#tack's photo adventure

[t-a-c]

And for those who'd prefer to view everything from all three days in one single album

[hellenhighwater]

What's your decision making process like for thrifting pieces? I've started looking at thrifting more earnestly, and at antiques in particular to add a bit more character to my otherwise midcentury-influenced space, but I always struggle with envisioning if a piece will "go" with everything else. But you seem like you've got the mixing and matching of pieces down pat, do I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I've gotten a bunch of asks in this vein so I'm going to go a little broader than this ask to cover the general topic.

On a purely practical level, you need to know what you have. I keep what I call a house journal, which is a notebook where I've drawn out room layouts, with measurements for available space, lists of what I'm looking for, dimensions for things like doorways (do not buy anything larger than your doorways) and even fabric and paint swatches. I also keep a digital photo album of house pictures, so if I'm trying to see if something will go, I don't have to rely entirely on memory.

So, important note: my background is not in interior design--it's in set design, studio art, and graphic design, so for me, I fall back on narrative. When you're designing interior spaces for theater or film, the room is not primarily functional: it is, first and foremost, an extension of the character that inhabits it. The room exists to tell you about the person in it.

And often, that's the tack I take in my house--not using my home as a framing device for myself, but for imagined characters. For example, my living room is The Adventurer, or the Archaeologist. The character for that room is someone from decent money in the late Victorian period, the sort of person who spent their live traveling for no particular reason, and brought home all manner of oddities. The room is rich in color and texture; the furniture is mostly late 1800s, and it's both formal and lived in. Choosing things for this room, I ask if that character would own that object. I also used unifying wood tones, and a similar depth of color, to tie things in. Pick a color palette and stick to it.

My drawing room is the Alchemist. There are lots of celestial elements, but it's a workroom, so most of the furniture is very practical and simply designed. It's beaten and worn in, showing marks of use. There is lots of storage, and curious little things in jars, and plants and bones and the tools of my trade. The Alchemist uses this space to make impossible things.

The question then is not "does this match" but "would the character that embodies this space choose this? Why? What does it say about them?"

And what all of that tells you about me, is, well....I don't know, really?

[trashmouth-richie]

master list

eddie! x fem reader

summary: 3 years later; happy birthday

I can’t believe this is almost the end. It is so bittersweet to be uploading this and thanking you all for the continued support on this story. I hope you will miss eddie + tooty just as much as I will. The epilogue is next and then a fun little surprise for you all.

trigger warnings: fluff, sweet sweet fluff 💕

Crinkly paper streamers twist down into even boughs along the cedar planked walls.  A homemade banner crafted with the best paint Melvald’s could offer, hung over the sliding patio door, freckled with glitter and deep hues of scarlet and onyx. 

  Carefully stenciled uniform letters spelling out a greeting for the birthday boy, line the banner— perfectly positioned.  

  Looking at it now, you can nearly feel the backache it caused from the leaned over pretzel position you were tangled in while attempting to make it look store bought. Instead it took hours and a ruined shirt to paint each letter with precision on your living room floor. 

  Red plastic cups were stacked in a corner on top of a cheap plastic table cloth adorned with paper plates and plastic utensils. A smaller card table from the Wheeler-Byer’s held a two tiered homemade cake, dolloped with sticky whipped strawberry frosting. His favorite.

  Polaroids of the birthday boy were placed, in no particular pattern, with sticky tack to the wall above the card table holding the presents. 

  Various shots from the past year capturing adventures big and small. He had wanted that.

  Wanted to remember every detail— an important step to moving forward, leaving the past in the dust and enjoying the second chance at life you had both been given. 

  The pictures were mostly candids, snapped in the blur of a moment, memories to be cherished for a lifetime to come. And although some of them were cheesy, or horribly cliche; they held delicate moments of the past two years of you and Eddie, together at last.

  You suck the sticky remnants of frosting from your thumb as you carefully arrange a framed picture of his graduation day just so on the table, stepping back and admiring the hard work and weeks worth of planning you had done.  

  Your fingers dance along the sharp edges of the selected photos you had given Jonathan to print for you. 8”x10”, 5”x7”, colored, sepia tone, and even black and white you had wanted to give it more of a collage feel to the project, and Jonathan did a great job. 

  The pictures varied from moments that probably didn’t need to be remembered and ones that should have been taken by a professional, but it was perfect, exactly the way you had envisioned it. 

  A snapshot photo of Eddie’s plump lips wrapped around a brown beer bottle after a night of helping Wayne paint the outside of his trailer, his signature middle finger in the air, the rings glittering with the flash— was propped next to a candle.

  One of Wayne and Eddie hugging on Christmas last year, a small tree tucked into the corner of the yellowing smoke stained walls and part of your finger covering the lens, and another one right after the first of them both looking shocked that you snapped the picture. 

  A picture of you and him, holding fishing poles on the bank of Lover’s Lake. His arm wrapped around your waist, your pole holding a sizable fish, his line snagged on moss and a tattered beat up tennis shoe, a proud smile on his face as he looked down at you, you mid laugh as Wayne teased Eddie behind the lens.

  Another of just him in black and white, asleep on the bed you shared his dark tattoos looked piercing against his bare chested. Long angelic lashes closed against pinked warm cheeks, the silver scar barely visible on his bottom lip. 

  One with Eddie and the boys, sitting in the backyard, the tails of the fire licking into the sun fading sky, his hands wild in the middle of explaining a campaign idea. 

  A candid of Steve, Eddie, Robin and Dustin wearing their tuxes and running into the ocean. Shoes snug into the sand and socks left forgotten. Steve’s white jacket thrown into the air, half of a laughing, Leighanne all dolled up and beautiful on their big day. 

  A photo from the same day, but of only you and him, your lips perched on his cheek as he held you in his lap in the back of a limo. His other cheek sparkling with the residue of a lipgloss kiss, one hand holding your strappy lavender heels, the other wrapped around your waist. His dimpled smile wide and toothy.

  And finally, your favorite one: one of just you and him, dressed in your homemade costumes as Mario and Luigi. A felt mustache falling from under your nose,his white gloved hands holding up rock n’ roll. Right before you two had won the Halloween costume contest at Nancy and Jonathan’s house. 

  Wayne had brought baby pictures that he had dug out of an old box in the forgotten storage shed when you had moved in. Dust lining the frames showing a brown haired baby with doe eyes, drooling over a washcloth while in the sink for a bath. A curly haired toddler with a big smile while on the swings at a park. And many more that were placed around the house. 

  The most special of them all sat on Eddie’s bedside table: a woman with soft honey muddied curls sweeping down to the middle of a white blouse, sunglasses pushed into her hair atop her head, kissing the forehead of a baby swaddled in a blanket.

  “Tooty!” Gareth called from the kitchen, “phone call!” 

  You set the napkins next to Nancy who was meticulously adjusting the m&m dish  into its correct place. Trying to balance out the clashing colors with the black and red theme. 

  “Looks perfect as always, Nance,” you murmur as you squeeze her arm gently when you pass her. 

  She huffs in disapproval, sweeping a permed curl behind her ear, her finger to her lips as she tuts, “it’s missing something.” You squeeze her arm again and trot into the living room. 

  Gareth is holding the blue phone by the long cord twirling it around like a pair of nunchucks, shoving the last bits of a hot dog in his mouth, ketchup wedged into the corner by his lips. “ it’s Hig D,” he announciates horribly, “somthin’ about heddie— shit that’s good— something about them just getting ready to leave work.” 

  laughing at him you can only roll your eyes, “you’ll make a good whore someday deep throatin’ like that,” you tease, taking the phone from his hand. 

  Gareth chuckles and shoves your shoulder, “haven't had any complaints yet, Oh! By the way, I need a three day extension on rent. Cool?” 

  Rolling your eyes again, a smile escapes your lips as you flip him off. 

  Of all of Eddie’s friends, Gareth was the hardest one to crack, but now he was easily your favorite. He reminded you a lot of Eddie in high school. A wild haired mess, always down for a crazy adventure to surely land him into trouble. But a big ol softie when it came down to people he cared about, especially Will. 

  Curling your fingers around the telephone cord, you talk into the receiver, “hey D, what’s up?” 

  —-

  Argyle and Jonathan arrive through the front door, smelling like purple palm tree delight and balancing pizza boxes in their arms. 

  Robin spins at least a dozen times trying to find a place for the tower of cheesed pie and nearly knocks into Jonathan in her pursuit of frenzy. The boys slide them into place onto a card table against the kitchen wall, a photo of you and Eddie holding the keys to Hop’s cabin with wide grins on your faces hanging above it. 

  The brisk May breeze flows through the house, flickering the candles and making the helium balloons bump into one another in a lazy staticky dance. 

  A blur of red stalks into the house holding two bottles of liquor in each hand, a baseball hat backwards on her head, “hope Eddie likes whiskey because that’s all Walt would sell me,” she says heaving the bottles onto the counter in a clunkered manner, wiping the sweat from her freckled forehead, sporting a fresh new bob cut all thanks to you, “stubborn ass, he charged me nearly double,” she huffs, folding the paper sacks haphazardly, “son-of-a-bitch wouldn’t even let me use my employee rate!” 

  “Thanks for getting it Maxi-pad,” you say over your shoulder stifling a giggle from the old nickname you hadn’t called her since middle school, “Eddie’ll drink beer from a boot as long as he got a buzz from it—let me know what I owe you.” 

  She spins on squeaky sneakers and grabs a slice of pizza from one of the leaning boxes, squishing the greasy cheese between her teeth, talking with a mouthful “quit— we’re square for all the times you’ve come over since moving back.” 

  A sad expression falters behind the mask on her porcelain complexion. But she’s quick to shove it all away. It had been months since she’d been back in Hawkins, and your friend since elementary school was just starting to get her life back into order.

  “Eddie’s offer still stands by the way,” you gently whisper, turning away from placing candles into the pink frosting to give her a quick squeeze, the fringes of your friendship mending together after years of not really speaking. 

  Holding Max at arms length you raise your eyebrows at her, “I’m serious,” a clip in your voice that even Nancy would envy. 

  She shrugs quickly and looks back with wet blue eyes, not willing to let her guard down on the eve of a party, “I’ll think about it,” her jaw set tight. 

 “Let's have fun tonight, okay?” she begs, “it isn’t every day Eddie’s old decrepit ass turns forty.” 

  The giggle she was hoping for to ease the tension tickled your throat, “he’s twenty nine, Maxine,” you tease back. 

  “Oh-ho-ho,” she chuckles, crossing the linoleum to the fridge in a swift motion, throwing open the door and leaning into the illuminated box, fingers dancing along the brown neck of a Bud Light, a smug smile on her salmon lips, “government names huh, T? I’ll remember that.” 

  —

  Will and Mike were in charge of moving vehicles behind the north tree line away from the driveway and out of sight. Each car owner silently held their breath and the litter of anxiety rising higher as Mike got behind the wheel of each car. 13 tickets by Hopper’s deputies hadn’t slowed him down yet. 

  Leighanne, and El had just finished hanging the decorative white lights on the back deck and around the trees. The backyard looked like a little cozy oasis. And it warmed your soul to see it all come together. 

  It was rough when you had first moved in here. Hopper had a buddy who owned the cabin you now call home. It was far from town but hadn’t been renovated in years. Nothing a little elbow grease and nights after work wouldn’t fix, it took six months with help from just about everyone you knew, but the place was perfect. 

  And after everything that happened in Hawkins, Eddie’s promise stuck. 

  He got you both out. Started a new life away from the wandering eyes and whispered lies. Even after he was cleared, people still wouldn’t let it go. 

  But, the cabin was everything you could imagine and more. Perched into a thick grove of trees. Secluded. Secretive. Exactly what you both needed. 

  It was  heaven. 

  Lounging on blankets in the soft grass, bare toes curled into the soft comforter, the girls sat back and laughed as Steve nearly tipped over the entire pan of grilled burgers and hot dogs.  

  “Yeah laugh it up you two!” Steve scolded playfully, tugging and shoving a hand into the thick tuft of hair on his head, “you won’t be laughing when there’s nothing to eat!” 

  “Such sass from The Grill Master,” Leighanne giggled, covering her mouth with a delicate hand, a large diamond on her ring finger.

  Before Steve could whip up something cheeky, Arygle’s smooth baritone voice broke amongst the laughs, “Damn my dude,” he chuckled, leading Eden’s small frame through the patio door, “smells good out here.” 

  Steve huffs again, “Thanks, I���m just doing what I’m told, don’t mind the peanut gallery back there,” he gestures with his spatula to the two giggling gals on the blanket. 

  The keg was perched on the small back deck, ice melting slowly around the tin base. Steve had been grilling burgers for the last half hour, smears of grease rubbed on the bottom of his red apron embossed with fancy lettering, kiss the cook.

  “And you’re doing it man,” Argyle salutes him as a fellow culinary soldier, “it’s art what you’re doing dude, pure fuckin art—like Picasso if he was a chef… piSteveo.”

  “Okay man—yeah, I get it,” Steve says all in one breath, rolling his eyes and cracking a grin back at his bride who was biting her own cheek and trying not to laugh. “Dustin and Susie ride with you?” 

  “Yeah,” Eden scowls, crossing her legs and dragging Argyle down to sit on the picnic bench, her black pixie cut fluttering in the light breeze resembling a real life goth tinkerbell, “that four eyed little shit kept going on and on about the ecosystem and methane gas or whatever, so yeah they’re here— probably terrorizing everyone else about the election or some shit.” 

  Steve snorts and flips another burger onto the grates, the sizzle of charred seasoned beef signaling the first signs of summer, “sounds about right.” 

  “Alright guys,” you say stepping through the sliding patio door, the sun close to setting in the west taking the warmth with it, “D said they’re just leaving so everyone get in position.” 

  -

  “..I’m just sayin’ is all,” D barks, finishing wiping the grease from a gas station bean burrito on the back of his hand from his pudgy lips, “I’ll give you top dollar for it.” 

  Eddie took another sip from his Mt. Dew, barreling down the highway and thumping his thumb along the steering wheel, contemplating heavily on what Big D had been asking of him. 

  “fuck I dunno man… it’s like a part of me y’know?” 

  Eddie rubs the beginning of his scruffy chin, unable to grow a full beard even though he’s nearly in his thirties, Peter Pan syndrome hitting him square in the jaw. 

  “had it since I was fifteen, fixed it all up with my uncle,” he mumbles lighting a cigarette between his teeth, “it’s a staple to the Munson name.” 

  D rolls his eyes and tosses the foil wrapper to the floorboards of Eddie’s truck. “that was like twenty years ago man, you don’t even drive it anymore.”

  Eddie chuckles through a cloud a smoke, turning the steering wheel to the right down the hidden driveway, overgrown grass on both ends of a rotted through fence post, “easy there asshole— ‘sides, thought you were buying Jeff’s mom’s car?” 

  D slides belches loud and throws his chubby hand out the window, fresh air wiggling his fingers slowly, “I did, just gotta fix it up, but the van would be my daily driving chick magnet.” He wiggles his eyebrows like two black caterpillars dancing a tango. 

  Eddie smiles to himself, memories of past times booze cruising to Rick’s and hauling band equipment to the Hideout. Times long gone and fading like the moon into dawn. 

  A time when he was ruthless, chaotic and hungry for the world’s shittiness just so he could add his own fucked up version to it. A big fuck you to anyone who ever doubted him. 

  A time before you were officially his. 

  Nowadays the bear inside of him was tame, licking its paws in laziness, hibernating with the sounds of a calm beating heart. Fed and cared for, content. 

  “We’ll see,” he replies, blowing smoke out of the corner of his mouth, “you still owe me $40 for that service you gifted to that waitress last week, fucker.” 

  “Pffft,” D says lighting a cigarette, “take it out of my check boss man.” 

  Eddie cranked his lips into a smirk, it still didn’t feel real.

-

  The roar of Eddie’s diesel truck echoes along the tree line, vibrating against the fallen branches from the late winter storm that snapped full grown Red Oaks like matchsticks when the ice built heavy onto its branches. 

  The cabin lights were dim, curtains pulled tight to barely show the glimpse of any crack of light. It wasn’t unusual, your lives were kept pretty private after everything that happened, doors always locked. 

  “The hell?” Eddie grumbled, wiggling the stick into neutral with the palm of his hand and killing the engine, the old dodge sputtering out to quiet, “thought you said Gareth was comin’ over to practice tonight?” 

  D fumbled for words, reaching for the metal door handle “no, yeah he’s here— maybe Will dropped ‘im off.”

  Eddie quirked an eyebrow, the exhaustion from work taking over his features as he let out a loud yawn and arched his back against the velour seats, he climbed out of the pickup, lunchbox in tow. 

  “alright man, ‘m just gonna shower quick,” he hooks a thumb behind his shoulder, walking up the stone path to the front door, “think Tooty still has the hose hooked up if you wanted to rinse off.” 

  D stomps around the truck, leaning a thick arm onto the hood, “don’t make any special accommodations for me dude, I’m cool.” 

  “Yeah yeah you’re pretty cool alright,” Eddie said climbing the two steps with heavy footsteps, and putting a brass key into the knob, twisting it in his grasp, “why’d you think I had the window dow—”

  Eddie is almost knocked back into the wall by the room full of his friends shouting surprise! as he entered the cabin. 

  Shock and a racing heartbeat wash away to a dimpled smile and squinted eyes. It was worth the weeks of planning and aligning everyone’s schedules to make it all work out. And in the end, the crowd turned into a blur when you peaked your head behind the kitchen wall grinning wide at the handsome man at the door. 

  His girl. His one and only. Spoiling him with a surprise party. Mouthing “happy birthday baby,” from across the room with a warm smile that still was able to tinge his cheeks in the prettiest shade of bashful. 

  Backs were slapped and shoulders clapped as Eddie made his way around to the guests. His smile was wide and toothy, lighting up the room with his deep laugh and dimples. 

  He hugged friends like he hadn’t seen them in years, pressed cheek to cheek and apologizing later for grease smudges left on their shirts. 

  “Shit,” Wayne breathed, as he stepped into the doorway, finding you immediately and looking sympathetic, “sorry we’re late, the missus was wrappin’ a last minute gift.” 

  Nancy and Mike’s mom stood tucked beneath Wayne’s arm. Four gifts wrapped tight and pristine, held in her arms. The alimony from Ted was still treating her more than well. 

  “Wayne,” Karen giggles like a schoolgirl, a long manicured hand to his denim jacket, dismissing him with a wink, “here Tooty,” she gleams, walking towards you with her arms outstretched, embracing you in a hug, “it’s just a little something for the two of you, saw it at the mall and couldn’t resist!” 

  It was an adjustment for the youngest Wheeler when Karen left Ted. Nancy and Mike didn’t seem to care, having already been moved out of the house and living their own lives. But Holly took it hard, refusing to see her mother at all. 

  “It’s perfect thank you Karen,” Eddie said, sneaking around you, his fingers dragging along your lower back  and down your hip, sending shivers to your core. A quick wink to you as he grabs the gifts from her and Wayne. 

  He was happy for them, he had never seen Wayne with someone who treated him so well before  in his life, he gave his shoulder a squeeze, ���next time put your glasses on so you can see while driving, might get here on time, old man.”

  Wayne rolled his eyes and put Eddie in a headlock, “I ain’t here to see you anyhow, came to see my favorite daughter in law to be if you’d just marry her already, didn’t even know it was your birthday you little punk.” 

  “Yeah yeah,” Eddie scoffed, “that’s why it says ‘Ed’s birthday’ on the calendar in your office, right? Because you didn’t know?” 

  Wayne releases Eddie and gives him a side hug, “been celebratin’ this day for twenty-three years with y’ boy, I ain’t never forgettin’” 

  Karen was always like a mother to you. The Wheeler’s held such a special place in your heart, and you’d always be grateful for the kindness both her and Ted had shown you when you were growing up. Seeing her now with Wayne surprisingly wasn’t that odd. They balanced each other well. 

  Wayne pulls you into the other side of him, keeping you and Eddie under each arm, “looks real good in here darlin’” He says, looking down at you with icy blue eyes, “sure am glad  y’ learned how to tame this wild li’l shit.” 

  you smile up at the Munson’s and Eddie sticks out his tongue at you. 

  “Now,” he says addressing only Eddie, “I swear on my mama and daddy’s graves, Ed, you better marry this girl someday or ‘m gonna hang y’ from your toes by that clothesline out back.” 

  Eddie rolls his eyes, but before he can speak, Nancy  waves at her mother and stands atop a metal chair.

  “Alright everyone, let’s go out back and we can start eating.”

  Once the room emptied it was just you and Eddie. The tension was always thick in every room you were in with him, electric in ways that buzzed between your legs and made your head feel fuzzy. 

  You waited your turn patiently. 

  Eddie coins a coy grin behind his plump lips, walking with his hands behind his back and moving his shoulder low, cocking his head. 

  Your hands, busy themselves with arranging presents, fingers slipping between the silky ribbons and plucking the ends to watch them curl.  Warm arms surround your waist and you act surprised and let out a squeal. 

  He sets you down and pushes the collar of your shirt to the side, pressing his lips like angel’s wings to the skin on your shoulder, relishing in the way the goosebumps crawled across your flesh. 

  “Eddie,” you hum, working your fingers behind you to pull on the tendrils of sweaty hair tucked behind his neck. 

  “Hmm?” He breathes hot across your neck, working his way up to the dainty gold necklace, the same one brandishing the ring he gave you for Christmas in 1992, nothing compared to the one he was eyeballing at the jewelry store in the mall. 

  Rubbing the underside of your chin with the bulb of his nose, you shudder and feel his grin on your skin, “all of this for me?” 

  You nod and whine when a large hand dances across the waist of your jeans. And almost let out a moan when he nips at your earlobe. 

  Eddie’s work days were long but the nights spent between the sheets were longer, both of you never getting enough of each other. The passion and static was always there. 

  “Wanted to surprise my birthday boy,” you breathed as your head fell back into his shoulder, and he bucked his hips into you, pushing you into the rickety table and shaking the presents. 

  “You’re too good to me,” Eddie whispered into your ear, his fingers digging into your hips. “How am I ever going to thank my pretty gir—?”

  “Hey you guys comin’ or what?” Steve asks, hands on his hips and a scorch mark on his apron, “Nancy’s making a fucking seating chart out there, and I really hope you have liability insurance because Argyle is trying to teach Dustin yoga.”

  Eddie takes his lips from your neck and turns to face Steve, “I mean, we coulda been if you hadn’t barged in.” 

  “Eddie!” you laugh, slapping his chest lightly, and straightening your shirt, “we’ll be right out Steve, just going to give Eddie his birthday present.” 

  His eyes sparkle in mischievous wonder, “oooh you think we have time?” He says unbuttoning his work blues, “I like the way you think dirty sweetheart.” 

  You roll your eyes and tug him down the hallway to your bedroom. 

  “Jesus Christ,” Steve mutters under his breath, shaking his head and making his way through the patio door, “nah don’t worry I’ll entertain the guests,” he says in annoyance, “maybe we can play parcheesi or hotdog Jenga.” 

  —

  “Don’t peek!” 

  “Oh c’mon!” 

  “Eddie.” 

  “Ugh fine, but you better be naked or I’ll pout.” 

  “Such a brat...”

  “Don’t act surprised babe.” 

  “Alright open, but I am very much still dressed, that part of your present is later tonight.” 

  Eddie had showered and was getting dressed shoving his feet into a worn pair of converse when you waltzed into the room, a small oblong box behind your back. 

  Dropping the carefully wrapped present into his awaiting hands, he holds the box like a carton of eggs. One eye peeked open, “well,” Eddie says rubbing the corners of the box with the calloused pads on his thumbs, “this doesn’t feel like a puppy.” 

  “You poor boy,” you tease with a shove to his shoulder, and a kiss to his cheek, “how will you ever live?” 

  Eddie tears the paper with a hook of his finger where the tape joins the pieces, wet tendrils of hair dripping water marks onto the wrapping, “it’ll be hard but I think I’ll manage.” 

  Biting your lip in anticipation you watch as Eddie tears the paper in boyish glee. And you aren’t sure who’s smile is wider when he finally opens the small rectangle shaped box. 

  It took awhile to save up for it. Cutting countless heads of hair in the renovated room above Master Mechanic’s, the auto shop Eddie co-owned with Wayne in Bridgeport, and earning a small wage by cleaning houses for a few hours on the weekends. 

  But every scrubbed toilet, every rolled perm rod was worth it when Eddie opened his present. 

  “It's about time you saw them live, yeah?” 

  Tickets to Metallica, the same gift. But this time with the promise of actually going and witnessing their magic. 

  “Oh baby,” Eddie nearly cried, running his fingers over the inked words carefully, he set the tickets down on the comforter and wrapped his hands around your waist pulling you into him, “why are you so good to me?” 

  And just like the first time he asked you, years ago, before you were his and he was yours. When you were just roommates exchanging gifts on Christmas. You told him what you should have then. 

  but you don’t fight to find the words anymore, or wonder if it’ll sound dumb. Everything you've been through with Eddie you could never imagine living life with anyone other than him. 

  The words come easy, and it’s one of the truest things you’ve ever said. 

  “Because you’re a good man. Because you’re the reason I wake up smiling every morning. Because I have never loved anyone the way that I love you, and I’ll always, always regret not telling you sooner.” 

  Eddie smiles with a quivering lip and you lean down to wipe the tears from his eyes, his arms wrap around you tight like a vice grip.

  Looking into his eyes, he somehow looked better with every year passing, truly aging like fine wine, and you were drunk on him.

   “Don’t cry on your birthday baby, it’s supposed to be a party,” you smile warmly at him, bringing his chin up a bit

so you can press a gentle kiss to his lips. 

  Pulling you into him so you’re straddling his hips, he whispers an I love you into your ear with your real name attached at the end, all satiny on his breath like a Hershey kiss.

  You don’t hear your God given name very often, having hated it for as long as you remember. Stubbornly telling everyone at a young age that your name was Tooty. Even writing it on all of your school papers as early as kindergarten. 

  But when Eddie said it, it set your soul on fire. Like a secret kept finally being told. Like another wall breaking down with him holding the sledge hammer. Like the first bite of a warm brownie from the oven. It felt good. 

  He presses slow kisses into your neck and moves his large hands to rock your hips against him, “you’re never gonna get rid of me, you know that right?” 

  “Fuck I hope not,” you whisper as you nip at his bare  shoulder,  “I made your favorite cake for tonight and everything.” 

  “Mmm,” Eddie purrs against the column of your throat, “strawberry?” 

  Gathering skin between your teeth you suck a small bruise into his pale neck, tongue swirling soft then firm, his pretty noises filling the bedroom walls. 

  “Yep,” you breathe with swollen lips, and popping the ‘p’, “extra frosting.”

  “Lady evil at it again,” Eddie teases, capturing your lips into a hungry kiss, his hands scoring down your back and bringing your hips impossibly closer to where you were both aching. 

  You giggle as he breaks away, and tickles your sides. He flips you onto the bed. The bulb of his nose wedging between your neck and shoulder as his hips hold you in place, his fingers dig into your armpits, and your ribs. 

  You laugh until your face is red and your neck is slick and painted with a stain of raspberry teeth marks and the lap of his tongue licking the bites better. 

  He gives you a wicked grin, out of breath and his lips swollen, his demeanor changes into something serious. 

He holds his hand on your cheek, sweeping your skin delicately with the pad of his thumb, holding you so gently as if you were made of porcelain, “I’m gonna make you my wife.” 

  Your fingernails scratch lightly down his chest, skipping over the tattoo of little angel wings and a halo for the unborn child you didn’t get the luxury of holding, matching the one on your inner arm. The date etched below in Eddie’s own handwriting. 

  It wasn’t the only new tattoo he had gotten since that day.

  He also had a mockup of a cartoon lady, devil horns on her head and a long black demon tail wagging behind her, that sat on his bicep. A pout identical to yours on her pretty little face, arms crossed in a fit.  ‘my girl’ in old English font beneath her little stiletto heels. 

  Your fingertips trace the lines of blank ink on his chest. And you lift your eyes to his. 

  Opening your soul to him for the millionth time, spreading its wings and joining with his into that dream land he swore he’d take you to, dancing on the rings of Saturn, bathing in the springs of Jupiter. 

  He smiles softly and so do you, heart soaring and beating fast, “about damn time,” you whisper softly just before his lips close around yours.

  Although your life would never be the same after that awful day, the one you were crafting and coloring outside the straight black lines with Eddie by your side, was pretty damn great. 

  And you wouldn’t change a thing.

🤧

🏷️

@bebe07011 @dashingdeb16 @hiscrimsonangel @luxaeterna13 @enam3l

[l-carlyle]

Lockwood & Co. feature on the January 2023 Issue of the SFX Magazine

I'll put the text under the break if anyone can't access the photos :-)

"JOE CORNISH IS HAUNTED. NOT BY ANY BONE chilling apparition or plate-flinging poltergeist but by a time. A vanished age, of strange torments and diabolical dread.

“This is a world of draughty houses and windows that don’t quite close properly and creaky floorboards and clicking pipes,” he tells SFX, smiling over a Zoom connection. “The world I remember from my childhood, before double-glazing and insulation!”

Welcome to the phantom-infested Britain of Lockwood & Co. It’s a little like the 1970s, only even weirder. Adapted from the popular series of books by Jonathan Stroud, this new Netflix offering pits swashbuckling teens against the unquiet dead in a London spilling over with paranormal activity. Even the local A-Z, you strongly suspect, drips with ectoplasm.

ANATOMY OF A GHOST “I love supernatural stories,” says Cornish, who serves as lead writer and director on the eight-part series, “and it’s unusual to find a story where the science of ghosts has been so thoughtfully defined. There’s a broad set of rules for ghosts that most stories adhere to, but there’s not really an almost Darwinesque analysis of different types of ghosts, different species, different behaviours, a taxonomy.

“The idea that they can kill you by touching you completely changes the dynamic of a ghost story, brings it into the action-adventure realm. So you get everything great about a ghost story but these other genre elements really take it into a new place. “On top of that you’ve got terrific worldbuilding. This takes place 50 years into a ghost epidemic, and the world has really changed because of it. Different economics and different social structures have emerged. Because young people are more sensitive to the supernatural, which is a classic trope in ghost stories, it’s extrapolated into this world where young people are employed by massive adult-run agencies to detect and fight ghosts. “So it’s a pretty amazing bit of thinking, based on a very attractive set of genre ideas that have been around for ages but have never really been reinvented in such a clever way.”

It’s a more analogue world, where technological progress stuttered. And that’s a premise that appeals to Cornish, who made his name with the hand-tooled, micro-budget joys of The Adam And Joe Show – a pioneering ’90s celebration of geek culture, knocked together from toys, love and cardboard – before promotion to the big screen as director of Attack The Block in 2011.

“The world changed tack when the problem started, because everything that would be regarded as pseudo-science became real science,” he explains. “So the world stopped at the time of Amstrad word processors! “It became a more industrial world, because iron and salt and water can repel ghosts, so suddenly these almost Victorian industries are revived. Also, in a weird parallel way, old things are suddenly scary. Anything with an ancient history is potentially lethal, because it might be the source of a ghost.

“For me it felt like the early ’80s, when I was a teenager, because that was kind of pre-digital. It was a world that still had analogue media and you could buy records and fanzines. There was a world of printed youth culture that existed in a social way, that wasn’t on telephones and computers. You communicated in a much more person-to-person way back then. So that was pleasing for me as well – the series has this kind of retro-contemporary feel to it that’s half modern and half 50 years ago.” The spectral aesthetic in Lockwood & Co also takes inspiration from the past. “We started by looking at Victorian spirit photography. Because photography is pre-digital, it’s chemical, the ghosts feel very different, like a real physical presence. They feel as if they exist in the world of natural physics – we can’t really get away with hiding them.

“In other movies or TV shows you might glimpse a ghost as a jump scare and then it’s gone. Our ghosts are really present, and our characters fight with them, so we had to come up with a design that you could really train the camera on, and involve in an action sequence, and would be able to leap around and dive and swoop and bolt into a corner.

“They’re all made out of smoke, they’re all made out of something ethereal. There are lots of different types in the series, lots of colours and densities and shapes. We tried to get away from super-digital ghosts and make them feel like they could really exist in a science experiment.”

Lockwood & Co looses its phantoms in some genuinely creepy abodes. What’s the secret of bringing a legitimately goosefleshing haunted house to the screen?

“We worked really hard on lighting, and light levels, making sure stuff was legible enough but that you’re also slightly peering into the shadows. I think sound is hugely important, and also silence. A lot of modern media is frightened of silence and when nothing happens that’s often the most interesting moment. We tried not to do too many jump scares. We do one or two, but we try and create an atmosphere of creeping fear rather than give people heart attacks.”

Stroud’s five-novel Lockwood series launched with The Screaming Staircase in 2013 (the TV version adapts this tale but also goes beyond it, Cornish reveals). Its young ghostbusters are Lucy Carlyle, gifted with psychic powers, and Anthony Lockwood, the dashing and enigmatic founder of the only agency to operate without adult supervision. The show captures the dashing spirit of the books, quippy heroes slicing at wraiths with rapiers, but plays things commendably straight.

“It’s a very sincere endeavour,” acknowledges Cornish. “We believe in the characters and we believe in the world. Stuff like this only works if you really commit to it and decide that it’s real. I don’t love shows where the characters are winking at the camera, or there are meta jokes. I want the world to be completely absorbing and credible.

“One of the most important and compelling things for people who love these books is the relationship between Lockwood and Lucy. It’s a relationship that has an enormous fandom – there’s an amazing amount of fan art out there. It’s a sort of unrequited will-they-won’t they relationship. This is a world where young people shoulder an incredibly grave burden, at a time in their life when they shouldn’t be thinking about death, or mortality, all the things that older people have to think about, and yet here they are, armed with weapons, having to fight things that could kill them.

“But then another brilliant thing about the novels is that if you get too depressed you get more vulnerable, so the ghosts can get you if you feel too bleak. So they have to cheer each other up and make quips and jokes, for safety purposes. We just approached the whole thing as if it was completely real.”

Given the rabid fandom, getting the casting of the leads right was crucial. Bridgerton’s Ruby Stokes ultimately won the role of Lucy. “She’s the centre of the story,” Cornish tells SFX. “She’s vulnerable, damaged, kind of abused and exploited as a child, comes from a broken home, has lost her father, yet has incredible gumption and ambition and a very strong sense of self-preservation. “She has this gift that she really doesn’t want, and she packs her bags, runs away from home and sets out to London with no qualifications, nowhere to stay the night. Her powers are an expression of her emotional sensitivity. In the book it’s like teenage emotions are being made into a supernatural power.

“So we just had to find an incredible young actor who felt like she could do it, and who you believed had that inner emotional life. Before I did this I always wondered how castings worked, whether there was some super complicated methodology. But a person just walks into the room and you go, ‘Do I believe that she’s Lucy?’ Ruby was actually one of the first people we saw, and we all just went, ‘Oh, there she is! There’s Lucy Carlyle!’”

Newcomer Cameron Chapman bagged the title role. “Lockwood was much harder, actually,” shares Cornish. “We saw hundreds and hundreds of actors, and Cameron came in pretty late in the day, at the eleventh hour. And that’s equally hard, because he’s got to be sort of handsome and cool and yet really vulnerable and haunted. He’s got to have swagger and braggadocio but also be a bit of a bullshit artist. He’s like a sort of teen entrepreneur. In the ’80s everybody wanted to be a teen entrepreneur, and he’s that made flesh. But he’s also wounded and secretive and has sort of a death wish.

“Cameron had all that. Weirdly, he looks very like the illustrations on the book covers, and he wears that long coat really well. He does the charisma, he does the vulnerability, he’s a bit of a dick – not in real life, in terms of acting! – and then he can be very romantic and swoony. It’s a heck of a part for a young actor.

Out of the three main actors [Ali Hadji-Heshmati plays George, Lockwood’s second-in-command] he’s the guy who really hadn’t been on camera before, but he does an exceptional job.” But while fan approval is vital, even more key is winning the heart and mind of the man who dreamed up Lucy, Lockwood and their spook-riddled world in the first place.

“Jonathan has been very involved from the start,” says Cornish. “I formed a relationship with him in order to get him to give us the rights to the book, and then we’ve let him read every draft of the scripts. He’s come to visit the set, he’s sat down with the actors. He’s really into it and he’s been extraordinarily supportive, but sensibly he said to us, ‘Look, you go and do your thing. I understand this is a different beast, between the page and the screen.’

“But I hope, and I trust, that he has been surprised by how much we’ve just stuck to what he’s done. Because it’s really, really good. He’s provided pretty incredible material.”

Lockwood & Co is on Netflix from 27 January.

[human2pokemon]

I Choose Human Prequel part 1 of 2

It was for old-times sake.  Natasha hadn’t seen the Pokémon lab in years,  not since her first foray out into the world of Pokémon training.  It hadn’t been easy, leaving her elderly pokemon at her grandmother's ranch, so she had gone back to the place where it all started.  

The front room had a “wall of fame”, so to speak, with pictures of every child from this village on the first day of their adventure.  Many of them had a cluster of photos, where the child had beaten all the gyms in the area, or championed in the league.  Natasha almost avoided her own picture, in its solitary estate.  Room had been left around it by an enthusiastic professor.  It was now under threat of being overcome by her peer’s achievements.  

Natasha reached up and unpinned it, placing the tack back in its exact spot.  

“I would appreciate keeping the picture where it is, you know.”  Said the professor.

“Sorry.  I just dropped off my pal at my uncle's house.  He can’t make the daily commute anymore.  I must be an embarrassment.”

“Perish the thought.  There’s no shame in admitting defeat now and again. Just don’t abandon your pal because he reminds you of your failure.”

“E-excuse you?  I’m not abandoning him!”

The professor took the photo back gently, “So long as you see your past as a failure, you’ll never move forward.  You will, unknowingly, become resentful towards your pal.  The job isn’t going well, I take it?”

“There is no job.  The camping season is pretty well over, so they’ve started letting staff go.  I wasn’t the only one who lost a job.”

Part Two

[katzchn]

whatever happens, just know that i love you.

For the hundredth time that morning Kitty Pryde questioned her choices. Those hundreds added the the thousands from the week, the millions from the month, and the countless nervous and even guilty wonderings since she started down this path.

What are you thinking? How will you survive? Is it worth it? Is this what you really want?

The room that belonged to her these last five years at the Xavier Institute was mostly packed up. All of the personal items that had been hers: clothes, posters of Dazzler and Ada Lovelace, framed photos, computer equipment, keepsakes- those were taped up in labeled cardboard boxes ready to be shipped to Chicago. A stripped bed, standard furniture, and tiny thumb tack holes in the walls were all the remained.

Kitty stood in the sad bare room, her dance bag (now just a regular duffle for a flight) sagged on the carpet at her feet. How could she leave this place? Her home? These people? Sure, she would be closer to her mom, who really needed her right now, but... The emotion lodged in the young woman's throat when she found herself unable to move. Unable to leave.

Was this the right choice? College? Going off and living a 'normal' life. Whatever that even meant. How was the mutant Shadowcat from the X-Men supposed to recognize normal after all her adventures? Kitty swiped the back of her hand across her cheeks, erasing tears that she did not want the others to see. They were happy for her. Supportive. Most likely planning some sort of happy send off for her. If they saw Kitty's, tears their comfort and sweetness might just be able to convince her to stay at the mansion. She couldn't have that, not when she made her choice to leave. For now at least. Kitty had to go to school. It was a chance to learn, not just about computers, but who she was away from this place, wonderful as it was. Desire for education aside, she wanted to accomplish one of the dreams her Dad had for her. Carmen Pryde may not be able to watch his daughter graduate, but Kitty was going to do it for him all the same. Maybe then she would return to-

If Kitty had possessed Logan's senses, she might have heard him approaching sooner instead of noticing the man only when she turned to the door. How long had he been watching her? Had he seen her crying? Probably heard it. Smelled the faint bit of salt from each tear shed. Hiding her sadness would have been foolish at this point, instead she pulled a wistful smile at Logan before grabbing her bag. "Sorry I was taking so long."

"Whatever happens, just know that I love you."

The words, low and just a gentle sigh off from a growl, struck Kitty's chest hard. The strap from her bag slipped out of her hand and she threw her arms around Logan. More tears slipped free, soaking into the shoulder of his shirt. "You know I love you too." Not a question. How can you leave him? Was losing one dad not enough?" "Come visit me any time you're in Chicago okay?" Visit me anytime even if you were not already there. Just visit. Kitty clung to her mentor for a long time until she heard yelling up the stairs telling them to get a move on. If they lingered more Kurt was going to bamf in and oh those tears would never stop then.

It was time to go. Time for a new adventure.

[vashatxt]

more than friends - a stelle x march nsfw drabble (first time)

stelle looks around march 7th's room for what feels like the hundredth time; every time they visit their friends here, they spot more details hidden amongst the overwhelmingly pink color scheme. photographs - so many photos, her camera never leaves her person after all - of different worlds and ships and adventures, of dan and himeko and welt, of pom-pom and peppy, and... of stelle. they had been overcome with emotion the first time they noticed a picture of the three of them be given pride of place on her wall; it was strange, to think that in the space of one mission together, stelle had become important enough to march that she couldn't think of anything more urgent when they left belobog as to document the spring of their friendship. but tonight, its a different image that catches stelle's eye. not a posed shot or selfie that they'd been roped into taking with someone, but an unfamiliar one. a photograph some might call a candid. "when did you take that one?" they ask, tapping march's shoulder and pointing at it. it's tacked up on the wall just beside her bed. in it, stelle sits on a bench, slumped down a little with their head leaning to one side, a peaceful expression on their face. eyes closed, enjoying the fresh air. "oh...," march blushes. "i - sorry, i couldn't resist! you looked so lovely, stelle. it reminds me of how... how nice it is when everything comes to a halt. you know what i mean? how easy it is to relax in those moments where you have nowhere to be and nothing to do." "you don't have to apologise. you're good at this - you certainly made me look pretty." "you always look pretty!" there's a blush colouring march's cheeks as she avoids their gaze, maybe feeling embarrassed for the unsolicited compliment. but stelle doesn't mind; there's just this weird feeling in their stomach when they look at her. the kind of feeling that's always there in the background, and amplifies itself every time march is in the same room as them. and she's so, so close to them right now. sitting up on the bed, hip to hip, but turned slightly away from each other. "says you," stelle mouths, just loud enough that march can't pretend she doesn't hear it. march is beautiful... petite and bright eyed with the prettiest smile, soft skin, hands much smaller and daintier than stelle's own. a few moments pass as they contemplate what it would be like to hold them. "you're staring at me. do i have something on my face or something?" "sorry," stelle coughs. "uh...,"

they don't know why they do it, but the longer stelle looks at march, her bright eyes and even brighter heart, all the beauty in the world stuffed into this small girl, the more the urge to reach out and touch her builds up.

they glance away, before stealing another right back -and then, then they do it. before any kind of filter or shame can get in their way, they brush a strand of hair from march's face and kisses her.

stelle makes sure to go in soft, they're unsure how this usually plays out and what feels good and what's even appropriate; it's march that reciprocates like she's been waiting her whole life for this. maybe she has been. maybe there's love and loss and heartbreak and longing in her past. she wraps her arms around stelle's neck, taking them by total - but welcome - surprise, leaning forward and climbing into their lap.

her legs around her waist; because she's small and slight enough to fit comfortably there, slotting into stelle like a missing puzzle piece.

the butterflies in stelle's stomach are a new sensation, and it's one they battle with. march is eager, deepening their kiss, her tiny nails digging into the back of stelle's neck. the more she does this, the more uncomfortable stelle feels in the pit of their stomach.

but they're pretty sure it's normal.

they spend a while pressed against each other in a lingering, sometimes lazy, sometimes desperate kiss; march whimpering every time she feels stelle's tongue flit into her mouth, their names followed by little gasps of breath or moans their only soundtrack. march doesn't want it to end. she feels special, when stelle looks at her. when stelle holds her. if she pulls away, it might end. she'd have to answer to stelle, answer to the desires she's been feeling all these weeks since they met. and she doesn't have the words for that.

stelle's tongue brushes march's bottom lip, and it silences her doubts in an instant. for stelle, the butterflies are turning into heat. white hot heat at their core, not satisfied with anything; not satisfied with just tightening their grip or pulling at march's lips with their teeth. they want - they need - more. what the more entails doesn't really cross their mind, it's just an instinct. a desperation to be as close to this girl as they can possibly get.

"lie down," stelle mumbles, and march responds with wide eyes and silent nods. she clumsily climbs off of their lap, and crawls across her bed, lying on her back.

stelle looks at her, really looks - her skirt riding up just a little bit, caught under her thigh; her vest rolls as well, to expose her hip. she's... she's everything, stelle thinks. everything.

"you can do whatever... i... i trust you...," march is stumbling over her words, but the intent is clear.

stelle props themselves up beside march, their hand resting momentarily on her stomach before moving down; cold fingertips on the hot skin of her hip, and resting on her thigh. march bites her lip and shyly spreads her legs, inviting them. stelle can't resist, and march is staring at them with nothing but lust, pleading; eyes as sad and wanting as a puppydog. they slip their hand underneath the fabric of her skirt and squeeze her soft thighs, slowly trailing upwards, until... fuck.

she's so warm, and as stelle takes two fingers and gently rubs her slit, they realize it's because march is wet. she's soaking; and she's arching her back into stelle's touch, needy and desperate for more. more pressure, stelle thinks, pressing down on march's swollen clit, so sensitive that she gasps. "stelle...,"

"shh, i've got you, i'll be gentle-," "n-no. more."

fuck. whatever awkwardness stelle assumed would come with fumbling around and trying to figure out how to pleasure a pretty girl just didn't exist; march's desperation works like reassurance, like encouragement. march twitching and leaning into where it feels good is the hottest thing stelle could imagine. the nights spent with march just a few doors away, thinking about how good she smells and how pretty her hands would look holding theirs - wondering about kissing and how she might react to their shameless flirting and loving the way she would blush when stelle was confident enough to do so.

the nights they spent touching themselves the way they were now touching march, slow, lazy circles to draw the feeling out as long as possible, until march's gasps are loud enough that stelle speeds up just to calm her down.

"i d-don't wanna yet, noo, not yet-," march protests, but her body is betraying her. her toes curl and she clenches her thighs, every time she meets stelle's eyes she feels like she's going to combust.

she wants to feel their weight on top of her and have them fuck her hard, knuckle deep inside her cunt until she screamed so loud everyone would know that she was squirting, cumming all over stelle's hand, grinding and desperate for more still even as she does.

"p-please... stelle... innnnn... inside me...,"

stelle takes the hint, and it's not hard to slip two fingers into her pussy, finding a rhythm that march could match by rocking her hips and moaning, the sound much deeper this time. she feels so full, and she wonders how she'll ever feel normal being empty again. she wants more, she wants stelle deeper and faster and harder, she pushes pathetically against their fingers, all but out of energy, but stelle looks like they could go for hours.

"th-that feels...so good. stelle...,"

the sound of their name is like a catalyst, stelle thrusting her fingers in and out of her soaking cunt faster and faster. for march, the room spins, but stelle shushes her, calmly, soothingly. "good girl, good girl... i've got you... i'm looking after you, don't worry... you can cum for me, sweetheart... be a good girl for me and show me what i do to you...,"

stelle's own pussy aches as they curl their fingers while deep inside march, iliciting a squeal they hadn't heard from her yet. "stelle, i'm gonna -,"

stelle pulls their fingers out and watches march's face fall and her words turn into nonsense. "make yourself. for me...," they say, desperate to see how march does it. aching as her face shifts from 'oh, no fair' to 'fuck it', her pretty hand finding where stelle's is, still hovered on her mound, and squeezing their wet fingers. as march begins pleasuring herself, stelle doesn't break eye contact, slowly sucking their fingers until they were all cleaned up from march's pretty, sweet slick.

and then, they join in. shoulder to shoulder, with their heads leaned towards the others, stelle plays with themselves with the feel of march's hot breaths against her face. march, who is flushed and tired and full of lust. "please let me taste when you cum."

"your wish is my command." "then cum for me, stelle, pleaseee. please let me cum and please...please...,"

it doesn't take long for stelle to be able to make that wish come true. they mumble - march, march, i'm close, please, i'm so close; and the next minute, they both cum. neither know who's first, their names cling together like an out of tune chorus as the sounds spill out of their mouths.

march curls up in a ball, clenched and small and overstimulated as she does, her cum leaking into the gaps between her fingers; skin glistening when she finally pulls out of herself. stelle, on the other hand, throws their head back and bucks their hips upwards as the waves come, cursing march's name and using their free hand to clutch a pillow as tight as they can. sweat pools as it runs down their neck and into the dips by their collarbones; and march is panting, smiling - she shifts down in the bed and curls up on stelle's thigh, a hand resting on the other.

stelle reaches down to her and slips their two messy fingers into march's eager mouth, the lewd sucking and popping sounds driving them crazy. they fall asleep like so, stelle's fingers still lingering at march's lips, red coloring on their cheeks. whatever happens when they wake is up to future them to figure out.

march may laugh it off and ignore it, stelle might make a silly joke to wind her up and end up fucking her from behind in a storage closet when the teasing turns march into a desperate mess for them again. or maybe this is all a dream. still, stelle thinks, how nice it would be if it isn't.

[sonicasura]

Getting To Know Yourself

Circle Of Conquest, Lower Echelon

Docter Helix Helix House

Dr. Helix: Alright then, the Brighten Blue Eye is ready. Toilen do you have that Special Panacea ready?

Toilen: Primed and ready Dr. Helix, and the Ripple Drops are clean.

Dr. Helix: Good, Good, now with everything in place, are you ready for the check-up Kafka?

Kafka who simply sat in a wooden chair gave a simple " Ya Doc" as the duo began to give the check-up

Kafka didn't think his day would end up with him getting a check-up by a Monster in another world but here he was. Hell it wasn't even his idea it was Psaro who brought up the idea of getting a check-up on his body too see if anything changed with transforming into a Kaiju. In all honesty Kafka didn't give it much thought that something could be wrong or off with his body after the transformation, he was just focused on learning how to control his Kaiju transformation, not seeing if he had gained sharper teeth or something.

After that suggestion, Kafka was immediately worried that something may have changed, though unfortunately sceduling a Docter's appointment any saying " I turned into a Kaiju a couple months ago and I want a check-up, Thank You" wasn't exactly an option. Thankfully Psaro came to his aid again and said that Docter Helix Helix could give him a check-up and see if anything was wrong. Kafka of course agreed and headed to the genius scientist immediately with Psaro intow.

Getting there was easy and Kafka was delighted to see Toilen there also. As after the Trio's adventure he had gone to Docter Helix to hopefully become their apprentice, and after a lot of convincing and an apology about knicking some of the Sands Of Time, Doc. Helix took Toilen in as their Protege.

From what Kafka could tell everything was going great for Doc. Helix and Toilen, ( Doc. Helix would agree as he very much enjoyed having Toilen around the Lab, but you didn't hear that from me)

Anyway the check-up was under way, and Docter Helix immediately went too the most important information he could get. First starting off with an X-Ray by using a special Brighten Blue Eye, then a blood sample from both his human and kaiju form. A check-up on his muscles and nerves, along with questions about his dietary habits, along with a lot more tests that were ran ( I'm sorry but human biology is not my strong suit, so that's all I got for that)

About an hour later all the tests were done, and in that time Psaro had returned as they needed to step out and gather some reports about the current restoration progress of Nadiria ( Kafka sometimes forgot that Psaro was basically a King now) and had brought along Rose who had gotten back from Caprice's Middle Echelon where they were building new Village for Monsters to live in. It was nice really nice to see the trio again after such a long goodbye.

Docter Helix: Alright, that is everything, all the results and photos have been collected.

Psaro: Thank you for the help Docter Helix, I'm truly grateful for your help.

Docter Helix: Your Gratitude is welcomed, but I honestly wanted to do an eximation of Kafka for awhile after I heard of this Kaiju form and I must say the results are fascinating * Bring up a couple photos* Now lets get down to brass tacks here. Kafka I am sorry in advance if this comes off as brash, gently going into major news was never a stong suit of mine. Now first off, we should go over your heart or lack there of.

Everyone:.....WHATTTT!?!?!?

Docter Helix: Yes it seems you no longer have a human heart * brings up X-Ray photo* instead there seems to be some sort of orb in lue of a human heart in your chest.

Kafka: O-O-OR-ORB!?!? Wait do you mean to say that my heart has become a Kaiju core.

Docter Helix: Is that what there called? Well then yes, your heart has become a Kaiju core. In all honesty I'm not surprised that your heart went under such a massive change..... I already see the confussion on all your faces so let me explain a bit. What your body can do now with transforming into a Kaiju is absolutely incredible, however those things take a great toll on the body and a human heart could never handle that kind of exertion forced onto it. The heart would give out very quickly from all the stress of trying to maintain proper blood flow and oxygen levels. So your body had to make the change in order for you to not only survive but thrive.

Rose: Th-That is incredible, too think that transformation modified his very heart to make it work for his body.

Docter Helix: Yes, though there is a couple other major things to go through. As the tests confirmed a suspsion of mine. That I am all but positive that you are actually no longer human, but a full fledged Kaiju.

Kafka.Exe has blue screened

Docter Helix: Now before anyone loses there mind, this is not a bad thing. Kafka is still very healthy and there have been no degenerative ailments that were shown. Now to answer how I know he is no longer human. Well the two blood samples I took from his human form and Kaiju form, should show the genetic differences between the two forms however it shows the Kaiju genetics in both blood samples. This led me to more closely examin the bllod samples which made me realize that the human blood is simple morphed kaiju blood. That combined with your heart being replaced has led me to this conculsion.

The information that Docter Helix Helix gave had really shakken. Thankfully he had Psaro, Rose, amd Toilen there to help cheer him up. This went on for a bit before Doc. Helix coughed to get everyones attention for the final bit of important information.

Docter Helix: Now I see this has shakken you, but don't worry the changes don't threaten your wellfare and you just need to adept to this new body, easier said then done I know, but in the brief time I known you, you don't let anything keep you down. Now before you go there is one more critical piece of information to share. Your are starting to become malnourished.

Kafka: Huh? How I eat a lot everyday, and I even been keeping a healthy weight. I haven't been starving myself or anything like that.

Docter Helix: Well your weight would be healthy if you were still human, but your a Kaiju now. You burn through fats and calories incredibly fast now. Your body demands more food to keep itself at full physical strength. Three human sized meals can't hope to satisfy a Gigantes and the same goes for you. You are going to have too double, no triple your meals and there size to keep up with your bodies hunger. You may not have been paying attention, but I'm sure you still felt extremely hungry after each meal. You can't ignore your stomach Kafka, your health and strength a dependent on it now, more than ever. Toilen please hand him the panacea, Kafka eat this, it will help recover some of your strength.

Toilen: Got it, here ya go Kafka * Hands over the panacea*

Kafka: * Eats the panacea* Wow thanks, feel a bit more energized now. Also Ya, now that you mentioned it I have been feeling more hungry as of late, but I just chalked it up to the changes I made to my diet, you know a medium burger instead of a large stuff like that. Though now that I know that, it seems I have take seriously up my food intake now if I want to succed.

Docter Helix: Good, you understand, now * writes something on a piece of paper* may I suggest some Heavyweight Boxer's Broth or how about some Hubble Bubble and Shriek, both are good options for a big meal.

This check-up definitely served up a full course meal of results

Ok, so I hope everything made sense, I used a lot from the post about the theory of Kafka's condition, so thanks to that post for the idea. Anything to change or add?

I tried but again I'm no good at biology or medical sciences

Kafka definitely has some thinking to do since he never expected he became an actual Kaiju. Though the man won't dwell on it after he remembers how insane his life already is. What's more crazy than being the foster father of a cambion king to an entire monster civilization?

Although man better hope no monster eavesdropped on his examination, specifically when he went kaiju. News travels pretty fast even in Nadiria and his kaiju form will be seen very pleasing to the inhuman eye. Rosehill Tower about to get love letters alongside all kinds of invites addressed to Kafka. XD

[super-cosmic-library]

I just had a prophetic vision where Robin’s parents are really big cruise people. Like, any chance they get, they are going on a cruise. They’ve got a whole wardrobe of clothes they specifically wear on cruises. Most of the pictures of them scattered about the Buckley house were taken on cruises. They have created a system for entering sweepstakes to win free cruise trips. Even some of the ship captains know them by name for how often they travel. Robin’s parents love cruises. 

Robin, on the other hand, can’t even look at the ocean on dry land without getting seasick, let alone live on a boat for a week at a time. It didn’t used to be too bad. When she was a little girl, she only got sick if she was in a room without a balcony or if the smell of the buffet fish was too fishy. However, as she grew up and especially after the Russian truth serum, Robin gets nauseous at even the mention of boats (she was a very brave girl for getting in the boat at Lover’s Lake, she just wants someone to acknowledge that, okay). So, because she’s under eighteen and her parents actually care about her well being, she starts spending the weeks her parents are vacationing at the Harrington’s. Her parents, whatever assumptions they have about their daughter and Steve, are okay with their daughter staying there because Steve’s parents will be there too, right? At least, that’s what Robin and Steve lead them to believe.

Instead, the two best friends spend the week vacationing in their own way: by getting high by the pool (thanks, Eddie) and driving to different roadside attractions across the state of Indiana, making sure not to wander for too long just in case the Buckleys want to make a call when they’ve docked at whatever private island the cruise line owns.

These weeks at Steve’s become some of her favorite memories. And when she and Steve eventually move out of Hawkins and into an apartment together (later to be followed by Eddie and Nancy), it’s photos from these weeks that decorate their place. It’s a map of the states they’ve been hanging on their living room wall. It’s newspaper clippings of places they want to go tacked to their fridge, waiting to be torn down and traveled to. They’ve got a whole system for how to choose which place they go to next, too. Robin loves her adventures with Steve.

[caterpillarinacave]

You shoot them an email inquiring about payment. They send back that they will help with travel costs, yes, but they don't have much more to offer than that though, and they tack on that the problems caused by the thread unravelling are getting worse. Aside from taking your time and energy, as well as possibly putting any job/school/or other obligations at risk, this journey will not come at a cost to you. If you do not go, you place the responsibility of fixing the thread completely on this stranger, even if you choose to help across the internet. Do you go?

And, since we're breaking protocol here, would you like a follow up so you can know the consequences of your answer?

Tentative Answer: Yes

and since we’re breaking protocol, there are stipulations. I’m not going alone. If they can pay for my travel I have friends who can pay for their own. In particular I’m taking the 6’0 adult man with military training. (You aren’t about to catch 120 pound me traveling alone anywhere). I’m not heading to their house/field right away. They can meet me in a densely populated area with CLEAR photos of this thing. I won’t go more than a set few weeks. Depending on prior obligation status, and depending on how long my string took to fix, I will stay between two and four weeks.

Provided my string took about a week I would plan to stay maybe two. As an academically gifted person with a unique range of talents I have the privilege of security in my obligations.

Besides that if there were to be “lose job/obligations/schooling” I am blessed with a family that would 100% have me come live with them.

Since we’re turning this into choose your own adventure:

Why did I email them in the first place? What made me think it was worth inquiring? Where exactly am I going? What is detailed in the email? And why did they email me? Do they know about my rope? Do they know I succeeded in fixing my own? Do others?

And yes, I would like to know the result of consequences!

[comicgoblinwrites]

WIP Folders Tag

thanks for the tag, @magic-is-something-we-create !

Rules:

Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous.

Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, & then post a little snippet or tell them something about it!

Tag as many people as you have wips

So, I know that having file names like “lsdfllkjhshkj” or “unnamed 3” or “document5” is a trope among writers, but I’ve always had somewhat coherent names for my files. One fallacy that comes up is I have multiple copies of most things, so a lot of files end up with "copy 2, copy copy 3, copy 2 copy" tacked onto them. I also JUST went through most my files to organize.

This is also just what’s on my laptop, and also just my prose stories. I’m not going to subject y’all (or myself) to my entire library. Maybe someday. Maybe I’ll do another one of these for my comics.

It looks like there are… 8ish WIP folders here, so that’s 8 people 😬 @writewithfire, @faelanvance, @kiraofthewind @mjjune @gailynovelry @author-audrey-simmons @arijensineink @elizaellwrites

The list is Under the Cut--

Adventure Story - Adventurer Story Snippets

Darkness Inherent - Darkness Inherant 2023 - Query Letter Template - Darkness Inherent Draft 2

Divide - Cover Letter Divide - Divide 2018 - Divide 2023 - Writing Sample - Divide - Final copy

Fever - Fever - Revision_Misha Gehr copy - Fever 2023 - [name] Notes - Fever - Annotations- Misha - Feedback for Misha - Note For Misha

Left Behind - Left Behind - Left Behind 2023 - Wasteland Feedback - Workshop story 2_Misha Gehr_Left Behind - Misha_Letter (1) copy - Misha_Letter (1) - Workshop story 2_Misha Skinner-Gehr_Left Behind

Misc. Stories and Drafts - A Reflection on Magic - A Splash of Red and White - Library Door - Montana - Nymph - Freeze - Rain - Sunny Sunday - The Mouse and the Void - The Nuances of Sleep - The Start of Something Akin to Horror - TSOTE Short story - Wake - Writing Compilation - Writing Group - “Awakening” - Writing Group #3- Societal Suicide - Writing Group #4- When it happens

Night Market - Feedback [folder] - Misha Gehr_Workshop 2 - Night Market 2023 - Night Market 2023 Version B - Misha Gehr_Workshop 2 [pdf]

TFBS • Images [folder] - Maeve - Marcelene - Reference

-Book 2 Snippets - Maeve drabble NSFW - Mage and Knight Graveyard - TFBS 1 - Maeve Character Sheet - Marcelene Character Sheet

TSOTE • Book 1 [folder] - As We Run Beta Reader Questionnaire - Feedback Master - As We Run Beta Reader Questionnaire - Template - AWR Draft March 2020

• Book 2 [folder] [there’s nothing in this folder]

• Book 3 [folder] - TSOTE book 3

• Book 4 [folder] [another empty folder]

• Darcy Aesthetic [folder] - [a shit ton of downloaded photos]

• Querying [folder] - Synopsis - TSOTE 1 query letter

[t-a-c]

Last day of Animethon photos is edited and uploaded! I am way ahead of schedule and all it took was waking up at 4AM! My body is surprisingly okay with this! Photos from Friday: https://imgur.com/gallery/animethon-2024-day-1-friday-photos-4lXcyZg Photos from Saturday, part 1: https://imgur.com/gallery/animethon-2024-day-2-saturday-photos-part-1-UbxzdXi Photos from Saturday, part 2: https://imgur.com/gallery/animethon-2024-day-2-saturday-photos-part-2-dcsJwVj

[seoconsultant-1]

Beat Those Summer Blues And Plan That Game Room

Getting ready to bring a newborn home? Still need to decorate the nursery room? If you're having trouble deciding easy methods to design your baby's room, there are many sound advice to help you develop a beautiful and cozy babyrrrs room.

New designs and bags are coming out all time. One of these super cool items will be Dry Erase Photo casings. These are not as organizational in flora and fauna. but still very cool for the teen going off to school or with the tween that's looking to pimp out their locker at ! Dry Erase Photo Frames kids decals bought in untamed dogs of things include "tacks" and "tape" kids decals. Simply frame your friends and fav places with these special eyeglasses. Then write a funny caption or title for each image.

First of all, wall toys are mixed together in an assortment of sizes and shapes. A lot of these toys are especially important for the waiting areas that have limited spaciousness. As they hang close to wall, that's fit in the smallest points. Children that are browsing the area will now take over something guide keep them busy and planning take their mind of the long wait they may have ahead individuals.

The last toy I'll discuss right here is called the WARE Flying Fun Interactive Cat Item. Essentially, it's a jar associated with flying butterflies, which you control along with a remote. The butterflies fly around within jar and also the cat watches them, mesmerized. This seemed think its great would be regarded as a pretty cool toy to me, but when I investigate the reviews, Initially but then get the sense various people liked it. Most of them said that the simple act of WATCHING butterflies didn't appeal into their cats, as cats of course want a 'hands-on' experience, or rather a 'paws-on' experience. Still, it appeared to be fun to me. I'll bet MY cat would regrettably.

RR: Well, "Quatrro" as you know comes from the Latin word for "four", and this will be our fourth vacation. Over the last 15 years I've set up three different companies, and between those 3 companies we created some 55,000 jobs in Pakistan. That is what we know, and that of which what we love to doing, and that is where we think our competencies and capabilities lie. As we got through our third adventure, at Spectramind, which was acquired by Wipro, and completed our obligations, as a management team we got together again and said "hey, let's do something, but let's accomplished differently this time". So Quatrro interactive wall projector games is amazingly different.

As a newborn, infants are along with various structures and hues that they normally appreciate given that they mature. Toys that appear in many shapes and colors are enumerable. They come in forms of stacked-up toys, puzzles, building blocks, letters and amount. Children's first books may come in boards possess been simple words and pictures to help engage them into learning and exploring endless potential uses.

Add a personal touch. Treat your fans with respect and treat them as people. Address your fans by name when giving an answer to posts they will leave upon the wall. Save your conversation all signs asking further questions. Have a genuine require for the what your fans want to say.

[emmaharrison]

Find Your Herd: Why Horse Lovers Community is Your Ultimate Equestrian Hub.

If horses are your passion, you’ve just found your perfect online stable. Welcome to Horse Lovers Community, the go-to gathering place for riders, trainers, and everyone who loves everything equestrian.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, this is your space to share your stories, tips, photos, and videos of your equine adventures. If you’re proud of your original content, we’d love to feature it on our social channels. So saddle up and dive into the excitement, camaraderie, and support that our vibrant community offers!

Common Challenges Equestrians Face—and How to Overcome Them

Being part of the equestrian world is rewarding, but we all face some challenges along the way. Whether you’re new to riding or a lifelong horse owner, you’ve likely encountered these hurdles:

Mastering Horse Training as a Beginner

Training a horse—especially when you’re new to it—can be overwhelming. From figuring out the basics like groundwork to more advanced techniques like jumping or dressage, the journey can be full of roadblocks. Knowing where to start and how to handle difficult training situations can make a world of difference.

Finding Reliable Horse Care Advice

Your horse’s health and happiness are your top priorities, but with so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know what’s best. From dietary recommendations to seasonal care routines, every horse has unique needs, and the wrong information can lead to costly mistakes.

Building a Supportive Network of Fellow Horse Lovers

While the bond between you and your horse is special, sometimes you just need to connect with other people who understand your passion. Yet, finding an inclusive and supportive community of like-minded horse lovers can be tough.

Discovering the Best Gear and Tack

As any rider knows, the right equipment is essential. But the endless variety of saddles, bridles, and riding gear can leave even the most experienced rider confused. How do you choose what’s right for both you and your horse?

Enter Horse Lovers Community: Your Solution to Every Equestrian Problem

If you’re nodding along to any of the challenges above, the good news is that Horse Lovers Community was created just for you! Our new Facebook group is designed to help horse enthusiasts of all levels connect, learn, and grow. Here’s how Horse Lovers Community solves the problems you face:

🌟 Learn from Seasoned Equestrians

In Horse Lovers Community, whether you’re a beginner trying to master horse training or an experienced rider refining your skills, you’ll find valuable advice from trainers and equestrians who’ve been where you are. From groundwork basics to advanced techniques, our members share their knowledge to help you succeed with your horse.

🌟 Access Trusted Horse Care Tips

Confused about how to best care for your horse? Look no further! In Horse Lovers Community, we share reliable, well-tested tips for everything from feeding to health check-ups, ensuring that your horse stays happy and healthy all year round.

🌟 Build Your Equestrian Tribe

It’s not just about horses—it’s about finding your people. In Horse Lovers Community, you’ll meet riders, trainers, and horse enthusiasts from around the world who are just as passionate as you are. Our group is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of experience level, where you can make friends, share stories, and celebrate your love for horses.

🌟 Get Expert Gear Recommendations

Not sure which saddle will best fit your horse? Or maybe you need advice on the right riding boots for comfort and durability? Horse Lovers Community is full of equestrians eager to share their reviews and experiences, helping you choose the best tack and gear for you and your horse.

Why You Should Join Horse Lovers Community Today

If you’re serious about building your knowledge, strengthening your horse’s health and training, and becoming part of a thriving equestrian community, then Horse Lovers Community is for you. This is more than just a group—it’s a supportive family of horse lovers who are here to help you every step of the way.

So what are you waiting for? Jump into the Horse Lovers Community today! Whether you want to share your equestrian adventures, seek advice, or learn from seasoned professionals, we’ve got you covered. Let’s ride together—because, at the end of the day, we’re all in this for the love of horses.

horses.

https://www.instagram.com/horse.loverscommunity?igsh=YzljYTk1ODg3Zg==

tiktok.com/@nickfinacials

0

[sa7abnews]

We went to the Amalfi Coast during peak summer season. These 4 tips made our trip better &ampmdash; but there's one mistake I won't make again.

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/11/we-went-to-the-amalfi-coast-during-peak-summer-season-these-4-tips-made-our-trip-better-ampmdash-but-theres-one-mistake-i-wont-make-again-2/

We went to the Amalfi Coast during peak summer season. These 4 tips made our trip better &ampmdash; but there's one mistake I won't make again.

My family visited the Amalfi Coast during its busiest season. Alesandra DubinMy family visited the Amalfi Coast during the peak summer season, and it was hot and crowded.I was glad we didn't deal with the hassle of renting a car, and we had comfy shoes.I wish I hadn't booked so many excursions and tried to pack too much into the trip.When I planned my family's trip to Southern Italy — including a stop at the Amalfi Coast — for the end of July, I knew enough to expect it'd be hot and crowded.July and August are some of the warmest months for the area, and it's famously a crowded tourist hot spot that can get expensive to visit throughout summer. I also saw many videos online of unprepared tourists lugging suitcases up cliffside steps in the heat and fighting for an inch of elbow room at famous sights throughout the region.But I'd always wanted to visit, and I had to work around my kids' school vacation schedules. So off we went in peak season.Although we made many happy memories, we also encountered plenty of discomfort. Here are four things that helped make our trip better — and one thing I wouldn't do next time.Regularly taking our food to go saved us moneyWe stopped for photos while walking around the Amalfi Coast. Alesandra DubinIf you're ready to get off your feet and have the time to enjoy a restaurant experience, do it. But if you're just feeling peckish for a quick snack, eating it as you stroll can save you a few euros.That's because some restaurants tack on a coperto, or an additional cover fee for a dine-in experience — even if you're grabbing a quick coffee or gelato at a sidewalk table. It doesn't seem like much, but the name of the game for budget-conscious travelers is saving a few euros wherever you can. And did I mention how expensive this destination can get during high season? I was glad we didn't rent a carThere are so many iconic sights around the Amalfi Coast, all packed into what seems like a feasible number of kilometers to traverse in a few days' time.Renting a car is possible, but this area is not casual road-trip territory unless you're adventurous, fearless, and well-insured. Many roads felt treacherous because they were narrow and perched above dramatic cliffs leading to the sea. Sometimes, they were one-way only.If you're not staying in one location and plan to explore the area mostly by foot, I'd recommend hiring a driver (as we did) or arranging some other organized tour.Packing fashionably but practically was keyComfortable shoes are helpful when walking around the Amalfi Coast. Alesandra DubinThe Amalfi Coast is like a fashion show in high season — a feast for the eyes of chic coastal Italian style.But with the heat and cliffside topography, you must pack for practicality as well or pay for the choice with discomfort.I was glad we packed breathable clothing that could withstand the stifling heat and humidity. Comfortable footwear is also crucial because the beautiful path to Positano is steep, with lots of ramps and stairs. Some of the beaches have pebbles instead of sand, so consider packing water shoes or other supportive footwear, too.Eating a lot of pizza was also a great idea for our walletsPizza is abundant, authentic, and downright delicious in the region, but there's a less obvious reason to eat a ton of it on the Amalfi Coast: It's cheap.Prices around tourist hubs in this region felt sky-high, especially in busy season. Our accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, and meals added up, but we tried to save where we could.At many places we ate, pizza was the cheapest item on the menu by a landslide. Fortunately, it's also a crowd-pleaser for our whole family, so sharing it felt like a true cost-saving strategy.Still, I wish we hadn't overbooked and tried to do too muchWe tried to see a lot of the Amalfi Coast in just a few days. Alesandra DubinOur Airbnb in Sorrento was our hub from which we'd visit the Amalfi Coast and surrounding area on day trips. This was a good move. Trying to pack a ton of activities into a few days amid hectic crowds and intense heat was not.I'd booked many excursions online in advance but found my family was just too tired to do several of them. Unfortunately, I was on the hook to pay for them even if we didn't show up. In fact, my husband and daughter opted out of our semi-private boat trip to Capri because they simply couldn't wake up in time. (They ended up getting FOMO and meeting the rest of my family there later on the ferry, meaning we paid double. Fail.)I found if you try to do too much, you'll just exhaust yourself — at the expense of a fun or meaningful experience.If I did this trip again, I'd plan to check off fewer of the so-called "can't miss" sights so I could spend more time relaxing and absorbing the scenery and local culture with a spritz in hand.

[ridingancientrome]

Saddle Up for Adventure: The Ultimate Horseback Riding Tour Experience

Horseback riding tours offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice eager to try something new, these tours provide a memorable adventure through scenic landscapes, while forging a deeper connection with nature and your equine companion. In this blog, we'll delve into what makes a horseback riding tour an unforgettable experience and how to make the most of it.

The Allure of Horseback Riding Tours

Horseback riding tours combine the thrill of riding with the serenity of nature, making them an appealing option for those seeking both excitement and relaxation. Imagine trotting through picturesque meadows, cantering along rugged trails, or ambling beside tranquil lakes—all while bonding with a majestic horse. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Choosing the Right Tour

Selecting the perfect horseback riding tour depends on your experience level and interests. Tours range from gentle, guided rides suitable for beginners to more challenging backcountry adventures for seasoned riders. Consider what kind of terrain and scenery you’d like to explore—be it lush forests, rolling hills, or desert landscapes. Additionally, check the tour’s duration and difficulty to ensure it aligns with your comfort level and time constraints.

Preparing for Your Ride

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable horseback riding tour. Here’s a checklist to get you ready:

Clothing: Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with a slight heel. Bring layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, and consider a hat and gloves for added comfort.

Safety Gear: Most tours provide helmets, but it’s a good idea to confirm this in advance. If you have your own, make sure it fits properly and is in good condition.

Personal Items: Bring essentials such as sunscreen, a water bottle, and a small backpack for personal items. Avoid carrying anything that might distract or unbalance your horse.

Health Considerations: Inform your tour guide of any medical conditions or concerns. Ensure you’re in good health and comfortable with basic riding skills.

The Tour Experience

On the day of your tour, arrive early to familiarize yourself with the stables and meet your horse. A skilled guide will provide a briefing on riding techniques, safety protocols, and what to expect during the ride. They’ll also introduce you to your horse and help you with mounting and adjusting the tack.

Throughout the tour, follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a relaxed, confident demeanor. Horses are sensitive to their rider’s cues and emotions, so staying calm will help ensure a smooth ride. Enjoy the rhythm of the horse’s gait and take in the stunning surroundings—whether it’s the sweeping views of a mountain range or the serene stillness of a lake.

Connecting with Your Horse

Building a bond with your horse enhances the overall experience. Take the time to understand your horse’s behavior and communicate effectively through gentle cues and body language. Patience and respect go a long way in establishing trust and ensuring a harmonious ride.

After the Ride

Once your tour concludes, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Many tours offer opportunities to feed and care for your horse, providing a rewarding end to your adventure. Capture photos of the journey to remember the stunning landscapes and the joy of riding through them.

Conclusion

A horseback riding tour is more than just a ride—it’s an adventure that offers breathtaking views, a connection with nature, and a chance to bond with a magnificent animal. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or excitement, these tours provide a unique way to experience the world from a different perspective. So saddle up, embrace the adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more details visit our website www.ridingancientrome.it