#the rustic cork

[thedaveandkimmershow]

We had an experience that was both normal for the last coupla years but also quite different.

On the normal side, Linzy performed at The Rustic Cork in Millcreek on a Friday night. And once again, the folks there, both staff and diners, proved to be the most enthusiastic after each song. I don't know what to tell you. There's just something about the place.

On the not normal side, this is the first time Kimmer was able to join us. Usually these gigs are scheduled at the very top of the month when Kimmer's down in California for a few days caring for her aunt. Also on the not normal side is that I usually pick Linzy up and drop her back at her place since we live mere blocks from each other. Only...

We used to live mere blocks from each other. So this time I picked her up 'cause I was in the neighborhood. Basically on the other side of the Hill editing for a client after which I swung by, picked up Linzy and her gear, we made our way through a sluggish commute out of town, stopped in at the house to pick up Kimmer, a stop that included a bit of show 'n tell for Linzy featuring the latest state of our house as Kimmer settles in on the look and arrangement of each room, especially our former rec room/office that's now the family room/office/gym equipment room that, on one end, looks the most like a proper living room as we've ever had. It definitely recreates some of the vibe of our living room at the apartment... just on a larger scale.

After the show 'n tell, we had a lovely evening at The Rustic Cork, partaking of a Cabernet, a dry dry Reisling, a hummus platter, a chicken bacon ranch flatbread and, because Linzy's friends sitting next to us totally recommended it, a Flight.

It's a wine sampler of five wines (two white, three red) that's presented on a spiral stand.

My choice for best?

On the white side it's the dry dry Riesling I had earlier.

On the red side it's this guy. The darkest of the reds.

Mostly what we enjoyed was a simple night of hanging out, of enjoying good food and wine, accompanied by Linzy's guitar and voice performing a bunch of our favorite songs ever including one of her very own, one of her most recent titled "90 Minutes".

Now, the last piece of our evening was the most different because we live up here and she lives down there. And tomorrow, she's gotta gig even farther north than tonight. So we're stashing her gear at the house while I drive her home to the city. After which I drive back up to the house where the Missus 'n I call it a night.

☺️

So we're nine days into living back at the house after four years in an apartment on Capital Hill in Seattle.

Before the move, especially before we pulled the trigger on the move, one of our sticking points was the logistics of not living in the place that's most central to everything we do professionally.

However.

One of the things we're realizing is that up here is more central to everything we do when we're off the clock. It's more central to our personal lives.

And the extra commute time? The extra time it takes getting from here to there?

Well, let me out it like this:

Having more time to Zen or to adventure or to think or to have longer conversations or to read or write or even sleep.

Isn't the worst thing in the world.

🤔🤔🤔

[kenzoparis]

Basement Lookout in Columbus Large mountain style look-out bamboo floor and beige floor basement photo with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace and a brick fireplace

[meganlovesyou56]

Home Bar Living Room

Living room: Idea for a medium-sized rustic open-concept room with a bar, green walls, a regular fireplace, and a stone fireplace.

[mockinqay]

Outdoor Kitchen Outdoor Kitchen Phoenix An illustration of a sizable, modern backyard patio kitchen with a pergola

[casscaincampaign]

Basement Lookout in Columbus

[cloaksandcapes]

A simple idea, a common magic item, a new way to deliver messages or dead drop some secret plans. This one is courtesy of Darkflux from our Twitch chat! Thanks for the inspiration buddy!

Message in a Bottle

Wondrous Item, common

“An old rustic antique glass bottle. It once bore some words or images on the side but they have long worn off. It’s corked closed and empty.”

You can use an action to speak up to 25 words into this magic bottle and cork it. Whenever the cork is pulled the message is repeated back. Unless another message is spoken into the magic bottle it will always repeat the same message when uncorked.

Join us on Twitch every Mon\Wed\Fri to create new Homebrews and check out our Patreon for 544+ magic items, tokens, maps, and more.

[imichelle-l-rigby]

Reflections: Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition

Season 3, episode 5

✨also magnificently late✨

———————————————————————

*I am a music prof (predominantly classical vocalist), and I LOVE listening to Cillian’s music choices! That being said, sometimes I won’t like a song simply because of a vocalist (it’s a professional hazard - sorry!) 👩‍🏫

** The following are my own observations/opinions. We may not agree, and that’s ok! That’s what makes music fun! 😊

*** I wouldn’t say I’m well-versed in Cillian’s music preferences, but I do enjoy them (for the most part). I always wind up adding to my own playlists after listening to Cillian’s recommendations.

———————————————————————

The episode…

🎵Set 1 (Cross Talk I - Auntie’s Lock/Infinitum)

Cross Talk I: this sounds like the technology of my childhood 👵🏻

Soaring X: the instrumental track reminds me of something (specifically the 3 note motif) and I can’t for the life of me remember what it sounds like! Ahhh!!!! Also, I love this! It’s always so interesting to me how a tremolo (the fast repeated notes) can be so effective and moving when the technique itself is so simple.

Auntie’s Lock/Infinitum: … when the melody is basically the Westminster chimes 😳😅😂 wasn’t expecting that!

🎤Talking Break

Thanks for the date info! 😂😂😂

“”Luxury loving Librans”

An ident! 😳😂

… sir. I didn’t need to know that about spiders 😖😖😖

“Do your bit”- yes. Please wash your hands

Why is he so into uninteresting facts?? 😅

Yay! Someone told him the name of the film!!!

🎵Set 2 (All Change - Excess Success)

All Change: the intro sound effects specifically remind me of the jump/crisscross sections of the Cha Cha Slide 😅🤦‍♀️ now it is cool how things get more distorted towards the end! Unsettling, but neat.

it’s been a long week please don’t judge me for my idiocy 😅😂

Apothecary: I’m listening to all the woodwinds in the background. Interesting timbres.

Excess Success: it’s both cute and driving. Idk how that works, but it does!

🎤Talking Break

“Oh yes! Some music from Cork. Where I’m from…”

Reflection inspired tangentially by Elaine’s comments - I’ve noticed so many ppl are afraid to sing. It’s a part of us, so of course it’s personal. Either way, please sing. It’s worth it.

🎵Set 3 (To the Test - somehow she’s still here)

To the Test: chill and atmospheric. 😎

InFLUX: a weird distorted saxophone background. Again, I’m convinced this is one of Cillian’s favorite instruments! I really like the vocals here. And then halfway through everything changes! 🙀 surprise twist!

Somehow she’s still here: soulful! Gorgeous vocals!

🎤Talking Break

More Irish music!

“Cracker of an album”

🎵Set 4 (All of the People)

All of the People: while not my fave vocal style, I do like this (and Fontaines DC). Instrumentals are beautiful *dreamy sigh*

🎤Talking Break:

Oh dear… he manifested a poetry reading 😂😂😂😂

A stormy Brooklyn!

Plateau: the background track is trippy! I am immersed!

🎵 Set 5 (Le Jardin - Sorrowful Soil)

Le Jardin: I feel like I’m in a National Geographic special omg! 🙀 but the cute piano piece is a great addition! It really feels like I’m in the garden and I’m listening to someone play from the garden window. It’s also cool that the piano portion follows the “rustic” or pastoral trope of the pedal point. It’s meant to evoke bagpipes/pipes (not limited to Scotland but of course heavily associated with the country). The lilting melody on top just adds to the pastoral trope. And then the garden atmosphere gets all synth and I go “what???” 😅 this one’s got a bit of everything! 😂

XII: I love that he enjoys instrumental music. Lots of interesting timbres - some brass and woodwinds.

I’ll Stay Here Now: it’s all whooshy like the music’s being played backwards. 😊

Sorrowful Soil: this is so angular! I know I should pay attention to the lyrics, but I’m only paying attention to the musical lines. It’s reminding me of VERY early (medieval) musical lines, but put in the electronic timbres of today.

🎤Talking Break:

“That was Bjork, of course!”

I should check out the podcast. I’m not a huge Bjork fan, but it sounds cool!

Idk how or why, but I always enjoy music from Iceland. I’ve never even been there!

The ident…

GEORGE HARRISON IS MY FAVORITE BEATLE

I still need to watch Living in the Material World… 😅

I LOVE GET BACK

Side note - I’m convinced Cillian’s favorite Beatle is John.

🎵 Set 6 (I Can Feel It)

I Can Feel It: I am dancing and having so much fun!!! 💃

🎤Talking Break

The shortest break EVER.

🎵Set 7 (Inglan is a Bitch)

Inglan: all I can say is OOF. This song packs a punch! 😅

🎤Talking Break

No Cill, he’s not more interesting. Promise. 😂😂😂

Cohen covers ❤️

🎵Set 8 (Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye - What About Now)

Hey: I love Roberta! ❤️❤️❤️

I Shall Not Be Moved: I think tambourine should be in more songs.

Description of People Get Ready: I love gospel!

People Get Ready: ok, for so many personal reasons, I love this song and it’s message! “You just thaaaank the Lord!”

What About Now: I’m feeling so much ‘60s teenage rebellion. 😎 vocals aren’t that strong, but the drums sure do cover a lot of that! Perhaps a Bob Dylan inspired vocal quality! The whine is on point.

🎤Talking Break:

“Great name for a band”

Disco!

“Does this qualify as disco?”

🎵Set 9 (Dee Tour - Genshi)

Dee Tour: fun and girly and so retro! Also… FLUTE SOLO! 😎

Genshi: I looooove the opening. Which is funny because it’s so monotone, but the repeating rhythms are cool 👍 and then you have other lines show up. It’s just a groovy little piece!

🎤Talking Break

“Do work, or tidy the kitchen, or think about composting, things like that”

Kinda a cover?

🎵Set 10 (Goodbye Pork Pie Hat)

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat: more sax! The ding and other sound effects are so strange to me. Like… why? I feel like I’m missing context here. The pedal board lyrics are so “whoa”

🎤Talking Break

GEORGE HARRISON 😍😍😍😍

Yeah George - biggest solo album!!!

ARCHIVE OF GEORGE!!!!

I’m so proud of him for not cussing in this interview because I know he wanted to 😂

🎵Set 11 (Awaiting on You All - One Woman)

Awaiting On You All: not my fave George solo song, but you can’t deny it’s groovy!! His personal style could be haunting, beautiful, or kinda schmaltzy early rock ish. And all wrapped up in a quiet, sassy personality! 😂😅

One Woman: ooohhh this soulful, soulful song! ❤️ gorgeous vocals.

🎤Talking Break

I’m with you, Cill, regarding Al Green

Noooo don’t go!

Jazz! Yussss 😎

“Played this loudly in the kitchen last week”

“Mind yourselves”

🎵Set 12 (Pastoral - Memories of Edith Johnson)

Pastoral - ok, I could go music nerd again on the pastoral genre, but I won’t. Once is enough. But I do like the harp! Such a sweet sound.

Desillusion: yep! Definitely some jazz! 😎 powerful piano. It keeps sloooowly getting more complex as the song goes along. The bass and drums are also getting it! I’m gonna have to look up this trio.

Memories of Edith Johnson: so I looked her up and Edith was a silent film actress. It now makes sense why Cillian likes this. The organ and sax are fun together. The “oooohs” I can do without.

Fin

———————————————————————

Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to share and comment! Episode 6 coming soon!

Tag list:

@iammrsrogers @deliciousnutcomputer @mariamoonie @brownskinsugarplum76 @look-at-the-soul @kj-davis @neverroad @teapothollow @thepurplearmyposts @possessedmarshmallow

[candidscape]

Eco-Friendly Interior Design: Sustainable Solutions for Your Home

As awareness of environmental issues grows, eco-friendly interior design is becoming increasingly popular. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contributes to a more sustainable and healthier environment. Here’s how you can embrace sustainable solutions in your interior design:

1. Choose Sustainable Materials

Opt for materials that are eco-friendly and have a minimal environmental impact. Look for:

Bamboo: A rapidly renewable resource used for flooring, furniture, and decor.

Recycled Glass: Ideal for countertops and tiles, recycled glass reduces waste and adds a unique touch.

Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged from old buildings or furniture, reclaimed wood offers a rustic charm and helps reduce deforestation.

2. Opt for Low-VOC Paints

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in traditional paints can negatively impact indoor air quality. Choose low-VOC or no-VOC paints that are less harmful and contribute to a healthier living environment. Many eco-friendly paint options come in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you don’t have to compromise on style.

3. Incorporate Energy-Efficient Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting solutions not only reduce your energy bills but also minimize your environmental footprint. Consider:

LED Bulbs: They use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan.

Smart Lighting Systems: These systems allow you to control lighting remotely and set schedules to minimize energy use.

4. Use Sustainable Fabrics

When selecting textiles for your home, choose fabrics that are both stylish and sustainable. Options include:

Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful chemicals, organic cotton is soft and eco-friendly.

Hemp: A durable and versatile fabric that requires minimal water and pesticides.

Recycled Polyester: Made from recycled plastic bottles, it helps reduce waste and can be used for upholstery and curtains.

5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Modern appliances that are ENERGY STAR® rated use less energy and water, helping you reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Look for energy-efficient models for your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances.

6. Embrace Upcycling and Repurposing

Give old furniture and decor a new life through upcycling and repurposing. This approach reduces waste and adds unique character to your home. Consider:

Painting or Reupholstering Furniture: Transform outdated pieces into stylish, custom creations.

Repurposing Materials: Use reclaimed materials for DIY projects, such as creating a coffee table from an old door or shelves from wooden pallets.

7. Integrate Indoor Plants

Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also improve air quality by filtering pollutants. Opt for low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies, which are known for their air-purifying properties.

8. Choose Sustainable Flooring Options

Eco-friendly flooring options can dramatically change the look and feel of your space. Consider:

Cork Flooring: Made from the bark of cork oak trees, it’s renewable and offers natural insulation.

Linoleum: Made from natural materials like linseed oil and wood flour, it’s biodegradable and comes in various colors and patterns.

Recycled Carpet: Made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, it provides comfort while reducing waste.

9. Implement Water-Saving Fixtures

Conserving water is an essential aspect of eco-friendly design. Install:

Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads: These fixtures reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.

Dual-Flush Toilets: Offer two flushing options to minimize water consumption.

10. Support Local and Artisan Products

Choose locally-made and artisan products to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies. Local artisans often use sustainable practices and materials, adding a unique touch to your home while minimizing your environmental impact.

By integrating these eco-friendly interior design solutions, you can create a home that reflects your commitment to sustainability while enjoying a stylish and comfortable living space. Embracing these practices not only benefits the environment but also promotes a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

[decantree]

How to Choose the Right Animal Coasters for Your Home Style

Coasters may seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in protecting your furniture and adding a touch of style to your space. If you're an animal lover, animal-themed coasters are a fun way to showcase your passion while keeping your tables safe from water rings and spills. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right animal coasters that perfectly match your home’s style. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect animal coasters that complement your decor and personal taste.

Understand Your Home’s Style

Before you start shopping for animal coasters, it’s essential to understand your home’s overall style. Whether your space is modern, rustic, bohemian, or minimalist, the right coasters can enhance your existing decor.

Modern: If your home features clean lines, neutral colors, and sleek furniture, you’ll want coasters that match this aesthetic. Look for animal coasters with simple designs, perhaps in black and white, or with abstract representations of animals.

Rustic: For a rustic or farmhouse-style home, coasters made from natural materials like wood or cork are ideal. Animal designs that feature earthy tones or depict animals in a natural setting can blend seamlessly with your decor.

Bohemian: A boho style is all about eclectic patterns, bright colors, and unique finds. Animal coasters that showcase vibrant designs, detailed illustrations, or exotic animals like elephants or peacocks would be a great fit.

Minimalist: If your home is minimalist, focus on simplicity and functionality. Choose animal coasters with clean lines, neutral colors, and subtle animal prints or silhouettes.

Consider the Materials

The material of your coasters can significantly impact their durability and how well they fit into your home decor. Different materials offer different benefits, so consider what’s most important for your lifestyle.

Wood: Wooden coasters are versatile and can fit into many home styles, especially rustic or traditional decor. They’re durable and offer a natural, warm look. Opt for coasters with animal engravings or painted designs to add a personalized touch.

Ceramic: Ceramic coasters often come in a wide range of designs and are ideal for homes with a more polished or modern aesthetic. They’re easy to clean and provide excellent protection against heat and moisture.

Cork: Cork coasters are lightweight, eco-friendly, and absorbent. They’re perfect for a casual or rustic style and can be found in a variety of animal prints and patterns.

Marble: If your home has a luxurious or contemporary vibe, marble coasters with subtle animal designs can add a touch of elegance. They’re durable, heavy, and easy to clean.

Resin: Resin coasters are highly customizable and can feature intricate animal designs, making them suitable for eclectic or bohemian styles. They’re also water-resistant and easy to maintain.

Match the Color Scheme

When choosing animal coasters, it’s crucial to consider your home’s color scheme. The right colors can either blend in with your existing decor or stand out as a statement piece.

Neutral Colors: For a minimalist or modern home, stick with neutral colors like white, gray, black, or beige. Animal coasters with these hues will effortlessly integrate into your decor without overwhelming the space.

Bold Colors: If your home is vibrant and full of life, don’t shy away from bold colors. Choose coasters with bright animal designs that can add a pop of color to your coffee table or dining area.

Complementary Colors: Consider the dominant colors in your room and choose coasters that complement them. For example, if your living room features a lot of blues and greens, coasters with animal designs in these colors will tie the room together.

Think About the Animal Theme

The animal theme you choose should reflect your personality and the atmosphere you want to create in your home. Here are some ideas:

Wildlife: Coasters featuring wildlife animals like lions, elephants, or wolves are perfect for those who love nature and adventure. These designs can add a sense of wildness and freedom to your space.

Pets: If you’re a pet owner, why not choose coasters that celebrate your love for your furry friends? Dog and cat-themed coasters are popular and can bring a cozy, homey feel to your space.

Birds: Bird-themed coasters, especially those featuring exotic or colorful birds, can add a touch of elegance and beauty to your home. They’re great for nature enthusiasts or anyone who loves the gracefulness of birds.

Farm Animals: For a farmhouse or country-style home, coasters with farm animals like cows, chickens, or sheep can add a playful and rustic charm.

Exotic Animals: Coasters featuring exotic animals like tigers, zebras, or tropical fish can bring a sense of adventure and uniqueness to your home. They’re perfect for a boho or eclectic style.

Functionality Matters

While aesthetics are important, don’t forget about the functionality of your coasters. Consider the following factors:

Absorbency: If you frequently use your coasters for cold drinks, choose coasters made from absorbent materials like cork or sandstone. These materials will soak up condensation and prevent water rings.

Heat Resistance: For hot drinks like coffee or tea, make sure your coasters are heat-resistant. Ceramic, marble, and resin coasters are good options for protecting your surfaces from heat damage.

Size: Consider the size of your coasters relative to your drinkware. They should be large enough to accommodate your cups or glasses comfortably. Standard-sized coasters typically work well for most drinkware, but if you use larger mugs or glasses, look for coasters that can handle them.

Ease of Cleaning: Coasters are bound to get dirty over time, so choose ones that are easy to clean. Materials like ceramic, resin, and marble can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, while cork and wood may require more gentle care.

Consider Customization

If you can’t find the perfect animal coasters that match your home style, consider customizing your own. Many retailers offer the option to create personalized coasters with your favorite animals, colors, and designs. This way, you can ensure that your coasters are a perfect fit for your decor and personality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right animal coasters for your home style is about balancing aesthetics, functionality, and personal preference. By considering your home’s style, the materials, color scheme, and theme, you can find the perfect coasters that not only protect your furniture but also add a touch of personality and charm to your space. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look, a cozy rustic vibe, or a vibrant bohemian feel, there’s a set of animal coasters out there that’s perfect for you. 

[dlifesworld]

Top 7 Living Room Design Trends for 2024

If you’re an interior design enthusiast or a homeowner looking to revamp your living space, 2024 is bringing some exciting changes to living room design. The living room, often the heart of the home, deserves a stylish and functional design. Let's explore the top seven living room design trends our interior designers in Pune compiled to help transform your space into a haven of comfort and elegance.

1. Sustainable Materials

In 2024, sustainability continues to be a key focus in interior design. Homeowners are increasingly opting for eco-friendly materials that are not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.

Recycled Fabrics: Upholstery made from recycled materials is on the rise. Think sofas covered in fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.

Bamboo and Cork: These materials are not only sustainable but also add a touch of natural beauty to your living space.

Reclaimed Wood: Floors, coffee tables, and shelves made from reclaimed wood bring a rustic charm while promoting sustainability.

2. Bold Colors and Patterns

Say goodbye to neutral tones; 2024 is all about making a statement with bold colors and patterns. This trend is perfect for those who want to inject personality into their living room design.

Vibrant Hues: Deep blues, rich greens, and bold reds are making a comeback.

Geometric Patterns: From wallpaper to rugs, geometric patterns add a modern touch to any living room.

Mixed Prints: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different prints. The key is to balance them with solid colors to avoid overwhelming the space.

3. Multifunctional Furniture

With the rise of smaller living spaces, multifunctional furniture is becoming increasingly popular. Pieces that serve multiple purposes are not only practical but also stylish.

Sofa Beds: Perfect for guests and small apartments.

Storage Ottomans: These provide extra seating and storage space.

Foldable Tables: Ideal for those who need a dining table that can be tucked away when not in use.

4. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design, which focuses on incorporating natural elements into the home, is gaining traction in 2024. This trend is all about creating a connection between the indoors and the outdoors.

Indoor Plants: Adding greenery not only beautifies your space but also improves air quality.

Natural Light: Maximizing natural light with large windows and skylights.

Water Features: Small indoor fountains or aquariums add a calming effect.

5. Smart Home Integration

Technology continues to influence living room design, with smart home integration becoming more accessible and user-friendly.

Smart Lighting: Control the ambiance with smart bulbs and lighting systems.

Voice-Activated Assistants: Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home make managing your home easier.

Automated Blinds and Curtains: Adjust your window treatments with the touch of a button.

6. Minimalist Aesthetic

The minimalist aesthetic remains strong in 2024, focusing on simplicity and functionality. This trend is all about “less is more.”

Clean Lines: Furniture with sleek, clean lines.

Neutral Palette: Whites, grays, and muted tones create a calming environment.

Decluttered Spaces: Keeping only essential items on display to maintain a tidy look.

7. Vintage and Retro Accents

Adding a touch of nostalgia, vintage and retro accents are making a comeback. These elements bring character and charm to modern interiors.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Pieces inspired by the 1950s and 60s.

Retro Lighting: Statement light fixtures that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Vintage Decor: Incorporating antique pieces like mirrors, clocks, and artwork.

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for living room design. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors, sustainable materials, or smart home technology, there’s a trend for everyone. By incorporating these top seven living room design trends into your home with the guidance of a reliable team of interior designers in India, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional.

[thedaveandkimmershow]

The question is usually a variation on You must be so proud of your daughter.

And the answer is usually a variation on We are!

The truth is, though, we are well passed our proud stage. 

Yes. We were proud when she learned how to play the piano using that Piano For Quitters video tape. 

Yes. We were proud when she taught herself how to play the guitar with help from the internet.

Absolutely we were proud when she wrote her first song in Jr. High. It was a legitimately good song with wonderful lyrics and, one more time...

She was in Jr. High.

Of course we were proud and impressed by the songs she subsequently wrote and then performed to live audiences at coffee houses, talent shows, festivals, and concerts.

We were proud when she learned how to play the clarinet because that was a legitimately difficult instrument to learn but she bullied her way through it, she persevered, and succeeded enough over one summer to join the school band in the Fall on...

Clarinet.

We got a note from her band director.

"Well, she's done it again! "

And she had.

And this was still Jr. High.

And we were still proud.

In High School there was lots more to be proud of. How she owned the school's talent show only a few weeks after setting foot in the school for the first time. The National Merit Scholar thing. The live rock band performance after which stage-diving actually occurred. That one vocal solo at Benaroya Hall. And then stepping into the spring musical her senior year, the only year in which she did it, absolutely killed it as the witch in Big Fish. And then performing an original at her own graduation.

Absolutely absolutely absolutely the song she wrote and performed for a friend's memorial in front of her school and her friend's parents. It was a breathtaking moment. There was a tremendous amount of pressure on that moment.

And so on.

Proud. Proud. Proud. Proud proud.

We were proud of her audition for Berklee School of Music at London Bridge Studios and her audition for Cornish College of the Arts.

There was a lot of pressure there, too. And this was about her future.

She was accepted to both schools, by the way.

We were proud as her songwriting took off in college. We were proud of her performances for her Jazz classes and then that song "The Rain Song" she whipped out freshman year.

We were proud of her still unfinished musical because that first song she wrote was absolutely stunning. We had no problem imagining its performance at The 5th Avenue or Benaroya or McCaw Hall.

Some day.

In college she was challenged by teachers who didn't already think she was the best thing ever coming out of high school. They treated her as someone with a lot to learn... and she rose to their ever higher demands. Which was about music, yes. Which was about performance, yes. Which was about being a professional.

We were proud of her Jr. Recital in Poncho Concert Hall. The one for which she put a band together including upright bass, drums, piano, electric and acoustic guitars as well as additional vocalists.

It was like being at a jazz club.

We were proud, of course, when she graduated... it was online, though, so we were even more proud when she walked the stage at Benaroya Hall the following year, in-person, with her class.

Now that. Was a big deal. 

We were proud as she continued to pursue her career after college, continuing to write, picking up cafe and winery gigs, working the business side at The Royal Room, and doing those random SoFar gigs, the high point of which was singing Reckless with Robbie Christmas at The Shop. Or maybe that gig at Ward Johnson Winery on Elliott near the Magnolia Bridge. People we're so incredibly into that performance. 

Dang.

It has been quite a ride.

Somewhere in there, though, the word "proud" wasn't the word anymore. Not really.

Huh?

Well, take the last month, for example. 

She put a band together for a New Year's party thrown by the city of Everett. She joined the band Midnight High that's taking off in the Spring. She made a guest appearance with Robbie Christmas & Company at The Triple Door on the song Walla Walla (which she co-wrote). She's producing a number of her own songs for a company that places music in TV and film. And then she just did that Christine McVie tribute with The Little Lies at the Nectar Lounge.

The next afternoon I gave her a call... but she couldn't talk just then because she was in vocal rehearsals with Midnight High.

So no. Proud isn't the word.

I'm not sure what the word actually is... but it's something like amazed. It's something like excited. It's something like breathtaking.

I mean... she is taking. Off.

I mean... this is happening.

I mean a straight-up music career is in progress. 

And I mean wow.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow.

And no. She's not doing this alone. She's part of a community of musicians who are pursuing this particular dream, this creative profession. And as the days speed by, that community, that network of professionals keeps growing. As do the opportunities.

So yup. Proud isn’t the word, exactly.

I don’t know what the word is, really.

But we're crazy excited.

😁😁😁

[homedecorzstore]

Cork Desk Organizer

Transform your desk with our Cork Desk Organizer, which is the height of beauty and sustainability. Handcrafted by talented artisans from isolated Indian villages, this organizer is the ideal combination of traditional artistry and modern utility. Made of 100% natural cork, it's an eco-friendly option that keeps your workplace clutter-free while adding a touch of rustic appeal. Each item is specifically designed to provide adequate storage for your basics, keeping your office organized and inspiring. This one-of-a-kind, biodegradable desk organizer, available only from Home Decorz Store, allows you to embrace nature's beauty while also elevating your office decor. https://homedecorzstore.com/product/cork-desk-organizer/

[hjh-ceilo-monster]

10th anniversary special : Lost & Found (ot7)

Summary : At the top of a quiet alley, somewhere in the town, an ordinary cafe had its legend. Once the clock ticked at midnight, the place took you to another dimension. 

What you lost always waited to be found.

Inspo. photo : photo1 | photo 2 | photo 3 (pxfuel.com)

Inspo. ambience :   it's 12:04am, let's drive around the city with the radio blasting

Inspo. story : Dream on (TinyTan animation mv) | 5th muster magic shop vcr (sorry, I can’t find the official one🥲)  TW : Angst story

Happy 10th anniversary for BTS and Army

Author POV.

“I’m home.” 

A whisper left Y/n mouth as they unlocked the front door. The place was quiet as always. Ah well, they lived here alone. What could they expect after finishing all the work at their company? A bright room with someone waiting for them to return? 

All they could see was moonlight, a natural light source beaming into their room. The floor reflected some of it, thanked to their effort for waxing it last week. The room was alittle brighter at the edge to the balcony.

23:00 

They had overworked themselves again. It was fortunate enough to buy this room before the other client or it would take another 3 hours to arrive their home. 

Who the hell build the city plan? They wondered. The city wasn’t that big, yet the road system was poorly manage. Building highways and undergrounds where there weren’t necessary resulted delaying hours of travel.

fff...fff...fff...

In their favourtie slipper, they walked to a fridge, searching for food. There was none in their sight, making them sighed in disappointment.

“Let’s take stroll today.”

tick...tack..puck...

The gentle rain made different ambiences here and there. A higher melody when it hit the metals while a lower one came from their umbrella and cement path. 

At this hours, there weren’t many place left open. Y/n could see locked shops mostly along her way. Well, it was their fault to not buy something before heading home. They forgot that here wasn’t a district for a night owl or an all nighter.

Phew...

“Hey.” 

A strong breeze blew into Y/n face, stealing the umbrella out of her hand.

“Ahh...I’m broke right now. I don’t want to buy another one.”

Desperately, Y/n chased their umbrella, running up the hill. As if it was teasing them, the wind blew stronger. The umbrella flew higher and higher. 

Chasing with the eyes on the umbrella, their feets kept taking them up the hill until they met with tiny neon sign.

‘Special deal before midnight’

“Huh, nevermind. At least, I need something in my stomach.”

Cling.

The bell with a little whale mobile rang, catching everyone attention. 7 pairs of eyes looked at their new comer.

The two of them were wiping table.

The other three worked behind the counter. 

And the last two looked down from the second floor.

It was an ordinary cafe. 

A brick-wooden wall with the metal bars had some clothes hanging. 

The counter had some bakery displayed at the right. Fairy lights decorated the trim. 

The menu wrote nicely on all three pages of chalk board. Some photos pins on the cork frames at the bottom.

Lights hanged directly from the cieling, no fancy decoration. 

The place looked rustic and antique, yet it gave them a comfort. Y/n found this place cozy and warming.

“Umm..hi.” 

Y/n spoke to break the akward atmosphere. Suddenly, two men on the second floor ran down stairs and escorted them.

“Welcome. Sorry for making you wait. We didn’t think we will have any customer coming at this hour.” 

The tall man with his hair colored honey yellow, Namjoon, spoke.

“It’s closing?”

“Not at all. We just..didn’t expect anyone, despite opening till midnight everyday.”

“Oh.”

They followed quietly behind the two who lead them to the bar. One of them pool a stool out and gestured Y/n to sit on it.

“Thank you.” 

They thanked them softly. Yoongi, the silver hair guy at their left, nodded and handed her a paper. Y/n looked puzzle at the white sheet in front of them.

“It’s our special deal. Write down what you want to eat, what song you want to listen, anything you want to do here...anything.” 

Hoseok explained and gave his heart-shape smile.

Y/n cocked her head to the side, still confused. However, daring to ask no question, they wrote down everything orderly. It took some minutes to finish. 

Jin, who dressed in his chef uniform, came and took an order himself. 

“You have such an easy request. A stire fried black noodle with soju.” 

Jin read the list. The others, after hearing the order, dispersed to their position and prepared for the next event.

“Ready guys?”

3...2...1...

Tid..tid...tididid...

00:00

Snap.

Woosh.

Y/n was blind by the bright light for a moment. Opening their eyes again, everything changed.

This place...

A nostalgic feeling hit them hard. A familiar scene that surrounding them right now brought some tears to brim their eyes.

Sitting on the marble bench, they were in the middle of a garden. 

The orange-red bricks covered the ground nicely. To Y/n right side was a mini crystal clear stall for plants. There was a foundtain inside too, making the inside moisture and suitable for greenery.

‘My first home...where I born’ Y/n thought to themselves.

“Refreshing. It’s been long.” 

A little voice appeared behind Y/n, startled them from their seat. They looked behind and got surprise.

Little fairies were flying. Some of them looked awe with the scenery.

“V, you startle our guest.” 

“I did not. Look, Chim, they’re fine...right?” 

The little guy approached settled down on the round table and smiled at Y/n. The others soon follow him.

“Sorry for his behavior. He can get too excited sometimes.” 

Chim, must be him, spoke and gave a glared at V. 

One by one, the little fairies introduced themselves. 

Jhope and Koo started levitating again, telling Y/n they wanted to braided their hair. Suga, tired look fairy, borrowed your hand as a pillow and drifted back to sleep. 

V and Chim kept you busy by talking to you, trying their best to seek your attention. RM and Jinny, like parents, kept both of them from bickering each other. 

Y/n forgot everything inside her head. No questions needed to be ask. Nothing needed to be worry. Right now, all they want was enjoy this fantasy.

“I hope they didn’t bother you that much, especially these two.”

A raven hair guy, Jimin, served Y/n her order before picking up V and Chim from the table.

“Hey...don’t touch me. I’ll tell papa.” 

V pouted and tried to wiggle out of Jimin’s finger tips.

“And here is your soju...Awe poor V, Jimin, you don’t need to be harsh with my baby.”

“Appa...Chim bully m-.”

“Did not.” Chim interreupter V before he spoke any further.

“Huh...like father, like son. Taehyungssi, you are interrupting our customer time.”

Koo, who was sitting on their head, flew toward the man. 

“Jungkookssi...you’re here.” 

Koo landed on his shoulder.

The rest followed behind before all of them stood in horizontal line in front of Y/n. Y/n took a look one by one. They finally noticed the different of their uniform. 

Now all of them were dressing in white, like angels.

“Welcome to the memoir.”

“The...memoir?”

Y/n glanced back and forth between their order and the hosts. Jungkook then stepped up and started explaining.

“The memoir is a magical moment that comes every midnight. If the customer enters and orders something around this time before midnight, they will get a grant from the shop.”

“This place grants things accordingly to your deep wish or desire. And it seems like you want to walk through your favourite moment again, starting from here?”

Y/n looked down at the table. They was surprised to meet a hazy reflection of them...as a kid again.

“Ready to find your lost?” Namjoon approached you and offered his hands.

“The time only stops for an hour so we need to be hurry.” Yoongi added.

Without hesitation, they took an offer.

20xx

The first award they got in their life. 

A kid who was an outcast found their existent in the competition. Despite with little talents, their deligent brought them ,a courage, a wonder birthday gift for that year. 

However, it also brought them into a storm. 

Shadow was lurking. The achievement made them being an alien more than what they had been.

Their first identity then shattered.

201x

A new chapter after their storm. Restarting everything, they evolved into a more assertive person who ready to fought for their goals. A group of people soon formed around them and walked side by side.

Music had become a major part of their life. Discover that new world made them become stronger after the past pain.

Yet, another storm crashed everything down.

Their identity was even more shattered.

201x

A new persona emerged after what had happened. Coldblood was what people used to refer to them. Loneliness somehow become their friend, the most loyal friend ever. 

A group of people drifted away, leaving them in guilty. However, it was their plan to enter the deepest part of their life and then destroyed them from the inside.

Pain was their familiar, always reminding them how hurt they were and pushing them to the top.

Slowly and slowly, it consumed everything. Their persona finally took over their identity, ruling everyone with fear.

202x

They thought everything was fine now. Everything was working itself out. They finally got what they wanted. A peaceful life was what they always want.

Well, it seemed not what they would get.

When death knocked their door...

“Huh...huh...huh...give me a break. Why do I have to go through this feeling again?” 

Their chest tighten at the reel in front of them. Seeing themselves smiled for a moment and then became upset afterward flickered a deep pain inside Y/n.

Y/n looked at them with teary eyes. The anger, sorrow, disappointment, every negative emotion that burried deep down overflow into their system.

“But...it was...” Hoeseok tried to explained.

“I don’t desrve this. Why do I deserve this?” Y/n asked quietly to themselves.

“It must have been hard for you, must it not?”

A familiar voice appeared, instantly took Y/n’s attention. She turned around and met with another surprised.

“You...you come...how?”

“I’m your hyung. Of course, I’m going to know everything about you. Guesing your thoughts wasn’t that hard.”

A man walked toward Y/n and grabbed their hands into his.

“Thank you for bringing them here, I’ll do as I promise.” 

The man bowed at the seven men behind his beloved sister. They then left the siblings to have a talk.

“How’s the other side? Is it good?” Y/n asked, trying to sound cheerful.

“I’m not used to it yet, but it was nice. Now I have time to travel everywhere without waiting ships or airplanes.”

Y/n nodded. They were happy that at least their brother was fine. 

“Hyung...I’m sorry.” 

“I know. I’m sorry that I left you there, but time was up for me. It was not...”

“No, if I knew, if I was there, I would definitely help you. You know I can do it.”

Tears finally left Y/n eyes. The day that their brother died still stuck it Y/n’s mind. It was like yesterday when they recieved a call from his office.

“...He’s gone...by himeself...”

That one sentence crashed their existence entirely. 

“But...I can help...why don’t you *hick*...” 

Y/n was too overwhelm with sadness that it comeplately sut their sentence. The brother sighed.

And for the first time, he hugged his sister.

“I know as a siblings we both failed to support each other. It wasn’t your fault that they taught you to be my rivals, like they did to me. They forced you to grow when you were just a child. They taught me things in life with violence. It wasn’t our fault, Y/n-ah.”

“But, I still sided with them. I didn’t choose you. In the end, I...”

“Shhh...it’s ok. Like I say, my time was up. We couldn’t change the rule of time no matter how hard we try. You know that well.”

“As a siblings, we only got to knew each other for 7 years. It wasn’ t fair.”

“But, at least, you get to talk with me now. Here I am, fine and safe. Worry nothing and live your life, let the problem dissolve within my body.”

Y/n shook their head. They couldn’t accept the fact that he would soon be gone...for real.

“A bless from me to you, live your life well and keep fighting for your dream. I know you can do it. What you did for me was enough. Living your life as mine won’t make me happy. I want you to live your life as ‘your’ life, understand buddy?”

Y/n nodded, hugging tight onto their brother.

“The time is up. Remember what I say. I’ll be watching you from somewhere always so smile a lot ok?”

His body slowly faded. A smile was the last thing that they saw from him.

His very final moment.

“Did you find it?”

Y/n opened their eyes. They was back at the cafe.

“I don’t know, Seokjinssi.” Y/n answered.

“At least, he gave you a hint. What you lost wasn’t something big. It somehow was small yet precious. Mayber this noodle might answer your confusion.”

Namjoon pushed a bowl closer to Y/n. Taehyung gave you the chopsticks. They then started digging into their meal.

“That’s my milk.”

“Who get it first get it.”

“Urgh...fine.”

“You can’t win me when it comes to the arcade.”

“Try me, bro.”

“How about getting a pasrtner? Oh,,,wait, do I need to act as a protective brother?”

“No need to. You know my vibe wasn’t match most human.”

“Hahahahahahahha....”

What a familiar taste.

All the conversation between them and him flowed into their head. Despite getting to know each other kate, Y/n can only be themselve when they were around him.

The missing piece of their life was in this bowl. Something important, but was belittle by their surrounding.

A tiny core of Y/n, the ‘y/n’ identity. 

Y/n opened soju and pour a shot.

‘Till we meet again.’ 

“Guys, take a seat and drink with me. Drinking alone is no fun, y’know?” 

The hosts looked hesitate. However, seeing the first genuine happy expression, they dared not to reject the offer.

“Let me make some more dishes.” 

Jin and Yoongi went behind counter.

“Aye, how about we have a battle?” Taehyung proposed the idea.

“Then, I’ll be the judge with Joonie.” Hoseok grabbed Namjoon with him.

“It’s the younger trio vs our 2 big brothers....I’m in.” 

Jungkook got Jimin and Taehyung behind another part of kitchen.

An atmosphere was getting warm and cozy. The room filled with laughter and bicker. 

A reset moment started here.

In this small cafe,

where Y/n finally found what they lost.

A/n note : Hi. It’s been long since I got my free time. The schedule was so hectic that I had to take a break. I intended to post this last month on the 13th, but my schedule had another plan for me🥲

The idea of this story was from ‘into the magic shop’. Despite having it in us, sometimes we need a guide toward the shop. For me, it was BTS.

This story is a tribute from me to them.

This story was personal. Well, during my haitus, I had many unexpected events. I poured down most of it into this story. Through difficult times, BTS was my guide to reflect on myself, learn about myself again and search for the best of me in myself. 

A month passed for the band’s anniversary and a few days for the fandom. All I want to say was thank you, not only to them, but also the fans. In this community and other social medias, I found a lot of inspirations. The amount of support you guys showed toward each other and sent to BTS was incredible. Thank you.

We all have a magic shop in our heart. What you lost can be found there. The best of you is waiting ahead. Don’t give up.

Once again, happy 10th anniversary.

[tilbageidanmark]

Movies I watched this week (#176):

6 new Romanian films:

🍿 After listening to the angelic voice of Maria Coman, I wanted to re-visit some Romanian films.

Acasă, My Home, a raw, unexpected gem! A quiet documentary (with no music score!) about a family of feral Romas (9 kids and their stubborn parents) who live isolated from society, in a nature reserve just outside Bucharest. Filthy, proud, tight-knit and independent, they are eventually chased out of their shack and subsistence living, and struggle with their integration into the system. With a surprise cameo by Prince Charles (WTF?) who shows up for a UN ceremony to plant a tree. Sublime 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes. 9/10.

🍿 Betisoare rock n'roll (2010) a moving short about a deaf woman who goes to a concert, to find the singer. She's his mother who gave him up for adaption 35 years prior. 10/10.

🍿 Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, an absurdist, post-modernist riddle by infant-terrible Radu Jude. A history teacher at a secondary school films a sex tape with her husband, but the video leaks on the internet. Everybody around her is scandalized and she has to attend a raucous free-for-all parent conference, where they get to vote if she should be expelled or not.

It's a wild, uneven film. It boldly opens with and features several hardcore pornographic scenes without any excuses. It also uses experimental / structuralist tropes a-la-Godard, which makes this into a jarring experience; The first act basically follows the teacher as she keeps walking through the noisy streets. The second act is a provocative pastiche of images and thought-bubbles which criticizes the schizophrenic, reactionary Romanian society today, dealing with ignorance, sexism, xenophobia, the trauma of history, as well as misinformation during the Covid years. The third act, of the 'trial' against the teacher, offers three different outcomes, including a surprising dream-vision where the teacher turns into Wonder Woman, and she fucks the mouths of all the attendees with a giant silver dildo.

🍿 I was planning on exploring Radu Jude's complete works, but (after that ^) I will continue another time. Instead, I just saw his first touching film The Tube with the Hat (2006). A village boy convinces his dad to take their broken TV set to a repairman in the city. Show, don't tell.

🍿 The dictator and his servant, an odd, experimental short from 1967. Found on 'Cinepub', a free YouTube channel with over 900 Romanian films. [*Female Director*].

🍿 2 Lottery Tickets (2016), a lighthearted and sweet comedy about 3 hapless, bumbling losers from a sleepy provincial town, who win the lottery but lose the ticket. Low-key, but assured directing style, follows wretched situation without condemnation. 8/10.

🍿

Waking Ned is a 1998 feel-good Irish comedy that was the inspiration for '2 Lottery Tickets', the Romanian film above. The plot deals with Ned Devine who dies from a heart attack, when he hears on the telly that his numbers match the big lottery winning numbers. And with the whole tiny village which conspires to claim the big prize money. The simple, rustic wholesomeness is being excessively idolized, but it ends on a surprising twist. 5/10.

[Extra - Not-A-Movie-But - Spark, an infectious rap video that some County Cork kids just made!].

🍿

Barbara Stanwyck X 3:

🍿 Meet John Doe, Frank Capra's wholesome, politically-naive tale. An average Joe Shmoe, an "Everyman", (but one who looks just like Gary Cooper), becomes a lightning rod for a populist 3rd party candidate. An ordinary citizen vs. money and corruption in government. 'Come together' and be 'Nicer to your neighbors'. (Screenshot Above).

🍿 "Use men - to get the things you want!"

Baby face was an extreme pre-Code story of a young woman using sex to advance in the world. Stanwick goes from a 14-year old daughter, sexually-abused by her pimp-father, to a serial seductress who heartlessly ends up with the president of the bank. No wonder The Hays Office was able to clamp down on morality and filth in the movie business around that time. Blatant whoring and early feminist sentiments, mixed with motivation born of reading some Nietzsche philosophy. Too much for the poor plebeians suffering from The depression. With a 2-line cameo by John Wayne. WOW! 8/10.

🍿 "Once I watched my big brother shave..."

Ball of Fire, a 1941 Howard Hawks screwball comedy with a ridiculous premise. A group of stodgy "professors", all bachelors except of one widower, live in an old-fashioned boarding house while writing an encyclopedia. The old men, all foreigners but Gary Cooper, know nothing about sex, but are all titillated when a young woman takes refuge there. They are anti-intellectual, creepy and infantile, and the whole story was difficult to swallow. 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes, but only 1/10 on mine.

🍿

"These are fantastic mushrooms..."

(Not to be too personal, but I feel quite melancholic recently, what with the looming end of the world, destruction of all life, etc. So, the only remedy is to lose myself for the 15th, 16th, Nth time in Palm Springs, and forget that soon we'll all be dead too.) Another (very) frequent re-Watch ♻️.

🍿

The slender thread was Sydney Pollack's first feature film, and also the first film featuring Dabney Coleman. A mixed bag social drama, with young Sidney Poitier working at the then-new suicide prevention hotline, and trying to save the life of Anne Bancroft, who had just ingested a bunch of pills. With a fantastic score by Quincy Jones, and evocative locations of 1965 Seattle. But the psychological play between the the two is dated and ham-fisted. Nobody today would treat her as clumsily and unprofessionally as it was then. 4/10.

RIP, Dabney Coleman!

🍿

Challengers, the new Health and Wealth soft-core porn-drama for bi-curious teenagers. Tennis and Threesomes, served in a slick, non-linear package. Lush cinematography (and irritating tecno-score by the otherwise always-outstanding Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). Surprisingly (or maybe not), it's the latest from Luca Guadagnino, but doesn't compare to his so much better 'Desire Trilogy'. I wish he would just stay in Italy! 4/10, mostly for the initial seduction scene.

🍿

2 more with Denzel Washington:

🍿 My first by Carl Franklin, Devil in a Blue Dress, a 1948's LA Neo-Noir. It's obvious that they were going for a Chandler style 'Chinatown' clone, but with a black hero, Hunky Denzel in his white undershirt. There was a moment where they even say nearly verbatim "Just find the girl, Mr. Gittes" but without Noah Cross's deep, guttural voice, and definitely without his gravitas. 5/10.

🍿 The Equalizer, a re-watch ♻️. I felt like a silent vigilante movie, and this was is actually pretty good, especially the meticulous, quiet build-up. The violent action portions I could do without. 7/10.

🍿

"...Daddy won't be living here anymore..."

Shut the Door. Have a Seat, one of Mad Men's greatest episodes, Season 3 finale. A perfectly-perfect 47 minutes of pure economic drama. Concise dialogue, compact story telling, classic build up. Everybody's invited to hear unexpected news, by being told to 'sit down'. And it ends with all the suffering characters, from the glacially-beautiful Betty Draper, to Sally, her 10 yer old daughter. moving on with their lives, while Roy Orbison sings 'Shahdaroba' in the background. "When a dream dies... And a heart cries... Shahdaroba Is the word they whisper alone..."Another regular 10/10 Re-Watch ♻️.

🍿

3 by Dutch animator Mascha Halberstad:

🍿King sausage (2022) is a weirdly-animated musical about love among the offals. 2 butchers duke it out in a small town sausage competition. The descriptions of the meats are not for vegetarians. The language sounds extremely harsh. 7/10.

🍿 In Goodbye mister de Vries, a 93 year old man receives a package with his childhood skates, and tries to go skating on the ice one more time.

🍿In the weird Pregnant (2015) a guy pisses up on a pregnancy test thingie, to discover that he's expecting a baby. [*Female Director*].

🍿

I only decided to give the new horror film For sale a try because it looks like the world I knew so well. Shady salesmen and dirty real estate tricks. I knew I would probably hate it, but maybe it will be accurate? However, the actor who played the sleazeball piece of shit Realtor had as much charisma as the character he played, and as soon as the standard "horror" tropes appeared on screen, it was time to pack it in. Couldn't finish it.

I still would like to find some realistic new real estate movies [besides '99 homes', 'The big short', 'Glengarry Glen Ross'...?]

🍿

Chloë Sevigny’s debut film as a director, Kitty (2016). A little girl dreams of becoming a kitten, and then she turns into one. Moody and unsettling. [*Female Director*].

🍿

2 First generation A.I. nightmares by obscure indie director Damon Packard:

🍿 The Man Who Couldn’t Miss Screenings an imaginative agony of a on obese, middle-age cinephile, sitting at home on his computer, being hen-picked by his nagging Chinese wife, who doesn't appreciate his love for the art of moving pictures... All that played against Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably numb'. It hits too close to home. man! Made in 2023, which means that the A.I. is very passé, so this is nearly an historic document. Astounding 9/10!

🍿 The Sleeping Audience, another early onset nightmare fuel about mass scare, audiences sleeping through real messages about the end of the world, but waking up when the 'fake' movie starts. [Terrific, but the audience is all black for some reason- ?]

Apparently this guy had been making indie movies under the rader for 40 years. Many more of his new A.I. shorts can be found on his YouTube channel. (Including the nightmarish Welcome to the machine, which is based on the famous photo of Roger Waters riding the subway...)

(My r/truereddit post about him was deleted for some reasons...)

🍿

(My complete movie list is here).

[theirishaesthete]

Tomb to the Unknown

The modest graveyard of Killathy, County Cork contains the remains of a late-medieval church but is dominated by the roofless shell of a large mausoleum, its pedimented facade of limestone ashlar featuring rusticated pilasters on either side of a wide arched opening, access to the interior barred by substantial metal gates (and a great deal of vegetation). The cement-rendered sides and rear of…

[archaeopter-ace]

Back in January I decided that my To Do list needed to be more ~tactile~, and since my new system has been working well going on four months now, I thought I’d share it here

[Image ID: a one-foot square of corkboard in a rustic brown frame, displayed flat on a surface. An eight-pointed compass rose has been painted on it in gold and dark teal, with a circle in the center left bare. At the points of the compass are tiny pins holding metal numbered circular tags in place; visible are numbers 9 through 12. Placed on top of the compass are an assortment of small objects; each object occupies no more than two halves of a point. Object include a Dirt Devil pin, a soda can tab, a yellow push pin, a frying pan and iron from a Monopolgy game, a brown fake leaf, a puzzle piece, a red carabiner, an AO3 Kudos pin, a tiny raven, and white buttons glued together with an charm-sized metal spoon. Off to one side is an upside-down 1.5 inch pot with a strawberry eraser on top. / End ID]

I painted a compass rose onto a square of cork that I had from a previous craft project (the frame is a super-lucky find from Goodwill!). Each point represents one hour, divided into half-hour increments. Number tags are used to indicate time, e.g. I set this one up to start getting things done at 9 AM. (I use a 24 hr clock, so 1 PM is represented with 13)

It only runs for 8 hours unless I go back and update it in the middle of the day, but 8 hours of being productive is enough to be getting on with, and if I don’t hit my targets, then there’s just flex time built in.

Every morning I populate my daily schedule with tokens from a pool of possibilities. And that’s one of the things I really like about this, over conventional To Do list making: I feel encouraged to vary my routine, do something different than I did the day before, give a token I like but haven’t used in a while a chance to come into play.

[Image ID: A large round wooden serving platter covered with small objects, like something out of a kid’s ‘I Spy’ book. Included are: various buttons, a tiny birdhouse charm, a mini Swedish Dala horse, LEGO Spider-Man, two disembodied hands, a 9V battery, toy Mini Cooper convertible I got out of a Kinder egg, white elephant bead, snowflake earring, plastic rat, carved wooden lion, chess piece, supermarket member token, piece of rose quartz with a wolf engraved on it, headphone, rubbed lizard, a 1 centimeter microchip, cardamon pod, fake yellow and blue flowers, plastic shapes, mini halogen bulb, pizza charm, brown glass apothecary jar, and an antique toy refrigerator for a dollhouse. / end ID]

The advantages I have found to using this system:

No red-text OVERDUE designation like on some to do list apps. I get done what I can and that’s good enough. And unlike when I was writing out my list on a piece of paper, it’s super easy to re-arrange as the day goes along.

A lot of people say the fun part of making To Do lists is crossing things off. That is only true if you succeed and actually manage to cross things off. Otherwise you are left with a lot of uncrossed items, which can make you feel worse. Under my new To Do list, the fun part is adding things to my list. I start my day thinking about what I want to fill my day with - fun leisure activities included - and even if I have a very unproductive day and hardly get anything done, just starting out the day every day with this attitude has been a tremendous help.

It only covers one day at a time. I save tomorrow’s worries for tomorrow, just focused on Today

It doesn’t tell me I need to complete given tasks, just that I need to work on them for the allotted time

Brains will read text automatically. I can’t look at a word and Not read it. Which means that with a traditional To Do list, I can’t help but look ahead and worry about an upcoming task I might be dreading. With this tactile to do list, everything is representational. It makes it easier to compartmentalize and deal with one task/activity at a time. Relatedly, it makes it easier to engage with tasks I really dread by giving them a cool token.

It’s flexible. Partly because it’s vibes-based and just needs to make sense to me, but also because I can combine established tokens together. So if I combine ‘Doctor’ with ‘Telephone,’ I need to call to my doctor. But if I combine ‘Telephone’ with ‘Friend’s Token,’ it means I want to call that friend, and if I combine ‘Friend’s Token’ with ‘Computer,’ I should email them instead. ‘Computer’ can be combined with ‘Organize Files,’ etc.

Fun Things and Chores are treated equally. They are all just how I want to be spending my time. This has helped me find time to draw and go for walks, instead of getting stuck in a rut of scrolling on my phone or reading endless fanfiction. There are many and varied ways to entertain my brain, and seeing the maximalist clutter of possibilities every morning helps to remind me of that.

[Image ID: The same board arrangement as the first image, this time close-up from a lower angle. / End ID]

This was my planned schedule for today.

9AM: Dirt Devil pin says clean up house. Paired it with soda can tab for take trash and recycling to dump, and the white buttons and mini spoon that means do dishes.

10AM: large flat brown leather button resting on a Lord of the Rings ring of power, with a one-inch miniature book on top. Go to library, I have some things I need to return. While I’m there, I can take advantage of the distraction-free environment to

11AM: paperwork. It was very satisfying to hammer that nail through a stack of scrap paper. 11:30 This is the token I made to represent Writing. A hexagonal piece of plastic covered in newspaper for the base, onto which I glued a circular bronze-colored button and topped with another button, this one with a swirly green gemlike qualities and gold accents.

12 o’clock: Lunchtime! It’s a frying pan.

1PM has a unicorn-head pushpin and a cast iron raven figurine, representing tumblr and discord, respectively. (For me, ‘tumblr’ here means ‘hey, how about finally getting around to reblogging things from my 4000+ drafts? Or the stuff I’ve been liking since Goncharov that I intended to reblog just as soon as I had the time to go through likes?’)

At 2PM brown leaf says go outside, red carabiner on top says go hiking.

3PM jigsaw puzzle piece says work on a jigsaw puzzle, that one’s pretty straightforward. 3:30 has the iron from a Monopoly game, so I will be putting laundry away.

4PM has an AO3 kudos tag, to remind me to leave one of those comments I’ve been meaning to get around to for ages...

And that’s my planned schedule for the day! If I get even half of these things done it will have been a pretty successful day, lots to feel good about.

[ID: The small brown apothecary jar, sitting in a sunny windowsill. Inside are what appear to be dead insects. /End ID] Bonus! A close-up of the jar of wasps I use to represent doctor business. I think it sums up how I feel about making appointments nicely. (Actually going is fine, finding a doctor and making appointments is the struggle).