#such great Watford art

[monbons]

Stitches and Sentences Roundup 2024

Thanks for the tags on your writing round ups @run-for-chamo-miles, @drowninginships, and @emeryhall! I just got back from a weeklong trip and instead of doing laundry, I'm joining in on the roundup fun.

FIC I moved from lurker to active fandom participant this year with a bang. I posted my first fic ever for EGF and have basically been writing or posting non-stop since then. I wrote/co-wrote 5 fics this year and clocked in at 101, 725 words.

Kill Em With Kindness - rated T, 6.5k, Watford-Era, getting together fic

When no one seems to care that Baz is sad, Simon steps in to help. The only reasonable explanation for all Simon's kindness is that he's trying to kill Baz, right? (My most popular fic as measured by kudos.)

Knock Your Socks Off - rated T, 4k, Watford-Era, 7th year fic

Baz steals Simon's socks. Simon blames the sock monster. Chaos ensues.

The Eternal Life of Baz Pitch - rated M, 42k, Addie LaRue AU, a truly epic romance

Told in two alternating timelines that span from 1700s Hampshire all the way to early 2000's Washington, DC, this fic follows Baz as he spends centuries searching for the love of all his lives. (This was the fic that convinced me I could write long and holds a very special place in my heart. Is it angsty? Yes. Is it some of the most beautiful prose I've ever written? Also yes.)

The Boy Next Door - rated M, 47k, and they were neighbors AU, a coming of age romance

When Simon moves in with his gran, he decides to befriend the mysterious boy next door. He changes both their lives in the process. (My most popular fic by literally every other measure.)

The Reason for The Season - rated T, 1.6k, text fic, co-written with @thewholelemon

Dev and Niall make a list. Holiday hijinks abound. (A bday gift for @mooncello)

ART I do not currently have a great way to track my dolls and searched my Instagram to do the math, only to realize I hadn't posted every doll I made either! (If anyone has a good art tracking system, I'm open to ideas.) If my count is correct, I clocked in at a grand total of 35 dolls this year, including:

10 Simons

15 Bazzes

2 Pennys

2 Nialls

2 Devs

1 Mage

1 Fiona

1 Agatha

1 Shep

The picture below shows my earliest dolls, where I was still experimenting with style and form. As you can see, many of them are quite flat. (Fun fact: All of these dolls--including their clothing--were made before I owned a sewing machine.)

Going 3D was actually an accident, but we have the Watford Baz and Simon below to thank for it! After committing to 3D dolls, I kept evolving my pattern---improving joints, proportions, and adding details like ears!---until we reached my most current iterations.

Now every doll has their own special pattern that takes into account their canon proportions, where available. Notice Baz is tall and slender where Simon is extra fluffy!

I did not include any of the dolls I created for COC 2024 since I assume everyone has seen them already, but I linked the master post in case you missed a day.

Finally, in addition to dolls, I also created 2 plushies (a merwolf and a bunbaz) plus 12 finger puppets this year.

It's hard to quantify dolls like fics, especially since almost every doll before COC did not have a dedicated tumblr post. However, here are some fun art stats:

Most Popular Art Post: The Watford Map

Most Popular Doll: FIONA!

Second Most Popular Doll: Felt Smut (Look @emeryhall! Dragonboy Simon is indeed the sexiest given that this is my duplicate of your doll!)

I also had three art collaborations this year:

Baz and The Prophecy - Doll and Tapestry, a COTTA collaboration with @iamamythologicalcreature

Ballet Baz and Disco Simon - a CORB collaboration with @melodysmash (Read the fic she wrote--Body Language. It is as adorable as these dolls!)

Watford Advent Map - a tapestry made for COC 2024 with help from @rimeswithpurple

While it has definitely been a fabulously productive year, I think my greatest achievement has been all the new friendships I've fostered because of fandom. Y'all bring me so much joy, and I am so happy I found this little corner of the internet.

I am currently drained of all creative energy (I can't imagine why!), so you may not hear from me for a while. However, I promise I am still around---likely catching up on all the fic and art I've missed while being a literal word and doll factory. With all that said, if you have an idea and wanna collab in the new year, I'm all ears and tons of fun!

Hellos and high-fives for the last time in 2024! @alexalexinii, @argumentativeantitheticalg, @aristocratic-otter, @arthurkko, @artsyunderstudy

@best--dress, @blackberrysummerblog, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @bookish-bogwitch, @confused-bi-queer

@cutestkilla, @emeryhall, @facewithoutheart, @harrie-leithillustration, @hushed-chorus

@ic3que3n, @ileadacharmedlife, @katatsumuli, @larkral, @letraspal

@martsonmars, @messofthejess, @mooncello, @noblecorgi, @orange-peony

@raenestee, @rbkzz, @roomwithanopenfire, @shrekgogurt, @skeedelvee

@stitchyqueer, @supercutedinosaurs, @talentpiper11, @twinkle-twinkle-up-above, @theimpossibledemon

@valeffelees, @whatevertheweather, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @youarenevertooold

[aristocratic-otter]

Welp, I wasn't going to post today...but then I realized that the final chapter of Heart in the Well will go up before Sunday, and that'll render the excerpt I carefully picked out obsolete by then. So I scrambled to pick bits from my other stories just so I could post this one excerpt. Go me!

The good news about Heart being done? I've got a new WIP plotted out that I'm super excited about, but I wouldn't let myself write anything until one of my WIPs finished. So next week or the week after, you should see the first words from that fic, a very very angsty Watford era canon divergence.

In the mean time, thank you to : @monbons, @messofthejess, @rimeswithpurple, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @best--dress,

@nausikaaa, @youarenevertooold, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @artsyunderstudy, @j-nipper-95, and

@facewithoutheart for the tags over the last two weeks. I'm having so much fun reading and watching your stories and art. This is such an incredibly talented fandom, it's endlessly inspiring. Plus, I get to meet some of you soon when I see Rainbow in August!

Here's my teasers for this week:

Here’s one from each of my official WIPs

From Saving Simon Snow: 

I shake my head now, thinking about it. I’ll just have to keep close to Simon, or at least, as close as he’ll allow me. At least my vampire anatomy gives me an advantage there; I can listen to what’s happening with Simon from three rooms away (I won’t, unless it’s a matter of his safety. It’s a gross invasion of his privacy otherwise) (fortunately, I had to learn to tune out the chatter of my peers by my 2nd year at Watford, or I would have gone mad). 

From the Heart in the Well

He looks back at me and then frowns. “Well, come on then,” he says, impatiently. 

“Come on, what?” I say, exasperated. The water’s up to my breastbone now, and I’m starting to feel a little panicky, so my voice comes out higher pitched than I’d like. 

Now, he rolls his eyes. “I need your tie,” he says as if it were obvious. It was not obvious. “Take it off, please.” At that, I shiver a little. I never thought there’d be a day where Simon Snow would be telling me to take off my clothes.

From Snow Fox: Penny, learning you can’t go home again (especially if you’ve signed on with the Snow Fox)

I step onto the road and walk briskly towards the house I grew up in. I can tell when I’ve been noticed. Several heads swivel my direction, and the murmur of conversation in the camp ceases. I keep on as if I haven’t noticed however. As I draw closer, I nod distractedly at some of the boys nearer to my path. They don't nod back. They’re watching me with narrowed eyes and I shudder internally. What do they see when they look at me?

From TikTok Dancer: Quite a bit racier than what I usually post, but still Tumblr legal, I think

Years from now, if I, for some odd reason, try to explain how my first time having sex felt, I won’t be able to. There’s no describing it.  I’m planning to get a degree in words, for fuck’s sake, but right now, all language has left me, sailed back to England probably. I’m left with caveman grunts and desperate whines. Every particle of sensation in my body has gathered between my legs, and every atom of will I have left is devoted to an attempt to meld my body with his. I’ve almost succeeded–we’re nearly one creature now, moving in frantic, panting unison. 

From Stars, Flowers, and Children,

I know he’s been looking for me. I know he’s probably forgiven my great sin. He shouldn’t. Forgiveness requires that the person who receives it is contrite, is sorry for what they’ve done. 

I’m not sorry. I’d do it again today, if the circumstances were the same. 

Even being estranged from the only person in this world that I care about is still better than the permanent separation that would result if we were rescued. 

I believe that we’ll be friends again someday. Some day when the pain in my chest and stomach have dulled. And that day is worth waiting for.

From Cupid’s Shield:

I’m left gaping at where he just stood. It’s suddenly clear to me how much of his vampire abilities Baz has been hiding, because I was looking right at him. 

I never saw him move. 

All I know is suddenly he’s above me, and my arms are above my head and prisoned to the bed by his hands clamped around my wrists. I’m so stunned that I don’t even struggle. 

His knees are on either side of my hips, and he’s staring down at me like I’m his next meal. 

From my COBB project:

I know I should be worrying over tomorrow, and what my team will face out there. And I will be worrying over that—tomorrow. Tonight, I’m far more worried about the hours ahead. Hours of, once again, sharing a room with the only man I’ve ever loved. A man who’s never looked at me as anything other than a posh prick. 

That’s my fault, of course. It could have been different, all those years ago, when we first met at Watford Uni. I was excited, back then, to meet my roommate. Excited, and nervous. I freely admit I’ve had a privileged upbringing, and this would be the first time I’d ever shared a room. 

My childhood was mostly lonely, so I didn’t mind the idea. I’d thought it’d be nice to always have someone nearby to talk to. 

Of course, everyone knows how that turned out.

As others have said recently, please let me know if you no longer want to be tagged and I'll take you off of my tag list. Unless I hear otherwise, I assume you're like me, and like to hear from people even if you're not feeling like sharing yourself.

Tags and cheers to: @chen-chen-chen-again-chen, @bazzybelle, @dragoneggos, @erzbethluna, @palimpsessed,

@frjsti, @fatalfangirl, @letraspal, @martsonmars, @melodysmash,

@moments-au-crayon22, @moodandmist, @mostlymaudlin, @onepintobean, @raenestee,

@tea-brigade, @upuntil6am, @whogaveyoupermission, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @krisrix,

@shemakesmeforget, @confused-bi-queer, @nightimedreamersghost,  @thewholelemon, @angelsfalling16,

@noblecorgi, @hushed-chorus, @whatevertheweather, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @mooncello,

@wellbelesbian, @ic3-que3n, @shrekgogurt, @cosmicalart,  @cutestkilla,

@theearlgreymage, @alexalexinii, @prettygoododds, @blackberrysummerblog, @bookish-bogwitch,

@Iamamythologicalcreature, @emeryhall, @larkral, @ileadacharmedlife, @thewholelemon 

[you-remind-me-of-the-babe]

Happy Sunday! I’m here with some recs today. Specifically, I’m sharing six Podfic recs, as a sneaky way to promo Caught on Tape: A Carry On Podfest. We are super excited to be running this fest for the first time, and in order to get you all jazzed for it, I’d like to highlight some amazing podfics that already exist in our fandom 🎉

Welcome to My Life, 55 min, Rated T, fic by @sillyunicorn and podficced by @captain-aralias

I was already obsessed with this fic when it was just a kernel of an idea based on this art by @letraspal where Baz has wings and Simon dresses in florals. The author took this Watford era role reversal to heart and really created a compelling story with a very angsty and Baz. Aralias did a fantastic job with Baz’s characterization and I found myself sucked into this story anew hearing it read aloud. (Aralias also has a number of great podfics. All are worth a listen)

15-Across, 43 min, Rated T, fic by @ninemagicks and podficced by @cottagepodfics

This Normal AU meet cute has Simonn wondering about the cute man he always sits next to on his morning train commute who does crosswords every morning. The utterly sweet vibe comes shining through in the reader’s performance, and has lost of fun touches with sound effects and voice modifications (to distinguish inner thoughts, text messages, etc) that just really make the experience such a fun listen.

I Meant it, You’ll See, 48 min, Rated T, fic by @otherworldsivelivedin and podficced by @petrodobreva

A kiss between friends in this Normal AU has Simon having sudden realizations that cause him to chase Baz down at a train station the next day. Great pining and excellent miscommunication that comes through in spades in the readers performance. Amazing music and sound effects add the perfect touch to really immerse you in this story.

Wasabi, 31 min, Rated E, written and read by xivz

The one where Simon is a cam boy and Baz has zero chill. Also, they were roommates. Man, this story is so hot and the way xivz reads this makes it infinitely hotter. They put on their sexy voice and gives us every delicious moan, groan and sigh. You’ll be fanning yourself and wiping your brow by the end!

A Case of Identity, 20-30 min, Rated T, fic by @ninemagicks and @sourcherrymagiks and podficced by @youarenevertooold

Simon finds an anonymous love letter written to him and hidden in a library book. So he responds, leading to a very funny and cute back and forth while he tries to figure out who it is. This reader has such lovely voices and characterizations for both Simon and Baz and just hits every joke perfectly. Seriously, you’ll be cackling and awwing the whole way through.

Everything’s Coming Up Roses, 65 min, Rated T, fic by @annabellelux and podficced by RattleandHum

An excellent Watford era Hanahaki fic, full of the angstiest love sick Baz. (The Hanahaki fics in this fandom are so good.) The reader does an excellent posh Baz and brings so much emotion to the table. And with 3 chapters you can listen in intervals easily without losing your place. I think this was my first Podfic in the fandom (and ever!) and I just remember being in awe that such a wonderful thing existed.

There are 47 podfics tagged in the CO fandom on AO3. Go give them a peek and get yourself excited about hearing more when the Podfest drops some new gems Oct 29-Nov 11th. Click on the link above to follow the blog for updates. 🎙️💕

[confused-bi-queer]

Fic writers self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics you've written, then pass it on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have already done it). Spread the self love ❤

Ah, thank you for this! ❤️

I'm doing this in no particular order of preference, just by how old the fics are.

Diving Right Into (WIP). E rated

This is a "what if Baz did have a tail in Watford?" coming from that line in AWTWB. It makes me proud still writing that fic because I feel like it was an impossible task to write an enemies to lovers along with hatred sex turned to sweet love making and the tail usage. It's been a long time of my trying to figure out how to write it but I like that it's helped me become a better writer.

2. The Second Chain. E rated

This I liked because I wrote it exclusively for me, in one day, because I felt like I needed more smut for myself. I loved the dynamic between Simon and Baz and the phrasing and imagery was incredible. Kudos to me, really.

3. Family Line. M Rated

I was going through a rough patch in my life and needed to vent with a huge amount of angst, and what's angstier than Simon's story with the Mage. I made the Mage be Simon's "father" without actually being his dad. And I was curious about the Mage so I wrote the fic as a character study and a retelling of the trilogy. I wanted so badly to figure out Simon better as well and I suffered a lot. I don't think I could have finished writing if the fandom hadn't suggested me writing Baz supporting Simon.

4. The Rise and Fall of Us (WIP). M rated.

This is my abandoned Ballet AU. It's not abandoned! But I've left it in the dark so a long time; I'll come back to it. Hopefully. I'm proud of this one because it put me in the map in the fandom and because I made a great friend thanks to it. It helped me reconnect with my dancing-loving part of myself, made me go over my comfort zone and helped me process things that happened at that time. And it has fanart! Having art of your words is a feeling I can't describe. It's been amazing.

5. Cautionary Tale (WIP). E rated.

And I'm sorry, fandom, for this one, but this is my MalMage fic and is one that fills me so much with pride. I spend over 2 years plotting everything that will come up and trying to create the universe so close to the canon and fanon that I almost believe MalMage IS canon. I went waaaay over the line with this fic. I'm writing Malcolm and David as Watford students, giving them their origin story to explain why Simon and Baz's parents are assholes, so it's been hard. I am proud of it but it's been difficult keeping writing it since just a few people are perceptive of it and it doesn't get hits, kudos or much of that, so I really am writing it for myself. I knew what I was getting into, but it's a great work.

Thank you for the ask!! I do have to write more, though, I want to have more work to promote

[mybeingthere]

MarK Drake-Briscoe produces classic paintings, using styles of the great artists of the past. 

"Mark Drake-Briscoe was born on the 19th of December 1964. In Watford, Hertfordshire, U.K. His early years were spent in the West Country in the county of Somerset. When he was six his father bought a house on the moorland countryside of Dartmoor in Devon. From an early age he showed a strong interest in artistic activities and when he left school he studied graphic design and fine art for two years at college in Torquay. He then went to live in London in the mid 1980's and it was here that he learned some fundamental techniques in paint finishes while employed at a painting restorer's workshop in Covent Garden. He had also at this time started to develop a fascination with oriental lacquer and eastern miniature painting. The museums of London provided a rich source of inspiration, with their collection of Chinese and  Japanese artefacts and the "Art of India" collections at the Victoria & Albert museum.

Briscoe started to experiment with some techniques for painting lacquered furniture. The experience he had gained working for a restorer had taught him a few tricks, in particular the use of gesso in priming a wooden surface which enables one to achieve a highly smooth ground on which to apply lacquer, a traditional technique that has been used by craftsmen over the centuries. He also learned some methods for painting fine gold decorative designs in the Persian style which he used to decorate small items of furniture. Although he was producing some fantastic results Briscoe was not fully satisfied with his achievements, and in 1988 he made a trip to India where he met an artist called Ram Krishna Sharma who made a living painting traditional Indian miniatures. Sharma lived in the beautiful city of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan, Northern India.

Sharma invited Briscoe to stay and learn the art of miniature painting, an opportunity which Briscoe jumped at having already seen what could be achieved with the skilful handling of an Indian miniaturists brush. The next few months of tuition under the guidance of R K Sharma taught Briscoe more about painting than all the years he had spent at college back in England. The use of line as practised by the Indian Masters with a very fine squirrel hair brush and a gum based paint solution were the basic foundations of all the great Eastern traditions of painting, whether Indian, Chinese, Japanese or Persian, the use of a gracefully flowing stylised line ran through all of them. By mastering the brush techniques employed in Indian miniature painting he realised that they could be successfully applied in other forms of artistic expression and would be of particular value in Chinoiserie decoration on lacquer furniture."

Source: Mark Briscoe - The Interior Designer's Artist.

[atlasauctionsonline]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: UK Police Bobby Law Enforcement Photography Roy Robinson Watford Wall Art.

[bxbridaltailor]

Perfecting Your Dream Dress: The Art of Wedding Dress Alterations with BX Bridal

Your wedding dress is more than just a garment; it's a symbol of love, dreams, and a lifetime of memories. At BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit in Watford, we understand the importance of your wedding gown and the intricate process of wedding dress alterations. Our team of bridal dress experts is dedicated to ensuring that your dress fits impeccably, enhancing your natural beauty and creating a silhouette that is truly breathtaking.

The Significance of Wedding Dress Alterations

Wedding dress alterations are a crucial step in the bridal journey, ensuring that your dress fits like a glove and flatters your figure. From minor adjustments to major transformations, alterations play a key role in perfecting your dream dress. Our bridal dress experts specialize in tailoring wedding gowns to perfection, taking into account every detail to achieve a flawless look that exceeds your expectations.

Consultation: Understanding Your Vision

The wedding dress alteration process begins with a consultation where our bridal dress experts get to know you and your vision for your dress. Whether you're looking to make minor tweaks or significant changes, we listen attentively to your preferences and offer professional advice to achieve the desired outcome. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Expert Tailoring: Creating a Custom Fit

One of the hallmarks of BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit in Watford is our expertise in tailoring wedding dresses to perfection. Our skilled seamstresses pay meticulous attention to detail, taking precise measurements and making adjustments to ensure that your dress fits flawlessly. From altering the bodice and hemline to adjusting straps and sleeves, every aspect of your dress is tailored to enhance your silhouette and provide maximum comfort.

Lace and Beadwork: Preserving Intricate Details

Many wedding dresses feature delicate lacework, intricate beadwork, and embellishments that require expert handling during alterations. Our bridal dress experts have the knowledge and experience to work with these intricate details, ensuring that the integrity of the design is preserved while achieving a custom fit. Whether it's repositioning lace appliques or securing beads and sequins, we take great care to maintain the beauty and elegance of your gown.

Timeline and Fittings: Ensuring a Stress-Free Experience

We understand that timing is crucial when it comes to wedding dress alterations. Our team at BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit in Watford works diligently to accommodate your schedule and ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. We schedule multiple fittings to assess the progress of alterations and make any necessary adjustments, allowing ample time for perfection before your wedding day.

Bridal Dress Preservation: Keeping Memories Alive

After your wedding day, preserving your dress is essential to keep the memories alive for years to come. Our bridal dress experts offer tips and guidance on dress preservation, including proper cleaning and storage techniques. We also provide preservation services to ensure that your gown remains in pristine condition, ready to be cherished as a cherished keepsake.

The BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit Difference

What sets BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit in Watford apart is our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Our team of bridal dress experts combines passion with precision, ensuring that every bride feels beautiful, confident, and radiant in her custom-fit gown. Whether you're looking for subtle alterations or dramatic transformations, we are here to make your wedding dress dreams a reality.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Bridal Experience with BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit

Your wedding dress is a reflection of your love story and personal style. At BX Bridal, Groom, Prom Dresses & Tailor Suit in Watford, we are dedicated to enhancing your bridal experience with our exceptional wedding dress alteration services. From expert tailoring to preserving intricate details, we go above and beyond to ensure that your dress is nothing short of perfection. Trust our bridal dress experts to bring your dream dress to life and make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

[marketstreetdentalpractice]

The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups: Insights from Market Street Dental

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and regular dental checkups are crucial in achieving this goal. Market Street Dental Practice, located in Watford, is committed to providing high-quality dental care and emphasizes the significance of routine dental checkups. This article will explore the importance of regular dental checkups and how Market Street Dental Practice can help ensure optimal oral health for their patients.

The Comprehensive Oral Examination

Patients can expect a comprehensive oral examination during a routine dental checkup at Market Street Dental Practice. This examination goes beyond just checking for cavities and includes a thorough assessment of various aspects of oral health.

Dental Hygiene Assessment:

Market Street Dental Practice's team of highly skilled dental hygienists will examine the cleanliness of your teeth and gums. They will remove any plaque or tartar buildup and provide valuable advice on maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Gum Disease Evaluation:

Early detection of gum disease is crucial for effective treatment. The dental professionals at Market Street Dental Practice will evaluate the health of your gums, looking for signs of inflammation or infection. If necessary, they will recommend appropriate treatments to prevent the progression of gum disease.

Oral Cancer Screening:

Regular dental checkups offer an opportunity for early detection of oral cancer. Market Street Dental Practice places great emphasis on oral cancer screening. Through visual inspection and specialised tests, they can identify any suspicious lesions or abnormalities, ensuring timely intervention.

X-rays and Diagnostic Tests:

X-rays and other diagnostic tests are essential tools in assessing oral health. Market Street Dental Practice utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to capture detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. These images help identify hidden decay, impacted teeth, or other issues that may not be visible during a visual examination.

Preventive Dentistry and Treatment Planning

One of the primary objectives of regular dental checkups at Market Street Dental Practice is preventive dentistry. By identifying potential oral health issues early on, the dental team can develop a personalised treatment plan to address any concerns and prevent further complications.

Dental Decay Detection:

Dental checkups allow dentists to identify and treat tooth decay promptly. Market Street Dental Practice utilizes advanced techniques and tools to detect even the smallest cavities. Early intervention can help prevent the need for more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions.

Professional Teeth Cleaning:

Regular professional teeth cleanings are an integral part of preventive dentistry. During your checkup, the dental hygienist will thoroughly clean, removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. This not only improves your oral health but also enhances the aesthetics of your smile.

Individualised Treatment Plans:

Every Market Street Dental Practice patient receives personalized treatment plans based on their specific oral health needs. Whether addressing tooth misalignment with Invisalign or replacing missing teeth with dental implants, the dental team will tailor the treatment plan to achieve optimal results.

Education and Patient Empowerment

Market Street Dental Practice believes in empowering patients through education. During routine checkups, dental professionals take the time to educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices that can impact oral health.

Oral Hygiene Instructions:

The dental team at Market Street Dental Practice provides valuable guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene at home. They will demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques, recommend suitable dental products, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Dietary and Lifestyle Advice:

Your diet and lifestyle choices can significantly influence your oral health. The dental professionals at Market Street Dental Practice offer advice on maintaining a balanced diet, reducing sugar intake, and avoiding habits like smoking that can harm your teeth and gums.

Conclusion:

Regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they worsen. Market Street Dental Practice, located in Watford, is committed to providing exceptional dental care and prioritising patient well-being. Their comprehensive oral examinations, preventive dentistry approach, individualized treatment plans, and patient education initiatives make them a trusted choice for dental care in the area. By scheduling regular checkups at Market Street Dental Practice, you can take proactive steps towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

[jackwilliams09]

Best Fitness Classes in Abbots Langley

If you are looking for the Best Fitness Classes in Abbots Langley, then contact Akatsuki Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Watford. They offer various martial arts and self-defense classes to beginners and experienced people, and they also cover kids' martial arts as well as adult martial arts for all ages. Martial arts is a great way to not only be able to protect yourself but also help with fitness and keeping your body flexible. For more information visit https://goo.gl/maps/Kz6632pkBoi9WNCR6

[wingtsun-hertfordshire-berkshire]

Great times at Wing Chun Kung Fu in Watford on Wednesdays. www.startmartialarts.co.uk/watford #maidenhead #slough #watford #hemelhempstead #berkshire #hertfordshire #cookham #highwycombe #bucks #Taplow #bourneend #twyford #henley #burnham #kungfu #wingchun #wingtjun #wingtsun #vingtsun #martialarts #internalarts #neigong #taichi #taiji #taijichuan #yangtaichi #yangtaiji #brucelee (at Berkshire and Hertfordshire Wing Chun Martial Art Schools) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cojt7TEt29w/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mrs-bingley]

Ready for part 2?

As I was saying before, there's a lot about the family home of Elizabeth. The place. Cassiobury, was a mile from Watford, and apparently in the area there had been a seat of power since the time of Britons. The terrain was given to Kn. Richard Morris (Elizabeth's great-grand father), who started building the manor but never saw it finished. As with all manors, the history of renovations through the century is quite long. I managed to find some illustrations, but these are all from the late 18th century:

Sad to say, that it was demolished in 1927 though fortunately some furniture pieces and art have been bought by museums, and the Dower house survived the demolition, but is in a state of disrapair. And the stables, which are actually a rehab center now. You can see them here: [x][x][x][x][x] (i'm not putting all the photos in the post so it doesn't get longer than it already is). From the descriptions in the The Stately Homes of England, it must have been a beautiful place!

When Elizabeth's father died she inherited them but - of course - they passed into her husband's hands since she was Lady Capel now. So, it is finally time to look at the gentlman 👀

note: both these are postomously, as per the NPG

They married age 19 (him) and 17 (her). Arthur was from the nobility of Hertfordshire too. I'm hoping that, given that they were probably frequenting the same society, that maybe this was not a totally arranged marriage. I hope the two liked each other's company at least. But maybe I'm being too romantic.

Anyways, Arthur's family had an estate in Little Hadham called Hadam Hall, of which you can read more about here [x]. To keep it short, he probably preferred his wife's home more because upon inheriting Cassiobury, the Capell stayed there and the manor went into a sort of disrepair and was eventually sold in the 19th century. Now it's still a private house.

But my curiosity was first awakend by Elizabeth's mourning garments and so, finally, we can now why her husband died! Arthur was a supporter of Charles I, which is the reason why he was raised to peerage (aka made noble) and got the title of 1st Baron Capell. And if you know you're English history, you also now that Charles I had somewhat of a problem with a guy called Oliver Cromwell. This is a story much bigger than what I could possibly tell you about, though it's extremely interesting! Suffice to say, that when the people got fed up with the claims of Charles I to absolute-style power, they decided kings aren't as useful as they thought. So they behaded the king in 1649 and created he Commonwealth of England, which was a Republican form of government.

Arthur was a supporter to the king, surrendered to his enemies and got imprisoned in the Tower of London. He tried to escape, but was again apprehended and condomned to death by beheading. I found a document in the National Archives of the UK that states:

I'm sorry, but the phrasing 😭 I don't know to what method they're referring to, the guillotine is 100 years in the future. Maybe some kind of Halifax Gibbet? Hmu if you know!

Anyway, Arthur died at 41. He and Elizabeth had 7 children together:

Here you can see only five [x], but here's the names:

Anne Capell

Mary Capell

Arthur Capell, later created 1st Earl of Essex

Elizabeth Capell

Henry Capell, later created 1st Baron Capell of Tewkesbury

Charles Capell (probably died young because i can't find records of him)

Theodosia Capell

Below some portraits of them (young Arthur / adult Arthur / Anne / Henry / Arthur with his wife Elizabeth)

But the most exciting one, to me, is the one depicting Mary (left) and Elizabeth (right)

Elizabeth is the spitting image of her mother, to the point I thought it was a young her at first. The fact that she also beared her name adds to the peculiarity of it all.

All of these childrein had their own interesting life and marriages, but I think that I will stop here for the sake of the post already being extremely long. The only sad thing is that Arthur, the 1st Earl of Essex, also suffered a similar fate to his father: accused of treason he cut his throat in prison, but there were suspects of foul play of which this drawing:

It's sad, but also curious that they suffered such a similar fate. There's still an earl of Essex, though, and it's kinda absurd to me that their direct descendants of all these people.

So, what do we make of it? Elizabeth's portrait at the top of the post shows the widower of a man that died a violent death during a violent time. The portrait is dated 1650 and given that her husband died in March of the year before, it makes sense. I am not sure how long mourning was in the 16th century. She never remarried and died in 1660/1, aged 49. Her family, both the one she came from and the one she created with her husband, is intertwined very deeply with the history of the UK, even generations after her death. It's too long to explore here, but they all had interesting happenings in their lives in a way or the other. Even fatal ones, like Arthur. This is the thing I like the most about this type of exploration and research: these people were normal. Yes, of course they happened to have wealth and power. But at their core, they were just people doing things. And that's enough to shape history.

So, at least two of you all asked for it (thank you @thestateofardadreaming and @wormwoodandhoney for the interest!!) so here is me spreading my research into ye olde people's life and ranting about what I find in old records of English nobility.

Today subject study is this woman that I found intriguing because of the full mourning attire:

Who was she? Who died in her life? I mean, probably a husband but 👀 I'm curious The portrait, which appears to be painted on a sort of medallion/locket miniature, was painted by Richard Gibson and it depicts Elizabeth Morrison, Lady Capell of Hadham. And there's quite a lot of information about her life!

We know she was baptisied on March 23rd 1610. It's safe to assume that she was born either on that day or on the 22nd, since children were, afaik, baptised withing 24h of the birth lest you died in sin and went to purgatory. Her father was Charles Morrison. There's a couple others with this name, but this Barbie Charles Morrison was pronounced 1st Baronet Morrison on June 29th, 1611. First and last of his name, since he died without a male heir (two male children, so Elizabeth's brothers, died before him) and the title went extinct but at least Elizabeth got to keep the family home. Here's a look to the man's face when he was still young-ish:

Unfortunately, I can't seem to find any potrait of her mother and not a lot of information either. She was called Mary Hicks, daugher of a Baptist Hicks (sorry, but this name sounds stupid to my ears lol), and she married three times because she kept surviving her husbands, but apart from the confirmation that she didn't have any more children after Elizabeth, I can't find much.

I could go on raving about Elizabeth's parents and grandparents, but let's not do that. I've found quite a bit about her family home in Watford, Hertfordshire, but I need to read a chapter of a book about it and it's too late for that. Stay tuned for that tomorrow, ha!

[you-remind-me-of-the-babe]

I’m gonna do some fic recs today! Let’s goooo!

What Remains After the Storm, Complete, 86k, rated M by @hushed-chorus

This fic completely sucked me in and transported me to another world. Simon is a goatherd in a small seaside town who finds a nearly drowned man he rescues, only to find out it’s someone important from his past who also happens to be under a Fae curse that has turned him into a merman. The author weaves incredible lore, lush descriptions of harsh but beautiful settings and a meticulous plot that will blow you away. Plus! This fic is accompanied by a staggering amount of gorgeous art by @erzbethluna that compliments the story in such a delightful way. (Seriously, these two are geniuses.)

Swords into Plowshares, Complete, 6.5k, rated T by @ileadacharmedlife

I don’t often click on fics with the crack tag, but if they’re anything like this fic then I am thoroughly missing out! It’s a simple premise. Baz feels jealous that Simon is spending so much time with his new Excalibur sword. This silly yet sexy fic had me cackling with glee at nearly every turn. Come for the sword innuendos and stay for Baz’s paranoia clashing with Simon’s enthusiasm.

A Gift From the Propheseals, Complete, ~7k, rated E by @skeedelvee

Simon is sent on a mission to ask the propheseals to grant him visions to help with defeating the Humdrum and instead is gifted with visions of a future with Baz that is very different than what Simon would expect from his nemesis. This fic is tender, sexy and sweet and is accompanied with fantastic art by @letraspal that really adds a dreamlike quality to Simon’s visions. This premise is so creative and at just under 7k you will devour it quickly and be left with a warm feeling in your chest.

The Sexual Education of Simon Snow, Complete, ~15k, rated E by @eelwinks (LakeWitch on AO3)

Watford-era, Agatha wants to have sex so Simon sets off on a journey of educating himself on the intricacies of the act, with the help of his dread companion, and to the consternation of his roommate. I know, I know, this is an older fic, but some of us are slow readers and take a while to get to things. If you’re like me and you missed this one (or have been meaning to get to it) you should go for it. Of course the sexual tension between Simon and Baz is delicious but also I thoroughly enjoyed Penny bravely trying to teach her friend about sex with nearly zero boundaries.

Personal Best [Link to the Podfic version] Complete, 36min, rated T, written by @scone-lover and read by @petrodobreva

Man, there are some fabulous podfics in this fandom, and if you haven’t checked any out yet, this is a great one to start with. This Normal AU features Simon and Baz as rivals on the same swim team and does a beautiful job showing the progression of Simon’s admiration, frustration and feelings of inadequacy morphing into attraction and want. And @petrodobreva adds a rich layer of brilliant characterization, coupled with lovely voices/accents and extra touches of sound effects and music. Plus, if you like this one, she has a couple of other CO podfics that are done with equally superb levels of production.

And We Still Do, Complete, 8k, rated T by @facewithoutheart

Another one that came out months ago that I missed! This fic is really like 5+1 mini-fics, imagining Simon and Baz meeting in various different AUs. Each one is a mini world the author crafts beautifully in a short time, pulling you in and making you feel as if you’ve read 20k in each of them. My particular fave was Simon and Baz meeting at 5 years old, but honestly, they are all fantastic. Do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in each of these worlds. You won’t regret it.

That’s it from me for now! I’ve read other great fics but I’ll save them for another time. Thank you to everyone who continues to tag me btw! I love reading your stuff and hopefully I’ll have words of my own to share soon.

[captain-aralias]

Some Carry On fic I've been reading:

or re-reading. and think you should read too! (how fun is canva's duotone function? just going to use that all the time)

There was only one piñata by @ileadacharmedlife @onepintobean - Teen, 13k

love this fic so much - it's one of a very small number of fics set pre watford seventh year, and our two authors have done a great job actually making the characters feel younger. it's funny, silly, bittersweet, really well plotted - and the pinata is extremely relevant to the plot.

also sneaky additional rec for onepintobean's Upon Further Research with art by @not-mandip (Teen, 16k). post watford, friends to lover. so good.

Behind the Magic by @bookish-bogwitch and @ic3-que3n - Teen, 9k

talking of smart and funny! this is a re-read for me, so it's that kind of worth it. the premise is genius, the physicality of the art and the social media sections is so critical to the way the narrative is shaped (if you like social media AU you will like it), but also it's genuinely very romantic, with a brilliant third act. seriously laugh out loud funny, though.

A Gentlemen's Agreement by @sharkmartini - Teen, 22k, Regency AU

another re-read! and on re-read i was struck by just how thoughtful baz is and the lovely easy for their relationship, i LOVE the ending and how it unfolds. but baz is a super dreamboat in this fic, that's the point

Clothes Make the Man by Luddleston - Teen, 2k

new to me, though it's a year old - picks up on AWTWB showing us that baz is secretly buying things for simon, love the way this plays out, really nice characterisation

Catch Me If You Can by sorbriquette - Explicit, 25k

what can i say? what a classic. i re-read it often.

This Will All Go Down In Flames by @facewithoutheart with art by @tea-brigade - Explicit, WIP, 55k

i have recced this many times before, but it feels wrong to write a rec list that this is not on given that it's THE fic i look forward to at the moment. band AU, enemies to friends to enemies to friends to lovers. ugh, it's so good.

[atlasauctionsonline]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: UK Bobby Police Law Enforcement Photography Roy Robinson Watford Camera Wall Art.

[carryonsimoncarryonbaz]

Omg these are AMAZING

Currently obsessed with the Simon Snow trilogy and couldn’t help but doodle a BUNCH of Simons and Bazes. This batch is based on Carry On, the first book in the series :)

[facewithoutheart]

This Will All Go Down In Flames

A @carry-on-big-bang collaboration with art by @tea-brigade.

Excerpt:

Under a moonlit sky, I chase Baz toward the Great Lawn with a screaming goat tucked under one arm. “Calm down, Little Sebastian,” I soothe while attempting a slow jog.

“Stop calling him that,” Baz hisses over his shoulder, his long legs carrying him at a faster pace than I can hope to match.

Summary:

Everyone knows the story of the meteoric rise (and apocalyptic fall) of The Watford Goats.

They only released one album, toured for one year, and yet every Album of the Year winner in the decade since the release of their debut has listed the band as one of their top influences.

Former lead singer and keyboardist Baz Grimm-Pitch has gone on to rock star fame, filling arenas around the world with screaming fans despite his reclusive and prickly reputation. Meanwhile, former guitarist and vocalist Simon Snow has released a series of critically acclaimed concept albums, cementing himself as a singer/songwriter in Austin, Texas.

The pressure is on for the two former best friends and bandmates to reunite for the ten year anniversary of their debut album, but, as the title of their hit song suggests, This Will All Go Down In Flames.

[Explicit, 21/21, 77k, Complete, Non Magical AU, Musician AU, Social Media, Enemies to Friends to Enemies Again to IDIOTS to Lovers]

Read the fic