#the idea of sacrifice as the purest form of love and the most passionate

[whiskeyswifty]

Whenever I listen to so long london, I can’t help but think back to peace and how she went from “I’m a fire and I’ll keep your brittle heart warm” to “just how low did you think I’d go.” How she went from willing martyrdom at the altar of love as a declaration of her dedication to realizing hold on, love should be a partnership. It can’t be all one giving and the other taking, burning and burning bits of themselves until you’re nothing but ash and they’re still as cold as they’ve always been. Nobody is perfect, but it’s also impossible to help someone get to a better place if they don’t want to help themselves. Even unconsciously, they’ll take everything you gave but give nothing back. Soon you learn you’re just enabling them, you’re just a crutch that they grow to expect, like as she says “and you say I abandoned this ship but I was going down with it.” Realizing that they’ve given up on learning to create their own sources of heat and have fully shifted to burning you alive. how fucked up that was, and how that’s not what love is. You shouldn’t have to light yourself on fire to keep someone else warm. To make them happy, to make you valuable to them, to keep you around. To love and be loved is to learn to build a fire together so you’re both warm. It’s such wonderful growth to see and I’m so relieved she finally got there.

[walkingwiththegods1]

Aphrodite's Real Nature (...For Aphrodite's Birthday!)

Every 4th day of every month (according to The Ancient Attic Calendar), is Aphrodite's Birthday; and, for this reason... I need to clarified the aspect more important about Lady Aphrodite: Love.

Many people have said during centuries, than Aphrodite's Domain; is not as strong as the others Goddesses of The World (Or even... In The Greek's Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses), implying than Aphrodite herself; is not a very strong Goddess, and than her Power; is only over Physical and/or Romantic Love...

Both ideas... Are terrible mistaken!

According to the myths, Aphrodite is so powerful; than she can influences to the other Greek Gods and Goddesses, to fall in love of anyone she makes them fall in love (except to Artemis, Athena and Hestia: The Three Virgin Goddesses of The Olympic Pantheon); including to makes them feels Love, Passion and Desire; toward Mortals!

Another thing... People seems to forget than Aphrodite's Domain, make her powerful too; because all humanlike and human beings, have a soul made of a very important material: Our souls are made of Love. Why this is important to know?... Simple: Because all of us, spended our entire lifes in an endless search; of our purpose to live and being happy, and our main reason for happiness and being fulfill... Is Love.

You could be the most famous, rich; healthy, young, and beautiful young adult in The World; but... If you don't have someone at your side, than really cares for you; respect you and loves you beyond the fame, fortune; your now perfect health, your youth and beautiful looks... You will be the saddest being, over the face of the Earth: We all need Love, to feel happy in our lifes. (Don't matter if we lied, by saying than we can be happy; on our own... We simply are not made for that!)

Now... That means than you should starts to search a couple, to fulfill that desire of ''The Perfect Ideal of Happiness?!''... Not necessarially! That part, is not that simple; because not all of us, is gonna find fullfilment in a couple; and you need to takes your time alone, to find out that; 'cause we are so bombarded in a daily basis (in all kinds of Media), with images and/or audible stories about Romantic Relationships; and/or couples mindlessly kissing in the troes of passion, than; we forget than there are other Kinds of Love, than seems than The Media put in a second; third, in a last place; or, even... Is not even said, or put on the screen!

These other kinds of Love than Aphrodite's Rule (And, are important in the Life; too), are:

Self Love: Is the most important of all: People than called you ''Selfish'', for not doing what they want all the time (including putting your wellbeing/health/life in danger); and for having time to take care of yourself, have fun; rest, or have alone time for you; when you really needed it... Doesn't care about you, and... Doesn't love you, neither!

Filial Love: One of the first we experiences in our lifes, and we all need for our wellbeing.

Love for Friends: Is one of the purest form of Love, than elevate us to being better.

Fraternal Love: Is the bond beyond blood, than we have with our brothers and/or sisters. (If we have a very close friend we met, mostly in our childhood or teenage years... If could turns out to be as close, as our own brothers and/or sisters!)

Maternal/Paternal Love: The love than parents gives to their children/teens, which became stronger when the sons and/or daugthers; are raise with respect and healthy limits by their parents.

Agape: Is the inconditional and compassive Love than we feel for others, and makes us sacrifices ourselves by the wellbeing of our family; friends, for anyone weaker than us in danger, and; for our community. And, at last...

Divine Love: Aphrodite (when after she entrusted Adonis as a baby, and when she return for him... She saw him first time, as a grown and handsome young man), she felt in love of Adonis; despite he was a mortal, and they were together; until he died tragically in his youth. Also, Anchises (a Shepherd-Prince); was beloved by Aphrodite, which gave birth to Aeneas; a heroe of the Trojan War, and... The Founder of Rome. Butes (an Argonaut saved by Aphrodite, when he threw himself to The Sea to go with The Mermaids; and with which she had a son), and; Phaon (a boatman than was old and ugly, when Aphrodite came to his boat disguise, and after he told him than she didn't have to pay him... She rewarded him with beauty and youth; and many were captivated by him). Aphrodite's Divine Love, bestows many wonderful things; to anyone than she finds worthy at that moment of those gifts, be it Beauty; Love, Youth, Fertility, Protection of Harm; or, even... Saving your life, someday!

Aphrodite's Love, is at the reach of anyone than is different; too, as:

To The Asexuals: 'Cause they loves to their family and/or friends, and sometimes; to the couple than accepts them, as they are.

To the rest of the LGBTQIA+ Community: 'Cause they loves and loves themselves, despite the pressure they suffer everyday; to conformed to society.

To the ones than doesn't feel beautiful in their own skin: 'Cause they need reassurance to find that beauty hidden inside themselves.

To the ones than grows, or lives without friendship; or love: 'Cause they are the ones, than needed it the most. And...

To anyone than needs to find a couple to loves and be loved, forever: 'Cause they have keeps that love inside their heart, waiting to find that one person; than will loves them and respect them, for all a lifetime.

That's all for today: Happy Aphrodite's Birthday, to the World! And... So Be It!

[craftyinfluencerfun]

https://www.myflowertree.com/valentine

Send Valentines Day Gifts To Embrace Deep Love

Love is in the air! Valentine's Day, the day of love and affection, is just around the corner. It's that time of year when hearts flutter and romance fills every moment. Whether you're celebrating with your partner, showing appreciation to a dear friend, or professing your secret admiration, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to express your deepest emotions. And what better way to do so than with a thoughtful gift? This blog post will explore the tradition of Valentine's Day, delve into the symbolism behind gifts on this special occasion, and provide creative ideas for presenting your heartfelt tokens of affection. So get ready to embrace deep love as we dive into the wonderful world of sending Valentine's Day gifts online!

The Tradition of Valentine's Day

The tradition of Valentine's Day dates back centuries, to a time when love and romance were celebrated in various cultures. While the exact origin is shrouded in mystery, one popular belief is that it began with a Roman festival called Lupercalia. This fertility celebration took place on February 15th and involved sacrifices, matchmaking, and even an unusual lottery system where young men drew names of women to be their partners for the duration of the festivities.

Over time, this pagan celebration evolved into a more romantic occasion associated with Saint Valentine. The Catholic Church recognized multiple saints named Valentine or Valentinus who were martyred for their beliefs. However, it was Saint Valentine of Rome who became synonymous with love as he allegedly performed secret marriages for soldiers forbidden to marry by Emperor Claudius II. In the 5th century AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day to honor these martyrs and replace the pagan festival with a Christian holiday celebrating love instead. Throughout history, different traditions emerged around this day dedicated to love. In medieval times, handwritten notes known as "valentines" began exchanging between lovers expressing their affections. These messages grew in popularity during the Victorian era when elaborate cards adorned with lace and ribbons became fashionable. Today, we continue to celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing our feelings through gestures like giving gifts or spending quality time together. It has become an opportunity not just for couples but also friends and family members to show appreciation and strengthen bonds. This cherished tradition reminds us all of the importance of cherishing those closest to our hearts and spreading joy through expressions of affection on this special day each year.

The Symbolism of Gifts on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a special occasion to express love and affection towards our significant other. One of the most common ways to do this is by exchanging gifts. But have you ever wondered about the symbolism behind these tokens of love?

Gifts hold a deeper meaning on Valentine's Day than just material possessions. They are a tangible representation of our feelings and emotions for someone we care deeply about. Each gift carefully chosen tells a story, conveying messages that words alone sometimes cannot express. Flowers, particularly roses, have long been associated with romance and passion. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals symbolize beauty and love in its purest form. Giving flowers as a gift signifies admiration, desire, and devotion. Chocolates are another popular choice when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. They not only delight the taste buds but also symbolize sweetness and indulgence in the relationship. The act of sharing chocolates represents intimacy, bonding, and creating special moments together. Jewelry holds immense significance as well. From elegant necklaces to sparkling rings, jewelry represents commitment and everlasting love. It becomes an enduring reminder of the bond shared between two individuals. Personalized gifts add an extra touch of sentimentality on this day dedicated to love. Engraved names or initials on items like photo frames or keychains become cherished keepsakes that capture memories forever. In conclusion, gifts play an essential role in expressing affection on Valentine's Day. Their symbolism goes beyond their physical attributes; they convey deep emotions and strengthen the connection between partners. So this year, as you celebrate this beautiful day with your loved one, remember that sending thoughtful gifts can truly embrace deep love. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your partner feel special by choosing meaningful presents that reflect your heartfelt sentiments!

Creative Ways to Present Your Valentine's Day Gift Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to express your love and appreciation for someone special in your life. And what better way to do that than by giving them a thoughtful and meaningful gift? But instead of just handing over the present, why not make the moment even more memorable with a creative presentation? Here are some ideas on how you can add an extra touch of love and excitement when presenting your Valentine's Day gift.

1. Treasure Hunt: Create a fun treasure hunt leading up to the location where you've hidden the gift. Leave clues or riddles along the way, building anticipation with each step. This playful approach will make receiving the gift even more exciting. 2. Surprise Delivery: Arrange for the gift to be delivered unexpectedly. Whether it's at their workplace or home, surprising your loved one with a delivery adds an element of surprise and delight. 3. Personalized Scavenger Hunt: Instead of just hiding the gift, design a customized scavenger hunt tailored specifically for your partner. Each clue can remind them of cherished memories or inside jokes that only you two share. 4. DIY Wrapping Paper: Make your own wrapping paper using plain craft paper and paint or markers. Get creative by adding personalized messages or drawings that reflect your unique relationship. 5. Romantic Dinner Date: Plan a romantic dinner date at home or their favorite restaurant as part of gifting experience itself. Set up candles, play soft music, and create an ambiance filled with love before revealing their surprise present. 6.Surprise Party: If they enjoy being surrounded by friends and family, organize a surprise party in honor of Valentine’s Day where everyone brings small gifts for them throughout the night—each representing different aspects of their personality or interests. Remember, it's not just about what you give but also how you give it that makes all the difference! By putting thought into creating an unforgettable presentation, you can make your Valentine's Day gift even more special and memorable.

[phatphrog]

Zuko would be a Gryffindor and no, you can’t change my mind.

helloooo tumblr. I’m back from my lil hiatus- for now ;) but most importantly, I offer you this as I crawl out of my cave:

so, brief intro. This is based off of my original comments on Pinterest (pictured above), but hopefully written to be a bit more coherent. That comment section had some intense debates, but it was fun seeing everyone’s takes, so I thought I’d bring it over here. I saw lot of people on the Zuko=Slytherin side but, as you can see, I have some strong opinions to the contrary. You guys don’t know this about me but I was obsessed with Harry Potter for a longgg time. I may not be as actively into it now, but once a Potterhead always a Potterhead. That being said- this is all for fun! Reblog/comment your thoughts. What do you think the characters houses would be- let me know :)

Mm yes delicious literary parallels- the stories and characters of Zuko and Sirius Black mirror each other in a lot of ways. That shared angst? Family trauma? Yessir. (And bonus points for being considered heartthrobs haha) If we’re translating Zuko’s story to the HP universe, him having a similar situation to Sirius would make total sense from a literary standpoint. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Sirius Black is from a long prestigious line of pure bloods. (All wizard ancestry). His family is well off and highly respected, in *certain* circles. Most notably though, they’re all Slytherins. It’s a huge part of their identity- they pride themselves heavily on carrying on the tradition of both being a Slytherin and more or less being part of the bad guys. No one really can choose otherwise. Sirius however, gets sorted into Gryffindor, and allies with people that stand for the complete opposite of what his family believes in. He ends up fighting against his own family in order to help defeat Voldemort. Sirius is literally burned off of the family tree tapestry- he’s an outcast, a disgrace to his own family. Sound familiar? Zuko being sorted into Gryffindor while his whole family had always been Slytherins (Azula would 100% be top off her class in Slytherin), having to grow from their bigotry, struggling with his identity and being shunned from his family, and eventually joining the good guys? Yeah, that adds up. Take out the Hogwarts houses and that’s basically his story already. 

Honor!!! Okay, this ones pretty short. Basically, Zuko’s actions mostly come from a place of wanting to do the right thing and honor. (Granted, what he did in Seasons 1-2 wasn’t the right thing, but he thought it was at the time). Just the idea of being obsessed with honor (again, the Fire Nations idea of honor is warped but let’s think of it as it’s neutral meaning here- think of chivalry, good reputation, respect, etc) of is more of a Gryffindor thing to me, and again, trying to do the right thing is very much a Gryffindor trait.

Determination aka one of the main Gryffindor traits. Bravery, determination, passion, all define a Gryffindor. Passion is pretty self explanatory, Zuko’s a passionate person, period. Bravery we’ll get to in the next bullet. You cannot tell me my man Zuko is not determined. Some argue that much of his actions were out of ambition, which I’ll get to later, but the way he goes about all of his tasks (capturing the avatar, joining the Gaang, getting Katara to forgive him) is very much Gryffindor. He simply does not give up. He keeps going forward, no matter what- no matter the difficulties, Zuko will keep going. He’s determined, always.

Brave, brash, and a not so small sprinkle of self-sacrifice In their constant efforts to do the right thing, Gryffindors often act recklessly, simply crashing forward in earnestness to do the right thing, to save the day, etc. This is very much Zuko. I love him, but let’s be honest, he can be a bit dumb at times. He’s very brash and can get caught up in the moment. He tends to just run ahead, often acting without thinking, except maybe about his end goal. Not to mention, he’s incredibly brave. I could use countless examples, but the first ones that come to the mind are the Agni Kai with Azula, and leaving to join the Gaang during the eclipse. Zuko literally throws himself in front of lightning for someone. Without a second thought, he sacrifices his own life for someone else. Now if that isn’t reckless Gryffindor bravery in its purest form, I don’t know what is. Zuko leaves behind his throne, his family, girlfriend, honor, home, everything, with the very real possibility of never returning, to join the Gaang. He leaves it all behind, to do the right thing. That is most definitely not a Slytherin move. Maybe he could act as a double agent, giving information to the Gaang while retaining his throne, if he was Slytherin, but that blind all or nothing sacrifice for the greater good is simply out of character for a Slytherin. Not to say they’re evil by any means, but they’re cunning. Your average Slytherin just wants to ensure their well being, and is clever about doing so.

Ambition & Cunning (or not really) One of the most popular arguments for Zuko being a Slytherin is that his quest to capture Aang, was done out of ambition. I would argue that yes, he was ambitious in pursuit of the Avatar, but ultimately his actions were not fueled out of self interest, but for acceptance from his father. He wants to be welcomed back home, he wants love and acceptance. Secondly, Zuko really isn’t that cunning. See all of the above points for more evidence, but he’s simply not. He thunders ahead without a second thought. He doesn’t achieve his goals through meticulous planning, or manipulation and deceitful actions, he just goes for it. Let’s look at Azula, who I think we can all agree is a Slytherin through and through. Many of her most valued traits by Ozai, what makes her so formidable, and what Zuko tries again and again to be more like, are in turn her most Slytherin-esque traits. Azula is the definition of cunning and calculated. She plans every step. She analyzes her enemies weaknesses, their strengths. She’s incredibly powerful, but she doesn’t go full force all the time, she’s meticulous in when and how to use that power. Try as he might, Zuko can never be like her. It just isn’t in his nature. He’s not calculating or manipulative, he’s painfully brash, passionate, and straight forward. Take season 2 episode 8, “The Chase.” While Aang is fighting with Azula and Zuko, he gets to the second story of a building via airbending that doesn’t have a floor. In pursuit of him, Azula almost falls through, but quickly realizes and deftly jumps off to the side. Shortly after, Zuko runs through with a determined yell, but doesn’t notice and crashes straight down. This, is the perfect example of them as characters and their dynamic. Azula, always on guard and calculating, Zuko, full steam ahead, all passion and bravery, no hesitation.

Not everyone’s a hero! A common misconception is that Slytherins are the bad guys while Gryffindors are the good guys. I’ve seen this argument as evidence for Zuko being a Slytherin- he wasn’t a hero for most of the story, so he can’t possibly be a Gryffindor. First of all, Zuko has never truly been evil. He’s constantly had the conflicting ideas of good and evil, i.e- Roku and Sozin, within in him; it just takes a long and difficult journey to become a hero. And again, his actions were fueled not by selfish intent, but by a need for acceptance, and that’s all he knew. By merely going through that incredibly painful journey of growth, he ultimately proves his bravery even more, and his determination. He went through all that hardship, but kept going, kept fighting, and came out a good person in the end. I want to stress this point though- not all Gryffindors are these dashing heroes, especially not straight away. Look at Colin Creevey or Neville Longbottom- both Gryffindors, and both untraditional heroes. Sure, they were never ‘evil’, but they did start off unassuming, anxious, and awkward. Many, including themselves, doubted their status as Gryffindors, but by the end of the series through their growth and hard work, ended up proving themselves as the heroes they always had been, even if they didn’t know it. Heroism comes in many different forms and from many different places.

I could probably go on, but I’m sure you get the idea. Let me know what you think! I’m very much team Zuko=Gryffindor obviously, but I’m not sure about the other characters. I’d love to hear everyone’s ideas or takes on my argument :)

[pageofheartdj]

8 Different Types of Love

1. “Eros” or Erotic Love

The first kind of love is Eros, which is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. Eros represents the idea of sexual passion and desire.

The ancient Greeks considered Eros to be dangerous and frightening as it involves a “loss of control” through the primal impulse to procreate. Eros is a passionate and intense form of love that arouses romantic and sexual feelings.

Eros is an exulted and beautifully idealistic love that in the hearts of the spiritually awakened can be used to “recall knowledge of beauty” (as Socrates put it) through Tantra and spiritual sex. But when misguided, eros can be misused, abused and indulged in, leading to impulsive acts and broken hearts.

Eros is a primal and powerful fire that burns out quickly. It needs its flame to be fanned through one of the deeper forms of love below as it is centered around the selfish aspects of love, that is, personal infatuation and physical pleasure.

Love Catalyst: The physical body

2. “Philia” or Affectionate Love

The second type of love is philia, or friendship. The ancient Greeks valued philia far above eros because it was considered a love between equals.

Plato felt that physical attraction was not a necessary part of love, hence the use of the word platonic to mean, “without physical attraction.” Philia is a type of love that is felt among friends who’ve endured hard times together.

As Aristotle put it, philia is a “dispassionate virtuous love” that is free from the intensity of sexual attraction. It often involves the feelings of loyalty among friends, camaraderie among teammates, and the sense of sacrifice for your pack.

Examples in Films: Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Girl Next Door

Love Catalyst: The mind

3. “Storge” or Familiar Love

Although storge closely resembles philia in that it is a love without physical attraction, storge is primarily to do with kinship and familiarity. Storge is a natural form of affection that often flows between parents and their children, and children for their parents.

Storge love can even be found among childhood friends that is later shared as adults. But although storge is a powerful form of love, it can also become an obstacle on our spiritual paths, especially when our family or friends don’t align with or support our journey.

Love Catalyst: Causal (Memories)

4. “Ludus” or Playful Love

Although ludus has a bit of the erotic eros in it, it is much more than that. The Greeks thought of ludus as a playful form of love, for example, the affection between young lovers.

Ludus is that feeling we have when we go through the early stages of falling in love with someone, e.g. the fluttering heart, flirting, teasing, and feelings of euphoria.

Playfulness in love is an essential ingredient that is often lost in long-term relationships. Yet playfulness is one of the secrets to keeping the childlike innocence of your love alive, interesting and exciting.

Love Catalyst: Astral (Emotion)

5. “Mania” or Obsessive Love

Mania love is a type of love that leads a partner into a type of madness and obsessiveness. It occurs when there is an imbalance between eros and ludus.

To those who experience mania, love itself is a means of rescuing themselves; a reinforcement of their own value as the sufferer of poor self-esteem. This person wants to love and be loved to find a sense of self-value. Because of this, they can become possessive and jealous lovers, feeling as though they desperately “need” their partners.

If the other partner fails to reciprocate with the same kind of mania love, many issues prevail. This is why mania can often lead to issues such as codependency.

Love Catalyst: Survival instinct

6. “Pragma” or Enduring Love

Pragma is a love that has aged, matured and developed over time. It is beyond the physical, it has transcended the casual, and it is a unique harmony that has formed over time.

You can find pragma in married couples who’ve been together for a long time, or in friendships that have endured for decades. Unfortunately pragma is a type of love that is not easily found. We spend so much time and energy trying to find love and so little time in learning how to maintain it.

Unlike the other types of love, pragma is the result of effort on both sides. It’s the love between people who’ve learned to make compromises, have demonstrated patience and tolerance to make the relationship work.

Love Catalyst: Etheric (Unconscious)

7. “Philautia” or Self Love

The Greeks understood that in order to care for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. This form of self-love is not the unhealthy vanity and self-obsession that is focused on personal fame, gain and fortune as is the case with Narcissism.

Instead, philautia is self-love in its healthiest form. It shares the Buddhist philosophy of “self-compassion” which is the deep understanding that only once you have the strength to love yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin, will you be able to provide love to others. As Aristotle put it, “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a man’s feelings for himself.“

You cannot share what you do not have. If you do not love yourself, you cannot love anyone else either. The only way to truly be happy is to find that unconditional love for yourself. Often learning to love yourself involves embracing all the qualities you perceive as “unlovable”, this is where shadow work comes in.

Love Catalyst: Soul

8. “Agape” or Selfless Love

The highest and most radical type of love according to the Greeks is agape, or selfless unconditional love.

This type of love is not the sentimental outpouring that often passes as love in our society. It has nothing to do with the condition-based type of love that our sex-obsessed culture tries to pass as love.

Agape is what some call spiritual love. It is an unconditional love, bigger than ourselves, a boundless compassion, an infinite empathy. It is what the Buddhists describe as “mettā” or “universal loving kindness.” It is the purest form of love that is free from desires and expectations, and loves regardless of the flaws and shortcomings of others.

Agape is the love that is felt for that which we intuitively know as the divine truth: the love that accepts, forgives and believes for our greater good.

X

[blackswaneuroparedux]

Anonymous asked: What do you make of Prime Minister Theresa May as her rules slowly comes to an end with the election of a new PM, probably Boris Johnson. An improvement? Will he be the one to get the UK out of Europe?

I never rated Theresa May, she was an ambitious but risk averse careerist like most of the modern Conservative Party. When she finally achieved her life time’s ambition by becoming Prime Minister, she made a mess of it.

Many years ago Enoch Powell, the great Conservative politician who was treated pariah for being so prophetic, stated the fate of all who climb the greasy pole of politics.  He said, “All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.”

The same fate awaits Boris Johnson.

Is Johnson an improvement? He will be if compared to May who was as about as compelling as watching paint dry.

My main objection to him is character. he doesn’t have the character to be a good Prime Minister. Like Trump he is a charlatan who is entertaining but preening with man-child issues and narcissistic entitlement.

I don’t care about his messy personal life as he bonked women half his life while cheating on all his wives. Nor do I care for the scandal of his love children outside of marriage. You can argue that this shows his true character. Perhaps. But of course, it does show his personal morality but this doesn’t actually stop him being competent at his job. The trouble is that he has never been competent in his life.

By all counts, Johnson is clever but has always been quite lazy and a low attention span to follow through on tasks. When he was Foreign Secretary he never bothered to read his briefs or dive deep into the red boxes. He’s been fired as a journalist for lying - which is pretty hard to do considering many journalists bend the truth.  To many he is an opportunistic charlatan but with the confident artifice of Eton and Oxford grooming.

But I think he might be the only one who could takes us out of the EU. Make no mistake, we do need to get out of the EU.

But on what terms? At what price?

I fear his hands are tied, just like May, by the structural challenges of leaving the EU without a deal. The Irish backstop is of course biggest spanner to a meaningful deal. The prospect of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Island is one everyone secretly dreads in terms of what it might mean to return to the dark days of sectarian Protestant-Catholic violence. Ask any seasoned military veteran of the 70s and 80s and they will tell you Northern Ireland was their worst mission or posting than any they ever did. Even today the memories are bitter ones for British soldiers.

How the Irish border question gets resolved in the face of EU insistence of no more negotiations and compromises is a severe headache once the politicians stop their posturing.

Of bigger concern is President Trump.

It may come as news to some Americans but Trump is wildly viewed as unpopular by many in Britain, regardless of political loyalties. Both left and right see his dissing of the UK and interfering in British politics as gross and uncouth.

No one trusts anything that comes out of Trump’s mouth because he is a proven serial liar. When he talks of of trade deals with the post-Brexit UK, we all know he will never seek an equitable deal but one that is about ‘America first’ and screwing us over.

In this regard I do think the encroachment of American big pharma into British health system as well as the relaxing of food quality standards (like chlorinated chicken) is setting off alarm bells because they think Johnson will be will cave and be an obedient poodle.

Johnson’s supine role in not backing the current UK ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch, is a case in point. It doesn’t look good if you are seen to being dictated to by a foreign leader if you don’t back your own foreign ministry. Nor will the British people ever forgive him if Johnson acquiesces as if he was running the 51st state for the USA. It would be simply unacceptable because we are a proud nation with a proud history. 

Surprisingly, I’m not blaming Trump because his ‘America First’ beliefs. I think that is fine for the US as that’s his job to look out for his nation first. But conversely it’s bad for us. Trump as it’s now clear only thinks of deals in zero sum terms - there is only one winner so there has to be a loser. That’s his mind set. Again, I’m not holding that against Trump because he is being true to his nature.

America First is fine as far as it goes for American interests but for us we won’t get a fair deal because as a nation just breaking away from the EU umbrella we will not have any cover nor any leverage to punch back.

A pro-Brexit friend who actually worked under a minister told me that perhaps we should stay in the EU until Trump is replaced and then cut a deal. Firstly, I think he’s dreaming as no one can predict what the outcome of 2020 will be in the US. Secondly, who is to say whoever replaces Trump might be any easier to negotiate with? Thirdly, if the longer we delay leaving the more people will get used to us staying in and then it really will be harder to leave.

The big lie is that everything will be smelling daisies the day after we leave the EU with no deal. That’s BS. I know many corporate finance firms already making contingency plans to move to Ireland. Even Jacob Rees-Mogg, the arch Brexiteer, has set up his capital finance holdings firm in Dublin. Everyone I know with any capital or wealth already have insulated themselves as best as they legally can.

At the same time, these very people are salivating at the prospect of making the UK a place where easy money and capital can come and go with little oversight or regulation. Most of these things I agree with in principle. I think the City of London would continue to remain an attractive place to do business despite being outside the EU.

However I sometimes think the City of London has got its head up its own arse and thinks more about quick short term gains and little about the long term impact of its actions. The rot is deep in our country with the continued decline of investment in manufacturing in the country and greater wealth and education gaps between people. McJobs and the gig economy are not going to restore Britian’s greatness only hasten its decline.

Of course small British businesses will be hurt in the short and medium term by a no deal Brexit but don’t forget this is what they voted for. It will be painful. But some might well think it will be a worthy sacrifice to lose jobs and business in order to rebuild properly for the long term free of Brussels and bureaucrats. But that price won’t be paid by capital holding classes.

A very wealthy high flyer working in City of London put it to me over dinner not so long ago that people think that politics is about left vs right but actually it’s about those who have wealth and those who don’t.

The trick is to vent the flames of public passions towards abstract straw men like ‘freedom’ or ‘sovereignty’ or in the US it would take the form of ‘guns’ or ‘abortion’.

People on BOTH sides of an issue expend volatile passion that they each entrench their (legitimate) grievances so deep into permanent persecution complexes. It’s further ossified by the relentless and constant echo chamber they each inhabit to reinforce their own entrenched beliefs and prejudices. So much so they forget about where the real obscene truth lies.

That this has always been a Darwinian world and there will always be winners and losers in life - there will always the rulers (oligarchies) and the ruled, the haves and the have-nots, and the rich and the poor. It’s a very cynical take on human nature and our society.

As much as I wanted to disagree with him, deep down I felt there was more than a tinge of truth to his words. It’s true. The corporate world is not personal nor is it political per se. It’s just about the making money for shareholders and to accumulate capital for the sake of it. It wields power to insulate itself from scrutiny and to have the freedom to do as it pleases. It appeals to people’s base motives at their purest - individual self-preservation. At some stage it’s going to clash with the principles and the institutions of democracy and questions of what takes precedence becomes acute. But that debate is for another day.

I still like to think we live in a world where ideas matter regardless how bare you strip life down to the bones.

In the case of Brexit, to me the sovereignty of Parliament serving at the pleasure of the Queen is paramount. It’s ruling one’s nation from first principles. If it’s your nation then you should have sovereign control over all decisions being made for its citizens. Moreover those making the decisions should be open to public scrutiny and be accountable. The nation state (under a constitutional monarchy in the case of Britain) is only accountable to its subjects and not to outsiders. All fine in theory except it’s an issue when these very elites charged with ruling over the masses have deep structural rot in them and they are just floating to get by like dead wood. Renewal and regeneration looks like a pipe dream.

I love Europe and I consider myself a proud European but I find it unacceptable to be partly ruled from a foreign capital whether it’s Brussels, Berlin, Paris, Moscow or Washington DC.

The hubris of a Franco-German led Europe is real. The EU began on a worthy premise that both France and Germany never go to war again. But it has mutated into some confederated nightmare today. The folly of its confederate policies are apparent and it will only worsen.

I doubt Boris Johnson has the political gravitas - even if he has the low cunning or the wit - to out fox other European leaders and their mad integration policies. They know him too well since he was for years a lazy and incompetent correspondent in Brussels.

It may well be Johnson is the ‘useful idiot’ Britain needs to take us out of the EU but Britain will need another leader with integrity, character and conviction to lead us to build proper alliances and repair relations with other Europeans to collectively face threats to our shared identities and nationhood.

The trouble is I don’t see that person in the current Conservative Party. But don’t take my word on this please, I have a natural allergic reaction to all politicians of all stripes.

I don’t know how things will turn out but i am beginning to be concerned that whatever path we take is going to be fraught with danger - greater incendiary issues down the road will come back to bite us up the arse. 

Thanks for your question

[shar357]

White Rose

Found here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15240171

Summary: 

The red rose whispers of passion,

And the white rose breathes of love;

O, the red rose is a falcon,

And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rosebud

With a flush on its petal tips;

For the love that is purest and sweetest

Has a kiss of desire on the lips. (John O'Reilly)

Kirishima goes shopping for the suits and gives off all the wrong impressions with the outfit he chooses for Bakugou... or does he?

Notes:

Hanakotoba: the language of flowers

As a cultural note, many couples in East Asian countries will wear matching clothes as a form of PDA. Also, I didn't personally watch the movie. This is just based on spoilers I have seen and some headcannon.

_____________________________________________________________________

Before Kirishima came to high school, he decided to completely changed his appearance, but he had to do it on a tight budget. He spent 90% of his money on workout equipment in order to prepare for the UA entrance exams and, considering he placed second in the practical, it was money well spent. That didn't leave much money for an entire wardrobe overhaul.

Considering he'd be wearing his school uniform, PE clothes, or hero costume most of the time, Kirishima decided that it would be better to splurge on quality hair products in order to pay homage to Crimson Riot rather than worry about his attire. He could always bargain hunt. Casual clothing wasn't all that important for a heroic image anyways.

Still, even he had to pause slightly when he saw the crocs in the thrift store. These were clearly a fashion faux pas. However, the crocs were comfortable and, after checking the price tag, insanely cheap. It was manly to be bold and this item definitely made a statement. So, he wore those crocs right out of the store with no shame. Later on, he went back to that same store and repeated the process with a number of animal-print shirts.  

That being said, he wasn't shopping for casual clothes right now. He was looking for formal wear and he wasn't on a tight budget, so he should probably try to be stylish, especially since he was also shopping for Bakugou. A tiny voice at the back of his brain was extremely curious about what Bakugou would look like dressed to the nines. A larger voice near the front really just wanted to impress Bakugou with his fashion sense since he was still holding a grudge over the 'Shitty Hair' nickname.

Meandering around the racks in the boutique store, he considered what to do next. The store clerk - Nakamura - had a quirk called Dimension that allowed her to find out the precise measurements of anything based on sight and had written down the sizes he would need after he showed her a photo he'd taken of Bakugou on the docks from their first day on I-Island. Kirishima had actually been trying to capture the sunset over the ocean instead, but Bakugou leaned back while standing up on the railing and ended up in the shot by mistake. He looked rather peaceful and Kirishima couldn't help but smile softly at the memory.  

Shaking his head, he went back to focusing on perusing the racks. He'd already picked out his outfit and most of Bakugou's. Strangely enough for a menswear store, there hadn't been any black suit jackets in Bakugou's size, so now he was trying to figure out something else to complete the outfit. There weren't actually many clothes in the store that were Bakugou's size in general, though Kirishima did like the crimson dress shirt he'd picked out.

After setting a dark green jacket back on a rack with a scoff (It was Bakugou's size, but it would also make him look like a Christmas tree.), something in the periphery caught his attention. Walking over, he picked up the vest and started tracing the white rose detailing with his thumb. It was pretty and soft. Bakugou, however, was full of scowls, death threats, and a predilection for violence. Floral was definitely not the style of a guy who enjoyed Punisher T-shirts and heavy metal.

Still, the white roses reminded him of the day on the docks again. Which was a strange association, because there weren't any flowers around that day... just sea breeze, golden sunlight, and the occasional squall of a seagull. Kirishima had thought it was a bit sad that other people weren't outside enjoying such a beautiful afternoon, but maybe the relative isolation was what made it possible to accidentally capture a photo of a relaxed Bakugou Katuski in the first place.

It was hard to try to put the vest down after that thought for whatever reason. Biting his lower lip, he decided he might as well get it. There wasn't anything else in the store that caught his eye and he'd have to return Bakugou's outfit if he couldn't convince him to go to the reception anyways. Walking up the register, he handed Nakamura the clothing and she began placing them neatly in white boxes.

"These look quite nice. Might I suggest adding on a black tie to your boyfriend's outfit?" Kirishima felt a bit startled at the assumption.

"Oh, he's not my boyfriend. We're just friends. And ties aren't really his thing." Kirishima had nixed the idea of getting Bakugou to wear a tie from the start, even if he did somehow convince Bakugou to go to the reception. Bakugou steadfastly refused to wear a tie with his school uniform. There was no way he was going to wear one now. Nakamura's eyebrows lifted slightly.

"Sorry! I only assumed because of the outfit you picked for him..." Kirishima felt confused by that reasoning. He knew it was unusual to buy formal clothing for your friends, but he didn't see how the outfit itself would lead her to think they were a couple. It wasn't like the kanji for 'love' was emblazoned on it with rhinestones or something. They were just clothes.

"... how about I comp a black tie as an apology? If he doesn't want it, you can always just use it for yourself at some point."

"No apology necessary! It's honestly fine. Though, I would appreciate the tie, if it's no imposition." Who was he to turn down free clothes?

"No imposition at all! That will be ¥45000" Kirishima moaned internally at the price. No wonder the tie wasn't an imposition. This party better be worth the expense.

_______________________________________________________________________

When Kirishima came back to the hotel room, Bakugou was lounging on his bed, reading something on his phone. Kirishima set the bags near the foot of the bed and flopped down right next to Bakugou, earning himself a pointed glare.

"Watch it, Kirishima." Kirishima  just grinned.

"Hey, Bro! What's up?" Bakugou shrugged and went back to reading whatever it was on his phone. Kirishima decided there was no time like the present. The shopping centre would close in less than  thirty minutes and he'd prefer to return Bakugou's outfit today rather than set aside time to do it later on.

"So... about that reception..."

"I'm not going. This is a vacation. I don't want to hang out with our shitty classmates." Kirishima sighed. He had a feeling Bakugou was talking Midoriya (who he'd been hostile towards since they started school) and Todoroki (a more recent grudge) more than anyone else. He really hoped Bakugou would chill out about it all one day, but that clearly wasn't happening anytime soon.

"Well, I want to go." Bakugou grit his teeth.

"Go. I'm not fucking stopping you." Kirishima decided to try again.

"I'm your plus one here, not the other way around. We can always leave and just do something else together if you hate it that much." Bakugou turned his head to look him in the eye.

"Why even bother going in the first place, then?"  

"Because, it might be fun! I like our classmates and I bet there's going to be a lot of great food..." Bakugou rolled his eyes at that. "... and I already bought us outfits anyways. Just give it a shot!" Bakugou flicked him on the forehead.  

"Is that why you suddenly felt the urge to go shopping for three hours? I'm not about to show up somewhere in a tiger printed suit, fashion disaster." Now, it was Kirishima's turn to glare.

"They're good-looking outfits! Even the store clerk said so."

"The clerk said that because you probably spent a hell of a lot of money, you gullible idiot. How much was it all? Why'd you even buy stuff for me?" Kirishima decided the ceiling was way extremely interesting. Definitely more interesting than staring at Bakugou's scrutinizing gaze.

"¥48500..." He heard a scoff. "... but they really do look nice! And I bought you stuff because I want you to come with me!"

"No." Kirishima turned his head to look at Bakugou again and pouted. Bakugou quickly flipped over so all Kirishima could see was his back.

"Please, Bakugou!"

"Hell no."

Kirishima decided to let it go. This vacation had been going so well and it wasn't worth ruining by fighting about some party. He'd expected this, but he couldn't help but feel disappointed by the outcome. It made the last few hours feel like a colossal waste of time.

"Alright, I'll drop it. I'm going to go back to the store and return your outfit, then." Bakugou turned back around at the quiet tone his voice had taken and pursed his lips.

"Let me at least see what you bought first." Kirishima felt like he was being pitied. He didn't like it.

"No, it's ok. There's not any point if you're not going to wear it." Bakugou considered this for a minute and groaned.

"Fuck.... fine. Show me. If it's not completely shitty, I'll go to the damn party." Alright, that was a pity almost yes, but he'd sacrifice his pride for a second if only to feel better about how much time he'd just spent shopping. Kirishima smiled and nodded. They both sat up and Kirishima reached for one of the bags, tossing it at Bakugou.

Bakugou grumbled a bit about how there was no way this was going to look decent anyways while he pulled the white box out of the bag and Kirishima smirked. He knew he'd made some good selections.

However, Bakugou froze, eyes wide open, after he lifted the lid on the box. It was almost insulting if he was this surprised that Kirishima could pick out decent clothing. However, he doubted that was the case, because a pink tint was quickly darkening Bakugou's cheek. Maybe he was feeling sick? Before Kirishima could open his mouth to ask, Bakugou spoke up.

"Is this a confession?" Kirishima felt the back of his neck heat up slightly, thinking back to the store clerk's comments. It was just supposed to be a nice outfit! What was everyone else seeing that he wasn't?

"What makes you think that?" In response, Bakugou held up the vest. Kirishima blinked.

"It's a floral vest?" Bakugou looked at him accusingly. Was it suddenly a crime to get a patterned vest or something? Sure, it was an odd choice for someone like Bakugou, but it was still just a vest?

"These are white roses." Kirishima wasn't getting whatever point Bakugou was trying to make.

"So? Does that mean something?" Bakugou's face heated up even more before he answered.

"White roses are 'the flowers of light'. They symbolize purity, devotion and eternal love. I fucking just taught you this for the modern literature final..." Kirishima's face heated up as he suddenly remembered going over Hanakotoba while Bakugou hit him over the head with a workbook. Shit. This was awkward.

"Um... I must have forgot. I... I didn't intend it as.... well... really, I just thought it was a nice vest. I'm going to go return it...." Bakugou let out a breath and the color of his face started to die down.

"It's... whatever. You don't even have time to return it now, anyways. They're just clothes, right?" Kirishima checked the clock across from the bed. There were only fifteen minutes before the store closed. He really wasn't going to make it in time. Kirishima swallowed and nodded slowly.

"Yeah, just clothes. So, are you going to go to the reception?" Kirishima wasn't so sure now. The outfit was distinctly not shitty, and they both knew that, but their was a lot of tension in the air because of that freaking vest. Kirishima wouldn't blame Bakugou if he backed out. Honestly, Kirishima kind of wanted to go curl up and die in a hole somewhere but that would be an extremely unmanly response.

Bakugou thumbed through the rest of the items and placed everything neatly back in the box.

"It's not a shitty outfit. I said I'd go if it wasn't shitty." Kirishima should have beamed at his success and felt happy at the news. But all he could think about was how he'd just unintentionally confessed to Bakugou through a damn vest and now Bakugou was going to be wearing said vest. It was making his heart pound uncomfortably. He needed to change the subject from clothes or parties to literally anything else.

"Cool... do you want to play Smash?" Bakugou quickly nodded and got off the bed to start setting up the game and grab their consoles. They didn't mention the conversation again and the tension eased, though it refused to completely leave the air.

_______________________________________________________________________

They got ready at the last possible second, Kirishima hogging the bathroom so he could style his hair. When Kirishima finally got out after Bakugou pounded on the door for the 5th time, they both looked at each other, paralyzed, but not uncomfortably. The tension was back full-force but... it wasn't entirely unwelcome now, for whatever reason. Maybe they'd just gotten used to its presence.

Bakugou looked extremely handsome. Seriously, the clerk was apparently amazing with her quirk because his clothes fit him perfectly. The shirt matched his eyes well, and... he just looked great. Still, Kirishima, felt a little surprised when he noticed Bakugou's neck. He took the silky material in his hand.

"You're wearing a tie?" Bakugou frowned slightly.

"Why the fuck wouldn't I? It was in the box." Kirishima wanted to point out that he'd never seen Bakugou wear a tie, regardlesss of if a tie was part of an outfit, but he once again was beaten to the punch, this time by a whisper.

"We match." Kirishima looked over his outfit again, and then Bakugou's. Seriously, how had Kirishima not noticed this in the store. It wasn't an exact match, of course, but the outfits definitely paired closely together. They had the same color palette. Kirishima looked up at Bakugou's face and smiled brightly. Red was definitely a good color on them both. It felt pretty nice to be matching. They looked like a team and it reminded him of fighting alongside Bakugou for the first time at USJ or being his horse for the cavalry battle.

"Yeah, we do."

_______________________________________________________________________

It turned out that Kirishima left his phone in the hotel room. They decide to skip the banquest and wander around the tower. It's only the two of them and it feels pretty peaceful, just like being on the docks. Bakugou looks as calm as Kirishima feels, meandering aimlessly. He had intended to go hand out with the rest of their classmates, but their was time for that later and the silence somehow felt warm.

Chancing a glance at Bakugou's face when they pass by a window streaming moonlight, Kirishima think back to the sunlight before and how it framed Bakugou's face similarly. How white roses are apparently the 'flowers of light' and how they mean devotion. He thinks back to promising to be Bakugou's horse for the cavalry battle, completely unbreakable.

And of course, he'd just picked the vest because it was pretty. That promise was meant specifically for the tournament. But it's getting harder to convince himself any of that is true. It's like he's forgetting his own intentions and losing himself to a breeze that whispers something deeper than friendship. Subconsciously, maybe he was trying to say something after all.

[beautiful-rebellious-sunflower]

Hi! So I'm trying to convince a friend who isn't really a fan of Abby that she's a precious cinnamon roll. What evidence/arguments/gentle nudging would help to show them the light? :)

You know what? I started writing out a whole long essay of feels about Abby Griffin and why I love her so much, but I realised anything like that was gonna be WAY too long! So here it is condensed into handy bullet pointed list form!

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧  DISCLAIMER

Someone not liking Abby as a character is fine! I don’t expect my fave to be everyone’s fave, and sometimes you get a character who just rubs you the wrong way and you might not even be able to explain why. But, since I was asked, these are some of the reasons *I* love Abby Griffin, and some responses to common criticisms of her (many of which I genuinely think are deeply unfair and based on ridiculously inaccurate interpretations of her character)

Onwards!

she’s a talented Doctor and Scientist

she designed the wristbands! the whole ‘sending the 100 to the ground’ thing was LITERALLY HER IDEA IN THE FIRST PLACE THERE WOULD BE NO SHOW without Abby Griffin

“the most respected person in this camp" 

when Clarke destroys Mount Weather she immediately wants to use all that tech not for killing Grounders like Pike does, but for opening a hospital and healing Grounders and Sky people alike god whatever happened to THAT storyline btw??

saves Nyko’s life

saves Raven’s life

saves Lincoln’s life with an amazing smart, brave moment of sheer shocklashing badassery, and by doing so…

becomes the first person EVER to bring back a Reaper!!! Thus enabling Clarke to win an alliance with the Grounders and presumably becoming a legend with them because she LITERALLY BROUGHT A DUDE BACK FROM THE DEAD YO INDRA DID YOU SEE THAT SHIT

saves Finn’s life long-distance over the radio (look we all have our faults but Clarke, Raven and Octavia are equally to blame for this one so no foul to Abby)

saves Marcus’ life under the rubble of Tondc

saves Roan’s life when he’s shot

…literally are you getting my point half the people in the show would be dead if it it weren’t for her

keeps Ontari alive (and thus helps Clarke save the world) by CRACKING OPEN HER CHEST AND MANUALLY PUMPING HER HEART look even Murphy was impressed by that

she’s super badass and incredibly brave even without resorting to violence and killing like other characters

willing to go to jail and the airlock (!!!) multiple times to try and save the people due to die in the Culling

willing to fire herself at the Earth in an ancient rocket cobbled together by Raven just for the chance that she can prove the kids are alive

goes to meet Indra, a heavily armed enemy warrior leader, alone and unarmed, and doesn’t back down even with a knife held to her throat

climbs into the rubble of Tondc to save people even though she herself was safely out of it

saves Raven’s life (again!) by taking the chip when ALIE makes her cut her wrists

saves Jackson and Miller’s lives on Science Island by distracting a drone

she’s a devoted, loving and good mother (FUCK YOU I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL)

kind of a surrogate mom to Jackson who lost his mom at a young age

clearly wants to adopt both Raven and Murphy too

willing to move heaven and earth to find Clarke and protect her

stands up to Jaha to back Clarke in season two even as he tries to have her deposed and thrown into the stockade because…

“I have faith too. In my daughter.”

also in season two, defers to Clarke and gives up any chance of finding survivors from the other Ark stations to focus on rescuing the kids in Mount Weather

understands why Clarke left post-season two and even though it’s clearly hurting her she doesn’t try and drag her back before ‘she wants to be found’

look I don’t want to go too far on this because some of the time Abby DOES show poor judgement and go overboard in trying to protect Clarke?? I can’t deny that but honestly if the worst u can say about Abby Griffin is that she loves her daughter too much then you’re reaching pretty badly tbh, considering other characters have list of faults that literally include ‘torture’ and ‘genocide’

she’s a woman of extraordinary integrity and deeply held ethics, but also pragmatic and not stupid about it

“You don’t have to justify yourself.I broke the rules and I accept the consequences”

she ALWAYS does what she thinks is right…but she also NEVER shies away from the consequences

horrified by what Clarke does in letting Tondc be bombed…but keeps the secret anyway because she knows it’s necessary

deeply hurt by Clarke’s coup in S2 and shocked at the change in her daughter…but steps aside for her anyway to avoid more bloodshed from an actual fight

haunted and grief stricken by her beloved husband’s death…but was the one to turn him in, because she believed that risking the life of one person she loved couldn’t outweigh the risk of many more lives being lost by his actions

she’s the kindest, sweetest darling

befriends Raven, sees potential in her and treats her as an equal and an ally

besties with Purest Cinnamon Roll Jackson

sees the potential in John Murphy

respects and trusts Lincoln as an advisor when she’s Chancellor

constantly torn between worry and pride for her wayward daughter but would do anything to keep her safe 

forgives Marcus Kane for all the bullshit he put her through and ends up being his biggest supporter and ally and helping him to become a better man

constantly trying to heal everyone and save everyone even though she knows she can’t

constantly trying to find solutions that don’t involve violence and death

wracked with guilt for things she couldn’t have forseen and couldn’t change, worries that she isn’t a good person and doesn’t deserve to survive

led Arkadia in three months of real peace, turning a ramshackle camp into a growing, flourishing home even while dealing with her own personal grief over Clarke being missing

doesn’t get enough sleep

her smile is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds

Abby Griffin in conclusion

she’s incredibly smart

she’s extraordinarily courageous

she’s self-sacrificing

she’s kind and compassionate

she’s passionately driven and principled

she’s willing to get her own hands dirty

she takes care of everyone even though no-one ever takes care of her

she has to try and be a leader AND a doctor AND a mother all at once and even though it means she’s constantly overworked and has to make impossible choices, she willingly bears the burden of those responsibilities

BONUS ROUND UNDER THE CUT!!! Common reasons people give for disliking Abby, and my response to them! :D

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧  DISCLAIMER THE SECOND

Again, this is all just my opinion, and I don’t want to start an argument with anyone who disagrees. The ask here was ‘what evidence/arguments would I use’ so I thought a useful thing would be to lay out why the common arguments of those who don’t like Abby as a character do not sway me personally. My intention is to counter these criticisms with my own thoughts on the subject, not invalidate them.

Onwards!

**

“She’s an overbearing mother who doesn’t believe in Clarke’s leadership and competency even though it’s been proven again and again. She constantly tries to protect her when Clarke can clearly take care of herself and is trying to Get Shit Done without her mom’s interference.”

This is probably the most common one, and honestly I’m afraid I’m gonna have to repeat myself from my point above - if the worst thing you can say about Abby Griffin is that she loves her daughter too much…assuming that most people who make this argument love Clarke too, it seems like a bizarre reason to dislike Abby?

It also strikes me as oddly lacking in context. Overbearing parents can suck, sure, but…Abby Griffin isn’t getting mad about her daughter staying out late partying with friends or getting poor exam results. Abby Griffin is a mother desperately trying to prevent her only child from being brutally killed, or turning into a cold, ruthless killing machine herself, or else just ending up so broken and emotionally scarred that she loses her forever in another way.

These are not unreasonable concerns. These are things that happen to characters on this show!

Abby doesn’t want to lose her daughter. She doesn’t want her daughter to be hurt. She doesn’t want her daughter to have to make the terrible choices and unbearable sacrifices that a leader in Clarke’s position is so often called upon to do. And you know what? In her position I wouldn’t want that for MY daughter either! Is Abby selfish to want to spare her daughter these burdens? Maybe. Is she naive to think she can continue to protect Clarke under these circumstances? Almost certainly. But I can’t find it in my heart to blame her for trying.

Another thing I would really like to point out here that I think is often shamefully overlooked is that this is a flaw of Abby’s that improves with time. Yes, Abby does often question Clarke’s authority in season two and she is stubborn and open in her dismay at the change in her daughter that the Ground has wrought. But as time goes by Abby consistently backs Clarke and defers to her time and time again - standing up for her against Jaha, prioritizing her friends in Mount Weather above finding other Ark survivors, keeping the secret of the Tondc bombing…by the time season two ends Abby has come to terms with the person Clarke has become, and throughout season three and four she is nothing but a supportive and staunch ally to Clarke’s plans.

When they disagree on something Abby will always speak her mind, and when Clarke is in danger Abby will always try to protect her…just as any mother would, and as any of Clarke’s friends would. But if there’s one thing Abby Griffin has, it’s unwavering love and faith in her daughter. Clarke is clearly the person Abby cares most for in the world, and their relationship is one of the most important in the show - whether they’re at odds or working together, that relationship always makes both Clarke and Abby more interesting and more sympathetic to me. It feels like a genuine shame to me that some people find it a cause for resentment towards either of these characters instead.

**

“She’s reckless and doesn’t think through the consequences of her actions. She gave Finn a gun and he slaughtered a Grounder village! She smashed that machine in season four just to save Clarke when the entire human race was at stake!”

Actually I somewhat agree with this one! One of Abby’s faults throughout the show is that she often acts impulsively and makes unilateral decisions to do what she believes is right. Sometimes she turns out to be right…sometimes not. Either way this is something that makes me like Abby more as a character - she’s fallible and human! She makes mistakes! She’s so single minded about protecting her daughter that it can blind her to other concerns!

It makes her a much more interesting character, in my opinion, than an Abby Griffin who is unequivocally Right All The Time. As something of a moral compass for the show, it would be very easy for her to be boring, and having that stubborn, reckless streak makes her far more fun to watch. Give me morphine-stealing, black-market-dealing, do-whatever-it-takes-and-lie-through-your-teeth-to-get-what-you-want Slytherin Abby Griffin any day!

Because…at the end of the day, everything Abby does, good and bad, is done out of love for her daughter, and responsibility to her people. She’s not always right, but she is always - to paraphrase Jake Griffin - ‘doing the best she can.’ And I can’t help but love her for that, and root for her to succeed.

**

“She slapped Raven that one time.”

Yeah, that was a dick move. What, you expected something different? Just because I love Abby doesn’t mean I have to blindly agree with everything she does! As it happens, I share the opinion of a lot of people who think the writing for the show was at fault in this instance - I don’t think that slap was AT ALL in character for Abby to do, but that’s a discussion for another time. Assuming it IS taken as canon…yeah it was a total dick move. I hope (and genuinely believe) that Abby apologised to Raven afterwards. 

But again, I can’t help but think…if the worst charge you can level against Abby Griffin is ‘she slapped someone who didn’t deserve it one time’ then in the context of THIS show that speaks pretty well of Abby, to be honest. Of course it’s absurd to argue that any bad thing Abby does is just fine because other people have done worse things but…just…it’s not unreasonable to get a little perspective here, maybe? This one instance of Abby doing something admittedly unpleasant and unjustified to Raven in a moment of stress is nowhere near enough to cancel out the genuine and loving friendship the two share for the rest of the show, and seems like a pretty thin reason to Hate Abby Forever, especially considering all the awful things literally every other character in the show has done at one point or another except for my precious son Jackson

So although I agree in principle, a lot of the time when people trot out this particular argument it feels a lot to me like playing on everyone’s love of Raven to try and get them to hate Abby…which leaves a nasty ‘pitting women against each other’ taste in my mouth, to be honest.

So yeah, I don’t like this scene. I don’t like what Abby does in this scene. I won’t make apologies for her behavior here. But what I like least of all is anyone who tries to use this scene as some kind of unforgivable indictment of Abby’s character, when it is quite clearly exceptional and uncharacteristic behavior for her; something never seen before or since.

It was a dick move though.

**

“She killed her husband!”

*sighhhhhh*

I don’t hear this one a lot these days, but I really don’t know why it ever comes up at all as a reason to hate Abby? I mean, I can’t believe I have to spell this out for people because it is all explicitly laid out for you on screen in the show, but here in handy list form:

Abby clearly and demonstrably loved Jake Griffin, was terrified that he might be killed for exposing secret information and begged him not to do it

when he refused to back down, Abby confided in Jaha about his plans, because she genuinely believed that Jake was going to doom everyone on the Ark by going public, including Clarke

Abby and Jake were both personal friends with Jaha, and Abby believed that he would not execute Jake - a reasonable thing to think, as Jake had not yet committed a crime and Jaha HAD the power of pardon and was more than willing to use it on Abby when she later broke the law to save HIS life (hey fuck you Thelonius by the way)

when this did not happen and Jake was executed anyway, Abby was clearly and demonstrably horrified and grief stricken

even though Jake Griffin’s death was neither her intention nor her fault, she still obviously bears terrible guilt for her role in it and will have to live with the pain of losing the man she loved every day for the rest of her life

…seriously, this is all there on screen. Why some people persist in portraying Abby as some kind of cackling murderess who happily shoved her husband out of an airlock is beyond me. She trusted the wrong person and made a terrible mistake; an attempt to save lives that ended up losing the life of someone she loved deeply. It was a tragedy for everyone involved, born of the choices made by several different people all acting out of the best of intentions. Abby never came across as anything but deeply sympathetic to me when I watched this storyline play out on screen, and I’m just baffled that anyone feels otherwise? What show were you watching?

“She’s old and boring.”

Hey: fuck you!

Ok so not a lot of people straight up come out and say this, but a lot of the hate towards Abby Griffin really does seem to be because she has the audacity to be a woman over forty on TV. If you hate Abby because she displays characteristics or acts in a way that you would be swooning over if given to a sexy young man in his 20s, then the problem is a whole lot of socially ingrained ageism and misogyny, and there’s not a lot I can do to persuade people out of that.

~**~IN CONCLUSION~**~

A lot of people have different reasons for not liking Abby Griffin as a character, just as is the case for any character in any work of fiction. Some of them I can understand, even if I don’t personally agree with them. Some of them I think are both unfair and unreasonable. However, at the end of the day, all I can do is try and explain my own reasons for Abby being my favourite character, which I have done at…uh…some length. WOOPS.

I love Abby.  I think she’s an interesting character,a  sympathetic character, a vibrant and complicated and vital character. She’s someone I look up to, the kind of person I would like to be. And it bums me out to think that there are fans who just don’t like her, or simply don’t care about her, and that I will probably never be able to change their minds on that.

But there are plenty of people who feel the same way I do too. So Anon, if you are still reading this - and frankly I wouldn’t blame you if you had given up some time ago - my advice for you is this:

Agree to disagree. Talk to your friend about characters you both love in the show. Ask them to keep an open mind about Abby, and try to find out why they just haven’t warmed to her in the way you presumably have. And if you ever want to flail over our smol cinnamon roll science babe queen…there are plenty of us ready and waiting to join you :)

[kayejwrotes]

Castor and Pollux were lovers

It feels like ages since I’ve posted anything, but I couldn’t just let Iwaizumi’s birthday unnoticed, so here you have my sort of happy birthday fic with some Gypsy Au because why not.

Hope you’ll enjoy it!

Follow on AO3

-----------------------

It’s a starry night. Above their heads the sky is clear. There are no city sounds around. The humid air rising coolly from the ground caresses pleasantly his calves. It’s nice out there, tonight. The light patched vest on his bare chest lets every faint blow of wind touch his skin, but this is not the only nice thing tonight. The caravan has stopped just before sunset after a day of travel along desert roads, all the carts disposed in a semicircle in that clearing just a few kilometres out of the closest town. A bonfire was lightened just as the last barb of light left place for the night, and people had started playing music, sharing food, dancing around it.

Hajime looks up at the sky, filling his eyes with the shiny paths between stars. The Strawberry Moon has come in time like every year, and now Gemini is beaming high - Castor and Pollux bright next to each other. Hajime was born this night, many years ago. His mama had always told him it was a night just like this, Gemini shining high above her while she gave birth to him. Her best friend had kept her hand in her own and the baby in her belly had kicked just as Hajime wailed his first cry full of life. They had always told him that it had been written that night, under Castor and Pollux light, their fate had been sealed in the path of the stars above them. Now, years apart from that memory, years apart from that caravan that had been his family for so long, instants apart from this new caravan he now calls his home, Hajime still gazes up to the stars looking for paths leading to new answers, new futures. It’s his task, his destiny, to look up at the stars and unwrap the mysterious futures that people ask him to disclose. He doesn’t mind doing it, even when the events waiting ahead are full of pain. It’s just life at its purest form: messy, incomprehensible, utterly beautiful with all its flaws. He has only a few rules, but the most important one it’s probably that he can’t keep anything for himself. Be it knowledge or a secret, when questioned he must answer. He isn’t allowed to be selfish. It’s not a tragedy, he doesn’t really pay attention to this, even today that it’s his birthday. These guys, this new caravan has become his home. The least he could do is share the party with them, no presents allowed or needed. The stars had bestowed upon him a great gift already, what else does he need?

Gemini is still shining above his head as always, but the wonder of the stars it’s forgotten for a moment, shadowed by the blinding beauty of Tooru’s skin, every dip, every valley of his body highlighted by the flames of the bonfire while he dances with Sugawara and Akaashi around it. They are laughing, pearly teeth glowing in the darkness that skirts the clearing just where the light of the bonfire can’t reach. Their eyes are crinkling with joy, happiness on their faces for the night of celebration extending before their naked feet. They are a sight for everyone who looks at them, but Hajime has eyes only for Tooru. Tooru’s wearing that elegant silk vest of his that shimmers with every movement on his chest – shirts of any sort were too much for the warm weather of June -, and the little bells of the colourful scarves dangling from his hips jingle with every step, twist or jump, detaching from the loose pants on his legs. The clear crystal - precariously fastened on the silver chain hanging low on his abdomen- reflects every spec of light it catches, be it from the fire or the stars. Exactly like the earring hanging from his lobe, but the dark obsidian crystal there just captures light, keeping it inside itself. It’s the same earring Hajime has on his own lobe, a gift to Tooru given a while ago.

Tooru is such a work of beauty he is often caught staring at him with wonder in his eyes. Every expression Tooru makes, every movement, every sound leaves him breathless, and tonight there’s an energy in the air that feels like the stars are blessing all of them with their light.

Their lives had been intertwined from the very beginning. They had been there from the moment of each other first breath, and never once they have left each other’s side.

Once, when he was younger, he had made his mama tell the both of them the story of Castor and Pollux, the twin stars that gave life for each other. She had told them the story of two brothers, even if some said two lovers, that the gods decided to divide with death, for their love shined too bright and even the night sky was put to shame by them. They had been given the right to choose which one would live in the realm of death, and which one in the realm of life, but neither wanted to deny the other from the beauty of life. They were both ready to give up their life for the other, to let their loved one to enjoy life, even without themselves.

Castor and Pollux couldn’t be selfish at all with their decision, his mama had said, but one of them, after lots of pondering, with a heavy heart had sneaked silently to the Hall of the gods while the other was sleeping. She couldn’t really remember if it was Castor or Pollux, but lets just say it was Castor, this time.

Castor loved his brother - his lover - dearly and couldn’t bear the idea to deprive Pollux of the joy of life. Then he had taken upon himself the decision to live in the realm of death for the sake of his loved one. He had presented his idea to the gods, who were just about to accept his decision, when Pollux had bursted without breath through the Hall and screamed to stop whatever was happening. He wouldn’t let Castor sacrifice his happiness for him, but why not something else instead? Pollux then made a new proposal to the gods: if their love was enough to light up the sky, why not put them together as a constellation? The gods seemed pleased with the predicament, posing just one rule: they wouldn’t be near each other or their light would probably shadow the moon itself.

Castor and Pollux accepted the compromise and thus the constellation of Gemini was born, Castor and Pollux facing each other without touching, but able to see themselves and convey their love through their eyes, clearing dark paths for everyone under their protection.

Tooru had been asleep already when Hajime’s mom had ended her story, but the message had been clear to him: Castor and Pollux had bestowed a great gift upon him, he had to follow their example and devoid his life from any selfishness just like them. At that time, the only thing that had worried him was if Tooru would be allowed to be his best friend or if it would have been considered selfish even that. He asked himself the same thing from time to time, even after the word “best friend” had shifted to “lover”.

There’s a sudden pull of strings by Hanamaki’s fingers on his guitar, and the lighthearted energy surrounding the bonfire changes again, distracting Hajime from his thoughts and making him focus his attention again upon the present.

Matsukawa starts tapping rhythmically with the palms of his hands on the old drum, and a high crying note leaves Yahaba’s fiddle, swiftly followed by another and another in a sort of nostalgic and sensual melody. Hajime attention has shifted completely from the stars to the bright light in Tooru’s eyes. He is looking right at him - Tooru always knows how to find his eyes, capturing them with ease - tapping his feet in tune with the music, clapping his hands, twirling every now and then, lights and shadows hugging his body.

There isn’t any explicit invite, it isn’t necessary. Tooru’s presence is the only call Hajime needs. He walks the few steps separating them with tension running under his skin, as if Tooru with just a look has pulled all the strings securing Hajime to him. There’s hidden urgency in his movements now, and just when he is about to circle Tooru’s waist with his arms, the other turns and dips, eyes full with mirth, leaving him with the end of a teal scarf in his hand, the other end of it held tightly in his grasp.

It’s a game of push and pull now, both ends of the scarf binding them together. The area surrounding the bonfire is empty, just the two of them dancing under the warm light. Their feet move closer, they turn around, eyes caressing each other faces, eyes, lips. It’s raw, pure love, unveiled passion clear in their eyes, explicit in the way their bodies tense toward each other without touching. Tooru has a silent smile full of light on his lips. Hajime loves that carefree smile. It’s something reserved only to him, and it’s fitting Tooru decided to give one to him on his birthday night. But Hajime also loves the burning passion clear in his lover’s eyes, always warm, but now almost scorching from the intensity they are conveying.

They give nor ask for permission. It’s an order, a demand Hajime feels compelled to fulfill. And so he does, pulling the scarf toward himself with just enough strength to have Tooru twirls in his arms, chest heaving against his own, breath intertwining. Hajime tightens his arms around Tooru’s waist while he feels the other’s arms surround his neck, the silky fabric of the scarf brushing his back.

His nose is buried in his lover’s curls, the smell of lavender and honey soothing and intoxicating at the same time, and Hajime makes sure to inhale it deeply, to have it sink in his lungs for a while. A feather-light touch of lips against the shell of his ear it’s enough to have him shudder slightly and he can feel Tooru trembling with silent laughter just before whispering: «I thought you wouldn’t come dancing with me» «As if I could refuse you anything» is Hajime rumbling reply, more of a low murmur against Tooru’s neck than a real phrase. «You deny me things sometimes» It’s an affectionate purr, but he can’t really distinguish it from the feeling of Tooru nibbling at his unpierced lobe. «Like you never once read me my future. It feels so frustrating Hajime…!» and there’s definitely a gentle bite here, on the very end of his earlobe, that makes him tighten his hands on Tooru’s hips «It feels like everyone knows a secrete part of you and I don’t.»

Hajime has to forcibly refrain to lick Tooru’s neck, and instead contents himself with a lingering kiss on the soft skin, suddenly aware that people are filling again the area around the bonfire. Not that any of this would be seen as improper, but he doesn’t really like the idea of having Tooru grinning triumphantly at everyone while he hoists him on his shoulder and takes him to a more private area. Like the inside of their cart: the floor littered with cushions would be perfect.

«Why do you want to know it so much?» he asks instead, thumb brushing lightly Tooru’s skin under the vest, he can feel it shivering slightly were his fingers touch. It’s not like Hajime could really deny him of knowing it if Tooru would ask him directly, but since he never once formulated his question clearly he has always avoided saying anything about it. It’s an old argument between them. It has always seemed like Tooru wanted to know, but wasn’t really willing to force Hajime to do it.

However, when confronted with Hajime direct words, he gets an incomprehensible mumble from his lover, but no real answer. Now they are slowly swaying again. The music has taken a wildish rhythm and Mattsun looks like he’s having the time of his life in a sort of drum battle against Kuroo and Bokuto, sitting in front of him with their drums, but Tooru and Hajime are swinging at their own pace, turning slowly from time to time. They aren’t following any music in particular, but if he had to answer about the rhythm he would probably say something like their breaths, their heartbeats.

Hajime smirks when Tooru doesn’t say anything and for once decides to tease him a bit. «I don’t think I heard you, my love» they don’t really use pet names or that sort of things between them, but it’s nice from time to time to see that embarrassed and flustered look on him. «What do you want to be in your future?» and now Tooru is blushing furiously, hiding his face against Hajime neck, forgoing the pretence he isn’t at all affected by whatever Hajime is implying, because that amused grin on Hajime’s lips is enough to tell him he knows what’s going through his mind.

«Would you like to know everything that will happen to you in the next ten years? The stars will probably tell us, you know » Hajime teases, enjoying it, but he is also blushing a little while he slowly leads them away from the bonfire toward the scarcely light area between the carts.

« However, if I were you, I wouldn’t want to know what comes next Tooru…» Hajime says, and every trace of fun has left his voice. Tooru jerks his head to look at him suddenly, a preoccupied look in his eyes that turns confused when confronted with Hajime’s red cheeks.

«I like surprises when it comes to us, I like not knowing where the fates will lead us» he murmurs with steady eyes fixed on Tooru «I want to enjoy fully whatever the life will throw at us and experience everything with you. Is it okay for me to not tell, to not survey the stars for us? » It’s hard to actually get these words out, because to him it feels like more than a question, but Hajime goes on. Tonight is the perfect night for this. Castor and Pollux are shining above them. The twins stars that protect each other will surely protect his words too.

«I want to see our life with you, Tooru. I want to live it with you. I don’t want to have the feeling it’s just something we couldn’t entirely avoid because the fates decided it for us.» Tooru is silent while he watches Hajime, but his damp eyes talk for him, full with every emotion he can associate to his wonderful lover. «You are my choice, Tooru. No one choose you for me. I decided I wanted you from the moment I saw you the first time. You are the only free choice I decide to take in this life. Will it be okay for me to be selfish just for once?» and maybe Hajime’s eyes are wet too now, for the sky has never been so blurry to him, but his only focus is Tooru – beautiful Tooru with his raw energy, full of life and joyful fierceness –. Nothing really matters now, when he sees Tooru frantically nod his head up and down, uncapable of saying anything more. For once, he is the speechless one between them.

Tooru has tears streaming down his cheeks now, face scrunched up and lower lip bitten to keep the sobs in, but Hajime wants everything he has to give him, so he takes those sobs too, crushing their lips together. It’s messy, wet, and yet they still manage to find each other, to grip cheeks, necks, shoulders tightly. Hajime drinks every sobs that crashes against his lips, he swallows them whole to leave Tooru with only the burning sensation of their kisses. There’s a string of «yes yes yes» full of love and relief coming from Tooru, in between sobs and kisses. Hajime takes them too. Tooru gasps against his lips, feeling Hajime’s hands clutching lovingly at his neck before going down on the skin of his naked chest. All at once, the cool air of midnight it’s not enough for the both of them, and they start searching wildly for air on the other lips, their hands traveling over their bodies to map them just like the stars and constellations above their heads. It seems like they’re dancing again, pushing an pulling one another to their cart, leaving trails of fabric in their along their path. After that it’s just a chaos of skin, of lips, of hands, and every appearance of thought is forgotten in favour of raw lust and love.

<

p>Hajime doesn’t know how they ended up like this: they are sprawled on the floor of their cart, silky cushions, blankets and duvets under them without a real purpose or logic. Tooru is sleeping over him, arms clutching at his chest and legs sneakily entwined with his, breathing lightly under his chin. Hajime is brushing his finger quietly against Tooru’s spine with feather-light touch and around them the faint music from the bonfire has ended hours ago, but the sky is still illuminated by the stars. He can see Castor and Pollux from the trapdoor on the ceiling. The stars twinkle brightly in the night sky, and for once they are not pointing paths, futures or fates. They just seem to smile upon them, but Hajime can’t see them anymore: his eyes are fixated upon Tooru, his only choice in life.

[onestowatch]

Open Lila Drew’s ‘locket’ of Empathetic Emotions & Serene Pop Melodies [Q&A]

Photo Credit: Miriam Marlene

Born in London but raised in Los Angeles, Lila Drew is an 18-year-old who isn’t afraid of vulnerability and self-reflection. Drew grew up listening to old school records of Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, which allowed her to organically develop her passion for music. Rooted from honest journal entries, Drew’s stunning new EP, locket (side one), is a grand reflection of her life as she moves toward adulthood.

locket (side one) captures the purest of emotions as Drew revisits the feelings she’s experienced in some of her most challenging times. “take it back” sees Drew embodying the self-reliant woman she is and overcoming obstacles on her own. Layered with enticing instrumentals, “november” features Drew’s soothing vocals alongside comforting backing vocals as she once again stresses the importance of independence. The serene “hide” follows Drew on a journey through self-discovery as she realizes the difference between right and wrong when it comes to relationships.

Opening with hollow guitars, “nothing” has Drew recognizing the invincibility we all have within ourselves when we accept that some people aren’t as worthy as we once thought they were. “seconds (demo)” is a sorrowful song composed of downtempo beats about sacrifices and longing for someone we just can’t have. locket (side one) closes with “faded/2am,” which features rapper GoldLink. Examining a failed relationship, “faded/2am” is drenched with Drew’s angelic vocals and stirring electronics that pair well with GoldLink’s flawless verse.

Treat yourself to Lila Drew’s locket (side one) below:

To celebrate her new music, we recently chatted with Lila Drew about her debut collaboration with GoldLink, her slumber party themed EP listening party, and of course, locket (side one).

OTW: Who are your musical inspirations?

Drew: I grew up listening to a huge array of music. I’m super grateful to my parents for that. They exposed me to everyone from Led Zeppelin to Aretha Franklin to A Tribe Called Quest, really opening my mind to the spectrum of artists and genres! My biggest inspirations for songwriting are Frank Ocean, Phoebe Bridgers, and Paul Simon. They write the most poignant lyrics and I love that they all write nonlinearly. Some other inspirations of mine at the moment are Blood Orange, Ariana Grande, Crumb, and Beabadoobee (who is only 18 too!).

OTW: How did you manage to collaborate with GoldLink on your debut single, “faded/2am?”

Drew: Honestly, I’ve always been a huge fan of GoldLink! I love his combination of traditional R&B and new-age rap with a hint of funkiness. He’s insanely talented. My manager sent "faded/2am" to GoldLink’s team on a whim, and he really liked the song and wanted to collaborate! I was absolutely blown away when we got his verse, I think I cried in the kitchen with my brother!

OTW: Can you describe your songwriting process?

Drew: My songwriting process is super free form. I try to write every day, but my favorite songs are the ones that come super naturally. My best ideas usually come at night! I usually write melody and lyrics at the same time, which I think is a little bit strange - lyrics and melody often come at the same time for me. After I write melody and lyrics, I’ll go to the piano and mess around with some chords and see what fits. I try not to force the songwriting process, and I think my songs would sound and feel different if I didn’t take as organic of an approach. I also don’t really write about particular events, I’d rather write about specific feelings. I kind of collage different moments into each song in order to articulate a feeling - it’s super stream of consciousness.

OTW: How does it feel to know that locket (side one) is now out in the world?

Drew: I’m honestly a bit nervous! It’s always weird to know that people will actually hear something you’ve worked on. Despite that, I am super excited to just get more music out there and let people interpret the project in their own ways. This project is super special to me and I’ve been working on it for about two years now, so I’m definitely ready to get it out into the world.

OTW: Do you have a favorite song off locket (side one)?

Drew: Yes! I feel like I shouldn’t pick favorites, but “seconds” has to be my personal favorite off the project. I wrote it in my birthplace of London last summer, and it’s always felt the most “me” out of all the songs. I find something different lyrically and sonically every listen.

OTW: What’s a funny memory you have from shooting the “take it back” music video?

Drew: Honestly, the whole “take it back” shoot is a funny memory. I shot the "take it back" video with these amazing directors called Weird Life Films who are based out of Chicago. I absolutely love them and had such a great time filming and collaborating with the whole Weird Life team! One funny memory is that Jackson, DP and lighting extraordinaire, somehow is never addressed by his actual name. Some nicknames that were thrown around were Richard, Chardo, Lee, Lionel, Lionel Richie, Char Doggie, the list goes on. As Jackson said, “It ain’t all fun and games in nickname town.”

OTW: Tell us about your slumber party themed EP listening party!

Drew: I’ve had this idea for a while to throw slumber party themed events, and the EP drop seemed like the right time to do the first one. A lot of the music on this EP is centered around nostalgia and the importance of childhood memories, so I wanted to create a safe and artistic space that people could come to and travel back to their early childhood for one night. We covered the whole backyard of my friend’s house in Venice with blankets, pillows, bean bags, and rugs. We also had giant games, lots of food, and scrapbooking! Another part of the event was an art gallery that I curated with my friend’s art that was all around the space -- everything from sculptures to sketches. My friend Jack H-W played a few songs, and then I played most of my EP, and snuck in a Frank Ocean cover (“Higgs” from Endless). We also screened my documentary that I made with my friend John Hein. It was such a great night and went exactly how I’d dreamed it. I said this to a few people, but I think it still stands - 12 year old Lila would’ve been proud.

OTW: Who are your Ones To Watch?

Drew: There are honestly so many amazing new artists out there right now! I love Beabadoobee (who I mentioned before). I also love Choker; I could listen to his albums forever. I’ve been listening to Col3trane since his first single and think he’ll be huge. I really like Sasami too. And Grace Ives!

[basicsofislam]

BASICS OF ISLAM : Existence and Oneness of God Almighty : Tawhid (God's Oneness).Part3

Monotheism inspires bravery, for it defeats the two factors that make people cowards:

•fear of death and love of safety;

•the belief that someone other than God can somehow be bribed into postponing one’s death.

Belief in the Islamic creedal statement that “there is no deity but God” purges the mind of these ideas.

The first idea loses its influence when people realize that their lives, property, and everything else really belong to God, for this makes them willing to sacrifice whatever they have for God’s approval.

The second idea is defeated when people realize that no weapon, person, or power can kill them, for only God has this power.

No one can die before his or her appointed time, even if all of the world’s forces combined to do so. Nothing can bring death forward or push it backward even one instant. This firm belief in One God and dependence upon Him makes monotheists the bravest of people.

Monotheism creates an attitude of peace and contentment, purges the mind of subtle passions and jealousy, envy and greed, and prevents one from resorting to base and unfair means for achieving success.

Monotheists understand that God holds their wealth; that He bestows honor, power, reputation, and authority as He wills and subjects them to His Will; and that their duty is only to endeavor and struggle fairly.

They know that success and failure depend upon His Grace, for no power can block His Will to give or not to give. They also know that they must strive to deserve His Grace.

But many of those who do not believe in God consider success and failure to be the result of their own efforts or by the help of earthly powers, and do not take God’s Grace and Will into consideration. Therefore they remain slaves to cupidity and envy, and use bribery, flattery, conspiracy, and other base and unfair means to achieve success.

Monotheism makes people obey and observe the Divine Law.

Monotheists know that God is aware of everything, whether hidden or open, and is nearer to them than their jugular vein.

•If they sin in secret even under the cover of night, God knows it. He knows our unformed thoughts and intentions, even those of which we ourselves are unaware. We can hide things from people, but not from God. We can evade everyone, but not God’s grasp. The firmer our belief in this respect, the more observant we will be of His Commands.

This is why the first and most important condition for being a Muslim is to have firm and sincere faith in God’s Oneness.

This is also the most important and fundamental principle of the Prophet’s teachings, as well as Islam’s bedrock and the mainspring of its power. All other beliefs, commands, and laws of Islam stand firm on this foundation. Lastly, we quote the remarks of Dr. Laura Veccia Vaglieri, a famous Italian Orientalist, concerning the universal spirit of Islamic monotheism:

The Prophet, with a voice which was inspired by a deep communion with his Maker, preached the purest monotheism to the worshippers of fetish and the followers of a corrupted Christianity and Judaism. He put himself in open conflict with those regressive tendencies of mankind which lead to the association of other beings with the Creator.

In order to lead men to a belief in one God, he did not delude them with happenings which deviate from the normal course of nature. Rather, he simply invited them, without asking them to leave the realm of reality, to consider the Universe and its laws. Being confident of the resultant belief in the one and indispensable God, he simply let men read in the book of life.

Thanks to Islam, paganism in its various forms was defeated. The concept of the Universe, the practices of religion, and the customs of social life were each liberated from all the monstrosities which had degraded them, and human minds were made free of prejudice. Man finally realized his dignity. (Vaglieri, Laura Veccia, Apologia dell Islamismo. Washington: American Fazl Mosque [1957]; trans.

[alterumxlestrange-blog]

the history of the second son of lestrange

CHARACTER’S FULL NAME : Rabastan Lestrange

CHARACTER’S AGE / BIRTHDAY : 22 / April 14, 1957

OCCUPATION : Unspeakable.  Rabastan was recruited to the Ministry just after leaving school and the idea of such a job appealed to him on many levels.  It was prestigious, it was respected, and the secrets at his disposal were like none he could find anywhere else.

WAND DESCRIPTION : 13¾ inches, walnut, phoenix feather core.  

WHY THIS CHARACTER? : I think I can have a lot of fun with Rabastan.  He walks this kind of line between being outwardly crazy (a la Walden or Barty) and being that refined type of diabolical that you see in the “Sacred 28” Pureblood men (Lucius, Rodolphus, Atticus, etc.)  He has that arrogance of youth about him, as a second son he doesn’t have the weight of the Lestrange name on his shoulders, and the passion to want to prove himself.  There’s almost a sense of invincibility about him.  Which is not to say that he is invincible.  He’s not.  He’s just twenty two and stupid and thinks he’ll never die.  He is unapologetic and fierce which allows for so many fun options.  I mean, this is the guy who tortured the Longbottom’s with such intensity that they lost their minds.  That — is not normal levels of evil.  That is something else.  He, along with his brother and his sister in law, were also the only Death Eaters to search for the Dark Lord after his downfall.  His conviction and his loyalty are unerring, there is little he wouldn’t do to achieve his goals.

AFFILIATION : Rabastan is a Death Eater and a proud one.  It is the one thing he’s done the same as his brother and father before him.  There was a time when the part of him that longed to be anything other than “the youngest lestrange” rebelled at the idea of joining the Death Eaters just because his brother and father had but in the end, he did it because he wanted to.  Because he believed in what they stood for.  And if it meant being in his brother’s shadow again, well everyone had to make sacrifices.  It didn’t mean he had to make them gracefully.  

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT THE WAR? : Rabastan is young, the idea of war excites him.  Sure he believes in the outcome he is fighting for but he also enjoys the fight himself.  He is firm in his beliefs that some are better than others and he would more easily kill a mudblood child than harm his prized horse.  He is the sort of man who volunteers for missions and will often do the things others are too hesitant to do.  Even if it means enduring lectures on cautiousness and refinement from his older brother.

WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER’S GREATEST AMBITION? : He’d like to say his greatest ambition is to rid the wizarding world of those not worthy to be a part of it but Rabastan is not so noble.  His greatest ambition is the feeling of power.  He likes to feel like he’s in control and, in the event he cannot be in control, he wants no one to be.

HEADCANONS : 1. Rabastan doesn’t suffer from “the spare” syndrome, which is to say, he doesn’t feel insignificant or slighted or jealous of Rodolphus’ place.  It takes some of the weight off of him and it allows Rabastan to feel in control of his own life.  If someone were to ask him if he’d trade places with his brother, he’d laugh in their face.   2. He hates to fly.  When he was a kid he never liked the feeling of being suspended the air supported by nothing more than a plank of wood and it’s not something he’s ever really gotten over.  He didn’t play Quidditch in school, not even pick up games, and to this day prefers literally any kind of travel over brooms. 3. Rabastan is bad at emotion.  It’s not that he doesn’t feel them, he just has a very hard time processing them and the deeper the emotion, the harder it is to connect to it.  He has become very good at mimicking emotion because of this.  He knows how he is supposed to act and behave from watching others.  When he does manage to make sense of an emotion, though, it rocks him. 4. Tinkering with spells is a hobby of his.  He likes to manipulate them, to adjust them, to improve them.  He considered a career in spell making but he’d rather keep his creations to himself.  He doesn’t crave the notoriety of creating new spells, he prefers the advantage having unique spells gives him. 5. Rabastan is what some would call “a fucking asshole.” That’s the clinical term.  He’s cocky and egotistical and very much enjoys using his name to justify all of his actions.  He’s not particularly kind to those he doesn’t deem worthy.  Unless, of course, there is something he wants from them.   6. Authority and Rabastan are not the best of friends.  Rabastan values his independence and he bristles at nearly anyone who has the audacity to tell him what to do.  The only person whose orders he follows without argument is the Dark Lord — and even that just means he doesn’t argue to his face.   7. When thinking of sons of pureblood families, many conjure the image of a cool and collected man, refined, judgemental, and snide.  Rabastan is only some of these things.  Snide, of course, and judgemental, but the similarities end there.  Rabastan is loud.  He talks too loud and says too much, he is too rough around the edges, he laughs to abruptly and too often.    

EXTRA INFORMATION : Star Sign — Rabastan is an Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.  Aries is known to signal the beginning of something energetic and turbulent, both words that could describe Rabastan.  Aries are known for striving to be the best, for being active, for sometimes acting even before they speak.  

“Hand me your hand, let me look in your eyes as my last chance to feel human begins to vaporize.  Maybe it's the heat in here, maybe it's the pressure; you ought to head for the exits, the sooner the better.  I am this great, unstable mass of blood and foam and no one in her right mind would make my home her home.  My heart's an autoclave.  When I try to open up to you, I get completely lost.  Houses swallowed by the earth, windows thick with frost.  And I reach deep down within but the pathways twist and turn and there's no light anymore and nothing left to burn.”  — Autoclave by The Mountain Goats

BIOGRAPHY

Two to three children was a typical number among the families of the Sacred 28.  Though the modern times trudged on, tradition was harder to shake among the wizarding world and even more so among those families of the purest blood and largest bank accounts.  The old saying, an heir and a spare, wasn’t a rule persay but it was always good practice in families with huge inheritances and far too many branches to keep track of.  On the morning of April 14, 1957, Rodolphus Lestrange Senior and his wife, Valeria Travers gave birth to their second and final son, following tradition and ending for them what was only ever a marriage of convenience.  Oh they certainly played the part of esteemed husband and wife but they were rarely more than friendly with one another.  Theirs had been a marriage of politics, not of love.  The best that could be said for them is that neither was particularly miserable.  

This was the home Rabastan was raised in.  A home devoid of that warm and comforting feeling that one begins to associate with “home” as they grow.  Rabastan’s house always felt more like a museum than a place of refuge.  However, knowing nothing else, this didn’t phase the youngest Lestrange.  He simply grew without a need for attachments like sacred spaces and childish hideaways.  One wouldn’t think to look at Rabastan but he was someone who had an overly developed imagination and his childhood was to blame.  Without the frippery most children had in the form of playrooms and yards and games, Rabastan found amusement in his own mind.  He read often, though he didn’t particularly enjoy it or not, but he thought endlessly.  There was a time when his parents thought it was possible that he would end up in Ravenclaw what for all the questions he asked.  

But Rabastan’s destiny always pointed towards Slytherin.  His thirst for knowledge was not for knowledge’s sake alone but in order to best understand how to get what he wanted in the way he wanted.  Even from a young age there was something Rabastan always knew and it was what he wanted.  What he had to learn as he grew was what to do when what he wanted was something he could not have.  Luckily, being a Lestrange, that list was small and it didn’t happen often that he had to choose duty over desire.  

When Rabastan got to Hogwarts, it was no surprise to anyone when the hat placed him beside his older brother at the Slytherin table.  Rabastan flourished in Slytherin house, his ambition was well matched and he was surrounded by his own kind.  Children from the Sacred 28 whom he’d known since birth, other purebloods who perhaps didn’t make the list of high society but were still cut from a similar cloth.  Rabastan fed off of these influences, shaping and molding the man he would be as he interacted with all different kinds.  He developed a small circle of close friends and it was only the closest of those that grew to knew Rabastan at his most natural and comfortable.  

Rabastan came on the heels of his brother to school and felt the need to make it clear to everyone that the Lestrange men were not two of a kind.  Where his brother was more refined and cautious, the perfect model of the Sacred 28, Rabastan was unpredictable and hedonistic.  He reveled in all he was and all that his name guaranteed him.  He excelled at school when he put his mind to it, showcasing a brilliance in the things that interested him and a complete lack of care when things did not.  In his later years at school, he was the organizer of more than a fair share of common room parties and developed a reputation for the skill with which he not only avoided detention but caused a fair few to do his time for him.

He was examining possible career choices in his seventh year when the Ministry approached him about a career as an Unspeakable.  The idea appealed to him for many reasons.  It was something completely shrouded in mystery and the chance to be one of the few wizards in the world with such access was something Rabastan couldn’t pass up.  Unspeakables were also among the highest respected members of the Ministry, thanks to the mysterious fog in which they carried out their careers.  It did not take much wooing from the Ministry to win Rabastan and after graduation he began his career in the Thought Chamber.  

Also following graduation, Rabastan followed his father and brother into the ranks of the former Knights of Walpurgis, by that time called Death Eaters.  It wasn’t an easy decision for him, though.  Rabastan recoiled anytime he was faced with the idea of doing something merely because it was expected of him.  Rodolphus was the perfect son, Rabastan had the distinction of being what his mother called a “wild spirit.”  That wild spirit, though, found itself at odds when it came to the Death Eaters.  Yes it was something expected of him, something his father and brother had already done, but it was also something he wanted for himself.  Rabastan agreed with all the things the Death Eaters stood for, blood purity and a distaste for those of dirty and tainted blood, the belief that only those of the oldest bloodlines should maintain power, the idea that witches and wizards had lived in secrecy for too long, cowering for fear of mere muggles.  With the exuberance of youth, Rabastan poured himself into work for the Dark Lord.  A Ministry official and an Unspeakable, he was a font of information for the powerful wizard to whom he pledged his allegiance and he struggled to rise quickly through the ranks.

Firmly in his place among the Dark Lord’s followers, successful in his job at the ministry, all that was left for Rabastan was to leave behind childish romance and fulfill the one obligation his family actually expected of him.  Marrying someone they deemed appropriate.  His betrothal to Lavinia Rowle was worked out quickly and announced with pomp and circumstance.  To say Rabastan was pleased with the arrangement was a complicated statement.  Of possible choices, Rabastan didn’t mind Lavinia.  He’d even go so far as to say he enjoyed her company.  But it was the one thing he was being asked to do simply because he was a Lestrange and it was expected of him and that was something he disliked.  He hemmed and hawed at the match, going so far as to inform his potential betrothed of his displeasure.  But for all his complaining, it was on of the few things he was unable to talk himself out of.  So he resigned himself to it and entered into it as his parents had before him, looking for a partner and perhaps a friend but not expecting more.  When he got more, it shook him to the core.  And then, before he knew it, it was gone.  She had left him with the first scandal he didn’t know how to talk himself out of, a heart he hadn’t known could break, and far more questions about himself than he felt entirely comfortable with.    

PARA SAMPLE

It had been Bellatrix who told him Lavinia had been in the bank.  She hadn’t been the one to mark his fiancée — if she had been not even her marriage to his brother could have protected her from Rabastan’s rage — but she had been in charge of the group that had.  He didn’t have the time to fight with her about who it had been, he could deal with that later.  What he had to deal with now was the fact that his fiancée bore the word TRAITOR on her arm and he had to deal with all that that implied.  For one, she was meant to be his wife.  His parents had chosen her for her family, her purity, her perfection and now she was marked as a traitor.  It was a fire he would have to put out.  He could hear his father already, calling for the arrangement to be annulled and for a new wife to be found.  When they’d first been betrothed, Rabastan would have been of the same opinion.  But now?  

It would take every argument and ounce of finesse he had to keep Lavinia in his life.  

Second and exponentially more dangerous, the Dark Lord had chosen those to be marked himself.  The invitations had been sent out with his approval.  He had chosen Lavinia for that Mark.  Defying his parents Rabastan could do, but the Dark Lord?  The younger Lestrange was unfamiliar with the feeling called fear but he thought that perhaps that cold wave of nausea in the pit of his stomach when he thought of that defiance was what people referred to when they said they were scared.  He pushed it down, indulging it would do no good.  If he was to find a way out of this, it was through logic and not emotion.

He stormed through the streets on the way to St. Mungo’s, cloak billowing behind him.  He was still fuming from his discussion with Bellatrix, a discussion that nearly ended up in curses flying as she informed him with a smile of his fiancée’s fate.  Only because his brother stood physically between them did Rabastan restrain himself from taking his anger out on the wild haired witch.  Inside the lobby, the smell of terror assaulted him and he had to fight to keep himself from sneering.  Around him, those who had been marked filled the halls.  He spent a moment watching not the victims but their family members, seeing the relief and worry on their faces.  Some stood at the information desk with panic alive on their features.  He twisted his features into a similar expression and joined them at the desk.  

“My fiancée.  I’m looking for my fiancée.  She’s here, they said she was here.”  He faked the tone of concern with disturbing accuracy and the witch behind the desk fixed him with a sympathetic look.  

“Her name?”  

“Lavinia.  Lavinia Rowle.”  He was directed to her room and he hurried there through the throngs of people.  Only when he had reached her room and found that she shared it with no one did he let the expression drop.  

Except it didn’t, not entirely.  Because beneath all of it was the third third.  He loved her — and now she was lying in a bed in St. Mungo’s face pale and drawn.  

“Are you alright?”

[rainydaybaby121]

8 Different Types of Love

1. “Eros” or Erotic Love

The first kind of love is Eros, which is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. Eros represents the idea of sexual passion and desire.

The ancient Greeks considered Eros to be dangerous and frightening as it involves a “loss of control” through the primal impulse to procreate. Eros is a passionate and intense form of love that arouses romantic and sexual feelings.

Eros is an exulted and beautifully idealistic love that in the hearts of the spiritually mature can be used to “recall knowledge of beauty” (as Socrates put it) through Tantra and spiritual sex. But when misguided, eros can be misused, abused and indulged in, leading to impulsive acts and broken hearts.

Eros is a primal and powerful fire that burns out quickly. It needs its flame to be fanned through one of the deeper forms of love below as it is centered around the selfish aspects of love, that is, personal infatuation and physical pleasure.

Love Catalyst: The physical body

2. “Philia” or Affectionate Love

The second type of love is philia, or friendship. The ancient Greeks valued philia far above eros because it was considered a love between equals.

Plato felt that physical attraction was not a necessary part of love, hence the use of the word platonic to mean, “without physical attraction.” Philia is a type of love that is felt among friends who’ve endured hard times together.

As Aristotle put it, philia is a “dispassionate virtuous love” that is free from the intensity of sexual attraction. It often involves the feelings of loyalty among friends, camaraderie among teammates, and the sense of sacrifice for your pack.

Examples in Films: Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Girl Next Door

Love Catalyst: The mind

3. “Storge” or Familiar Love

Although storge closely resembles philia in that it is a love without physical attraction, storge is primarily to do with kinship and familiarity. Storge is a natural form of affection that often flows between parents and their children, and children for their parents.

Storge love can even be found among childhood friends that is later shared as adults. But although storge is a powerful form of love, it can also become an obstacle on our spiritual paths, especially when our family or friends don’t align with or support our journey.

Love Catalyst: Causal (Memories)

4. “Ludus” or Playful Love

Although ludus has a bit of the erotic erosin it, it is much more than that. The Greeks thought of ludus as a playful form of love, for example, the affection between young lovers.

Ludus is that feeling we have when we go through the early stages of falling in love with someone, e.g. the fluttering heart, flirting, teasing, and feelings of euphoria.

Playfulness in love is an essential ingredient that is often lost in long-term relationships. Yet playfulness is one of the secrets to keeping the childlike innocence of your love alive, interesting and exciting.

Love Catalyst: Astral (Emotion)

5. “Mania” or Obsessive Love

Mania love is a type of love that leads a partner into a type of madness and obsessiveness. It occurs when there is an imbalance between eros and ludus.

To those who experience mania, love itself is a means of rescuing themselves; a reinforcement of their own value as the sufferer of poor self-esteem. This person wants to love and be loved to find a sense of self-value. Because of this, they can become possessive and jealous lovers, feeling as though they desperately “need” their partners.

If the other partner fails to reciprocate with the same kind of mania love, many issues prevail. This is why mania can often lead to issues such as codependency.

Love Catalyst: Survival instinct

6. “Pragma” or Enduring Love

Pragma is a love that has aged, matured and developed over time. It is beyond the physical, it has transcended the casual, and it is a unique harmony that has formed over time.

You can find pragma in married couples who’ve been together for a long time, or in friendships that have endured for decades. Unfortunately pragma is a type of love that is not easily found. We spend so much time and energy trying to find love and so little time in learning how to maintain it.

Unlike the other types of love, pragma is the result of effort on both sides. It’s the love between people who’ve learned to make compromises, have demonstrated patience and tolerance to make the relationship work.

Love Catalyst: Etheric (Unconscious)

7. “Philautia” or Self Love

The Greeks understood that in order to care for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. This form of self-love is not the unhealthy vanity and self-obsession that is focused on personal fame, gain and fortune as is the case with Narcissism.

Instead, philautia is self-love in its healthiest form. It shares the Buddhist philosophy of “self-compassion” which is the deep understanding that only once you have the strength to love yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin, will you be able to provide love to others. As Aristotle put it, “All friendly feelings for others are an extension of a man’s feelings for himself.”

You cannot share what you do not have. If you do not love yourself, you cannot love anyone else either. The only way to truly be happy is to find that unconditional love for yourself. Only once you learn to love and understand yourself, will you be ready to search for the spiritual freedom of the Self.

Love Catalyst: Soul

8. “Agape” or Selfless Love

The highest and most radical type of love according to the Greeks is agape, or selfless unconditional love.

This type of love is not the sentimental outpouring that often passes as love in our society. It has nothing to do with the condition-based type of love that our sex-obsessed culture tries to pass as love.

Agape is what some call spiritual love. It is an unconditional love, bigger than ourselves, a boundless compassion, an infinite empathy. It is what the Buddhists describe as “mettā” or “universal loving kindness.” It is the purest form of love that is free from desires and expectations, and loves regardless of the flaws and shortcomings of others.

Agape is the love that is felt for that which we intuitively know as the divine truth: the love that accepts, forgives and believes for our greater good.

Love Catalyst: Spirit

[the-evolving-falcon]

Vrvrvrvrains for the meme! If you haven’t seen it, then arc v!

[I’ve been watching it and while I have been enjoying myself so far, I’ve had no reason to be passionate about it yet, so... I’ll be doing both :D

Vrains

❤ Favorite Male: Yuusaku. Him not being a whiny idealist, but instead cynical and not having any of the bullshit of the hypocrites trying to talk over his head and paint him as a poor pure victim as they try to force their ideals on him (read: Akira) makes him the first YGO protag I’ve liked after Other Yuugi, which... doesn’t mean that Konami can’t still screw him up completely. He’s really refreshing and I'm also glad he didn’t turn out to be the pathetic awwwwwkward loser (who, deep down, is just a poor pure cinnamon roll child) a lot of YGO fans wanted him to be before Vrains started to air- people who are now disappointed and writing one Yuusaku hate post after another lol Most importantly, though, I am really grateful how respectfully the writers handled his backstory.

❤ Favorite Female: Aoi. I’ve been having a couple of issues with her writing - all of which are related to Akira, whom she just completely outshines and the ‘idealized YGO sibling’ trope is just very unfitting for these two imo, but... All in all, she is absolutely GLORIOUS. I love the differences between her online and offline self, she is capable without the need for cringey ‘feminist goddess’ tropes, and her archetype is to DIE for!! I really love her brand of entertainment dueling too - as unlike Yuuya, she is very open about being selfish and doesn’t try to paint herself as the purest and most selfless martyr when she simply wants some ego-stroking (unlike Yuuya).❤ Favorite Pairing: Yuusaku/Aoi. The official name of this ship sucks, so I won’t be using, but goooooooooooosh, this protag x main girl ship could become even better than Faithshipping used to be in the first half of 5D’s O.O I just... really want them to interact more - especially outside Link Vrains. And form a meaningful bond! That being said, while Yuusaku/Aoi IS my fave Vrains ship, I’m not nearly as passionate about is as I am about any of my fave Arc-V ships ^^’ It is just... while the setting is interesting and everything, what will always be missing for me is the context of a war story and child soldiers lol❤ Least Favorite Character: Akira. He’s a disgusting hypocrite and incredibly pathetic - and to make it worse, an immense letdown too, given how my immediate reaction to first seeing his design was “OMGGG, GENETICALLY ENGINEERED HOSTAGE LOVE CHILD!!! Pleaselethimbelikehisfatherspleaselethimbelikehisfathers O.O” Well... no wonder Shun and Reiji disposed of him in a different anime when their experiment turned out to be a disgraceful failure lol❤ who’s most like me: I cannot relate to any character on a deeper level (which is also part of the reason for my lack of passion about Vrains so far), but I suppose I’m somewhere between Yuusaku and Aoi....ish, though again, not really lol❤ most attractive: I was going to say Akira but EEEEEK, NO! >.❤ three more characters that I like: I don’t have any ^^’ The rest of the cast has been pretty lackluster to be so far tbh ^^’

Arc-V

❤ Favorite Male: It’s a tie between Reiji and Shun, though only before Konami forced the writing staff to butcher them. Their minds are absolutely beautiful, their pre-retconning selves BOTH had the most intriguing kinds of backstories with a LOT of potential, and their cards, too, used to be super badass and rich in meta at the same time. 

Reiji is the very best intelligent INTP character I’ve ever seen (there are... few portrayals of INTPs that are not disgraceful tbh), his way of dealing with the entirety of his pre-retconning family is outright fascinating, and I just LOVE how Reiji, despite being an INTP rather than an INTJ, is actually the biggest asshole of all YGO rivals, and he’s still being dignified about it and maintaining an air of politeness. His subtle jabs at mentally feeble and hypocritical Yuuya, too, are too glorious to be true, and I still can’t believe people still interpret his words as genuine praise and admiration.

And Shun... gooooosh, the subtlety of the way his intelligence used to be written never fails to make me pause and marvel, and the same applies to the way it is clear that Shun is the one to control his anger and wield it as a weapon, rather than being controlled by it, which is what is usually being done with characters of a similar type. And how prideful he is as he’s fighting a hopeless losing battle for three years makes me want to cry for and admire him at the same time.

Also, they are handsome - drop dead gorgeous, to be exact, and their perfect voices are going to be my death one day O.O

But... yeah, I love these two characters more than my own life, and they both deserve so much better than what they’ve been getting from Konami and their awful fanbases alike TT__TT❤ Favorite Female: ...If I can only choose from canon, then Serena - up until her half-assed ‘redemption’, with the addition of some later scenes that were still good. But if I can be self-indulgent too... I really love the idea of a Kurosaki Ruri worthy of Shun and written in the tone of season one, in which Arc-V was still completely set up as a war story. Canon Ruri, though... I want that abomination to burn and 90% of her deck pisses me off and makes me cringe too.❤ Favorite Pairing: H-O-S-T-A-G-E-S-H-I-P-P-I-N-G. One day, I will make a more detailed post about why this ship is too good to be true and why it would not only fix all flaws in the writing of both characters, but also make them shine in the best way possible by exploring their strengths and flaws alike AND showing off the full extent of their minds’ beauty.To make it short, though, these two could learn so much from one another, provide one another with what they’ve been deprived of, and have the most fulfilling and mentally stimulating discussions. And Shun and Reiji are 110% mindmates too.Also, it is a very aesthetically pleasing and ‘hot’ ship *cough*❤ Least Favorite Character: It’s a tie between Yuuya and Ray. Yuuya... I wouldn’t even mind him, did the writing not change all laws of the universe to make the fate of four dimensions depend on his fragile mental state though blatant retconning, deny the validity of everyone else’s values, views, and needs, and reduce every other character to a mindless plot device with the sole purpose of worshipping him. It is... stomach-churning tbh, and there is absolutely nothing meta about each of his flaws being glorified as he’s depicted as The Most Selfless Martyr eveeeeeeeer. He was pretty well-written in season one, though, interesting as a character and also remarkably refreshing, but... urgh, his writing should’ve continued on the path of him having to adapt to his circumstances rather than the entire universe being retconned for the sake of Yuuya getting away with and being worshipped for remaining stagnant and delusional.As for Ray, her asspull existence that I will never acknowledge is an insult to 10+ characters, my faves included, and the main reasons for her introduction were to 1) Make Reiji and Shun’s battle about YUUYA instead 2) Deprive the bracelet girls of their agency and purpose beyond being plot devices and damsels because oversimplification rooooocks XX___XX3) Turn Leo, who was originally set up as a capable MAIN villain into a poor pure misled cinnamon roll and a pathetic grieving father, making absolutely everything Shun and Reiji fought for, endured, and sacrifice amount to absolutely nothing and that... is insultingTo add insult to injury, the fanon version of her is even worse as she’s without fail a blatant self-insert and/or a gross SJW feminist power fantasy - and she is always used to degrade the more complex characters, who were meant to exist from day one, even further- especially Reiji and the other bracelet girls. So yeah, keep that asspull plot device away from me >.

❤ who’s most like me: Reiji and Shun; I’ve never related to a fictional character to this extent, and season one of Arc-V gave me two of them - just to take them from me later in the worst fashion possible❤ most attractive: Again, it’s a tie between Shun and Reiji. They are both so handsome it should be illegal O.O❤ three more characters that I like: Yuuto, Yuuri, and Rin

Thank you sooo much for sending me this!  

[lichbt]

Top 30 Romantic Quotes from Movies

With all those quotes and sayings from the movies many individuals have watched, there are surely those impactful movie quotes that are hard to forget. Beautiful love quotes from movies tend to bring inspiration and also tend to remind people that there is surely one thing to remember on each and every story unveiled in movies. The following are compilations of the top 30 love quotes from 90s movies and movie quotes about loves 2017.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

“Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with?”

-William (Brad Pitt)

This movie is about a businessman and a devoted family man who was visited by death (Brad Pitt) who takes a human form as Joe Black; a young man who just died recently. Bill and Joe make a deal that Bill will be given few days of his life and Joe will also spend same time to know what it feels like to be human and he fell in love with Bill’s daughter. This movie quotes rooted from Joe’s love and now considered as one of the memorable love quotes from 90s movies.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

“I love you. You complete me”

-Jerry (Tom Cruise)

This is also a memorable movie quote from Jerry Maguire movie. Many viewers were certainly moved by the touching moment when Jerry played by the famous actor Tom Cruise utter these words to Dorothy played by actress Renee Zellweger. Jerry also said that things were not complete and were not nearly close to being in the same place as complete because he couldn’t share it with Dorothy. He just missed his wife. This is actually one of the most memorable love quotes from 90s movies that truly left a mark in the heart of lots of viewers though not everyone liked the way Dorothy responded.

City of Angels (1998)

“I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss of  her mouth and one touch of her hand than eternity without it.”

-Seth (Nicolas Cage)

This movie quote symbolizes that true love is never complete without the other one. You need someone by your side to whom you can express your love with and you would rather have to hold her, touch her and be with her than spend eternity without her. This is one love quotes from 90s movies entitled “City of Angels” that remind individuals that in love, presence is vital.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

“Actually, it was a globe with a light in it. But for the romantic that he was it might as well have been the world” -Lucy

This movie quote actually sparks a fire in one’s heart. This only proves that in love, even small and simple things matter a lot and can mean big things as well. Of all the countless love quotes from 90s movies, this one really caught the interest and attention of many movie viewers.

Before Sunrise (1995)

“If there is kind of magic in this world…it must be in the attempt of understanding someone”

-Celine

There are actually many love quotes from this movie that defines real love.  But the quote mentioned above is one of the most meaningful. This somehow shows that Celine is ready to take the risks on love essentially because she knew that love is worth the risk. This movie is said to be full of romance, intense and magical. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, you better watch it the soonest you can. The story is about a French woman and an American who met on the train and spent a day together in Vienna.

“It is like our time together is just ours. It’s our own creation. It must like I’m in your dream and you’re mine or something. “

-Celine

This is also one of the memorable love quotes from 90s movies that were also said by Celine in the movie Before Sunrise. For individuals who are in love, living in such a great dream is not a bad idea isn’t it?

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

“Love knows nothing of rank or river bank”

-Wil

Just of what it is in real life, love has no boundaries. As long as the intention is pure, anyone can love and would take the risk no matter what. For those who felt such kind of sincere emotion and purest intention and are willing to find for their love, they will surely understand this love quotes. This quote could also mean that if you are in love, it does not really matter how wealthy you are (rank) or where you actually live (river bank) as long as you love.

Emma (1996)

“Maybe it is our imperfections which make us so perfect for one another.”

In love, even imperfections do not matter and it seems that individual differences and flaws are things that can be managed because it’s the emotion that really matters. This is also one of the top love quotes from 90s movies worth remembering.

Love & Other Drugs

“You meet thousands of people and none of them really touch you. And then you meet one person and your life is changed. Forever.”

This is also one of the most favorite top love quotes from 90s movies that would make many individuals see the difference of living a life with the perfect one, the one that is meant to stay in your life forever.

10. "I don't remember being born. I don't recall what I got for my first Christmas, and I don't know when on my first outdoor picnic. But I do remember when I heard the sweetest voice in the wide world." - Forrest Gump

Jenny Curran and Forrest Gump love story was nothing usual, however, it was full of romance and love. Forrest may not have been smart, however with regards to love, he truly knew what he is doing and talking about. Forrest uttered this romantic quote to Jenny to let her know that he really this girl no matter what happened and in spite of everything.

11.  “A woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets. But now you know there was a man named Jack Dawson and that he saved me...in every way that a person can be saved. I don’t even have a picture of him. He exists now...only in my memory” – Old Rose

This dialogue comes from the box office hit 1990 movie Titanic which captures the hearts of everyone. This quote wonderfully portrays and expresses a girl as well as her heart. The affection she gives a long time ago to someone could never be recaptured and regain ever. This dialogue changed the meaning of love and affection forever.

12. I’ll Never Let Go, Jack I Promise”

Another romantic quote from the 1990’s movie Titanic, Jack has died as well as sunk deeply into the sea and Rose is trying to ask for some help. Prior to sinking into the sea, she kissed the hand of Jack, and then Jack begged to Rose to just let him go. When Rose said that she will never let go, it means that her love for Jack will be forever. So as to keep her pledge to Jack, shed to get brave and was able to rescued and move with her life. All these happened because of Jack. Jack saves her life. This shows that true love sacrifice.

13.  “Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!- William Wallace

William Wallace with commanding voice told his comrades that no matter what it takes they should fight for their rights. And there is a chance for everything if you have the heart to try it. And in case you lose, at least you try.

14. “After all... I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”: Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) to William (Hugh Grant)

From the 1990 movie Notting Hill, Anna Scott is super doper in love with William or Hugh Grant. This girl truly admired William. She will do everything and anything just to reciprocate the love she was giving to William. This only shows that in today’s world, whether you are a man or a woman, there is no wrong of expressing your love to someone as long as it true and genuine, then go for it. Who knows he also has that feeling for you.

16. "That's why God made other women. Because no matter how good a woman is, just around the corner may be a better one”

This is from the 1990 movie He Said, She Said. This quote shows that there is always a second choice. Not every man or woman is made equal. For sure there is one that will stand out from the rest. There is one that can do things which other girls can’t. So, the moral lesson here is that, you need to do everything; you need to give all out most essentially when loving a man.

17. “You Had Me at Hello”

This short but romantic quote came from the 1990’s movie Jerry Maguire. Jerry played by Tom Cruise was explaining his feeling and thoughts to Dorothy played by Renee Zellweger, and while he is in the middle of his explanation, Dorothy stopped him and told him that he had her at hello while crying. This shows that words are not enough to tell your feelings to someone.

18. Big Sick

“Can I imagine a world in which we end up together?”

Of all beautiful movie quotes about love 2017, it is one of the best that marked every person’s life. This is a movie quote about love asking someone what the world would look like if you end up together with someone you really love and care for. It is something that talks about the result of a union of two hearts.

19. The Lucky One

“You know, the smallest thing can change a life. In a blink of an eye, something might happen by chance – and when you least expect it – since we’re on a course that you could have never planned, into a future that you never imagined.”

This is another beautiful love quote from movies that puts emphasis on the fact that you could not prevent changes that might happen in your life as well as the exact time when will it happen.  Since your life is a never planned course, you cannot imagine what the future would look like especially if changes happen. If you really want to be with someone you love, consider all the possibilities and changes that might happen.

20. In the Perks of Being a Wallflower

“We accept the love we think we deserve”.

As far as love is concerned, you may accept everything especially the love which you think you really deserve to have. That such kind of love might just hurt, but you are willing to take risks since you know that such type of love has something in it that you deserve to have.

21. Twilight

“It’s too easy to be myself with you.”

It is always easy to be your own true self if you are with someone special or someone you really love. This is due to the fact that you need not to disguise yourself to other people’s character at all. No hiding of your personality and any difficulty and problems to experience. That is why if you are with someone you love, learning how to be your true self at all times is necessary.

22. The Notebook  

“It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be really hard. We’re going to have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want to be with you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.”

This movie love quote only means to say that if you really love someone and you want to spend the rest of your life together, you need to learn how to give effort, love, understanding, and care for them. Despite the fact that there are many struggles that might hinder your goals, don’t give up. Do everything for your special someone. It’s going to be hard but always have in mind and heart that what you are doing is for someone you wanted to be part of your life forever.

23. Dear John

“The saddest people I’ve ever met in life are the ones who don’t care deeply about anything at all.”

This love quote only means to say that if you have come along or met someone who doesn’t really care about others, they are considered to be the saddest people on earth. If you’ve found one, it is your responsibility to do something else to make them feel happy. Don’t let them feel as if they are alone in their life. Rather, give them the chance to be loved and love others.

24. Our Stars

“You didn’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world….but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.”

This movie love quotes only means that you cannot choose whether to be hurt or not. You have the right to say something to those who have hurt you. You cannot choose the person who can be part of your life and will not only hurt you, but you can say something about them.  Whether they are going to love or hurt, you don’t have a choice but to accept everything and learn from it. Learn how to like whatever choice you have in life and be thankful for it.

25. “Beautiful Aurelia, I've come here with a view of asking you to marry me. I know I seem an insane person—because I hardly know you—but sometimes things are so transparency, they don't need evidential proof. And I will inhabit here, or you can inhabit with me in England.” – Jamie, Love Actually

Love Actually is one of the all-time favorite romantic movies of all time that even after 14 years, the most romantic love quotes from the movie remains to those who’ve seen the movie. Now that a sequel to the movie is to be released this 2017, you would love to hear again the unforgettable love quote from Jamie (Colin Firth) to his beloved Aurelia in the movie Love Actually. Jamie’s love just shows that even in the shortest amount of time, you can love someone dearly that you don’t need proof.

26. “But the truth is, I’m in love and there’s nothing I can do about it.” – Sam, Love Actually

Of course, since we are in the movie Love Actually, who wouldn’t remember the iconic words of the then-13-year-old Thomas Brodie-Sangster in his role as Sam, telling his stepfather he is in love with his schoolmate?

27. "You are pretty much the only thing that makes me want to get up in the morning." - Will, Me Before You

The story of Will and Lou in Me Before You is much anticipated and the world they each told each other does not need a lot of explanation for you to know the love they have for each other. Would it not make you fall heels over head if someone told you you’re the only, they get up in the morning just like Will?

28. "I know we can do this. I know it's not how you would have chosen it, but I know I can make you happy. And all I can say in that you make me... you make me into someone I couldn't even imagine. You make me happy, even when you're awful, I would rather be with you - even the you that you seem to think is diminished - than with anyone else in the world." - Lou, Me Before You

It surely broke the heart of so many who watched Me Before You during this scene. It is just heartbreaking how Lou laid her feelings bare for Will just to change his mind but still no, he’s made his mind.

29. “Mr. Holland, Mrs. Holland, I’m sorry for the confusion and the intrusion... but i love this woman and i would love a blessing from you, whether it's a wink or a nod... or anything that you could give me.” - Travis Parker, The Choice

The Choice is one of the recent movie adaptations of Nicholas Sparks romantic novels. Just like A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Dear John and all his novels-turned-movies, this one packs heart-wrenching, sweet and lovely romantic quotes.  

30.  “I’m willing to sacrifice everything just to live one perfect day.” – Maddy, Everything, Everything

After having lived for so long sheltered and under the care of her mother because of being allergic to just about everything, Maddy finally have the courage to live for the now and herself, without the fear borne of her sickness. Even for just one day, she is willing to risk everything for love. Everything, Everything is a poignant movie this 2017 that will bring tears to your eyes.

"In my head, I know I've been in love before but it doesn't feel like it. Being in love with you is better than the first time. It feels like the first time and the last time and the only time all at once." — Olly, Everything, Everything

One of the most touching and swoon-worthy scenes in this 2017 romantic movie, everyone who watched Everything, Everything surely cried and was touched when Olly said just what the extent of his feelings for Maddy. How often can you find a man who can tell straight that you will be the first, the last time and the only person he will ever fall in love? Maddy found hers in Olly and after watching this movie, you probably want to find yours too.

People love to watch romantic movies for the story and the emotion they bring out of each of us and course, the love quotes that stay in the hearts of every viewer that make them want to fall in love again.  

[popcartoonkabala]

The Superman in super-heroism: Tipheret in Yesod because the problem starts from need.

Before was created the yawning absence through which reality was made possible, by getting out of the way, and inviting a world to be, as if, completely devoid of The Perfect and whatever That is-- 

--there was no drama. 

No injury. No boundary violable. No story and no crime. No world, for all this trouble is impossible in the Pure Presence of whatever perfect used to be. That was a long time ago, by definition. History is made of the bouncing and pop! that filled the absence of that initial pre-day with movement, passion, novelty and accident. The God thing that could be described was entirely problematic, mercenary according to the sensory capacities of the most honest and expressive demand, animal and then human and more human. Maybe memory, maybe dream. What’s noticed when gazing down the absence, back at the Source of all Flavors in the appendage-tips of Allah Most High. Because, lets say, there are at least two fundamentally different ways we, popularly, when not being overtly facetious or ironic nowadays use the idea of “god” --The characters we identify with fundamental popular priorities. As regional as the priorities themselves, the local Elohim. 

--The real that we cannot perceive, because it’s too big and all inclusive. The actual-beyond-regional. Whatever that is, the mystery behind science, maybe trivial, maybe utterly present and involved

Either the Real, or the True that discredits the Real. The core experienced that we cannot help but notice, identify, love and fear. This what what religion and popular media both formed as tools for relating to, but also, for unmasking and ritually stripping the power of, so that we could feel like we understand enough to at least relate to, safely. The forces that insist on being Problem, Solution, or Phenomenal Mystery Theater for the whole. This is what Kabbalah, historical and ongoing, traditional and experimental, aspires to clarify, that we might be empowered to at least understand how we are relating to Being. And solving problems! This is the moral aspiration in Kabbalah: overcoming cycles through perspective.                                                          --- Hi! My name’s Yoseph and this is Pop Cartoon Kabala, where I try and relate the historic mystical language that offers to contextualize and decode the meaning behind All The Stories, in the simplest terms available, breaking them down into convenient and accessible little codenames, elaborated and associated at length later on, as has been the history of written mysticsm. Start cryptic, because you can say more with less and so you won’t get in trouble, and then let generations build up to more detail the less was understood from context. Pop media mostly eschews this model? Only for a while. Every series, every program serially produced finds its way back from it’s novel pilot distinction to Approaching the Ancient of Days, delving into genre, history or just cliche for lack of the compelling in the unelaborated novel. It’s one of the blessings of the super-modern Netflix era, the extra episodes and spaces for character-or-theme development, deleted scenes, and all the nuance that remains peripheral and thus esoteric, saved for those who love enough to long for more detail and understanding. Written esoterica, i.e. Judaism but also all the rest is characterized by its infinite and expanding corpus of Apocrypha and commentary, each one more obscure than the last until or unless it emerges as Super-Canonical and becomes a certain kind of defining text for the whole community for the rest of all time. All the books, canonical and extra-- these compilations and elaborations became the main source that most communities have for their entire connection to the original source texts, and the original and everdefined divine expressed and experienced through them. This is the virtue and danger in making anything clearer. Responsibility for the update, the main work of the Tzaddik, the Hero, the Foundation, the protagonist: authentic and balanced sensitivity, as much as could be wanted, whatever will compels and continues to compel an engagement with. In this groping for language, personification and relation, is the beginning of the euphemisms that shine with our truest will and the testimony behind them. 

-----------

The Problem With People, even and especially the most sweetest amongst us: Manipulative dishonesty or unapologetic insistence on unhelpful satisfactions. It’s the sort of problem that goes until noticed except half unconsciously, making us uncomfortable until a language emerges to express the problem.  This is the problem with deific language that seems to constantly demand heresy and blasphemy, just to be honest, righteous or real. It’s one of the radical kindnesses of post biblical modernity, the vicious hostility to divinity, even as much as divinity is the main voice speaking, and purest sought thing. It’s why arch-cynics can have the 10 commandments on their desks: the invitation in even the worst excesses of religious dogma is a certain amount of re-clarified honesty. And the main concern that allows fundamentalists and evangels to intrude upon Our peace is the fear that we do not even understand ourselves, what we yearn for or mean. And so, rightness swivels and moves to be, according to the natural excess that it longs to offset. Hero literature invites clarification of a certain kind of super best good. This is what a Superman is for: Truth, etc. “Justice” is clarification, resolution, a harmony purchased through effort, and even sacrifice, for clarity’s sake. Super = Tipheret & Man = Yesod. Because need is the void that pulls imaginary hero into being. Win the war, whichever war is rightest and closest.  Exciting mediums of moral conflict, in which fantasies of relative scales of infinite power and success are used to express a yearning for constantly changing and renewing stories of “justice.” The main difference between the previously revealed and popularly acknowledged-as-torah torah is only in the use of the visual/verbal fusion in the emerging comic book language.     --- Yoel Chajes, scion of a long dynasty of rabbinic scholars and musicians, as well as mighty whalers and religious dissenters, once gave a “vort” at his Bar Mitzva comparing the visions of the mighty G-d of Israel and his power at the Song of the Sea following the exodus, just as the sea is splitting, with King David’s victory anthem, both ritually chanted on the seventh day of Passover, when his Bar Mitzva happened to come out. To do this, he contrasted the original vision of a merely super-powerful Superman circa Action Comics #15 with the nigh-invincible demi-god that Superman would become, transitioning from leaping really high (wow! Over a building? Whoa!) to flying at light speed around the sun to go back in time at his leisure (“yeah, sure. I can do that. Whatever.”) As if to say: the same El takes on different scales of role, depending on how much we need to be impressed and redeemed. From simple gravity? Or from Life and Death themselves? The more infinite Superman’s powers are, the more responsible he is to explain why he isn’t doing more, so theological answers start to be given for why Superman must allow some bad things to happen so humanity can work their shit out. The best and wholest of these efforts range from the generous to the theodic, with the mystery laying on Where Are The Limits of Our Expectation? Paul Dini and Alex Ross’s Superman: Peace on Earth, where, at least, he does try, features a beautiful shot of Him weeping as the food supplies he was carrying to African refugees smolder around him, destroyed by a rocket fired by some faction or another, intent on controlling the food. This is contrasted by a similar frustration in Garth Ennis and John Mcrea’s Hitman #34, where Superman is weeping bemoaning his own limitation in not being able to rescue an Astronaut. In Ennis’s story, there is nothing to be done, because nature and space and limits are what they are. In Dini’s story, the problem is more just the human heart. Both stories, notably, are Christmas stories. Because Superman is a super-Christ, as is known, a Solar deity in the aspect of Tipheret, often killed and resurrected. Often limited but the virtue is not giving up.    Like G-d, the more infinite Superman’s power is, the harder it is to feel good about him, because after all: he’s letting the bad structure that rules the world endure.  He must have his nifty reasons always, but the more he accepts his own limits, the sooner he becomes the lame tool of stories like Dark Knight Returns, endlessly justifying the sanctity of the status quo, until the point of nightmarish dystopian demiurgency. Who feels inspired by a god like that? Only the wicked.   That’s a short history of world religion, and the development of the Theology in “the” Torah for you:  God/the world/good is described in a certain way, to arouse the heart to excite people to a certain truth about how good is repressed and must not be accepted as such by any one in a position to do anything about it, until the limitations of that position are recognized by, like, everybody, and the relationship towards the responsibility evolves in response to the popular interest, now easier to track than ever thanks to sales figures (er… not counting all the torrented copies, alas--) 

Ignored in the context of talking about Superman is his fictionality: Why not just take His presence in the world seriously? He is a metaphor for the power that is wielded by Something, and could be wielded by Us… if only we knew how? Enter the One hero, whose victory defines us, and hopes to survive us, in every sense in that he is certainly us, once.  But the first could not last there alone for long. My theory here, that every hero is Superman in the same way that every God is Yahweh is the only god that any one can worship, or hero that one can revere: whichever one we're looking at now.  Superman is the Christ that always wins, that's what he means, and I reckon, what the Christ is supposed to mean. There are only three things that can happen to superman, that have been discovered, that can be the end of his infinite saga of transendence. He can become evil, fall in love, or go off into space to approach bigger concerns, not to return to earth until the final crisis.  This is how many Return of Superman sagas have begun, from the failed Superman Returns movie to Rob Liefeld's Supreme pastiche, which began as a violent superman ripoff in the context of early nineties grizzle, but emerged as the introduction of Alan Moore's Kabbalistic mythologization theory, where all retreads and retcons could make sense as part of one cosmic untidy poly-continuum, a principle which would soon become normative in all comic book universes, now unfettered from the need for an internally consistent alternate-reality justifying theory. It is all just narrative now, and some patterns for that narrative have been described.

Superman can only return from his slumber or distant war for the sake of One Last Victory, at the end of which he must be honored forever. This is the difference between Superman and Captain America, someone in many ways very similar, except that Captain America is defined, upon his resurrection, by his dissonant anachronism, as opposed to superman who can never function as an anachronism for long. Superman must fully assimilate into super-competence, including socially, in order to be, and if not, he must degrade into something less-useful, an intolerable situation, from which he must flee as soon as possible, to where he can super-function again.  This can be any kind of need, from the powered down adventures on Kandor, or New Krypton, or in the 30th century--  That's ok, he can handle that, AS LONG AS THERE IS A NEED FOR HIM.

This is the hall mark of the Sephiros-- they are summoned by need. On the higher levels, it's unclear whose need-- there is little distinction when everyone is in the same boat. Superman's defeat of his enemies is special, in that even his enemies tend to ultimately benefit from his victory. This total victory is beyond distinction, and climbs up the ladder to the very highest priority.    Tipheret is the center of the tree, bound to the highest and lowest of it's aspirations and sources. The irony of the kabbalistic tree is the degree to which it is upside down-- it's roots are singular and monistic, it's branches ultimately more like leaves.  If you want to defeat Superman, you must make his priorities change. 

   Therein lies the mystery of the evolving living god, the emerging better priority of Harmony: adaptation to emerging need and emerging morality, the daughter of need. Law is a boy in love with a girl named need, and seeking to impress her, and superman has never given up on his first love, the one his mother inspired: devotion to the best and most modern good. “The American way” gave up to some better term for the righteousness that superman MUST represent if he's not going to be terrible, just as Christ has to die a little in order to not be as flawed a god as his father was (and he is) before the great sacrifice.  Same with Dumuzi and Horus, the elohei tipheret, who represent the new order and it's marriage to infinite power. Batman is so different somehow, the Yesod hovering over malchus, closer to where the bad world becomes good. Maybe he's as high as Daas, but no, his virtue is too much about goodness and discipline. In some contexts, he could represent something closer to gevurah, but the truth is, Yesod is where he lives. Alan Moore's thelemic Kabbalah relates Yesod to the imagination, but that's not the association that we get with it in Jerusalem. Here, it's identified rather exclusively with righteousness, piety, faith and devotion, a certain kind of grounded harmony, the perfect balance between giving for the needs of the giver and giving for the needs of the receiver, a level of true sensitivity and intimacy that the Tipherets of infinite pre-packaged perfection can never touch. Yesod comes down to kiss reality in a way that Truth never can, and this is why Batman is always going to have a deeper and better relationship with Wonder Woman than Superman will, and why Batman is ultimately more resonant forever. The Saints are always going to be cooler than the Christ, no matter how much they love each other. There is much more to say about this, and so we will (G-d willing) every day or so, for the next week and half, relating to these last few days of Sephirat Haomer, until the Pentacost. So much for intro into the middle!  I’ve been working on this for while, and it’s still a work in progress. Feel free to comment, ask questions, argue, clarify, or anything. What Id’ really appreciate is as much art as y’all want to send me; this project is being published as a big Art Book eventually, and the finest of submissions here will be paid for permission to use. But more than that: we’re trying to illuminate, take the resonant and spin it into the profoundly meaningful, the core that is appreciated inside of the noise and medium clarified like pure gold. Won’t you help me? Any illustrations inspired by the words above, please.