#springtime in the rockies

[sumbluespruce]

Snow squall dropping off the east slope of the Big Horns

[incognito-princess]

My chicken chili is chillin' (the secret is a cinnamon stick) waitin' to see how long it takes school district to close tomorrow... (Out of 10 major school districts in the Pikes Peak region, 5 have already called it as of 5 p.m., plus a couple of small outlying districts in the plains).

[photosofsouthwestmt]

Shooting Star

A shooting star in Fox Park. The entirety of Fox Park was covered with them.

Nikon D500, Manual Mode, Nikkor 85mm Micro Lens, R1C1 Close-up flash kit, F/36, ISO 50, ET 1/250, Focal Length 85mm, Handheld, Vibration Reduction on

[savagewildnerness]

Apples and orchards are mentioned so often in The Vampire Lestat, particularly with reference to Nicolas.  When Lestat becomes a vampire and his mind goes to Nicolas, he tends to think on apples and the orchard and fresh white wine and it is this moment he is going back to…

“From then on, when I was not hunting, my life was with Nicolas and "our conversation."

Spring was approaching, the mountains were dappled with green, the apple orchard starting back to life. And Nicolas and I were always together. We took long walks up the rocky slopes, had our bread and wine in the sun on the grass, roamed south through the ruins of an old monastery. We hung about in my rooms or sometimes climbed to the battlements. And we went back to our room at the inn when we were too drunk and too loud to be tolerated by others. And as the weeks passed we revealed more and more of ourselves to each other. Nicolas told me about his childhood at school, the little disappointments of his early years, those whom he had known and loved. And I started to tell him the painful things -- and finally the old disgrace of running off with the Italian players.”

This moment when Lestat and Nicolas were always together and were each beginning, perhaps for the first time in their lives to truly discover the entirety of another being’s soul.

In the Springtime, and the Spring of their lives too… a Spring that was never to turn to Summer for either…

It adds another layer of poignancy to me that it is “apple” that Louis makes DreamStat say as he vanishes here.

And for Lestat, I think the apple represents the innocence of his own mortal youth and the untainted possibility (like Eve’s apple) of a mortal existence - living, loving, creating, dying… with Nicolas… but with Nicolas essentially as a cipher to that possibility.

And for Louis, too - sensitive Louis in his melancholy and the innocence of the apple and mortality, and the human-ness that is never returnable to.

And so I suppose I was thinking some kind of yearning for the impossible as I played this…

[offstage-euthymia]

The wind howls

Growls as a scent of bay leaf

On the bay, the beach on rocky slums

I could hear autumn how it falls

As of winter splinters and springtime sickness.

Flowers bloomed in the cove of chrysalis

In the pitch dark where only the moon caresses the petals.

On snow with the pale blue glow we come and await silver shivers.

My warm house and few tea bags full of chamomile flowers

A coffee and a kiss in the bliss of warm cup and a cold teardrop.

As it falls like a dewdrop on early morning grass.

With the beginning of an end and new beginning like a seasonal change that shifts like colorful leaves with a rosy crunch beneath our feet

While wind sharply bites our cheeks we await a trip home - from each beauty... From each breath... To not fret.. to come inside the warm blanket sunken in the grasp of warm hands.

By Marko Tivanovac

[warnersister]

Chapter 1 - The Return to Miramar

The Highwayman Series | Prologue | Chapter 2

‘No Entry – Construction (TRANSATLANTIC RAILWAY DUE TO FINISH 1869)’ the sign read and the frontman on his horse creased his brows into a tight and questioning line. “1869? But its 1863.” He said, voice in a questioning tone. “haven’t you heard?” his companion asked “east and west are racing to see who can build the most. Gonna be shut a while” he said matter of factly, while straightening out his mustache from where the Tennessee heat had frazzled it. The former grunted in response “this is our way though” “well were gonna have to go a different way hangman, don’t fancy getting Spitfire killed by a train” the other told him, motioning to the fine mare he was riding on. He nodded “yeah hornets too young for that, rooster you’re right. You know a different way?” hangman asked. Rooster thought for a minute, straightening out his mustache again, already bunching up under the springtime humidity – but this time, more in thought than in maintenance as he turned to look at his surroundings “already crossed Mississippi” he said, remembering when they’d crossed the mighty river – not wishing to back track on that path. “were gonna have to go the whole way round, through missouri – Kansas, take a left at colorado” “could we not go trough Texas?” Hangman asked, thinking of a shorter route they used to traverse a decade prior. Rooster raised his brows “aint Sherrif Simpson still after us?” he asked and his friend shrugged. “Already told the rest of ‘em to meet us in Louisiana and it’ll take weeks, months to get there if not, were good as dead if the Indians aint as hospitable again” there was silence for a minute “plus you’ve got a stache now and I’ve got this sweet bod, he wont recognise us” Hangman said, flexing while Rooster threw his head back and laughed loudly “bod ain’t as good as mine, bagman” Rooster said and the other shook his head “c’mon. Texas it is."

This route was fresh, recognisable but still; new-(ish). There were plenty of structures that were erected since they’d last abided there, especially in the Plains – a substantially belittled number of natives and much more Easterns who you could tell had no business being in Western heat – searching for green grass but getting tumble weeds in lieu. They’d reached their meeting point but a week later, reconsiliating with Coyote and Bob who’d been engaging in business up in the rockies, taking the strongest horses but only returning with one. “Hercules?” Hangman asked and bob shook his head “struggled all the way up, slipped, poor boy couldn’t handle it. Was cryin’ in the night he was. Had’a put him out o’ his misery” the four all bowed their heads and shook them in remembrance for their fallen companion. “damn” rooster said. “Well there's no way the two of ya can manage all the way to New Mexico on Chinook, let alone California” Hangman said. “we passed a ranch on the way down here in northern Texas, town called Miramar” Bob told him as Rooster and Hangman shared a look. “Ain’t that where we nearly got hung?” Rooster asked “sure is Brad.” Hangman thought for a moment “Good mares?” Hangman asked “the best” coyote said “young lady an’all. Mighty fine on the eyes” “guess we’re heading up North.”

The ride was slightly awkward with Coyote and Bob both on one horse, they changed primary rider every hundred or so miles – and it made it easier to travel at night, but still; a man wanted his own horse and Coyote was proud of Chinook, but the horse was starting to weary with some three hundred pounds on his back. But eventually they saw the sign. White lettering and red background, carved so deeply into old mahogany and almost illegible, but it was undeniably so: Miramar. So close you could almost make out Oklahoma, but far enough away and enough Stetsons present to recognise the contrast between what was and what wasn’t Texan territory. “where’s this ranch of yours, Bob?” Jake asked, swallowing harshly as he eyed the infamous town over his sunglasses; Bob pointed straight ahead, and adjacent to the Sheriff’s office, was an unassuming parlour attacked to a decently sized acreage of farm, a good seven or eight horses feeding off their dinner. “alright. Let’s get in and get out.” Jake said, instructing his horse to move forward as he did so. “you guys got history here or something?” Javy asked and rooster snorted “yeah something like that” “what happened?” Bob asked “lets just say he had a thing for the Sherrif’s daughter and he organised to hang him if he didn’t get out of town.” Rooster explained, recalling the events from what seemed like yesterday. Jake cleared his way as a way to get the lot of them to shut up. He still had the ring he was going to give her in his breast pocket.

They drew a lot of attention as they rode through town – strangers clearly dressed in travelling attire. But they were the Highwaymen, not pilgrims. Coyote hopped off the back of Chinook and Bob followed suit, heading to the girl who had their back turned to them, currently attending to a young pony who seemed to refuse to leave the refuge of her stables. “Excuse me, ma’am – any of these horses for sale?” “Uh huh the lot of ‘em” she’d replied, turning to the strangers to greet them as customers. Jake felt like the air had been knocked out of his lungs. “jake?” “hey, petal” he replied, unable to muster anything else as he looked at you, still as mighty fine if not more gorgeous than he day he’d hit the road with rooster. You looked to his left and nodded “Brad” “hey pretty” after the short and unsweetened reunion. “Y’all should get off my ranch. My daddy still has a right mind lynchin’ the two of ya” you say smally, turning to reattend to the horse. “Still?” Rooster asked with a smirk but Jake was taking it more seriously as you nodded your head to the stocks “meaner than the day you left” “sweetheart-“ “I aint talkin to you, Jake” you say and look at your feet “look, my horse passed in the rockies; was hopin’ I could but a new ‘un to get us to California. Got any up for the job?” Bob asked and you looked at him. “Uh, we got a few. Albatros is gorgeous and strong, but I don’t think she’ll last ‘till Cali.” You place your hands on your hips, surverying the pack “Falcon, he’ll get you there but no further.” You say “that there” you point at the strong, pale coloured horse in the back of the field “Lightning. God he can ride, got the strength of Zeus. He’ll get you there, hell he’ll get you through Mexico and back. But he’s my favourite, he’s gonna cost ya” Jake smiled “God he was just a young’un a few years back. My, he's grown” he says, recalling the day he’d gifted you the horse. He’d saved up all his money, didn’t even steal him, brought him all the way from New Mexico. Didn’t even ride him, he walked on foot – made sure the mare had his breaks and god your smile when you accepted him. His hair matched Jakes, so he’d always be there when he wasn’t. “You’re willing to sell him? After all this time?” you finally look at him, pain apparent in your eyes “you left, Seresin” that hurt “you bought him as a reminder. Don’t need no reminder of you, boy” you say “well ‘m here now-“ “exactly.” You cut him off and there is a silence.

“How much for Lightning?” Bob asked after a while. “Make me an offer.”

Prologue | Chapter 2

[gatutor]

Cesar Romero-Carmen Miranda "Secretaria brasileña" (Springtime in the rockies) 1942, de Irving Cummings.

[scribblelark]

The Raven's Flight to the Moon

It was the shortest day of the year. Which meant it was also the longest night of the year. Raven knew that he’d need those extra hours if he was to complete the solemn and sacred duty which had fallen to him this year: to fly up to the Moon and bring back the light She held from the Sun and carry it back to the worlasd that it might begin to move out of the darkness, towards the light of Spring. Towards the seasons of growth for trees and plants, and family-making for so many creatures of the world.

It would be a long and demanding flight. Tiring to the point of utter exhaustion, so he had been told by other Ravens chosen in previous years. One year, a chosen Raven had refused the flight, too terrified to try in case he failed. He had left their group soon after the Raven who had been chosen in his stead had returned successfully. But refusing his duty had never been an option for Raven. He knew the importance of the flight, knew that if he did not fly to the Moon and bring back the Sun’s light which she held then the whole world would remain in darkness for a year and too many creatures and plants would die for lack of sunshine and Springtime, Summer, and Harvesttime.

He flew steadily upwards, soothed by the regularity of his wings’ beating back and forth as his flight mounted him higher and higher into the heavens.

‘Keep a steady, even pace,’ one older Raven had told him.

‘It’s not really a race, so don’t be tempted to sprint,’ another had said.

‘If you use up your energy too fast, you won’t have enough for the return flight,’ agreed a third.

He had eaten well in the two days before this flight to build up his strength and stamina, and he was as confident as he could be that he had prepared himself physically and mentally for the successful completion of his flight.

He glanced downwards at the now distant land, then looked up, and was surprised to see how close to the Moon he already was.

‘Oh sweet Silver Lady, Mistress of the Moon, have you any sunlight to share with the world below?’ he called.

The Moon smiled widely, and her light beckoned him onwards until at last he was in reach.

‘For you, Bold Raven friend, I have’ the Moon said, her voice as silvery as her light. ‘Come, alight and rest your weary wings a while, and then you shall take the sunlight back to the world.’

Raven obeyed, alighting onto a rocky promontory, and stretching out his wings, before settling them against his body.

‘You flew well and swiftly, Bold Raven friend,’ the Moon told him, and he felt an unaccustomed warmth fill him.

‘Thank you, Silver Lady,’ he said gravely.

She talked to him while he rested, though afterwards he could not recall what they had conversed about. Eventually it was time for him to leave. She gave him a large bag woven of something strong that he could not identify, filled with sunlight. After bidding her a courteous farewell, he picked up the bag in his beak, and flew up into the air, into the darkness, and pointed himself homewards.

The other Ravens had told him that he had to release the bag of sunlight before he reached home. All of them had assured him that he would know the exact moment at which to do so. He had felt a little sceptical of this, but now as he neared the village where Home Roost was, he felt it – a sudden certainty that this was the moment.

He released the bag from his beak and sunlight spilled across the world.

As he flew towards the tree where he usually roosted he realised that he could hear a great cacophony of calls greeting him as everyone cheered the arrival of the new day, knowing that the world would turn now towards Springtime.

He dipped his head in acknowledgement of their praise, then alighted on a branch of his tree and settled down to rest after what felt like the longest of the longest nights he’d ever experienced.

The cycle of Nature would continue and he, Raven, had made that happen this year. It was a good feeling.

[all-the-things-2020]

Rocky Mountain Ride

Pairing: Joel Miller x gender neutral Reader

Rating: R for some vague smut near the end

Word Count: 3800

This was supposed to be a quick drabble for the Pedro Scouts Summer Camp Talent Show, but of course, I had to create a backstory and add some feels because I’m me. I did my best to make Reader generic. No gender is implied, no physical characteristics are described (except that it’s made clear that Joel is bigger and broader than Reader but that’s pretty much a given, lol). Even the smutty bit at the end is pretty vague … this is about YOU so let your imagination fill in the blanks however you like.

@goodwithcheese

The first thing you had noticed when you arrived at Jackson was the horses. A horseback patrol had picked you up and brought you into town and your relief at being safe had run a very close race with your elation at being able to touch a horse. You’d loved them all your life but never had much chance to be around them.

The second thing you had noticed was Joel Miller. His brother’s wife was sort of the de facto mayor of the community, so you’d met him right away. He looked somber but damn was he handsome! Everyone had told you he had a reputation for “having done some stuff” in the past, but you saw the way he watched over his adopted daughter Ellie, and how he doted on his brother’s baby when he thought no one was looking. Plus, he knew how to rock a flannel shirt.

All winter, you’d admired Joel from afar. You had plenty on your plate getting settled into the Jackson community. Everyone had a role to play and it took some time to find your ideal niche. Of course, you’d volunteered to help at the stables, and no one would ever turn down an offer to muck stalls, so that was one of your assigned chores. 

Lots of people came by the stables. Some to get a horse to take out on patrol, but others just for the soothing presence of the animals. There were chickens and goats and cows and sheep and assorted other barnyard critters in town, but the horses were a focal point. You got to know Ellie, who liked to visit the foal who was quickly growing up and getting more mischievous every day. And you saw Joel and his brother Tommy quite often, since they rode patrol on a regular basis. 

You loved all the horses, but the two draft/Quarter cross geldings Chester and Arthur were your favorites. They were brothers, Chester the elder by one year. Stout, kind-hearted chestnuts, they always welcomed you to the barn with a whicker and a nudge of their muzzle as they gently begged for treats.

Winter was tough. Mud everywhere, winter coats that needed to be brushed out, hay running low, but you had made it through and now it was springtime. There was fresh grass in the pastures, the horses were glossy and fat, and the days were longer.

One morning, as you were brushing Chester, you felt a presence behind you. A quick glance confirmed it was Joel. You could always tell when he was near, because of that embarrassing fluttery feeling deep in your stomach.

”He’s lookin’ good,” Joel said. 

“He is,” you replied. “Getting back that weight he lost over the winter.”

”You ride?”

”No,” you admitted. “Always wanted to learn but we lived in the city and I could never afford lessons or anything. I got to ride a few times, on vacation, but that’s all. Other than pony rides when I was a little kid.” You knew you were babbling but you couldn’t help yourself. Joel’s brown eyes were focused on you as you spoke and you didn’t want him to stop looking at you.

”There’s a place Tommy and Maria want scouted out,” he said. “Not too far up in the mountains. Might be a nice place to take the kids in summer, get them out of town for a bit. Sort of a summer camp.” He shuffled his feet in the dirt. “Thought you might like to ride up there with me tomorrow. Kind of a reward for working so hard all winter keeping these critters clean and healthy.”

”I’d love to! But I’ll have to see if I can get someone to cover for me … I work in the dining hall during lunch.”

Joel smiled softly. “I already talked to Maria about it. She’s got you covered.”

”Okay, then,” you said, hoping you weren’t smiling too broadly.

”See you tomorrow mornin’, eight o’clock sharp,” Joel said with a nod of his head. If he’d been wearing a cowboy hat, he’d have tipped it to you. Say what you would about his past, the man was polite.

****************************************

You had hardly slept a wink and you were yawning your head off the next morning. “Why don’t you go back to bed and hit the late seating of breakfast?,” your roommate said.

”Can’t,” you replied. “I’ve got to meet someone.”

”Someone with the initials JM?”

”Shut up. And yes. But it’s business.”

”Sure it is.”

At seven forty-five, you were already outside the stable. The early patrol had ridden out just after dawn and the remaining horses were enjoying their morning hay. The air was brisk but there was a promise of warmth to come.

”Ready?” Joel was wearing your favorite green flannel shirt under his suede jacket. There was lots of Western wear available in Jackson, a legacy of its life as a tourist destination before the outbreak.

”Yes.” You couldn’t trust yourself to say much more than that, since the sight of Joel all cowboyed up took your breath away.

You pulled Chester and Arthur out of their stalls and groomed them while Joel assembled the tack. He was much faster than you at saddling and bridling the horses, so you stood back and admired him as he worked. All too soon, both horses were ready to go.

”I’ll help you up,” Joel said, holding Arthur’s stirrup steady. “Need to adjust the leathers for you anyway. Got my saddle already set.”

Even with the mounting block, getting into the saddle was awkward for you, and it didn’t help that Joel put his hands on your hips to give you a boost. You hoped the burning feeling in your face didn’t show as he casually moved your leg out of the way so he could shorten the stirrup leather a notch. When he grabbed your ankle to put your foot into the stirrup, you had to look away. His hands were so big, so strong …

”There you go,” he said, patting your calf as he fixed the other stirrup. “All set. Just give me a second and we’ll head out.”

He swung easily into the saddle and you must have made a noise, because he smiled at you. “It just takes practice, darlin’. You’ll get there.” You smiled nervously, happy that he’d misunderstood your little yelp as a sign of envy at his ease in mounting the horse and not an appreciation of his ass in those jeans.

The horses walked slowly through town, Chester and Joel leading the way. Heads swiveled as you passed by and you were careful to sit up straight and look like you knew what you were doing. 

“Have fun!” Ellie yelled, waving her hand at you and giggling to her friends as they walked to school. 

“We’re workin’, kid,” Joel yelled back. 

“Yeah, work it, old man!” There were some hoots and hollers and Joel shook his head, muttering something you couldn’t hear. Your face went hot again but fortunately Joel couldn’t see you.

The clip clop of hooves on pavement softened to the gentle thump of hooves on dirt as you left town. The guards on the wall gave you a mock salute as you passed through the gates and for the first time in a long while, you were outside the perimeter.

”We’re perfectly safe,” Joel said, turning in his saddle. “Patrol is out and there are lookouts on the outer boundary. Ain’t nothing out here scarier than a grizzly bear.” He patted the rifle that was sheathed on his saddle. 

“There was a time the prospect of a bear would have scared the shit out of me,” you said.

Joel laughed, reining Chester back so he could ride side by side with you. “All a bear can do is eat you,” he said. His face fell. “Who’d have thought there was something worse than getting eaten by a wild animal?”

You rode in silence for a while, only the plodding of the horses’ hooves and the occasional snort as they cleared dust from their nostrils. “So, how far is this meadow?,” you asked when the silence had stretched too thin.

”About an hour’s ride,” Joel said. “We follow that creek up.” He pointed toward a line of trees just ahead. “Not too far but the trail gets a bit steep. Hang onto that saddle horn once we head up.” He winked and you had to look away for a moment. 

Joel wasn’t much of a talker, but he kept up a leisurely commentary on the landscape, pointing out spots where deer came down to feed, a stretch of open land where you couldn’t let your horse gallop because of all the squirrel holes, and areas where it might be possible to expand the town. “Maria’s got plans,” he said as the horses waded the creek to reach the trail on the far side. “But she’s cautious. Takin’ things slow. We need more folks to do a lot of it, and she ain’t letting anyone in without checking them out first.”

”I’m glad I passed muster,” you said.

”So am I.”

************************************************

Joel hadn’t been kidding about the trail getting steep. You had managed to stay in the saddle but you’d had a death grip on the horn and almost had to hug Arthur’s neck a couple of times as he charged uphill. 

“You still with me?” Joel chuckled as Arthur heaved himself up a particularly steep pitch.

”Yeah,” you said. “Barely.”

”Good, ‘cause your reward is in sight.” He pulled Chester off the trail so you could see past him.

The meadow opened up ahead of you. Flat as a pancake except where it gently sloped up on the sides, the floor of the little valley was emerald green with fresh grass. A few yellow flowers were scattered around and there was a patch of something purple off to one side.

”Still a bit early for flowers,” Joel said. “Tommy said come June or July this place will look like heaven.” He tapped Chester with his heels and rode into the meadow. “It’s wet along the creek but up on that bench it’s drier. Our job is to find a spot where we can build a cabin.”

”It’s beautiful,” you said. Arthur took advantage of your distraction to snatch a mouthful of grass.

”Keep his head up,” Joel said. “We’ll let them graze soon enough. It’s bad manners for him to eat with a bit in his mouth.”

You rode toward the bench, a slightly higher area on the south side of the meadow. Joel slid easily out of the saddle and dropped Chester’s reins. “Be careful getting down,” he said as he walked toward you. “You’re gonna feel about two feet tall when your boots hit the ground.”

You did your best to emulate his dismount, but almost fell as you dropped from Arthur’s back. Fortunately, Joel was there to steady you, his broad hands against your shoulders. “Not too bad for a beginner,” he said.

He was right about feeling short; after an hour looking at the world from the saddle, suddenly everything felt much taller to you. Joel quickly untacked both horses and they wandered into the meadow in search of the juiciest grazing.

”Won’t they run away?,” you asked.

Joel shook his head. “They know they’ve got it good with us. Besides, they ain’t leaving this meadow. Green grass, fresh water, and clear sight lines. This place is horse heaven.”

He pulled a small notebook and pencil out of his jacket pocket. “I gotta take some notes, but you can just relax, stretch out those stiff muscles.” He strolled slowly along the bench, scribbling in the notebook that looked ridiculously tiny in his big hands. “I was a contractor … before.” He said, his voice falling on the last word. Most people did that when they said that word. Before. So much was contained in one little word.

”So you’re going to be in charge of building this cabin?” You followed him, partly because walking did help ease the muscles that had stiffened while you were riding, partly because you just liked being near him.

”Guess so,” he said with a shrug. “Never built a log house before, but Tommy said there’s a couple of folks who’ve worked on them before so it shouldn’t be too hard.” He squinted at the ground and jotted something down. “I’m gonna be a while. You don’t have to follow me around. You’ll get bored.”

”I’ll get bored just sitting,” you reply. “Tell me about what you’re doing. I’ve never known a contractor before.”

He laughed and started explaining what he was looking for. Your mind tried to wrap around drainage and slopes and substrate and other terms you’d heard before but had always taken for granted. At one point, Joel shed his jacket, then unbuttoned his flannel shirt to reveal a faded grey t-shirt beneath. “Gettin’ warm,” he commented as he hung his jacket on a tree limb.

”Yeah,” you said, taking off your own jacket. It wasn’t just the sun and the exercise that was warming you up, though. It was Joel. His broad shoulders and tight ass were constantly in front of you as you followed him like a duckling. 

“That’s about all I can do right now,” he said after a good hour or more of criss-crossing the bench. “But it looks feasible. Next time, I’ll bring up a crew and we can do some measuring.”

”Can I ask you something?,” you said as he headed back toward where you’d left the tack. He nodded. “Why’d you bring me? You could have done this alone, or brought one of the building crew with you.”

He stopped walking and turned to you, one hip cocked out. “Two reasons,” he said. “First, Tommy’d kill me if I went out by myself. And then when he was done, Maria’d kill me all over again. And Ellie would take care of anything that’s left.” He paused, his head tilted to the side as he cooly appraised you.

”That explains why you didn’t come alone,” you said. “But why me?”

He dropped his eyes a bit. “I asked you because … I didn’t want any witnesses.”

Instantly, you remembered every rumor you’d heard about him, how he was ruthless, a killer, had done bad things back in the QZ and even before that. “Um … witnesses?,” you managed to squeak

”In case you rejected me,” he said, ducking his head and scratching at the back of his neck. “Look, it’s been a long time since I … not much dating going on when you’re trying to survive … I’m a bit rusty.”

”Are you trying to ask me out on a date?” Relief flooded your body and you had to try very hard not to laugh. Joel would definitely take it the wrong way.

”Um, yeah,” he said with a sheepish grin. “But you know how it is back in town. Everyone all up in everyone else’s business. If I’d asked you there and you said no, word would get round.”

”Well, the answer is yes,” you said. “So you didn’t have to haul me all the way up the side of a mountain. Although the view is very nice.”

”It certainly is,” he said softly, his eyes on you. 

“And a horseback ride is a very romantic first date,” you said, letting your eyes roam over his body. 

He took a step closer. “So if this is officially a date, does that mean I can kiss you?”

”Since the date’s going well, absolutely.” 

He closed the gap between you and slid his hand to the back of your head. You both hesitated a second before leaning in. Your eyes closed as his lips met yours, and for a long moment there was nothing else in the world but the two of you. One kiss led to another and then your hand crept under the back of his t-shirt.

”Whoa, slow down, darlin’,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “We can’t be doing that out here. It’s not safe. Gotta keep our wits about us.”

”Sorry,” you said, smoothing his t-shirt back down. “But … it’s safe back in Jackson, right?”

His eyes widened in surprise and his face broke into a genuine smile. “That’s very true,” he said. “So what say we have some lunch and then head back to town?”

You sat on the grass and ate the sandwiches and dried fruit from your saddlebags, then Joel whistled for the horses, who came ambling across the meadow. While he tacked them back up, you gathered a small bouquet of flowers. “For Ellie,” you said when you presented them to him. “You can’t come back empty handed.”

”She’s not exactly the flowers type of girl,” he said skeptically.

”I know,” you said with a laugh. “That’s why it’s so funny.”

The ride back was leisurely. The horses had full bellies and so did you and Joel. No one was in a hurry to get back to reality, although the idea of getting your hands under Joel’s shirt again kept you from feeling too dismayed as the walls of Jackson came into view. 

“I’ll see you at dinner tonight,” Joel promised as he left the stable to report to Maria, the limp bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. You helped untack and groom the horses before heading to your afternoon stint in the garden. You barely had time before dinner to wash all the dirt off your hands and change into clean pants.

Joel was sitting at a table with Ellie, Tommy and Maria. Ellie was squinting suspiciously at the little vase in front of her, where the flowers you’d gathered that morning sprawled awkwardly. “You did this, didn’t you?,” she said, pointing toward the vase as you sat down.

”I might have suggested it,” you said.

The girl muttered something unintelligible but there was a hint of a smile in her eyes. 

“So, how’d you like riding a horse instead of just cleaning up after one?” Tommy asked. His eyes flicked between you and Joel and his eyes sparkled with delight. He knew.

”It was fun,” you said. “Arthur’s a good horse. He took care of me.”

”Hope my brother took care of you, too.” Maria shushed him and Tommy gave her a wide-eyed innocent look.

“He took care of me just fine,” you replied. “And I’m sure he’ll take even better care of me tonight.”

Joel nearly choked on his food and Ellie spat out a mouthful of water. “Holy shit, he asked you out,” she said as she mopped up the table with her napkin. “I didn’t think he would.”

”I did,” Joel said once he could talk properly. “And not that it’s any of your business what goes on between two consenting adults but …” He didn’t get any farther than that because Ellie whooped and started laughing her head off. 

“Oh, you’ve got it bad, old man,” she said once she could breathe properly again. “You, too,” she added, nodding in your direction. “Should I clear out tonight so you two can have some privacy?”

You were about to say “Absolutely not” when Joel beat you to the punch. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea,” he said, which made everyone at the table — including you — gape in astonishment. Joel laid his fork down. “It’s not Movie Night, and the bar isn’t open on weeknights, so it’s not like there’s anywhere to go on a date except out to the hayloft like the kids do.” He raised an eyebrow and Ellie ducked her head. ”Thought maybe we could go old school and listen to some records, just hang out.”

”More like make out,” Tommy said to Maria, who immediately hushed him, although she looked like she was trying not to laugh.

”Maybe,” Joel said defiantly. “Like I said, ain’t nobody’s business except ours.” He gestured at you with his fork, then went back to eating.

*******************************************

Tommy had been right. After Joel put an old LP on the record player, the two of you had settled on the couch and picked up where you’d left off in the meadow. 

“We can go slow if you want, darlin’,” Joel said during a pause in the kissing.

”If you count the ride as our first date and dinner as the second, that makes this our third date,” you replied. 

“You sure?”

”I’m sure.”

It wasn’t long before both of your shirts were on the floor and you were straddling Joel’s lap. “Might be more comfortable up in the bedroom,” Joel mumbled against your throat. 

“Let’s go.”

Joel Miller was a man of few words, but he used them well. His hunger was as keen as your own, but he made sure to ask permission before he touched you, and he was not shy about asking for what he needed. Your arms were around his broad shoulders as the weight of him pinned you to the bed, his hands busy roaming your body. And it wasn’t just his hands that were big — when you took him inside you, you gasped at the size of him.

”Easy, darlin’,” he said, talking you through it like you were a skittish horse. “I ain’t gonna hurt you. Just relax. I know you can take me. Been begging for this all day.”

It was true. Ever since that first kiss in the meadow, you’d wanted him inside you, filling you up. Now he was there and moving at a steady pace, pounding against the spot deep inside that hadn’t been touched in years. Ever since the outbreak, sex had become just another tool of survival, a commodity that could be used to bargain for safety, food, simply living another day. You hadn’t been with anyone like this — both of you wanting each other just for the simple pleasure of it — since the before times. This wasn’t transactional, this was sharing. You were sharing your bodies with each other and that simple fact was enough to bring you to a climax that shuddered you from head to toes.

”I’m right behind you,” Joel huffed, his rhythm starting to get sloppy as he neared his own orgasm. “Ahh, fuck!” He shuddered against you and then went limp, catching his breath.

”Damn right,” you said, stroking his hair as he came back to himself. 

“Ellie’ll never let us live this down,” he said as he gently pulled out of you. 

“Ellie can mind her own business,” you said. “So can Tommy and Maria and everyone else in town.” You cupped his face in your hands and kissed his swollen lips. “This is just between you and me.”

“Ain’t nothing gonna come between you and me, darlin’,” he said. “Not anymore.”

[inkspottie]

Spottie, I call upon thee at the search of inspiration to throw the writer block that got my ass out the window What is everyone favorite kind of scenery? What would be the perfect date to each of them?

I shall help thee friend!

Let us see

1. Scenery huh 🤔

Sebastian: I’d say before Urbanshade it used to be a sunny day on the beach buut he’s not too fond of that nowadays lol He probably would like a very quiet open field. Someplace where he can just sit and feel the breeze on his face and just relax

Gabriel: Gabe definitely is a summer type of guy, he probably loves a good mountain view where you can see a beautiful landscape below. Feel the crisp air tickling your lungs.

Sadao: I imagine he enjoys a good street view. People bustling and having a good time. Especially in the springtime where the flowers are blooming and he can sit in a cafe by himself and just people watch while he cradles a good coffee

Anzu: Snow. She loves a good snowy winter. One where it’s cold and desolate. Just loves the isolated feel of it.

Painter: Anything that’s colorful. Be it a beautiful meadow, a field of flowers, a lake. He loves all the colors earth has to offer and tries to scribble all down like he’ll forget it despite being an advanced computer.

2. The perfect date

Sebastian: I imagine he’s not the biggest fan of crowds, even with being a giant sea serpent. Probably would love just a dinner and a movie, or just hanging out in the house snuggled against each other.

Gabriel: Anything outdoorsy. He’d love to take you on a hike, or go to the beach for a day. Have a picnic on some rocky hill and just enjoy nature. Either that or go to some fair where he can win you all the stuffed animals you can carry and then some.

Sadao: He’s a museum type of guy, takes you to someplace that has fascinating and cool exhibits, get some coffee later and jab about what you all learned.

Anzu: She prefers a fun time. Her ideal date is taking you paintballing or some bar with axe throwing so she can wipe the floor with you.

[paulzizkaphoto]

"Signs of Life" Springtime is at our doors in the Canadian Rockies. So good to be home! Castle Mountain, Banff National Park. — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/61nkcNw

[sumbluespruce]

On the edge

4/12/23

[incognito-princess]

Exciting news! My lilac bush bloomed for the first time!!! My house smells amazing!!

[photosofsouthwestmt]

Tortoiseshell On a Buttercup

Took Lilly Up the BDC Road mid-April for a hike and to check out the buttercups. I drove a lot farther up the road than I planned and there were few buttercups. Here is one of the few buttercups I found with a tortoiseshell feeding from it.

Nikon D500, Manual Mode, Tamron 150-600mm VC G2, F/6.3, ISO Auto (180), ET 1/800, Focal Length 600mm, Handheld, Vibration Control on

[tinybrightthings]

24 Classic Films to Give You Vintage Springtime Vibes

Baseball, blooming flowers, warmer weather - and a collection of older films to enjoy as the world wakes up once more.

*I went for anything pre-1980 for those who were looking for something more on the vintage/retro side. I also tried to pick from a selection of different genres to suit whatever mood you might be in.

——–

Animated:

The Aristocats (1970)

The Goddess of Spring (1934)

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! (1974)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Thumbelina/おやゆび姫 (1978)

Comedy:

It Happened in Flatbush (1942)

It Happens Every Spring (1949)

Spring in Park Lane (1948)

Documentary:

Journey Into Spring (1958)

Drama:

Come Next Spring (1956)

Late Spring/晩春 (1949)

Maytime (1937)

Pride and Prejudice (1940)

The Secret Garden (1949)

Spring/Kevade (1969)

A Walk in the Spring Rain (1970)

Musical:

An American in Paris (1951)

April in Paris (1952)

Damn Yankees (1958)

Easter Parade (1948)

Mary Poppins (1964)

Maytime in Mayfair (1949)

Springtime in the Rockies (1942)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1949)

[citizenscreen]

With Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Polly Rowles, and directed by Joseph Kane it’s SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES (1937)