum about that; taken shoe-selfies on a couch together.)

darling, that we want most of all is something that can never be ours november is a wall of wet concrete where a naive dream of escape is born to crash and then die but heroes and heroines stay standing they spit hard into the wind and they warm our hands so we don't lose our grip on the love we have a right to (x)

i returned from the UK and started work in 2011. in 2012, kent released jag är inte rädd för mörkret, which opens with one of their most beautiful songs. (instead of doing promotional interviews, they held a press conference and invited fans and forum regulars and bloggers, not just the media.) i flew alone to stockholm that summer, for a concert on a sprawling green lawn. the setlist was incredible and included one of my favourite songs, which i'd hoped for years to hear live. there were fireworks at the end. the forty-minute walk back towards town, amongst other fans, felt like it took no time at all.

2014 started out tough for me for various reasons, and kent's new album tigerdrottningen was very welcome, though i didn't manage to see them live that tour. they were more political than ever before. their first single was a blistering critique of sweden today; at a summer festival they held (yes, they held their own festival, and invited artistes they loved -- mostly women, incidentally, something the media noticed but the band themselves never pointed out), they exhorted the crowd to vote the right-wing SD party out of parliament. my favourite track off the album describes stockholm as a "guaranteed solidarity-free New Moderate desert" -- but also contains a verse that gains a lot of poignancy in retrospect:

i hear the bass from the car at the red lights, i know that song like a knife to the heart -- i wrote it 200 summers ago i stand as if frozen at the crossing, and regret (x)

iii. endings

on 13 march 2016, kent posted a video full of references to previous albums and songs.

after 26 years together, they were calling it a day.

their final album, då som nu för alltid, was a summary and a farewell. they said goodbye with a final tour: 28 gigs in four months across four countries.

i used half my annual leave to catch five concerts in october. each one was amazing. from the breathtaking introduction and epic visuals, to the setlist, to -- of course -- the band themselves. how much energy they poured into their music. the smiles they traded on stage, how they’d play while facing each other. how jocke presented his fellow band members to the audience, night after night, and told stories from their earliest days together; how, night after night, he told them he loved them.

the band members' love for each other, how they call themselves a family and have always felt it was them against the world -- that's one of my favourite things about them. and i have a lot of feelings about the stories jocke told: how he and sami went from disliking each other at first sight to sharing a rockstar dream; how he and bassist martin sköld spent hours talking about everything in life; how important their drummer, markus mustonen, was in making them feel like they were finally a real band.

the farewell tour was also filled with love between the band and the fans. how jocke bantered with fans near the front. how, in setlist staple jag ser dig ('i see you'), the fans got their moment on the big screen. how the fans have always taken jocke's cue during set-ender 747, turning stadiums into seas of waving arms, right after jocke sings to us, repeatedly, you keep us alive -- additional lyrics only present in live renditions of the song. how, after each concert, the band came down and gave out roses to fans in the front row.

in december, i flew out again for their last three concerts in stockholm. during the first two, for which i had standing tickets, there was just such a pure joy and euphoria at being there, in the moment, with fellow fans, amid their music. they performed a completely new song, because kent is the sort of band which does that sort of thing during their last three concerts ever.

at their final concert, on dec 17, i had a seated ticket for the only time this tour. i watched their farewell from a distance, but that also allowed me to grasp the scale of this: being there amongst 38,300 fans, saying goodbye together. during the ironic political ballad sverige we held up our phones, as we'd done throughout the tour, and the arena was full of stars.

the day after, the band released a final video, a beautiful summary of the farewell tour which included the voices of fans. it was a music video for the song which ends their last album, and which also closed every concert that tour: den sista sången or 'the last song'. just to make the message perfectly clear, the song (and by extension, every farewell concert) ends on these lines:

this is the last time, the last time we're meeting the last song, the last song i'm giving you (x)

iv. epilogue

on dec 26 and 27, a two-part documentary on the band's final years was released. it's a very well-made documentary, from cinematography to its on-point song choices, filled with interviews and amusing moments, giving a summary of the band's history and a look at the long farewell stretch. the documentary also contained some sad revelations about why the band had chosen to call it a day, and i spent january and february processing this, basically.

on feb 28, kent won their final two swedish grammy awards. they gave cute thank-you speeches and joked around in the backstage interviews. it provided a kinder sort of closure, compared to the documentary's bittersweet ending.

i still have far too many feelings about these guys and their journey. but it's now been a year since the farewell announcement, and though i'll never get over this band, i should really move forward too.

[femmesfollesnebraska]

Kristy Deetz & Reni Gower, artists/curators

Kristy Deetz (above) and Reni Gower (below), co-curators of FABRICation, a touring exhibit of seven textile artists, opening Jan. 19 at The Art Museum of West Virginia University, generously share with LFF about how they came to be artists, their artistic processes, feminism and collaboration and much more...

1. Where are you from? How did you get into creative work and what is your impetus for creating?

Kristy: I grew up in a large family in eastern Ohio. We often spent time on family farms and hiking in the woods. The feeling of being connected to nature and examining it closely was an extremely pleasurable activity that encouraged me to find interconnecting patterns that echo through nature and our spiritual, emotional, and intellectual lives.  My parents also encouraged all kinds of creative activities.  We received music lessons and studied or took classes in whatever art form or athletic activity interested us.  One holiday I received an acrylic paint set in my Easter basket.  My parents instilled in us a love of learning.  My mother is particularly creative, curious about all kinds of things, and interested in the arts.  My father is interested in how things work, engaging the world with preparation and logic, and he values tenacity.  Both my parents have an incredible work ethic. We also had lots of pets including a lamb, pheasants, chickens, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, salamanders, and rabbits.  I had a large, white rabbit named Alexandria that grew to be twenty-five pounds and had many babies—some of which she ate.  She ended up at a farm auction and finally as someone’s dinner.

Reni: While I have lived in Virginia for 35 years, I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and still consider the Midwest my home.  I’ve always had the support of my family. No one ever tried to dissuade me from being an artist.  Though both were naïve artists, my paternal grandmother painted as a young girl and my father painted after he retired.  When I showed interest, I was always encouraged.  My first grade teacher also informed my mother, I was a born teacher.  What she saw in me, I have no idea. Nonetheless, teaching has proven to be a good career path.   Whether in the classroom or alone in the studio, I have experienced many creative opportunities that continue to motivate and inspire me. 

2. Tell me about your current work and why it’s important to you. What do you hope people get out of your work?

Kristy: I have several solo exhibitions coming up that will feature my recent Through the Veil and Holiday’s Unfolding series. www.kristydeetz.com

Holidays Unfolding, a new evolution of my Through the Veil series, investigates the trope of drapery and the idea of Still Life, not as Nature Morte (or “dead nature”) but as Nature Morte Vivante (vivante implying “fast moving action and a certainly lively quality”).   The work also examines contradictory feelings that accompany loss, nostalgia, or ubi sunt to become a meditation on mortality and life’s transience.  In this series I explore new possibilities between the interface of painting, textiles, and digital technology while producing an end product that maintains the nuance and richness of slow work made by hand.

The painted fabric, ellipses, and patterned fabric in these paintings act as limina or thresholds that, along with the accompanying images and forms, place the viewer into multiple, often conflicting, layers of space and meaning. In the series the Rabbit or environment may be stretched or manipulated through Photoshop to create a sense of instability, heightened emotion, or a digital sifting. The paintings good-humoredly deconstruct imagery from my own painting history, as well as pop, outsider, and high culture to create new “spaces” of meaning. The paintings use dark humor, visual puns, symbols and metaphors, moments of silence, art historical allusions, cultural collisions, and spiritual conundrums to play with style and pictorial/formal construction.  

Valentine’s Day Exploding (below) presents an exploding pink still-life table suspended sideways on the right side of the painting. The soft, draped fabric on the table stretches and then explodes like glass as a result of some cataclysmic event. The framed image reveals the essence of the patterned fabric. Dying leaves rise upward behind three overly ripe pears that sit on a drapery-covered table in front of wood grain that is illuminated at the top right. Circled with symbolic light rays, one of the pears moves away from the others. The frame around the three pears comes from a Victorian Easter card to heighten the sense of nostalgia. The pink Rabbits have expressions of resignation as they are tossed around the painting and go in and out of rabbit holes. Embroidery highlights various movements within the painting including that of one Rabbit that jumps out of a hole and begins to break apart as it moves toward the explosion. Roses fly around in the explosion as well as play games of hide and seek in the drapery. Votive images of sacred, flaming hearts with crying eyes act as both stabilizing compositional elements and expressions of internalized sorrow.

Reni: My work will be featured in numerous one to three person exhibitions this spring. I also have several curatorial projects with catalogs traveling across the country.  www.renigower.com

Mixed Media Paintings and Works on Paper:   My mixed media artwork is a blend of painting and sculpture that has evolved from flat collages (91” x 26” or larger) to three-dimensional constructions (91” x 104” x 73” or smaller). Paint is applied to a variety of materials (canvas, cheesecloth, nylon and aluminum screens, plastic, rug-hold, wood) that are suspended in layers of various widths from wooden support structures. Alternatively, my works on paper and encaustic pieces are highly detailed and transparently or opaquely layered illusions. In all approaches, I blend fluid improvisational painting methods with repetitively structured and analytical ones to create complex images that counter visual skimming. I incorporate the circle as a repetitive decorative motif, as a metaphor for binary code, and as a cultural symbol of continuity and infinity..  Through intricate patterning, I combine these references to contrast passive technological consumption with the redemptive nuance of slow work made by hand. By creating a private space within a public one, my art quiets the mind and encourages contemplation. 

Papercuts and Pulped Paintings: For these works, I create interlocking stencils based upon Celtic knotwork and Islamic ornamental tiles. For the papercuts, the stencils are traced and hand cut into single sheets of paper. For the pulped paintings, the stencils are used to create complex patterns in handmade paper with pulped painting techniques. Using only a box cutter or squirt bottle, I work slowly to create artwork that fosters mindfulness. Enticed through touch, repetition, and beauty, this work also encourages a physical and contemplative slowing down. By embracing the redemptive effect of highly focused methodical work made by hand, these works transform a shared encounter into a meditation that quiets the nonstop noise of our time.

3. Does collaboration play a role in your work—whether with your community, artists or others? How so and how does this impact your work?

Kristy: FABRICation is the longest collaborative project I have been involved with.  I serve as co-curator with Reni Gower, Professor of Painting and Printmaking, at the Virginia Commonwealth University.  FABRICation is a traveling exhibition that will be on display at the Art Museum of West Virginia University, Morgantown, from January 15-March 15, 2017.  By the fall of 2017 the show will have traveled to 13 venues and is available November 2017 and beyond.  FABRICation features the work of seven women artists (including work by Reni and me) that incorporates a textile sensibility through elements of fabric and fabrication.

Collaborative projects bring more people into the conversation. Collaborating makes me aware of new perspectives that I can bring to my teaching.  I am a Professor at the University of Wisconsin—Green Bay where I teach painting and drawing.

Reni: My traveling curatorial projects and mentoring activities come from a core belief in being generous and as such creating opportunities for others.   Often co-curated with others, my projects are ultimately expansive collaborations with many artists, venues, and audiences.   Projects currently traveling include the following:  

FABRICation (co-curated with Kristy Deetz) brings together works that incorporate a textile sensibility through elements of fabric and fabrication.

With traditional hand papermaking at its core, Pulped Under Pressure (co-curated with Melissa Potter) underscores important contemporary issues steeped in history and craft.  Enticed through touch, these works encourage a contemplative slowing down even as they urge acknowledgement of some of the most pressing issues (environmental crisis to global marginalization) facing civilization today.

By addressing the fundamental geometry embedded in two-dimensional art, Geometric Aljamia: A Cultural Transliteration (co-curated with Jorge Benitez) acknowledges ongoing hybrid connections between Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East.

Heated Exchange / Contemporary Encaustic features the rich versatility of working with pigmented hot wax.

Kristy Deetz: Valentine’s Day Exploding, 2016, Acrylic Paint on Digital Pattern Printed on Silk Stretched over Canvas with Image Transfer and Embroidery, 36”x36”x1.5”, photo courtesy of the artist.

4. Considering the political climate, how do you think the temperature is for the arts right now, what/how do you hope it may change or make a difference?

Kristy:  To be an artist is to be a free thinker.  Free thinking leads one to consider the well fare of others or others as self.

Reni: Given our troubled times, it is more important than ever for an artist to speak out with a strong voice that inclusively recognizes our shared humanity despite perceived difference.  My work is inspired by sacred geometry, which is thought to convey sacred and universal truths by reflecting the fractal interconnections of the natural world.  By reiterating these patterns and ratios, my work unlocks the language of abstraction through the collective recognition of geometric perfection that is evident in ethnic patterns all around the world.  This commonality creates connections.   As such, my work is a perfect conduit for cross-cultural conversations that embrace and celebrate diversity.

Reni Gower: Fragments: Chapelle, 2015, Mixed Media: canvas, acrylic, cheesecloth, plastic, aluminum screen, rug-hold, wood, 64” x 63”, photo courtesy of the artist.

5. Artist Wanda Ewing, who curated and titled the original LFF exhibit, examined the perspective of femininity and race in her work, and spoke positively of feminism, saying “yes, it is still relevant” to have exhibits and forums for women in art; does feminism play a role in your work?

Kristy: Through the years, at different stages in the development of my artwork, or in specific pieces, I have used my own “voice” as a way of revising the painting canon.  I am a strong believer that feminism should make us all humanists.

My Drapery Paintings on carved wood (from the early 2000’s) invoke and reinvent European canonical painting. A drapery may stand in for the body, free of specific gender connotations while still creating a human presence. The often-carved surfaces in the painting construction, along with the illusionistically painted drapery images, blend painting and sculpture, object and illusion, allowing the referents to resonate on multiple levels.  These paintings operate as texts (and often include text) offering layers of meaning to those viewers who take the time to engage them.

I am also interested in eco-feminism.  This concern has moved in and out of my current Through the Veil series and is also a component of an on-going “book” series.  Earth Texts comprises a series of thirty-five wooden relief sculptures (carved, burned and painted with encaustic) that create visual metaphors of the book form as well as autobiographical explorations.  Playing off concepts like frame narratives, in medias res, and earth digest, these pieces operate in one sense as visual puns and connect ideas of language to both earth and body.

Through interplay of forms each piece seeks to explore what we know or how we behave.  Books embody text, and the "text” connects internal and external landscapes in a search for answers to human dilemmas. The plywood represents nature destroyed; construction of the art piece from the recycled plywood represents nature re-empowered or its pattern newly disclosed. The tactile paint surface, created through layers of encaustic (wax and pigment), serves as “skin,” unveiling greater complexity beneath.

Reni: While Feminism does not overtly play a role in my work, I would not be where I am in my career today without recognizing the many strong female shoulders I stand upon.  As a highly active researcher, (artist / professor / curator), I also take my role as a visible role model for young artists (especially women) very seriously.   

6. Ewing’s advice to aspiring artists was “you’ve got to develop the skill of when to listen and when not to;” and “Leave. Gain perspective.”  What is your favorite advice you have received or given?

Kristy: “Operate from a position of strength.”

Reni: Having taught professional practices for many years, I can assure you there are many strategies that can help an artist sustain a creative life. My best advice recognizes there are no absolutes and that one’s personal definition of “success” will be the guide to the “right” questions for which there are no “wrong” answers.

Ten actions I often share with my students include:

Prepare: Learn your craft. Nurture your passion. Practice / Persevere: Success is 1% inspiration and 99% persistence. Seek clarity: Resist ambiguity for ambiguity’s sake. Know your precedents: Study history, so you understand the context of your work in light of its trajectory.   Be present in the world: Listen carefully and engage with empathy. Know your facts and value disparate views, before you distort or distrust them. Cultivate networks: Construct bridges that foster reciprocal relationships rather than ladders that climb over others. Be Confident and Brave: Locate the strength to stand in your truth. Value Integrity: Never sacrifice your honor to achieve a goal. Get Started: Avoid excuses. Keep Working: Keep Working…Keep Working. -

KRISTY DEETZ www.kristydeetz.com

Reni Gower www.renigower.com

-

FABRICation January 19 – March 19, 2017 McGee Gallery, Art Museum of WVU

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 19, 2017 6:00 p.m. Program with visiting artists Kristy Deetz, Virginia Derryberry and Reni Gower Grand Hall, Museum Education Center Reception to follow

http://artmuseum.wvu.edu/

~

Les Femmes Folles is a volunteer organization founded in 2011 with the mission to support and promote women in all forms, styles and levels of art from around the world with the online journal, print annuals, exhibitions and events; originally inspired by artist Wanda Ewing and her curated exhibit by the name Les Femmes Folles (Wild Women). LFF was created and is curated by Sally Deskins.  LFF Books is a micro-feminist press that publishes 1-2 books per year by the creators of Les Femmes Folles including the award-winning Intimates & Fools (Laura Madeline Wiseman, 2014), The Hunger of the Cheeky Sisters: Ten Tales (Laura Madeline Wiseman/Lauren Rinaldi, 2015) and BARED: Contemporary Poetry & Art by Women (Edited by Laura Madeline Wiseman, 2017). Other titles include Les Femmes Folles: The Women 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 available on blurb.com, including art, poetry and interview excerpts from women artists. See the latest call for work on the Submissions page!

[onthegoinmco]

Over on the Disney Parks Blog, Jeremy Schoolfield just shared a blog post about the 19 new Magical Experiences in 2019 coming to Walt Disney World.

2019 is definitely going to be one for the Theme Park history books!!!

Check out what’s coming in his post and let us know what you’re looking forward to the most!!!!

19 Magical Experiences in 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2019 is going to be an amazing time at Walt Disney World Resort, with so many new and exciting things happening all year long. You’ll travel to a galaxy far, far away and experience zany fun aboard a runaway railway. You can MousekeDance yourself silly and play basketball like the pros. Or maybe you’ll want to take in beautiful views while you dine 15 stories high atop a new resort hotel tower or glide across the sky in a gondola.

So let’s get to it!

Here are 19 reasons to be excited for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019:

Walt Disney World

1. Anything Can Happen at Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration – Starting Jan. 18, Magic Kingdom Park is honoring those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, now, more than ever with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages. The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” will parade up Main Street, U.S.A. several times daily, while you can meet Mickey and Minnie together – wearing their new birthday outfits – in Town Square Theater.

  2. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – On May 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is honoring this achievement all year with a new 30th anniversary logo and other fun and excitement (see below!).

Walt Disney World

3. Say a Fond Farewell to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, this nighttime spectacular will be ending in the second half of this year. Now, more than ever you’ll want to spend another evening around World Showcase Lagoon to celebrate this classic show that has entertained millions since its October 1999 debut.

4. Jaleo Cooks Up Fresh Tastes at Disney Springs – Chef José Andrés will bring the spirit and flavors of Spain to Disney Springs with his new Jaleo restaurant, opening this winter. The tapas experience will offer a lively setting befitting its name, which means “revelry.”

5. Party with Pixar Pals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Starting Jan. 18, celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary with The Incredibles, who will host a dance party at Pixar Avenue (where you can also meet the one and only Edna Mode!). A door to the monster world will open at Walt Disney Presents, where Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” will be greeting you. And Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang are ready to welcome you into Andy’s backyard at the new Toy Story Land.

Walt Disney World

6. Disney on Broadway Concert Series Expands During Epcot International Festival of the Arts –This celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts returns Jan. 18-Feb. 25. This year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will expand to seven days a week, so you can bask in live Disney magic more than ever. The festival also will feature 13 Food Studios, a variety of workshops led by professional artists, interactive exhibits and activities, and much more.

7. “The Lion King” Roars Again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated classic “The Lion King.” To mark this occasion, starting Jan. 18 Rafiki and Timon will lead you in dances and games during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island.

Walt Disney World

8. Take in the Topiaries During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Welcome spring’s arrival with this popular festival, which returns March 6-June 3. This year’s event will feature delectable bites at outdoor kitchens, as well as dozens of world-renowned, Disney-themed topiaries. In addition, the Garden Rocks Concert Series will include three shows a day for all 90 days of the event.

Walt Disney World

9. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios – When this new show experience opens this spring, you’ll come face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who will teach you about racing from his years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!

Walt Disney World

10. H2O Glow Nights Return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – These evening beach parties happen Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30 through Aug. 17, transforming the water park into a new nighttime experience through special music, lighting and food. Come party with friends from Pixar’s “Toy Story” films during the 30th anniversary summer of Typhoon Lagoon!

11. New Cinematic Nighttime Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – As part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary, Wonderful World of Animation will debut May 1. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take you on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey.

Walt Disney World

12. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to Open New Tower – This summer, the resort will complete a total reimagining, including the new 15-story Gran Destino tower featuring a rooftop restaurant and 545 new guest rooms. A second new restaurant will be located on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, while all of its existing 1,800-plus rooms have been fully updated with new fixtures and furnishings.

Walt Disney World

13. NBA Experience Will Be a Slam Dunk at Disney Springs – This brand-new destination will allow you to participate in your own scouting report, take you through pregame preparations and let you step onto the court to make clutch shots and highlight reel-worthy slam dunks. By participating in 13 unique and innovative hands-on activities, you’ll feel like a star player.

Walt Disney World

14. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Will Spice Up Fall – The aromas and flavors of global marketplaces will welcome you to the 24th year of this renowned festival. You’ll have a chance to meet celebrity chefs, try new food and wine pairings, and listen to great music during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

15. Major Youth Sporting Events Return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – The Jr. NBA World Championship will return to the complex, showcasing top boys and girls basketball teams from around the world. In December, the 63rd Pop Warner Super Bowl will bring hundreds of young football players to Walt Disney World to compete in national championship games.

Walt Disney World

16. Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Live your own Star Wars adventure when this deeply immersive land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall (and this summer at Disneyland Park in California). You’ll explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where you’ll find all manner of new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, characters and creatures from a galaxy far, far away. The land will also feature two thrilling new attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Walt Disney World

17. Take a Ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. It will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, taking you on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an astounding multi-dimensional experience.

Walt Disney World

18. Glide Through the Air in the Disney Skyliner – Disney Skyliner will offer Tinker Bell views later this year as guests float in gondolas to either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios on roundtrips from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Walt Disney World

19. Disney’s Riviera Resort Will Be 15th Disney Vacation Club Resort – Scheduled to open by the end of this year, Disney’s Riviera Resort will reflect an elegant early 20th-century design, inspired by Walt Disney’s travels to the Mediterranean. The deluxe DVC resort is slated to offer approximately 300 family-friendly vacation home units.

Follow us for more updates:

The post 19 Magical Experiences in 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on On the Go in MCO.

[sneaky-pete]

it’s the emo post.

hi! as you may have heard, i like this girl! and by my own anxiety, unfamiliarity of dating, being in relationships, and Texting correctly, it hasn’t been the smoothest time for yours truly. it’s not her fault at all, and that’s an important place to start before i Emo Post. this is going to be a selfish post. i’m going to talk about my experience.

to start with a background, i am 21 years old and i am a no-kiss, no-hand-holding virgin. i crushed on two girls in high school for a very long time, one girl who made advances on me which i really liked and then she never talked to me again, and the girl who i went to prom with senior year that i lost my crush for before that actual prom night. the only crush/person that i had romantic intentions for in college was a girl from nov 2016 to jan 2017. my problem in that one was that she was 4 years older than me, did not live on campus, and i did not tell her early enough that i liked her. 

not that all 21-year-old virgins aren’t, but i feel like i’m a charismatic and attractive enough dude to have had at least some experience. on several occasions whenever my romantic past has come up, people have been surprised to hear that i haven’t been with anyone before. people tend to like me! i’ll say it! i know it’s true! it’s not hard for me to find a little social nugget to dig into when i meet a new person and create a social relationship. i can read a room! i can tell if someone has something on their mind! i daresay that i’m a pretty socially intelligent person!

the only people that have come right up to me and said they thought i was attractive/they had feelings for me was (1) a 14-year-old when i was 18, (2) a gay man who apparently serially asks men out, and (3) a girl that i felt was very unstable as a person and also went to school 4 hours away. there are two people that i have heard from others that were attracted to me, (1) the girl that asked me to her senior prom my junior year and (2) someone told me that their friend was very attracted to me and thought i was funny! so yeah! that’s my experience for people being attracted to me! moving on!

i’m not the most masculine guy, either. i’m not into sports, i cross my legs, i empathize a lot more with women than the traditional masculine guy, my voice is not flat and boring, i can recognize that other men are attractive, sexy, or what have you without fear. i’ve never wanted to date a man though. however, can i say with confidence that i will only like women? no, i can’t. i’m keeping my options open. were i to find a man attractive at some point, i would possibly look into it. am i straight? am i bi? who knows. will i tell others i’m straight until proven otherwise? we’ll, i’ll say i’m straight and if i’m comfortable with the person asking i would say that i do find some men attractive, not have not yet wanted to date one. do i have straight privilege though? absolutely. some people have mistaken me for being gay! that’s fine! does this add anything to the story! no! but it does make the “reader” more acquainted with my sexuality i guess?

my job last summer was being an orientation leader for new students coming to the school. we got hired on the basis that we seemed to have good social skills and are charismatic. it was a really fun summer! i got to live in a huge building that had only the 40 of us socially-outgoing folk in it! now, of course, this would be the place to try to find someone to date because (1) all of the hot, funny, and outgoing people all in one place! and (2) everyone has their own rooms so if there was Sex To Be Had it would be very conducive to that. of course dating coworkers can get hairy but i was lucky (/s) enough that this never was the case. everyone there BECAUSE they were hot, funny, and outgoing were all in relationships. there were many people that were not single that i had VERY soft and light crushes on, because who wouldn’t?? everyone there was great! 

one of the not-single people who i thought was cute that i never really talked to that much (we had a mutual friend we were both close to) i discovered on tinder in february. we acknowledged each other, and apparently she told some mutual friends about our matching. one of those friends brought us two and another “couple” he was trying to match-make to a music department event and afterparty. the girl and i talked during the show. i knew she liked books a lot so i centered the conversation around it so she could talk about herself and feel good. one of our friends asked if some dude with long hair was coming and she said that she didn’t know and that he was kind of boring. at the afterparty, she’s texting a lot and this dude with long hair comes over and is with her for the rest of the night. of course, i’m mad at myself at this point for having hopes and for not being more confident in myself or whatever. i text her to make sure she gets home safe: and we’ve texted every day for a month and a half since. of course, the next week, she Unfortunately gets sick, so i can’t hang out with her at all then. the next week is spring break where it’s Unfortunately blizzarding all week and she still has the flu. we still talk though and it’s very nice. we’re keeping each other company while trapped at home! of course during this time, me being me, i begin to value her texts too much. i would get very anxious for no reason if she didn’t respond right away. it’s selfish and insecure of me and i haven’t quite shaken it yet, but hopefully i do at some point. we both go to march for our lives in boston the week after break with our friends and bond a little more there. i ask her when the day is done if she would like to do something later on in the week. she said yes! my excitement was through the roof! 

a few days later, i ask her if she wants to go to a little indoor hippie mall/bazaar called mill no 5 and she said yes!! i didn’t realize that i scheduled it for my birthday, but she told me the very next day that i did! she plans a birthday dinner with my friend group. i ask for lowell burger co. and the day is set! she asks later on in the week if i had any evening plans and i said no. OF COURSE i have to plan because i wasn’t sure what that meant! did it mean simply hang out? did it mean sex? who’s to say! i acquire condoms just in case the day before. the next day, we go out! we have a wonderful time! she’s beautiful! her big, golden green eyes are bright and she’s wonderful. we go to mill no 5, sit in the coffee shop and talk for a couple hours, we order food and talk some more. we go check out the shops and i ask her if she wants a 2 hour halftime between our millno5date (which i said very fast and who knows if she considers it a date to this day (she probably does how was that not a date)). we take our half time, she drops me off, i nap, she showers and changes. we go to lowell burger co., i order my first beer and i don’t get carded. she and two of my friends draw on the tablecloth some happy birthday art which i still have on my wall. after dinner, we go back to my place and my friends are still there which i did not expect at all!!! we talk, we watch dunkirk, we talk some more until 1:30am! there is supportive, playful hand, arm, and leg touching during our storytellings! she asks be if anyone got me anything for my birthday and i put her hand to my cheek and say my gift was my great day with you!!!! i’m on cloud 9! i think it’s the most dopamine ever released at once in my brain! i walk her to her car, she drives me back up to the entrance of my building, and i hug her and say GOODBYE BUD like a dummy, it’s fine though. i ask her if she wants to do more stuff like this and she says yes!!!

of course, the next day i overthink all of it. i was very low energy and had a sort of a post-high-dopamine-release depression day. i have lunch with her and a friend at the dining hall a few days later and i can barely eat. seeing each other was good though. it was very difficult to eat anything that week because of how much i was overthinking about her. i ask her a few days later if she wants to go see airplane! and get pho afterwards. she says yes! my eating returns to normal. that weekend, i go to pax and text her the whole time. i buy her a hufflepuff pin there because that’s both of our hogwarts house! the next week (this week that just passed) on tuesday we had lunch at the dining hall again but this time the friend can’t make it, and we have a wonderful time talking for an hour and a half! i give her the pin, she gives me a great big hug, and we part. that’s the last time i saw her!

(i really enjoy talking to her in person SO MUCH MORE than over text. texting makes me anxious and she does not respond right away and for things that don’t necessarily need a response (a meme, a thing that can be said “nice” or some other sort of positive confirmation) she does not respond to, which i get irrationally anxious about, so much that i sometimes turn my phone off so i don’t look at it at all.)

she was in a relationship last year until december when that guy told her he does not love her. of course, she is still grieving now. she retweets/reblogs on twitter and tumblr (two things i SURE SHOULDN’T have followed) emo things about healing and how men are liars so i know that she MIGHT not be in a great place emotionally to be dated yet. yet another Unfortunate thing! on top of the first few weeks not being able to meet up and as well as her not living on campus (she lives 10-15ish minutes away, too far to walk to and not a familiar, friendly, campus-y, dorm-y environment). but here’s the next part that’s super unfortunate that happened yesterday that has me selfishly feeling down today!

yesterday her brother left his wife and is moving back into their childhood home! my friends had a cover show last night and at lunch on tuesday she said she was excited to go and see people but not nessecarily for the loud music (me too, sis!!). because of her brother needing her, she Unfortunately can’t go to the party! she tells me through text that her life recently has been one shitty thing after another and that she’s always sad! (list of things probably: getting dumped, being at home all the time, MAYBE our mutual friend that is her best friend getting in trouble in conduct with sexual things, and her brother!) i empathize a lot with her! that is all very bad! but my selfish monkey brain had been looking forward to this (and the airplane! and pho date) all week and was sad to not see her there. i ask her at 11am today if she can still make the movies tonight and she responds at 1:30pm that her brother needs her and she has to cancel. that’s fine! but i’m still sad i don’t get to see her! 

this has all been very unlucky! there are still multiple chances this week for us to see each other: lunch tues/thurs, our friend’s thesis defense wednesday, and seeing the theatre dept show friday. hopefully she can make at least one or two of them! i still like her a lot but realize that this may not be the best time to tell her my feelings for her. originally i planned for that to be tonight after our date but that’s not the case anymore. 

i don’t know. i really like her. i’m pretty sure she knows. my roommate, best friend, and confidant through this says that from a third-person lens that is not in the situation and does not have anxiety about it that she really likes me too. i just want this to work out. i wanna kiss her pretty face and wonderful nose. i want to laugh and talk for hours with her. i want to hold her warm hands and look up into her golden green eyes. i want to hear her talk about the books she’s reading. i want to know if she likes me too. i want to know if we could date. i wanna be her man.

[hottytoddynews]

Try something new this spring with the UM Communiversity courses. Latin dance instructor Arman Sahakyan will host the popular ballroom and Latin dancing courses just in time for Valentine’s Day. UM photo by Larry Agostinelli

The start of a new year is always a good prompt to reflect on how you can try something different, form new habits or make time for enriching experiences. The University of Mississippi Communiversity program has a spring schedule full of noncredit courses sure to inspire.

“There is a little something for everyone,” said Gazel Giles, Communiversity coordinator. “There are no grades or homework, but there are many opportunities to learn about things you may be interested in.”

Residents are invited to the free “UPD’s Personal Safety” class at noon Jan. 31 at the Oxford-University Depot. Find out how to protect yourself and develop an awareness of threatening situations. There is no cost for this hourlong course, but participants are encouraged to register online.

Treat your Valentine to ballroom and Latin dance classes with professional instructor Arman Sahakyan. This step-by-step class takes place Monday evenings Feb. 19-April 30 in Residence Hall 2, on the former site of Guess Hall.

The ballroom sessions are set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. while the Latin dancing course will follow from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per session.

Gardeners and anyone wanting to spruce up their yard this spring can enjoy Communiversity’s popular lunch and learn classes. The first in the series will be “Pruning Like a Pro” with Jeff McManus, ISA-certified arborist and director of UM Landscape Services, on Feb. 21.

The “How to Create a Hummingbird Garden” class with Mitch Robinson from Strawberry Plains Audubon Center is set for March 28. Each class costs just $10 and will be conducted from noon to 1p.m. at the Depot.

Residents looking for resources to enhance their employability and work performance can check out “Landing Your Next Job” with career training coach Leslie Kendrick.

“The main goal of this class is to help people feel more comfortable with applying for jobs and interviewing for positions,” Kendrick said. “The class is not meant to overwhelm participants. I want people to feel confident that they can do this.”

Kendrick will share tips for interviewing as well as writing resumes and cover letters from 5:30 to 7:30 March 20 and 27 at UM’s Insight Park on Hawthorn Road.

Another course to help with enhancing job skills and work performance in 2018 is “Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint: Going Beyond the Basics,” taking place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and 7 at Weir Hall. The cost is $85.

Focusing on improving personal health is a popular goal for many in the new year. The “Advanced Essential Oils” class provides ideas for living a healthier lifestyle through blending oils for wellness applications and replacing toxic home and personal care products with more natural materials.

The class will meet 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, April 3, 10 and 17, at the Depot. The cost is $75.

“CPR and First-Aid Training” will help participants make a plan for emergencies and develop the skills necessary to help an adult, child, or infant who is not breathing. The class is slated for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 31 at Insight Park. The class also meets requirements for foster care, adoption and child care workers.

Preparing for emergencies is a topic that also will be discussed during the “Safe Sitter Essentials” class for youth ages 11 to 14. Participants will learn lifesaving skills so they can be safe when home alone or watching younger children. Set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 5 at Insight Park, the course costs $65.

Fishtail, Milkmaid, Crown, Upside Down – these are some of the latest on-trend hairstyles that Melanie Armstrong will teach participants how to craft during the “Introduction to Professional Braiding” class taking place 9 a.m.-noon March 3 at the Depot.

Armstrong, who operates the Armstrong Braiding Academy in Tupelo, will share her best techniques and hair care secrets with class members who can practice on and keep their own hair mannequin. The cost, including materials, is $99.

Aretha Nabors of Tupelo will share her best tips and practices for saving money during the “Beginning Couponing Course,” from 9 a.m. to noon April 21 at the Depot. The course fee is $35.

Nabors perfected her couponing skills a few years ago when the first two of her five sons were enrolled in college at the same time.

“Couponing has saved me thousands of dollars each year,” Nabors said. “I needed to supply necessities not just for my own household, but also for two student residences.

“Now I buy enough at deeply-discounted prices throughout the year to stock them with food and supplies that they need without breaking the bank.”

Nabors said that she doesn’t extreme coupon but does get the maximum savings on products and even restaurant visits.

“I’m so excited to show others how to save money and time,” she said. “It just doesn’t make sense to pay full price.”

People looking to take their photography skills to the next level can learn the best digital camera and image editing techniques from Robert Jordan, who recently retired as director of university photography. His “Advanced Digital Photography” class will address control techniques, various format cameras and photographic lighting techniques.

The class meets 8 a.m.-noon April 14 at Insight Park. The cost is $85.

Food Network regulars Jeff and Kathleen Taylor of Oxford’s Sweet T’s Bakery will share their creative techniques during the “Sweet Treats for Mother’s Day” class, slated for 6-8 p.m.May 3 at the Depot. Enjoy the class with family members or surprise mom with a delicious and beautiful cake, cupcakes or cookies. The cost is $69.

On May 5, enjoy a covered-wagon ride while learning the history of native plants and landscapes in north Mississippi during a guided excursion at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs. The cost is $30 and includes group transportation from Oxford.

Senior citizens 55 and older get a 10 percent discount for courses costing $30 or more. For more information or to register, visit http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/spring2018.

By Pam Starling

The post Treat Your Valentine to Dance Lessons through UM Communiversity appeared first on HottyToddy.com.

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13 Body-Positive Influencers You Should Follow on Instagram http://yourgradgear.com/2017/09/27/13-body-positive-influencers-you-should-follow-on-instagram/

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13 Body-Positive Influencers You Should Follow on Instagram

Rachel Williams and Lashauna Williams, InStyle

March 10, 2017

This article originally appeared on InStyle.com. 

It’s always important to surround yourself with a girl squad that champions you to be your authentic self and accepts you regardless of appearance. As we spend this month celebrating women’s achievements, we present 13 body-positivity advocates to follow on Instagram.

These models, bloggers, activists, and designers have started an important conversation and are getting results. They’re not only lighting up runways during fashion month—they’re taking action to disrupt the status quo in magazines, clothing ads, and beauty campaigns. Whether they are advocating for fashion for women of all sizes or just stepping out of traditional norms, they are putting their curves front and center and looking gorgeous doing so. Not only do their Instagram feeds show off head-turning portfolios, street style, and behind-the-scenes peeks at photo shoots, they also provide inspiration and much-needed laughs as the ladies showcase their wisdom and wit.

1. Denise Bidot (@denisebidot)

Fun fact: I was born on a Friday the 13th 😎 ••• On another note, loving all the new @fabletics Plus items that just got released and the fit is insane (ps-I was not paid to say that)!!!! 🏃🏻‍♀️💜💪🏽 #NoWrongWay #fabletics #curves #loveyourbody #fitnessmotivation #friday

A post shared by Denise Bidot (@denisebidot) on Jan 13, 2017 at 8:50am PST

There Is No Wrong Way to Be a Woman: That’s a slogan that grew into a website and a movement when it was launched last year by this model and single mom to inspire women to love themselves and celebrate their individuality. The former makeup artist has also blazed a trail across the runways at New York Fashion Week over the past two years: The Chromat and Serena Williams collections were her first. On her Instagram feed you’ll find empowering statement Ts, outfits of the day, and pre-photo-shoot pics, but you can also find Bidot in the current Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in a bikini with her stretch marks unretouched, an implicit message to women to embrace their unique beauty no matter what imperfections they might believe they have.

2. Georgina Burke (@missgeoburke)

My clothes are as dark as my roots #timetogetmyhaircolored #blonde

A post shared by Georgina Burke (@missgeoburke) on Jan 13, 2017 at 5:47pm PST

She was the first-ever official face and brand ambassador for the Torrid clothing line. The Aussie model is also featured in the documentary Straight/Curve, which focuses on the female body image and how models are helping redefine society’s beauty standards. Her most treasured posts are of her Wheaten Terrier, Auzwald, but you can also see her working out at the Dogpound in Brooklyn or hanging out with a horse from time to time (she used to compete in equestrian sports) because that’s #howGdoesit.

3. Clémentine Desseaux (@bonjourclem)

Looking forward to 2017 as we’re making plans for an even better tomorrow… 🙏🏼

A post shared by Clémentine Desseaux (@bonjourclem) on Dec 29, 2016 at 11:16am PST

A commercial may have made the freckled beauty what she calls “the first plus girl on TV in France,” but Desseaux’s making strides in other ways too. She co-founded the body-positive advocacy campaign @allwomanproject to show the industry that a group of women from different ethnicities, ages, and sizes can be successfully represented in the same ad campaign. She also runs a brand-strategy agency that helps fashion clients with art direction, production, and brand identity. The highlight of her news feeds? A special #IceCreamDance. The budding chef and foodie offers up dishes from her own kitchen with follow-along videos and recipes, which she posts on her lifestyle blog, Bonjour Clem.

4. Alessandra Garcia Lorido (@alessandragl)

What an honor to walk with my sisters in such an incredible @dolcegabbana show! Thank you to #domenicodolce and @stefanogabbana for welcoming us into the #DGfamily ❤🥀🌹🇮🇹 #DGFW18 #DGRINASCIMENTO

A post shared by Alessandra Garcia Lorido (@alessandragl) on Feb 26, 2017 at 9:51am PST

The daughter of actor Andy Garcia is proud to flaunt the body she got from her mama, as she says in Lane Bryant’s “This Body” campaign. Besides strutting her stuff on Christian Siriano’s fall runway show in New York and Dolce & Gabbana in Milan this year, she is also part of a group of models fighting against the prevalence of eating disorders in their industry along with the Model Alliance and the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Another milestone? She was recently tapped for the launch of the “Generations of Wild” beauty campaign by Wet ’n’ Wild makeup. She likes to include post-grooming shots of her dog, Stella, who also has her own IG account, @thegoodlifeofstella. (After all, Stella did co-star in a Tegan and Sara music video for their song “100x.”) Back to Garcia Lorido’s own feed, scroll through candid pics, old and new, of family and friends, like Dakota Fanning.

5. Gabi Gregg (@gabifresh)

Send nudes 👀 happy v-day babes!!!! celebrate yourself today 💕 wearing @bynadiaaboulhosn duster 📸: @lydiahudgens

A post shared by Gabi Gregg (@gabifresh) on Feb 14, 2017 at 12:20pm PST

The former InStyle contributor, style blogger, model, and designer collaborated with Swimsuits for All on a GabiFresh swimwear line in 2013, and her popular “fatkini” collection continues to create buzz with its new campaign, “New Year, Same You.” Her push for high-end designers to recognize women of all sizes has made her a high-profile advocate in the press. Perhaps that’s why Target invited her and two other influencers to consult on the development of its new Ava & Viv collection (which includes sizes from 14 to 30) as well as model for its 2015 fall lookbook. That same year, Asos tapped her to become the face of Asos Curve’s fall campaign and lookbook. In her street style and travel posts, Gregg exhibits a philosophy that “no rules are the new rules.”

6. Tess Holiday (@tessholiday)

Feelin’ total bad girl vibes in this strappy black dress from my #mblmxtessholliday line available now at @penningtons & online! 💘🕶🔥 #effyourbeautystandards

A post shared by Plus Model🎀Mom 🎀Feminist🎠 (@tessholliday) on Jan 24, 2017 at 3:53pm PST

In 2013 she started a body-positive movement with the hashtag #effyourbeautystandards, and two years later landed on the cover of People magazine, which dubbed her the world’s first size-22 supermodel. Last spring, Time magazine put her on its list of the 30 Most Influential People on the Internet. And this past December, Holliday participated in a re-creation of the iconic Victoria’s Secret fashion show with women of all sizes walking the runway in lingerie by Curvy Couture. Now, with her own fashion line, Mblm by Tess Holliday, a collaboration with Canadian retailer Pennington’s, she continues to empower women to feel confident in their own skin.

7. Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine)

I think the answer for her birthday today would be “have fun y’all”, but I also think that might be the answer everyday. #rulestoliveby #TBT #whatwouldDollydo #letshavefunok 📸 by @themattpowers Tee by @urbancricketnyc

A post shared by Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine) on Jan 19, 2017 at 12:59pm PST

Huffine shows off her carefree personality with funny logo Ts and silly candids, but don’t be fooled: The Lane Bryant model can also strike a fierce pose … and design. She just collaborated with fashion-forward brand Universal Standard on the “Candice” T for their Tria collection, and her feed is sprinkled with #huffineshallway outfits of the day and #fromwhereistand foot shots of sidewalk art. Several months ago, she launched Project Start (@psyougotthis), an effort to galvanize women to begin a running journey, similar to the one she started about a year ago. Now, after running in some races with the help of other women warriors (and her husband), Huffine is on a mission: to show women that the size of your body does not determine your ability to do physical activities like running. Don’t worry ladies, she knows “you got this!”

8. Sabine Karlsson (@thesabinakarlsson)

Because We’re All Worth It ⭐️A dream come true. It’s never too late 💛 @lorealmakeup 📸 @joeferrucci #worthsharing #truematch

A post shared by Sabina (@thesabinakarlsson) on Jan 12, 2017 at 8:57am PST

With her trademark freckles, curly coif, and curvy frame, Karlsson, who has graced the runways of Addition Elle, J.Crew, and Christian Siriano, began working in the industry as a U.K. size 6 but rejected the rigid body standards that modeling requires. Ten years after she’d been a contestant on Scandinavia’s Top Model, she appeared on the TV show as a guest judge, and last year, she was featured in the book and photo exhibition Diverse Beauty, by photographer Alexi Lubomirski. Making waves outside of fashion, she was named one of the faces of the indie beauty line Milk Makeup, and then Maybelline tapped her to do a campaign for its ��Break the Mold” lipstick ads. Karlsson is now one of the faces of L’Oréal Paris’s new True Match “Your Skin, Your Story” campaign. Could her feed filled with backstage beauty headshots have influenced their choices? You be the judge.

9. Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)

Vintage vibes at The Plaza👑 Wearing #marinarinaldi @marina.rinaldi @imgmodels #BlackGirlMagic #IMGirls

A post shared by PRECIOUS LEE (@preciousleexoxo) on Dec 22, 2016 at 9:42am PST

This bombshell is sexy, confident, and not afraid to show a little skin. Lee is often spotted modeling for brands like Addition Elle and Christian Siriano, and she is also one of the faces of Lane Bryant’s three most empowering campaigns, “I’m No Angel,” “Plus Is Equal,” and “This Body.” In fact, with the brand’s “This Body” campaign, Lee made history by appearing in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue—it was a three-page spread too. She is also among the models highlighted in the Straight/Curve documentary.

10. Shay Neary (@shadeyshay)

The most terrifying thing is too accept oneself completely… Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be. #selflove #selfacceptance #soul #hebecameshe #trans #transisbeautiful

A post shared by Shay Neary (@shadeyshay) on Jan 6, 2017 at 9:32am PST

Neary has been modeling for only about a year, but she’s already busting open doors. Last year, she became the first out non-straight-size transgender model to be featured in a clothing campaign with Coverstory, an online e-tailer that curates fashion for women sizes 10 to 28. From Neary’s feed it is clear that she loves red hair, fake nose rings, and her rescue pup pitbull, Pumpkin (now say that five times). Follow her journey as she promotes self-acceptance, the idea that we all deserve to be seen, and the conviction that every story matters.

11. Bo Stanley (@bostanley)

1/99 times its not workout clothes , wetsuits and fitness 🤣 But really , so glad “athleisure” and these one piece rompers that babies wear too are now a suitable way to dress day to day because my body does not like jeans . The thigh game is too strong …Any of you ladies feel me on that one?!! 😝😂 #rompersforthewin #athleteproblems #strongisbeautiful

A post shared by BO STANLEY 🏄🏼‍♀️ (@bostanley) on Jan 10, 2017 at 10:42am PST

Though she never made it past the first night, this surfer, model, and yoga enthusiast earned bragging rights for being the first non-straight-size contestant on The Bachelor. She has appeared in ads and billboards for Lane Bryant, Athleta, and the Vanity Fair sports collection, and is an outspoken critic of the idea that only surfers of a certain size should be sponsored and featured in ad campaigns. Like some of the women on this list, the athlete works out to be healthy and strong. However, she rejects the idea that women should feel pressured to exercise in order to change their body for some beauty ideal. She uses her platform to dispel that myth and promote the notion that “health and beauty come in many shapes and sizes.” Stanley’s feed is all about surfing moves, yoga poses, and a little beachside fun as well, but that was to be expected, right?

12. Danielle Van Grondelle (@daniellevangrondellemodel)

Printqueen and sneakerhead for life @everydaypplnyc 🌊🌊🌊 #printqueen #yesmonkistyle #sneakerhead #baesmentapproved #whatwewearonweekends #curvymodel #plusmodel #curvesarein #curvesfordays #celebratemysize #pmmlovemybody #stylelook #standout #bedaring #daniellevangrondelle #thickfit #thisbody #dvgstyle #stylishmodel #honormycurves #standardrooftop #everydaypplla #daniellevangrondellemodel #jordan11 #chickswithkicks #dvgsworld #teamcurvy

A post shared by Danielle van Grondelle (@daniellevangrondellemodel) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:47am PST

Like Sabina Karlsson, this Dutch beauty also worked as a straight-size model but found it hard to conform to the industry’s strict standards. Since then she has walked the runways for Rachel Roy and Macy’s. This past November, she spoke about her experience at a special women’s event for Tedx Rotterdam. The self-dubbed sneakerhead and print queen likes to post shoe selfies and look-of-the-day shots of herself in outfits pulled from her extensive wardrobe of geometric, abstract-patterned clothes.

13. Laura Wells (@iamlaurawells)

Never a better time to wear a bra 4 cup sizes to small and a see-through top and give zero f*#!s #donttrythisathome #getyourboobsfitted

A post shared by Laura Wells (@iamlaurawells) on Jan 5, 2017 at 3:36am PST

The muse for a non-straight-size mannequin displayed in major department stores for Australian lingerie company Berlei, this model is also an environmental scientist who is encouraging women to love their bodies as well as Mother Earth. She has designed an eco-friendly curvy line for Koru Swimwear and was featured in the documentary A Perfect 14. Her feed includes snapshots of her adventures hiking, scuba diving alongside seals and manatees, and taking selfies with dolphins. Her self-deprecating humor and zeal for #protectwhatyoulove and #protectyourplayground are contagious.

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How Heron Preston Went From Making Invitations for Kanye West to His Own Fashion Label

At any given second, Heron Preston is focusing on a number of home-started tasks that move between, and frequently straddle, the sides of artwork and style, equally electronic and IRL. Among his present preoccupations really are a unisex-apparel selection released at Men’s Fashion-Week, in London, earlier this Jan (more on that later) along with a zine full of pictures that his dad, a retired Bay Area officer, required at work.

Preston lately made up countless these images, which depict scenes and convicts. One especially visual picture exhibits a guy having a gunshot injury. A camera was usually maintained by “He ” claims Preston of his dad. “But he ultimately ceased, since he was fed up with getting unfortunate photos.”

About 2 yrs before, Preston had an identical come-to- moment, although under conditions that are much more attractive. Whenever a plastic tote covered facing him he was skating within the Med. In those days, Preston was switching out extremely effective “bootleg” t shirts, which he lined in corporate images that were variety, like these of Coca Cola and Nascar. He turned the Nascar emblem inverted, concocting a tale the tops were manufacturer rejects present in a Tn thriftstore and, cautious of possible lawsuits, sold them. He was also DJing at events and operating being an art representative for Kanyewest, creating visit product and making the machine-covered clothes that offered whilst the invitations to West’s Yeezy style shows—a tough work that Preston remained up through the night, filling 800 coats right into a FoodSaver from Goal to be able to get that completely scrunched-up search that Ye preferred. Subsequently arrived the boating event, where Preston experienced directly the reality that was unfortunate that lots is of rubbish on the planet. Quickly afterwards, he unearthed that the apparel business may be the minute- of the earth.

Didn’t that is “I wish to subscribe to that he claims. I needed to complete better, although “I love creating. We ought to all be performing better.”

a design sporting along with Preston appears from his drop 2017 selection. Manolo Blahnik shoes; jewelry is owned by Preston’s.

Pictures by Wales; Designed by Collet; Hair by Religious Eberhard at Watson Company; make-up by Corbel at Administration + Designers. Established by Pragnell at Signifies.

Whilst the boy of the policeman, 34, Preston, was raised having a heavy appreciation for outfits. He’d long wished for participating with America Postal Service with NASA. (Once The German combined Vetements arrived on the scene having a DHL top, he instantly shelved that strategy.)

“Then I recognized that Sanitation’s Nyc Division includes a uniformed pressure that cares ” he claims. Because it works out, the DSNY was the very first public business with an artisan in home, from 1978: Mierle Laderman Ukeles, a performance artist enthusiastic about preservation, is well-known for the item Contact Sterilization Efficiency, which required trembling the palm of each and every among the DSNY’s 8,500 employees and informing them, “Thank you for maintaining Nyc alive.” 

Preston followed Vito Turso, a self appointed commissioner of stuff” that was ­explaining and also the guy who introduced Ukeles up to speed those years back. He delivered him an email using the topic point “Big Concept,” and pitched an accumulation of altered DSNY outfits. A effort to get rid of waste delivered to nearby landfills from the year 2030 when the division recognized it might earn money off the task to aid 0x30, the ­officials were offered. “It was really Vito who recommended the selection is presented by us at Fashion-Week,” claims Preston. “Apparently, he usually believed it’d be considered an enjoyable idea.”

A – Model wearing a search from the drop 2017 selection of Preston. Nike sneakers jewelry that is own.

Pictures by Wales; Designed by Collet; Hair by Religious Eberhard at Watson Company; make-up by Corbel at Administration + Designers. Established by Pragnell at Signifies.

And thus earlier this Sept, Preston and also the DSNY put up store in the Spring Street Salt Drop, an architecturally impressive tangible building that houses the sodium employed for de icing roads within the winter, and offered Standard, an accumulation of trousers, hoodies, coats, and tops that were decommissioned from the DSNY or acquired from Goodwill and published with Preston’s title and also the DSNY emblem. The function was a feel good event, with versions and hipsters interacting with public workers and appearing together beside Ukeles’s advanced-searching reflected garbage-truck, The Interpersonal Reflection, which initially debuted in 1983 in the Nyc Art March.

Selection that is “The sold-out,” claims Preston. “And with a few of the cash elevated, we produced the Building Blocks For Brand New York’s Strongest”—a jerk towards the department’s nickname—“which may proceed to teach people on ecological problems, drive the 0x30 effort, and finally assist the DSNY start a museum.”

Certainly, the task received him lots of interest. However, Preston, who began his first apparel line-in senior school, contacting it Heron Preston (his initial and middle name) in the place of Heron Brown (his real name) since he believed it seemed more “regal,” has long-known steps to make a name for herself. In 2004, after shifting to Ny to go to Parsons Faculty of Style, a website recording the vibrant figures of the picture was began by him. Through it, he associated with other custom, DJ, and innovative advisor Virgil Abloh, who had been a factor to a different website, named The Beauty!

“We were these streetwear guys publishing on a single discussion boards Preston recalls. He likewise captured the interest of Al Moran, founding father of the contemporary art gallery Ohwow, who, in 2008, posted The Youthful and also the Knocking underneath the gallery’s mark. That established “unofficial” downtown Ny yearbook functions Polaroids of some 200 awesome children, such as the performer Lucien Cruz and people of the DJ combined Misshapes.

For that start celebration, Preston’s buddies at Nike, where he’d wind up employed by a number of decades like social networking representative and an advertising expert, lent the shop on Elizabeth Neighborhood to him. There, he mounted a senior school that is fake collection, filled with a back along with bleachers -to-college photo-booth. Completely was extended by the point to get involved with the function down the stop.

X

Survey Heron Preston’s Selection Using The Division of Sterilization

Matthew Williams and Justin Saunders. Were fresh-off the View the Throne visit and were ‘Yo, like, we simply began putting events. It’s named Been Trill; come toss them around,’ ” Preston recalls. From events, they created a that permitted customers to place the Trill emblem over their very own pictures and quickly branched into apparel. Additionally they exposed a pop up store on Channel Road, in a little booth mounted a GIF turbine that instantly submitted shoppers’ pictures towards the consideration, and usually used-to shill knockoff style products. Trill was a chance to experiment Preston claims. “We truly described and published the near future once we were going.”

While Abloh shattered off to begin their own tag, Off White d/e Virgil Abloh, and his to be started by Williams, Alyx did Preston, starting HPC, a webshop, to market different items. But following the project’s achievement, Abloh inspired him to consider up issues a level. “He was like, ‘Dude, you’ve to product it out—have clothes, tops, knits; a complete search, a complete collection.’ I’d never believed like that.” Abloh launched Preston to Fresh Pads Team, a Milan-centered organization that creates and directs Off White, in addition to additional rising manufacturers like Marcelo Burlon Region of Milan and Hand Angels. They closed a in Oct, departing Preston just a couple of of weeks to draw a demonstration over time together . “Fortunately, I’d of what I needed to complete,” he claims advisable.

Required You, the Planet, the 40- collection is equivalent components road and commercial, with growing environmentalism supplying the most popular line. You will find bomber coats with padded heron birds cut from security vests, initially produced by the Nationwide Sectors for that Impaired and sweatshirts, in addition to walking trousers. Spread throughout are fresh items from his cooperation that is DSNY. The manufacturer isn’t 100% lasting, but Preston is currently working toward that.

Have all of the answers—I’m kind as I’m heading,” he claims of understanding. “And easily may reveal what I’ve acquired, that’s a plus.”

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The Very Best Small Developers to Look At in 2017

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Fashion-Week’s Greatest Block Design Receives a Technicolor, Electrified, Lively Therapy

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