#stories of hardship or happiness or family or loneliness

[pavo--ocellus]

i still can't get over the poem venti wrote for kaeya during his hangout...........

to any random person it's just a cute little poem about a boat surviving a storm and finding it's way to safety... but the entire poem is filled with little nods to kaeya, his past, present and future.

he's part of a plan much bigger and much older than himself, and it's not something he can escape from, "bereft of control". it's a threat constantly looming over his head, but until it springs into action, he's "directionless".

he pushes through every hardship thrown at him. even better, he has a life that he's at least content with despite it all; a stable job, friends and family, people who depend on him and who love him.

but loneliness clings to him. he may have friends that he loves with all he has, but there are still parts of him they could never truly understand, parts that he could never share with them. ultimately he has to deal with the worst of his troubles all on his own. "none but the ocean to hear as i sing", none but himself to witness his internal struggles.

"The stars in my eyes" the double meaning <333 one being so literal it's hilarious.

despite the future looking grim, he still hopes for a happy ending. that one day his destiny, his fated choice will stop hanging over him like a guillotine waiting to drop and he'll get to live a truly peaceful life. all he wants is to let go of the heavy burden he's been carrying since he was just a kid...

all of this is such a gentle, loving acknowledgement from another... and that being none other than venti himself must mean so much. the gods have never been kind to kaeya's people, and who knows what stories his father had told him before bringing kaeya to mondstadt. he never felt fully accepted, fully like he belonged in mondstadt. and here he had the anemo archon himself reassuring him.

"it's okay. you belong. i see you and it's okay. you don't have to believe me, but i will keep you safe."

[sims-4-soul-legacy]

The Sims 4 - The Soul Legacy (Official)

The Sims 4 | The Soul Legacy

⸻

✨ [The Soul Legacy] ✨

This challenge follows a deep, emotional legacy filled with growth, hardships, dreams, and generational struggles. Your Sims will navigate love, ambition, family dynamics, and self-discovery over 10 generations, each with unique stories and goals.

📜 Rules

• Each generation has required aspirations, traits, and career paths to guide gameplay.

• You can play on any lifespan but must complete each gen’s goals before moving on.

• Mods/CC are allowed to enhance storytelling!

• Feel free to tweak anything to fit your playstyle.

⸻

🌟 Generation One: The Dreamer (Actor)

“People like us don’t get to live in fairytales.”

You’ve always loved acting, getting lost in stories where you could be anyone but yourself. Your parents never understood, calling it unrealistic, childish—a waste of time. You wanted freedom, so you ran away before they could force you into a life you never wanted.

Now, with nothing but your dreams and determination, you’ll make it in the world of acting. But will fame fill the void, or will you have to face your past to truly find happiness?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Run away as a teen/young adult (move out before finishing school)

✅ Start with §0—work odd jobs until your first acting gig

✅ Live in a tiny, run-down apartment or outdoors

✅ Join the Acting Career (Reach level 8+)

✅ Have a signature role (e.g., star in a famous movie/TV show)

✅ Have a strained/non-existent relationship with family

✅ Fall in love with someone completely different from you

✅ Have at least one child and try to be the parent you never had

✅ At some point, confront your past (visit childhood home, rekindle an old relationship, write an unsent letter)

Traits: Creative, Romantic, Self-Absorbed

Aspiration: Master Actor

Career: Acting

⸻

🌿 Generation Two: The Escapee

“I just want to live a normal life.”

Growing up with a famous parent was suffocating. **Paparazzi, expectations, pressure—**you wanted none of it. While your parent saw glitz and glamour, all you saw was loneliness and exhaustion.

Determined to escape their world, you move somewhere small, quiet, and cozy—just a normal life with a normal job and a stable family. But maybe life has other plans…

🎯 Goals:

✅ Move far away from your childhood home

✅ Work a normal 9-5 job (Business, Education, Salaryperson, or any non-celebrity career)

✅ Find love with a childhood sweetheart or someone equally simple

✅ Never discuss your famous parent—keep your past a secret

✅ Have a big, loving family and be a devoted parent

✅ One of your kids feels trapped by normalcy (setting up Gen Three’s story!)

Traits: Family-Oriented, Neat, Unflirty

Aspiration: Big Happy Family

Career: Business/Education/Salaryperson

⸻

🎸 Generation Three: The Wild Heart

“You only live once.”

Your parents were stable, predictable, safe. But you? You crave **excitement, music, art—**a life of passion. You refuse to settle down early, choosing music, festivals, and freedom over responsibility.

But when life throws you a curveball, you must choose: continue chasing dreams, or build a life you never wanted?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Pursue the Entertainer (Music) or Freelancer (Artist) career

✅ Have multiple lovers before settling down

✅ Travel often & experience at least 3 worlds fully

✅ Accidentally get pregnant/have a child early—this changes everything

✅ Struggle balancing art and parenthood

✅ Eventually give up your dream for stability—your child becomes your new purpose

Traits: Music Lover, Outgoing, Noncommittal

Aspiration: City Native / Musical Genius

Career: Entertainer (Musician) / Freelancer (Artist)

⸻

🍞 Generation Four: The Provider

“I refuse to let my kids struggle like I did.”

You grew up watching your artistic, free-spirited parent struggle. You swore you’d never live like that. Stability, wealth, security—that’s what matters.

But in chasing success, do you forget what really makes life worth living?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Reach level 10 in a high-paying career (Law, Doctor, or Tech Guru)

✅ Own a large, fancy home

✅ Be strict but loving as a parent

✅ Never let your kids experience financial struggle

✅ At some point, have a midlife crisis—do you choose family or career?

Traits: Ambitious, Perfectionist, Materialistic

Aspiration: Mansion Baron

Career: Law / Doctor / Tech Guru

🎭 Generation Five: The Black Sheep

“I never asked to be born into this family.”

Your successful, workaholic parent wanted you to follow in their footsteps, but you never fit their mold. Instead of stability, you seek thrill, rebellion, and chaos.

You get caught up in parties, bad decisions, and shady deals—a self-destructive spiral that seems impossible to break. But maybe there’s still hope for redemption…

🎯 Goals:

✅ Have bad grades as a teen and get kicked out or run away

✅ Get into criminal activities (Criminal career, hacking, or selling stolen goods)

✅ Get arrested at least once (if using Basemental Mods)

✅ Struggle with relationships and commitment

✅ Have an accidental pregnancy but struggle to raise your child

✅ Eventually, turn your life around and break the cycle

Traits: Hot-Headed, Kleptomaniac, Party Animal

Aspiration: Public Enemy / Chief of Mischief

Career: Criminal / Freelancer (Hacker)

⸻

🌿 Generation Six: The Healer

“I won’t repeat my parents’ mistakes.”

You grew up in chaos, neglect, or instability. As a child, you dreamed of creating a calm, healing space for yourself and others.

You dedicate your life to helping people, spreading positivity, and breaking generational trauma. But do you prioritize others too much and forget to take care of yourself?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Become a Doctor, Therapist (Social Work mod), or Wellness Guru

✅ Have a calm, cozy home with a garden

✅ Learn meditation, yoga, herbalism, or wellness

✅ Adopt at least one child—you believe in second chances

✅ Try to repair your family’s broken bonds but struggle with boundaries

Traits: Good, Outgoing, Self-Sacrificing (or Overachiever)

Aspiration: Friend of the World / Inner Peace

Career: Doctor / Social Worker / Wellness Guru

⸻

🎨 Generation Seven: The Daydreamer

“Life should be beautiful.”

Your childhood was nurturing and safe, and you grew up soft, romantic, and imaginative. You believe in true love, artistic passion, and the beauty of everyday life.

But is it possible to stay in your dream world forever?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Be a painter, writer, or photographer

✅ Live in a small cottage or artistic loft

✅ Collect postcards, poetry books, and small sentimental items

✅ Fall madly in love but struggle with heartbreak

✅ Eventually, find your soulmate and start a family

✅ Paint or write a masterpiece that outlives you

Traits: Creative, Romantic, Over-Emotional (or Gloomy)

Aspiration: Bestselling Author / Painter Extraordinaire

Career: Painter / Writer / Photographer

⸻

💰 Generation Eight: The Workaholic

“Love doesn’t pay the bills.”

You grew up watching your dreamy, artistic parent struggle financially, and you swore you’d never be like them. Success, money, and power—that’s your focus.

But what happens when you realize money isn’t everything?

🎯 Goals:

✅ Reach level 10 of the Business, Investor, or Politician career

✅ Live in a luxury apartment or penthouse

✅ Have one failed marriage or engagement—love takes a backseat

✅ Eventually, realize family matters more than wealth

✅ Retire early and dedicate your time to philanthropy or mentoring

Traits: Ambitious, Snob, Workaholic

Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy

Career: Business / Investor / Politician

⸻

🌲 Generation Nine: The Nomad

“I don’t belong in one place.”

After a childhood of wealth and structure, you feel trapped. You crave adventure, freedom, and exploration.

You reject traditional life and choose to live off the land, travel, and embrace nature.

🎯 Goals:

✅ Live in a tent, tiny home, or off-the-grid cabin

✅ Travel to every world and experience all cultures

✅ Make money through fishing, foraging, or odd jobs

✅ Have a relationship that’s on-and-off due to your wandering lifestyle

✅ Eventually, settle down and realize home isn’t a place—it’s people

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Adventurous, Loner

Aspiration: Outdoor Enthusiast / Strangerville Mystery

Career: Freelancer / Self-Sufficient / Odd Jobs

⸻

🌅 Generation Ten: The Full Circle

“Maybe everything was leading to this.”

Your family line has been through struggles, dreams, failures, and triumphs. You feel an unexplainable pull toward your family’s past.

You find old letters, journals, or artifacts connecting you to Generation One. Their story inspires you to find your own purpose.

🎯 Goals:

✅ Discover a family secret and document your lineage

✅ Write a biography or make a documentary about your ancestors

✅ Pursue any career that reflects your family’s past

✅ Have a big family, bringing everyone back together

✅ End the legacy where it all began—return to Gen One’s home or acting career

Traits: Bookworm, Family-Oriented, Curious

Aspiration: Renaissance Sim / Archaeology Scholar

Career: Historian / Writer / Actor

[crimsoncold]

have you ever thought about the snow queen fairytale in connection to jonsa? it might be a reach but i can see elements of them in there

Hi asoiastarks! Please forgive my very delayed and rambly response to this ask

I hadn't really considered this fairytale before but when I thought about it in depth I ended up having way more to say about the connection between Jon and Sansa's stories (and Jonsa as a romantic pairing) and fairytales in general than I expected so I'm putting my response below...

While I wouldn't say that there is one specific fairytale that jonsa (or jon and sansa individually) clearly and directly follows I would totally agree with the opinion that Jon and Sansa (two of asoiaf's comparatively most traditionally romantic characters) definitely seem to draw from or echo several common aspects found with protagonists of traditional fairy tales- both as individual characters and as a potential romantic pairing.

I've definitely seen people describe Sansa as a romantic heroine that has tragically been "misplaced" into a brutal world like westeros- and I think that description holds up and that ultimately her gentle and romantic nature will result in an end that is not simply having all her happiness and hope being destroyed by consistent trauma and narrative punishment but rather will have to involve her life flourishing into something beautiful but still grounded providing a more satisfying end for someone who maintains much of the sort of traditional kindness/goodness found with the typical fairytale princess despite the horrors around her- otherwise asoiaf would seem little more than an outright bitter and nihilistic story

I also think we shouldn't sleep on Jon who underneath his wonderfully bitchy sarcastic grumpy or occasionally ruthless exterior holds similarly romantic values and thoughts

Generally speaking it wouldn't surprise me that someone could find commonalities between a fairytale and Jon and Sansa, I feel that many common tropes that are found in a great number of fairytales can correspond to aspects of Jon's or Sansa's individual story and personalities or to Jonsa as a pairing by itself.

Just listing a few off the top of my head ...Having and reclaiming some secret identity that they may or may not have know about, young members of nobility/royalty raised or living in hiding due to their lives being in peril- typically in a position of lower class than they might actually belong to; being the target of the machinations wrath or cruelty of evil kings/queens/or some type of sorcerer or spellcaster, having notable interactions with or a special connection to animals or some type of mythical creature, the concept of being resurrected from some form of permanent sleep or even death

.... and of course in the case of a possible romantic relationship forming- them being character's who after experiencing incredible hardship, tragedy, or sorrow are ultimately awarded for exhibiting, maintaining, or gaining traits such as kindness/compassion/bravery/dutifulness/or selflessness, the possibility of either of them occupying the role of a hero or saviour for the other from either literal physical threats/enemies or more metaphorical ones like their loneliness or emotional trauma, as well as having a completed and happy story arc that ultimately cumulates in them forming a deeply intimate and loving partnership or marriage.

When it comes to the Snow Queen specifically I'm only passingly familiar with this fairytale (so please forgive me in advance if I miss something obvious or get any details wrong) but based on my very basic knowledge of this fairytale I can definitely think of a number of interesting commonalities/parallels this fairytale could have to Jonsa.

Firstly, because so much of Jon, Sansa, and the Stark family's storyline is rooted in a snowy and cold environment (the north, winterfell, the wall, etc.) and because one major threat in the overall story comes in the form of "ice" (i.e. the Long Night and the Others coming from beyond the wall) it doesn't surprise me that one could find a number of (at least surface leve)l commonalities to a story like the snow queen with its similarly icy setting and villain, as well as find a number of common basic story elements/imagery that occur in both- though not always in the same type of context or role (e.g. the appearance of or focus on ice/snow/snowflakes, roses, crows, doves, and a girl traveling and reuniting with someone in the north, the emphasis put on the sweetness or goodness of a character, and the unexpected effect or power that a character's faith/prayers/love/or inherent goodness can have on the world or people around them)

Most of all i can definitely see the potential for some more direct similarities between the snow queen and a hypothetical (but very possible) jonsa endgame for asoiaf....

First in the form of a character like jon being healed and changed from his own altered state (e.g. some form of strangeness, purposelessness, distantness, coldness, harshness, forgetfulness, or trauma that occurs in the aftermath of his time with the night's watch and his subsequent assassination and resurrection) after he is reunited and touched by the sweetness and affection- the love, tears, or even kiss- of a distantly regarded (or even forgotten post resurrection?) but once beloved part of his childhood- in the form of a girl he was raised with who has made a dangerous and long trek north to be reunited with him,

Secondly I could see strong paralelles occuring regarding the ending, i.e. one that centers around two individuals returning to their common home, grown and deeply changed by their experiences but with a hopeful and happier future promised or symbolized in the form of the changing season (with the upcoming one promising to be a time of warmth and renewal after the comparatively harsh or treacherous winter).

Side Note:

Given got/asoiaf's efforts towards exemplifying a far more corrupt, harsh, cruel, senseless and unjust world than what is typically seen in fantasy works I'm not exactly expecting an ending chock-full of sunshine and rainbows....

However I find it notable that Sansa, and to some extent Jon, exist as somewhat of an outlier in an explicity harsh and grim setting (and are further flanked by a number of characters that are a great deal less romantic and more pragmatic, if not outrightly more selfish, cruel, or even brutal and psychotic)

As a result there is something quite striking about the way many of Jon and Sansa's experiences, core personality traits, and their supposedly hopeless or rejected- yet still deeply idolized- dreams end up resembling eachother in so many ways.

Their desires and motives may (for lack of a better word) be comparatively "simpler" and more straightforward than those of many other characters yet they also correspond to an underlying shared sense of duty and desire for family, and are simultaneously deeply meaningful to the character's personally while also exemplifying an appropriate blend of the series realism/pragmatism with jon and sansa's trademark romanticism.

I do believe that a bittersweet but hopeful and affectionate end for these characters and this epic fantasy tale can definitely (at least in part) take the form of not just a reunion of the surviving starks but also in a sort of slightly twisted and bastardized fairytale end for the series via Jon and Sansa having their dreams (of winterfell, marriage, and family) being fulfilled by a respectful, willing, and even loving marriage to one another.

(a love and relationship that would initially be appropriately fraught and seemingly forbidden or obscene but ultimately would be allowed to blossom giving these two characters the closest a story like asoiaf will ever get to a traditionally "happy" fairytale ending)

A Jonsa endgame would also offer a thematically appropriate foil to several other notable romantic relationships in the series...

Like seriously there is way too much sibling incest in this series for GRRM not to be building up to something/coming full circle in the end with a very different but still pseudo-incestuous relationship in the form of Jonsa

... like I swear to god he's gonna be like "here have a bunch of current, recent, and long past tragic, ruinous, and/or deeply unhealthy and harmful incestuous marriages and relationships...isn't this obviously always such a terrible thing to occur?" only to go against typical expectations of readers and once again reject the simplicity of an obviously black and white story with a strong and consistent divide between the "heroes" and the "villains" and instead sucker punch the audience by offering up an emotionally and thematically fulfilling but somewhat unusual (even uncomfortable for a number of readers) and bittersweet end that once again involves an incestuous (of sorts) relationship only this time amongst the "good" characters in the story, in the form of a marriage between cousins and psuedo siblings Jon and Sansa.

[honeybeewhereartthee]

ALTER x EGO

BACK

CHAPTER FIVE

FOWARD

when you two arrive at the city end. You saw there's an event going on the park? Which is beyond the edge of the forest.

"someone getting wed in this place?" You mumble as hiiro stared at the direction your looking at.

"A wedding..." He mumbles before you guys approaches the edge of the forest. As the two of you see the view. You saw a small crowd happily congratulating the wedded couple.

"I never seen one in person." Since almost all the au he went. The main couple there never went to such stage of their romance. He did heard only one did went and have a spouse level of status. But they don't have a wedding either.

"the couple looks cute." You commented as you look at the two who's happily feeding each other. "I wonder what's their love story is." Such a sweet sight. It could been one of the great tales won't it not? Hiiro thought of your questions for a moment.

"Being a normal human is the best thing that could occured to someone lives in this multiverse. You can be happy without fail and find love without much hardship. Because the stories doesn't revolve around them. They are not chained by tragedies. " Somehow what he said seems to hint that main characters have It very tough. Better be an npc to be happy. That's such a word to say at least.

"do you want to be an ordinary person then?" You can't help but ask him. His for sure not an ordinary character with how he looks. He said he travel many worlds too. So that's not so ordinary either.

"I don't know. If I were just an ordinary background character. Would I have family? Would I felt less lonely? Through adventure through different worlds is fun too you know." He is a person who have no home nor family. His always on the road to seek the unknown. It's lonely but he witness many stories. So it's not that bad.

"Something inside of me seeks and wish to learn more to the things beyond what we see. The places that never been discovered. I wish to go there." He smiles like this sun. His such a bright character. "If I were an ordinary person. I cannot do such thing or even dream as such. Beside..." He stared into your eyes.

"My adventure is less lonely since I have two travelling companion now. You and the other one." He beam. The only trouble to an adventurous soul like him is loneliness.

"excuse me, do you two want to eat some cake with us?" A person in suit come towards you, his the groom in the wedding.

He have notice you two since the wedding have start and you guys looking at awe like you two are some innocent children who did not see such event.

His spouse and him do think it's not bad to invite two more surprise guest in their private wedding since there's a lot of food around.

"o-oh... Is it ok?" You felt shy by the sudden invite of the stranger but hiiro seems quite interested. "If that's ok! Thank you for having us!!" His quite loud as he made a bow. "Ahm. Here a flower for you as a gift!" He offer a flower bookmark.

He got it from a fae who happened to meet one time. He don't have much to offer the wedding couple. But he hope it's a good enough"I heard this will grant wishes. I hope you guys have a happy marriage!"

"oh my, your a kind young man. You don't really need to do that." The groom is charmed by hiiro kind nature. He felt he want to adopt hiiro but then again he can't do that. Maybe hiiro is here cause threads of fate and this is quite a lucky encounter. Their paths might never cross again, so he might as well enjoy to dot on such lovely child like this one till he can.

"please accept it!" Hiiro insisted with burning passion to make the groom accept it. The groom sweat drop and can't help but laugh as he accept such gift.

"Thank you very much. Come my dear guest. Shall we enjoy such event then?" He finally remembered why he went to those two teen to begin with. Hiiro and you nodded and went to join the party.

Hiiro is quick to adopt and made everyone adore him with his joyful nature and you tried to keep up which made everyone think you two are such adorable dou

.

.

While you two enjoy such fun occasion, certain someone who's watching you two wonder just what type of idiot would give that flower bookmark to nobody to begin with.

He felt it's quite a new sight to see such familiar bookmark be gifted to some normal people for a wedding present. Through it's not really his concern what that fool do with his things.

[pagesandpothos]

A Gentleman's Gentleman by T.J. Alexander

Official Summary:

From the acclaimed author of Chef's Kiss, a groundbreaking trans Regency romance that's both delightfully witty and refreshingly iconoclastic. The notoriously eccentric Lord Christopher Eden is a “man of unusual make” and even more unusual habits: he prefers to live far from the prying eyes and ears of the ton, and would rather have the comfortable company of his childhood cook and his aged butler than the swarm of servants and hangers-on befitting a man of his station. But Christopher’s pleasant, if occasionally lonely life is upended when he receives word from his lawyers that, according to his late father’s will, he must find a wife by the end of the Season if he intends to keep his family’s fortune and the Eden estate. Christopher cannot imagine a worse fate: as he isn’t attracted to women, his chances of making a wife happy are slim. Furthermore, if his quest to marry has any hope of succeeding, he must move to London posthaste and acquire some more suitable staff. Enter James Harding, Christopher’s new, distractingly handsome—if rigidly traditional—valet. After a rocky start, the two strike up a fragile friendship amid the throes of the London Season . . . a friendship that threatens to shatter under the looming shadow of Christopher’s impending nuptials—and the secrets both men are keeping. With its heady combination of dry wit, slow-burn romance, and a nuanced portrait of trans identity, A Gentleman’s Gentleman stands to transform the historical romance genre as we know it.

My Thoughts:

Within a few pages of reading A Gentleman's Gentleman, I knew I had picked up something really special.

A Gentleman's Gentleman is about Christopher, a reclusive trans man living in Regency-era England. According to the directions of his father's will, he is expected to find a wife if he wants to keep his title and sprawling estate. When the lonely and eccentric Lord hires James, a new valet, to help him manage the upcoming Season, the two men are set on a course that profoundly changes their lives.

All the characters in this, both main and supporting, are fantastic. Christopher is unbelievably delightful: so funny and charming. He is dealing with a lot of loss, loneliness, guilt, and stress. Still, he's enduring and doing his best despite his hardships. James is a little mysterious to us at first. He's a proper gentleman who takes his job and etiquette very seriously, but there are enough glimpses of his personality to make him instantly likable. There is also a cast of memorable side characters that I really enjoyed.

The romance between Christopher and James is a true and very satisfying slow burn. Christopher's upcoming marriage and other plots sometimes take center stage, so their relationship is allowed to build slowly and organically.

Christopher's need for a wife is the most active plot, but side-plots arise that add a lot of heart and emotion to the story. All the various threads are balanced well, and everything comes together beautifully in ways that surprised and delighted me.

I'd been looking forward to reading this book for months, and it was completely worth the wait. I highly recommend this for all fans of queer books, especially those that need more joyous and hopeful trans stories. This is a perfect comfort read with a beautiful and inspiring message.

My Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 (5/5 stars).

Pages: 336 (Kindle Edition)

Tropes/Tags:  Romance, Queer, Achillean, Historical Romance, Trans Main Character, slow burn

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. There are kisses and one sex scene that is “Open Door”.

Content Warnings: Detailed warnings from the author that include the words used for a trans man's anatomy are on the author's website! This list does contain some spoilers!

Links: Storygraph | GoodReads | TJAlexander.com

A Gentleman's Gentleman will be released on March 11, 2025, and is available for pre-order!

I received an advanced copy of this book for free, thanks to NetGalley, Vintage, and Knopf Doubleday. The above are my honest feelings about the book provided. I don’t have any affiliate links in this post, and I do not make any money from my reviews. I review books simply because I love to read.

[ See Everything I’ve Read in 2025 ]

[picklepie888]

This is a question with a long and short form answer. The short answer would be that Final Space has taught me to maintain hope, even when things are hopeless. To me, this is the core message of Final Space, a show I've come to love so dearly. As for the long answer, let me get real and raw with y'all for a second.

In 2013, I lost my father to liver cancer. I was 14 years old at the time, the same age as Little Cato. It was the lowest point of my life. I was starting high school at the time, and I couldn't get excited about it because it was the first big new chapter of my life that I had to start without my dad. The depression and grief I felt was unbearable. I was doing poorly in my classes, and the person I thought was my best friend didn't want anything to do with me anymore. For the first time in my life I felt completely alone. This lasted for months, and the pain and loneliness did not let up. I began to wonder if I would ever truly be happy again. Then I connected with the man who would become my stepfather. My mother reached out to him and he became more involved in mine and my mother's lives. He was there whenever I needed a father figure, and he helped me feel not so lonely. Sometime later I had also met someone new in high school. A girl I had no prior connection with, but we shared a mutual friend. She and I shared a lunch period in our sophmore year, and we became close. We sat and talked every single day and soon enough we were calling each other 'sister'. She is my best friend to this day.

When I watched Final Space for the first time, I realized that many of the hardships the characters went through hit close to home with me. I was once Little Cato, but then I found my Gary. I was once Ash, but then I found my Evra. I was amazed to have discovered a TV show that felt so personal to me. This show became a huge source of comfort to me, and it's not because the show is always wholesome and happy. In fact, it's because the characters go through tragedy and failure, but still overcoming all of that, that makes the show so comforting.

Gary and the Team Squad failing to save the Earth in season one was shocking and the consequences were devestating. It seemed like that would be the end of everything. But it wasn't. Gary had a new mission after his first failure, and that was to save Quinn and bring his new family back together. Gary got back up after being knocked down, not because he wanted to but because he had to. He found hope again and he was able to find joy in the company of his new family. This is why little moments in season 2 of the Team Squad just having fun and enjoying each other mean so much to me. Every member of the Team Squad had their own personal issues they had to deal with, but they chose to deal with them all together.

Final Space became very special to me, as I rarely come across a piece of media that has me invested in every aspect of it. From the message, the characters, the story, the worldbuilding, I was in love with it all. And as I learned more about the show's upbringing, that had only made me fall deeper in love. Seeing Olan Rogers' humble beginnings as a YouTube creator to pitching his first animated series to TV. To his best friend Coty Galloway earning the role of Avocato thanks to the undeniable chemistry he has with Olan. To seeing what went on behind the scenes of every episode and witnessing just how much love and talent all who were involved with the show put into it. Then I connected with other fans of the show online, and we all came together to build a small but beautiful online community. I met so many good people, and seen so much amazing fan content by incredibly talented and dedicated fans. Final Space felt like a show that was meant for me. And I wanted so badly for it to last as long as Olan had intended for it to.

But then in 2021, word had finally got out of the show's cancellation. After a long suspenseful wait with no news of a renewal, Olan finally got word that Warner was not interested in continuing the show. I was devestated, but it was not an unfamiliar pain. I had dealt with several shows I loved being cancelled before. But then things got worse. In 2022, during the merger of WB and Discovery, David Zaslav announced that several properties were being written off for tax purposes. So many projects that so many people put so much love, care and effort into were being erased from existence, never to be found again. And Final Space was among them. The lowest of the low. No going back from that. You'd think that'd be the end of everything. But it wasn't.

In 2023, Olan Rogers announced that after fighting for so long, Warner finally gave him some leeway and granted him a liscense to publish a graphic novel ending the story of Final Space. And there it was. Hope. Once again, I felt the joy I had before when I was watching the show as it aired. I had waited for salvation to come and it did. All of my fellow fans rejoiced that day, and we've all watched Olan on his journey since that day in completing this novel. It's been difficult for him as he has never completed a graphic novel before, but he's gotten support from both the fans, and the artists helping him create the novel. It's still tragic that this is the way it has to end, but at least now it is getting an end, and we have Olan to thank for that. For his dedication, and for his unwillingness to back down after being dealt a bad hand. Like Gary going up against Invictus with the knowledge of having no chance of winning, Olan went up against WB and fought his hardest. He did his best, and that's good enough for me.

I have been asked before by some fans if I feel any bitterness now whenever I visit the show again because of the fate it has gotten. And I have to say, if I had the chance to watch the show for the first time all over again with the knowledge that I would fall completely in love with it while it gets the worst fate known to television history, I would absolutely watch it again. One hundred percent. I have no regrets when it comes to watching this show. Despite the pain and devastation it had brought me to see this show get so unfairly mistreated by the network who owns it, Final Space still brings me nothing but joy and empowerment each time I rewatch it. It may not have as big a fanbase as many cartoons do, and Warner Bros may not give a shit about it at all, but at the end of the day, Final Space wasn't made for them. It was made for us. It was made for all of us. Every one of us who has loved the show, talked about it, learned from it, got comfort from it, connected with others because of it. We the audience are the ones Olan and his team set out to reach with his creation. And he succeeded. He succeeded freaking hard.

So the ultimate ending of Final Space may be a tragic one, but it is not a hopeless one. Far from it in fact. I'm holding out on hope that we may someday see these beloved characters again in some form. Maybe as an animated adaptation of the graphic novel, or maybe in a copyright friendly legally distinct format *cough cough* But even if that doesn't happen, and this novel truly is our last and final time with these characters, I have made peace with that. I am happy I've gotten to know this story and these characters, and that's something no force in this plain of existence can take from me. Not Invictus. Not WB. Not Zaslav or any other big wigs in suits. I will always have Final Space with me, and I will always look back on it with joy in my heart. And I look forward to what the future will bring for Olan as a creator. I plan on supporting him with every new project he brings, and I know with all the experience he had gained from making Final Space that he will go on to do even greater things. I can't wait for Godspeed, The Lion's Blaze, and all his other projects to be realized. And all the while I will maintain hope that we may see Gary Goodspeed and the Team Squad again someday, even if that may not seem possible now. After all...

Salvation comes in the blink of an eye.

[blightandshiningarmor]

Rate Your Rook (because I'm sad and in need of yapping) Eglantine Ingellvar

Compassion: 8, matched by completely unsympathetic indifference towards those who thrived thanks to the pain of others an in doing so dug their own grave. (Get it? grave, because they're a Mourn Watcher-- I'm sorry, so so sorry)

Bitterness: 3, probably, and surely no more than that.

Happiness: 7, to 10, to a 5. Initially quite happy with their mission, the good company, and a new beginning. They miss their home, but adventure is a pleasant change of pace; then, extremely happy: surrounded by dear friends, living in the most incredible place, being able to travel anywhere and visit home whenever they want, madly in love, full of hope for the future despite the dangers and the hardships the team has to endure; and then they break: the fear and the weight to carry are too much, they've lost their child, they've lost their best friend, and no victory can bring them back. In the end, there's a new spark of hope, but that's a story for a future we haven't seen yet.

Politeness: 8 normally, being used to dealing with delicate matters such as grief and loneliness. Can easily drop to a 4 due to their moderately short fuse mixed with their lack of patience towards certain kinds of people.

Chivalry: Oh, 10. No less. Living proof that chivalry is not dead, only dating one. (I'm really, really sorry.)

Pride: A solid 8. They're a harbinger of chaos, and being a harbinger of chaos led to many good things, so they're proud of who they are.

Honesty: 7, I think? They're brutally honest, yes, and firmly believe that an ugly truth will always be preferable to a sweet lie; on the other hand, though, they're rowdy and reckless and used to be even rowdier and more reckless, so they ended up being a very good liar to avoid unpleasant consequences. They see lies as a tool, a weapon, and they won't meet an enemy on the battlefield if they can win with lies and tricks instead. An axe is honest, but a whisper can save innocent lives. On the surface, they have no issue talking about themselves: they tend to keep their feelings and emotions locked inside, but they do so unintentionally.

Bravery: 7, possibly. Reckless, yes, but brave?

Recklessness: 9 on a bad day, 10 on a good one. They try to keep their recklessness to a minimum if their friends' safety is directly on the line and it's better to be careful for their sake, but otherwise won't hesitate to throw themselves into the fray.

Ambition: 7/9 depending on the subject.

Loyalty: 8, maybe. They tend to have doubts on everyone they know, and even after knowing someone for a long time it's easy to lose their trust forever. There are few people -probably no more than two- that they would follow blindly, simply because of loyalty. They need to know the plan, their eyes look for exits whenever they enter a room. Their allegiances lie with their instincts.

Love: 20 10. They have so much love to give, and they love so many people and creatures and places and things. They exist for love.

Sense of Family: 10, again. They never knew their biological family and it never mattered to them: the Necropolis was family, friends, home. They found a new family, as well, and they love it fiercely.

Attractiveness: I'd say a 9, but I'm biased.

Agility: 9!! Oof, those combat moves, that perfect aim, that stamina, that perception of their surroundings! A warrior who relies not on strength but on dexterity and speed!

Sex Drive: Can go from 3 to 9, really. A paragon of purity on some days, a deranged freak on others.

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

Dear Nemo, so nice to see you back! for the meme game, can you make one for Jacob and Dottie as a ship? I miss seeing them on my dash.

Hello Hello Duckling! So nice to see you in my inbox! I was so happy to see your ask! (and sorry for taking so long in answering! I appreciate your patience! I hope you don't mind but I took the chance to make this meme for Jacob and Dottie a bit farther ahead in their story than what I usually draw/write.)

✨JOTTIE (JacobxDorothea)🎩

MOODBOARD

PLAYLIST:

"Temple of Thought" - Poets of The Fall

"Amaranthine" - Amaranthe

"My Love Will Never Die" - Claire Wyndham

"Dancing on Broken Glass" - Poets of The Fall

"Jealous Gods" - Poets of The Fall

"War" - Poets of the Fall

QUOTES

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.”

― Alfred Tennyson

“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone”

― J. R. R. Tolkien

“You make me thank god for every mistake I ever made, Because each one led me down the path that brought me to you.” ― Pablo Neruda

“I choose to love you in silence… For in silence I find no rejection, I choose to love you in loneliness… For in loneliness no one owns you but me, I choose to adore you from a distance… For distance will shield me from pain, I choose to kiss you in the wind… For the wind is gentler than my lips, I choose to hold you in my dreams… For in my dreams, you have no end.” ― Rumi

THEIR AESTHETIC:

A walk along the Thames in the dead of the night with the stars as their companions and protectors; an impromptu dance on cobblestone and the beating of their hearts as the sole music that gives them rhythm; a sweet song he hums with his low voice; a glance that alone speaks of years spent together, of hardship fought and conquered, of peace finally found; low laughter shared at a memory of the family they created; a morning spent in bed, cuddling and laughing together; the perfume of orange blossom and smoked pipe; a stack of letters neatly preserved if a little worn out for all the times they had been read; a violin playing and a voice singing the song of their hearts, just for his ears alone; warm tea sipped together in front of the fireplace; a soft blanket shared together; falling asleep on a worn-out sofa in each other's arms, the only place where they feel safe enough to let go of all worries; hearing the beating of his heart, strong and steady, just as he is; hearing her breathing while asleep, safe and sound in his arms.

[ericamdn]

“THE CHAPTERS OF MY LIFE”

In the earliest chapters of my life, at the early age of seven, the foundation of my world tore apart as my parents relationship fell victim to betrayal. Their paths go different ways as they cheated on each other, stained the canvas of our once happy family. They forgot that I was still a child, they forgot about my innocence. I was their only child yet they failed to protect their relationship for us, for me. The once happy home I dreamed of has now become an illusion, shattered by the harsh reality of my parents' broken relationship. The night was punctuated by silent arguments, echoes of resentment echoing through the narrow hallways of our modest home. I was a young spectator of a mess family, witnessed the love, replaced by the bitter taste of separation. Back then, I have wished that I hope one day I will experience the happy relationship of my parents but after that day it was my first time regretting something. Their relationship served as a reminder to me that even close bonds that you’ll think would last, can break.

Loneliness became my silent companion, an unwanted shadow lingering in the corner of every room. While other children enjoyed the warmth of family affection, I navigated the maze of my lonely emotions. School became a happy place rather than our home, a temporary escape from the persistent pain that clung to me like a second skin. I found myself caught up in the tide of their grievances, a secondary victim of a war waged by words and unspoken resentments. The once familiar landscape of my hometown had become unfamiliar territory, the boundary between my parents felt like an unbridgeable abyss. The joyful laugh of my peers at school was different to the quiet that encompassed my domestic. The whispers and sidelong looks from classmates served as consistent updates of my seen insufficiencies. Evenings were went through within the noiseless grasp of my tears, looking for a hope from a world that appeared impassive to my battles. 

In adolescence, a special someone became my unwavering support. In the midst of all this, I found a quiet strength within me. I realized I needed help, so I started talking to someone about my feelings. It was tough, but slowly I began to heal. He became a safe place where I could sort out my emotions. Through storms, he was my listener. His presence is a testament to genuine connection providing hope in dark times. He’s really someone special to me, someone whos been with me for a long time now, someone who never lost his hopes on me, someone who would fight for me, someone who would do anything for me and someone who only wishes whats the best for me. A knight in shining armor indeed, despite of it all he continues to support me in any away he can. Through the years, I transformed hardships into accomplishments, my resilience is a proof to the battles fought in my dark pasts. With this special someone by my side, the disbelief of my relatives was in an awe, that I would overcome the challenges in my past, pushing me beyond the traps of self-doubt. Together, we forged a partnership that changes the scars of my fractured childhood.

The scars of my past have become a map of my journey, each scar a testament to the battles I have faced. Recognizing the need for healing, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Therapy became my sanctuary, a safe space where I could untangle the tangled threads of my emotions. The healing process was slow, but I faced my struggles head-on. I learned to forgive and rebuild the broken parts of myself. As I stepped into adulthood, I carried the scars but also a newfound strength. I wanted a future different from my past. Our journey was not without its trials. Yet, in each obstacle, I discovered the strength that is sleeping within me. The challenges, that was once intimidating, became stepping stones towards a brighter horizon. The threads of my life story was created complicated but with the support of this steadfast ally, who never surrendered in his commitments to my well-being. In the tapestry of my growth, there were moments of doubt and despair, but they were overshadowed by some of the wins, making me realize that I was still somehow lucky. The simple gestures of encouragement, the shared laughter that echoed through the years, all stitched together to form the narrative of my life.

As the chapters of my life unfolded, I realized that strength is not just a product of individual resilience but also a reflection of the bonds that sustain us. The story, once shrouded in darkness, finds its resolution in the illumination of hope. The road ahead may still hold uncertainties, but I will find it with newfound strength and a heart that harbors the warmth of healing. The threads of sadness, once dominant, now share space with those of joy, creating a narrative that speaks not just of struggles endured but also of a resilient spirit that found its way back to the light. The scars of my parents' mistakes served as a reminder, but they also fueled the fire within me to create a different narrative for myself. In the tapestry of my existence, I stand today as a living proof to the transformative power of resilience and enduring love. The challenges that once threatened to define me are now vivid memories in a story of triumph over adversity. And through it all, that someone special remains my anchor, a constant reminder that even in the face of shattered foundations, one can build a life filled with strength, purpose, and unwavering love. Life’s journey, filled with sad moments, taught me resilience. Now, as an adult, I navigate life with a heart warmed by healing. The tough times shaped me, but they don’t define me. The story, once dark, now has moments of joy, showing that even after storms, there can be a sunny day.

[mtdthoughts]

Santa Claus (Migi & Dali Thought)

It's a bit curious that Santa Claus was mentioned a couple times in the story, and I want to talk about it a bit in this post.

Note that spoilers for the whole story are mentioned.

I wanted to talk about this because Santa is heavily associated with Christmas, which has much significance in the story:

On Christmas night, Metry died trying to take back Eiji, who believed that Santa had come to visit him.

When Dali is interrogating Eiji using the Sali persona and asks about the Christmas photo, Eiji brings up Santa and asks Sali if Santa had visited her, to which Sali responds saying that Santa had never came, a clear reference to Dali's tragic past.

The conclusion of the main story takes place during the Christmas season, with repeated mentions of Santa and presents while Dali is forcing himself into Migi's shadow.

On Christmas Day, Dali received his first Christmas present (from "Santa"), and after he was accepted by the Sonoyamas and was encouraged by Migi, he finally left the shadows and accepted himself and his new happy life with them.

Thus, there should be some purpose and meaning behind Sano’s usage of Santa Claus and Christmas.

As most people know, Santa can be seen as a symbol of generosity, childhood innocence, hope and belief, as well love, kindness, and compassion, which were things that Eiji had throughout his childhood. Sure, it wasn’t healthy to live under Reiko’s care, but Eiji was blessed in his childhood, unlike the twins who experienced nothing but hardship. That’s why Dali was angry when Eiji asked about Santa, as he only had loneliness, trauma, grief, neglect, disillusionment, and isolation throughout his childhood, and was likely jealous of Eiji who had such a great life. Santa never coming to Dali could symbolize a loss of his innocence and the fact that Dali’s dreams and desires were never met.

After the twins returned home from the Ichijo house after the fire, Migi finally got to experience the happy family life he’s always wanted, yet Dali stayed in the shadows. He seemed happy that his beloved brother would finally get “visited by Santa”, but I’m pretty sure that Dali wanted it too. Yet, he forced himself into Migi’s shadow likely because of his guilt and self-loathing stemming from the aftermath of his revenge, which is reinforced by the idea that Santa only gives gifts to good children. Indeed, while Dali saw Migi as good, he saw himself as bad, unforgivable, and undeserving of happiness. That could explain why he was so shocked to see that he received a present too. But more importantly, the real present he received was love, a family’s love, something that he didn’t have but wanted deep down for so very long, which is highlighted in his crying during breakfast, as it was asserted to Dali that he was a good boy and deserved happiness too.

A comment on a previous post of mine asked whether this was a Christmas story. In my opinion, it sure is. Although the story is quite dark with elements of revenge, it strongly aligns with many core Christmas themes such as joy, love, family, forgiveness, and redemption, and the fact that pivotal plot events occurred on Christmas certainly cements this idea. That's one reason why I view this story really as Dali's story rather than the twins', as it was all about Dali's struggle in overcoming not just his dark past but his own sins as well as himself, and it was through love and family that he was finally able to accept himself and find redemption.

[biboocat]

Villette, 1853

Wow, I was so impressed with this noveI! I was struck by its deep introspection, courageous exploration of loneliness, and somber realism. The protagonist, Lucy Snowe, is a highly perceptive and repressed young woman who, having no better option, stoically faces life’s hardships as a teacher abroad without family, fortune, or exceptional physical beauty. She is an outsider who can acutely observe her world but is constrained from fully participating in it. It is a heartbreaking and dark masterpiece with great psychological insight and beautiful, emotive prose. By the time it was written Charlotte Brontë had lost her five beloved siblings and mother. She died two years following its publication in 1855 at age 38.

The story does have several remarkable coincidences that may be criticized by today’s standards, but I’ve encountered this in other Victorian novels. I read an opinion that postulated classical literature’s influence, in particular the theme of Fate, and religious belief in Providence, both extant in the 19th century, made this device more commonplace.

Some memorable passages:

It’s early on, and I’m charmed by precociously sensitive 6 yo Polly. I like Lucy Snowe’s observant nature that is wise beyond her years in her observation of Polly: “‘A very unique child’, thought I, as I viewed her sleeping countenance by the fitful moonlight, and cautiously and softly wiped her glittering eyelids and her wet cheeks with my handkerchief. ‘How will she get through this world, or battle with this life? How will she bear the shocks and repulses, the humiliations and desolations, which books and my own reason tell me are prepared for all flesh?‘

“Many a times since have I noticed, in persons of Ginerva Fanshawe’s light, careless temperament, and fair, fragile style of beauty, an entire incapacity to endure. They seem to sour in adversity, like small beer in thunder. The man who takes such a woman for his wife ought to be prepared to guarantee her an existence all sunshine. Indignant at last with her teasing peevishness, I curtly requested her to ‘hold her tongue’.”

“I seemed to hold two lives – the life of thought, and that of reality.“

Her nerve and psychological acumen: first teaching day coup. 79-80

She is a depressive during the school break.

Where the bodily presence is weak and speech contemptible, surely there cannot be error in making written language of the medium of better utterance than faltering lips can achieve?

This hag, this Reason, would not let me look up, or smile, or hope; she cannot rest unless I were altogether crushed, cowed, broken in, and broken down. According to her, I was born only to work for a piece of bread, to await the pains of death, and steadily through all life to despond. Reason might be right; yet no wonder we are glad of times to defy her, to rush under her rod and give a truant hour to Imagination, her soft, bright foe, our sweet Help, our divine Hope. We shall and must break bounds at intervals, despite the terrible revenge that awaits our return. p223

No mockery in this world ever sounds to me so hollow as that of being told to cultivate happiness. What does such advice mean? Happiness is not a potato, to be planted in mould, and tilled with manure.

If life be a war, it seemed my destiny to conduct it single-handed. p288

Life is so constructed that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation. p395

Yes, it (solitude) is sadness. Life, however, has worse than that. Deeper than melancholy lies heartbreak. p410

There is, in lovers, a certain infatuation of egotism. They will have a witness of their happiness, cost that witness what it may. p410

In this outer rank I took place. I’d rather like to find myself the silent, unknown, consequently unaccosted neighbor of the short petticoat and the sabot, and only the distant gazer at the silk robe, the velvet mantle, and the plumed chapeau. Amidst so much life and joy, too, it suited me to be alone – quite alone. Having neither wish nor power to force my way through a mass so close-packed, my station was on the farthest confines, where, indeed, I might hear, but could see little. p438

1 5Feb'53: Villette! Villette! Have you read it? I am only just returned to a sense of the real world about me for I have been reading Villette, a still more wonderful book than Jane Eyre. There is something almost preternatural in its power. - George Eliot

[inherpower]

The Tapestry

I don’t think that my g/g grandmother was the first one to stop herself from speaking up but she’s the one that I seem to be linked to. The three generations between us I’m certain had their fair share of silencing but from my vantage point, all the women in my family were strong and didn’t take no mess. It wasn’t until many of them passed that I learned how they altered their lives for their loved ones, for their community. I’m not sure what hopes and dreams my great grandmother, grandmother or great aunts had but I can say that they did a lot with the lives that they had.

As a child I remember feeling as though I was living my life backwards. That I was experiencing all the pain, sadness and hardship in the beginning so that I could live out he joy and greatness towards the end. This was confirmed by a cousin who said that at a young age he would often find me staring off like I was deep in thought. I wasn’t sure why but I knew that my life had a heaviness to it. Sure I experienced trauma at a young age but I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to just move on and being happy like the other kids. I tried to fake it at the very least. But that never worked.

When you are born into this life carrying the pain of not only past lives but generational hurt you don’t know what you’re holding. I’ve read many articles, listened to many podcasts and joined friendly conversations about healing generational pain/trauma, but no one talks about how exceptionally hard that is. Especially when you aren’t able to talk to the previous generations who endured some serious trails by fire. That’s not to say that they would engage me in conversation anyway. My grandmother never spoke about her life as far as I knew. And she certainly wasn’t going to divulge any information to her grandchild.

I would’ve loved to know how my grandmother endured heartache after heartache. How she weaved together joy, pain, anger, loneliness, and beauty into a tapestry of art work that would get passed down to me. I know I have their resilience as well. The women in my family, though silent in their struggles, made something beautiful. I never got to see my g/g grandmother but I got to be raised up around my great aunts. The sisters of my grandmother each held a special magic that created a symphony of light, power and passion when put together. I remember family reunions and admiring the smiles, laughter and even enthusiastic shoulder bounces and hip sways when we would dance the electric slide. These women were (and still are) magic to me.

The picture of my g/g grandmother sits on my counter with a picture of my great grandmother and biological mother who have all passed. At times I look at her picture and stare at her solemn face as she sits on a couch looking back at me with dead eyes that seem to want to say so much but stop short of letting out any words. I feel the pull of my ancestors calling me. Now that I’ve done this ritual I’m not sure what else will come. Maybe this will be an opportunity to connect with other ancestors that I haven’t had a chance to connect with before. I do know that part of my healing work with my g/g grandmother is telling my story. I’m in a weird space right now. God is setting me apart, keeping me safe as I come to YHWH seeking sustenance day after day. I know these posts may sound all over the place and that’s cause I kinda feel all over the place. But if you stick around you’re gonna get to see me blossom and shine. It’s time for me to be seen.

[selfshippingwhore]

Firiel Callista Ithacis

Nickname(s): Firi (by close friends and family), Little Dove (by Odysseus)

Age: 19 at the start of Epic: The Musical, 39 when Odysseus returns

Height: 5’3”

Body Type: Delicately petite yet soft and curvy, with a graceful presence

Appearance:

• Firiel has long, wavy white hair that cascades down her back, a rare and ethereal trait that sets her apart.

• Her eyes are a soft, oceanic blue, filled with warmth and quiet strength.

• She has fair, porcelain skin that flushes easily, making her frequent blushing all the more noticeable.

• She often wears simple yet elegant dresses in muted blues, creams, and pastels, with embroidery of olive branches, waves, or stars.

⸻

Personalty and traits

• Sweet & Gentle – Firiel is known for her kindness, soft-spoken nature, and unwavering patience.

• Blushes Easily – Whether from compliments, teasing, or embarrassment, her fair complexion betrays her emotions.

• Fiercely Loyal – Her love for Odysseus and Ithaca is unwavering, and she stands by her people no matter the hardships.

• Quietly Strong – Though she appears delicate, she possesses a quiet resilience that helps her endure loneliness and hardships.

• Soft but Playful – She enjoys small jokes and moments of levity, especially with Odysseus and Telemachus.

• Dreamer at Heart – Often found gazing at the sea, wondering about the world beyond, though Ithaca will always be home.

• Deeply Devoted – She prays to Athena for wisdom, strength, and guidance, seeking comfort in her presence.

• Loving Mother – Telemachus is her greatest treasure, and she ensures he grows up knowing love despite Odysseus’s absence.

⸻

Family & Relationships

Odysseus (Husband)

• Firiel fell for Odysseus’s cleverness, humor, and surprising tenderness despite his reputation for trickery and wit.

• Their love is filled with soft touches, knowing glances, and playful teasing, but also deep, aching devotion.

• Odysseus calls her “Little Dove”, comparing her to something pure, gentle, and steadfast.

• Before leaving for war, he kissed her forehead and promised to return, a promise that kept her going.

• Despite 20 years apart, Odysseus never stopped loving her and thought of her constantly.

• When he returns, he finds her as beautiful as the day he left, though her eyes hold the weight of years.

Telemachus (Son)

• The light of her life, Telemachus is a reminder of Odysseus’s love.

• She raises him with stories of his father, ensuring he grows up proud of his lineage.

• She teaches him kindness, patience, and wisdom, balancing Odysseus’s fiery spirit with her gentleness.

• Though he wishes for a warrior’s father, Telemachus respects his mother’s strength in holding their home together.

Laertes (Odysseus’s Father)

• Firiel treats Laertes with deep respect and care, ensuring he is well looked after.

• He sees her as a daughter in every way, admiring her patience and resilience.

• Laertes often tells Telemachus, “You have your mother’s heart, and that is a strength greater than any sword.”

Anticlea (Odysseus’s Mother)

• Anticlea adored Firiel and saw her as the perfect match for Odysseus.

• Before her passing, she worried about Firiel’s loneliness and wished for her happiness.

• Even in the underworld, she longs to see Firiel smile again when Odysseus returns.

Ctimene (Odysseus’s Younger Sister)

• Ctimene and Firiel were close, bonding over their love for Odysseus.

• Ctimene saw Firiel as soft but strong, a rare balance in Ithacan women.

• When Firiel struggled with Odysseus’s absence, Ctimene reassured her, “He’ll always find his way back to you.”

⸻

Pets

Firiel owns a small white dove named Selene, a gift from Odysseus before he left. The bird serves as a symbol of their love, always returning to her after flights, much like Odysseus’s eventual return.

⸻

What Other Characters Think of Her

Odysseus

• Odysseus adores Firiel beyond words, cherishing her quiet strength and boundless love.

• She is his anchor, his heart, the place he longs to return to.

• During his journey, he thinks of her at night, under the stars, wondering if she still waits for him.

• When he finally returns, his first thought is, “She’s more beautiful than any kingdom, any treasure.”

• He never doubted her faithfulness, but seeing her devotion makes him weep.

Eurycleia (Nursemaid)

• Firiel is like a daughter to her, and Eurycleia ensures she is cared for.

• She often says, “Your patience rivals Penelope’s.”

Athena (Goddess Firiel Prays To)

• Firiel prays to Athena, seeking wisdom and strength to guide her and Telemachus.

• She feels Athena’s presence in her quiet moments, believing the goddess watches over Odysseus as well.

• Athena admires her patience and unwavering faith, seeing her as a different kind of warrior—one who waits rather than fights.

Penelope (Queen of Ithaca in Canon)

• In this version, Penelope and Firiel share similar struggles, waiting for their husbands.

•, Penelope respects Firiel’s gentle yet unshakable love for Odysseus.

The Suitors

• Some admire Firiel’s beauty and sweetness,

• Firiel is kind but distant, ensuring she remains untouchable.

Poseidon

• The god of the sea has no strong opinion of Firiel, seeing her as insignificant in his feud with Odysseus.

• However, her quiet prayers for Odysseus to return safely irk him, as if her love challenges his wrath.

⸻

Final Thoughts

Firiel Callista Ithacis is a beacon of devotion, patience, and unwavering love. While others wage wars and fight monsters, she fights her own battle—waiting, believing, and holding Ithaca together.

And when Odysseus finally steps foot on Ithacan soil, the first word from his lips is her name—

“Firiel.”

[pizza-writes5001]

A Tough Needle to Thread: On Family, Growing Up, and My Relationship With Intimacy as a Cisgender Young Man

I want to, need to, tell my life story (abridged).

So here it is!

First, I want to share some background on my parents, and I'll try to be brief about that.

They both grew up in the 60s and 70s. My dad in a Mormon-ish family in a small town in Alaska, that only existed because of the oil pipeline and a military base (the latter being the reason my grandparents moved their family there); and my mom in a Catholic household in West Seattle.

Both knew a lot of hardships growing up, but both came out of each home with hearts still full of love, to my luck.

They met each other in college in Seattle, and got together in their early twenties. Kids in love. I'd have to ask, in order to find out how long they were together, but they were together long enough to have me and my brother in the early 90s; and then they were divorced in the late 90s.

In their youth, things were actually pretty great between them from everything I've heard. They had a lot of adventures together.

But after they got married and started on the prospect of having a family together, things changed.

The details here are still not completely known to me, but it was around this time that my dad began having affairs. I think there were two other women in total, but there actually may have even been a third, or even fourth, etc. I really don't know. His father had cheated on his mother, so I think somewhere in his mind he figured it was somehow okay. Anyway, there were at least two women my dad cheated on my mom with. And obviously this ate away at their marriage, but my mom continued to love my dad.

This is all sad -- I know! But understand that this is now ancient history, although the effect of the haphazard nature of their family planning still ripples in my life.

And that's actually why I'm writing all this.

If you ever met my brother, especially when he was growing up, you would say that, even as a child, he was obviously hanging onto some kind of bitter resentment. You would notice a thousand-yard stare, a palpable loneliness, and a righteous anger about this being the hand he was dealt.

If you met me when I was growing up, you would notice a boisterous, outgoing, and fun-loving kid. Somehow, happy as a kid could be basically.

It's interesting how these things happen. Because, why were my brother and I so different? And I've thought about this a lot in more recent years.

I learned things about my parents' relationship by happenstance, and then questions, and then I thought about all of it for quite a long time. I believe my mom has known the whole deal the entire time. But I think she never wanted to share her more visceral feelings on it with me because she wanted me to have a good relationship with my dad. That's my theory anyway. And it worked. I love my dad.

Given everything I've learned, I think when my parents were together my dad hadn't healed from some stuff that happened to him and his siblings in his childhood, which I won't get into here.

I think by now he feels that he’s healed as much as he needs to -- he's been to therapy, after all. And I suspect he might be right. In the end, tragically, him healing wouldn't mean my parents getting back together or anything, which I think is what my inner child would prefer. He and my mom just didn't have any business staying together in pursuit of having a family, at the time that they went for it. They weren't the right fit for that. They've both happily remarried, so I think it's safe to put that notion to bed anyway.

So, my brother being the older one, they had him first...erm, obviously.

At the time I think my dad, newly married, was feeling the pressures of a past generation, and the pressures of coming from a somewhat religious family, all weighing down on him. I think he was intimidated by the changes, a little clueless -- and not really committed to the idea of starting a family. But I think his relationship with my mom was a safe place for him at the time, them having been together since they were so young and all. But the more committed they became to settling down, the less present he was able to be. Because ultimately, he was still that scared, hurt, little boy who needed to be there for himself. But he was still far from knowing this about himself. But it was at this time in their lives that they conceived my older brother, and it's these reasons I think my brother has always carried a burden with him.

So yeah, my dad never should have committed to anybody at the time. But he was young and foolish, so, ya know.

Despite the challenges in their marriage, they charged ahead a couple years later and conceived me. I think at this time, my dad was trying to take on the role of 'father figure' with more of a sense of commitment, though I think it was a contrived one. I believe it was my dad not wanting to back down from what I think he perceived to be some challenge to his integrity, or something. So, I believe he was leaning on his ego more than rhyme or reason by this point. And maybe my mom was, too. And for my dad, there was probably also pressure from his sisters to be a loyal husband and not embarrass them, because they liked my mom. Or at least, I think, there may have been pressure to do things the right way; whatever it was he was going to do with his life.

He had a better paying job by this point and was really putting his back into the whole 'family man' role. And really, I think he's always liked having a family. And I think he always liked having a partner in marriage.

But as to whether he liked being a father and a husband? I don't know.

At the time, I think he was too young to be able to appreciate those things.

By the time of my childhood, I think the connective tissue of their marriage was wearing thin. I have tons of great memories from my childhood from when they were still together, and plenty of lovely and good vibes to remember it by, but their marriage was coming to its conclusion.

I feel that I am the product of my dad's youthful, misguided lust for life and my mom's boundless ability to love those she cares for. She loved my father. Would have gone to the ends of the earth with him I think, really.

But I think by this time their connection was standing mostly on ego and physical reciprocation. So it stands to reason that one night when I was, say, 3? Maybe 4? I went to their bedroom in our small house, their door not locked, not even closed, and there they were having sex right there on their bed.

Obviously that's fine!

But of course, I do now see this coincidence through the lens of what I know after everything I've learned.

And maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here, maybe I'm misinterpreting; but it seems to me the desperation of not locking the door, not even closing it, when they knew I was in a big phase of preferring to sleep in their bed (it was more often than not at that age), it feels...reckless to me, I guess. Rushed. As though, aside from sex, nothing would make their marriage feel any better to be in. It's possible I'm projecting, but I get the sense that my thinking here is on the right track, even if I may be missing details that may inform this account better.

I laid on the bed while they were doin' it (they didn't notice me right away) because I had no idea what they were doing. Not judgmental, not traumatized, just confused by this mysterious thing they were doing. And then they noticed I was there, and they quickly stopped and got dressed etc., and let me sleep in their bed.

At the time my dad had said to me that they were just "hugging and kissing", a rushed explanation that maybe should have just been replaced with 'the talk', but I can understand the need to say something, anything. To explain it, somehow, in this unique situation they were in. I wonder, had it been a more copacetic relationship, if this memory would be more funny than confusing. It is kinda funny tho.

Anyway, two or three years later, they were divorced. My dad was less present in our lives as time went by, but he’s always made the effort he’s been able to. To this day he makes an honest-to-god effort, to help us succeed. But he always had his own life to tend to, his path to find.

And then it was just my mom, me, and my brother in the house, my mom holding it down, working full time. My dad paid child support, and then some. At first, we would see him every other weekend for a while; sometimes more, sometimes less (he would leave for Alaska again when I turned 15 and be pretty much out of the picture by then except for phone calls, occasional visits, and financial assistance). But the cracks all started to show in our family's adhesiveness. To be honest, it seems like there are still cracks that are just now revealing themselves, and I'm 31 now. But now it feels like those cracks are filling with gold, a beautiful thing I may write about.

Somehow, for really no logical reason, I learned shame at a very young age. And that, combined with being left alone in the house a lot; and in my highschool years learning a bad habit of relying on drugs, all led me to a learned pattern of spiraling. Truthfully, I think if weed had been legal at the time I could have avoided some of the harder drugs and pastimes I chased so much.

Following that, growing up in a rural area, when both of my parents were still in a more metropolitan mindset, I started to feel so disconnected. I always considered myself to be a more metropolitan person, although I deeply cherish time spent bushwhacking and being outdoors. But culturally, I’ve always felt I belonged somewhere with more people with more varying mindsets and opinions, or if that’s a misinterpretation, I want to be somewhere where there’s more to do than just drink at a bar somewhere. It's never really felt like the right venue for me.

Add to that, the drugs and the spiraling caused me to push people away whom I cared about. So that by the time I was 25, I had no friends left, and had been experiencing the most profound loneliness that would persist until, well to be honest, now, at age 31. Because honestly, it can be really hard to reach out in these circumstances.

And now I'm unhappy with Meta, so it doesn't feel like reaching out by Facebook is something I'd like to do. And I'm not even sure it's the right thing anyway. And therapy costs money that I don’t have. I do have things in motion but they’re moving…so…damn...slowly

But anyway. My life has been a lesson in discerning truths in an environment where people shine you on, or lean on ego to explain away complicated feelings and relationship dynamics. And too often it seemed like they expected me to be a solution to all their problems, so there was always that pressure (although their faith in that notion came with perks, a combination that I think stuck me in a sort of gilded cage).

I'm becoming an expert at being alone, though my family is now a fantastic support system that I can lean on. But I wish things weren't like this, although I think things are getting better in my life. But I still live in the middle of nowhere and am jobless because of the sheer challenge of having to cope with the wake of this destruction. And am still feeling alone because it's so hard to meet somebody who can appreciate you, and hard to meet somebody you can appreciate in turn.

So...the moral of the story is don't have kids unless you have a strong, informed urge to do so. Lol

[patrickajohn]

Getting To Know About The Book About Hope by Roxie McLaughlin

Life started with pain for Aliyah. She was born from a drug deal and rejected by her father. Her mother’s addiction made things worse. Aliyah grew up feeling unwanted and unloved. However, she faced hardships no child should go through. But her story is not just about suffering. It is about finding hope, love, and strength. Aliyah’s journey, told in Dope Over Daughter – Dandelion Child by Roxie McLaughlin, is a powerful story of survival. Despite her painful past, she never gave up. Moreover, they gave her the love she never had. With their support, she learned to embrace who she was. This book about hope by Roxie McLaughlin shows how addiction can hurt families but also how love and determination can bring healing. 

A Childhood of Struggles

Aliyah’s early life was filled with struggles. She was abandoned by her parents and had no real home. However, her mother’s addiction meant that she often felt alone. She was not given the love and care a child needs. Growing up in such conditions made her feel lost. She had to deal with feelings of rejection every day. But despite the pain, Aliyah never gave up. She found comfort in small moments of kindness. She looked for hope even when things seemed dark. This part of the book shows how a child can feel when they are neglected. This book about hope reminds readers that children in such situations need help and love. 

The Power of Love and Support

Aliyah’s life changed when her paternal grandparents stepped in. They gave her what she had never received before—love and care. With them, she felt safe. However, they helped her heal from the deep wounds of her past. They made her believe in herself and her future. Through their support, Aliyah learned to accept her mixed heritage. She stopped feeling ashamed of where she came from and embraced her identity. Love helped her find her true self. This part of her story shows how important family support is. Even when parents fail, others can step in and make a difference. Moreover, this book about hope is one of its kind and very rare to find nowadays.

Ending Note

Aliyah’s journey is proof that healing is possible. She faced rejection, loneliness, and pain. But she refused to let her past define her future. She forgave those who hurt her and chose to move forward. She learned that she was more than her struggles. Moreover, this book about hope shows how addiction can harm innocent lives, but it also proves that love can heal even the deepest wounds. Roxie McLaughlin shares this story to inspire others. No matter how hard life gets, there is always hope. With love and support, anyone can rise above their past and find happiness.

[how2fit]

Life is filled with hardships. But despite these hardships, humans always find a way to band together to help one another. The human spirit is unbreakable! Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. - William Ellery Channing Let's celebrate the power of the human spirit that allows us to rise above our circumstances and emerge stronger. This week, we have positive stories about: A nonprofit is helping hurricane victims get back on their feet An abandoned dog finds a loving forever home A young girl visits long-term care facilities to bring joy to patients A man travels hundreds of miles to help the dogs of the homeless   Weekly Uplifting Stories - July 29th, 2024 Non-profit provides disaster relief supplies to communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl. A hurricane, flooding, power outages, and a heat wave - the residents of Houston can't seem to catch a break! Hurricane Beryl has put a financial burden on the residents. They now face the monumental task of rebuilding and restoring their damaged homes. Melissa Ellis, founder of Life Beyond Water Global Outreach teamed up with several other groups to help the community recover. They served a total of 900 hot meals and 10,000 bottles of water to people in need. "The people of Houston are exhausted and we just wanted to be able to help," Ellis said. Her group continues to work towards bringing essential food and supplies to other communities hit by the hurricane.     A rescue dog bonds with his new owner through music. During a morning run, Sanjay came across a terrified Indie puppy hiding beneath a parked bus. Sanjay thought of taking him home but decided against it since he was still grieving the loss of his own pet. But he couldn't get the image of the distressed pup out of his mind. He eventually welcomed the dog into his home. It took 5 months for Walter to warm up to Sanjay. He began building a strong connection with Sanjay by singing along with him. "It is funny how, a few years ago, I was contemplating keeping him with us, but today I cannot imagine our lives without him. After all, you know, Walter may have lost his family, but he did find his home in us," said Sanjay. From being an abandoned pup to a singing companion to becoming an inseparable family member, Walter's journey is a heartwarming testament to the power of unconditional love and second chances.   A young girl surprises patients in long-term care facilities with companion animal toys. Evelyn's Blessings delivers therapy companion animals, which are realistic stuffed animal toys that can breathe, bark, meow, and even move. Through her non-profit, nine-year-old Evelyn is bringing joy and companionship to the elderly. ”It’s nice when I see them come into the room and they don’t know what’s going on and then I show them why they are here. After, they are so happy,” Evelyn said. Her goal is to bring comfort to patients in long-term care facilities, who often struggle with loneliness. “He is still I don’t have to chase him, clean up after him, or feed him, so what better could you have?” Resident JoAnne explained as she petted her stuffed dog.   This dog lover travels hundreds of miles to deliver food and veterinary care to pets of the homeless. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdO-s4dhFlk[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdO-s4dhFlk[/embed] Meet Paul Crowell. This San Francisco resident travels over a hundred miles every month to help the dogs of the homeless. He takes care of 60-80 dogs, giving out about 200 pounds of dog food per week! Paul provides food, harnesses, and leashes to dogs living in homeless camps. He also takes them to the vet.  His non-profit Project Open Paw is receiving a lot of support from people around the world. It goes to show how the actions of a single person can inspire an entire community to rally behind a cause! "There's no real reason that I do this work outside of just a love of these animals. The one thing is their dogs.

That's what keeps them going and often times that's just what gives them a reason to live and carry on period," said Paul.    July 29 2024: What's Your Uplifting Story? And that wraps it up for this week!  As always, if you have any Uplifting Stories of your own, you can contact us in the comments below, or reach out on our Instagram page. We might just share your story in a future article. Thanks everyone for reading, and have an uplifting week ahead. Take care and see you next week!  Photo by Sam Lion